CHAPTER 3: LIFE STORY: SECOND GRADE

My first school year as a Kindergartener ended and it was then a year in first grade, and then I moved up to second grade. What was really funny was the fact that I was very worried I would be in different classes from Jaime and Chris, but we arrived to school on the first day we found out that we were placed together in the same classes not only in first and but also in second grade; it was like a dream, a fairy tale story become reality.

My parents were still driving and picking me up from school every day but there were times I would go with Jaime or Chris as my parents had something to do which wasn’t bad cause we all knew each other; we were in the same school, same grade and same classroom and lived in the same neighborhood which was quite convenient. I remember a few times when I went back home from school was either at Jaime or Chris’ place doing homework, watching television, eating snacks or playing games until mum or dad came to pick me up. My parents knew that I loved hanging out with Jaime and Chris and so did Jaime and Chris’s parents as we all had a great relationship. Although, there were times at school and at home we did get into trouble which was not good at all, but what was so funny about it, was that every time we got into trouble in school, we somehow stood up for each other, I mean after all we were great buddies and it is what buddies do for each other right?

I remember this one incident in second grade our classroom teacher was Mrs. McDonald, and she was a no nonsense teacher, very strict and also very picky, but of course a great teacher. She just couldn’t handle mischievous children, so whenever her students misbehaved, it was either ‘time out-no recess, sit in the corner by yourself or ‘see the counselor or principal’ if the matter was serious that would be the time your parents were called. So anyway, one day during the morning recess Jaime, Chris and I were out in the playground playing, running around having fun as you know that is what we do at this age. All over a sudden out of nowhere come these three boys, same height, faces looked like watermelon, all puffed up, wore blue jeans, and t-shirts and they were not friendly material by the looks of their faces. So I started making fun of them mimicking the way their stood, hands folded like bodyguards, rough faces, eyes staring back at us and without thinking I said to them;

Diana: What’s up guys? Looking for someone?

The three boys start walking towards me, next thing I found myself on the ground looking straight at them. I managed to get up as I had only fallen on the sand, ran toward the guy who pushed me and I pushed him down on the ground as well. I stood looking at him straight in the face with anger!!

One of the boys pushed Jaime and Chris on the ground. This time, I spoke in an angry tone;

Diana: Stop pushing them, leave them alone!!

One of the boys: This is our playground and we wanna play here so leave now!!

Diana: This isn’t your playground, doesn’t have your name on it, does it?

The second boy: So? We want to play on this playground now, so (pushes me) leave or else we will make you leave!!

The next thing I notice, the third boy goes towards Jaime and Chris and pushes them off the playground and they fell on the ground injuring their elbow. I walked up to the third boy and slapped him, he started crying and I just folded my hands and stood there.

Diana: Jaime, Chris, are you guys OK?

Jaime and Chris: We are OK, but our elbows hurt.

Just when I was about to open my mouth to say something to the three boys, Mrs. McDonalds showed up, pulled us apart, then had us stand aside and told us to head to her classroom while recess was still going on. The look on Mrs. McDonalds face scared me shitless as I was already sure that there was no way I was going to get away from what happened on the playground. It was either, no recess, no more play times, or the principal’s office, and parents were going to be called. To be quite honest I was ready because I did what I thought was right, defended my two buddies Jaime and Chris from getting hurt. OK I did push and slap one of the boys but that was all in self-defense as they would call it. Once we got into the classroom, the conversation went down like this;

Mrs. McDonald: I leave you guys out in the playground and all you do is just cause trouble. So each and every one of you will tell us exactly what happened, nothing but the truth, understood?

(The classroom teachers of the three boys were also present).

The three boys, Jaime, Chris, and I: (heads looking down scared) Yes, Ms. McDonalds.

Jaime: Mrs. McDonalds, Chris, Diana and I were playing in the playground at the ring circle area. We were having fun minding our own business, when these boys came (pointing at them), stood in front of us with their hands folded. Diana started mimicking them, and asked them if they were looking for someone, and that’s when they pushed Diana to the ground and then Diana pushed the guy who pushed her to the ground, she was only defending herself.

Chris: Yes, then the other two boys came and pushed Jaime and I to the ground.

(Interruption from one of the boys) That’s not true

Mrs. McDonald: Hush young man, do not interrupt while they are speaking, you will have your turn, continue Chris.

Chris: Diana told them to stop pushing and to leave us alone.

Jaime: That’s when one of the boys started asking us to leave the playground because they wanted to play, saying that this is their playground.

Diana: I spoke to him (point at the one of the boys) saying “This isn’t your playground, doesn’t have your name on it, does it?” Then he said (pointing at the boy) “So? We want to play on this playground, so (pushes me) leave now!!” Then the third boy goes towards Jaime and Chris pushing them off the playground falling on the ground injuring their elbow. I walked up to the third boy and slapped him, he started crying and I just folded my hands and stood there wanting to say something to them, that’s when you came to the playground Mrs. McDonalds.

Chris and Jaime: That is what happened.

Mrs. McDonalds: Are you both hurt?

Chris and Jaime: Just our elbows hurt, but we are OK.

Mrs. McDonald: OK now you tell your side of the story.

One of the boys: We wanted to play on this playground and asked them to leave as we had seen them playing on the playground for a long time, and figured it was our turn. Diana pushed me and my friends to the ground, then slapped me on my face (ouch it still hurts) and I started crying, that’s when you came Mrs. McDonalds.

Mrs. McDonalds: OK so I have heard your stories, now you three boys and Diana are wrong. The three of you boys, firstly is this your playground? Does it have your name?

Three boys: No, Mrs. McDonalds

Mrs. McDonalds: So what makes you think that you can go and tell them to get off the playground because you want to play on it and that it is your playground? We learn to share or take turns, right? Also you know it is not right to push your schoolmates or classmates, right?

Three boys: Yes, Mrs. McDonalds, but Diana also pushed us and slapped me (speaking loudly).

Mrs. McDonalds: I know, I will get to her in a minute, (looking at me) Think about what you will have to say to Chris and Jaime and Diana once I finish talking to Diana.

Mrs. McDonalds: Diana, you know pushing and slapping in school is behavior that is not acceptable right?

Diana: (interrupting Mrs. McDonalds) I know, but I was only helping and saving Chris and Jaime from these three bullies and I didn’t like the way they pushed me nor Chris and Jaime (speaking in tears).

Mrs. McDonalds: Don’t interrupt me… let me finish….. You know this behavior is not acceptable at school and I will have to report what happened in to school today to your parents.

I looked at Mrs. McDonalds and was about to open my mouth and throw a tantrum at her, but for some reason something stopped my mouth from opening and pushed me back from speaking. No matter what I tried, my mouth would not open or allow me to speak, I didn’t say anything. I continued putting my head down in sadness but with anger not allowing anyone to see my tears running down my face.

Mrs. McDonalds: You three boys are to apologize to Chris, Jaime and Diana and head on to your class with your teachers. Your teachers will deal with you in class.

Mrs. McDonalds: Chris and Jaime you didn’t do anything wrong and I thank you for being honest with me. Diana you will apologize to these three boys and I will deal with you later in class, and will also be speaking to your parents about this issues later today.

Diana: I am sorry for being rude, pushing and slapping you, it will not happen again (shook hands and went off to class with Mrs. McDonalds).

Three boys: I am sorry for being rude and pushing you Chris, Jaime and Diana. It will not happen again (shook hands and went off to class with their classroom teachers).

Walking back to class, Mrs. McDonalds was ahead of us walking at quite a quick speed as class was about to begin. Chris was on my left, Jaime was on my right, I was in the middle, and they were telling me all will be OK, as they could see tears running down my face. I didn’t know what else I could have said to them, but in my heart was truly grateful that they defended me and told the story to Mrs. McDonalds exactly as it had happened in the playground, they didn’t add nor leave out any information and to me that was more than enough of what friends should do for one another. Although, on my part it was wrong pushing and slapping one of them boys, but what was I to do, I couldn’t see my two buddies get pushed around, pushed to the ground like they were nothing, they were my buddies and I had to stand up for them. The way I stood up for them, they stood up for me. I smiled looking at Chris and Jaime as we were heading back to class and I told myself, everything will be OK. I know Mrs. McDonalds will tell my parents what happened including the slapping and pushing but I will also tell my side of the story when I get home after school. It was my hope that my parents will listen, trust and believe in my side of the story.

Once back in class, I sat on my chair and spent the rest of the day in silence, didn’t even speak in the other classes or in Mrs. McDonalds class, I only spoke to Jaime and Chris until it was time to head home. They tried to comfort and make me laugh but I was still hurt and in pain from what happened in the playground today. At the end of the school day as we packed our stuff preparing to go home, Mrs. McDonalds calls me to her desk.

Mrs. McDonalds: Are your parents coming to pick you up today?

Diana: No, they aren’t. I am going home with Jaime.

Mrs. McDonalds: I have already spoken to your parents about what happened today during recess, I thought they would be coming to pick you up so as we could talk about it in details, but since they aren’t, they will speak to you about it when you get home.

Diana: Yes, Mrs. McDonalds. Goodbye Mrs. McDonalds

Mrs. McDonalds: Bye bye Diana

Jaime and Chris’s mum were waiting in their cars for Jaime and Chris. I was going home with Jaime as mum and dad were unable to pick me up from school today.

Jaime’s mum: Hello Diana

Diana: Hello Mrs. Anders. How are you?

Mrs. Anders: I am doing well, you? (Opens the door of the car for both kids to enter the car)

Diana: I am good, thank you.

(Mrs. Anders starts the car, turns out of the parking lot and drives out of the school gate).

Mrs. Anders: How was school today?

Jaime: It was good but got into a little trouble today.

Mrs. Anders: Oh, what happened?

Jaime repeats the entire story exactly as it happened on the playground and what happened with Mrs. McDonalds. Diana carefully listens but was almost in tears, trying very hard to control her tears and not cry.

Mrs. Anders: Oh dear, Diana are you alright?

Diana: I am Mrs. Anders thank you! I slapped and pushed one of the students, I know it was wrong but I was only helping Jaime and Chris, those three boys were going to do something bad to Chris and Jaime and I couldn’t let it happen.

Mrs. Anders: Diana, what you did was very brave of you today, saving your friends Jaime and Chris, but you do know it is also not good behavior to slap and push a person, right?

Diana: Yes, I did apologize, but my concern is what my parents will say or do to me when I get home because they are very strict especially when it comes to my studies behavior and discipline in school.

Mrs. Anders: Your parents will be upset because you slapped and pushed a student, but on the other hand they probably will understand that what you did was out of self-defense helping and saving Jaime and Chris. Do you want Jaime and Chris to come with you so as they can help tell your parents what happened?

Diana: No, it is OK. I think if I tell them the exact truth what happened and what I did, they will understand and hopefully everything will be OK. Thank you Mrs. Anders, you are very nice!

Mrs. Anders: No problem.

Mrs. Anders’ car drives into our neighborhood. I get dropped right outside my gate. I wave at Jaime and Mrs. Anders and walk to the gate of my home.

I opened the entrance door of my home and when I walked in, I saw my mum and dad sitting on the sofa, almost as if they were waiting for my arrival. I automatically knew that Mrs. McDonalds had spoken to my parents and it was just a moment of hearing what my parents were going to say or do to me. I was quite terrified especially of my dad as once he gets mad that’s it…its go to your bedroom, no lunch, no dinner and I get grounded for a week.

However, on this particular day, none of that happened. I took off my shoes, placed them in the shoe rack, took off my backpack and placed it in my bedroom, washed my hands and went back to the living room where my parents were both seated. A few minutes later…

Dad: How was school Diana?

Mum: Did you enjoy your day?

Diana: It was good but got into trouble (both parents looked at me instantly) shaking in fear.

Dad: Yes, your teacher Mrs. McDonalds called your mother and told her what happened at the school playground even mentioned Jaime and Chris’s name.

Mum: When your teacher called, your father was also at home so I put the phone on speaker so that we could both hear the conversation.

Dad and mum: We heard the teacher’s version, now we want to hear your version of what happened.

My face was in utter shock as that was not what I was expecting from my parents. I stood there looking at them like I had heard wrongly what they said. Normally, I would have expected my parents especially my dad to be yelling, saying that ‘I was wrong, I sent you to school to study, not to cause trouble, look what you have done’ then in the end getting grounded for a week etc….but no that didn’t happen at all. I smiled inside my heart, build up my courage, sat on the sofa next to my parents and told the entire story from A to Z what happened. I even told them that Jaime and Chris were there when all this happened and they could ask them as well.

Dad: When Mrs. McDonalds called and reported what you did, I was in shock and thought to myself, my baby girl Diana, fighting and causing trouble in school, that can’t be possible.

Mum: I also told your father the same thing and said to Mrs. McDonalds we would talk to you once you got back from school, as we would want to hear your version of the story as well before taking any actions and making any decisions.

Dad: Slapping and pushing your schoolmate is not good behavior which you do know, right Diana?

Diana: Yes, I know dad, but….

Dad: But, I understand you were trying to help and save your buddies Chris and Jaime and you did a great job no doubt because I can only image how things would have gotten if they were bullied and beaten by those three boys.

Mum: Yeah, you did a good job saving them, but next time, when something like that ever happens, call and tell the teacher and let the teacher handle it, OK Diana? (Mum kisses me on my head)

Dad: Yes, if you are ever caught or if anyone tries to bully you, Jaime and Chris, run and call the teacher for help, OK?

Diana: Yes, mum and dad. Thank you so much for listening to me and my side of the story but mostly choosing to believe in me, love you so much mum and dad.

Dad and mum: Love you too always Diana.

I stood up saying to my parents, “I am going to take a bath, then do my homework.” As I was walking to my room, I turned around and looked at my parents, I felt so relieved, so happy with how the situation turned out in the end. I had been quite scared with crazy thoughts of what would have happened including, being scolded and getting grounded etc.….but that didn’t happen and at that moment I realized how grateful I was having such wonderful parents, not only believing in me, but also in teaching, guiding and supporting me in everything I do which has been such a wonderful blessing for a child to have in a family.

After this incident, I told myself, I have nothing more to fear, nothing to worry about but also keeping mind the discipline and life lesson learned from today’s incident. The fact of having two cool buddies Jaime and Chris, their parents who not only like me but have accepted me to be their sons’ friend is truly a blessing in my life. Moreover, I have two wonderful parents who I have come to love, respect, and adore, parents who have been and will always be there for me in my life. Having these special people in my life, I felt my life had began to become even more colorful, beautiful, enriching, and full of joy with happiness any child could ever want in this whole wide world.

My second grade life story ended on that note and for the reminder of the year, I focused on my studies, spending most of my time with Chris and Jaime, having sleepovers, weekend camps, eating lunch together, doing homework together and having lots of other fun times in second grade. The subjects we were learning were not difficult (math, science, computer, PE, art, music, and language arts), and I did quite well in first and second semester taking home a report card that put smiles on my parents faces, to me that was my gift to them for their full love and support and for being the best and most wonderful parents.

Jaime and Chris also did well in second grade and I was very happy for them. It’s funny, when we got our school report cards; we exchanged and saw each other’s report card comments and scores which were pretty much the same. We would laugh; jump up and down with excitement of finishing second grade with great scores. My only concern once again was next school year, third grade-would we be in the same classroom?

Diana: I hope we shall be in the same classroom next school year?

Jaime: Me too, it has been a great three years being in the same class, living in the same neighborhood, our parents not only know each other but we have become great friends.

Chris: Me too, I have enjoyed and gotten used to us three doing pretty much everything together in class, even helping each other with the homework.

Diana: I know, so we will see when we come back in the fall. So what are your plans for the summer?

Jaime: I am not sure, I know both my parents have to work. They haven’t really spoken about what will happen this summer. In the past we would visit my grandparents and relatives in other States, but not sure what’s going to happen this year.

Diana: What about you Chris?

Chris: I overheard my parents talking about visiting our relatives in Europe?

Diana and Jaime: Europe? You got family in Europe?

Chris: Yes, my uncles and aunties from my mother’s side live in Europe.

Diana and Jaime: That’s cool.

Jaime: What about you Diana, any plans for the summer?

Diana: Not sure…..my parents haven’t planned anything. A lot has to do with my dad’s job if he will get time off. My mum likes it when we travel together as a family, so we shall see what happens. I know we visited our relatives in different States when we lived in New York, but not sure if that will happen this summer. To be honest, I would rather stay here and just hang out, go swimming, camping, join some activities but we’ll see what happens.

Jaime: Well let us know what you end up doing.

Chris: Yes, let us know.

Diana: Cool. Well you guys have a great summer and if you are around, we can have some fun in our neighborhood.

Jaime and Chris: Sure, no problem. Have a good summer and say hello to your parents.

Diana: Thanks, you too.

When we returned home, our summer holiday had officially started, it was going to be two months of heat and hot sun, but for now having to know that as of Monday I didn’t need to wake up early to go to school was already a blessing and the true start of my summer holiday.