Chapter 10: Ataru's Great Day

the start of a new week...
Ataru woke to the sound of his mother yelling.
"ATARU!! GET UP!! YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE!!!"
he looked at his clock. (15 minutes til school starts?!") he rushed around his room looking for his uniform. he couldn't find it. he ran down stairs in his pajamas.
"mom! where are my clothes?!"
"they're in the dryer! remeber i told you i was going to wash them last night?"
Ataru sighed. this day was off to a great start.

after he was all done getting ready, he had exactly 5 minutes to run to school. he dashed out the door with a "bye mom!"
"wait, Ataru! you forgot your lunch!"
the thought of food made him stop in his tracks. he ran back.

by the time Ataru got to school he was 3 minutes late.
"stand in the hall, Moroboshi."
"but i was only---"
"stand in the hall!"
Ataru opened the door and walked outside the class, mumbling something about school rules as he went.

at lunch, Ataru was wishing he had another wish to start this whole day over. at least Amaiko was happy to see him.
"hi Ataru! how are you today?"
"er...not the best."
"oh? how come??"
"let's see, i woke up late this morning, was late to school, and i had to stand out in the hall while everyone laughed."
"ah. poor you. hey, since umm, my parents are on..vacation.....can i meet yours?"
"umm, i dunno. i'll have to see when they're availble." (not--they're pretty much always free. but what would they think if i brought home a girl when Lum is "gone"?? still, i should be able to find some excuse that would fit.)
"oh. ok, because i would really like to meet them."
Ataru and Amaiko sat there eating peacfully, but what Ataru didn't know, he was being watched......