Chapter 2: You're A Deadman, A Deadman I Tell You
People tend to describe their days with they way they feel. Whether it's a "good day" or a "bad day", or it's an "on-day" or an "off-day", that's how they are categorized. When someone has a "bad day" last week but a "good day" a week later, they probably won't even remember their previous week's day of misfortune. No one remembers all their days of good luck and bad karma. It's simply impossible.
"Move it, Blue Boy!" Sonic felt another push to his right side as he collied with yet another student in the overflowing hallway. "Hey! Watch it!"
Sonic might be an exception to this rule.
"SONIC! GET OVER HERE!" Moaning in pain, Sonic turned his head and caught sight of Silver presses against the left wall of the hallway. He practically swam over to Silver and pressed his back to wall as well. 3rd period had just ended in Chaos High, and everybody was heading to 4th. Sonic was lucky his first three classes were practically next to each other, but, to his misfortune, his 4th period was located upstairs. The stairs were already bad enough. Bodies tumbling down the steps and fights breaking out were a common thing. Sonic almost got knocked out by this beaver throwing down drop-kicks to a badger. How that fight turned out will be a mystery to him. Since they were on a higher floor, they'd encountered mostly juniors and some seniors. They were all rough and not a bit forgiving.
Sonic huffed as people bustled by shouting and cursing and shoving. Sweat lined his forehead, and when he pulled up his sweater to inspect himself, bruises were already forming on his stomach and sides. Sonic couldn't even believe it. He had to practically fight his way around to even attend his classes. Sonic looked up at Silver, who was looking at a bruise on his forearm.
"How do you go through this everyday?" Silver looked at Sonic and pointed to his ear. It was way too loud for normal talking. "HOW DO YOU GO THROUGH THIS EVERYDAY?" Silver nodded, catching what he said and shouted back.
"LOTS OF PRACTICE AND LOTS OF PAIN. DON'T WORRY. YOU'LL GET USED TO IT!" Sonic didn't know if he wanted to "get used to it". This place was way too rowdy. Back at Emerald, no one pushed you and started meaningless fights in the middle of class change. Silver looked around the corner, took Sonic's arm, and jerked his head. Time to go again. Sonic sighed to himself and followed along.
"THIS IS INSANE, SILVER! YOU KNOW THAT?"
"I KNOW! JUST DEAL WITH IT. WE'RE ALMOST THERE." Sonic grunted and pushed past a group of demonic-looking bobcats. Earning a hiss from one of the bobcats, Sonic noticed even more on how he was being more bullied than anyone else. Silver already explained why to him. Being new made him a target. Silver said it had to do with his clothes. When Sonic asked why, Silver replied it had to do with how brightly colored and prim he looked. Sonic's sweater was new, so he probably did have it coming. Silver also said walking around and "gazing at everything like a clueless tourist" didn't help either. Sonic didn't reply to that but knew it was probably true.
Sonic squeezed himself ahead and noticed Silver was lagging behind. One of their teachers made Silver carry a large stack of files and papers to their next class. Even though he was used to it, Sonic could tell that Silver was having a hard time. Sonic wadded a little towards Silver and took more than half of the stack. Silver shot him a grateful smile.
"JUST BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU WALK." Sonic scoffed and continued to look behind him at Silver.
"WHO COULD I POSSIBLY BUMP IN-" Suddenly, Sonic felt his body collide with another student. The files flew out of his hands and crashed into said student while Sonic clutched caught himself and groaned. OW! What's this guy made out of? Bricks!? Sonic laughed to himself and looked at the student in front of him. Oh, he's a hedgehog.
The other student was indeed a hedgehog. He had midnight black fur and a tan patch of fur that outlined his mouth. His spikes were something else. Each spike had a stripe of blood red going down them, and they protruded irregularly. The teen wore a black, long-sleeved shirt with a deep v-neck. Fluffy white fur popped out from that area. He wore grey, acid-wash jeans with oddly structured white shoes. Sonic looked into his glowing red eyes and shrugged to himself. He's got some type of air around him, but that doesn't make him too intimidating. Just standoffish.
"Sorry 'bout that! Didn't mean to hit ya there, but hey, what can a guy do?" Sonic brushed off the slightly taller teen's shoulders and smiled. The black hedgehog narrowed his eyes at the blue one. He was not amused. Jeez, he could at least lighten up. "I really am sorry." Sonic bent down to pick up the papers. Huh. I'm surprised no one bumped into me or stepped on any of the papers. Plus, has it gotten quieter in here or something? Nah, it's probably just me. Sonic continued to talk as he grabbed the papers. "But, I'm not going to apologize for getting in your way or anything else. We both didn't watch where we were going; we're both at fault. So, not to be rude or whatever, but could you help a guy out and pick up some papers?" Sonic handed some papers to the black hedgehog, who took them without emotion. "Thanks buddy!" Sonic picked up the rest and stood up.
"You were a real help!" Sonic wasn't being sarcastic either. This was one of the first guys not giving him trouble. He appreciated it. The black hedgehog handed him back the papers and looked closely at Sonic.
"What's your name?" Sonic was surprised. He had a quiet and calm but mature voice. That's new. Sonic decided to joke around some more just to be safe.
"Hey, isn't it rude to ask someone their name without giving your own?" Sonic smiled again and turned towards Silver. "Right, Sil-" Sonic's voice died out upon looking at Silver face. Silver looked as white as a ghost. He was frozen in shock and fear. Before Sonic could comment on his friend's new color scheme, he looked around and noticed everyone else was the same way. No one moved or talked. They probably didn't care about be late either. Even the people who were fighting stopped and stared at Sonic. Huh. So, it wasn't just me. Sonic turned back to the other hedgehog. "Er, never mind. I guess there's no point. The name's Sonic. How about you?" At that moment, Sonic also realized another Mobian next to the black hedgehog. He wore a dark, grey hooded jacket that overshadowed his entire face. He had on dark jeans and shoes that looked just like the black hedgehog's. The hooded hedgehog crossed his arms while the black one placed on hand in his pocket.
"My name is Shadow. Are you new?" Sonic nodded. Shadow's eyes remained narrowed at him. "Okay then. Here's a word of advice: watch you back, Sonic." With that small yet bone-chilling remark, Shadow and the hooded Mobian walked past him and left. Once they were completely gone, Sonic turned to Silver and raised an eye ridge.
"What'd I do?" Silver shook his head at the clueless, blue hedgehog. Sonic could not be serious. Sonic shrugged and began walking again, and, to his utter surprise, people began letting him pass. The hallway was still dead silent, but people let Sonic and Silver pass them with ease. They stared so intensely at the blue teen that he wondered if they were up to something. Sonic got closer to Silver and began to whisper.
"This is freaky." Silver hissed back at him.
"This is all your fault!" How's it my fault again?, Sonic thought to himself. He couldn't figure out why and gave up. A sudden thought popped into his head.
"Holy cow, Silver! They're totally treating me like that human guy. You know, the guy who parted the Red Sea on Earth. Look, it's like I'm parting the Red Sea of students! What was his name? Jonah?"
"Jesus, Sonic."
"No? Oh, then maybe Jacques?" Silver steamed up and nudged his friend.
"No, Sonic! Jesus! His name was Jesus. The human prophet!" Sonic nodded and Silver ditched him and hurried to class. Confused, Sonic hurried after him, but he still got weird looks by students. He soon caught up before they got to the classroom.
"What's your deal? Are you mad at me?" Silver stopped and turned on Sonic.
"Sonic, I'm gonna say this as friendly as possible. You ready?"
"Sure, even though I know you won't." Silver nodded.
"Okay then. Sonic?"
"Silver?"
"You're a deadman! A deadman, I tell you! Do not expect me at your funeral!" Silver grew red in the face and walked in the classroom, leaving poor Sonic in utter confusion. Is this because of that Shadow guy? Aw man! This is definitely not my day. Sonic sighed and walked in, wondering how to make it up to Silver.
Halfway in between 4th period was lunch break. Silver was still at his desk when Sonic came up to him and put something in front of him. It was a origami paper hat with the words "I've got a stupid best friend, but I still love him." written on it. Silver looked at the hat and smiled at a clearly saddened Sonic.
"No other words could be more true."
"I'm really sorry." Silver sighed and got up from his seat.
"I know it wasn't your fault." Silver tucked the hat in his backpack and shrugged it on. "I just can't believe you confronted Shadow like that. You almost gave me a heart attack. I don't wanna see ya get slaughtered, Sonic." Sonic gave him bland look.
"Thought you weren't coming to my funeral anyway?" Silver gave him a playful look.
"You know better. Of course I would come, but I don't wanna see you have an early death." Silver and Sonic proceeded to walk out the classroom and downstairs. There were less students around, but Sonic still received the usual stares and whispers. Silver guided Sonic all the way to the other side of the school and inside the gym. Once they were there, Sonic talked again.
"How was I supposed to know that guy was a big deal?" They walked across the gym floor and towards the bleachers.
"Um, you couldn't take a hint?"
"Come on! The guy looked so unsociable. Is he really that popular?" Silver walked up the bleachers and looked back at Sonic.
"In a bad sort of way, uh, yeah!" They walked all the way to the top of the bleachers and towards the side of the wall they connected to. That part of the wall was covered by the banner that read "Chaos High Overlords!". The banner stretched across the whole upper side of the gym wall. Silver looked left and right before he peeled back part of the banner and ducked inside. Sonic was appalled. A secret room? Sonic looked around and quickly followed Silver inside.
The room wasn't as big as a classroom, but it could easily hold about fifth-teen people max. It looked like it was sculpted out of the gym's internal wall and exterior wall as well. It was dim except for the candle light and the light coming through from the banner's material. A couple beanbag chairs, posters, CD's, comics, and empty soda bottles were scattered across the room. It was the ultimate hideout. Well, to Sonic, it was. He sucked in his breath.
"Whoa."
"Hey, who's this?" Sonic jerked his head to a group of Mobian teens lounging in the corner. Where'd they come from? Silver approached them, so Sonic followed cautiously.
"He's a friend of mine. Just came to say hello." The teen sitting in the middle stood up and walked up towards them.
"Any friend of Silver's is a friend of mine." He was covered in fuchsia purple scales and had a short golden horn. He was a chameleon, and looked like he was Sonic and Silver's age. He wore dark, grey cargo pants and a short-sleeved black t-shirt. There were bandages covered around his arms and spiky metal bracelets and anklets. His vibrant purple running shoes certainly caught Sonic's attention.
"Thanks, Espio." Espio, the chameleon teen, nodded.
"No problem, Silver." He turned to Sonic. "Welcome to the Chaotix Gang." Sonic blinked at him.
"Wait. Espio? Are you the same Espio who's Vector's friend?" Espio blinked upon hearing his friend's name.
"Why, yes. We're partners in the same agency. We work together."
"Oh, okay! Well, it's a pleasure to meet ya! I'm Sonic! I'm also a friend of Vector's." They shook hands briefly.
"Sonic? Oh. So, you're the stupid hedgehog who's being targeted by Shadow." Sonic flinched. Jeez, this guy sure doesn't pull his punches, huh?
"What's up with that Shadow guy anyway? I don't get him." Espio and Silver exchanged looks. Silver sighed and shook his head towards Espio. Espio looked back at Sonic.
"Shadow's not a guy you want to mess with. He's usually very quiet and on his own, well, except when he's with Mephiles. They tend hang out a lot." Sonic gave him a confused look.
"Mephiles?" Silver stepped in.
"The hooded hedgehog that was with Shadow earlier. He never shows his face. Shadow's probably the only one who's ever seen it though. The only way we know he's a hedgehog was because he told us. The guy's a real mystery." Espio nodded.
"Yeah, he's also pretty dangerous. Some guys tried messing with them once, and it was a bloodbath. It was one of the scariest things I ever saw. I mean, I couldn't see all of it. Too many people were in the way, but I saw blood flying above their heads. For real. Blood was flying. When it was over, the two walked away like it didn't even happen. There were already rumors going around about them being in some dark and shady stuff, but I had no idea they were so powerful." Silver poked Sonic in the ribcage.
"Get it, Sonic? You could've died." Sonic gulped. Sure, Sonic's fought guys before. He's fought them with friends and on his own, but he had no idea guys from Chaos High could be so murderous. They're going to turn me into blue mink coat the next time I mouth off to them. Sonic's usual playful ways and sarcasm wouldn't help him next time.
"Don't worry, Sonic," Espio reassured him,"Shadow actually likes me. Even though he's a junior, I had a Home Ec project with him last year, and we totally bonded. I'll try to talk to him about you, okay?" Sonic gazed at him with utter admiration and clutched his hands together.
"My hero!" Espio chuckled with the others while Silver rolled his eyes.
"It's really nothing. Besides, when you get to know him, Shadow's not that bad. Mephiles is still mystery to me, but he's okay with me around." Espio went to the corner of the hideout and kneeled in front of a mini-fridge. "Hungry?" Sonic nodded and instantly felt regretful. He blew off breakfast with his parents this morning even though his mother tried so hard making it. He'd have to make it up to them later. Sonic was still upset with them, but he loved his parents to death. He only felt guilt and unhappiness eat at his heart when he thought of them. Espio threw him and Silver bags of chips and sodas as they sunk into beanbag chairs. While Sonic was eating, Silver spoke up.
"By the way, Sonic and I got essays from Zavok due for 7th period." Espio popped a bottle of soda and eyed them over the rim.
"Late again?" Silver nudged Sonic.
"That and Sonic mouthed off to Zavok." Espio sputtered his soda and looked at Sonic anew.
"Either you got some serious guts or a death wish. I can't tell." Sonic shrugged while eating his chips.
"Little bit of both." Espio scoffed and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
"Give them to me. I got a guy here who can do them for you. Just name the conditions, and he'll be done super quick." Sonic was surprised. Is this some sweet underground dealings or what? "If it's Zavok, he doesn't deserve your real, hard work. He's just another bully of a teacher." Silver and Sonic agreed as Espio handed a blue iguana the papers. After going over the conditions of the papers, the friends sat back and relaxed. They all joked and conversed smoothly and lightly. It reminded Sonic of talking with his old friends. He felt sadness pang his heart but expelled it away. Espio got up and gave them back their papers.
"Lunch period is ending soon. You better head back." Sonic and Silver thanked Espio. He waved it off. "It was nothing. Really. I'm leaving now." Espio turned toward the exit and stopped just short of leaving. He looked back at Sonic. "Sonic."
"Yeah?"
"Just a friendly remark on something I heard was going around among the students: amphibians don't smell good." With that mysterious remark, Espio's whole body vanished in the blink of an eye. The banner exit wavered up a little and stilled. Espio was gone. Sonic rubbed his eyes and stared at the spot.
"He's amazing." Silver nodded.
"He's a ninja."
"For real!?"
"Just a rumor. People say he practices at his grandfather's dojo after school. I believe it. He seems like the type of guy to do something that cool."
"Whoa. Huh. Wait? What did he mean by "amphibians don't smell good"?" Silver shuddered.
"Knowing this horrid school, I'm guessing you're going to find out soon."
It was 7th period, the last class of the day. Sonic was almost there. He's almost free. Freedom! I can smell it, he thought this as he glanced at the window every few seconds. This entire day had overwhelmed the sorry teen, and he was itching to get outside and away from Chaos High.
"Ahem." Sonic looked in front of him and noticed Zavok standing there. He was too busy wanting to get out to notice him there.
"Uh, yes, sir?" Sonic was going for a more polite approach and didn't want any trouble. He had ten minutes left; he had to make it. Zavok narrowed his eyes at the blue hedgehog and stuck out his hand.
"Your essay and synopsis." Sonic blinked.
"Oh! My bad. Here." Sonic reached in his backpack and pulled out his papers. Sonic never cheated when it came to classwork before, so he was a little worried when he handed Zavok the essay. Please don't noticed, he silently prayed. Zavok took the papers and silently skimmed through them. Every student in the class was looking at Sonic and Zavok. Some were hoping for another show like this morning. Silver prayed Sonic wouldn't screw things up. Sonic gulped as time seemed to tick slowly. Zavok put done the papers and stared into Sonic's eyes.
"Decent." Sonic almost cheered. "But, not good enough." Sonic's face fell. WHAT!?
"W-What do you mean "not good enough"? I did what you asked, sir." Zavok smoothed the papers out and eyed Sonic.
"True, true. But, my standards are usually higher." How's this possible!? He basically received the same type and quality essay from Silver! Sonic clenched his fist and breathed out slowly. He's just trying to rile you up, Sonic. Calm down.
"Sir?" Zavok gave Sonic a disgusted look. He was obviously over the whole "teacher's pet" act.
"What?"
"I am so sorry." Sonic got up and bowed his head to the evil teacher. Zavok jumped back in surprise. Everyone was shocked once again. What was Sonic up to? "I usually give my best during essays, you know. But, this day has been so troublesome and tiring for me. I didn't have much time to do it." Sonic was lying through his teeth, that's what he was doing. He was going for compassion as a new student of the class and school. If he talked just enough, Zavok should let him go. Zavok should be forced to be the "compassionate and understanding" teacher he is. Take this, Zavok! See if you can be all high and mighty now. "You even gave me a full day. Emerald was so much harsher. We had so much more work to do. I'll do my best next time. I am so sorry." Sonic almost smiled in the end. Had he done it? Did he win? Sonic picked up his face and expected to see a face of compassion or slight defeat, but he instead saw a mask of anger and fury. W-W-W-W-Whaaaaat!?
"Are you making a fool of me, hedgehog?" Sonic jumped back and gaped. He called him "hedgehog". That was a generic insult, and Sonic didn't like it.
"No! I'm apologizing for my essay!"
"Or, are you trying to use the "guilt card" on me, hm!?" Sonic bit his lip. He must not care about his reputation if he's saying it out loud.
"Okay, so I was a little, but come on, Mr. Zavok! Why so stiff? How come you don't like my paper?" The other students were enjoying this. Twice in one day Zavok was getting mouthed back by a student. No one's ever done this before, and they were spreading the news too. Several students typed away on their phones as Zavok faced Sonic. Silver, however, looked like he was going to faint. He wondered if he would ever have another peaceful day with Sonic around.
"Stop messing with me. Do you wish to be removed from my class?" Sonic crossed his arms. Sure, Zavok was scary, really scary, but he wasn't going to take this.
"Of course not. But now, I want something else. I want your opinion on my paper. You know, as a teacher and all, shouldn't you give me one? Why's my paper "not good enough"?" Zavok folded his arms across his large chest. Never has a student stood up to him like that, and while he can't get Sonic removed for any misbehavior yet, he had plans to make his life in this classroom a walking nightmare. Zavok smiled evilly, and Sonic got a little worried. I have a bad feeling about this...
"Fine! Your essay was decent, yes. But! For all the essays I require from only you," he pointed at Sonic,"from now on, I want them in standard-college format. No holes. Copy paper only. No more blue ink or pencil. Only black ink. No words on the back pages anymore. Only front. And, you will submit them to me before you sit down and have to orally state what you wrote. You'll only read your synopsis. I get annoyed with your "giddy" voice. That is all." The bell rang. Class was officially over. "Ah. I think that ends our lesson. Have a good day, Mr. Hedgehog. I'll see you tomorrow." With that, Zavok picked up his briefcase, turned, and left the room. No one could believe what they just saw. Zavok not only bullied Sonic directly, but he gave him the worst writing conditions possible. Everyone looked at Sonic, waiting for a reaction.
"Wow." Sonic blinked. He didn't even seem that angry, just surprised. "I'm guessing we all know who didn't get invited to birthday parties as a kid." He jerked his thumb at Zavok's desk and gave the class a humor-filled face. An uproar of laughter sounded in the classroom. Some of his fellow classmates got up and gave him high-fives while others agreed with how prissy Zavok acted. Even Silver agreed that what Zavok did was uncalled for.
"He acted to defensive. I can't believe he gave you such a silly writing condition." Sonic nodded as his classmates began to file out.
"I know! I mean, really, Silver, no one else has ever stood up to him? That was totally easy." Silver shrugged.
"I guess Espio was right about your guts. I just think you have too little brain." Sonic chuckled. He and Silver picked up their bags and began to leave the classroom. They walked down the halls, and Sonic was greeted with more whispers and stares, but the hallways were pretty loud again.
"WANNA COME TO MY HOUSE THIS AFTERNOON?" Sonic asked over the uproar of noise. Silver dodged a book being thrown in his direction. He looked up and nodded.
"SURE! I MISS SEEING YOUR PARENTS. THEY'RE THE BEST!" Sonic jumped over a familiar bobcat, who was knocked out and bleeding, and agreed.
"I KNOW." Sonic's parents were great parents, and Sonic still wanted to make it up to them. I know... They reached the main entrance of the school. No one was going out the main entrance. Everyone seemed to mill out the side entrances and the back ones. Sonic cocked an eyebrow at the deserted main entrance. "What's up with this?" Silver shook his head.
"No idea." They two teens walked out the entrance together. At the main entrance of the school was a concrete awning that gave the entrance some shade. Sonic and Silver stepped out and observed the scene in front of them. Almost all of the students of Chaos High were out on the front lawn. Most of them had their backs to the two. "This makes no sense." Sonic turned to Silver. "Why go out the other exits just to come to the front lawn?" Sonic had no clue. Something must be going on. They walked out into the open and heard a voice.
"NOW!" Sonic looked up and watched the horror begin to unfold. Several students were on top of the awning with large, white buckets in their hands. They tipped the buckets over, and a mixture of red and green mush sloshed out. "Amphibians don't smell good." To Sonic, it was happening a tad bit too slow. Hurriedly, he grabbed Silver's hand and used his speed to get them to safety. They looked back just in time to see the mush splatter to the ground. Boos and jeers echoed through the crowd. Sonic turned to them then to Silver.
"Frog guts?" He looked at the mess again and back to Silver. "Are they serious?" Silver sighed.
"Yep. And, thanks for that. Getting me out of the way." Sonic shook his head.
"It was no big deal. But, frog guts? Really? That's just gross." Sonic looked up at the students on top of the awning. They looked angry and appalled. "Thanks but no thanks! I enjoy my clothes clean!" They glared then smirked at him. Wait, why are they smiling?
"But, we don't!" Sonic turned around too late. Two students had snuck up behind him and Silver and threw a bucket full of goo at them. The cold, slimy mess hit Sonic and ran down his sides. Laughter thundered in the crowd of students. They all looked and laughed at Sonic. Some took pictures while others recorded the whole thing. Sonic grew red and looked at Silver. His poor friend was covered in slime and looked down, accepting the humiliation. Sonic wouldn't have that. Anger pulsed in his veins. He looked around and spotted two empty buckets. Quickly, he grabbed them and began to slosh the remains of red and green entrails from the ground in them. Let's see if they can take what they dish out!
"Yoo hoo! Student body of Chaos!" Numbers of people stopped laughing and stared at an angry blue hedgehog. Sonic smirked. "Take this, assholes!" Using his speed and strength, Sonic twirled and vaulted the two buckets. One went up to the awning full of the student, and the other went to the massive crowd of students. The awning students were hit hard with the guts and fell back. The second bucket soared across the massive crowd. Chunks of frog guts flew out and splattered a number of suspecting and unsuspecting teens. Screams of anger and laughs of cruelty mixed in the crowd. Soon, a number of fights broke out among the students. Some were coming Sonic's way. Winking at the opponents, Sonic took Silver's hand and dashed from the scene. They ran from school grounds and to Sonic's neighborhood. Silver let go of Sonic's hand and ran alongside him until the reached the neighborhood. They stopped and looked at each other.
Then, they laughed. They laughed like there was no tomorrow. The laughter of the two filled the neighborhood and their hearts. They looked at each other and chuckled to no end.
"I can't believe you did that, Sonic!" Sonic smiled at Silver's enthusiasm. "That was so cool! Dude, did you see their faces!?"
"Um, yeah, I was kind of there!" They laughed again, and Silver looked at Sonic.
"Thank you. I mean it. I owe you." Sonic placed an arm around Silver's shoulder.
"What are friends for?" Silver smiled softly and placed his arm around Sonic's shoulder. They walked Sonic's house together, smiling and oozing with frog organs. Sonic unlocked his front door and called out.
"Mom? Dad? I'm home, and I brought a friend!" Sonic's parents came out of the family room and looked at their son.
"S-Sonic!?" His mother cried. "What happened to you!?" Sonic was covered in the slime and smelled terrible; Silver was no better. Sonic waved her off.
"School stuff. It's whatever. Now, look who I brought!" Sonic jumped out of the doorway and presented a slimy but shy-looking Silver. Silver waved at them.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice." They blinked.
"Silver!?" Sonic nodded and ignored his parents' visual response to Silver's appearance.
"That's right! Now then, Silver and I are going to take showers. Maybe a couple, actually. Mom, can you start cooking dinner? I'm starving! Oh, by the way, get comfortable. I got to tell you what happened today in school! Let's just say it was the best worst first-day-of-school I ever had!"
