I moved here from Virginia where our winters are basically New Jersey in the fall. So, by mid-October here, I was already freezing. Nothing could’ve prepared me though for November. I was waiting at my bus stop, trying not to turn into a popsicle, when I noticed that the sky was a little bit grey and murky. I didn’t pay much attention to this and headed on into the bus to find a seat. I continued with my day. It was regular— reading my book club book in IRLA and chewing on my granola bar in FLEX. But, in Science, I hear somebody shout out, “Look at the window,” I hear another yell, “Oh my gosh! It’s snowing!” I rush to the window because frankly, I couldn’t believe it. My eyes were overwhelmed with dozens of little white flakes floating to the ground. It’s sticking! Possible outcomes zigged around in my head. Snow Day? Half Day? I tried really hard to stay focused in Math, but when the clock said 2:46, I was anxious to get outside. I hurriedly grab my puffy coat, and my friends and I walk down the hallway (a little faster than normal). I push away the doors, and I am about to walk to my bus when I feel a sharp bite on my ankles. I look down to find my shoes snug in the hole it’s created in the snow. I was SO not expecting this!
With a few slips along the way, I walked gingerly through the snow, just imagining the warmth of the bus surround me. When I finally get to the spot, the bright yellow bus is nowhere to be seen. Ugh!! My friend taps my shoulder lightly and says, “Come on, we need to head back inside,” Again?!? Less cautiously, I trudge through the snow which has significantly increased. I collapse into a chair in the cafeteria, wondering where in the world my bus is. I hear, “TG3, exit through the front of the building,” with a small cheer after. I realize that those are buses, so I wait patiently for my number to be called. The cheers get louder as time goes by. I turn on my phone and see 4:15. It occurs to me at that moment that I should call my parents.
Huh! No signal. Let me try again. Nope. Frustrated, I borrow my friend’s phone who has Verizon. I make a quick mental note to my myself — switch from AT&T to Verizon.
I hear my dad’s sigh of relief on the line and quickly hear my mom’s too. Conference calls are so handy! “I’ll call you as soon as I get on the bus. Yes, I have the keys,Mom” The clock seems to slowly move its hand to the next minute. I wait some more. It’s 5:15. I suddenly hear, “TG4, the last bus, please exit through the front of the building,” I let out a loud cheer. Finally. As I sink into the leather 2-seater, there was nothing else I felt at that moment but comfort and ease.
Sccchhh!! The bus halts to a stop, and the doors fly open. I step onto the familiar road. It takes my eyes a good 3 seconds to adjust to the endless, crisp white landscape before me. My mind goes blank. I’m genuinely scared. I begin the journey to my house which seems like a mile away. About halfway through, a huge gust of wind blows which thrusts me forward. I catch myself, stumble, and regain my balance. I get to the driveway which is not only covered by a sheet of snow but ice too. My frozen fingers reach over to the side of my backpack to find the keys. I turn it into the lock. Click! I gently push the door open with whatever strength I have left in me. Ahh! Heat! I could not have been more thankful for my sofa! I make a quick call to my dad, assuring him that I’m fine, even though I’m positive I have frostbite. As I cast the plush throw over me, all I can think is, “Still a chance for a snow day?”
Grover Middle School's Jagazine 