The sound of the teacher calling the students draws Gloria and Lizzys attention. Jumping off the swings to two girls join the rest of their class as the teacher beams at them.
"Okay boys and girls," the teacher says kindly. "Why dont you show your family's where you'll be learning this year." Gloria watches as students excitedly enter the classroom, some apprehensively stepping inside. As Gloria enters she quickly catches up with Millie as they gaze at the classroom.
"I love it," Millie squeals with joy. Gloria simply shrugs as she watches her friend. "Gloria who's your friend?"
Gloria blushes as she now looks at the red haired girl. "This is Lizzy," she says meekly. "We were swinging."
Before the conversation can continue the teacher calls for her students to take their seats. Gloria and Millie each grab a chair, what surprises Gloria though is when she calls for Lizzy to sit with her. "Why did I call her over," she thinks. "Millie and I are only going to be here for the day. I dont want to make friends with this girl only to leave her by herself tomorrow."
"Class," the teacher says happily. "My name is Ms. Thomas and I'll be your teacher this year."
As Ms. Thomas continues her introduction Gloria cant help but study the woman. Ms. Thomas appears to be in her late 30s, her dark brown hair falling freely to the middle if her back. Gloria immediately views the woman as a bit of a free spirit. The teachers long colorful skirt and bright blouse give off the image of a warm, caring person if not a little flighty. Although Gloria wouldnt be caught dead in an outfit like that, there is something almost soothing about her appearance. For a moment Gloria cant help but think the womans clothes are pretty.
Shaking the thought from her head she turns to Millie, seeing the girl paying close attention to what the woman is saying. "Millie," she whispers.
Millie turns, raising her finger to her mouth to quiet Gloria. "Quiet Gloria we dont want to get in trouble on the first day."
Gloria and Millie pause as the two girls turn Millies statement over in their heads. Why would they be worried about getting in trouble? They're only going to be here for the afternoon.
Turning back to Ms. Thomas they watch as she writes something on the whiteboard. At first the two girls are confused by what she is writing. The confusion though quickly turns to horror as they realize she is writing the alphabet. How could they have not known what the alphabet was?
After a few lessons, Gloria and Millie take some free time to talk.
"Are you feeling okay Gloria," Millie asks. Gloria nods as she now looks to Lizzy. The girl is waiting for them and has found a pair of baby dolls to play with. For a moment Gloria wants to forget what her and Millie are talking about and play with the pretty doll.
"I think so," she says, shaking the odd thought from her head. "I feel kinda weird."
"Me too," Millie says. She pauses for a moment before beckoning Gloria closer. "Gloria are you having trouble reading?"
Gloria's eyes go wide as she nods to her friend. She had been worried that is was only her, hearing her friend is having the same problems she has puts her a little more at ease.
"Jist a little bit,: Gloria replies meekly. "I thought I was the only one. Their are other things too. I'm feeling..."
"Like a little kid," Millie finishes. "I felt it too. I dont know? I just feel, weird."
Gloria nods, she feels weird too, as she tries to put her feelings into words though she feels like a fog has come over her mind. Bigger words seem so foreign now, like she hasnt learned what they meant yet.
'Gloria," Millie whispers, slightly fearful. "How old are we?"
Gloria scoffs at Millies question. As she tries to answer, she pauses. Their old she knows that but just how old were they. 20? 30? 80? The information seems to slip from her fingertips everytime she is about to answer. Why would that happen?
"We're old ladies Millie," she says.
"But how old," Millie questions yet again.
Gloria opens her mouth to answer but quickly closes it. How could she forget something like that?
"Millie," Gloria gulps, as she begins to realize what's happening. "I think we're turning into real little girls."