Author's Note:
This story goes out to Julie Wong, who passed away near the end of 6th Grade.
The time was now May 20th, 2003. The place, Bowditch Middle School, where Captain Amelia Smollett and her first mate, Mr. Arrow, led my 5th Grade class from Foster City School.
"We appreciate you being our ambassador for the day, Captain." Mr. Beckwith said to Amelia, who replied. "Oh, it's entirely my pleasure, Mr. Beckwith. After all, once a Bowditch alumni, always a Bowditch alumni."
"Amelia Smollett!"
Upon hearing her name being called out, Amelia turned to see Mr. Dodo (from "Alice in Wonderland") hurrying over and shaking her hand. "What a honor it is to have you join us during orientation day.
"Oh, and I see that your muscular friend is all gussied up for the occassion." he added, marveling at Mr. Arrow's new blue suit. "Very well dressed, my fine fellow."
"You flatter me, sir." Mr. Arrow smiled, tipping his hat at Mr. Dodo, who tipped his own when he noticed the 5th Grade class behind Amelia, saying. "And these must be the new faces who'll be joining us this coming semester."
"That they are, Mr. Dodo." Amelia replied.
"Well, then, if you'll follow me to the gym, we can get started." instructed Mr. Dodo, who led Amelia, Mr. Arrow and my 5th Grade class, including their parents, past the office and through the courtyard doors. "Now, Bowditch Middle School was founded in the year 1969, named after mathematician Nathaniel Bowditch..."
Everyone else may be enthralled with that piece of history...but not me.
Back at Foster City School, I was comfortable with my surroundings, but with Bowditch, which was about to become my new school, I was becoming the opposite.
Noticing I was lagging behind, my mom called out. "Nathan! Come on, honey. Try to keep up."
I caught up with her and my class, but I still felt uneasy with what will soon come.