The Better Life // Ryan Ross

School

     Since the Ross's, Patrick, Andy, Joe, and my family had dinner together, Ryan and I have gotten closer. Our moms might have gotten even closer than Ryan and I though.

     They even planned a birthday party for Ryan and I between August 14th, my birthday, and the 30th, Ryan's birthday. Most of the people who showed up were Ryan's, which I made friends with some of them, but Tyson showed up which made me ecstatic and made that day even more special.

     Although, it's now the beginning of September which means that school is starting soon. Tomorrow, to be exact. Ugh, the struggle. Especially because I'm going to have no one and be a loner all day.

     "But mom, what if I don't make any friends?" I asked her while we were having our nightly chat.

     "Don't be silly, Jamie. You're an amazing person, of course you'll make friends." she replied.

     "What if they make fun of me for being new?" I've lived in Virginia all my life and had good friends there who would help me. Now that im in an unfamiliar place, that just makes me more vulnerable to being bullied.

     "Then you tell the teacher. Sweetie, I know it's hard for you but trust me, you'll be just fine."

     "Ughhh."

     "Are you telling me im wrong?" she asked standing up and putting her hands on her hips with a firm look on her face.

     "No, no, no, no, no." I replied quickly.

     "Good, now get some rest. You have a big day tomorrow." She kissed my forehead. turned off the lights and closed the door.

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     I woke up to someone nudging me on my side, someone licking my nose, and a heavy weight on top of my back.

     "Jamie, wake up sweetheart. You need to go to school," said my dad still trying to wake me up.

     "Ughhh," I responded. I opened my eyes and discovered Lolu licking my nose and Hemingway layed out on my back. I slowly got up so Hemingway could get up without me launching him off the bed. My dad brought me downstairs to eat breakfast quickly then my mom helped me get ready. After I got dressed I scurried to my bathroom to brush my teeth and let go of my fluids.

     "Met me in the car, sweetheart!" my mom yelled from the other side of the door.

     "Will do, mom!" I called back. I quickly finished up and grabbed my heavy backpack from the side of my bed and headed out the door into the car with my mother. I sat in the back seat considering I wasn't old enough to sit in the front. After about 10 minutes we got to my school.

     "We're here sweetie!" my mom said cheerfully. I didn't open the car door, I just stayed and stared at the kids who were going inside. "I know you don't want to go but, you have to. I'm sorry." she said turning her head to face me.

     "I know, mom. I'm sorry. What's my teachers name?" I asked her.

     She gave me a small smile before answering. "Her name is Mrs.Connor. You go up the stairs that are the closest to you and make a right. Her room is all the way down the hall."

     "Thank you, mom."

     "No problem, sweetie." I moved a little to open the door but was stopped quickly. "Have a great day at school! I love you!" she said.

     I gave her a quick smile before responding with an, "I love you too." I opened the door and headed inside.

     I asked a lady that was standing in the middle of the lobby and asked her where the nearest stairs were. She pointed to her right and I made my way up and followed the directions my mother told me. I finally made it into the room and went up to who I assumed was my teacher. "Hello?" I said softly.