"But mami I'm watching spongebob. I don't wanna go to stupid school. All the other kids will be stupid and meanies".
Most 5 year olds would be ecstatic about starting kindergarten. Meeting new friends, experiencing their first stages of freedom. Although, evidently Camila was most definitely not like most 5 year olds. When her mother broke the news that her new teachers would not allow her to watch spongebob all day, I think it's safe to say that she was far from pleased with the matter. Although, Camila was used to getting her own way in situations such as these, things were getting out if hand, she was forced to resort to her old friend, the pout.
Camila looked up at her mother in full on puppy dog mode, brown eyes glistening on the brink of tears (something she'd picked up from her mothers dedication to reality TV) and her lips were pursed, not too much to make her resemble a duck, but enough to show her mother she means business. And, under usual circumstances, this would work. Although, under usual circumstances, it wasn't her mother tasked with getting her ready.
Her mother chuckled softly at the sight before her. "Mija, don't forget I created that pout. It may work on your father but I assure you I'm not as soft. Now, we're going to be late for class if you don't leave now. And imagine, if you're late everyone is going to watch you walk in." Being fully aware of her daughters shyness, Sinu made a point to use this against her in circumstances such as these. It seemed to do the trick, as Camilas expression immediately changed to wide eyed and open mouthed at the thought of being centre of attention. She swiftly ran upstairs to her bedroom in order to collect her school bags they previously packed the night before.
"See, now that wasn't so hard was it" Sinu addressed her daughter as she came waddling down the stairs, nearly tripping halfway but quickly grabbing the bannister in support.
As Camila safely reached the bottom step, her mother stepped towards her, taking her face in her hands.
"Everything is going to be fine Mija. There's no need to be scared. I love you, your father loves you and all the other kids will too". Sinu placed a soft kiss on her daughters forehead.
"Now, are we ready to go?" After a hesitant nod from her daughter, she led her out the door and towards the car.
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"Mommy, come on, we're gonna be late". I think it's safe to assume that 5 year old Lauren was more than excited for her first day of kindergarten. Being the outgoing child she is, she couldn't wait to meet the new kids.
Michael laughed at the sight of his daughter at the bottom of the stairs waiting for her mother to finish getting ready. Hand on her hips, tapping her foot, he knew exactly who her mother was.
"Calm down baby girl, the school will still be there by the time you arrive".
"Yeah but daddy, it's my first day ever. I have to meet all the other kids first". Lauren looked up at her father, her green eyes full of excitement.
"Come on baby girl, I'll drop you off on my way to work". As he bent down to lift his daughter onto his shoulders, Lauren leaped into the air before he even had the chance to help her, her excitement for the day ahead clearly shining through.
"You know what baby girl? Remind me to tell you about all this on your first day of high school."
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"Okay, so class, I'm going to give all of you a sticker with your name on it. Okay? That way you can go up to everyone else and read their name and make friends with them. Okay? I'm going to give you one whole hour to try and make friends with other children in here. Okay? So it's 9 o'clock now, which means that when the big hand points to the 12 and the little hand points to the 10, it's time to start some reading. Okay? I want you all to make sure you are super nice to each other and ask each other lots of questions. Like what's your favourite TV show or...."
"SPONGEBOB" Miss Watkins' speech was loudly disrupted by Camila, who evidently had no control over her outburst as her face blushed bright red at her disturbance whilst she muttered a "Sorry Miss Watkins" to her teacher, barely heard over the roaring laughter of the remainder of her classmates.
"Don't worry Camila, I understand, spongebob is my favourite too, but it's very rude to interrupt okay?". Camilas face lit up at her teachers confession and she nodded her head in agreement to Miss Watkins words. As the remainder of the children began standing up and walking around to find new friends, Camila was yet again overcome with shyness and simply remained in her seat, hoping that the other kids would leave her alone, but also that they would go and talk to her.
Lauren didn't feel the need to join in with her fellow classmates laughter at Camilas expense, but instead felt an immediate protective instinct towards the youngster. As the remainder of the class began walking around and asking each other what their favourite ice cream flavour was, Lauren noticed Camila sitting on the floor in the centre of the room, legs crossed and knees pulled up to her stomach with her forehead resting on her knee caps.
Walking over, Lauren attempted to read the name tag on her chest, but seen as it was obstructed by her knees, she had no choice but to get her attention. As she tapped on the youngsters shoulder, Camila looked up with nervous eyes, brows furrowed as if in confusion as to why anyone was approaching her.
"What's your name?" Lauren showed interest in her voice, which turned to confusion as Camila merely unfolded her legs so that her name tag was in view and Lauren tried desperately to decifer the name.
"Camilla Cabello?" Lauren tried her best to understand what was written, but the look of annoyance on Camilas face made it clear she had it wrong.
"No. My name is CamEEla CabeYo".
"You can speak!" Lauren pronounced it fake amusement. "Besides, it's not my fault your name is hard to read".
"It's not that hard...." Camila paused as she tried to read the name on the other girls name badge ".... Lern Jergi". She could help the proud look that overtook her face as she believed she had successfully understood the other girls name, something that was immediately replaced by a look of embarrassment as Lauren burst out laughing.
"It's Lauren Jauregui. You say the J like a H" the older girl explained, whilst pointing at each word for emphasis.
Both girls immediately began laughing at each others inability to understand the others name. And, as the two girls head over to the play area hand in hand, it was clear to any bystander that this was the start of a new friendship.
