Saturday, March 24, 1984 - Shermer High School, Shermer, IL
Today's just another day. And I just wish that it would be any better.
Not sure if any of you guys know me. Well, I just got here, all the way from the Windy City. My life back there was kinda so-and-so. First of all, I was born a city person. I felt more accustomed to the urban lifestyle, even if there were a bunch of missteps and blunders that made me feel uncomfortable - sirens, traffic jams, city people in general, etc. But moving to a small town like Shermer, Illinois? Man, it's gonna be a long time before I get myself acclimated to this new environment.
I wasn't really popular back at my old stompin' ground I called my school, let alone my neighborhood. I didn't have many people back there I would consider my friends. And even if I did, they either turned out to be a bunch of jackasses or they just said 'hi' to me in the halls and that's it. Though I'm not much of a sociable person in general; I don't go to my old school's hangouts at all…
And going to a new school? Well, if you have transferred to a new school which is probably halfway near the end of the school year like I have, then you would have the exact same reaction as I would. I would have to do all of the stuff I never even got to do that was handed out in the beginning of the year because if you have transferred in the middle of the school year, the teachers would flat out ignore you and would simply talk about the main topic the class is already on so far. And because I've transferred here in the middle of the school year, it gives me little to zero time to even look for some new friends.
I only agreed to transferring here out of all the other school districts that were near the Windy City because, personally, I was getting tired of the whole 'city folk' attitude. I've been picked on and heckled by not just some of my not-so friends, but also by some city folks. Being shoved around, bumped into, threatened with violence, I could name all of the things that I've encountered during my time at the city.
Another reason why I agreed to transferring to Shermer was because my parents divorced when I was young. Dad stayed put in the Windy City for his job, while mom moved to Shermer, then remarried. Because I'm moving to Shermer, I had to leave my dad and the Windy City behind, at least for until a couple of weeks, and move in with my mom and step-dad. I guess spending more time with mom would work.
I mean, I suppose being the new kid could be worse. Well, I take it back. It is worse, today at least.
If you've started Friday, March 23, then you've got a lot to think about in the back of your mind. 'Have a good first day', my mom and stepdad said to me as I walked from their house to my new school. I remember those words, and that's what I try to do. All I wanna do is start my first day off with a bang, even if it started on a Friday, of all days. In my opinion, it felt too late for me to even start. But what do I care? My parents and principals of Shermer agreed I would start Friday.
I've gone into my new classes and have tried as much as I could to be a good new citizen. I smiled to myself after fifth period, because the next period is the homestretch. That way, I would have successfully finished my first day of school, and celebrate in style.
Then come sixth period, and do you know what happens? Verbal shenanigans. That's what happened. I got myself detention for the next day… Saturday. One of the two days where we don't have school, and I have to spend detention on a weekend.
'Have a good first day' echoed through my mind. Before sixth period, I was enjoying it. Cue sixth period, it's all gone to shit. My first day of school, and I get detention right before it ends?! How even someone gets that, I would never know!
My parents knew that I would never go as far to get detention. They have called the principal and have explained the situation to them for me. They were at least sincere and understanding that I would never screw up. They told them that I was actually a good student, and that they would do anything to relinquish my detention. Despite everything, the principal, who sounded a lot like a dickhead from the other end of the line, refused to even budge, stated to my parents that all detention handouts are final, and it would go on my record. I was outright pissed. I still am.
My new leaf had already turned orange. I thought I'd get past all this crap, but shit happens out of nowhere, no one can at least expect it to happen. Yes, what I did was really unnecessary and uncalled for, but there was no need for me to get a detention. A little need, but not too much! If anything, I couldn't help myself when I said that. It was like I was forced to say it.
I walked back to the school from home the day after my first day, (not) ready to take on Saturday detention. Since I've begun this year in the aftermath of Old Man Winter's wrath and the very beginnings of spring, it was a brisk chilly day out, and boy I meant to bundle up before leaving. My gray t-shirt did nothing compared to the wind that was slamming into my body. My jeans, at least, protected my legs from the wind that was hitting me. It could be colder today because it was just after sunrise, and because detention starts real soon, I could assume it could get a little warmer than what say, 45 degrees Fahrenheit, minus the wind.
Hiking along the sidewalk that overlooked the dreary off-white school that looked like it could use an update, I let out a huge sigh, overcome with what would even come before I would know what is coming. I pulled out a map of the interior of the school that I swear I did NOT steal, and studied where I am supposed to go. I pointed my finger to the main entrance, and then navigated it towards where I am supposed to go: the library. Better a library than a classroom.
As I put the map back into my pocket, I reached the entrance, putting my right hand on the railing, looking up at the school. I let out a shiver, either from the brisk chilly air, or the hesitation of walking in there. "Way to start your new life here." I lamented to myself.
After a couple seconds of shivers and hesitation, I finally had the balls to step inside the school. It would either be me going in and embracing detention, as my parents would want me to do it, or I could skip detention, and get screwed over by more detentions, maybe even suspension, or even worse, expulsion.
At this point, I just want to get this damn thing over with. I could be spat on by any ruffian that I encounter, whether they were in the city or in Shemer, and even then, I would still continue to try and change my image. I'm quite aware of what I'm going through as of now.
