another school year

     In Grade 9, I had figured out the school system and what was expected on assignments. I volunteered to be the room rep for SRC, I joined yearbook committee, I was the library book sign-out person for the class when we were in there. I was a part of the drama club and was in charge of tickets sales and what ever else needed to be done. I felt ready to tackle anything but not really. I was trying to hide from myself by staying busy. I was working on my Gr 6 piano and corresponding theory. I also decided to taking Accounting 10 by distance education. I was doing very well in my classes and that helped my confidence but still made me worry because I wasn't exactly sure how I was achieving the grades.
     I went to Winnipeg with my camp friend to visit our mutual friend for Thanksgiving. My dad was not happy that I chose a long weekend that I could spend with him to go spend time with my friends. I caught a ride with my friend's aunt and had a great weekend. We went shopping, walked along the river, goofed around and watched movies. We even went dancing to a drop-in dance class that my friend's older brother attended. He was very good looking and a great dancer. I danced a tango with him and I was absolutely giddy. There was an older man who was very sweaty that I had to dance with at one point but I was glad that the song ended quickly. We watched Edward Scissors Hands and made jokes about candy names sounding sexual. I enjoyed myself other than being stressed that my dad was not happy and would be lecturing my siblings about it. And I felt bad that my grandma wasn't getting to see me either.
    In the spring I attended a computer science seminar for young women in Waterloo and I was interviewed by the local newspaper for earning the bursary to attend. I was a bit nervous since I had never flown before or travelled without my parents. Travel went smoothly and I even the couple sitting beside me ask if I was on a business trip. I explained that I was in Grade 9 and attending this seminar and they were surprised at how young I was because I carried myself very maturely. I had a great time at the seminar. I made a lot of friends and had a ton of experiences like attending a Shakespeare play in Stratford. I couldn't believe that I was only there a week. When I came back, I caught up on my school work like sewing in home ec. I remember catching up on my social homework and telling my teacher that the assignment was stupid and he just laughed and somewhat agreed. But he flipped out when my classmate said the same thing. I had earned/ demanded his respect I suppose. He was an odd man. I was still moody some days and still spent a lot of time talking to my youth pastor. I would still listen on the phone when my dad called; I can't say I talked because he did all of the talking. I would be fuming and just stay silent because I knew I would snap back with smart remarks if I opened my mouth.