The Prophecy

“And remember class, the long awaited field trip to the metropolitan museum of ancient arts will take place tomorrow. So kids, hand in your consent forms before you go. “ The History Teacher Mr. Hages walks up to the door before he pauses “kids." He says “Do any of you know what Pandora's box is ?." He points to a blonde kid who is literally jumping for attention " Yes jimmy, let's hear you out. “ Jimmy jumps to his feet and says “Pandora's box, it gets it's name from the woman Pandora who was created by the gods as a punishment to mankind, for Prometheus giving them divine fire he stole from the gods. She was given many gifts, her womanly virtues from Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Her cunning from Hermes, the god of mischief and lastly the box, from Zeus, lord of the Olympians. She was given to Epimethus, the brother of Prometheus who took her to be his wife, despite the warnings from his brother. Originally, she was instructed never to open the box, but as the wore on, Her curiosity grew until she couldn't stem it. She opened the box, thus releasing all the different plagues and hardship that had been put into the box by the gods. Pandora was scared and she closed the box as fast as she could. But by then, evil had already been released into the world . “ “Outstanding! That was a good speech Jimmy. Please have your seat." He gestures to the boy. Jimmy does that, apparently pleased with his knowledge of Greek history. ”although.“ The History Teacher adds ”myths have it that the box not only contained curses but also a blessing in it. That was the hope of mankind, trapped back into the box as Pandora closed it in fear. So sad the box was never opened thereafter out of fear for what would come out .“ He takes look at his watch “Class dismissed." Moments later, the bell rings, signalling the end of the day. Students are seen flowing out of their respective classes and the hallways are alive with activities, from the opening and closing bangs of lockers to the running and shouting of playful kids . In the midst of all these kids is Jimmy JIMMY As I struggle to navigate the hallway without either being Tussled, shoved or plain out stomped by a rhino boot. Gods!! Who wears rhino boots to school ? And suddenly, there I was , The “Exit " just about ten more feet to go when I heard an all too familiar voice growl “And where do you think you are going? “ I turn towards the direction the voice came from and I caught a glimpse of the speaker — Ryan, my bully and tormentor ever since the 5th grade, this guy made school life hell for me . Dunno why he chose me to bully. Who ever truly knows why lunatics do anything? Don't tell him I said that — “Hey Ryan. ” I say somewhat cheerfully, keeping my voice even —i don't know what's with this guy, He acts like a wolf, if He sensed an ounce of fear coming of me or the slightest quake in my voice, I'm screwed, banged up against a locker or if I'm not so lucky, a dunk in the lavatory ( I use that term, so as not to gross you out ). Now, back to the issue at hand — Ryan stalks towards me and today, He is flanked by his goons , as I call them, Larry and Tim. Alas I say to myself, of all the times to see them in their full muscle-brained glory, They couldn't have picked another time to show up. I should have walked faster I chide my self— Right now all I really want is to go home and clawl into my bed. Yep, that sums up my mood — “where do you think you are going ? ” He asks again. “I was going home Ryan.” I spit back. God I hate the way He says my name “ Ji —mmy “ He pronounces it with such a long pause that I feel He just chokes mid-way in the pronunciation. “And what makes you think you could go home without telling me first?” “Ohh I didn't know I was obliged to do so Ryan, wait let me check your rule book “ I retort miming reading a book with my palms " Nah it's says Here that Jimmy doesn't give a crap about what you just said. " I say and flip close the imaginary book I was consulting and stared straight at him, jaw firm. Then two things happened, I noticed he was no longer smirking, but was apparently throwing a punch and his “goons" weren't milling around aimlessly, they were getting in position to hold me still. Wham!! I felt the impact on my ribs. The blow knocked the air out of my lungs and my vision went all blurry. They kept on hitting me... Moments later, dazed and coughing, but very much still alive, I pick my self up and gasped at the sight before me. My backpack and all it's contents were strewn all over the place . I groaned and set out to gather my precious belongings (books), amidst the whispers and mumurs of ”ohh poor kid,” “ someone has got to stand up to Ryan.” That done,time to go home. I would love to tell you that I got on the bus and at least rested for the twenty minutes it took to get home from school but I didn't, because obviously I missed the bus and got left behind and I had to brave a bike ride — killing my thighs in the process. Getting home, I made a bee line, up the stairs and into my room where I graciously lay on my bed— that was a lie, I slumped inelegantly on the bed like a sack of potatoes and passed out immediately... I don't even know if that is healthy— and the rest as they say, is history. I came to, some hours later just in time for dinner. Apparently, my Mom had come home from work while I was napping . “ Jimmy, dinner's ready!! ” My Mom yells. I trudge down the stairs and to the dining table. Already seated , are my Mom and Tracy. Let me do a quick description of my family; My mom, Natalie Anderson, your blond haired regular American mom who's always with a mirthful look that makes you think she's going to c***k up into laughter any second. And there's Tracy, My younger sister. She has the same looks as my mom, some even say she's my mom's clone. But where my mom's sea blue eyes show care and warmth, Tracy's eyes shine too brightly with some kind of internal light and a twinkle that shows barely controlled mischief —Guess who has always been the butt of her pranks... Yes me, poor me. At least she leaves me alone at school. “so jimmy.” my mom starts, suddenly bringing me out of my musings . “uhm, Yes mom. ” I squeak, visibly startled. Tracy laughs at my discomfort “How did your day go? ” she finished, studying my face. “it was uneventful really, Mr Hages trip to the museum is scheduled for tomorrow. I won't be home till four pm. ” “Mom can I go with Jim— Tracy starts before I quickly interrupt. “No.No she can't tag along, it isn't allowed.” —well Mr Hages welcomes younger ones to tag along, says it helps broaden their academic horizon. But, they don't need to know that right? It would be our little secret, wink*. “okay,” Mom says “is there anything else I need to know? ” “Nope.” I quickly reply and start scarfing down my food. Shipping lunch wasn't such a good idea as it seemed at that moment. But it couldn't be helped, the school cafeteria served bland food, someone's got to do something about that —what do they expect me to do? Bring a salt shaker? Nah no way. Silence. “i heard you got picked on again at school. ” my mom speaks at last. I look at her, incredulity boldly written on my face. Then it all clicks in my head, —i know you're probably wondering if I have some kind of gear system in my head. The answer is No, why would you even think of that— I turn to stare at Tracy, eyes narrowed. The little tattletale. I should have known she was there “ I didn't get picked on at school” I lie, masking my anger completely—well not fully, Tracy got a kick to the shin under the table — “oww! What was that for? ” I kept eating, like as if I never heard her. After dinner, I stole away to my room upstairs, fired up my computer,did some research about the artifacts we were going to be seeing tomorrow and went to bed for a decent sleep— or so I thought...