LITTLE CHANGES

LITTLE CHANGES

The two children grew quickly and time passed ever so fast. Maria became closer to Michael. They shared everything birthdays, holidays, even visits to the doctor. When Michael started Kindergarten Maria cried. Even Michael was a little bit sad to leave his best friend. On the day before school started the two women took the children to their favorite place the park.

They brought a picnic lunch and wanted to make it a fun day for both kids knowing that the next few days were going to be very hard on them. The kids played on the slide as their mothers' set out lunch. Jenny turned to Greta and said, "They are so cute together the way they both look out for each other." Greta smiled, and said," I hope that they get over being separated for a short time quickly it breaks my heart when they cry." Deep down both women knew they would get over it like all kids do.

The next day Jenny got Michael ready for his first day of school. He was excited that he was going to do something new but was worried about his friend. Jenny explained that she would be ok and would be waiting for him when he got home. He asked if she could walk with them to the school so she would know where he was and Jenny smiled and said she already asked and they would go and get her on the way. Michael smiled and ran to get his lunchbox. He ran out the door and across the lawn to the house next door.

He never ever knocked when he went in he always just ran inside, today was no exception. Maria was in the bathroom with her mother doing her hair. She was wearing her favorite pink overalls and her mom was putting in her pigtails. Michael ran thru the house yelling, " Mom, Maria where are you?" "In here", called back Greta. Michael was so very proud of himself he was a big boy now and was going to school. Maria wasn't very happy this morning she knew her friend was going to be gone most of the day and she was going to miss him. With her hair finished they stepped out of the bathroom. Michael looked at Maria and said, "I'm ready to go." She looked up at her mom and said, " Can I go too?" Greta explained that she would be walking Michael to and from school with his mom, and that he would be home just after lunch. Sadly she said," Ok" as she went to grab her jacket. Jenny came in and said her hellos and looked at the two children. Maria looked so very sad and Michael was so terribly excited. She shook her head and said it was time to go. Michael took Maria's hand and told her that he was going to learn how to write his name. She looked at him and told him that she was going to play with her dolls till he came home.

When they got to the school Michael was afraid. He looked up and down the big building and wanted to go home. His mother reassured him that he would be fine that there were lots of boys and girls here just like him. They found his classroom and stood outside the door. Michael peered in and saw all the other kids playing and having fun. He looked up at his mom and said, "I will be ok." He then looked at Maria, gave her a hug and said," See you after lunch." Maria said, "Ok" Michael went into the classroom, looked over his shoulder and waved. The teacher shut the door and they couldn't see anymore. Jenny looked at the little girl and knelt down and gave her a hug. They walked back to the house and Maria went into her room. On her bed was big bear her most favorite toy. She hugged him and decided that she was going to play school.

On her little table she put her crayons, paper and sat big bear in a chair. She drew a picture of herself, Michael and big bear and was telling a story about the picture to her bear. The two women heard her talking and went to see what she was doing. From outside the door way they heard her telling her bear that she was going to be just as smart as Michael and was going to learn her ABC's. The two women chuckled and decided to help her. They went into the room and sat at the little table with her and asked what she was doing. She looked up at them and said she was going to learn her letters and be like Michael. Greta took a piece of paper and wrote the alphabet on it and showed it to Maria. Jenny smiled and went into the kitchen to fix lunch for the three of them. Maria held her crayon determined to get things right. She wanted to prove to her friend that she was just as good as he was.

Maria worked hard until lunch and then was ready to go and get Michael from school. She was very proud of herself she was able to write a few letters on her own after lunch and wanted to show him. Jenny came and got Maria and they walked to the school. When they got inside the stood near the classroom door waiting for the bell to ring. When it rang the door opened and a flood of children spilled out into the hallway. Michael walked out slowly and looked and spotted his mother. He ran over and gave her a big hug. He took Maria's hand and brought her into the classroom. He showed her where he kept his lunchbox, coat, and a picture that he made of him and her. They left the school and walked back home.

Maria went over to Michaels' house this time and they went to play in the backyard on the swings. Michael pushed Maria and she squealed for him to push her higher. The laughed and played until it was time for dinner. Michael walked Maria to her house and then came home. Tomorrow would be another day for them to have fun after school.