3 years ago
A car is seen driving on the highway with a moving van behind it. Inside the car a husband is driving with his wife in the passenger seat. An 8 year old girl is in the backseat with her robotic dog sitting beside her. The young girl has a sad look on her face.
Jammy: Why do we have to move? (She says crossing her arms, pouting.)
Turning in her seat, Judy looks to Jammy.
Judy: Your father had a better job opportunity offered to him, and we thought it might be good for you to have a new start somewhere else.
Jammy: I thought we agreed not to bring that up. (She raises her voice slightly, while blushing in embarrassment.)
Judy cringes a little at her daughter's reminder. Hugh saw the change in Judy at their daughter's tone. Hugh then looks at Jammy through the rear-view mirror.
Hugh: Jambo, you know she didn't mean anything by it. (He semi-scolds his daughter knowing she didn't mean it.)
Jammy: Yes, Daddy. (Regret evident in her voice.) Sorry, Mama, but you know that's a sore subject. (She hugs herself, shrinking in on herself.)
Judy's eyes soften at her daughter's reaction.
Judy: We know sweetie, I should have been more considerate. On the bright side you can make some friends here. (She attempts to have Jammy think positive.)
Jammy throws her hands up in defeat. She speaks in a pained tone.
Jammy: It's not like I didn't try there! No one liked me, they all thought I was a showoff and too smart. They all made fun of me and bullied me. (She brings her knees to her chest, a few tears coming to her eyes. Sensing his master's distress, Goddard places his head atop her knee and whines a little.) I doubt anyone will be my friend here. (Jammy whispers while gently rubbing Goddard's head.)
Hugh and Judy go silent. They knew how rough a time their daughter was having in school. Every day when she would come home, it looked as though she was on the verge of tears. When they questioned her about it, she would always deflect until one day she came home with a bloody nose. Not able to keep it from her parents anymore she told them the truth. She said how at school she had no friends, that everyone would tease her about her intelligence. Finally she told of what lead to her bloody nose. During class, they had an oral pop quiz on the elements of the periodic table. She said how no one knew the answers but her, which resulted in all of her classmates looking at her in anger and jealousy. Once school let out, three boys came up to her and cornered her outside. One of the boys then hit her in the face. Tears came to her eyes as she felt something drip from her nose. Rubbing her nose she saw blood, and that's when she ran home. After hearing the tale, Hugh and Judy comforted their daughter. Jammy had cried herself to sleep that night in her parents embrace. A thought came to Hugh's mind later that night after they had put Jammy to bed. Coincidently Hugh had received the opportunity to accept a job offer down in Retroville where he would make more money. Seeing this as a new start Hugh and Judy agreed to move to Retroville for their daughter.
Hugh: Who knows Jammy? You might surprise yourself. Now thankfully I have been given time to help unpack, however you will need to be in bed by 8 for school tomorrow. We talked with the principal saying that we would be dropping you off around 10.
Jammy: Can't I stay home and help unpack? Please? (She begs sweetly, clasping her hands together and giving puppy eyes.)
Judy: I'm sorry sweetie but you have to go. You need to get your schedule. We both will drop you off at school though. After school you'll have to walk home.
Jammy groans in displeasure. She may not enjoy unpacking but it's 100 times better than dealing with what she had to at her old school or might have here. Seeing the dilemma between his wife and his daughter an idea came to Hugh.
Hugh: How about this? (Jammy perked up at her dad's voice.) If you go to school, you can pick dinner tonight while we get some unpacking done?
Jammy: Fine. (She mumbles, crossing her arms not please but accepting the compromise.) Can we order pizza?
Judy: Absolutely. (She easily agrees patting her daughter's knee.)
The next morning Jammy hears her alarm go off. Turning over in her bed she hits the off button, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Goddard is snuggled up right beside her, sound asleep.
Jammy: Wake up, bud. It's time to get up. (She states quietly rubbing his muzzle affectionately.)
The lights on Goddard turn on. Goddard's eyes open, as he jumps awake full of energy.
Jammy: *giggles* Aren't you just ready to start the day? (She coos, kissing the top of his snout.)
Judy calls from the bottom of the stairwell of their new house.
Judy: Jammy! Hurry up! Breakfast is ready and we'll have to drop you off soon.
Jammy internally curses.
Jammy: Dang it! I hoped that they'd forgotten. Oh, well. Better get going. Sooner I get there sooner I can leave. Coming Mama! (She responds with a shout.)
Jammy goes over to her closet to grab an outfit. Thankfully she was able to get some unpacking done after dinner last night, specifically her clothes and school supplies. She grabbed her "Chemistry it's like cooking (just don't lick the spoon)' shirt, a pair of blue jeans, and sneakers. Once dressed she raced Goddard down the stairs to the kitchen. Judy is seen at the stove finishing up the pancakes she was making. Hugh is at the table, looking at some paperwork with a cup of coffee in hand.
Jammy: Morning, Mama. Morning, Daddy! (She says as she kisses her dad's cheek.)
Judy: Good morning, sweetie. (Judy says, flipping the pancake on the stove one last time before adding it to a stack of pancakes. She walks over to the table and places the food in front of Jammy then hands her a cup of orange juice.)
Hugh: Morning, Jambo. (Hugh leans over placing a kiss on Jammy's forehead.) You ready for your first day of school?
Jammy pokes at her pancakes before cutting a piece off and sticking it in her mouth.
Jammy: Can I not and say I did? (She mumbled between her stuffed mouth.)
Judy: Jammy! You have to go today. We had a deal, remember? And don't talk with your mouth full. (Judy scolded her with no real heat to it.)
Jammy feels heat go to her cheeks looking sheepish. She swallows the bite of food before rinsing it down with a sip form her orange juice.
Jammy: Was worth a shot. (She whispers to her dad who chuckles at her antics. Hugh then lovingly messes up her hair.)
Hugh: And don't you look adorable.
Jammy: DADDY! (She squeals while playfully fighting his hand away and fixes her hair a faint pink tinge on her cheeks.)
After they were done eating breakfast, the Neutron family piled into the car to drop Jammy at school. Jammy smirked internally at convincing her parents to let Goddard come on the ride to school. Upon Jammy's lap was her red notebook with a sticker of Albert Einstein saying E=mc2. A silence descended upon leaving Jammy to think to herself.
Jammy: I wonder what my new school will be like. Will they have a similar curriculum to that of my old school? What will the other students be like? What if once I get there, everyone takes one look at me and makes fun of my clothes? What if they all tease and bully me like at my old school?
Jammy grip tightens on her notebook as her nerves ate at her. While Jammy had an internal battle with herself, Judy glanced at her daughter. A small frown tugged on her lips. Jammy looked so scared and nervous. Judy places her hand on Hugh's thigh to get his attention. Focusing on the road Hugh quickly looks toward his wife. Her eyes keep moving between him and Jammy. Understanding the silence message, Hugh adjust the rear-view mirror so he can see Jammy. His heart clenched at his daughter's dilemma, so he spoke up.
Hugh: Jammy? (Hugh questioned tenderly.)
Jammy jumps in her seat her focus broken, and she dares to look at her father.
Jammy: Yes, Daddy? (She says silently hoping to keep the nervousness away from her voice.)
Hugh: You know that both your mother and I love you, and that we only want what's best for you.
Jammy: I know.
Hugh: We know that your nervous and scared of your new school. Everything will be ok. But if it seems too hard you can call us, and we'll come pick you up.
Jammy: R-really? (She stammers not expecting her dad to say that.)
Judy: Certainly, sweetie. We know that this is a big change from what you're used to but like your father said, we will come and get you. All we really want is for you to try. That's all we ask for. (Judy reasons.)
Jammy: O-ok. I'll try but at the first sign I'm calling home.
Hugh: I'm proud of you Jammy. (The car pulls up to the school parking lot. Hugh puts the car in park and turns in his seat to look at Jammy.) Welp, we're here. Do you want us to walk you to the office?
Jammy: No thank you Daddy. (Her voice strengthening as she gained some confidence.) I'm old enough to do it myself!
Judy: Ok, have a good day sweetie. We love you.
Jammy: I love you too! (She says kissing her mom and dad on the cheek and petting Goddard goodbye.)
Jammy grabs her backpack, slinging it over her shoulder before bolting up the stairs of the school. A horn sounds to signaling her parents departure. Jammy waves them off with a soft smile. She watches the departing vehicle until it was out of sight. Jammy lets out a deep sigh and looks at the intimidating doors. Stealing her nerves, she pushes open the doors of the school.
The hallway was desolate of life. Everyone was already in class. Jammy starts to navigate her way to the main office. Thankfully the main office was near the entrance of the school, so she didn't get lost on the way. She pushed the door open and saw a secretary seated at a desk filing paperwork. Upon hearing the door open the secretary looks up from her work.
Secretary: Hello, dear. How can I help you? (She says while holding up a few papers before stapling them together and placing them back down.)
Jammy: My name is Jamie Neutron. I uh... just moved here. My parents spoke with the principal about my attendance? And starting now? (She stated like a question due to her nervousness.)
Secretary: Ah... so you're Jamie. (She nodded her head in understanding.) Well, my name is Mrs. Harrison. I've heard a lot about you.
Jammy blushes in embarrassment and tries to shy away. Before she could assume the worst, Mrs. Harrison spoke again.
Mrs. Harrison: All good things, I assure you. (A gentle smile gracing her face.) Your parents are very proud of your intelligence. Bragging about your behavior and how you're an excellent student. If you give me a moment, I will take you to your homeroom.
Jammy: You don't have too. I'm sure I can find it myself if you could give me, my teacher's name, and a map.
Mrs. Harrison: Nonsense! Can't have you getting lost now, can we? (Her tone broking no room for argument.)
Jammy: I suppose not. (Jammy concedes.)
Mrs. Harrison: Excellent. Now one moment. Now where did I put that note? Here it is! Are you ready Jamie?
Jammy: Yes, ma'am but please call me Jammy.
Mrs. Harrison: Of course, Jammy. If you would follow me, I will show you where to go.
Mrs. Harrison leads Jammy down a hallway where she can see a few lockers. She stops for a second, causing confusion to show on Jammy's face.
Mrs. Harrison: Oh, I almost forgot. Jammy this is your locker number 102. We don't require students to put their backpacks in their lockers, but each student has one if they choose to do so.
Jammy nodded her head in understanding. For now she decided to keep her stuff with her especially since she doesn't know what she will need for class or if she will be leaving.
Mrs. Harrison: Here we are! This is room 219 and your teacher is Miss. Fowl. Wait here and I will call her out here.
Once again Jammy nodded her head. Slight apprehension is present in her form. She hugs her notebook close to her chest. Mrs. Harrison knocks on the door of the classroom, peeps her head in and calls for Miss. Fowl to come out. You can hear Miss. Fowl call to her class; her voice sounding grungy.
Miss. Fowl: *squawks* Class, I will be back in a moment. Please read up to the bonding of molecules.
The door opens again and out steps a woman. She has white hair; little eyes; pointy glasses; a beak for a nose and an orange shirt with buttons. Before she sees you, you hide behind Mrs. Harrison's legs trying to become as small as possible. Noticing the shift, Mrs. Harrison looks down at you with a soft smile in understanding.
Miss. Fowl: You needed something Mrs. Harrison? (She said not seeing Jammy.)
Mrs. Harrison: Yes. (A hand is placed on your back guiding you forward.) This is Jamie Neutron, the new student joining your class.
Miss. Fowl crouches to your height and holds her hand out to you.
Miss. Fowl: Why hello. Jamie. Its's nice to *squawks* meet you!
Jammy raises her hand shaking Miss. Fowl's.
Jammy: You too, Miss. Fowl. (She whispers.)
Miss. Fowl: Shy one, I see? Well, not to worry. You'll have (squawks) nothing to worry about. Now why don't we head in and get you situated.
Jammy nods her head, fearing that if she spoke, her voice would tremble.
Mrs. Harrison: Have a nice day! And good luck in class, Jammy. (She bids goodbye returning back to the office.)
Jammy: Thank you. (She thanks before turning toward the class door.)
Miss. Fowl re-enters the classroom, but you refrain from entering just yet.
Miss. Fowl: Quiet class! Today we have a new student. (She raises her hand motioning for Jammy to enter the classroom.) Everyone say hello to *squawks* Jamie Neutron. Jamie, why don't you introduce yourself?
Jammy: Hi... (She shyly waves.) I'm Jamie but I go by Jammy. I'm 8, and I just moved here. (She says trying to stay under the radar.)
Miss. Fowl: Why don't you take the seat between Carla and Sheena? (Said students raise their hands to indicate who they were. Jammy takes her seat.) Now class, today's lesson is on atoms. Who can tell me about their *squawks* structure? (Sydney raises his hand.) Sydney?
Sydney: Atoms have a nucleus which contain electrons, protons, and neutrons. Each element has a set number of each of these making up their atomic number and mass number. (He says in a slightly arrogant tone.)
Noticing the fault in his statement Jammy decides to speak up.
Jammy: Actually, that's a misconception. You see atoms contain two regions: a nucleus which holds protons, neutrons, and an outer region holding electrons. The atomic number of an element revolves around the number of protons while the mass number is the number of protons and electrons. However there are variations in elements that have different mass numbers due to having more or less neutrons forming isotopes. Like Carbon-14 which has 6 protons, and electrons but 8 neutrons, making it an unstable isotope. (She states clearly.)
The whole class went silent, their jaws slack. Miss. Fowl types on her computer, looking for the answer. Her eyes widen in shock.
Miss. Fowl: Tha-that's right! (The bell rings dismissing the class. Everyone stares in awe of Jammy's intelligence.)
Misinterpreting their looks Jammy gathers her stuff and starts to leave for home. Tears start to gather in her eyes, but she forces them to stay put. When she makes it outside she hears someone call for to her.
: Hey! Wait up!
Quickly wiping at her eyes to erase any possible evidence, Jammy looks back and sees the two girls she sat beside in class today. She slows down for them gripping her bag in apprehension.
Carla: Hi, I'm Carla! (She says out of breath.)
Sheena: Hola! I'm Sheena. You're smart!
Jammy: I know. (She said slightly dejected thinking she was going to get teased.)
Carla: That's awesome!
Sheena: You're so cool. You know more than Sydney!
Carla: Do you want to be our friend?
Jammy: (She stares in shock, disbelieving. This was not what she was expecting at all.) Yo-you want to be my friend? (She stutters.)
Sheena: Si chica! (She nods her head furiously.)
Jammy: Why? (She was still on edge and cautious.)
Carla: Well we think its super cool how smart you are. And you seem really nice! I think that we would get along well!
Jammy's heart leaps at the honesty of her peers. This day was definitely not how she thought it would go. She had previously convinced herself that nothing new would change. She would be a loner and teased for her intelligence. Never in a hundred years did she ever consider the possibility of possibly making friends. Looking at the expectant gaze of the two in front of her she speaks up.
Jammy: I... ok. (A smile comes to her face.) Sure, I'd like that. I'd really like that!
Sheena: Awesome! (She throws her arms around Carla and Jammy.) We'll be the best of amigas!
Carla: Yeah! Hey, it looks like your heading in the same direction as our houses. Do you want to walk together?
Jammy: Definitely! (Excitement seeped from her voice.)
The girls start walking away from the school. The camera pans out as the girls trek home. Their voices muffle before fading to black.
Screen fades back in with the girls stopping in front of Jammy's house. Jammy walks up the pathway turning to her friends while waving.
Jammy: Bye guys! See you tomorrow!
Sheena: Adios, chica!
Carla: Bye Jammy, see you guys later.
Jammy smiles to herself as she steps on her front porch. She finally has friends. Friends. Her friends. Her first friends who like her and her intelligence. Jammy pushes the door open.
Jammy: Mama! Daddy! Goddard! I'm home! (She shouts from the front door.)
Metallic claws can be heard padding to the door. Goddard barks happily at seeing Jammy. Once in reach, he jumps on her knocking her to the floor, attacking her face with kisses.
Jammy: *squeals* Ahhh... Goddard, down boy. Heel, stay. *giggles* Help! *giggles*
Hearing their daughter's voice alerting them to her presence, they come out of their bedroom and head for the living room. As they get closer, Jammy finally manages to break free from Goddard's unexpected attack. Hugh sees a huge grin plastered across her face.
Hugh: Hey, Jambo. How was school today? (He asks curious.)
Jammy: Oh, that. (She says a little downtrodden.) I left my classmates and teacher speechless. Again.
Judy: Oh, Jammy. (Judy says sounding saddened by her daughter's statement and goes to hug her before Jammy speaks up again.)
Jammy: But I actually made some friends! Carla and Sheena. They came after me after class let out. I thought they were gonna make fun of me, but they asked if I wanted to be friends with them! They think I'm really smart and that it's cool that I know a lot of things. I said yes to being their friend. They're also really nice and they live close by. We actually walked home together. And Carla is our next door neighbor! (She says excited and in one breath.)
Hugh and Judy were speechless. Tears sprung to the corner of Judy's eyes. She was so happy that Jammy found friends who like who she is.
Judy: Jammy, I'm so happy for you. (Judy hugs her daughter tightly.) You're father and I were hoping this would happen.
Hugh: We sure were, Jammy. (Hugh joins the hug holding both his wife and daughter in his arms.) We're so proud of you. We knew that you could do it.
Jammy: Thanks, Daddy. I'm so happy. (Tears of joy fall from her eyes.) I'm gonna go and invent something for them right now! (She wipes her eyes and turns to leave for her room.) Come on Goddard! I need your help.
Jammy runs upstairs to her bedroom to start working on her gifts. Hugh holds Judy close and whispers to her.
Hugh: See, I told you everything would be fine.
Judy: I know Hugh. I'm just glad that she made some friends. We both know how rough it was for her beforehand.
Screen fades out turning black.