“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of . . . ouch!” There is a lot of poking that goes on in third grade. It was Norris-Boris-Morris. “Horace,” he whispered.
“I’ll think about it,” I whispered back. Norris-Boris-Morris’s name is really Norris. I know that now. But in the beginning of the year, I used to call him all three “Orris” names because I could never remember which one was his.
He liked that. And now he’s always trying to get me to add another one.
Last week he tried for Glorris, but I said No. It has to be a real name.
“Okay,” I said after the pledge. “Norris-Boris-Morris-Horace.”
My teacher caught my eye and tugged on his ear. This is our secret code for Time to Be Listening.
So I sat up and listened to him, even though it was just “Raise your hand if you’re absent” and “Who’s got milk money?” stuff.
But right after that, it got interesting.
“Clementine, would you please go to Principal Rice’s office to get her.”
Whenever my teacher needs someone to run an errand to the principal’s office, he sends me.
This is because I am so responsible.
Okay, fine, it’s also because I get sent so often I could find my way with my eyes closed.
Which I tried once. You’d be amazed at how many bruises you can get from just one water fountain.
