The First Day
Brushing through my curls, I get ready for the first day of junior year. I have been waiting for this day all summer because one, I finally get to drive myself, and two, because it’s the first game of the volleyball season. As co-captain, I must be there early to help set up for the team breakfast we do at the beginning of each season. I love doing this each year because it helps with team bonding, especially for the freshmen who are just getting into high school. Volleyball season is my favorite part of the school year.
I look at the time after getting lost in my thoughts and see that I’m running behind. I run downstairs to tell my parents I’m leaving and of course my mom stops me. “Why are you in such a hurry?”, she asks.
“Team breakfast, remember? I’m running a little late. Please tell me you baked the pancakes.”
“Oh, of course! I made a few different kinds as well. I made chocolate chip, blueberry, pumpkin spi-“.
“Mama, I’m really in hurry so I gotta go. I’m sure they will love them like they always do. Love you, bye!” I say nearly running out of the house.
As I get settled into my car, I call Brooke and let her know I’m on my way. Brooke is a sophomore, but she’s just a few months younger than me. I told her that I could give her a ride to school today we need to be there early and she lives on the way. I put on my sunglasses and turn on my music as I drive off.
“I love your whip!” says Brooke as she gets in.
“Brooke, you’ve been here like a hundred times over the summer!” I laugh.
“I know, but it’s just such a nice car!” she exclaims. “So, you ready cap?”
“For what? The team breakfast or the first game?” I ask.
“Both, everything. New season, new school year.”
“I’m honestly very excited for my junior year. I feel like this is gonna be a really good season like the last. Believe it or not, I’m also excited for my classes!”
“Why are you excited for classes? All this driving and the wind hitting your face has made you crazy!”
I laugh and say, “No. I’m excited because I may finally get to work in the office with my dad as like a nurse instead of just a receptionist. My medical classes will help with that. Plus, you know I love math.”
“You’re so weird, Alex,” she giggles. “Math and I just don’t understand each other. Will you help me this year?”
“Of course. What kind of Captain would I be if I didn’t?” After I pull up at the school, we get all our breakfast items, along with our school and volleyball stuff, and head inside to meet coach and Kayla. As we walk into the gym, Kayla starts running up to me.
“Hey, Captain Alex! Where you been?” Kayla shouts.
“Hey, Captain K! I was running a little late-,”.
“As always,” Kayla laughs and cuts me off.
“As I was saying,” I continued. “I was running a little behind, then my mom stopped me.”
“Oh my goodness, did mama Williams makes my favorite pancakes?” she asks.
“If you’d let me finish, then you would know that she made chocolate chip, blueberry, pumpkin spice, and regular pancakes.” I sassily said.
“Yes ma’am! We love your mom Alex,” says Coach Clark as she walks up.
“You have no idea how much she loves the team. She wouldn’t even make these kinds of pancakes for me!” I laughed. “Is anyone else here yet?”
“Yea, a few freshmen setting up tables in the cafeteria. We came in here to grab the plates and stuff from my office,” coach explains.
When we finally get to the cafeteria, we set everything up and wait for more people to start coming. I decide to go to the bathroom to do my make up before the breakfast that way I won’t have to worry about it afterwards. “Hey Kayla, wanna come with me to the restroom?”
“Yea, sure,” she replies.
As we’re walking down the hall talking about the upcoming school year, we overhear a teacher yelling at someone. Walking by the classroom, we see it’s Coach Ross yelling at one of his athletes about his grades. Trying not to pay it much attention, I ask Kayla how she feels about her senior year. “I don’t know. It’s like I’m ready for it, but then I don’t want it to be over. Unlike some people, high school was a very good time for me, still is. Oh, and by the way, I’m taking you to a real party before I graduate!”, she exclaims.
I laugh at her. “No way! I always hear those parties get crazy and everyone always get drunk,”.
“Yea sweetheart. That’s the point. Having a good time, you know? Getting out of your comfort zone, going a little crazy.”
“Fine!”, I exclaim. “As long as you promise not to get to wild so that I can enjoy myself without doing something stupid.”
“Deal!”
When I finally finish my make-up, we sprint back to the cafeteria to make it in time for the breakfast. We all laughed and talked and enjoyed each other’s company. Kayla, Brooke, and I walked the freshmen to their first classes which was a ritual we had since we wanted the freshmen to be comfortable with the school and us. Afterwards, we agreed to meet during lunch to talk about the game and went to our classes.
