Day 234: Going to School

Should be Day 238.  I'm not proud of how this turned out.  It was too choppy.

The Chipettes met Simon the next day in the living room.  Eleanor brought him some fruit that she had cut into different shapes to make them look more appealing.  Brittany had brought him a get well soon card signed by them and Miss Miller, while Jeanette loaned him some of her books so he could have a variety to read.  Simon was appreciative, and they all talked for about a half hour.

“When are you going back to school?”

“I, uh, I’m not exactly sure yet.  I’m a little nervous about going back.  I don’t want people to see me like this at school.  They’ll stare at me.”

“And if they do,” Eleanor piped up, “then we’ll stare right back at them.  Being in a wheelchair is nothing to be ashamed of.”

“But people will treat me differently.”

“If they do,” Jeanette said softly, “then they’re not actually your friends.”

“Thanks, girls,” he grinned sheepishly.

Simon went back to school that Monday.  Dave wanted to wait until Simon had regained enough strength and he felt comfortable enough about going back.  Simon wasn’t one hundred perent convinced, but it was the best he was going to get.

“Boys!” Dave hollered.  “The bus will be here any minute!”

“Coming, Dave!” Simon called through his open door.  He wheeled as close as he could to his backpack on the ground and leaned over to grab it.  He had to reach far, and he was almost afraid he was going to fall out of the chair, but he was able to get it.  He balanced it on his lap and wheeled out into the front hall.

Simon attempted to hang his head high as he watched the ramp from the school bus come down so he could get on.  It was embarrassing to have all this special attention, especially when he was accustomed to hiding away from everyone. 

Alvin walked on the ramp before him and called out, waving his arms about, “Clear the way, everybody!  Move your backpacks from the aisles!  Little brother coming through!”

Simon blushed as he wheeled up.  He could feel all the eyes burning right through him as they watched him to wheel to the back of the bus.

“Thanks, Alvin,” he said genuinely.

“Don’t mention it.  Maybe Dave should invest in a megaphone for me.  I could get good use out if it at home too.”

“Ha ha, I think not.”

Alvin crossed his arms in a pout and then glared at a couple guys in front of them who were whispering.  “Hey, you two!  You better not be whispering about my brother, or else!”

They ducked down and shut up.  Simon was grateful for Alvin’s protectiveness.