Noah

Tony and Dylan got off the school bus at the stop in the middle of their neighbourhood street. Their good byes to their neighbours and to each other were subdued, however, and they headed in opposite directions to their homes.

Tony slowed his steps to give himself time to think before he made it to his own house. He was worried, and had been trying to plot a course of action during the entire bus ride from his middle school. He and Dylan had enjoyed quite a rambunctious day, which they found hilarious, but which their fourth grade teacher viewed as disruptive. They had ignored her warnings and reprimands and continued with a day of throwing paper and spitballs, interrupting instructions, and generally doing all they could to establish themselves as the class entertainers.

As fourth graders, both boys were actually very intelligent and capable students. Usually they were well behaved, and required little prodding to get back on task when they were off. However, a new boy had entered the class the week before, and had brought with him an attitude of daring and rebellion. Dylan and Tony were impressed with his devil may care attitude, and spent the next few days marvelling at the disrespect Noah, the new nine year old, showed teachers, his refusal to follow rules, and his generally unacceptable behaviour.

This particular morning had begun with the teacher outlining the material they would cover for the day.

Noah had immediately challenged Mrs. Johns, "When you come up with something fun for me to learn, we'll learn it. Otherwise, count me out!"

Tony and Dylan exchanged shocked glances at the disrespect, then sat back to enjoy the show. By lunch Noah had been sent to the office, and Tony and Dylan found that to be heroic, a Noah martyr for their class. They spent the rest of the afternoon taking over where Noah had left off, though on a smaller scale. Nevertheless, they did some damage to the learning environment.

At the end of the day Mrs. Johns sent the rest of the class to dismissal with another teacher's class and ordered Tony and Dylan to take their seats. They looked nervously at each other as she catalogued a long list of their misbehaviour, and then really got scared when she handed both of them sealed envelopes.

"Take these letters home with you. Dylan, I expect yours returned tomorrow signed by either your mom or dad, and Tony, I want a signature on yours from either your dad or grandmother. They are due in my hands tomorrow morning. Do you understand?"

Suddenly they regretted their fun. The boys nodded miserably, and she dismissed them, letters stuffed into their bookbags.

So Tony walked home much like a lamb to the slaughter. If he could guarantee anything, it would be that he would regret every second of his day's behaviour once his abuela or dad saw the letter. They would absolutely hit the roof. School was serious business with them, and they both were vigilant about staying on top of his grades and classwork.

Tony grimaced. He had a lot at stake if they saw what Mrs. Johns had sent. He didn't even have to read it to know that a spanking or some type of restriction was going to be on the line.

Suddenly, he wished he had ignored Noah, rather than attempt to copy him. It was too late to reverse the events already set into motion.

When he walked in the house he could smell delicious aromas from the kitchen. He dropped his bookbag in the living room, then made his way to greet Maria Osirio, his abuela.

She smiled when she saw him and he put his arms around her waist and hugged her. He loved her deeply, and had never known a time in his life when she was not part of it. She brushed back his bangs and said softly, "I have you a snack ready, Antonio. I know you are hungry since lunch."

He nodded and sat down, taking advantage of having his mouth full to answer her questions about the school day in only monosyllabic replies. He cleaned up his dishes and made his way to the living room, where he pulled his books out of his bookbag to begin his homework. The letter fell out as he reached in for his Social Studies book and he quickly shoved it back down in the bag.

Supper was quiet, and he asked to be excused as soon as he could. As he slid from his chair his father told him to bring his homework, and Tony's heart beat a little faster before he reminded himself that his dad checked over his work every night. This was his opportunity to come clean and produce the teacher's note, but he just couldn't. He wanted to watch television, and he did not want to be grounded. He'd figure out how to get around the letter before he got to school the next day.

Dylan met him at the bus stop the next morning, and the two looked each other over. Dylan spoke first. "My life is ruined. They put me on restriction for the rest of the week and the weekend, thanks to Mrs. Johns. How about you?"

The bus pulled up and Tony answered as he boarded. "I didn't give it to them."

Dylan's eyes widened with shock. "You are going to be in more trouble! Have you lost your mind?"

Tony nodded, "I know."

The second they entered homeroom Dylan handed his letter over. Mrs. Johns opened it, read the response, and nodded in Dylan's direction. She looked pointedly at Tony. He turned his most disarming gaze her way, long eyelashes framing his green eyes as he regarded her seriously. "Mrs. Johns, my grandmama asked to keep the letter to show my dad when he gets back. He's out of town right now."

Mrs. Johns regarded him. Tony was on the small size, with brown hair flecked with blond and a charming, bubbly personality. Thus far he had never been dishonest with her, though she had never sent a note home, either. She decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. "Ok, Tony, but I want that letter returned with a signature tomorrow."

He nodded and slipped into his desk, risking a sideways glance to Dylan. He shrugged his shoulders and mouthed, "no" in an effort to get Tony to just come clean. Tony chose to ignore him.

Tony and Dylan were normally good students, and the teacher was pleased that she had such great back up from parents. When they got off the bus that afternoon Dylan pulled Tony to the side and cautioned, "I think you are going to get into a whole bunch more trouble if you don't go tell the truth."

"Maybe not," Tony contradicted. "If I can wait long enough Mrs. Johns will forget to ask about the letter."

Dylan voiced his protests, then bid him good bye, practically running towards his house. "I will get in more trouble if I don't get home fast. The parents are already mad enough, and I don't want to get them angrier."

Tony nodded and made his way to his own home.