Honey Comb

Mrs. Holland blew a whistle and all the first graders lined up to go back inside the building. Children found their desks and sat down. The whole room smelled like dirt and sweat for the rest of the day. Olive’s crazy hair was a mess. Her blouse hung out of her skirt. Dirt was smeared across her cheeks and forehead. She looked over at Honey, sitting quietly in her desk. It was amazing to see! Honey’s braids were as neat as braids could be; not one hair was out of place. Her clothes were still clean and so was her face.

Olive poked Cindy Pulliam, “Look at Miss Perfect other there. Too perfect to have any fun on the playground!” Cindy giggled with Olive. Olive looked at Honey and stuck her tongue out.  “She’s ugly. Perfectly ugly. Don’t you wish a bird would poop in her hair?” Cindy might have agreed with Olive, but the girls were suddenly in the shadow of a stern Mrs. Holland who was towering over them. “Girls, pay attention. We’re reading, not talking.”