Ochi Pot

First day of school

(With school starting here soon I figured this would be an appropriate post)

"But mummy," whined Ochi. "I don't wanna go."

He currently sat in the backseat of his father's yellow Plymouth, his mother in the passenger seat and 2D driving.  

"Ochi,  school will be fun." said Noodle. "You'll make so many new friends and learn lots of stuff." 

Ochi pouted, crossing his arms.

"What if they don't like me? Or they think I'm weird. "

Noodle sighed, of course she and 2D were worried for their six year old. There was a good chance people might recognize them and realize Ochi was their son. There wasn't too many blue haired kids around anymore,  most of 2D's illegitimate kids were grown or lived far away. 

The last thing they wanted was for him to be singled out, but public school was what was best for him. They wanted Ochi to get out there in the world, not be cooped up and sheltered. He deserved to have a normal life just like any other child. 

"Just be yourself and remember," said 2D. "Who your parents are doesn't change who you are as a person Ochi." 

Ochi timidly nodded and followed his parents out of the car as they pulled into the parking lot. Noodle smiled and held onto Ochi's hand as they walked inside. 

The hallways were filled with numerous other families roaming, and trying to find their child's classrooms.  

"Which one is it?" asked 2D. 

Noodle unfolded the piece of paper they had received in the mail.

"Ms. Croftman, Room Six." 

She turned and looked at the directory upon the wall.

"Looks like it's this way," Noodle said pointing left.  

Together the Pot family made their way down the hall, occasionally glancing at the room numbers as they did. Finally Room Six was found, Noodle looked down at Ochi smiling.

"Here's your class Ochi-Kun," 

Ochi let out a small gulp and held tighter to his mother's hand.  

2D ruffled his sons blue hair softly.

"It'll be ok buddy," he said trying to sound positive.

It was no secret that 2D was having a hard time with this transition just as badly as Ochi was. Sure Noodle was sad to see him go off to school too and realized how much he was growing up but she was also proud of how much Ochi had grown as well. 

2D on the otherhand was overly worked up. He spent the last three weeks going over all the things that could go wrong. Noodle tried to get him to think more positively but his anxiety had gotten the best of the singer. Still, he was tying to remain calm that morning for his sons sake. God forbid he freaked Ochi out before he even started,  Noodle would never let him hear the end of it. 

"Ready?" said Noodle still smiling. 

Ochi wanted to shake his head and run back home. All he wanted was to crawl back into bed and stay there forever.  Sadly,  he knew this wasn't an option and he had to go inside whether he wanted to or not. And he really didn't want to. 

Taking a deep breath, Ochi reluctantly nodded and walked inside the class room. 

It was painted bright colors and was divided by sections. There were already children there running around, playing in the sand tables, coloring or building with a tall tower with blocks. 

A short heavy set blonde walked over to them, pushing her glasses back onto her face. 

"Ello there, I'm Ms. Croftman. " 

She held out a hand to which Noodle and 2D shook. 

"I'm Stuart Pot, " introduced 2D. "And me wife Nudaru." 

"Pleasure to meet you both,"

Ms. Croftman smiled and bent down beside Ochi.

"And who are you?" 

Ochi hid behind his mother's leg, peeking out at her shyly. 

Meeting new people was often frightening for him, but Ochi didn't want to be rude. He glanced up at his mom and looked back to the teacher, trying to summon some courage.  

"Ugh, hi." he said softly. "I'm...Ochi." 

"Well it's nice to meet you Ochi," said Ms. Croftman smiling.

Ochi loosened his grip on his mom, still afraid but this lady seemed friendly enough. Maybe he would be okay afterall. 

"This is your kindergarten class room for this year, " continued Ms. Croftman showing the family around.  

"We have lots for you to do. Over there is our blocks and building center, then over here is our arts and crafts."

She pointed to each section as she listed them.

"That's the snack area, water toys and our pretend center. The computers, and the rug over there is where we have story time and learn our letters and numbers." 

"What's that?" asked Ochi pointing at a large pocket slip upon the board. Each slip had a child's name written upon it,  and below the chart was a big red chair. 

"That's our time out center, " explained Ms. Croftman.  "If you get too rowdy and don't follow the rules you'll have to sit there." 

Ochi gulped again,  his emerald eyes widening.

That sure wasn't a place he wanted to go. 

Sensing his uneasiness, Noodle pulled Ochi closer.

"Everyone needs a break sometimes Ochi-Kun."

Ochi smiled nodding at her words, feeling much better. 

He figured he had nothing to worry about. Ochi was usually well behaved, but the thought of sitting in that chair made him nervous.  He would make sure not to be placed in it. 

Ms.  Croftman smiled. 

"Go ahead and explore if you like." 

Ochi looked up at 2D and Noodle who both gave him an encouraging smile to go ahead.  

Hesitantly Ochi headed over to the blocks and began building as Noodle, 2D and Ms. Croftman talked away. 

"Shy little fella isn't he?" chuckled Ms. Croftman. 

Noodle nodded.

"Ochi is very shy, but once he gets comfortable he will be okay.  

"I'm sure he'll fit right in." said Ms. Croftman.  

Noodle and 2D looked at eachother, exchanging glances without trying to make it too obvious they were worried. 

"Yeah," said 2D smiling. "We're hoping he will."