Back to school

Tuesday was the first day of school in our district. My bus stop was suddenly downright populated with teenagers heading off to do battle with Algebra, English and such.

The girl who sat next to me was so obviously a first day freshman, it just made my heart ache. From the SPOTLESS tennis shoes to the equally spotless and stiff, new gym bag, she was the picture of a youngster trying to fit in. To be cool but not ostentatiously so.

She looked about furtively, hopefully as more and more kids got on the bus at succeeding stops. And was clearly unsure whether to get off first or middle of the pack or after everyone else. She walked head down with the rest of the high schoolers from the stop to the signal at the corner of Factoria Blvd and Newport Way, across the street from the Newport High. My last glimpse as we rounded the corner was of her trying to maintain the appearance of nonchalance while surreptitiously glancing around at her fellow travelers through high school. My bus buddy Andrea saw her as well and we shared a grin.

Hope she had a good first day.