I write what I write

CHPercolator scribbling - 11 july 2003

Going through the motions

by Anita Dapperens

 

Hiding in the shadows, he leans against the wall, watching the others going inside. There is not one familiar face between them, but there wouldn’t be. Would there? It is after all his first day.

Reluctantly he follows the crowd at a distance, wondering which of them will be in his class. What does it matter anyway? He won’t be here long enough to get to know them.

Three months is what his father said.

Three months to be “the new guy”.

Three months to be the butt of every joke with beards as long as Santa’s.

Three months until they move ... again.

 

Looking at his roster, checking if he got the right classroom, he ignores the whispers and stares around him, he is used to it. He tries to slip past the teacher, hoping to forego the formal humiliation and heads for an empty seat in the back.

No such luck!

The teacher’s expression brooks no opposition as she motions him to come to the front of the class.

Standing rigid, wanting everyone to stop gawking, he sighs as she greets the class before turning back to him.

“Well, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself, so we can get to know you.”

This is it, he thinks, make or break.

“Hi, my name is Nyx Idlewild, and ...”

He fights the urge to run and tries to keep a neutral expression when the class erupts in laughter. Not wanting to see pity in the teacher’s eyes, or worse, to see her laughing, he silently makes his way to the empty seat in the back.

Only three months until they move.

Three months of hell.

Three months until the whole thing will start all over ... again.

 

The End

© 2003 Anita Dapperens - all rights reserved