Chapter 10

        Soon, it was night time, I fixed up my bed with a bedspread and pillow case, mom got for me. I couldn't sleep at all, sometimes, when you're in a new environment that you are not used to, you won't be able to easily fall asleep but the surprising thing is that you will wake up early the next morning, it happens to me a lot .

    I was among the early birds the next day, so I quickly took my bath and got dressed, thank God that the heater was working . After breakfast, I was called for an orientation for the newly enrolled students, we were briefed by the principal and other staff .

         After the orientation, I went straight to my new class, I feel like everyone was judging me once I walked in, I got everybody's attention, am I that handsome or what !

"Hey!" Peter said

"Hey"

"Don't worry about those guys, they just feel threatened that a new handsome student just arrived"

(I blushed lightly)

"Good morning class !"

A man, probably forty or forty five years old, tall and dark in complexion , walked in .

"For those who don't know me, my name is Henry, I am going to be teaching you Physics . Yes, young man, can you please introduce yourself "

"Hey everybody, my name is Joseph Anderson from New Jersey"

"Mr Anderson from New Jersey, it's nice to have you here, please take your seat . Okay, back to business, when we are talking about Physics, what comes to your mind ? Yes Cassandra !"

                         °°°°°°

       After about 9 weeks or so , the first semester was gradually coming to an end. I made a lot of friends, however, some people who don't like me but whatever, I don't care . Right now, I am preparing for the forthcoming exams. I am used to the school environment, I am used to getting up early and rushing for breakfast and now I can sleep soundly .

         At last, preparation for exams began. I was nervous and anxious, who could blame me anyways, I am in a new school, the system, the way of doing things is distinct. I am used to reading at the comfort of my home, in the study, with some crackers and a juice pouch beside me, sometimes, I listen to music while studying but now things have changed.

"Are you still worried about the exams Joseph ?" Peter asked

"Yes in fact, I am agitated "

"Don't be, just do your best, don't be nervous, everything  will be alright"

"Thanks"

                       °°°°°°

I couldn't believe it ! We were finally done with the exams and getting ready to go back home.

"Peter!"

"Hey, are you leaving ?"

"Yes, my parents will be here very soon, I just wanted to say bye. Are you parents coming ?"

"Nope! They have to finish some important work, they will be here tomorrow. Good Bye "

"Stay safe, bye "

"Joseph !"

"Dad !"

"Hey champ, wow ! You have grown a bit taller"

"Where is mom ?"

"Well, your mother stayed at home to get some things done at home before you arrive. Are you ready to go home ?"

                           °°°°°°

"Josie ! My dear "

"Mom! I missed you so much "

"Me too, so how have you been ? How is the new school ? Do you like it there ?"

"Allow him to rest first before you start bombarding him with your questions "

"Alright ! Joseph, go freshen up and come down for dinner, I prepared your favourite ! Go, take your things to your room"

    Oh! It's so good to be home, I quickly took a shower and hurried down stairs to have a taste of my favourite dish prepared by mom and probably finish all the food .

"So Joseph, what happened ? Tell me everything "

"Well, when I first arrived, I was anxious and scared, I couldn't even sleep.  At first, I was not used to the school system and how they run things but after a few weeks, I was comfortable with it. There was a lot of school activities, I participated in the spelling bee competition"

"Wow ! That's nice Joseph " dad said

"Joseph, come help me with the dishes "

"Coming !".

"Joseph, always do the right thing no matter what, stay away from friends that will cause you only trouble, remember bad company always corrupt good manners."

"Yes mom"

I wondered what made her to say all these things, anyways, I think it will be useful to me in the nearest future, probably.                                                                       We spent the rest of the evening, watching football and movies. I really like it, when we would just sit back, relax and do nothing but to spend some quality family time .

"Joseph, it's time for bed"mom said

"Hey! He is not a kid anymore "

"I know that Jeff but he needs to rest"

"Okay, give him an hour more"

Oh thank goodness, dad came to my rescue. Of all time, mom wanted to send me to bed just when the movie was getting interesting .

"Fine Joseph, you have an hour, after that you go straight to bed"

            After a very good and sound sleep,I planned on how am I going to make it a fun filled day. However, things did not go as planned, my parents left for a weeding, leaving me all by myself, home alone. Well, I got food and television to console and comfort me.

        The holiday wasn't that bad actually, I got to celebrate at home, I got calls and messages from loved ones and well wishers. I got a chance to visit some old friends of mine but unfortunately I can't see Gabriella. I was able to reach her cell phone, we talked on the phone for a long time .

         Time waits for no one ! It was time to go back to school, I was not totally excited to go back. My parents tried a lot to make my holiday memorable and indeed it was, I really enjoyed every bit of it .

"Oh God! My darling is going back to school, I am going to miss you " mom said

"I really wished I could stay back"

"I packed some snacks for you "

"Thanks mom "