Flame Up The New Kid- Chapter 3: Far From Fab French

I had something called a block schedule. It's some really weird class schedule that's proven to help kids get better grades in each class. That day, when I met Mr. Moron, I happened to have French. And surprise, surprise Flame managed to be in the same class. Luckily, I had a seat with my friends around me, so I managed not to have him land a seat next to me. He was a total outa-wack….. thing! But, unfortunately, he managed to sit by Daisy, a.k.a. Daisy. I could tell Dizzy wasn't to happy bout Flame arriving either. She was the best French student ever, but that's cause she was an exchange student from France. Isn't that like totally awesome?! Ok, back to the point. Flame was just as good as her, I learned that Flame's dad was French! Cool, right?! But, not like I was gonna admit that then.

Dizzy being one of my friends was involved in the secret code our little group had. She continuously signaled "S.O.S," "Moron," and "Avoid at all costs."  Ha, ha! Anyway, I was positive Bri wasn't thinking like the rest of us. She was sitting right next to me. Bri, obviously, was completely crushing on him. Eeeeeewwww!!!! What a traitor… correction "desperate traitor." What girl could be so mental to fall for a guy she's only seen for 10 minuets, who all her friends hate, is a moron, and is, well, is Flame! I wouldn't do that, at least I don't think so……. not the point! Actually, I'm getting real off topic… soooo back to the point.

French was ridiculous, every question that Madame Maxine asked was swiftly answered by Flame. Easy to see who was teacher's pet now, poor Dizzy. I could tell Dizzy and Flame would never get along, but by the slight chance if they did, I was sure it would be because of me. After a crazy questionnaire session, we had five worksheets to complete, with like a million  problems on each page. And I'm not joking, not even a slight exaggeration is taking place right now…….. Ok maybe a slight exaggeration….. Oh fine, I said it there were only three to six problems on each page. But, hey, it seemed like forever with Flame continuously rushing up to Madame Maxine's desk to get the next worksheet or get some extra credit sheets. All I could do was stare and think "What a LOSER!," "What a GEEK!," and What an OVERACHIVING STUPID SHOWOFF!" And no, I wasn't jealous.

I could tell I had been wrong. This day could definitely get worse. Still, I had hopes. It was now time for recess and lunch. Even though everything had gone wrong so far, I probably wouldn't have to sit by, eat by, or talk with Flame for the rest of the day. You see, I had A lunch and B recess. While Flame had B lunch and A recess. While I was eating, he would be being stupid, running around like crazy, and what not outside, out of my view. Lucky me! After that stuff, I'd have GAT Language Arts. Flame wasn't smart enough to get any Gifted and Talented course. HAHAHA! And then GAT Algebra. I also had a GAT math course. Flame wasn't in this either. Unfortunately, I'd have to see him at Study Hall. Whatever, an hour wouldn't kill me. I was fairly surprised by the end of class, I was actually looking forward to the rest of this day.

Flame Up The New Kid- Chapter 2: Lousy Lab

As soon as I stepped of the bus, I sprinted to the bathrooms. And, well, I ended up losing my breakfast. I dug through my bag, hoping to find breath- mints. I heard the bell ring. Lovely, now I had less than five minuets to change and get to chemistry. Rushing upstairs to my locker, still having a taste of bile, I managed to run into the student counselor, changed, looking like a full idiot with my lab coat, goggles, and other things, escorting Flame around the school. She stopped me and smiling said, "Well, look here Fang, you're no longer the new girl anymore. Meet Flame, he's in all of your classes except JRG Phy. Ed. (JRG= Jr. Girls). Obviously, he has JRB instead. Oh, Fang would you mind showing him his classes from now on. I've showed him the school, and you're probably the only one who knows how he feels." I almost died right then, I couldn’t believe she just asked me to be his "servant" until he knew everything he should about JR Gerrits. I worried, how on earth did he manage to land in all the same classes as me? Hating myself for this, a forced a smile and replied, "Sure, I'd be glad to, we'll get along just fine, now won't we Flame?," I said looking his way. I smiled to myself, I knew I'd be just the person to make this place make him feel like home here, wouldn't I? I gave him a sly smile and told him, "I better show you to chemistry, you might wanna hurry up, or you'll make us both late. Come on!" I could see the counselor smiling as she wrote out a pass for me and Flame. I took the pass, grabbed Flame's wrist excusing myself, took off towards class.

I could hear him whining about me grabbing his wrist to hard. Getting tiered of his voice, I abruptly stopped, pulled him close to my face, frowning, grumbled, "I'm supposed to tell you the rules around here and you're supposed to follow them! Rule number one! Never. Ever. Complain! Especially not when you're new around here! Got it, good, let's go! Hurry up, we've got like a minuet before the bell!"

In a few seconds I yanked him into the lab and introduced him to Ms. Healey, the teacher. During the introductions I smiled, but this time it was genuine, I was relieved about getting him off my back. I then had to get him supplies after turning in the pass. As soon he was ready for class, I ditched him and made my way to my seat. But then I frowned and put head in my hands, elbows propped onto the work table as soon as I heard he was to sit right next to me, in the only empty seat in the whole lab. Great! Now I was positive this day couldn't get any worse!

You know what's funny, whenever you think that nothing could get worse it always manages to do so. Like when you're stranded off in the middle of sea without any food or shelter with only a raft and paddle for protection, and you think nothing could get worse, but then, you hear thunder and see a flash of lightning and then rain starts pouring down hard onto your head. But, I wasn't thinking like that right then. I supposed that since things going wrong so far couldn't get worse, I thought I saw a sliver of sunshine coming out from behind the clouds. But, unfortunately, I was wrong. I had now started, without me knowing, a voyage that I'd never forget. One I'd never forget, not even after my death.

Flame Up The New Kid: Chapter 1- Bad Luck Bus Ride

I was just standing there waiting the bus. My face basking in the glow of the sun. I light breeze moved my hair. Then I saw someone walking towards me. It was a boy, around my age, maybe about 13 or 14. He asked, "Hey, is this the bus stop?" I guessed he was the new boy everyone had been talking about. Average height, brown hair, brown eyes, fairly pale, totally average.

I smiled and nodded, "Yea, 'sup what's your name?" He shifted his weight to his other foot and said, "My name is the name I hate the most, just call me Flame."

I made a goofy grin, some one had turned up with an exotic nickname as my own, "OK, Flame, how old are you?"

"Thirteen," he replied. Ha! I was right.

I took my hand out of my pocket, pointed down the street and alerted him, "You may want to step back, the bus is coming, it always manages to splatter mud."

Flame stepped back. When the bus came to a stop, after splattering dirt and mud in all directions, the doors opened to a stinky turkey and cheese stench. I saw him wrinkle his nose. "You first," I said trying to get the lasts gasps of fresh air. Shrugging, he stomped right in. On the second step he froze, turned, and frowned. I grinned in reply.

"Hey, not to be mean but every newbie has to face it one way or another." Rolling his eyes he went up and then into the isle. I went in after him. It was terribly warm inside, feel like I was going to be sick, I shoved Flame into the seat he was passing and rushed to the back rows. I peeked over at Flame. He looked fine and undisturbed even though I was losing control. I was the most self structured person in the world and I was sweating it this time. He grinned, and looking like a complete joke said "Hey, everyone has to face it one way or another."

I looked around, the bus was almost empty, the only ones sitting were younger kids in the front two rows and Flame half way trudging down the isle. I stuck my tongue out at his face, continued my way to the back, and plopped down in seat L12. The seat was hard and it smelled like cheap cologne. I gagged, swiftly stood up, and made an effort while I tried to pull down the window. My face had turned into a red hue by the time I succeeded. I could hear the moron stifling laughter up near the front. Grumbling I sat down again and shifted a million times, but didn't find a comfortable position. I opened my orange neon Nike duffel bag, sought out my make-up kit from the disgusting mess, only to find that I had run out of lip-gloss. For me this is was not a big problem, I didn't wear make-up often. But the bus-ride, so far, had flopped my mood into a big, black, stubborn, and uncleanable mess, much like my bag. And on top of that this new Flame kid was getting on my nerves. I chucked the empty gloss tube at the back of his head. I luckily found a spare, feeling like this was the luckiest thing that happened to me today by far, I contently applied, then re-applied my gloss.

The bus pulled to a stop, I looked out the window in time to see my best friend make a face and drag her feet into the bus. Hey, at least I wasn't the only one who was going to enjoy this ride. "Gwen! Gwennie, come over here!," I called out. I saw her glace at Flame and flash a flirty smile at him. I could imagine him smiling back at her. The rest of the ride was long and boring until the last stop. Gwen's crush Adam, stumbled aboard, and much like the others glanced at Gwen and made a face due to the smell. Gwen always had the spotlight, not that it mattered to me. I liked being her shadow, I didn't have to face all the popularity problems as much as she did. She was a dream girl and not to mention the best friend in the world. From her golden locks down to her styled shoes, she looked like she just stepped out of a fashion magazine. Adam smoothly walked over to us and took the only open seat left, the one right across from us. Great, rest of the ride I'd be seeing Gwen and Adam make cow eyes at each other.

I yanked Gwen over to the window side thinking why they just didn't go out. Really, then I wouldn't be stuck in mushy-gushy, lovey-dovey non-sense. They could just talk freely. Gwen being by the window didn't stop them from making faces at each other. I felt like re-assembling Adam's face so Gwen wouldn't look over. I had landed myself, out from the side-lines of an onlooker, straight into the belly of the beast. By the end of the ride, I was sure I'd feel nauseous. And, unfortunately, I was right. Me and my luck.

"This is going to be one horrible day," I muttered to myself while exiting the bus with none other then Flame in front and the two love-birds in back. Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place!

Reflection On The One and Only FRI-FRI!!!

Author's Note: I know this really doesn't follow a basic essays guideline, but it's something I really put a lot of work into. It really has feeling. Sorry if it makes you cry :) It's also a bit jumpy, but it's me….. Since when am I calm? Anyways, I can seriously say this might be the most heartfelt piece I've ever written. Well, that's because I can't stand mush…. I'm writing this note after my piece…. So guys….. Thanks for the comments you left on my blog. You're like family, I can really say I really love (ok... maybe not LOVE love, but like friend love) each of you in a special way. My experience here is a dream come true- let's hope I don't move this summer, I'd love to see you guys again. And make sure you guys K.I.T. with me! :)
Oh yea, I did some things on purpose to prove my point. Like got off of topic and such..... so don't yell at me for that..... :D

From eight hours everyday of my "normal'' life, just one hour makes all the difference. From the moment I step into that classroom, high expectations dance through my mind imagining what I would be doing to fill up a great hour of my time. Would I imagine dragon fights, or maybe yarn; how about a story of friendship rotating around secrets, rumors, and gossip? Just an hour of freedom, to imagine, to explore, show independence, and be proud of what I have done. Just one hour to shine. Only 60 minuets to be free; just 60 minuets to let my mind escape the daily troubles of school. Just an hour of "Johnson's Seventh Grade Advanced Language Arts Class."

The first time I stepped into that classroom and searched every pair of eyes that was expectantly staring at me, I knew this class would be a life changing experience. I could see brilliance gleaming in each eye of every person. I expected this class to be an extraordinary one, and I got much more than what I (actually my parents) had paid for. What I have learned is past the point that dreaming extends out to. From being courageous to working hard, my life has changed just because of an hour, just because of a second it took me to step through a doorway. Just because…..

My first steps through that doorway, lightly tapping away at the tiled flooring, had me wondering how I could have ever landed in a class like this. Thinking myself to be an average student, I had simply wasted hours of my life away. In this class I learned I was worth much more than I ever knew. I learned that just having heart to a task makes all seem simpler. I have been able to mature every word of my writing along with my writing skills in this class. I now show much more independence in my writing than I ever have had before. I've pushed myself to my limits to succeed in what I wanted to reach. Just by trying, I can do anything. Who knew I could have changed so much?

Changes really did happen, so much improvement shows in my writing. I now actually feel like I'm working towards a goal. If I try, I can easily interest a writer in a piece of my work. Just a few lines can hook on my readers and audience. I can just hear the applauses now; the applauses echoing with every of my successful heartbeats. Also, I have much more organized writing, but that doesn't do much for organizing my locker, unfortunately. My paragraphs flow much better, I have understandable transitions for each of my pieces. Another one of my main improvements are in writing fiction. Before four months of this class, I was struggling on throwing every one of my words on paper in a proper order. My ideas would never come out straight. Now I have control on what I want and where I want it. Time went by much faster than I had thought, but I can surely say, my time was spent well and in worthy ways.

I just wish there was more time than just a few more days left. I hope I'll be here still next year, there is so much I would like to ask and learn. So many places I could improve in. If I had more time, I'd for sure try to work out my transitions. Also, I might want to sort out my priorities, but that doesn't apply to this class in any which way possible……. Anyways, if you might have just noticed, I also should try on focusing on a certain task. I get so bored easily…..that's why a yap so much! If I did that, you guys would have to throw me a party, since I really fail at being quiet! I'm really not focusing right now, I worked on this for like a whole week and it's not working out too well. That's probably another place I'd like to improve in if I just had the time: Writing long pieces in short times. Ohhhh….any mention of time makes me frown. Just a few more days left of walking into a classroom, with smiling faces ready for a new experience everyday. But at least summer is here. Who says we can't still keep in touch, why not.

Summer, summer, summer…… School just ending, a final bell releasing you from every barrier, change in the air! And life as you know it, just keeps getting better and better! Really, the truth is, my learning just can't end there. My life of freedom can’t be complete without this class. I'm for sure going to have to keep in touch with our sensei. My learning won't be ending there either, I'll continue reading and finding new passages among pages to other worlds. I'll still continue speaking my heart, and writing my heart. Just a few sentences each day on a long and amazing story, can also continue my life-long education. Okay, who am I kidding, I'm not going to write. Thank me later for being honest….. I'll still be reading though, and I'll probably write a few super short stories. Otherwise, I'm spending my days at the beach, relaxing, obviously watching T.V., and enjoying a beautiful summer vacation!

Since summer is here, I'll be saying goodbye. Just keep in touch, though. I'm really going to miss everything here. This place has become a home. I spend more time here than with my biological family. In truth, this class is just another family to me. Just because of the first second of a 60 minute hour, my life changed and I found the true me always surrounded by a family of brilliant friends supporting me every step of the way. Dreams really do come true……....