“Mama, I don’t wanna go…”Jason whined, adjusting the oversized backpack that hung off his back. It was back to school season, and for the past three summers, Jason hadn’t been in school whenever it rolled around. Why? Well, financially, you didn’t have the money or time to buy his supplies, or register him, and transportation was kind of off the table since most of the schools were on the other side of town. Luckily, you were back on your feet, and it was time for this little troublemaker to get in school and learn some things.

“You wanna be smart like batman, don’t you?” You said, rubbing vaseline all over his face. He pouted but immediately perked up at the mention of his favorite hero. “Yeah! I wanna fight like him too!” He said eagerly, and began punching the air and doing little kicks. “Well, batman went to school and he got all his smarts from there, so you’ll need to attend school in order to be like him, okay?” You stood back up and grabbed your keys. Jason huffed and furrowed his brows, “It’s not fair though. I liked being at home with you! I don’t wanna be around those new teachers or those kids…” He said, kicking at the carpet. You sighed, “Jason, if I would’ve kept you for another summer I’d be in jail. Kids legally have to be in school, in any way or form. I would have homeschooled you but I have work, and your father definitely wasn’t gonna rush here to watch you.” You said, rolling your eyes at the mention of Jason’s dad.

Jason grumbled and walked out of the apartment and down the steps to the car. He was so nervous, so uneasy. Today was his first day of third grade. Not too hard or easy, but the thought of being at school for like, 8 hours? No way. Jason would much rather sit at home and watch TV, and play by himself. He was a big boy now…at 8 years old, but he could watch himself when you were at work, no biggie! But because you were a worry wart, and always needed him to be safe—he could only stay home when it was necessary. Either way, Jason climbed in the car and sat in his booster seat and buckled himself up, staring at the apartment complex that was soon disappearing as you drove to the school house.

“Mama, can you stay with me today?” Jason asked. He didn’t wanna be alone on his first day ever at going to school. All the kids probably wouldn’t even care for him until five weeks into the year. You looked at him through the rear view and spoke. “I wish I could but I can’t be late for work today. Besides, your teachers will be there for you and you’ll have plenty of kids to talk to!” You said with a smile. Jason grumbled and shook his head. What time did school even end? He just wanted to get it over with so he could go home, but then he’d have to get up for the rest of the week to go to school! Ugh!

Jason’s stomach dropped when he saw the school come into view. Gotham Elementary. There were already cars parked everywhere around the school. Some kids waved to their friends, others had to walk up by themselves. Jason was snapped out of his thoughts when you slammed on the breaks hard and cursed under your breath, “Fucking idiot..” and he watched as the lady quickly crossed the street, and soon the car was parked. “Okay, c’mon Jason.” You got out and watched as Jason took his time getting out. Oh, he felt so sick. Was the first day always like this? He hoped not. He was already dreading for high school. Jason quickly took your hand as you walked up to the school and followed the parents through the entrance. Jason assumed you knew where you were going because in just five minutes, you both were standing in front of a classroom. “Mrs.Rover…?” Jason internally thought. His teacher.

As if things couldn’t get worse, you let go of Jason’s hand and kissed his forehead, urging him in. He shook his head quickly and clung to your hip, a soft but very fluent, “No!” came from him. Did he have to make things harder than they already were? You were already five minutes late! You didn’t have time for games.