Title: First Day, Second Grade




Danny got out of bed, all excited for his first day of school. He had to rush if he wanted to make it in time.

At 7:30AM, the house was quiet.

He knocked at the door to his mother's room. There was no response, so he slowly opened the door. "Mom?"

He made his way carefully to the bed. His mother was sleeping soundly.

He took a look at the alarm clock next to the bed. It was set for 6:15.

For a short moment, Danny considered the idea of waking her up. His mother needed her sleep. Besides, a year ago, his mother had tried getting him ready for his first day of school. He could do better alone.

He heard the lock open on the front door, and soon he heard Ellen's voice. "Danny?"

He ran up to her, and gave her a big hug. "Ellen!"

"First day of school!" she smiled. "Exciting, isn't it?"

He simply nodded.

"Is your mother still alseep?"

"Yeah, she was working last night."

"Come, I'll drive you to school."

"It's okay…" he thought fast. "John said he'll meet me at the bus stop."

"And where's your schoolbag?"

"My teacher said we're going to get everything at school."

"You're sure?" Ellen looked unconvinced.

"Yep."

"Okay. Here, for your lunch." She put five dollars in his hand.

He grinned in thanks, and was soon out the door.

Danny ran down the stairs. There was no John, and no school bus, but downstairs, in a supply closet, he had secretly gathered supplies for school. This year, he was going to be prepared. A new schoolbag, filled with new notebooks, pencils and markers. Though he didn't think his mother would notice, he had not wanted her to ask where he had gotten all this.

From the 6th story window, Ellen followed Danny as he ran down the street. She noticed his new bag and sighed. She had a feeling he was making it all up. At some point, she knew, he was going to get into big trouble.