A New School

Lucretia was so anxious for the day to break that she could barely sleep. She kept tossing and turning on her bed, thinking about her first day at her new school and meeting new friends, especially Philip. She finally fell asleep but woke up at 5 am, excited and eager to start her day.

She ran to her parents' room, "Mum...dad...wake up!" She shook them awake, and they groggily got out of bed.

"Lucretia, why did you wake up so early?" her dad asked, rubbing his eyes.

"Because today is my first day of school, and I don't want to be late!" Lucretia

replied, bouncing with excitement.

"But sweetie, it's too early," her dad said, trying to snuggle back under the covers.

"No, dad!" Lucretia replied, pulling them out of bed. "We have to get up and get ready!"

Her mum smiled, "Okay, okay, let's get up and get ready then."

After brushing their teeth and washing their faces, Lucretia helped her dad pack his documents into his suitcase. He asked her about her new school, and she told him how big and beautiful it was. He asked if she liked it, and she replied that she loved it.

As soon as Lucretia finished washing up, her father helped her get dressed in her new uniform. He carefully buttoned up her blouse and tied her shoelaces. Lucretia felt like a big girl, wearing her new school uniform.

Gilbert gave her a smile and a thumbs up. "You look great, kiddo! Now, I've got to get ready for work."

Lucretia marched downstairs, eager to see what her mother was up to in the kitchen. As she entered the kitchen, she asked, "Mum, what are you making?"

Angelica turned around, flour on her hands, and replied, "I'm making cookies, sweetie. Want to help?"

Lucretia's eyes lit up. "Yes, please! I love helping in the kitchen."

She went to the fridge and took out a bottle of milk, carefully carrying it to the table. "Here, Mum, do you need this?"

Angelica smiled, "Thanks, Lucretia. Now, let's get started on those cookies."

Together, they began measuring out ingredients and mixing the dough. Lucretia loved the feeling of being helpful and couldn't wait to taste the freshly baked cookies.

As they worked, Lucretia glanced out the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Philip next door. While she gazed out the window, her mother noticed her distraction. "Lucretia, what are you looking for?" Angelica asked, curiosity in her voice.

Lucretia turned back to her mother, a smile on her face. "My friend," she replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Angelica's eyebrows rose slightly. "Your friend? Which friend is that?"

Lucretia's grin grew wider. "Philip. He lives next door. We met yesterday."

Angelica's expression softened. "Ah, that friend? That's nice. You're making friends already. I'm sure you'll have a great time together."

Lucretia nodded enthusiastically, her ponytail bobbing up and down. "Yeah, I think so too, Mum. He seems really nice."

Just then, the timer went off, signaling that the cookies were done. Angelica slid them out of the oven and onto the counter to cool. "Okay, sweetie, let's get these cookies cooled and then we'll pack your lunch for school."

Lucretia nodded, her attention back on the task at hand. But she couldn't help sneaking another glance out the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Philip.

After packing Lucretia's lunch bag, Angelica and Lucretia set the table for breakfast. Angelica called out to Gilbert, "Honey, breakfast is ready! Come join us!"

Gilbert walked into the kitchen, his briefcase in hand, and smiled at the sight of the table set with fresh cookies, milk, and cereal.

As they ate, Gilbert asked Lucretia about her first visit to the school, and she chattered excitedly about her new teacher, Mrs. Ivy, and her classroom. "And, Dad, I met a new friend yesterday! His name is Philip, and he lives next door!"

Gilbert's eyes lit up with interest. "That's great, sweetie! I'm glad you're making friends already."

Just then, a sleek black car pulled up outside, its engine purring smoothly. The company logo on the side gleamed in the morning light.

Gilbert glanced out the window and nodded in satisfaction. "Right on time," he said to himself.

He turned back to his family and stood up. "Time for me to head out, kiddo. Have a great first day, and I'll see you tonight!"

Lucretia hugged him tightly. "Bye, Dad! Love you!"

Gilbert hugged her back and kissed Angelica on the cheek. "See you tonight, dear. Have a great day!"

With that, he headed out the door, briefcase in hand, and got into the waiting company car. The driver nodded at him, and the car pulled away from the curb, disappearing into the morning traffic.

Lucretia and her mother stepped out of the house, ready to leave for school. Lucretia looked around, her eyes scanning the neighborhood, still searching for Philip.

"Are you looking for Philip again?" her mother asked, smiling knowingly.

Lucretia nodded, her ponytail bobbing up and down. "Yeah, Mum. I want to say goodbye before we leave."

Angelica gently took Lucretia's hand. "Sweetie, he might have already left for school. It's getting late, and we don't want to be late on your first day."

Lucretia looked up at her mother, slightly disappointed. "Okay, Mum. But I hope I get to see him after school."

As they walked to the gate, Lucretia took one last look at Philip's house, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. But the house seemed quiet, and there was no sign of her new friend.

Angelica led Lucretia to the waiting taxi and helped her in. "Don't worry, dear. You'll see Philip after school. All you have to do now is to have a great time at school."

Lucretia smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about her first day of school. As they settled in, the taxi pulled away from the curb, heading towards Lillies International School.

It was 8 am when they arrived at Lillies International School. Lucretia and her mother glided out of the taxi, and Angelica glanced at the driver,

" I'll be back in a few minutes." she said.

They strolled into the school, taking in the bustling atmosphere. They made their way to the director's office, where they were warmly welcomed.

"Good morning, welcome to Lillies International School once again !" the director said, smiling.

Angelica smiled back, "Thank you, good morning."

They settled in, and the director called for the Grade 2 teacher. A knock was soon heard on the door, and the director said, "Come in."

The teacher entered, and the director welcomed her with a smile. "Good morning, Miss. Ivy. This is Lucretia and her mother, Angelica."

Ivy greeted the director, "Good morning, ma'am," and then turned to Angelica, "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Angelica."

Angelica smiled, "Nice to meet you too, Ivy."

Lucretia was then handed over to Ivy, who smiled warmly at her. "Welcome, Lucretia. I'll take good care of you."

Angelica was asked to follow them to see Lucretia's classroom. As they walked, Ivy pointed out various facilities and classrooms, explaining the school's routines and activities.

They arrived at the Grade 2 classroom, and Lucretia's eyes widened as she took in the colorful decorations and bustling students. Ivy showed them to Lucretia's desk, and Angelica gave her daughter a reassuring hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Have a great day, sweetie. I'll be back to pick you up after school," Angelica said, smiling.

Lucretia nodded, looking a bit nervous but excited. Ivy smiled and took Lucretia's hand, leading her to meet her new classmates.

As Ivy strolled in with Lucretia, all the kids hurried to their seats, curious eyes fixed on the new student. Ivy came to the front of the class, Lucretia by her side.

"Good morning, class. I'd like to introduce our new friend, Lucretia. Please join me in welcoming her," Ivy said, smiling.

Lucretia smiled shyly as the students turned to her with friendly smiles. Ivy asked her to introduce herself, and Lucretia took a deep breath.

"H-hi, my name is Lucretia. I'm happy to be here," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ivy welcomed her warmly and asked her to take her seat, pointing to the far right of the classroom. As Lucretia looked in that direction, her eyes met Philip's, and he was smiling at her.

Lucretia's eyes widened in surprise, and she whispered his name, "Philip?"

A look of surprise crossed Philip's face, followed by a grin. He mouthed "hi" back at her, and Lucretia's face lit up with a smile.

Ivy chuckled, "Ah, I see we have some friends already. Welcome, Lucretia. Please take your seat."

Lucretia nodded, still smiling at Philip, and made her way to her seat, feeling a sense of belonging already.