Chapter 4: The First Day at a New School
It was the final day of August, and as the unrelenting heat of summer reluctantly loosened its grip, the first hints of autumn could be felt on the gentle breeze. The lush green trees lining the suburban neighborhood streets were just beginning to be tinged with amber and gold.
For the Evergreen and Montgomery families, this transitional period marked not only the cycling of the seasons but the dawning of a new chapter of life. It had been some time since their move from England to New York City, a time filled with upheavals both logistical and emotional. Now, settled as best they could be into their unfamiliar surroundings, this coming Monday would bring about yet another first in this journey of new beginnings: the first day at a new school for young Alexander and Alice.
The muffled street noise of rumbling buses and sporadic horns drifted up to the second-story window of Alexander's bedroom. He sat perched on the edge of his desk, garbed in his usual casual attire jeans, and a plain white tee. His tousled white hair fell loosely across his forehead, strands fluttering faintly as a breeze whispered its way through the half-open window. His striking emerald eyes, which stood in stark contrast against his pale complexion, briefly gazed out at the world below before turning back. His fingers traced the strings of his guitar absentmindedly, as he hummed an unknown melody.
It was difficult to discern, behind Alexander's tranquil expression, what thoughts and emotions were flowing through the intelligent and precocious 7-year-old's mind. Yearning for the adventures of summer still not fully realized? Apprehension about navigating new social territory? Wistfulness for the familiarity of home, thousands of miles away across the ocean?
Beside him on the neatly made bed, where she habitually positioned herself during their hangouts, sat Alex's cherished friend Alice Montgomery. Her golden waves of hair cascaded gently down her back as she fidgeted absently with the strap of her floral backpack. Though Alexander appeared collected and tranquil on the surface, Alice's anxiety was more plainly evident in her restless movements. Her sky-blue eyes followed Alex's gaze out the open window, though what she envisioned in the scene below was veiled behind a creased brow.
After a prolonged silence, Alexander finally spoke, his voice calm yet laced with wistfulness. "Hard to believe summer vacation is really over, isn't it?"
Alice drew her gaze back inside the room to meet Alex's, a rueful smile finding its way onto her lips. "It really flew by quickly, didn't it? Though I suppose we shouldn't complain. It was definitely less boring than summers back home."
Alexander nodded slowly in agreement then asked, "Are you nervous?"
Alice flinched slightly, "A little. It's just...everything is so new, you know?"
He nodded in understanding a small smile gracing his lips. "Yeah, I get it. But you know what? Were in this together. We'll figure it out just like we always do."
Alice smiled back gratefully, her tension easing a bit. As much as Alexander tended to keep deeper worries private, he had a knack for bolstering her confidence when it was shaken.
"You're right," she replied, resolve creeping back into her tone. "I mean, a new school isn't nearly as scary as that haunted house we snuck into back home!"
Alexander let out an amused laugh, cheered to see Alice's nervous energy start to transform into her usual plucky enthusiasm. "See, exactly! If we survived that, we can handle a bunch of American elementary schoolers."
The two childhood friends exchanged grins, their shared mirth dissolving the last bit of trepidation that had filled the air. As long as they faced things arm in arm, any challenge seemed surmountable.
...
The morning of the first day of school arrived, and the atmosphere in both households was a mix of excitement and jitters. The parents exchanged knowing glances, their own experiences of the first days of school still fresh in their minds.
"Are you ready, Alex?" Katherine asked, a reassuring smile on her face.
Alexander sighed; he was already missing the freedom that summer afforded him. he slung his backpack over his shoulder as he replied. "As ready as I'll ever be."
"Charlie, make sure to take care of your brother, ok?"
"Ok, Mom," Charlie replied. Being two years older than Alex he would be entering the 4th grade while Alexander would join the 2nd.
At the Montgomery household, a similar scene was unfolding. "Alice, sweetheart, remember to be yourself," Eleanor said gently.
Alice nodded, her backpack hanging from her shoulders. "I will, Mom. Thanks."
Meeting up beforehand, Alexander and Alice made their way toward their bus stop. The air had warmed considerably as midday approached, the cloudless sky an expanse of vivid azure, but the breeze retained a hint of coming autumn. As they walked down the tree-lined street, Alice chattered lightly about innocuous topics - television shows, music choices, amusing neighborhood characters they had observed. Though she kept things breezy on the surface, it was clear she was still working to manage a subtle undercurrent of anxiety.
Alexander strode alongside her, interjecting thoughts or observations into her continuous stream. But his steady presence provided a calming influence as Alice processed internally, and he would offer an encouraging quip whenever her enthusiasm for a topic began to strain and falter.
Approaching the bus stop, the bright yellow transport was already idling at the curb, signaling to quicken their pace. Standing by the folding door was Alexander's brother Charlie, distinguishable even at a distance by his sturdier build and the messy shag of dirty blonde hair that hung down past his ears.
As the two younger kids hustled up to the bus, Charlie gave them a grin and shook his head. "Cutting it close today, aren't you?"
Alexander shrugged nonchalantly. "What can I say, first day excitement made us lose track of time."
Charlie let out a snort. "First-day excitement? Since when has that ever been your thing?" His eyes shifted over to Alice's fresh and carefully styled outfit. "I'm guessing the primping had more to do with Alice over here."
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