The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian

Rowdy's First Day at Reardan

First day of classes and Rowdy had finally agreed to come along with me.  I felt very excited and happy because my best friend from the "Rez" was joining me in the journey of another school. 

My dad drove us to school that morning, since Rowdy's dad didn't care of what his son did or what school he attended.  On our way to school, Rowdy was pretty quite and I asked him, "whats wrong Rowdy, are you not as excited as I'm about going to school together."  He looked at me with an evil look like telling me to shut up.  I took his silence as he didn't share the same feelings as I did, therefore, I kept quite.

When we pulled up to school, my dad dropped us off in the front entrance of the school.  I opened the door and Rowdy go out slowly, like not really wanting to get off.  My dad drove off and we started to go in.  I was looking forward to seeing my friends but mostly Penelope.  Luckily, Rowdy and I had the first two classes together and we walked together.  Rowdy was awfully quite and didn't say much nor good or bad. 

When we walked into the class I saw my friend Gordy and I presented Rowdy to him.  Rowdy was pretty cool and didn't tell him anything mean, which was a miracle, but anyways I was happy.  By the end of the day Rowdy seemed more relaxed and seemed to be liking the school and the boys from school.

After school, we met up with Roger and the boys from the basketball because I wanted them to meet Rowdy and be friends.  I also wanted them to consider that Rowdy could be part of Reardan basketball team.  We all talked and even Rowdy seemed to be getting along with the boys.

My dad didn't arrive at the time he had said, therefore, Rowdy and I started walking, we figured we would run into him on the way.  "So Rowdy what you think about Reardan on your first day?" 

Rowdy, "well its OK, I suppose"
"What you mean its okay, Rowdy?" "Didn't you like my friends and the rest of the school?"  He walked quite and then said, "Well its all different, its nothing like the "Rez", I thought the white kids were going to be mean and cruel and they actually weren't", "whats up with that?"

"Well you see Rowdy, once we get to really know the white boys they are just like you and me." And we continued walking until we ran into my dad on the road and we went home.  I felt complete now because my best friend and I were together once again after the bumpy road.