After placing the box under the bed, James left his room to apologize to his mom. He thought he went too far.
"Mom, I-I-I am sorry," James stammered, seeing his mom with swollen eyes, lost in her thoughts.
"I didn't mean to burst out that way. Please, forgive me." For a boy who kept his feelings in, James couldn't this time. He embraced his mother tightly and gently stroked her long black hair.
"It's okay, son. I just want you to know your father left for a reason. I don't believe Jim would just leave us for no specific reason," Serena managed to speak, seeing James the way he was now.
Serena never believed Jim, James's father, would just leave them out of the blue. Jim was just so loving and caring and would do anything to protect his family. Even after ten years, Serena's love for her husband never decreased.
Yes, there were times they would struggle to feed and get some things done due to financial constraints, but never did she blame Jim for it.
Now, Serena worked as a civil servant in one of the neighborhood government hospitals. With the monthly salary she received and other menial jobs she did, she managed to put food on the table, pay the bills, and also her children's fees.
"Hey! What did you do to Mom?!" Jessica shouted at her brother, coming from whatever hole she hid herself.
"Jessie, stop it. Now go to your room and study or at least prepare for resumption. I'll also do my part," Serena said, assuring Jessica she was fine. "James, I'll stop by Braxton to collect your tag, books, and other necessary things, as the principal informed us. It should all be ready tomorrow."
"Mum, I can go there myself," James said with a stern look.
"Don't worry, son. I know you're a big boy now," Serena chuckled before she continued. "Tomorrow is Friday, which means I'll leave work early. That way, I'll stop by Braxton and still be home early."
James just sighed and went to his room.
The next day, Serena went to work and did what she said. She came home with James's school package and left him to prepare for school.
Time ran so fast, the weekend was over, and it was James's first day in school. He dressed as quickly as possible to avoid being punished for lateness.
"James! Are you done?" Serena said, standing by his door.
"Yeah, Mom! Give me five!" James replied.
Serena shook her head and went to the kitchen to pack his food.
James rushed out of his room with his school bag. It was clear as day he was so tensed. His hands were shaking as he combed his brown hair.
"Don't worry, it's all gonna be fine, I promise," Serena tried to calm him down.
"Jessie?" James asked.
"The school bus came to pick her up," Serena answered. "She wished you good luck before she left."
Serena gave him his food box and adjusted his clothes.
"Thanks Mom, for everything," James said with a melancholic voice.
"I love you too, son," she chuckled and kissed his forehead. Of course, she knew he didn't explicitly say it. But, she knew her son well.
"Don't forget to stop by Cradenville," she said and gave him his allowance before seeing him off.
James boarded a taxi to Ramsville Street, his school's location. Fortunately, he boarded one with a female student who was also a student of Braxton High.
There was no way to identify a student of a particular school just by looks. You couldn't even tell by the attire, for the school didn't have a uniform. It was casual outfits for all students.
The only way James could tell was by the tag that showed the owner's name, ID number, school name, and lastly, a tiny passport photo hanging around her neck.
The tag was resting peacefully on two soft pillows that protruded out of the said girl's chest.
James couldn't take his eyes off her chest. He soon realized he forgot his own tag at home, and it was too late to go back, for the car had zoomed off about three minutes ago.
'What's wrong with this guy? It's been three minutes now, and he's still gawking at my chest,' the lady thought with her face scrunched.
When she couldn't take it anymore, she opened her mouth to say something.
"Um, do..."
"I'm so sorry," James cut her off with his face all red. "I'm also a student at Braxton, and it looks like I forgot my tag. I was so nervous I couldn't... take my eyes off the tag. After all, it's my first time in Braxton."
"Pri-scilla Barnes..." James read out her name on the tag. "Nice to meet you, Priscilla." James cleared his throat and composed himself.
Understanding the boy well, Priscilla smiled.
"I see... you just have to tell the gatekeeper you forgot it and you're a fresher. I'm sure he'll let you in after necessary inspections," Priscilla informed him.
With that said, the two sat upright and didn't bother mentioning a word until they alighted.
When they reached the school gate, Priscilla entered freely, and James was questioned by the gatekeeper. He did as Priscilla said, and eventually, he was allowed in.
However, another trouble arose as he entered the school; he couldn't find his class, Grade 10. James could've asked other students, but his timid nature kept him running in circles.
The school was so big, and there were many blocks. He couldn't even find the path he took the day he came for his test.
'Ah! F*ck it! I should have taken a tour around the school that day. I guess I'll have to ask someone,' James thought with his palm on his face.
Naturally, James was one that embraced challenges, as he deemed it one of the best ways to grow. But this challenge was more arduous than he thought it would be.
Little did he know it was just the beginning. If he couldn't even find his class, how would he be able to overcome the real troubles he would face in the future?