Me Too
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Me Too

The first day of school is always the hardest...for everyone

107
Me Too
rawpixel

“Honey, c’mon, you’re gonna be late?”

A little girl, no more than 7 rolled out of her bed. She wore blue jeans hanging hung over her bite-sized boots, and a black long sleeve shirt with silver silhouette horses on it. Her hair was long and held loosely by the pink scrunchie she couldn’t tie.

“I don’t like this shirt anymore.”

“Why not? It’s cute.”

“Not really.”

She stood before her dad, fidgeting and holding her hands in the air as if disgusted by how awkward she thought her outfit was.

“We just got it; you were all excited to wear it today.”

She signed. “I know. Can you help me with this?” She spun around so her father could see how her hair was barely in place.

“It’s been a while since I’ve used one of these. I used to have it really long you know. Way before you were born; I think it was actually longer than yours.”

“Nah uh.”

“I swear. Me and a few friends were in an all-male Bangles cover band. Had to look the part”

“Who are The Bangles?”

“Right, you’re 7, not 30.”

Her two front teeth came out of hiding, smiling just like her mother did. “I can’t picture you with long hair.”

“It’s been a while. What do you think? Should I grow it out and we can share scrunchies?”

She giggled as she spoke. “No, you’ll look silly.”

“No sillier than you in that shirt.”

“I told you!”

“Go get your stuff and we’re listening to the greatest band ever on the way. I don’t want everyone laughing at you for not knowing ‘em.”

“They won’t know either.” She smiled at her dad, looking like her mother again.

“Then you’re switching schools.”

He wasn’t exceptionally tall. His face looked too old, given his age; thin, almost gangly, which perhaps is better than being overweight at his age. As of late, he seemed drained. His hair was dark, very much in contrast to his daughter’s. But they had the same ears, a weird similarity, but they had the same large lobes. Everything thing else was her mother.

“Or we could just skip school altogether.”

She climbed into the passenger seat of his old PT Cruiser. As he climbed in he unhooked the latch to the roof, letting it down.

“Why do you say that?”

“I’m just nervous I guess.”

“Me too.”

“But you don’t have to go.”

He started the car and began the simple drive to school.

“We could switch if you want.”

Her face lit up like it was her birthday. “Really?!”

“Yeah, hop in my seat. You drive, drop me off and then go to work for me. It’s really easy, you’ll figure it out.”

She rolled her eyes at the rouse. “I don’t even know what you do.”

He smiled at her. “Neither do I most of the time.”

She smiled back, but he could tell she didn’t really mean it.

The rest of the drive went on fairly quiet until they pulled into the school parking lot and he placed his hand upon her head and pulled on her ponytail playfully.

“Can’t I stay home?”

“Maybe tomorrow.”

“What good will that do?”

He looked at her and saw how sad she really was for the first time this morning. “It’s going to be okay”

He knew saying that meant nothing. “Know what -” He pulled out of his pocket a small lapis stone. Barely an inch, with the long side being the only smooth part. “If you get nervous.. or scared or just need anything else to think about, rub your thumb against this.”

“What is it?”

“It’s a worry stone. It helps whenever I get stressed or if I miss you.” He rubbed her head again. “But you should have it… Today’s a big deal.”

“Rub it?”

“It helps. I swear. And I’ll be right here the second you get out.”

She leaned over the seat and gave her dad a huge hug. She pulled him tight and he rested his head on hers, trying not to get upset too.

“You promise?”

“Promise.”

“Can we get burgers and milkshakes after?”

He laughed and kissed her head, holding her a moment longer. “I love you more than anything. You know that right?”

“I do.”

“Burgers it is.”

She got out of the car and he watched as she disappeared behind the doors, but only after she turned and waved her hand, making the I love you sign.

He wiped his eyes and called his wife, getting her voice mail.

“Hey… I.., you know. Just wanted to hear your voice again. I’ll call later.”

The car was in drive but he sat there, his fingers feeling numb. The idea of leaving seemed too painful. Maybe it was too soon for her to be back. He put it in park, pulled the key out of the ignition and sat there, hoping.

After an hour or so a security guard came to the car.

“Excuse me, sir.”

“Yeah?”

“Mind explaining what you’re doing?”

“Ah, I’m sorry.” He pulled out his wallet to show his I.D. “I’m Zuzu’s dad.”

“Zuzu?”

“Yeah, her mother and I are big…ever see It’s a Wonderful Life? They know me in the office; I can come in or…”

The guard looked the I.D. over and then back at him.

“I’m not some freak just sitting here, I swear. It’s Zuzu’s first day and… frankly, I’m probably more nervous than she is. Second grade was pretty stressful for me so I guess I was just having war flashbacks.” He chuckled. “I just wanted to be here in case.”

“Just give someone a heads up next time.”

“You don’t want me to-”

“I recognize the last name… She’s a good kid.”

“Yeah, I lucked out.”

The guard handed him back his I.D. “We’re all - ”

He cut the guard off as if he were tired of hearing it. “Me too.”

“Eat some meat, you’re looking too thin.”

“That’s tonight’s game plan.” As the guard left his stare returned to the school doors, waiting for his daughter to come back.

He felt overwhelmed with relief as Zuzu came out and hurried to the car. He got out and took her backpack, picked her up and hugged her.

“How was it?”

“It was.”

“I’m sorry honey.”

She signed as he put her down. “It wasn’t bad, just… weird. Different. ”

“Yeah, but not bad is good, right?”

Her front teeth came through again. “It was good.”

And now he smiled, only he meant it this time. “Were any of your friends from last year in class?”

“Umhmm, Madison and Jamie.”

“Jamie?”

“He’s cute.”

“Oh really.” He was surprised and tickled her as she buckled up.

“Stop!”

“So where is he, should I ask if he wants to come to dinner with us?”

“Maybe next time.”

“Oh next time, okay.” He loved seeing her be herself, finally finding the strength to put the car in drive and they slowly left the parking lot.

“I’m glad you had a good day.”

“Yeah,” she sighed. “But I’m glad it’s over.”

“Me too. I missed you.”

They were both silent for a moment.

“I miss mom.”

“Me too.”

“Can I call her again? After dinner?”

“Umhmm.”

His eyes grew watery. She saw him get upset and reached into her pocket and pulled out the stone, handing it back.

“No, it’s yours.”

“Is not.”

“Who’s hand is it in?”

She grinned and leaned over to hug her dad.

They pulled into theparking lot of the burger place, which was nearly empty. She was still young enough where he could hold her hand as they walked and she wouldn’t be embarrassed.

“You didn’t get a lot of homework, did you?”

“It’s the first day.” She gave him this are you kidding me look.

“Good, so you can invite Jamie over after dinner.”

“Stop!”

They walked in and followed the hostess to their table.

“You know what you want?” he asked as they sat down.

“I think I’m gonna get something different today.”

“Me too.” His eyes lit up as he watched his daughter be a kid again, sitting with her feet dangling from the seat, swinging back and forth, looking over the menu which hid her smile. But he could tell.

They sat and ate their meal, laughing, talking about each other’s day. She talked about Jamie and how she was actually looking forward to the year. He made up his day, not wanting to admit he spent the day in the parking lot. He thought about discontinuing his wife’s phone bill, but hearing her voice made it easier for him and Zuzu.

And so, after dinner they went home, cleaned up, watched a movie together and headed for bed. But only after she called and told her mom about her day.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58333
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37576
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959198
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193359
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments