CHAPTER 7- CLASSES BEGIN

After a quick shower Tony and the rest of his unit were soon in the Mess Hall eating breakfast. As Tony was finishing up an upper year unknown to him approached and handed him his class schedule. It seemed that classes started at 9am. A brief glance at his watch, the only personalized item they were allow to wear, showed Tony it was just now 7:15am. Apparently they would have plenty of time for the threatened additional chores. Tony let his eyes wander the hall and noticed most units had left and only a few stragglers remained apart from Eisenhower and FDR Barracks. Soon a plump Mess Chef walked towards their table.

"Well boys it seems you're my grunts for the day." The comment was said with a gentle smile. The Chef it seemed was not a cruel taskmaster and he seemed grateful for the help the units would be providing.

"It will be a bit messy today with all the syrup from the flapjacks, but it shouldn't take you too long. Wouldn't want you to be late for class. FDR you have dish duty and Eisenhower your on tables and floors."

"Sure thing Mr. Jones." Carson replied with an easy smile. As Tony heard the name Mr. Jones he recalled a conversation from dinner the night before. Apparently Mr. Jones was known for acting mean in Sergeant Jackson's presence but the minute the man turned his back he transformed into a fun loving man. Mr. Jones had twin girls at home who were only two and ever since their birth he had a whole new outlook on how to treat the Academy kids. It was an outlook the Seniors who remembered him from before kids were grateful for. Tony was relived their first punishment was not with some overbearing staff member.

It didn't take the boys long to do their assigned tasks and by 8:30 everyone was back in their dorm grabbing their backpacks for the school day. A glance at his schedule told Tony he would start in Building C for Math and Science.

Carson was suddenly beside Tony.

"Hey man just follow me to your first class today- all the junior high kids are lopped together for class because there are not enough to split up by grade. I'll make sure you don't get lost since the freshman building is right next door to you guys"

Tony gave a relived and grateful nod to his cheerful roommate. He was glad he didn't have to fend for himself or worse have to ask Sergeant Jackson for guidance.

Following a half step behind Carson Tony made his way to the first class of the day. Upon arrival at Building C Tony soon found himself in a small green classroom with the typical layout of a chalkboard, teacher's desk, and lab tables. Along the back wall were some computers and bookshelves and some closets containing miscellaneous equipment for their class. As Tony glanced around he understood what Carson meant by the small junior high numbers- there were only 10 kids in the room that represented grades 6-8. At the front of the room was a thin athletic looking man with a marine style crew cut. He was deeply tanned the mark of an outdoorsmen. He had dark hair and eyes and seemed to perhaps be of Native American descent. His eyes were sharp not missing a beat but he had a gentle relaxed manner about him too. This man, Tony thought to himself, might actually have been active duty at some point and probably had earned his right to be called sir. Tony mildly wondered if that was why he could stand so self-assured without the need of an overdone ego or hostility towards the boys. This guy didn't need to prove anything he was the real deal.

Carson leaned in closer to Tony and softly whispered, "That's Sergeant Abrams the one the kids talked about last night. He's a good guy- if you ever need help or advice -seek him out. I'm going to head on over to my building now just follow Peter over there for the rest of the morning."

Tony thought what Carson said had made sense. This was the staff with a good reputation and Tony's first impression of him definitely lined up with that image. He nodded at Carson in thanks for the escort and the advice.

"Alright boys settle in." Sergeant Abrams looked over at Tony. "Ah you must be the new recruit come on over here and I'll give you a book then you can sit next to Peter over there as he has an open spot."

"Yes Sir." Tony replied softly but clearly doing as the Sergeant had asked. When he approached the man and was out of hearing range of the others the Sergeant softly spoke just to him.

"If you need anything don't hesitate to find me. You're the youngest here and that won't always be easy. My office is at the corner of the blue hallway in A Building. If you need me and can't find me ask Daniel for help as he knows how to get a hold of any of us quickly."

"Thank you sir." Tony replied. He hoped to never need the help but he wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. With the warm assurance that he had found another helpful ally at the school Tony found his seat by a grinning Peter.

"Alright class. Today we are going to begin our dissection unit. The person to your left will be your partner for the remainder of this unit…."

Tony listened intently to the lesson and before he knew it Science block was over and he had a chapter to read and two worksheets to complete before class again next Tuesday. Apparently this school ran on a block schedule- one group of classes Tuesday and Thursday and a different set Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Tony's next period was math with Mrs. Jacobs and it was fairly simple for Tony as he had always been decent at math. By the time the course was over he had yet another worksheet to complete for the following week. By now it was lunch time and he was once more in route back to the Mess Hall.

By the time he had got his tray the rest of his unit was already seated.

"How is your first day of class going?" Daniel quickly inquired.

"Pretty good so far. The work isn't too difficult. I've always had decent tutors so I have actually covered most of the material already. I don't think I'll have any trouble." Tony replied with confidence.

"That's good but if you do remember to check with Tyler." Tyler gave a little wave at the mention of his name then went back to eating his lunch.

"Hey Tony" a Hispanic teen named Chris called over. "You trying out for any sports this year?"

"Actually I was wondering about that. I'm pretty good at sports and I really enjoy football and basketball. I noticed there are not a lot of junior high kids- not nearly enough for a decent team. So do they let us play with the High Schoolers?"

"Yeah if you're good enough you can play. They might not give you much game time due to age differences and risks of injuries but you can always work out with the team and improve your skills. We also have a lot of games just for fun on the weekend that anyone can join in. What position do you play?"

"Well in the summer leagues I played quarterback but I am also a decent receiver as I'm pretty fast."

"Sounds good- we can always use faster receivers. You're pretty tall for your age too so that should help."

Tony nodded and smiled happy to be well received. He was excited about tryouts the next day. So far school wasn't so bad. He seemed to be making friends easily enough and even the punishments had been nothing horrible. He'd take extra chores over a belt buckle or fist any day.

The rest of lunch passed quickly as did his afternoon classes and before he knew it the day was over. As he got ready for bed he prayed the next day would be just as good.