Eternally

Chaper 8 - Reality

Thursday, November 20th
Krissy

"Why is there talking during independent reading?" I ask as I look around my classroom.

They're at the stage where they may have gotten too comfortable. I love that they feel at home but you have to keep them on their toes or they won't progress. As I organize my desk there's a knock on my classroom door.

The principal walks in holding the hand of a little girl. She looked shy and nearly hid behind Mr. Atkins.

"Good afternoon. I'm sorry for such a short notice but this is Tiana, she's new into town. She will be a new student in your classroom for the remainder of the year. Tiana this is Ms. Johnson, she'll be your teacher. She's definitely one of the best. You'll have so much fun and learn so much." Mr. ty Atkins says as he introduces us.

"Hi Tiana. It's so nice to meet you! I'm excited for you to meet everyone." I smile.
She waves.

Mr.Atkins leaves the room and I lead her to an empty desk.

"You can sit here. We're finishing up independent reading now and then it will be time for recess. We'll get you to the library before the end of the week to find something that interests you."
She just nods her head. I could tell she was really nervous.

I pull up a chair and sit next to her.

"Are you from around here Tiana?"
"No mam."
"What city did you live in before you came here?"
"I don't remember the name."
"Okay that's fine. Do you remember how far?"
"A few hours."
"Oh okay so you're probably in the same state that's really cool. Are you scared about being in a new place?"
"Yeah. What if everyone is mean?"
"Everyone here is pretty nice. I can't promise you will never meet a mean person but I can promise you'll meet at least one nice one. In our class, you'll find your tribe quickly. We're all very welcoming and I'm sure everyone is excited to make a new friend! Recess will be the perfect time to meet everyone, I'll make sure of it."
She smiles and leans in for a hug.

"Awe," I smile at her as I hug her back.

>>>

I grab my things and head to the parking lot outside of the complex. The day was finally over and I was glad. Tomorrow is the first day of our thanksgiving break and also my birthday. Unfortunately though I didn't necessarily make any plans.

Keith invited us to his mom's next week so that was something I was looking forward to. I'm excited for her cooking.

As I look around for Justin's car, I see Keith walking out of the building.

"Hey. Birthday girl tomorrow. You excited?" He smiles.
"Would it be mad if I say not really?" I laugh.
"I mean.. kind of. Why aren't you excited about it? Are you not celebrating? You told us we couldn't throw you a surprise party."

"And I'm standing on that statement. My birthday was surrounded by negative emotions and events a few years ago, it kind of changed everything. I don't want to plan anything and then it goes wrong. I don't know, I just don't have high expectations for it."
"You deserve a good birthday because you're a good person. Tomorrow will be different. Since you don't have plans, you should at least let me take you to breakfast or dinner. It's the small things that count."
"That's sweet Keith. I can do either one. Just text me." I notice Justin's car pull in.

That's when I realized Justin hasn't said a thing about my birthday which is unusual. Sighing, I try to put my birthday to the back of my mind.

"I'll see you tomorrow," I wave at Keith before getting in Justin's car.

"Hey baby. How was work?" he asks as I get in but all I could think of was how he hadn't brought up my birthday. It really upset me so I wasn't in a very talkative mood. I also didn't want to bring it up.
"Good." I look out the window avoiding eye contact.