So Long Ago
Ch.2- Ryan & Katie Hammond
September 23, 1981
Six whole weeks of school had passed since Sara entered the sixth grade. Not to her surprise, Mrs. Lamont became an inspiration. Sara took to haunting her classroom before the first bell rang, learning much about different sciences and curriculums.
She often lent Sara old textbooks to read, purely glad that someone was expressing a true interest in the noble subject of science.
This particular morning, a knock at the door interrupted their session.
"Come in please," Mrs. Lamont called in her calm and soft voice. The door slowly opened and Sara looked up in interest. Two kids, about Sara's age, walked in. The two, one boy and one girl looked as to be twins, with jet black hair and dark brown eyes. They were about five foot each, slender and quite nervous looking. The girl was clutching a small book in her hand, which Sara recognized as Of Mice and Men. Her interest increased.
"Hi," the boy spoke in a light voice. "Um, my sister and I were transferred to this school. The office said we should come here…because this is the homeroom?"
"Yes, they said I was to be expecting new students. I'm Mrs. Lamont. Homeroom is where you will come first thing each morning. Let me see your schedules."
They approached skittishly, as if unsure whether Mrs. Lamont was going to bite there heads off. They handed over there schedules, and Sara looked over Mrs. Lamont's shoulder. The twins' schedules and hers matched. She read the names of the sheet: Katie Hammond and Ryan Hammond.
"Well," Mrs. Lamont looked at the sheet, "Ryan and Katie, it's a pleasure to have you join our school. I'm sure you'll adjust fine. Have you met your other teachers? Or looked at the school?"
They both shook their head. Sara had an idea.
"I'll show them around. My schedules the same." She suggested. She liked the idea of maybe having more experience or power than someone.
"Sure. Ryan and Katie, this is Sara Sidle." They shared a nod and a smile. Sara got out of her chair and picked up her backpack. "I'll write you all a hall pass."
The group went out in the hall, where Sara inquired, "Do you like that book?" Katie looked down at the book.
"Oh, yes. I love reading the classics. Have you read it?"
"Yah, it was sad." Sara replied. Truth was, she did get touched by the book and the wonderful writing.
"Katie is obsessed with literature." Ryan piped in.
"You're obsessed with bugs!" Katie retorted. Ryan shrugged. They both seemed so much more relaxed now that they were alone. Sara could not help but feel extremely hopeful that she may have just met two outstanding friends.
Ryan and Katie became Sara's closest (and only, except for Willy) friends. Mrs. Lamont now had three kids in her room in the mornings, exploring school subjects further.
Sara found that she and Katie could review most books they both had read. Ryan had an increased interest in life science, and bugs. Though it disgusted his sister, he would find bugs in the ground and examine them.
"Hey Sara," Katie and Ryan had just walked into Mrs. Lamont's room.
"Hi guys." She replied. Ryan glanced at Katie before addressing Sara again.
"Listen, Saturday is our birthday. We were wondering if you wanted to come over and celebrate." Sara smiled. It would be wonderful to hang out with the Hammonds outside of school. She wondered briefly whether her parents-particularly her father would let her go.
"Yah, I'll ask my parents."
"Okay cool."
That evening during dinner, Sara asked her parents about the get together. Her father shrugged, really not contemplating what was asked.
"You can go Sara." her mother said, glad her daughter was finally getting a social life. Sara gleamed with excitement.
She raced away after dinner to her room, to tell Willy the good news.
"Oh, Willy! I think I made some friends!" She exclaimed. Willy opened his mouth a little letting out a small meow. He bounded around Sara, wagging his long tail. Sara laughed.
"You are such a dog Willy."