It takes an eternity to get to the first recess bell.
But since it's raining we're playing inside with construction paper and paste in the lunchroom.
The pipes in the radiator are steaming the windows, as they croak and groan about how cold it is outside.
The other kids start jumping and running excitedly about, did someone say "snow?"
Looking through the wire cage which keeps the four-square balls from breaking the windows my heart is leaping into my throat.
Where did it all come from? How could there be so much? Quickly I join my friends by the window, while glancing back at our teacher, but she seems distracted too. "Is it sticking?" "I think it is." "If it keeps up like this, we'll call your parents and close for the day." Jumping up and down screaming and laughing..."If, it keeps up like this. But I need to talk with the principal." Minutes drag by as we try to seem interested in our clippings of Christmas trees decorated with candy canes. One girl made one which looks really nice, and I guess I should work harder on my own. A few minutes later, and I jumped at the bell, it was time to go back to our classroom across the hall.
Putting away the paste, the vinyl handled scissors, and my box of crayons with the sharpener on the back. It was time for math. Ugh! How long could this go on? There are 12 apples which are sold for 5 cents each, and through the high windows the flakes swirled like a snow globe. "Attention," the box above the door crackled to life. "We will be closing early today due to snow..."
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Shortly afterwards walking home in a shallow layer of white. I scuff my feet making holes as I go. Its quiet and the flakes dance around my cold wet face. I squint to keep it out of my eyes, but who cares! If it lasts through tomorrow then I'm home free! It would be nine days before I have to go back, and that's forever!
Rounding the corner, and walking up to the big old house on the right. Up the stairs, and I see mom painting a Christmas scene in the large livingroom window. Running up the final stairs across the slippery wood, through the door, to get a hug and a kiss. "Here's a Christmas tree I made for you mom!" "Oh thank you! It's beautiful did you make it yourself?" "Yep!" The tree is already decorated, and newspapers are layed out beneath the window. There are the fat little jars of red, blue, black and yellow. The arm on the record player moves out of the way to let the next record drop down. A pop and a scratch and I'm sure I recognize this song from last year. "Can I help?" "Of course you can." Picking up the blue brush, I smell the paint. "If it lasts through tomorrow, then I won't have to go to school!" "Even if it doesn't you'll probably stay home." Smiling from head to toe, staring through the painted glass watching the flurry come down. There could not be a better feeling then this.
-KB
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