It was Joshan's first day of school at Potter Elementary. His mother and sister were there to take him to class. It was an odd day to start school as it was in the middle of the week, but it gave all the kids two more days of summer vacation.
Joshan had his book bag filled with everything he'd need in class, including his favorite book and his favorite toy to share. He even had his favorite lunch - a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with Tarkin berry juice. His mom had even packed him some apple slices and a cookie.
As they walked onto the campus, he held both Karissa's hand and his mother's tightly.
"It's okay to be a little nervous," Karissa said to him with a gentle smile. "But I bet there are a lot of kids in your class that are nervous too."
"Yeah... probably new like me," he smiled, his eyes shining brightly. "Maybe I'll make some friends!"
"Of course, you will," his mother said. Amalie exchanged a knowing look with her daughter. "You know, it won't be that long until you're taking your two little ones to school yourself."
Karissa couldn't help but smile a bit brighter. "I know," she replied. "Time has been flying by. In fact, I can't believe they're almost two."
Suddenly, they could feel Joshan's mood change. "What if the teacher doesn't like me?" he asked quietly.
Karissa knelt before him. "Josh, you are a smart, sweet and loveable kid," she said as she caressed his face. "How could your teacher not like you?"
He shrugged. "But what if the teacher doesn't? What if--"
"And what if the teacher likes you the moment she sees you?" his mother said.
Joshan was quiet again. "Will there be a lot of homework?" he asked. "I heard kids talking about lots of homework. It doesn't sound fun."
Karissa laughed as she stood back up. "Well, they probably won't give you too much being that you're in first grade, but you have to remember that any homework they do send home is to help you learn... and mom and I are always here to help you."
"And don't be afraid to asked questions," his mother added reassuringly as they reached the door of his classroom.
As Joshan looked inside, he saw a few other children already walking around the classroom looking at stuff. Sitting at a desk in the front of the class was a young woman. She was tall, had a good figure and blond hair. She also wore glasses. As she saw Karissa and Amalie, she got up with a smile and walked over to them.
"Hello there," she said as she extended her hand in greeting. "I'm Janine Appleton," she smiled. "I'll be Joshan's teacher this year."
Joshan looked up at her and though that she was kinda pretty. That she also had a nice voice... he also felt that she was looking forward to teaching the kids in her class and that she wanted them to be excited about learning. Sometimes it was good to be an empath. He suddenly knew he'd like his teacher and smiled brightly.
"I'm Amalie Bentara, Joshan's mother," Amalie introduced herself. "And this is Josh's sister Karissa."
"It's nice to meet you," she said taking Karissa's hand as well.
She then looked at Joshan and knelt before him so that she was able to look directly into his face. "So are you ready for first grade? It's a big step," she smiled. "But I'm here to help you through it."
"I'm ready," he replied with a big smile.
"Good!" she replied as she stood up and held out her hand for him to take. "Come with me and I'll introduce you to some of your classmates. They're over there looking at our classroom pet. It's a hamster named Freddie. He's got quite a cage! It goes in every direction."
Amalie and Karissa watched as Joshan walked off with Ms. Appleton all smiles and filled with excitement.
"I think he's going to do just fine, mom," Karissa smiled.
"I do believe he will..." Suddenly, Amalie looked at her chronometer. "Oh! I'm running behind schedule! I need to get to Kensington Secondary School! I have to get ready for my first class of the day!"
Karissa laughed. "Good luck with your first day too," she said.
"Thanks, dear!" she said as she ran off.
As Karissa watched her, she smiled and shook her head. It was good to have her family together, she thought, as she headed toward the hospital.
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