Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Unsung Hero (12/07/06)
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TITLE: Saturday School | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sunset Splendor
12/13/06 -
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Carla’s insides cringed and a flock of butterflies assaulted her stomach.
”What for Kenyon?” she asked.
“I don’t know.” He had the surprise look perfected.
“What did you do?” Carla was trying very hard to remain calm, cool and collected.
“Why I have to do something?” He asked defensively.
“Let’s see, why else do people go to Saturday school Kenyon?”
Kenyon shrugged his shoulders and turned to leave the room.
“Where are you going?” Carla asked.
“To take out the trash.”
Carla closed her bedroom door behind him and collapsed on the bed. She inhaled deeply trying to calm her nerves. She was starting to seriously question her ability to do the child - teen rearing thing. Who was she fooling? She was only a child herself at twenty-six and very unqualified if she was to be honest with herself. She felt her unsettled spirit stirring within her and went to her bible. She read a few verses, closed her eyes and prayed. She needed HIS help all the time but particularly THIS time.
The school’s parking lot was half full which perplexed Carla. Usually when she dropped Kenyon off at Saturday school, which was often enough, there was only a hand full of cars in the lot. She parked and followed the boy to the cafeteria. Carla looked around at the balloons and decorations and immediately thought she must be in the wrong place.
“Kenyon we’re probably supposed to be meeting in the library.”
“Kenyon, how nice to see you.” Mr. Adams, the principal, greeted.
Carla tried hiding her shock. Mr. Adams often wore a pained and stressed expression at the very mention of Kenyon’s name.
“Miss Thomas.” He extended his hand. “So nice of you to come.”
Before Carla could question him a student’s voice rang out through the room.
“Everyone please be seated.”
The principal and Kenyon hurried to the make-shift stage in front and took a seat beside several other students.
Carla sat at a nearby bench.
“I’d like to thank you all for coming today.” The student continued.
A punch bowl and finger foods were at a table on the other side of the room. Carla wondered if this was some type of mock celebration for the kids who managed to get in and stay in trouble. Carla felt sure embarrassment was about to pay her a familiar visit.
“We are honoring several students who wrote wonderful, touching essays we’d like to share with you today. The student will read his or her essay and afterwards we’ll have a word from Mr. Adams.”
Carla couldn’t focus on what the two students before Kenyon had to say. She was a bag of nerves sitting on pins and needles waiting to hear from him.
He took the microphone, slowly and shyly. He cleared his throat and began.
“My aunt Carla took me in seven months ago after my mom and dad were arrested for drug use. Carla is my mom’s baby sister. She’s the smart one in the family. She has accomplished a lot in a short amount of time and everyone looks up to her. She took me in even though she didn’t have to. She’s changed her life around for me. She has given me a home with my own room, food, clothing … all of the things my own parents should have done. The bad part about it all is that I haven’t shown her my appreciation. I’ve done nothing but cause problems for her these past few months at home and at school. I took the anger I felt for my parents out on Carla. I sometimes lay awake at night trying to think of a way to make things better between us. I figured this essay might give me that chance.”
Kenyon cleared his throat again and Carla sat at the edge of her seat mesmerized by his words. “Lately I’ve been trying to do better. I do my chores without being told and I try to think before I speak. Carla taught me that. She’s been a great role model. She’s my unsung hero. I love her very much and if I’m chosen as one of the winners I think this will give my aunt Carla and I a fresh start.”
Carla didn’t hear Mr. Adams’ closing remarks. She replayed Kenyon’s essay in her head and said a thankful prayer to HER hero.
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