Street Smart

Chapter 127: Nick

"I want you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Hall, Nick. You'll be taking them on a tour today. They have a young daughter."

    "A—A tour?"

    "Yes. Is there a problem?"

    "Actually, um, I don't think I'm qualified, Mr. Cortez."

    "Why of course you are! You're one of the brightest students here."

    "Thank you...but I don't think I know what to do."

    "You'll figure it out, I believe in you."

    "Oh-kay."

    Mr. Cortez led me out of his office and into the lobby of the main office where a young couple sat on a bench waiting for us. I know I wasn't enjoying being back in a classroom, but I so wish I was sitting in class right now, because I know I cannot do this. My first day back at school was already weirder than any other before. The Hall's stood up with large smiles on their faces which eased some of my nerves, but they didn't know what was about to happen.

    "Alright then," Mr. Cortez patted me on the shoulder, "We'll see you in a few."

    And then he walked away leaving me there alone with strangers. I took a breath before awkwardly restating my name and leading them out the office. Bardan Academy is split up into two main classroom buildings. I decided to bring them to the lower school first, as that is where their child would begin. Along the way, as I stumbled to open the doors, I made sure they were aware I'd never done anything like this in my life and that if I failed don't judge that on the school.

    "Oh no worries. So, how long have you been here?" Mrs. Hall asked with her sweet voice.

    "My whole life."

    Just the sound of those words sent knives up my spine. I was never given room for a change, and thus here I am now. Fantasizing and fearing change.

    "Would you have changed that?" Mr. Hall spoke as we entered the building and a group of kids passed by. We stood in the lobby area, that was wide and open with high ceilings and windows to the outside. A receptionist sat at a desk near us. Behind her were comfortable looking chairs outside the offices.

    "My family is very legacy oriented. I don't really have a choice, so I try not think about it."

    "Are legacies bad in your opinion?" He countered.

    "No, they aren't all bad. I think it just depends on how they are handled."

    We walked up to a classroom door where inside a class of third graders were focused on art projects. Their creativity ran wild on every page.

    "You know, I bet your daughter would do really well here. I don't want to freak you out with my life issues because that isn't the school's fault. This place is where you want to come to learn and become better. I won't lie to you — I'm not going to be that kind of tour guide — Bardan Academy is just like every other school and every other place in reality. But, the teachers here don't try to shelter their students to the extent where they wouldn't be able to survive in the real world. The unspoken philosophy here is to get ready for the future, and get excited. They do that. Your daughter will walk in and out of this building a different person. Some of those times will be brutal, but some — some will be more wonderful than you could ever have wished at the beginning. I guess it's all about perspective...and understanding that every set of eyes sees a little differently."