The Adventures of Rank
Rank Goes to the Library
Summer... the best time for kids. So much to do and so much time to do it in. "Too much time," according to Rank's foster parents.
Rank was mad. He couldn't believe his ears! His foster parents wanted him to go to summer school. They had to be kidding! Surely they weren't serious?
Every kid looks forward to summer. On the first day of school, the kids are already looking forward to the last. How could any reasonable adult ask a kid to go to summer school? It was just NOT going to happen, not if Rank had any say in the matter.
At some part in the many heated discussions, someone suggested a compromise. If Rank agreed to go the library twice a week, he could get out of summer school. Rank didn't like that idea much better but it had more appeal than summer school. Even a cavity seemed more appealing than summer school.
It was agreed, Rank would go to the library on Tuesday and Thursday of each week for an hour. During that time, he would read or participate in an activity that the library provided.
The first Tuesday came and Rank tried being sick. It didn't go as planned. Rank could stay home. That was no problem. But, for every day he stayed home sick, Rank had to go an extra day! So, for one day missed, he had to make up two days. Parents! Why were they messing with his life? They were going to ruin his summer if he wasn't careful!
After many attempts to change their minds, Rank finally gave in. He was stuck going to the library.
Storming out the door, Rank took off for the library. They could make him go but they couldn't make him enjoy it.
As Rank walked into the library, he noticed the silence. "Good," thought Rank. If no one is talking then no one would bother him! He could just sit and mind his own business and leave in an hour.
The first week, Rank did just that. He sat there quietly and pretended to read. It was boring but the time went fast enough. The second week Rank got very bored and actually began to read, a little. Some goof of a kid started sitting at his table. He was acting weird but Rank easily ignored him.
The third week turned out to be interesting.
The library was starting a play. They were looking for "actors." Rank had no intention of getting involved but the auditions were funny to watch. He knew the play because he had read the story to his little sister. Alice in Wonderland. Kids of all ages were trying out for all of the different parts. Other kids started painting scenery.
Rank was invited to join them many times but there was no way that was going to happen. Rank had a summer full of plans and none of them included a stupid play. That just wasn't going to happen. No Way. No How.
As Rank was watching the auditions, his 'tablemate' began talking. "I'm Alice. That is what I am." He was also arranging and rearranging his papers and pencils while rocking in his chair. Rank had noticed his weird behavior before but this time the kid was seriously disturbed.
Suddenly the kid got up from his chair, walked to the pretend stage and announced to everyone that he was Alice. Some of the kids tried to approach him but the kid shrank away. It was like he was afraid of being touched. However, even as he moved away from the approaching kids, he continued to insist that he was Alice.
The Director, very carefully and patiently, explained that maybe he could be the Caterpillar or even the Mouse, but he couldn't be Alice. Alice is a girl.
Some of the kids started teasing him, calling him names and laughing in his face. The boy became red in the face and was clearly upset. The more everyone talked or teased him, the more he rocked, this time on his feet. He was also rubbing his hands and insisting he was to be Alice. The longer this went on, the meaner the other kids got.
The Director was trying to keep things under control but she was losing the battle. The library was becoming crazy.
Rank had enough. Rank stood on his chair and yelled, "Quiet! Leave him alone!"
Everyone stopped the teasing and chatter and stared at Rank. With all eyes on Rank, he felt like a fool. What was he thinking? If an adult couldn't handle the situation, how could he? He was no one. He didn't know anyone there and in fact, didn't even want to be there. But, he also knew what it was like to be teased and he also felt something was different about this kid.
Rank, with a calm voice said, "Look, all of us are different. And, all of us want to fit in. That is easier for some than others. Clearly this kid has some issues and it wouldn't hurt any of us to just be nice and help him out. If anyone here is perfect... good for you. But, for the rest of us, we all know we aren't and we wouldn't want to be singled out like everyone is doing to this kid. So, give him a break."
The kids suddenly hung their heads. Rank looked to the Director. As Rank went to sit down, the troubled kid came over to Rank said, "Will you help me be Alice?"
Rank looked to the Director. She nodded her head "Yes."
For the next three weeks, Rank went to the library daily. Rank found out that the kid's name was Jimmy and he had Autism. It was decided that he could be Alice when she grew big in the play. Jimmy was very happy. Come to find out, Alice in Wonderland was his favorite book because of all of the funny characters and their magical adventures.
Rank helped Jimmy learn his lines and told him where to stand and when.
The opening night of the play was on a Friday. The library was packed. Behind the curtain Jimmy and Rank stood ready. When it was Jimmy's turn, everyone cheered and clapped. He was quite good. And, he was very happy. Jimmy loved being Alice.
After the play was over, Rank's foster parents were very proud of him and told him he could have the rest of the summer off. He was no longer required to go to the library.
When Rank woke up the next morning he thought about staying home. That thought lasted about two seconds. Rank looked at the clock; realized Jimmy would be waiting and quickly got dressed and left for the library