Always Otters

Flashback 6 Yrs. (3Little Otters Remain)

It's the fourth grade. My how time continues to March with the sounds of each new school year ! Since Kindergarden these five are still tight friends: Benjamin, Joy, Ashlet, Caiden, and Ted. Little thought is given to former classmate Tony ; he hasn't been on the scene for three years now.

"Ashlet your wanted in the principals office." Says Mr. Lady. He's the new fourth grade teacher.

"Why? What's wrong? What did I do?" Asks Ashlet.

"Oooh your in trouble " teases Caiden.

"What did you do ?" Laughs Benjamin.

"Don't drag me in." States Joy.

Ashlet walks slowly to the principals office in dread. It's never a good walk. She tries to remember what she did wrong. Yet, nothing comes to mind.

"Ashlet...it's nice to see you! How are you?" Asks Principal Thomas.

"I'm good... Am I in trouble?" Ashlet asks the principal.

"No...you are my star pupil of course not...actually I wanted to tell you that you placed first in Pennsylvania's recent aptitude test. Some amazing doors are about to be open to you. Are you interested?" Asks the principal.

"What does that mean?" Asks Ashlet.

"Well, there is a special school for the gifted. You will be guaranteed a college education. It won't cost your parents a thing. You will get to go on amazing trips...It's a wonderful program. Your mom is on her way now. You are about to meet with the representatives to find out the details. So, hang here while...I pull up your paperwork." Says Principal Thomas.

Ashlet sits there. The more she thinks about things. Yeah, it's not happening. Even though, they ask if she is on board with this...they don't mean it. What if Ashlet says No? Well, she does say "no"!

Ashlet walks up to the secretary and says:

"I have to use the restroom...is that ok?" She asks.

"Sure, sweetie go ahead." Replies the secretary.

Twenty minutes pass and Mrs. Thomas returns with Ashlets mom.

"Hey...where is Ashlet?" Asks the principal.

"She is using the restroom." Replies the secretary.

"Ok...tell her to meet us in the office." Replies the principal.

The secretary starts to get a little nervous. She is realizing this is a long time for someone to be in the restroom. So, she goes to investigate.

Sure enough there is No one in the bathroom. Oh geez, Mrs. Thomas is not going to like this. Anytime a kid goes rouge, this is worst case scenario for the school. And, Mrs, Thomas always goes a little coo coo with every worst case scenario.

The secretary runs back to the office and says:
"Ashlet is gone! I have no idea where she ran off to!" Stutters the secretary.

"What do You mean you don't know where she ran off to?" Asks Ashlets mom."

"It's ok...she can't be far. The news must have upset her." Says the principal trying to calm the situation down.

"Why didn't you wait for me to explain this...of course this is upsetting. This means losing all her friends. This is devastating for any child...if anything happens to my little girl...you guys are going to pay that's all that I have to say on the matter!" Shouts Ashlets mom.

"Please calm down...we will find her. " replies the principal.

The grounds are searched. Mr. Lady is informed to keep his eyes peeled for Ashlet. However, its quite apparent that she is long gone. Her mom goes to their house . Perhaps, she is there? Where can she be? Well if anyone knows it's her 4 besties. So, as a last resort the best friends...(The four Otters)  are called in.