The first day of high school is tough on a lot of kids. It’s even tougher when you’re new in town and don’t know anyone. Benjamin and his Mom recently moved to California for his Mom’s new job. Sure the weather was nice but everything and everyone was so strange.   Benjamin wished he was back in Cheektowaga with the same kids he grew up.  But this new job was a big opportunity for his Mom and he was proud of her.

To make matters worse, Benjamin would cross paths with the school bully, Johnny. “Excuse me, I need to get to my locker.”  “Oh really? Listen kid, me and crew run this school!" Johnny warned. “I just need to put away my gym bag.”  “Ha! Ha! Who brings a gym bag to school?” “Who wears their mother's headband to school?” Benjamin retorted. 

"What did you just say nerd?" Johnny growled. "Mess him up Johnny!" one of his buddies shouted out. After a brief scuffle Benjamin was dumped into a trash can. He had to walk around the rest of the day smelling like garbage. He sat silently as he blankly gazed out the window of the school bus on the way home. There was no way he was going to come back for another day.

“How was your first day of school hon?” “Awful! I wish we never moved here. I miss my friends and my old life. The people at my new school are all creeps!” Benjamin shouted before storming upstairs to his room. Somehow Benjamin was able to make it through his first week. He did it by staying away from the lockers and eating lunch alone outside. But things had to change if he was going to make it through the entire year.

On Saturday Benjamin decided to tour his new city. It was so much bigger and louder from the small town he was from. Despite all the cool things to look at, Benjamin couldn’t stop thinking about the bully at school. He then noticed a couple of karate schools located downtown.  He looked through the windows as he watched kids his age doing awesome, high-flying moves.  Unfortunately Benjamin couldn’t afford to enrol at the high priced karate studios.

On his way home Benjamin noticed an elderly man doing what looked to be some type of martial arts routine. Intrigued, Benjamin entered the building where the old man was practicing. There was a strong smell of cabbage that hit him the moment he walked inside. “Cool moves mister” Benjamin called out. “Thanks young man. It’s called Tai Chi. It’s good for my arthritis.”  Benjamin had never heard of Tai Chi but the old man’s grace and finesse prompted him to sign up for lessons on the spot.

What Benjamin didn’t realize was that the old man taught accordion lessons and not karate. The elderly man handed Benjamin an accordion. “Glad to have you as a student. You can borrow this accordion until you can afford your own.” A scorpion? Benjamin thought to himself. “Must be some sort of old-fashioned weapon of some kind.” “Your lessons will be held every Saturday at 10 am. Oh, and by the way, my name is Casimir Chan......”  Beep! Beep! “My mom’s here. Gotta run. See you later Mr. Chan!” “It’s Chanski by the way!” But Benjamin was long gone.

Over the course of the next two weeks Benjamin practiced his accordion day and night. For some reason it all came naturally to him. He became really good at it in just a few short days. Holding the heavy accordion for so long had also made Benjamin feel stronger physically and emotionally. Playing the accordion had given him a new sense of confidence. He started making friends at school and had the good fortune of not seeing Johnny and his crew in the locker room for the next month.

One month later Benjamin would be participating in his first recital. “Ready to go Benja.......... what are you wearing?” “It’s called a gi. All the martial artists wear them.” “You do know that you’ve been taking accordion lessons the past few weeks?” “What? I thought I was learning karate.!” “I thought you knew. I wanted to say something but you really seemed to be enjoying it. I’m sorry Benjamin.” “I feel like a fool!” Benjamin cried as he stormed out of the house.

Benjamin ran for a couple of blocks before stopping to catch his breath. He sat on the curb and buried his face in his hands. “Look at this boys, the new kid thinks he’s Bruce Lee.” It was the school bully Johnny and his cronies. “Get lost!” Benjamin shouted as he shoved Johnny. “Whoa!” Johnny’s pals reacted. Nobody’s ever laid a finger on Johnny.” “You really did it now kid. We were just joking around but this time were gonna bust you up with some wicked karate moves” Johnny said as he started to crack his knuckles. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you” called out a familiar voice.