“Once upon a time there was a girl named Rapunzel,” mom read. It was the same story I had been hearing all my life: Rapunzel. That was my favorite story of all time. She never had to go to school, and she got to stay at home all of the time. I would love to do that. “Okay Miss Jo,” mom said, “Your first day is tomorrow! That means you have to go to bed early!” 

"I don’t wanna go!” I whined. She shook her head at me. I knew the fit I was throwing wouldn’t help, but I continued to pout. She did not budge, though. I hated going to school already. A bunch of new people, in a brand new place without my little sister, and a bus. My big brother told me that the busses were horrible. He’s 8, and he tells me everything about school. It sounds horrible.

“Josephine, it’s time for bed now,” I sighed as my mom spoke, accepting my defeat. She kissed my forehead and said “Goodnight Jo. I love you.” I closed my eyes and began dreaming of the horrors that were to come. 

    “Wakey wakey chicken,” my dad called. This was the first morning that I have ever hated. I tucked my head underneath my blanket. If he could not see me then I would not have to go. “Up and at em’,” he said. He picked me up from my bed and carried me out to the couch. When I finally decided to show my face, I saw it. There was a pretty pair of floral leggings. It was paired with a cute peach shirt. I loved that outfit. Now it would forever be ruined. My dad brought out a plate with made from scratch waffles. 

“I don’t wanna go, Daddy,” I whined. He sighed.

    “Jo,” he said. “It is not as bad as you think. Just try it for one day. Just for Mommy and me.” 

I knew he was right. I kept quiet and ate my waffles. I did not know what time school started, so I tried to be sneaky. I just laid down on the couch and prayed that Daddy would never come to get me. 

Eventually, he showed his face. Without a word, he swooped me up and help me get ready for the day. I put the outfit on, and he forced me to brush my teeth and hair. He even made me help make my bed! Finally, I grabbed my bag. That was the one part that I loved about this whole school thing. I got to pick out a purple sparkly Rapunzel backpack. I loved it in the store, and I still love it now. 

“Time for pictures!!” My mom hollered. It was the first I had heard from her this morning. She had been outside taking pictures of my brother the whole morning. I didn’t realize that I would have to do that too.