Chapter 1
I was sitting at my desk, reading one dreary November morning. I always get to school early, so most days, I help Mr. T. Picking up worksheets from the printer, hanging projects on the walls, and more of that sort of thing. But some days, some days I just sit at my desk and read. This was one of those days. It was pouring rain outside, so I was wearing my school uniform, plus a sweater and a pair of navy wool tights. Our uniforms consist of white button-down shirts with plaid ties, plaid skirts for girls, and navy pants for boys. Soon the class will be a mess of people, activity, and book bags.
Ten minutes later my best friend Alice comes onto the classroom with her twin brother Theo. Alice has thick brown hair that she wears in two braids. Theo has the same hair as Alice, but his is shorter and curlier. Theo loves Math, and Alice loves writing. Alice takes her seat next to me, and Theo takes his next to her.
Alice says to me, "Some rain, right?"
I reply, "Yeah. Dad couldn't drive me, so I had to walk. Thank god for umbrellas!"
Next, Matthew comes in. He has wavy blond hair and loves sports. Soon the class is full and the bell is ringing.
Mr. T says, "Well class, as today is a Friday and very rainy, Ms. Smithy and I have decided that today is a station day!"
A wave of woo hoos and clapping echos through the room. A slideshow appears on the screen. Mr. T flips to a slide. It is titled, Groups!. I scan the screen for my name. I'm with Alice, Theo, and Ellie.
Mr. T tells us, " Your groups are as follows. Group A: Jade, Isadora, Matthew, and Adriane, Group B: Emmy, Will, Tara, and Mary Anne. Group C will be Alice, Addelyn, Theo, and Ellie. Group D is Logan, Cassandra, Cady, and Josephine. Group E is Sarah, Chris, Aidy, and Colin. "
Mr. T is an excellent teacher that way. He pairs us up with at least one of our friends, so we never feel alone. Ellie is of regular height with red hair pulled into a bun. Ellie is quiet, but once you get to know her, she laughs a lot and has super good ideas!
Another slide appears on the screen. It's our group assignments for first period. My group is doing English. Our first stop is a group word search, using next week's spelling words. Our second stop is pairing up and reading two passages each. Finally we get to do everyone's favorite English stop, just reading for fifteen minutes. Then we finish up with a comprehension worksheet. I have a great time. Then we have math. More of the same kinds of things. After math is recess. We all file into the gym, but by the time Alice, Ellie and I get to the line, the mats are already full. I go to the bathroom, and hear a girl's voice...
