The morning bell had rung sending masses of teens of all ages rushing through the hallways to get to class before the national anthem and morning announcements began. Nathan took his time, as always, besides he knew exactly where he was supposed to go. He and Tim separated at their lockers because Tim had college Math while Nathan had Physics. Walking up to the fourth floor, with no luck he kept watch for her. He entered his class just in time for the beginning of the Star Spangled Banner.
'...Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light...'
Nathan walked into a full class with Mr. Spencer ushering him to his seat. He spotted Lucas and walked to the empty seat beside him. All were standing out of respect for the American tradition.
'...What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?...'
"Hey Luke, what up."
"Nate, you're late."
"I like to call it fashionably late big brother," Nathan smirked.
Lucas let out a small laugh.
'...And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?...'
Hearing the two boys murmur, Mr. Spencer hushed them.
'...On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
'Tis the Star-Spangled Banner! O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave...'
"You should start paying attention to your education you know."
"Yeah mom, whatever you say."
'...And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?...'
"I mean it Nate, it's our last year and I want you to graduate with me. Like it should be."
"Don't worry man I got it under control."
'...Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave...'
"I'm just watching out for you, you know that?"
"I know, I know but like I said man I got it under control."
Mr. Spencer continued the hushing sound towards the two boys.
'...Oh! Thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the Star-Spangled Banner forever shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!...'
As the anthem ended Mr. Spencer allowed the students to take their seats yet pay attention to the first announcement of the year.
: Announcements:..."On behalf of the staff we hope you all had a great summer and now that school is starting we hope you all are ready to get back to work. Tree Hill High would like to welcome the grade nine students as well as new students for its their first official day here at our school. Lets treat them with kindness and..."
Nathan hunched towards Lucas.
"Luke I saw her."
"Saw who?"
"You know, the girl from the River Court."
"What? You serious? Where?"
"Yeah, I saw her today, right before school she came out of a Benz with some old man in a suit."
"You serious?"
"Yeah man, why wouldn't I be?"
"Oh sorry, it's just she must be the new principals daughter."
"Huh?"
"Don't you ever listen to the announcements Nate?"
"Uhh not really."
"Okay, well last year Mrs. Teegs retired so a new principal was taking her place."
"Okay?"
"You probably don't remember her because principal's only come once in awhile with the superintendents. The vice-principals are the ones we see daily. They haven't changed."
"Oh crap. That explains the huddle of teachers around them. She's the principals daughter."
"Yuppo jucko"
"Save the sarcasm Luke."
Lucas shrugged in response," Guess you'll be seeing her again after all."
"Yeah I guess," Nathan sighed with the new information.