Fourth birth :The Oakmont saga, Book 1

Chapter 6

I suddenly realized that, with the exception of planned vacations and very rarely sick days, I had never seen Daddy take a day off from work. Even the most recent day he was ill is unknown to me. However, taking a day off just to have fun with me was a completely new and strange experience.

To get down to business, there was a place I'd always wanted to visit but never did. So I made my decision quickly.

Can we visit the Native American Heritage Museum? I asked, hopeful, "I've never been there but have always wanted to."

"Yes, sweetheart, if that's what you want," I replied. In this way, we moved into the vehicle and went into Safe haven for breakfast. The outing was somewhat more than thirty minutes, an excursion that was typically something like twenty, however traffic was a piece weighty.

We went to the museum after breakfast and walked through the various exhibits in the main building. Daddy made the decision to visit the gift shop as we walked through it. We never bought anything from gift shops, so I'm not sure why. Every one of them is packed with unnecessary, overpriced goods for tourists to purchase.

As we entered, we divided up, each going to see what piqued our interest. I strolled around for somewhat, inactively taking a gander at modest games and toys, prior to winding up at the glass gems case. I did not usually go to this location. When it came to establishments like these, Daddy and I had a lot in common.

I casually perused the various items when I came across a pair of earrings bearing the label "Alaska native artist." They almost called to me for some reason, and I stood there for a long time staring at them through the glass case. I liked them, though I wasn't sure why they captivated me so much. They were referred to as "Eagles Sleeping" on the tiny tag that was attached to them. They were engraved by hand in the native style on silver. They were pretty, simple, and more my style.

"How much do those cost?" I wasn't sure why I had asked the woman behind the counter. The lady began to recover them yet before she got them I halted her, realizing that I was unable to manage the cost of them.

"Ma'am, that's fine. I already cannot afford them. Nonetheless, I thanked you and began to leave.

"No problem, but they cost $295 just in case. Let me know if there is anything else you want to know,” she replied with a warm smile. Even though that was more than I had anticipated, it did not surprise me. At least in my mind, they seemed to be worth it.

Before finally reaching the atrium and peering over the railing at a native dance performance in the performance area, I walked on and looked at nothing else. Momma and Daddy came up to me on each side a few minutes later, each placing an arm on my shoulder. We all stood and watched the performance until it was over before going outside to see the various house displays of Alaska's native cultures.

The fact that almost no tourists were in the way made for very nice displays. When the snow began falling, the vacationers would leave like the transient birds as a whole, setting out toward hotter environments. Naturally, the snow began very early this year, and I believe the museum usually closed before the season began.

I seemed to recall reading that we had the earliest snowfall ever recorded. Even though it was only the middle of September, the ground had several inches of snowpack already. However, it wasn't too cold, making it ideal for cross-country skiing. Even though other people didn't, at least I thought so.

We had finally seen everything and more after waiting a few hours. One of the best days I had in a very long time had been spent with my parents. I wished it could continue indefinitely, but I had to attend a new school that would allow me to learn again. I would no longer be bored. Mom and Daddy took me to my favorite Mongolian barbecue for lunch before returning to Eagle River.

Dad drove us all to my school's front desk after that. Mrs. Chambers looked up at us as we entered. Shirley, good afternoon. How late are you checking in?” She looked at Daddy and asked.

"No, she's pulling out from school. She wanted to visit you and Mrs. Hartman to say goodbye. Probably a few others, but specifically you two, she mentioned,” he responded.

"Are you leaving us? You will be missed, sweetie. Do you intend to return to homeschooling?” She smiled as she asked me.

"No, ma'am. A scholarship to attend a school in New York has been offered to me. It is intended for extremely intelligent children."

Wow, that's a long way, but she really deserves more than what public school can offer. With a kind smile, she smiled at Momma and Daddy and said, "I hope she does well."

Mrs. Ivers stepped out of her office at that point. Ah, the Bragers, Mr. and Mrs. Shirley, did I hear that you are withdrawing?

“Yes. She will attend a New York boarding school with a scholarship. We can't pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for her, despite how difficult it is to let her go.

"I comprehend. We will miss her. Mrs. Ivers stated, "She is without a doubt the best student I have ever had."

"Shirley , how about you go express farewell to your group? The withdrawal form will be completed by me and your parents, she informed me rather than asking. I nearly ran out of the office after that dismissal.

Mrs. Chambers yelled at me, "And don't run," but it sounded weak and vague. Since I came back to school, we had played it. She initially meant it and was a little harsh with me, but over time, she became friendly and we turned it into a game.

At the point when I got to the homeroom entryway I was anxious and remained outside briefly. To force the door open, a lot of willpower was required. Mrs. Hartman looked up from her desk as I entered.

Shirley, ah! Everyone has begun on a worksheet, but it's fine if you start later. I hadn't moved when Mrs. Hartman returned to her work without looking at me.

I suddenly realized everything, for some reason. I felt like a huge ball was in my throat and couldn't move or say anything. I had to hold it in because I was about to cry.

I promised not to let them see me cry again after being teased and tortured ever since I started hearing voices. They generally prodded me about crying and attempted to hurt me to make me cry. Particularly for Jamie, it was a significant game. Mr. Radnick was one of the reasons I liked him so much. He had kept his promise that he would never make me cry. Even though he did bad things to some kids, I still feel a little bad for getting him in trouble.

Mrs. Hartman finally got up and came over after once more looking up at me. She wrapped her arm around my shoulders and gave me a very concerned look.

"What's going on, Shirley?" Her voice was filled with a lot of worry.

I won't be coming back. I managed to whisper, "I'm leaving and I came to say goodbye," as Mr. Radnick's thoughts took control of my feelings. I was thawing out, breaking out in a cold sweat, and I was beginning to slightly shake.

I was tightly hugged by Mrs. Hartman. Oh my dear. I will greatly miss you. You have been an excellent student in my class. Is your father moving around in the military? She inquired. Because we had so many military families in Eagle River, most of the kids left.

“No ma’am, he got out of the army a long time ago,” I replied, fighting with everything I had to hold the tears back.

“I’m going to a special school for really smart kids. They’re giving me a scholarship to go,” I managed to say, beginning to get my mind engaged again.

“I hate that you’re leaving, but that’s wonderful,” Mrs. Hartman said.

“The school is in New York and I’ll probably have to leave tomorrow.” I knew I was talking to stop the tears, but it was working.

“Wow, that’s really quick and also really far away. Would you like to say goodbye to any of your friends?”

“I don’t have any friends, other than you and Mrs. Chambers. Thank you for being a really good teacher to me.” I sniffled a little, the only sign that I came close to crying.

Unfortunately, my pathetic life came back with a vengeance. Not able to contain it any longer, I pulled free and ran back to the office as fast as I could, imagining the words following me, “Crying Shirley , cry, cry, cry weirdo, psycho.” Tears streamed down my face and my vision was blurry as I ran. I wanted to outrun the teasing I knew was coming from my crying.

When I arrived, Momma and Daddy were coming out of the principal’s office. I ran straight to Daddy and buried my face in him. He held me tightly while I cried. it lasted way longer than it should have, but we finally parted and he gently wiped the tears from my face.

“My baby girl, who never cries. It’s hard to say goodbye to friends sometimes, but you’ll make new friends.” It was his attempt to be a good, sympathetic parent. The problem was, Daddy didn’t understand. None of them did. They couldn’t.

“I don’t have any friends, other than Mrs. Chambers and Mrs. Hartman, but they can’t be real friends because I’m a kid and they’re grownups. It hurts to be alone all the time.” I looked at the floor, ashamed.

Daddy and Momma shared a quick glance with each other, but didn’t say anything. “I may be super smart like you say, but I still want to play and be a kid but I can’t.” I looked at them this time.

“Sweetheart, I’m sure it’ll be better at Oakmont. You’ll see,” Momma said, kneeled down and held me. I really wanted to believe Momma, but I knew it probably wouldn’t be true.