Kate~

Heh. Someone yelled at my sister. That's a first. I can't believe it; my sister, the so called "perfect" student, being the first one to get in trouble. Wait till I see her alone, she'll never hear the end of it.

She has her head on her desk, not exactly a smart move when she literally just got in trouble for not paying attention. Eh. I don't care. I need to listen to Mrs. Bytde before she yells at me, too.

I thought we would get a break on the first day. That's how it usually goes. But nooo, we have to do stupid adverbs. This class is supposed to be fun! Why aren't we writing, or doing something worthwhile? I check my watch, but the minute hand has barely even moved. Mrs. Bytde doesn't seem too awful, though, so I think I can survive another forty-five minutes.

Somewhere on the far side of the room, a few of the boys snicker. I can't tell what they're laughing about, but one of them points at Amelia and raises his eyebrow at another. That makes me angry. I can laugh at her, I can laugh at her all I want. You can't though, I guess that's just part of being a sister. I glare at him, but he's already turned away and returned to his schoolwork. What. Even. You aren't supposed to care, I tell myself. Control your temper, for goodness sake. But I'm already mad, and there's no stopping me until I calm down.

Luckily, I have a whole class period to cool off. And that will be plenty of time, knowing Mrs. Bytde.

~~~~~~~~

That's was pretty weird, sorry if I did anything wrong or offensive. 

Amelia~

Help me, I think, raising my head up from my desk. I have a tendency to think way too much, whether I'm writing, drawing, or dealing with anything in real life. For instance, sometimes my voice cracks when I try to talk to people. Sometimes, I plan exactly what I am going to say to someone, and it comes out completely wrong. That's when I'm the hardest on myself, and even though I try so hard to be positive, I can't stop stressing out over the little things. I make the little things count, for sure.

Someone starts singing Schoolhouse Rock, and Hannah holds up a piece of paper that says, "Meet me after class." Maybe she doesn't want to be my friend anymore. I guess I'll have to go back to being a loner. Oh my gosh, just stop it, Amelia, I think, scolding myself for being so negative. Remember, people don't pay attention to you as much as you think. Just forget it ever happened. I am being too selfconscious, which will lead to selfishness. The only thing I can do is pray. Dear God, I think. I'm not doing so hot. If you're not busy, I could really use some help right now. Then, my faith in him is renewed once again, because that's when Skye taps me on the shoulder.

"Hey, don't sweat. I've been called out for not paying attention before, too."

"Thanks?" I say quietly, not sure what to do in a situation like this, especially considering my encounter with her earlier. "Do you want to, um, talk or something after school?" I say, the words popping out before I can stop them. I cover my mouth, surprised at myself. She grins and says, "That's fine with me." 

Thank you, Lord, I pray, smiling at my feet. Now I've got something to look forward to. 

~~~~~~

I know I'm overreacting sooooo much, but those are usually my thoughts when I do something stupid. I'm trying to stay with my real personality! Sorry, Leeli, if I used Skye too much.  

~Hannah~ 

For the rest of the class, I read Inheritance, as this class seems safe enough to read in. As long as I pay at least a bit of attention. But by the end of class, I am completely wrapped up in my book, oblivious to the rest of the world.

But honestly, who can blame me? The author just introduced Murtagh+Nasuada, Murtagh is planning to get Nasuada, and Eragon is on his way to defeat Galbotrix. TENSION.

I grab my book and bag after class, just barely managing to close the book. "I'll see you tomorrow, Miss Barton?" Mrs. Bytde asks Maggie, while I wait by the door.

Maggie smiles and waves at her, then makes her way over to me. "So, hey?" Maggie says. "Hey," I reply, my mind still spinning with all the possibilities.

"Hi," Esthelle says, smiling slightly. "Um, you." Maggie says, pointing at Esthelle. "I forgot your-"

"It's Esthelle." Esthelle says. "Oh, sorr-" Esthelle cuts her off again. "It's fine." Emma strides up to us, displeasure clearly written on her face. "Excuse me? You aren't supposed to pass notes in class, Hannah. Also, Maggie; where were you in math? He called your name in the roll."

I want to tell her, I actually only passed one note; technically speaking, but I can tell I don't want this girl as an enemy. But, then again, if we don't make enemies, we're cowards -- or even worse.

At least, that's what Angela says. I open my mouth to speak my thoughts, but Maggie cuts in, not seeing my face. "Oh ... right ... math. I was at this meeting for students who just joined the district. Why? What happened?"

"Oh that. Mr. Blits was a complete jerk, and ripped a book's spine, and hates 'literature'." I say, making air quotation marks.

"Yeah," Esthelle says, clutching the Jane Austen book a little worriedly. "Mr. Blits? As in Blitzkreig?" Maggie asks.

Emma gives a funny laugh and says, "Sure, maybe. He might just be as bad as that. Anyway, want to 'help'?"

"Hold it," Maggie says. "Help with what?"

"We're going to prank Mr. Blits." Emma says, shrugging slightly, as if it's no big deal. "Wait WHAT? We can't prank a teacher! Besides, why would you want me?"

"Well, A) I saw you with Huck Finn, B) you have the cover of Charlotte's Web on your bag, and C) you're smart." Emma says.

"I am?"

"Sure," I say, grinning slightly. "Look how you responded to Mrs. Bytde."

"Wait, she did what?" says Esthelle. "Sorry. I kinda was reading the whole time."

"Must be a good book," I say laughing, and the rest of the girls giggle.

"Anyway," says Emma, looking annoyed. "Do you want to help?"

"Here," Maggie says. "Lunch is next. Let's just talk through this."

"Okay," I say with a shrug.

"Sounds good," Esthelle says with a laugh.

Emma is silent. 

"Come on, Emma." Maggie says quietly. We all move out of the room, and halfway to the cafeteria, I remember someone.

"Dang it!" I swear. "What?" Esthelle asks, looking up from her book, as she was "Book-walking".

"I forgot a friend," I explain. "And all because I was a little busy shipping two charachters from my book."

Everyone except for Emma laughs. She seems preoucupied with a thought. "One sec and I'll go find her." I say, running off. "I'll be back soon!"

I go back to the lockers, and sure enough, there's Amelia. She's sniffling quietly. "Hey," I say softly. She whips around, startled. "Oh. Hannah. I thought you left me." She says sadly. Her eyes are slightly red from crying.

"I'm sorry. I-I was a little wrapped up in shipping two charachters. I'm really sorry. Can you come and sit with us during lunch?" She sighs and says, "Yes. And I forgive you."

"Thanks." I say, and we walk into the cafeteria together. 

Maggie~Hannah walks in with a girl, who looks like she's crying. 

"Are you alright?" I rush up to them and ask. "What happened? What's your name."

The girl smiles bravely. "I'm Amelia. Who are you? Oh-right-you're Maggie."

"Hey! Amelia! As in, Amelia Earhart?"

Amelia smiles a little. 

Hannah laughs. "Do you connect every person you meet to a historical person or event?!"

"Well, maybe. Wanna sit with us?"

"I literally just asked her that!" says Hannah. "Amelia is awesome. She's already a great friend."

"Cool," I say.

We begin walking towards the lunch table, where Estelle and Emma are sitting. Amelia looks a little less sad, for which I am glad. She seems like a nice girl.

"Oops!" Amelia says, and bends down on the floor, where the entire contents of her bookbag have fallen on the floor.

"Oh, lemmie help!" Hannah and I croud around Amelia, picking up books and papers.

"Hey," I say, grabbing a paper, with a drawing of a girl on it. "Did you draw this?"

"Yeah," Amelia says, looking at the ground.

"Awesome! I love to draw! I have art as an elective next!"

"Same here!" Amelia and Hannah say at the same time.

"Yes!" I say.

I have that feeling that I have just made two very good friends. 

"So," Emma says, obviously a little annoyed at Amelia joining our table, "are you joining?" 

"Um," I say. I need to stop doing that. "If I can think of something, maybe..."

"It's now or never, do or die," says Emma. "You're in, or you're out."

"Can I please THINK about it for a while, Emma?" I ask, my fingers inching toward Escape From Mr. Lemencello's Library. "I just need some time."

Emma sighs. "Whatever." and then gets up from our table.

"So, everyone," Amelia says looking much better, "What are your favorite books?"

"Classics, definately," Estelle says, and we all nod.

"I'm reading Inheratance," Hannah says. 

"Soaunds good!" I say. "I enjoy..."

Just then, the bell rings and students get up in afrenzy, hustling to their next period.

"See y'all in art!" I call, and my new friends nod.

Guys! In my school, normal teachers sub for electives teachers. What if Mr. Blits is subbing for the art teacher?

Just an idea. 

Amelia~

I can't believe I let myself cry. A while back, I promised myself that I would never cry in front of people. There's really no reason for me to. 6 billion people on this Earth have bigger problems than I do. At the same time, I'm incredibly happy. I've had friends before, but most of them are younger than me, and I don't feel like they care about me as much as I care about them. Except for Selah, of course, but she switched schools last year, and I can only text her on the weekends. Hannah, Maggie, and Esthelle make me feel so welcome, and they are being really nice to me even though I've only just met them. I smile at my feet, thinking about how lucky I am to have met such awesome new people. We all seem to have a lot of things in common. "So, everyone," I ask, my voice not sounding all weird, for once. "What are your favorite books?"

"Classics, definitely," Esthelle says, and I nod. Especially Little House on the Prairie, and Pride and Prejudice.

"I'm reading Inheritance, " Hannah says. I tried to read that series when I was in second grade, but they were a little too old for me, so I never finished them. I make a mental note to check it out at the library the next chance I get. Actually, I'm a little behind on my other books; I'm finishing up The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, re-reading The Mark of Athena, and have recently checked out a very well-written book called Fish in a Tree. It's so deep, that is the only word to describe it, and I feel like I actually know the characters. I'm about to say that my favorite books are the entire Percy Jackson series, but Maggie says something before I do, and the bell drowns out her words.

"See ya'll in art!" she calls. I wave at her, and walk off to my locker. Art next, woohoo! My mind is buzzing with ideas for a bunch of projects, so I don't realize who's standing in front of my locker until it's too late.

Kate leans against the grey metal, chewing gum and grinning at me. I smile back; I'm in such a good mood that not even she can wreck it. "Move!" I order, in a teasing way.

"Nice stunt you pulled back there," she says, blowing a big bubble and popping it with her teeth.

"Well, you'll be the one in trouble after you pull that prank on Mr. Blits."

She looks confused for a second. "But you're doing the prank, too."

"Not anymore. Count me out. You can deal with him for me. Now, move! I've got a class to go to!" She reluctantly steps out of the way and spits out her gum in a nearby trash can. I grab my art supplies out of my locker, which is covered in splatter paint contact paper on the inside, complete with a markerboard, mirror, shelf, and a couple blue magnets. When see my face in the mirror, I'm glad to see that the tear stains have almost completely faded. That's good. Now I can start fresh. 

Maggie~I walk into the art classroom, where bright yellow, pink, and blue walls greet me.

"Woah!" I say, startled. The art room at my od school was definately not this colorful. Signs on the walls are everywhere, reminding me how art is freedom of expression, and stuff like that. I look over to the whiteboard, where a bald man is erasing a word, leaving only the letters "me."

Wait a second.

Last I checked, the art teacher was a lady named Ms. Hume.

So what is this guy doing in front of the art class?

I check my list of teachers again. Yep, there she is. Ms. Hume. She can't be gone on the first day! And if she's gone, then who-

"Hi, Maggie!" Amelia says as she bounds through the door. "I can't wait to...um." she looks at me, ducks behind a table, where I follow her, and lowers her voice to a whisper.

"What is Mr. Blits doing teaching an art class?"

"That's Mr. Blits?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"The one who broke a book's spine?"

"Do you know any other Mr. Blitses?" 

Hannah then walks through the door. "Hi, uh, what! OW!"

"Shhhh!" we say as we pull her under the table.

"Thanks, guys," Hannah says sarcasticly. "I think I just bruised my tailbone."

"Shh! You gotta be quiet!" whisper/yells Amelia. "Look who it is!"

Hannah's jaw drops. "There is no way..." she trails off. "Who asked him to sub in art?"

"Maybe he'll be OK." I say. "Remember, I haven't met him yet, so this is my opportunity to give him a fair chance."

"OK. Sure." Emma? says as she slides under the table. "But believe me, he doesn't deserve it."

"Emma!" says Hannah. Emma acts like WE are the exasperating ones, when really, I am starting to think that she is the queen of annoying.

Suddenly, I realize that we have all crammed under the art table, and that this is kinda crazy. I start to wonder why we are under the table. Suddenly, this whole situation seems weird, and I just want to sit down, and start art.

"Um." I say. Holy cow. Why can't I say something else. 'Um.' makes me sound severely unintelligent. "Okay, guys?" I say. "This is kinda super awkward with all of us crammed under the table. Can we, um, get out?" Augh! I need to stop saying 'Um."

By now students are fileing into the classroom, the perfect moment to slip out, and act normal. We crawl out, and some kids give us some funny looks, but Mr. Blitzkrieg doesn't notice.

We all find a random seat, and I'm relieved when Hannah and Amelia try to sit near me. If Mr. Blits is as bad as they say he is, at least we'll have each others backs.

The teacher turns around. "Hello, class. For those of you who don't know me, I am Mr. Blits." He points to each word on the board. "Mr. B-L-I-T-S. Now, students, before we begin, I have taken it upon myself to instruct you an life values, as Ms. Hume has been...unexpectadly detained. Therefore, I expect you to behave well, as this...talk I am about to give you, is of utmost importance."  

And he begins talking about neatness.

I can't believe it.

Why on eart is he lecturing us about cleanliness?

Okay. I'm not five. My parents go over this literally every week. And if this guy is as much of a neat freak as I think, he DOES NOT want to see my room.

I am organized in brain, but not physically.

I can't help it. I reach for Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library. It's one of my old favorites, that I just checked out from the library again. It's one of my favorites. And even though I've read it so manny times, I just can't resist reading it again. 

I hide the book under the table, and lose myself in one of the last chapters. 

"Is this some kind of joke, young lady?"

I look up, and to my horror, see that Mr. Blits is glaring at me.

"Who else agrees that this is ironic, and...absolutely unacceptable. In fact, we were just talking about how abdomable literature is. May I have this...thing?" he says.

I hand it to him, hesitantly, and smiles, a sickly, evil smile, and he rips-a library book's- pages out, littering the floor.

I begin to sob. 

Emily-

I walk into art class reading Pride and Predjudice. I'm kind of upset, though I'm trying my hardest not to show it. A tear rolls down my cheek and lands on the pages of my book. I hastily wipe it away, slipping into an empty seat, not even looking up from my book. Emma disappeared sometime after Math, and the only time I've seen her since was talking to a bunch of other people about some prank they want to play on the math teacher. Which I think is an incredibly bad idea. I mean, he's annoying and everything, but I wouldn't want to get in trouble for pranking him! What if they got suspended? Or expelled?! Oh well, guess I'll just go back to being a loner. Suddenely, four girls emerge from under the table. I jump, startled. 

"What are you...?"

"Oh, sorry about that!" One of the girls smiles. "But..."

I look to where she's pointing. My jaw drops. Standing before the art class is... Mr. Blits. Yes, the literature-hating math teacher. I could cry. In fact, I am crying. One of the girls smiles at me sympatheticaly.

"Uh, hi. I don't think we've met," she says, then blushes.

"No," I answer. Oh dear, could I have said anything more stupid? Think, Emily, think of an answer!

"Well, uh, I'm Amelia."

"I'm Emily."

"Um. Nice to meet you."

"You too. Do you want to... Get together after school?" I blush a deep red. Why would she want to get together? She barely knows me.

But the girl smiles, like she knows what I feel.

"Sure. It's nice to get to know someone new!"

We smile at each other. Suddenly, Mr. Blits doesn't seem like so much of a problem any more. 

~Hannah~ 

Maggie rushes up to Amelia and I and cries,  "Are you alright? What happened? What's your name?" I smile slightly at the rush of questions. "I'm Amelia. Who are you? Oh—right—you're Maggie."

"Hey! Amelia! Like Amelia Earhart?" I laugh. "Do you connect every person with a historical person or event?!" 

"Well, maybe. Want to sit with us?" I grin. "I LITERALLY just asked her that! Amelia is already a great friend. She's awesome." And I forgot my awesome friend because I ship Murtagh and Nasuada. 

"Cool." We walk back to the lunch table, when Amelia drops her book bag. "Oops!" she cries, startled . 

"Lemme help!" And we all push together, picking up the books.  "Hey!" Maggie exclaims, picking up a picture. "Did you draw this?" 

"Yeah," Amelia looks embarrassed now. "Awesome! I love to draw! I have art as an elective next!"

"Same here!" Amelia and I exclaim. "Yes!" 

Amelia~

Yes! Score! Two friends I will meet after school. "Hey, Emily, you'd better put your book away. Did you see what he did to Skye?"

She reluctantly slips it into her bag, which is incredibly organized. I sit down near Hannah and Maggie, with Esthelle and Skye not too far away, and pull out a paper, ready to draw. Wait, hold up... Mr. Blits is lecturing us about neatness? This is art class. I would say most artists are pretty messy and/or have cluttered workplaces. What are we supposed to do with all of our supplies? I wonder why we can't actually do art; after all, it is art class. Maggie reaches for a book, not a good idea. I'm about to tell her she should put it away, but Mr. Blits sees it first and stalks over to her desk with his eyebrow furrowed together. 

"Is this some kind of joke, young lady?" he snarls. "Who else agrees that this is ironic, and...absolutely unacceptable. In fact, we were just talking about how abomidable literature is. May I have this...thing?" he says.

Then, with an evil smile, he tears the book's pages out ten at a time, then walks back to the chalkboard where he continues his lecture. Maggie begins to cry quietly, and I put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry," I say awkwardly, not exactly sure what to do in a situation like this. "I can try to fix it?"

The pages aren't torn, thankfully, but they're out of the binding, and that's a problem. I slowly put them into a neat stack, and wonder how I could possibly get them back together. Let's see. I saw a tutorial on book binding somewhere, maybe I could just take the cover off and stitch the pages back together. It's worth a shot. "Hey, do you mind if I take this home? I might be able to fix it," I whisper. Maggie nods, sniffing quietly. I feel horrible, but I'm not sure there's anything I can do to make her feel better. 

Somehow, though, I'll get that book fixed. 

@Brook:

You know that you just called me the queen of annoying, right? I'm slightly upset…