"School had to start today did it?" grumbled Mikaela, as she fidgeted in the front passenger seat of Annette's Hyundai Ioniq 5.
"You packed everything right?" asked Annette, as she slid into the driver's seat.
"Yeah, I did. Got everything necessary," sighed Mikaela.
"Well, don't worry. You'll get used to it," said Annette, as she pulled out of the driveway.
The drive to school was mercifully short, and Mikaela trudged towards her 5th grade classroom.
"Ms. Washington, have you got a minute?" she asked, seeing Maria walking towards the class,
"What's up Mikaela?" asked Maria.
Mikaela beckoned her forward, and whispered in her ear: "I got my periods over Winter break, I'm wearing a pad today,"
"I see, not to worry. I'll give you a hall pass," whispered Maria.
Mikaela breathed a sigh of relief and walked into the classroom.
"Hey Anna," she greeted Anna, who was sulking in her desk.
"Hey," mumbled Anna, giving Mikaela a half-hearted wave.
