Chapter 1: Tottenville Middle School
Lenny Lessem was feeling nervous as his father drove him to his middle school, Tottenville Middle School, also known as Intermediate School 34. Lenny could hardly comprehend how vastly and rapidly the world had changed in just a few weeks. A devastating attack had occurred in England by Christian terrorists. Nicolae Carpathia, the new secretary general of the United Nations, had taken control of the world and had gotten support from thousands around the world. From what Lenny knew, Carpathia was going to sign some peace treaty with Israel and with the leader of the Christian terrorists, Muneeb Biyanwela. Lenny was simultaneously frightened and excited about what could possibly be in store for the world.
Lenny and his parents were all Preterists. Lenny's father, Liam Lessem, was the first member of the Lessem family to believe in Preterism. Lenny had been skeptical and dubious about his father's beliefs in Preterism. It was not until the attack by the Christian terrorists occurred that Lenny finally became a Preterist.
Mr. Lessem looked at his son through the rearview mirror.
"Are you feeling nervous, son?" Mr. Lessem asked Lenny.
"Absolutely", Lenny said. "With Carpathia gaining control of the whole world and millions flocking to sing their praises to him, the whole world has become dangerous overnight. I'm feeling so terrified about what Carpathia and the Global Community have planned. I don't even want to think about it, though I know I am going to have to face this problem eventually."
"Try to find other Preterists that may be in Tottenville Middle School, or as most people call the school, IS34. Certainly there are other people in that school with brains. I would be very surprised if there was not a single person in Tottenville Middle School that did not view the attack in England as a wake-up call. Hopefully there will be at least some children and teenagers in that school that will be wise enough to believe in Preterism and always be honest."
Lenny nodded. "I will see what I can do. I will try my best, that is all I can do for now."
Eventually, Mr. Lessem's car reached the entrance to Tottenville Middle School. Lenny got out of the car and waved to his father.
He walked inside the school and headed to the auditorium with the other sixth graders. Lenny was not sure what course of action to take at this point. He wanted to find other Preterists and meet up with them, but he also did not want to get into trouble for believing in Preterism. He knew he would have to exercise caution.
Lenny saw his best friends, Dahana Malhotra and Vijay Nair. Dahana and Vijay also became Preterists after the attack in England by those Christian terrorists occurred. Lenny waved to them, and he sat next to them along with the other sixth graders.
The principal of Tottenville Middle School, Warren Priest, had just gotten everyone's undivided attention.
"Attention, everyone. Welcome back to Tottenville Middle School. Hope everyone is doing well. I hope we can all re-adjust to life here at Tottenville Middle School. If anyone has any questions about their schedules, please speak to your advisers. Now, as you all are aware, there is a belief system known as Preterism that acquired popularity from all around the world. My advice to everyone here is not to speak about it or discuss it during school hours. I personally do not feel like talking about it here is appropriate. Now, everyone, head to class!"
Lenny had a feeling that life at Tottenville Middle School from that point forward would not be easy.