Lucy was nervous to move to a new school. After spending so many years in a small town, leaving her home and going to a new high school seemed intimidating. She did not want to leave her friends, her teachers, and her neighbors. She was just starting to enjoy ninth grade when Lucy’s parents decided to move their family to Chicago.
Thankfully, Lucy was not alone. Her sister, Rose, was her best friend. Lucy and Rose were identical twins, and they shared everything with each other, including a similar face. Even though they were nervous, the twins were excited to explore their new school.
After saying goodbye to friends in the driveway, packing the cars full, and driving the journey to Chicago in one long day, Lucy’s family arrived. Their new house was still empty, and it took several days to move all of their belongings in.
After a week, the family was ready to begin life in Chicago. While Lucy’s parents went to work, she and Rose walked to their new school.
“Do you think the teachers will like us?” Rose asked. She loved school and hoped to be the top student someday.
“I don’t know,” Lucy replied, “I’m more worried about making friends.” She hoped to be friendly and know lots of people.
“I guess we’ll find out!” Rose exclaimed.
The sisters entered their new school. It was much larger than their old high school, and students filled the hallways with flurry and chatter. Lucy and Rose shared a nervous, excited look, and then left in different directions for class.
All throughout the day, Rose politely introduced herself to teachers. She sat quietly at her desk and worked on assignments. She wanted to make a good first impression. Every time the teachers asked a question, she raised her hand to answer. At the end of the day, her backpack was full of syllabi, textbooks, and extra credit work.
Meanwhile, Lucy smiled and waved at everyone she passed in the hallways. During class, she asked to work with her classmates. At lunch, Lucy sat at a crowded table and shared her dessert. At the end of the day, her backpack was full of phone numbers, invitations, and “welcome” notes.
At family dinner that night, their parents asked how the first day of school went. Both girls smiled and said, “Awesome!”
The next day, Lucy and Rose walked into school separately. Each girl was excited to return to their successful new lives at school. As Lucy was walking to class, students and teachers waved and said “have a great day!” The same happened to Rose in a different hallway. Both girls were confused because they did not remember meeting all those people the day before.
All day, teachers treated Rose and Lucy like star students, and their classmates greeted the girls with big smiles. The two were baffled, but happy to fit in.
When Rose and Lucy met up again after school, they talked about the eventful day. They realized that everyone must think they are the same person.
Rose looked worried, but Lucy simply laughed and said, “I think I’m going to like it here.”
Discussion Questions:
How was Lucy’s feelings about school change?
How do you feel about the first day of school?
