To Write Love on Her Arms.

“Alright class, lets settle down.” My 4th grade class was super excited. Summer had just ended, and we were back. It was the first day, and all the friend groups sat next to each other and talked, catching up on what they had missed with one another. I, however, sat alone. I was new to the state and school system, and didn't have any friends to talk to. I was sadly already was the laughing stock of the school. When I had come in this morning I had tripped, falling right into my breakfast. The others laughed and pointed. So I sat alone, in the back of the class, waiting for the talking to die down, eager to immerse myself into my schoolwork, and to forget everything that had happened this morning.  “I said, settle down!” The teacher called. “You guys are fourth graders now, you know how to do as your told.” “And what if we don't?” A student called, laughing. “If you don't, I’m surprised at how you made it this far,” he replied. Everyone just laughed and started to fall silent. “Okay, today’s the first day, and instead of doing some pre-assessments, I figure that it would be better if we learn about each other, seeing as we will be together for about 10 months. Now, when I get to you, I want you to stand and say your name, and one interesting fact about you. Who is willing to start?” The boy from earlier eagerly raised his hand. He stood, and gave the class a mischievous smile.  “My name is Leo. One interesting fact about me is that I actually work with my dad to help NASA launch space shuttles.” The class oohed and ahhed. I was secretly impressed. This kid had to be super smart if he had a NASA parent.The teacher, however, looked dubious. I smiled to myself. I was really going to like Leo, even if I never actually spoke to him. “Well, Leo. That is really, er, interesting for lack of better word. Thank you. Who’s next?” One by one, my classmates stood and told their names and something they found interesting about themselves. Eventually, it came down to me and another little girl.  “It’s only you two left, so who would like to start?” The other girl shrugged and stood.  “My name is Leah, and I really like art and science.” The teacher nodded in approval. “Well Leah, we will have quite a bit of both this year. Are you any good in school art and science?” She nodded. “Actually, I have been told that I learn them both an a 8th grade level, so I’m not too worried.” “It’ll be exciting to have you in class,” Mr. Nethers laughed. “Okay, that only leaves you young lady.” I started to panic. I was never really good at public speaking, let alone actually talking about myself as if I was some interesting person. I stood and took a breath. “My names Skylar, and one interesting fact is that I love to read....” I quickly sat down, and stared at the old desk. Out of the corner of my eyes, I caught the girl, Leah, staring at me, as was Leo. The class was silent, but then laughed. Skylar was humiliated. She knew that she was going to get teased, and was going to start getting called the lizard girl.  “Class, there is nothing wrong with Skylar for liking books. In fact, I have a few books that we are going to actually read. This year, we’re going to start out with science, and for that, we will be learning what a reptile is. Tomorrow, I’ll be sure to bring my beardie, Atlas so you can all see what a reptile actually is.” The class broke into excited chatter and turned to one another. Again, Leah was staring right at me, only this time a thoughtful expression in her eyes. All I wanted in that moment was for Leah to turn away or speak. It was embarrassing to be started at, not to mention uncomfortable. To her credit, Leah looked away. I sighed to myself. This was going to be the hardest year yet.