I woke up this morning feeling extremely excited for school. I had breakfast, got dressed, convinced my mother I could go alone, and bolted out the door. I had to tell her that I was walking Amalie and Evi for her to be convinced. In reality, I just wanted time to myself to think about how to approach Karl and Friedrich. Realistically, I think recess would be the best time to do it. I saw them playing together yesterday, and I can just approach them and ask to join in. Kids at this age will be friends with anyone, they aren't judge-mental and all stuck up- yet. I got this.
I arrived at school and took my seat. I was there before most kids, and I spent all the extra time thinking of what exactly to say to them.
'Hey guys, mind if I join in?'
'Oh hey! We all have class together, can I play?'
'Friedrich and Karl right? Can I play with you guys?'
I'm definitely overthinking it.
Mrs.Stein entered the room and noticed I was early today.
"Good morning Heinrich, you got here early today! Were you excited for school?"
"Yep! I wanna make lots of new friends!"
"Well that's just great! I'm glad to hear you like school."
I've heard that sucking up to teachers can help you do better in school. Last time, I was too shy and quiet to ever speak up once in school. But, this time will be different.
"School is the best! I can't wait to learn today!"
"Well that's just amazing Heinrich! We'll get started very soon!"
"Great!"
Amalie walked in the door shortly after.
"Morning Heinrich!"
"Morning Amalie, what's up!"
"Not much, me and Evi were outside catching fire-flies last night."
"Woah, that sounds like fun."
"It was! Can you come over tonight and do it with us?"
"I'd love to, I'll ask my mom after school, and then I'll come over to tell you if I can or can't come!"
"Okay sounds good!"
"I can't wait!"
"Hey… Heinrich"
"Yeah?"
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure, go for it Amalie."
"What do you… think of… nevermind! Sorry it was a dumb question, class is about to start!"
Flustered, she quickly turned away and started looking busy. I turned back to face the chalkboard confused at what had just happened. Does she…. like me? If she does it's very cute and sweet but… that's wrong, right?
I mean I'm technically like 26 or something mentally? Yeah that's probably wrong, I won't crush her dreams though, don't wanna hurt her.
The rest of the school day passed by extremely slowly until recess. Then, it was time.
We walked out to the playground and everyone ran around and began to play. I was extremely nervous, I mean, if I don't befriend these two, they'll likely go on to become Nazi's who will kill thousands. This HAS to go perfectly.
I got outside and met up with Evi and Amalie on the swings. While they talked, I surveyed the playground to find Karl and Friedrich. However, I looked and looked and couldn't find them.
"Hey guys, I'll be right back."
"Where are you going, Heinrich?" Evi asked.
"I just wanted to meet some new people, that's all."
"You wanted... to make other friends?"
Evi had a terribly sad look in her eye.
"Just two boys from my class, they seemed cool."
"What about us?"
"Evi, don't-" Amalie butted in.
She's gonna cry. I can tell. Befriending Karl and Friedrich is important, but it can wait. I don't wanna upset or lose Amalie or Evi in the process. It's only kindergarten after all, I have plenty of time to become friends with them. Actually, if I did it too soon, a fight or something could happen and ruin the friendship too early. I'll give it a few years, then try. I can enjoy school with these two for now.
"Hey nevermind, I don't need to meet anyone else."
Evi cheered up right away.
"I've got my two best friends already!"
She was giddy with excitement.
"Yay!" Evi cheered.
Later, right before school ended, Amalie asked me about recess.
"Who did you want to go meet at recess?"
"Oh, just Karl and Friedrich from our class, they seemed cool to me."
"Well, why didn't you?"
"I didn't want to upset Evi, plus, I don't want to have too many friends anyway. I'm plenty happy with the ones I have now."
"Oh, okay. Don't be afraid to meet other people though!"
"I won't, thanks Amalie."
She smiled in return. Amalie is a really kind person, and she thinks very rationally too.
Before I knew it, kindergarten was already over and summer had begun. Summer was filled with fun memories and great times. I spent plenty of time with Amalie and Evi, and we had a blast. Life in 1906 Germany isn't so bad after all. We went swimming, played together, saw fireworks, and did everything kids do during the summer.
First grade, second grade, third grade, fourth, and fifth, all came and went by. It was your average elementary school experience, nothing crazy. I went to school, spent time with my family and friends, and had fun. It was now summer once again. I was eleven years old and about to start middle school.
I remember how excited I was back when I started middle school for the first time, back- I guess forward- in 2015. It's an exciting time, and I am excited once again. I haven't managed to make any friends other than Amalie and Evi during elementary school, I guess history really is bound to repeat itself. Yet, I really didn't feel the need to, Amalie and Evi are plenty, and I really enjoy hanging out with them. I still have the matter at hand of Karl and Friedrich though, and middle school might be a good opportunity for them. I've still got three months of summer to enjoy though! Once middle school starts, I guess I'll have to get a bit more serious.