Foreword: It's official! Today marks the grand opening of the brand new junior high school in the town of Tidevale! Welcome to "Tidevale Junior High School" - also known as “TJHS” for short. We start this *Note* on "Orientation Day” - a day where freshmen junior high students come and get acquainted with the new building, as well as a taste of everything that comes with junior high school life. Most of these students come from five different elementary schools in town. Will they branch out and embrace meeting new people? Or will they stick to their familiar friend groups?

*early morning on Starwalk Street, up the hill*
Jayla: *opens the door and steps inside her cousin Linyear Moonlight's house* … Hello? Lin? *looking around*
Linyear: *hurries down the stairs, slinging her backpack over her shoulder* Hey, Jay! I'm ready.
Jayla: Hey! *waves at her, smiling* Let's go find this bus stop then, shall we?
Linyear: Yup! Let's go!
Jayla & Linyear: *head out the door to walk down the hill to the bus stop together*
Linyear: It’s at the Tidevale Legion, isn't it?
Jayla: Yeah, it is. Where Astral Town Fest is held.
Linyear: Cool!
Jayla: Yeah! *pauses* … Definitely… *her cheerful smile starts to fade, falling silent for a moment... then she sighs* Well... it's the first year we've started school without Juni and Rainbow since Grade 1... when I pictured going to junior high for the first time, I always pictured us all going together...
Linyear: *frowns* I miss them! And even Alisyn too! Why'd they ALL have to move??
Jayla: You know why… *sadness in her voice*
Linyear: Yeah… well, I hope you and I are at LEAST in the same class this year! If not, I shall kill whoever made up the class lists!!
Jayla: *smirks, now amused* Suuuure ya will…! *bursts into giggles*
Linyear: *giggles along with her*
Jayla & Linyear: *walk and talk on their way to the bus stop*

*at the Elmrod Street bus stop*
Shelei: *comes up to the bus stop walking slowly, looking around cautiously... spots Christima, goes over to her* … Hey, Christima.
Christima: Hey, Shelei. *nods at her*
Shelei & Christima: *... fall silent…*

*at the Astral Street bus stop*
Jayla & Linyear: *approaching the bus stop*
Jayla: Yup… *eyeing all the students there* ... this is it, alright!
Xerann: Hey, you guys!! *calls out and waves at them, already at the bus stop*
Jayla: Xerann!! *grins at her friend and waves excitedly - she looks both ways, then darts across the road towards her*
Linyear: Hey!! *waves too, following Jayla*
Jayla: *slows down as she meets up with Xerann* Hey, hey! How are ya?
Xerann: Okay. I guess. *pauses, then heaves her own sigh* … I don't wanna go to school… *resignedly*
Linyear: Me neither!
Jayla: Who does, really??
Xerann: Simown does. *snickers* She just loooooooooves doing schoolwork!
Jayla & Linyear: *giggle*
Xerann: *smirks* … I suppose school means less time stuck with my sisters at home though, huh…?
Simown: *arrives at the bus stop, taking long strides in the direction of Jayla, Linyear, and Xerann... rudely bumps into Xerann's shoulder*
Xerann: Oof! *stumbles backwards from the impact - flailing her arms to regain her balance* 
Simown: *looks behind her at Xerann with a scoff and an eyeroll… continues on her way to her friends*
Xerann: *glares at Simown* … Jerk. *quietly, scowling… she turns back to Jayla and Linyear* I better not be in a class with Simown, or I'll SCREAM.
Jayla: No kidding. *frowning at Simown*
Xerann: God… *shudders* … please, junior high - PLEASE release me from this torment that is Simown’s ever-hovering presence over me…!!
Linyear: Yes, please!!
Jayla: We hope for your sake that will happen!

*a bit later, the Astral Street bus arrives*
Astral Street Elementary Alumni: *head towards the bus, get on*
Jayla & Linyear & Xerann: *all sit together near the back of the bus*

*at the Elmrod Street bus stop - the bus arrives*
Elmrod Street Elementary Alumni: *head towards the bus, get on*
Bus Driver: *inside, standing at the front of the bus, waiting for everyone to take a seat…* … Okay, I've only got two rules - no eating and keep your legs out of the aisle. Let's go! *sits down and starts up the bus… begins driving out of the bus stop*
Shelei: *sitting beside Christima, silent and looking downcast*
Greenith & Kandis: *sitting in front of Shelei*
Greenith: *turns around* Hey, Bolt!
Shelei: What? *sullenly, not looking at her*
Greenith: You better not be in MY class, you jerk! *jeeringly*
Shelei: Can't help it if I am. *mumbles*
Christima: *peering at Greenith through her silver glasses, staying silent*
Greenith: *leans forward and snatches Shelei's hat off her head*
Shelei: *sits upright* Hey! *indignantly - she tries to grab it back*
Greenith: *laughs cruelly, tosses the hat to Kandis*
Kandis: *catches - she throws it across the aisle to Leroi*
Leroi: *catches it, he hesitates... passes it back to Shelei*
Shelei: *gives a small smile as she takes it back* Thanks...
Leroi: *shrugs wordlessly*
Greenith: TRAITOR! *yells at Leroi*
Bus Driver: That was my ear! *scoldingly* Be quieter than that!

*on Hill Street, halfway up the hill*
Sky: Hey, Poti! *calls out to his friend Potiphar as he’s walking - hurries to meet up with him* Wassup??
Potiphar: You. *nods at Sky* Man, I so don't wanna go to school.
Lupin: *also walking… he spots Sky and Potiphar up ahead and darts towards them* Hey! *falling in step with them*
Sky: Yo, Lupin!
Lupin: Freakin' school. *dully*
Potiphar: Oh yeah.
Sky: I wonder what class we'll all be in?
Lupin: Hopefully the same.
Potiphar: Oh yeah.
Sky: And no Aerdna or Semaj! Please!
Lupin & Potiphar: Oh yeah! *look at each other - laugh*

*Astral Street bus arrives at Tidevale Junior High School*
Astral Street Elementary Alumni: *step off the bus*
Jayla & Linyear & Xerann: *one of the last few students to step off the bus… they look around and up at the school in awe*
Jayla: … It’s so HUGE! *her eyes wide*
Linyear: You can really tell the school is brand spankin’ new, too!
Xerann: No playground I see… *as she looks off to the side… there is a basketball court and a large field nearby instead* … guess we really ARE going to big people school now.

*Elmrod Street bus arrives at TJHS*
Elmrod Street Elementary Alumni: *step off the bus*
Shelei: *wanders off and away from everyone, looking lost*
Christima: *stands off to the side by herself*

*Sky, Lupin, and Potiphar arrive at TJHS*
Sky: Well, here we are.
Lupin & Potiphar: Yeah… *look up at the school*
Semaj: *standing not far from them with her best friend Aerdna - she spots Sky, eyes lighting up* Hey Sky-y! *sing-songy*
Aerdna: *giggles as she also spots Sky*
Sky: *sees Aerdna and Semaj - his eyes bug out* YAGH!! *yells and RUNS*
Aerdna & Semaj: *chase after him, giggling like crazy*
Lupin & Potiphar: *look at each other… shrug, then continue walking*
Sky: *trips and bangs into Nikki* Oh! Sorry! *as he’s stumbling*
Nikki: *laughs* That's okay! *sees Aerdna and Semaj coming their way - she screws up her nose* Uh-oh! Run, Sky! We got this. *nods at her friends*
Sky: Thanks. *runs off again*
Nikki & Other Parkside Elementary Alumni: *stand together, blocking Aerdna and Semaj from advancing towards Sky*
Lupin & Potiphar: *start running too... dodge past Aerdna and Semaj within the crowd, then they both slow down and come walking up to Sky again*
Lupin: Got the gals after you already, man!
Sky: *groans* They're ALWAYS after me!
Lupin & Potiphar: *laugh*

*Knightsridge Heights bus arrives at TJHS*
Knightsridge Heights Elementary Alumni: *step off the bus*
Potiphar: *sees* Oh yeah! Feen's here! *runs over to greet his girlfriend, then they walk off together*
Lupin: Lovesick. *shakes his head*
Sky: Of course.
Aerdna & Semaj: *had broken free from the crowd and are coming right for Sky again*
Sky: *sees* YAGH!! *runs*
Lupin: *laughs, runs after Sky*
Aerdna & Semaj: *chasing* Sky-y-y! Come heeeere!
Shelei: *watching them all with a scowl on her face*
Jayla & Linyear & Xerann: *watching them too*
Linyear: *her gaze lingering on Sky in particular*
Jayla: Whoa!
Xerann: SOMEBODY'S popular with the ladies!
Jayla: I guess so!
Linyear: *now full-on staring at Sky* … No wonder... a hot man like that…
Jayla: *glances at Linyear, but then double takes - a rattled expression on her face* What did you just say, Lin?!
Xerann: That's what I'M wondering! *gaping at Linyear too*
Linyear: *doesn't respond - just staring*
Jayla: *tilts her head to the side, her brow furrowed* … Lin…??
Linyear: *snaps out of it* Huh?! *looks at Jayla and Xerann... then suddenly bursts into giggles*
Jayla & Xerann: *exchange puzzled glances, their eyebrows raised*

BOOP BOOP BOOP *the school bell ringing…*

*inside TJHS - all freshmen students are sitting at the tables lined up in the cafetorium*
Linyear: *looking around to see if she can spot the guy from earlier... instead she spots a familiar face sitting with a group of people* Well, well, well… look who it is. Mister Traitor himself.
Xerann: You mean Jozai?
Linyear: Yup. Over there. *nods in his direction*
Jayla: Who else would she mean?
Xerann: *laughs* I know, stupid question! *looks over and sees Jozai* Ahh, yes… there he is with Derryl and Kallen.
Linyear: *rolls her eyes* Big surprise, eh?
Jayla: Honestly… *gripping at her hands under the table* … Derryl was more annoying than Alisyn ever was. *gives a tight-lipped smile*
Linyear: Yeah, really!!
Xerann: *observing who else Jozai is sitting with* … Oh, WOW.
Jayla & Linyear: What?
Xerann: Lookie, lookiiiiie…! *now grinning as she points* He's also sitting with that Dirk dude!
Linyear: That Dirk dude?? *looks*
Dirk: *sitting next to Jozai, chatting with him*
Linyear: Oh! So he is!
Jayla: *sees Dirk - she laughs, relaxing her hands under the table* Awesome! So that means he’s going to our school now!
Linyear: Yeah!!
Xerann: Jozai’s birthday party last year was SO funny because of him! *laughs* Remember??
Linyear: *giggles* How can we forget?!
Jayla: And that time I first met Dirk in Grade 3… oh my Lord!! *laughs as she remembers* Crazy kid!!
Xerann: Dirk's grandparents live next door to Jozai, don't they?
Jayla: Yeah, that's how Jozai knows him.
Xerann: *leans towards Jayla* Heheh, jokes on you - I knew that! *teasingly*
Jayla: *giggles* Suuure ya did…
Xerann: *looks over at Jozai's group again… she suddenly gasps, then throws her head back in laughter*
Jayla & Linyear: What now??
Xerann: *covers her mouth with both hands and leans forward, a few extra giggles coming out* Hey, you guys! It's KYRID!! *points*
Jayla: *jerks back with wide eyes - heart lurches inside her* WHAT?!
Xerann: LOOK, JAY! *points again* Over where Jozai and Dirk are!
Jayla: *her eyes quickly dart in their direction*
Kyrid: *sitting there, grinning and talking animatedly with Dirk, Jozai, and other people*
Jayla: *sees him - her breath hitches* ... Oh my God…! That’s… *staring at him… old memories start rushing into her mind…*
Linyear: *sees him too* Wow!! *laughs* I guess it’s true - we WILL reunite again in junior high!
Xerann: Dude, that's like, totally COOL! *hamming it up*
Linyear: We haven't seen him since that last basketball game, which was… *thinks* ... almost a year ago!
Jayla: *smiling, giggling quietly to herself as she stares at Kyrid… her cheeks start to turn rather pink…*
Linyear: *looks at Jayla eagerly* Ooh! Jayla's BLUSH-ING!!
Xerann: *looks at Jayla too* OHH!! BUSTED, Jay!!
Jayla: Hmm?! *snaps out of her thoughts* What?! *her eyes wide* No way! Am I really?? *is in fact blushing*
Linyear: Yes!!
Xerann: You totally are!!
Jayla: *feeling rather embarrassed* Ohh, shut up, you guys!! *chuckling awkwardly and nervously* I didn't mean to…! Old memories, what can I say? *gives a good-natured smile*
Xerann: Ooh la la. *waggles her eyebrows at Jayla*
Jayla: *laughs, her face feeling VERY warm* Oh my Lord!! I know, I know... now shush!! *waves her hand at Xerann*
Xerann: Heheheh… *chuckling quietly and grinning devilishly*
Linyear: *her eyes light up* Oh! Do you guys think that - *keeps talking*
Jayla: *starts off listening… but eventually she looks over in Kyrid's direction agan… she starts to zone out, lost in her own thoughts…*

QUACK!!!

Jayla: Eeep! *jolts, startled* What the - *whips her head towards the source of the sound* … What the heck…?! 
A Blue Duck Animali: *aggressively shaking his feathered booty on top of a table*
Linyear & Xerann: *look and see the duck too* Whoa…!!
Jayla: … Who is THAT? *her eyes WIDE*

QUACK-A-QUACK-A-QUACK-A! WEEEEEEE!!

Xerann: *leans back in her chair* Well, whoever he is, he’s acting like a total FREAK, dude! He better not be in MY class - he’d embarrass everyone in it!!
Linyear: Really, though!!
Jayla: *continues to watch him with an odd expression on her face… the corner of her mouth twitching upwards, secretly amused…* ~... That’s right… for the first time ever, we will be going to school with Animali…~

*at another table*
Shelei: Hey, Chris - there’s Dahc. *nods at him*
Christima: *turns around - she sees Dahc sitting at a table with a group of Elmrod Street Elementary Alumni* Yeah. *looks away, spots the dancing duck - her eyes bug out* Hey…! Look at that duck!!
Shelei: *looks where Christima is looking - sees the duck* Whoa!
Ducki: *dancing* BLAHOO-HOO-HOO-HOOOOOOO! WEEEEEEEEEE!!
Deanna: *watching Ducki, her cousin - a horrified look on her face* I don’t know him!! Never seen that guy before in my LIFE!! *hides her face in shame*
Chessi: *sitting beside Deanna - she laughs* Of course you haven’t!
Ducki: BUCACK-A-QUACKERS!! *starts jumping from table to table*
Sky: *sees Ducki coming right for them* Look out!!
Sky & Lupin & Potiphar: *duck (from the duck)*
Ducki: *jumps over Sky and his friends, lands onto the next table* Oh YEAH!! *farts, jutting his ass out*
Dirk: Yo! Keep your stinks to a minimum, 'kay, homie?? *waves his hand in front of his face, then leans over to Jozai* Or should I say, “home-duck”?
Jozai: *suppresses a laugh*
Munka: *runs towards Deanna and Chessi - she skids to a stop* Chessi! *grabs her shoulders* Hide me!!
Chessi: What?
Munka: Piggo!! *urgently*
Piggo: *running towards Munka*
Munka: *sees him* YEEEEE!! *runs away*
Chessi: *gets up, steps out in front of Piggo* Yo, Tubby! What do you think you're doing?
Piggo: Chasing Mukunka!!
Munka: Aaaaaaah! *running for her life between the tables*
Piggo: *darts around Chessi and resumes chasing Munka*
Chessi: *whirls around to watch him leave* … Whoops. *sits back down beside Deanna* I tried!
Deanna: *watching Piggo chase Munka, giving him a dirty look*

*after a while*
Mrs. Spayce (The Principal): *on stage at the head of the cafetorium, behind a podium* Alright, alright, everyone! Please settle down and take a seat…
Students: *eventually all sit, fall silent*
Ducki: *waddles (across the top of the tables) and plops down near Deanna again*
Deanna: *shuffles her chair away from him*
Mrs. Spayce: ... Good morning, students! I’d like to welcome each and every one of you… to the all-new Tidevale Junior High School!
Students & Staff: *clap*
Mrs. Spayce: We welcome our new Grade 7 students, class of 2007! 
Grade 7 Students: *hoot and holler*
Mrs. Spayce: And of course, for the first time in Tidevale history, we welcome our new Grade 6 students to join us here at Tidevale Junior High School too! Class of 2008!
Grade 6 Students: *cheer for themselves too*
Deanna: *looks at her best friend Chessi and grins*
Mrs. Spayce: My name is Mrs. Spayce, your principal… *proceeds to give a motivational speech about this next chapter of their lives… after a few minutes, she waves her hand… behind her, a translucent image of the solar system gradually emerges - with twinkling stars, the moon, and all nine planets from Mercury to Pluto*
Students: *... looking at the sight in awe…*
Mrs. Spayce: Perhaps you have noticed the adults in your life possess unique abilities we have defined as “Powers”. Maybe you have even seen older siblings do so.
Jayla: *nods her understanding - she is looking up at the principal and the scene behind her with utmost interest*
Mrs. Spayce: *waves her hand again - the planets start to orbit behind her* This is mine. Fitting, no? *gives a smile*
Students: *some chuckle/smile too*
Dirk: *looking smug* Heheh… child’s play. *quietly*
Jozai: *looks at him in question*
Mrs. Spayce: Throughout these next three to four school years, you will undergo many different changes - this includes, potentially, manifesting Powers of your own. There is no set timeline… some of you may see them emerge within the coming months, or weeks. Some of you may have to wait. Perhaps a few of you already have them. And others… may not receive them at all.
Students: *exchange curious glances with each other, the odd remark whispered amongst them*
Mrs. Spayce: When, or if, the day arrives for you - all we ask is that you use your Powers responsibly. Or for good. We have a strict policy stating anything less than that… no Powers that disrupt class, no Powers while participating in sports events… *continues to talk*
Students: *listen (MOSTLY attentively)*
Mrs. Spayce: *nearing the end of her speech* … You will meet many different folks at this school, both Human and Animali, from all walks of life. Each unique in their own way. Some will be a part of your life just for a season…
Jayla: *... grips at her hands under the table…*
Mrs. Spayce: … and some you may not get along with…
Shelei: *shifts uncomfortably in her seat, her lips tight*
Xerann: *casts a glance over at Simown and her friends*
Mrs. Spayce: … but you also have the opportunity to form strong friendships - and even lifelong bonds. *a couple more concluding remarks* … Thank you. *nods to the audience*
Students & Staff: *clap*
Mrs. Spayce: *waits until the clapping dies down… then smiles* Now, please welcome to the stage, your new vice-principal - the one and only, Mr. Broos!
Students & Staff: *clap - though the staff are clapping rather half-heartedly*
Mr. Broos (The Vice-Principal): *suddenly pops onto the stage - as if he just appeared out of thin air* YO!
Students: *jolt in shock*
Mr. Broos: *struts over to the podium and grabs onto the microphone* O-KAY, CHIL-DREN! *loudly and enthusiastically* How we feelin’ this first day of school?!
Students: *shout/mumble a VERY mixed assortment of answers*
Mr. Broos: As Mrs. Spayce said, I am Mr. Broos, and I'm going to be your vice-principal for this school year! So let me just say, HOW-DY! *gives the crowd a big wave* Are y’all ready to begin the craziest, WILDEST school year of your lives?!
Students: *… exchange apprehensive glances with each other…*
Jayla: Umm… he’s joking, right? *to Linyear and Xerann* Grade 5 was eventful enough!
Shelei: *rolls her eyes and scowls, arms folded as she slouches in her seat*
Ducki: BLAHOOOOOO!! *flails his wings around*
Mr. Broos: THAT’S the spirit! *points at Ducki, a goofy grin on his face* And speaking of spirit - ! *pauses* … actually, never mind. We won’t ruin the surprise! You’ll see, I’m sure! Until then, CAN I GET A YEEEEEEHAW?!
Ducki: YEEEEEHAW!!! *twirling an imaginary lasso*
Students: *hesitate* … Yee… haw??
Deanna: Ew. *screws up her beak* What does he think we are, cowboys??
Ducki: I’m a DUCK!
Deanna: *rolls her eyes* Of course you are - now shut up, Ducki.
Mr. Broos: *continues on a bit longer with his own rather “interesting” speech about school life, various teachers, serving detention, the meaning of life, eating cookies, Halle Berry, his “mami” and her delicious chicken noodle soup, etc.*
Students: *gape wordlessly at him*
Staff: *sighing, shaking their heads*
Mr. Broos: *... at long last, he concludes his speech and the audience… KINDA claps…?* O-kay, chil-dren! Now for the classes! Please listen for your name, and when I'm finished reading each list, line up in front of the stage right here! *points* Alright, here we go! *begins the process of reading aloud the class lists - starting with the Grade 6 classes, followed by the Grade 7 classes…* … And in 7-3, Mr. N’s class, we haaaaave… Aerdna Bluebell, Shelei Bolt…
Shelei: Whoopie. *without emotion*
Mr. Broos: … Digger BowWow, Canari Cheepi, Munka Chitter…
Munka: PLEASE no Piggo!!
Mr. Broos: … Tia Crae, Christima Darknei, Deanna Duckett…
Christima: I’m with you, Shelei! *smiles at her*
Shelei: *grins (for the first time that morning) back at Christima*
Deanna: No Ducki… pleeeease no Ducki… *"praying"* There’s a 50/50 chance still… PLEASE put Ducki in class 7-4 instead…!!
Mr. Broos: … Potiphar Feiyat, Sky Hawks…
Sky: Oh yeah! *high fives Potiphar with a grin*
Potiphar: We’re with Aerdna though.
Sky: *his expression falls* Shit.
Mr. Broos: … Jozai Jazz, Kitura LeMew…
Kitura: *her cat ears perk up* Yay! Tia AND Deanna!
Tia: *sitting with a group of Knightsridge Heights Elementary Alumni - looks over and grins at her childhood best friend Kitura*
Deanna: Yesssss! Awesome! *a happy look on her face*
Mr. Broos: … Yolanda McCoi, Ducki McDuck…
Deanna: *her own expression falls - in absolute horror* NoOoOoOOOooOooooooOOOO!!!
Ducki: WEEEEEEEE!! I’m wit you, DeDe!!! *jumping for joy*
Deanna: Whatever, just get down off the table!! NOW!! *hollers, NOT impressed*
Kitura: *chuckling awkwardly at them both*
Mr. Broos: … Autumn Medloy, Summer Medloy, Linyear Moonlight, Semaj Nampahc…
Linyear: Oh! My class! *looks at Jayla and Xerann*
Sky: NOOOO!! *rattled* I’m doomed!! Aerdna AND Semaj!!
Aerdna & Semaj: *looking Sky’s way, giggling*
Mr. Broos: ... Winlo Rayli, Toad Ribboty…
Toad: *looks down* Did ya hear that, buddy??
Mr. Broos: … Dirk Smirt, Piggo Sqoink…
Dirk: Oh right! *holds his fist out to Jozai*
Jozai: *smirks, pounds his fist into Dirk’s*
Piggo: Heh! Mukunka!
Munka: *grimaces* Ack!!
Piggo: Mwahahahaha!! *a campy cackle*
Jayla: *anxious to hear her name*
Xerann: *also waiting anxiously*
Mr. Broos: … Jayla Starlight, Dahc Winfay… and Xerann Xinders.
Jayla: *breaks into a happy grin*
Linyear: YAY!! *hugs Jayla beside her*
Jayla: *giggles as she hugs Linyear back*
Xerann: All three of us are together! And no Simown!! YESSS!!! *pumps her fists*
Shelei: *heaves a sigh of relief* Phew. No Greenith.

*class 7-3 gathers to the front of the stage… their homeroom teacher, Mr. N, helps them get organized by lining up single file - in alphabetical order by last name*
Xerann: *two spots behind Jayla - she waves at her*
Jayla: *waves back at Xerann, grinning excitedly*

Piggo: *standing in front of Jayla - thinks Xerann is waving at him even though he doesn't know her... gives a confused wave at her*
Xerann: *sees - she laughs, waves at Piggo too*
Dirk: *looking behind him, standing in front of Piggo* Where's MY wave, huh Xerann?
Xerann: *laughs again* Well, maybe you don't get one! *teasingly*
Dirk: Aww, come on! We're pals, right??
Xerann: Maaaaybe!
Dirk: Man, I'm WAY too awesome to be waved at anyway. My signature greeting is a fist pound... so POUND IT, gangsta! *takes a step in Xerann’s direction, holding out his fist*
Xerann: *grins* Can't refuse the "pound"! *pounds her fist into his*
Dirk: Oh right! And homie Jayla’s here as well! *nods at her*
Jayla: *grins at him too - she gives a wave* Hey, Dirk! Don’t worry, I DEFINITELY remember you!
Dirk: Heheh, wouldn’t expect it any other way. *grins back at her* Go 7-3! Woohoo! *holds out his fist to Jayla*
Jayla: *laughs, pounds her fist into his*
Dirk: Oh right!
Mr. N (Homeroom Teacher): Okay, troops! I mean, class! Come on! *signals to the class to move forward, then leads them out of the cafetorium*
Class 7-3: *follow, chatting to each other*
Ducki: BLAHOOOOO!! 
Shelei: *trudges along silently*
Ducki: WHOOPIWANCAKES!!
Mr. N: BE QUIET, MCDUCKERS! *projecting his voice*
Ducki: Eat poop!
Mr. N: Be quiet, Ducki. Shut up.
Jayla: *exchanges glances with those around her, part of her trying to suppress laughing out loud*
Shelei: *grimaces* Ugh. Stupid duck. *mutters to herself*
Ducki: *waddling along with the class* ~At least I can hide inside my noggin'! Blahoo! Blah! Poopy, yo!~

*in class 7-3*
Mr. N: *opens the door to the classroom* Okay. Sit anywhere for now!
Class 7-3: *file into the classroom*
Jayla & Linyear & Xerann: *sit together near the back of the room*
Shelei & Christima & Dahc: *sit together near the front of the room*
Sky & Potiphar: *sit together*
Aerdna & Semaj: *sit together, behind Sky - start giggling*
Sky: *hears them, groans*
Dirk & Jozai: *sit together*
Kitura & Tia: *sit behind Dirk and Jozai*
Digger & Canari: *sit in front of Dirk and Jozai*
Deanna & Munka: *sit together*
Piggo: *sits in front of Xerann, behind Munka*
Ducki: Hey, Deannie! *sits beside her*
Deanna: *hastily shifts closer to Munka*
Munka: Poor you. Ugh. *rolls her eyes, pushes her desk forward to distance herself from Piggo*
Deanna: Poor US. We're going to have to put up with soooo much shit this year…
Toad: *sits beside Piggo*
Piggo: *makes a disgusted face* Ugh. *shifts away from Toad*
Munka: *glances behind her and sees* Ha!
Piggo: *leans forward and pokes her arm with his pen* Mukunka!
Munka: *turns around and ignores him*
Linyear: *looking around… she spots Sky* OOOH - *quickly hushes herself with her long sleeves… she whispers quietly to Jayla* The guy we saw earlier is in our class! *excitedly*
Jayla: Hmm? *whispers back* What guy from earlier?
Linyear: The hot one!
Jayla: *blinks* ... What?
Linyear: *nods at Sky* Him!!
Jayla: *looks* … Oh, the one that was getting chased outside earlier?
Linyear: Yessss! *sighs* Isn't he dreamy…? *staring, a lovesick look on her face*
Jayla: Er… *looking him over* … if you say so? *looks back at Linyear, chuckles awkwardly at her odd expression*
Xerann: Ya know, it's a real shame. *nods to Jozai sitting across the room* Jozai is in our class too… imagine if we were all still friends, eh?
Jayla: *looks over at him… gives a faint smile* Yeah…
Mr. N: *now standing at the front of the class* Hello, everyone!
Class 7-3: *falls silent*
Mr. N: I'm Mr. N! What does the “N” stand for, you ask? That's a good question… my last name was forgotten - many, MANY years ago… *continues talking, then walks around the classroom to hand out forms*
Shelei: Oh, great. *as Mr. N hands her a form* I forgot my backpack.
Dahc: You don’t have one.
Shelei: Shut up. *giving him the side-eye*
Dahc: *laughs*
Ducki: *turns around* Yo, Piggo!
Piggo: Uh… hi… *apprehensively*
Ducki: *sees Toad - spits on him*
Deanna: *sees Ducki - eyes widen in disgust*
Ducki: Take tat, Toadie! You stink!
Toad: Oh man, you’re sick! *appears disgusted - but doesn’t wipe the spit off*
Piggo: *rolls his eyes* Look who’s talking! *snorts*
Munka: Ew!! *moves her desk farther away from them all*
Piggo: *snorts again*
Munka: *chittering angrily*
Deanna: Ew, ew, ew… *flapping her wings, grossed out* We're surrounded by disgusting FREAKS!!
Ducki: *farts*
Xerann: *suppresses a laugh at the scene in front of her*
Linyear: *too busy staring at and daydreaming about her new classmate, Sky Hawks… there is some drool dribbling down her chin…*
Jayla: *staring at the scene in front of her along with Xerann… a VERY odd yet curious look on her face…*

BOOP BOOP BOOP

*after school, at the Starlight residence*
Jayla: *enters through the front door of her home, goes up the stairs to the main floor*
Mrs. Starlight: Hi, Jay! *as she's walking out of the kitchen*
Jayla: Hey, Mom! *waves to her*
Mrs. Starlight: So, how was your first day at junior high school?
Jayla: I think it went well! *sounding optimistic* Me, Lin, and Xerann are all in the same homeroom class!
Mrs. Starlight: That's awesome, hun!
Siaera: *Jayla's older sister - she skips towards Jayla and their mother* How's the new school look? Big and fancy??
Jayla: OH yeah! *her eyes wide in amazement* I don't have anything to compare it to, but it DEFINITELY feels pretty big!
Siaera: I will see for myself tomorrow when the Grade 8s and 9s can go! *pauses* Buuuuut, more importantly… *leans in towards Jayla* … did you see any cute guys today??
Jayla: *jerks away from Siaera - looking rattled now* What the - NO! No, I did NOT! LIN did, but not ME! Don't ask me stuff like that!!
Siaera: *cackles gleefully* Oh, come on! Not even ONE guy??
Jayla: *stiffens - her cheeks starting to flush* NOPE. *defiantly* Not even ONE. *glares at Siaera* So don't ask again!
Siaera: Heeheeheeheeeee! *giggling… little red hearts begin to emerge around her like an aura*
Jayla: Ugh… *recoils from her sister* … that Power of yours still weirds me out…
Siaera: Remind me to talk to Linyear about HER cute guy she saw! Heehee! *skips off downstairs, hearts still following her as she goes*
Jayla: *watches her sister leave* … Have fun with that… *mumbles, rolling her eyes*
Mrs. Starlight: *smiling* Hey, Jay. I have something for you.
Jayla: *turns back towards her mother* Hmm?
Mrs. Starlight: *Snaps her fingers - a parcel appears in her other hand* This came in the mail for you today! From Aunt Betaea. *grins*
Jayla: Oooooh!! *excitedly* A present?! What for??
Mrs. Starlight: She told me she wanted to send you a gift for your first day of junior high! *hands the parcel to Jayla*
Jayla: *eagerly takes it from her mom* Can I open it now??
Mrs. Starlight: Whatever you want! It’s YOUR gift!
Jayla: Coolio!! *plops down onto the floor and opens the parcel to find a card and a wrapped present… she first opens and reads the card* … Yup, it's from Aunt Betaea! *sets the card down and opens her present labeled “Happy First Day of Junior High!”…  it is a pink and sparkly hardcover notebook with coiled binding - she gasps* Oh my God!! I LOVE it!! It's SO pretty!! Weeeeeeee!! *hugs it to her chest - VERY happy*
Mrs. Starlight: Aunt Betaea was asking what you might like to have, and I told her that you mentioned wanting to keep a journal again. How you used to, and then stopped.
Jayla: Yessss!! I DID miss writing in one! *still hugging the notebook* 
Mrs. Starlight: Now you can write down all your junior high memories in that notebook! Or, anything else you might want to!
Jayla: Yeah! I also had a couple story ideas I could write in it too! Maybe it can be both a journal about junior high AND a story planner!
Mrs. Starlight: That's my creative girl! *looks at the clock* Well, as usual, supper will be at around 5:30, if ya wanna do whatever you want till then!
Jayla: Okay! *springs up from off the floor, her notebook and card in her hands* I wanna start writing in my notebook! *happily dashes towards the stairs and up to her room*

END?
TO BE CONTINUED…