The new school

The alarm clock rang in the morning. Carlos awoke and turned around immediately after his brother. He saw that Logan felt bad. He was sitting with his back to the wall, his head in his hands. Carlos wasn't sure whether Logan was awake or asleep. He jumped from the bed and went over to Logan. "Hey Loges, are you all right?"

Logan raised his head. His eyes were red and now he looked as if he hadn't slept at all. "They will hate me, Carlos. I know it."

"Nonsense! Nobody could hate you. You are the most lovable person ever. Well, except Mom, but you got it from her."

Logan shook his head. "You've seen Director Higgins. He wasn't enthusiastic to accept one like me. He said they had to change everything now. And only because of me."

"In many schools there are people with disabilities. I am more surprised that there is no such a thing at this school."

"One more reason to hate me, right? Look at me, Carlos: I'm a damn cripple! "

"They will not hate you, Logie." Carlos thought, then brightened his face. "If you want, you can have my fortune helmet."

"Thank you, Carlos. But I am already handicapped. With the helmet, I'd look more like an idiot," Logan said snappily. When he saw Carlos face, he swallowed. Carlos suddenly looked very sad and hurt. That was very rare.

"Carlos... I'm sorry, I..."

"The helmet... it was from Dad. He gave it to me at my birthday."

"I know. Please forgive me."

Carlos sniffed briefly, then he recovered. "Okay, forget it. And again, the others will like you. Besides, I'm with you all the time. And if anybody wants to annoy you, then he's got to deal with me. I promise to you."

Logan had to smile. "Thanks Carlitos."

"No problem. And now we get dressed, go to breakfast and go to school. Not resist talking."

They came out of the house and already saw the white van. A young man stood beside it and smiled at the three. Logan felt more than uncomfortable. Sylvia looked at her boys. "Well, have fun. And Carlos, look at Logan, do you?"

"Sure, Mom, don't worry."

"Good. I'll see you tonight."

She hugged and kissed the two briefly. Before she went, she greeted the driver. Carlos and Logan came to him. He held out his hand. "Hello guys, I'm Florian, but you can call me Flo."

"Hi," said Carlos cheerfully. He never had problems with strangers. "I'm Carlos and that's Logan."

Logan nodded at Flo and shook his hand. Flo clapped his hands. "Okay, let's go."

Carlos turned to Logan. Logan cleared his throat. "Carlos, you don't have to drive with me. You can drive with the bus like the others. Honestly you don't have to..."

"Dream further Logie. I don't care what the others say. And now let's go."

Carlos helped Flo to put Logan in the car and then to put the wheelchair into the trunk. Then they got in and Flo started.

They arrived at the PWHS (Palm Woods High School). Carlos and Flo got out and opened the trunk. As they pulled the wheelchair out, Logan watched the schoolyard. Some students looked curiously at them. Logan was nervous. Carlos and Flo helped him get out and put him in the wheelchair. They were still being observed by the others. Flo sighed, relieved. "Okay, I'll be back at afternoon to pick you up."

"All right," Carlos replied, giving him a high-five. Flo waved and drove away. Carlos turned to Logan. "Ready?"

"No."

They went to the school building. When they arrived at the stairs they remained puzzled.

"Um..."

"Great."

Director Higgins had promised them that after the summer holidays the necessary changes would be completed. But a ramp wasn't to be seen.

"Okay," Carlos murmured. "Then we..."

"Ask for help?," a voice sounded behind them. They both turned around. A big blond boy stood in front of them and smiled slightly. He was oddly wearing a hockey jersey. Carlos looked at him relieved. "Would you really help us?"

"Sure, of course. Just tell me what to do."

"Could you help me get my brother up the stairs?"

"No problem."

Carlos and the boy managed to bring Logan upwards. There, the blonde held the door open and they entered the building.

"Thank you. Actually there should be a ramp, but... "

The blonde boy laughed. "Did Bitters tell you this?"

"What?," Logan asked, confused.

"Director Higgins. But we students call him Bitters, because... well... he's sometimes very bitter. Do you understand?"

The two shrugged.

"Anyway, Director Higgins is sometimes quite lazy. So it's no wonder the changes are not finished yet." He paused for a moment, then held his hand to his forehead. "Oh man, I didn't even introduce myself. I am Kendall."

Carlos smiled. He liked Kendall. "I'm Carlos and that's Logan."

Kendall looked at Logan thoughtfully. "You don't talk much, do you?"

Logan bit his lip. Carlos looked at him worried. Logan sighed. "I'm sorry, I always need a while. And besides... most of them don't want to have anything to do with me... no more."

"Just because you're sitting in a wheelchair? That's stupid. So I can assure you that it doesn't matter to me. So... if you need someone here at school, then..."

Logan smiled lightly. "Really?"

"Yes? Believe me, I'm not going to look for outward things."

Logan and Carlos looked at each other. Both agreed: Kendall was a good person. They nodded to him. Kendall grinned and they went on. "To which class do you come?"

"9c," Logan replied. Kendall laughed. "Cool. Then you are in my class."

"Really cool," Carlos replied.

The day went well all in all. Logan and Carlos met the class teacher Miss Collins. She was really nice and very friendly. They had no lessons that day. The students instead told of their summer holidays. By the way, they also learned that Kendall was the class spokesman. Actually, no surprise. It suited him. He was popular and also the captain of the ice hockey team. Carlos immediately felt comfortable in the class. Logan wasn't so sure yet.