Page 10

Ten

Bodhi

Daddy finally got me to school early. I hug him goodbye really fast and run inside so I can be the first one in the classroom.

“Slow down, Bodhi,” Mrs. Hassels says, so I just walk really fast.

I haven’t been first all year. Waylon and Owen made it sound cool for me to be late, but they were pretending. Everyone knows first is better than last.

When I get to my classroom, I run in and stop by the doorway.

That’s not Mrs. McConnell.

Did I go into the wrong room?

No. Mrs. McConnell’s chair is there by the window that looks out at the big brown house with all the pretty flowers.

“Who are you?” I ask.

The lady turns around, and I almost stop breathing.

It’s her.

She looks like I scared her. Then she smiles. “I’m Miss Jade. Have a seat, and we’ll talk about Mrs. McConnell once everyone arrives.”

I walk over to my cubby and hang up my backpack and coat.

More kids come in and ask her questions, but she tells them to sit down too.

I slide into my seat and watch her.

She’s really pretty.

That must be why Daddy stares at her picture all the time.