This morning (let's say, 6:50), I was waiting for the bus. My mom and I told Jaylin, an 8th grader who only rides the bus twice a week, that the bus stop had been moved from the front of the elementary school, down to the corner earlier in the week. The bus driver had told us to start waiting down there from now on, because it saves time (which it does). A few minutes later, Lily and her mom arrived. Lily's mom said something along the lines of, "Don't they have to get the bus stop officially moved before they can have it put on a busy road like this?" and that's how it all started. We all pointed out things like how she talks on her cell phone, and, apparently, lies. My mom and Lily's mom and Jaylin's mom all called Transportation, and when we asked where she was, she reported that she went to the stop, in the front of the school, at 6:58. We'd all been there right then, and the bus hadn't. Liar.
Lily's mom, living right across the street from the bus stop, volunteered to drive the three of us to school. In a CONVERTIBLE. We played loud music, danced, let our hair blow in the wind, and couldn't stop laughing. We were listening to Sorry For Party Rocking when we were almost at school. We made some cool choreography and were just being über cool. All of a sudden, Jaylin screamed, "Spider!" We laughed and Lily's mom reached over and shooed it out of he car. Someone shouted from a car behind us, "Jaylin, you was looking real cool until you saw that bug!" It turned out to be his friend Lamar's dad. We had a good laugh about that. Then it was time to get out of the car and go to school.
I was running a little late, but I got in line with the other 7th graders toward the end of the line. When I got upstairs, Isabella told me I looked really pretty today. It all went uphill from there. I got my best mile time of the year so far, 9:18 (yes, we do run the mile every Friday at our school). Chinese was actually interesting (I learned how to say àozhōu, Australia :D). Math was decent, and the fire drill made up for the boring quiz. English was still kind of awful (but not as bad as yesterday, when she led us 10 mins after), but I never really count English as a part of my day anymore. Lunch was super fun, duh. Science was decent too, but nothing special. Social Studies is going to have a whole bit devoted to it, so I'll skip that for now. Orchestra was awesome, we got to watch an opera, because we're studying the romantic period this year.
Now Social Studies. Yesterday, Ms. Stephens old my group of friends we were being too loud, and one of us had to move. Megan ended up being the one to move, but I wanted Ms. Stephens to know exactly why I didn't. I sent her an email explaining, saying that I wanted to prove to her that my friends and I could still be trusted to work together. This is why she sent me in response:
Grace,
Thank you for taking the time to write me this note, letting me know what was going on inside your mind and why you made the decision you did. I thank you for clearing up for me what was behind your decision to stay. I must admit I did see you as a strong person, and I was wondering why you were not one of those who offered to move. I am honored that you felt safe enough to talk to me about this. Also, I am impressed by the strength you are showing me, now, by writing this note.
Please know that, for me, every day is a new day and a fresh start. I do NOT hold grudges because I, too, make mistakes. When I do, I make it my business to correct them, and I hope that I am forgiven. Please know that I hold you and your friends in high regard. That is NOT changed. What has changed is that my respect for you has gone even higher because of the decision you made to reach out to me and tell me your feelings in such a respectful way.
Thank you.
Mrs. Stephens
I don't know why everything's really big now, but just go with it. This is why I love Ms. Stephens. She's so...real. She admits that she's not perfect, and in return, accepts that we aren't either. I'm so thankful I have her as a teacher.
Today's date is September 28, and I feel like I haven't written nearly as much as I usually do. I'll leave you with this thought: the guy that played Alfredo Germont from La traviata was really attractive :)
~MELS
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