THE MIDDLE SCHOOL OF

INEVITABLE DOOM
BY ADAM PROFILI
So youre absolutely sure you know where were going? I asked as
we pushed our way through the cramped middle school hallway.
Yeah, pretty sure. Sam replied. I just tried to keep my head down as I
squeezed through the crowd.
We had just left ELA early so we could line up our schedule with the
eighth graders and get to Dr. Chans class on time. Sam and I had math 8 so
we had a class with older kids. I hated having a different schedule from all
my friends, especially not getting to have lunch with them.
We surprisingly found our way to Dr. Khans room and stepped inside.
No one in the class seemed to notice that we were younger, so that was
good.
I was falling asleep while Dr. Khan monotonously droned about class
rules and what not for about half an hour. I woke up startled when he
abruptly stopped and said something unexpected.
Okay, the seventh graders can go to lunch now. Everyone started
looking around to see who the seventh graders were, and I just slowly stood
up, avoiding their eyes.
Aww, the little seventh graders! one girl said. Its alright to be
different, isnt it? These people didnt get that. I angrily reached for my
backpack while trying not to attract attention at the same time, and my
clumsy self just had to mess it all up.
I fell. I fell on my face, on the first day of school, in a class of judging
eighth graders. Oh, the stupidity I felt.
I kind of just stood up and left with Sam while avoiding their Are you
okay?s. Ugh, if I couldve seen my face, Im positive it wouldve looked as
red as a tomato. I hurried out of the room as Sam followed. We stepped into
the hall and realized something.
Wheres the cafeteria again? I laughed. Such a big school. I noticed a
student walking in the hallway ahead and I ran to her.
Do you know where the cafeteria is? I asked. We navigated her
directions and sure enough, we got there. The whole cafeteria was deserted
except for a few stray adults. One of them walked up to us and asked us if
we were here to get lunch. Well, its a cafeteria so Id guess so. He led me to
the lunch line and I got served my food. He asked us some questions about
our odd schedule. I ate. Sam sat quietly and stared at his lunch bag.

The clock ticked away and sure enough, our lunch time was over. I
guess the man didnt trust us to get back to Dr. Khans room quickly, so he
walked us back.
By the time we got back, class was almost over. I copied notes from
the girl across from me and left when the bell rang. Sam also had band next,
so we got to explore the deserted halls searching for the band room together.
We got to the band room easily enough and stepped up to the door.
We were pretty late, but it was the first day so it didnt really matter. I
walked in and Mr. Mattice asked me something I never expected.
Fourth period, right? Well we werent late, thats for sure.
I didnt understand how that was possible. It was fifth period. Or so I
thought I inched quietly out of the room. I was utterly flabbergasted.
How could we be so early? I thought we were supposed to go band
right after math! I stuttered to Sam. Well, theres no other option than to
just go ask someone for help. We headed up the stairs and spotted a
woman walking around the building. I stepped up to ask her for help.
Schedule problems? See the lady in the front office. She told us. Sam
and I walked over the skywalk only to realize we didnt know where the office
was... I took a turn and it was right there. One of many times that day I felt
stupid.
We stepped inside the office and explained our predicament to the
woman behind the desk. She showed us to the room next door where the
lady in charge of schedules worked. She talked to us about what to do the
next day, and at about 1:00 we departed and went on our way to the band
room. We crossed the skywalk and stumbled down the steps. When we got to
the room everyone was already sitting down. I cautiously stepped in looking
around and seeing what everyone was doing.
How come you didnt come early? You already knew how to get here.
I hate being different.