Chapter 18.7 - Lost and Found

“We were given: Two hands to hold. To legs to walk. Two eyes to see. Two ears to listen. But why only one heart? Because the other was given to someone else. For us to find.”

Unknown

It was late morning by the time Maria walked into her first class during her Senior year at Los Alamos high school.  The school had scrambled to get her in classes that were mostly filled.  She opened the door as quietly as possible so as not to disturb the North American Indian class which was one of the few unfilled electives available.  Maria felt very self conscience entering the classroom after it had already started.  The whole class was staring in her direction.  A man jogged past her dressed in Indian clothes chanting and holding a spear.  The entire class kept their eyes on her as he jogged past and stopped. The whole situation was completely surreal, if not a little frightening.  The Indian stopped and turned to face her immediately after passing her and said, “Hello young lady.  What can I do for you?”

“My name is Maria Chavez and I am attending this class.”

“It’s nice to meet you Maria.  My name is Mr. Mcclintock and this is North American Indian.  Is that the class you signed up for.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I am going to introduce you to the class, Maria.  There is an empty seat three chairs back from the first row on the left right next to Mr. Mahoney.  He is a great kid, so if you have any problems or need notes to catch up feel free to ask him.”

Maria looked over towards the empty seat and felt a welling up of warmth deep inside her.  The boy sitting next to her desk that the teacher had pointed out was the most beautiful boy she had ever seen with a huge smile.  Maria turned back towards Mr. Mcclintock.

Mr. Mcclintock turned to the class and said, “We have new student, Maria.  I trust you will all make her feel welcome and help her in any way you can.”

Maria made her way to the empty seat and when she sat down the boy next to her said, “Hi, my name is Len.  If there is anything I can do to help you just let me know.”

Maria said, “Thanks,” and turned her attention to the teacher.  She knew she should be feeling sad but something deep inside her felt like she had finally come to a place where she belonged.