It’s time to introduce Rachael to the Black Sheep.
New secrets to keep.
Do I really need another name? I’m just getting used to this one.

I would like to thank my dear friends,
Angel O’Hare, Karen Page, Joni W. and Holly Logan
for their kindness, help, support, and input.

Education in the Hills
Chapter 3

By Penny Reed Cardon

It was Sunday morning, my first Sunday as Matilda. I showered and headed for my closet. I looked at the clothes, but not in the same way. Today I was looking for just the right outfit to wear to church, another first for me. There weren't any real fancy dresses, except for my blue graduation dress. This was a special occasion and I was going to wear the blue dress, but then I thought about Mary Beth, and the options that were available to her. I decided on some plain, heavyweight white tights, a full slip, a simple pink knee length dress, and some matching shoes.

After I finished getting ready, I knock on the interconnecting door. Usually Mary Beth has knocked before I’m ready.

When there was no answer to my knock I turned the knob and pulled the door open, just enough to talk through. "Mary Beth! Is everything all right? ... Mary Beth?" I yelled.

"I'm here!" There was a distinctly sad tone to her voice. "I'm in the closet."

"What's the matter, can't decided what to wear?"

"No, I know what I want to wear. I just can’t get these stupid elastic bandages on."

"No problem. I've helped you with them for the last two days. I'll just come in and wrap you up."

"NO! Don't come in here!"

"Oh, I think I understand. Yesterday you wore pants and a blouse, the day before it was a skirt and blouse. Today you're planning on a dress and you don't want me to see you in just your panties, so you're trying to do it by yourself. How am I doing so far?"

"Correct as usual, Miss Holmes."

"Well, we need to hurry; it's almost 7:00. So put on a pair of pants and a camisole, get your dress and slip, and come out here. I'll wrap you up, help you with your slip and dress, and then I'll leave so you take off the pants. That should take care of the problem of getting the bandages on, while allowing you to maintain your dignity and comfort."

Mary Beth answered by coming out, dressed as I'd suggested. She laid her dress and slip on the bed and then hugged me. "Matilda, what would I do without you?"

"Well, if you weren't here with me, you'd have the same problem, which is how to get these bandages on and get ready for church. You'd probably need to have Jeffrey help you."

"I guess you're right about that, being that nobody else at home would talk to me. It would be a little embarrassing, having my five year-old brother helping me get dressed," she sadly replied.

I gently hugged her for a moment longer, then added, "That's all right, not everyone is as loving and understanding as you are."

She sighed, before she responded, "That's not why I'm sad. I was thinking about poor Jeffrey, stuck in that house with a family that has been so cold and unloving the last few weeks. You know it wasn’t always like that. I don’t understand why Mom went so crazy when she found out about you being who you are. For Jeffrey’s sake, I hope they will forget about all this craziness and figure out how to be the kind of loving family they once were. You know? … Jeffrey is the only one I'm really going to miss. He was always so happy and cheerful, even if he was sneaking into my room all the time."

We slowly released each other and I helped Mary Beth get ready. Soon we were in the year lounge, being questioned about how we were dressed.

"What on earth are you two all dressed up for?" Tony demanded.

"W - What?" I stuttered, surprised by what appeared to be a verbal assault.

Quickly Em stepped between me and Mary Beth, and Tony "Don't worry about him, he just acts mean, tough, and rebellious. It's the evil streak in his personality sneaking out." Smiling, she turned around and looked at Tony, then added, "He's really a pussycat when you get to know him."

Mary Beth teasingly asked, "You're sure he doesn't bite?"

"Bite? No!" Em turned back to face us, giggling, she whispered, "Although, he has been known to nibble a little now and then." Tony blushed as he headed for an empty couch.

"That makes me feel better," I chuckled. "For a moment I thought I was going to lose something."

"So, why are you all dressed up?" Em inquired pleasantly.

"Well, today is Sunday, so we're dressed to go to church," Mary Beth explained.

"According to the schedule of religious services, the LDS services are held in the small dining room, after years D - H finish breakfast," I added.

"CHURCH?" bellowed SueAnn.

"Why did you dress up so early?" Jenny asked. "You could go to breakfast, come back to change and then go back over."

"We could," I explained, "except that we're going to visit Rachael during that time. We were wondering if any of you would like to go with us ..."

"Here it comes, they're trying to relig-ify us!" SueAnn moaned.

"... and be introduced to Rachael?" I concluded, ignoring the comment from SueAnn. Almost everyone raised their hands. "Oh, I don't think they would like having the entire year packed into her room. I think that maybe three pairs today, three tomorrow and the last three on Tuesday. How about Jenny and Aaron, George and SueAnn, Barb and Tina this morning, is that okay with everyone?"

Everyone was agreeable with that arrangement. Then Aaron went over the day’s schedule, which held nothing new. On our way to breakfast, SueAnn came over, walking next to Mary Beth and me, "I'm sorry. My comment was out of line."

"Don't worry about it SueAnn," Mary Beth replied.

"It's like we said on Thursday, we aren't going to try and force our religion on anyone," I added.

"So if you don't bug us about going to church, we won't bug you about NOT going to church," Mary Beth explained.

"I’m sorry, I guess I'm just used to the ligious nuts from home. They never left you alone," SueAnn shook her head, as she remembered.

"Well, it's not supposed to be that way, and we definitely aren't that way," I stated. "So, SueAnn, where are you from?" I asked, changing the subject.

"I'm from a little town call Richmond, it's bout thirty miles south of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Please, just call me Sue."

"All right, Sue it is. North Carolina is a long way from here. How did you hear about this school?" Mary Beth inquired.

"Well, bout two months before school was out, back home, they had everyone in my class take some test. Boy was it was a weird en. Anyway, bout five weeks later my teacher give me a letter to take home. It told my dad that the test I took before, was to see which students would do better in a different kind a school. It also asks if I can take another test, just to make sure. Dad figured it would be OK, so he signed the papers."

"What did your mom say about it?" Mary Beth asked.

"Oh, I don't got no mom. Just me, my dad, and my big brothers Jed and Scott."

"What happened to your mother?" I asked.

"Well, dad told me she died when I was little. But while I was waiting to be picked up to come here, Scott told me that mom wanted a little girl when I was born. He said that mom used ta put me in little dresses and girl's clothes. Scott said that dad come home from work early one day and found me dressed like a girl. Dad threw a fit, beat mom for dressing his son up as a girl, then he run her off."

"Oh Sue, I'm so sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad," I apologized.

"There’s nothing ta be sorry bout. I guess it'd be different if I knew my mom, but I don't member her at all. I guess I should be mad at dad ya know, for beaten on my mom and running her off. I do wish I'd have known my mom. Know what's funny bout all of it, now I put my own self in dresses, and I really like it."

We were all giggling, as we entered the cafeteria. Mr. Peterson's announcements weren't exactly brief, " Good morning everyone, now that year A has joined us, we’ll get started. The only announcements I have for you this morning, is a reminder that there would be no dinner served in the cafeteria. There will, of course, be an appropriately ghoulish buffet set up in the ballroom. Because the kitchen staff received so many requests for it, I do believe that there will be a repeat of last years popular eye ball soup." This announcement was met with a mixture of cheer's and boo's. "All right, settle down, as is tradition, the ball will begin at 6:00 pm and run until midnight, for those who last that long. And yes, your curfew for tonight is extended, everyone is to be in their rooms by 12:30. Tomorrow's 9:00 am lessons will start promptly at 10:00. One final note, for those who are truly morning people, an enticing breakfast is planned for 8:00, to include any leftovers from tonight's buffet. I believe that's everything, I'll see you all this evening."

"Does anyone know what eye ball soup is?" I asked.

Kathy Ray, was our psychiatrist for the day, "Do any of you know the movie 'Indiana Jones, The Temple of Doom'?" Several of us nodded. "Remember the scene where they're having dinner and the waiter brings out a large soup bowl that had eyeballs floating in it?"

We nervously looked around the table at each other, then back at Kathy, we couldn't tell if she was joking or not. I wasn’t sure if I want to find out.

The Halloween Ball and each other’s costumes were the main topic of discussion. Mary Beth and I had decided to keep our selection of costumes a secret until the ball; that turned out to be harder than I thought. When we had finished breakfast, the eight of us went over to see Rachael.

We arrived at the nurse’s station where Tina greeted us. I asked everyone to wait there while I checked to make sure Rachael was ready to receive visitors.

"Good morning Sis, how's it hanging?" I giggled at my teasing question.

"By ropes from the ceiling of course. I see your sense of humor hasn't changed … it still needs improving. Matilda, what are you all dressed up for?" she came back.

"I don't know, I still think my idea of smuggling you to the Halloween Ball as a mummy was pretty funny. As for being dressed up, you may have forgotten, but today is Sunday. Mary Beth and I are going to church," I answered, as I picked up a brush and started on her hair.

"Oh right, taking me to the ball as a mummy, that's about as funny as your Elephant jokes. They're really going to take you to our church dressed like that?"

"Oh, come on Sis, Elephants, red toenails, cherry trees, those jokes are classics. As for church, they have services here at the school for five different religions. Remember, this school has students from across the whole country."

"Oh, your jokes are classics all right; they’re like Mom’s classical music, they'll both put you to sleep. There can't be that many members of our church here, could there?"

"Well, I can see you're feeling better today. Your comebacks are up to normal, as for how many members of the church there are, I'll let you know. Do you think you're up to some visitors?"

"You mean besides you? I was wondering what you did with Mary Beth."

“She is waiting with the others at the nurse’s station. I wanted to make sure you were ready before I brought anyone else in.”

“Others! How many others?”

“Only six others. Everyone wanted to come, but I didn’t think Tina would like having all of the Black Sheep packed into your room at once. We’ll bring another six tomorrow and the last six on Tuesday," I put down the brush and started on her bed. "Here, let me straighten your blankets a little, your modesty is in need of protecting.”

“Thank you Matilda. I wish I could do something besides lay here.”

“Well, we'll just have to see what we can do about that. There, you’re all tucked in. Are you ready for some company?”

“Okay, I guess I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I just feel like I’m a sideshow exhibit at the carnival. Come see the mummified girl, pull her fingers and tickle her toes.”

“Toes! I forgot about that, you always hated to have your feet bare. I’ll bring you some socks to cover your toes, tomorrow. Now sit tight, and don't go anywhere while I go get some friends.”

“Like, where am I going to go?" She shook her head at me. "Bring um on sis!”

I opened the door and stepped out into the hall. “All right everyone. Her Majesty is ready to receive guests.”

“Her Majesty?” called out Rachael. “Who are you trying to impress, them, or me?”

I looked back at her and giggled, “Both.”

Once everyone was in, and gathered around, I proceeded with the introductions, starting with those that were closest to me. “Everyone, this is my sister, Rachael. Rachael, this is George and SueAnn, Barbara and Christina, and Jennifer and Aaron.”

“Hello everyone, you will forgive me if I don’t get up,” giggled Rachael.

“Well … I don’t know, it’s considered rude to not stand and shake hands when being introduced to someone new,” George said with a very, serious tone.

"To be sure, in some cultures the failure to shake hands after a formal introduction is considered to be an insult," Barbara added.

“In some countries it’s punishable by cutting off a finger, or even the whole hand,” Christina added.

"Certainly, an exception is made for someone in a hospital bed?" Rachael exclaimed.

"Only in the degree of punishment," Aaron joined in. "Instead of cutting of your hand, the offended party would be allowed to ... tickle your toes."

Jenny couldn't contain her laughter any more. After a good laugh, and a question on Rachael's face, Jenny explained, "Rachael, allow me to present one third of the 'Black Sheep', who are without a doubt, one of the biggest groups of fun loving hecklers and pranksters I have ever known."

"So everything they said was ..." Rachael started.

Jenny interrupted, "Was just their way of saying hello, and that they are happy to meet you."

"We got the same treatment when we were introduced to them, three days ago," Mary Beth remarked with a giggle.

"So, you're telling me that being made fun of, is a good thing?"

"Don't think of it as being made fun of, think of it more like ... an initiation," George added with a grin.

"After all, Matilda is one of us and you're her sister, that makes you an honorary member of the Black Sheep," Christina added.

"And that's a good thing?" Rachael asked.

"Oh yes! It's like being part of a big family. We all look out for each other, and we all help one another," SueAnn offered with a smile.

"So, it seems I've been officially adopted into the Black Sheep. Well, as the newest member of the family I have a small request."

"What would that be?" Jenny asked.

Rachael paused a moment before answering, "That nobody touches my toes."

"That's where she's the most ticklish," I giggled. "Well, except for one other place, but I'm sworn to secrecy."

"And don't you forget it!" warned Rachael. "You don't want me telling everyone your secrets … do you?"

"I'm not sure,” Barbara snickered, “but I don't think Matilda has any secrets left to reveal."

"Well, maybe one or two," I whispered.

"Matilda!" Mary Beth scolded. I jumped at her tone. "We'll talk about this later."

Everyone chuckled a little at Mary Beth's scolding, and I'm sure I was blushing. We spent the rest of our time with Rachael, in pleasant conversation. She seemed very happy to have someone to talk with.

The time passed quickly and soon it was time for Mary Beth and me to leave. I leaned over and gave Rachel a little hug, “I hate to do this, but Mary Beth and I need to be going. It wouldn't make a very good impression to be late to church on our first day.”

“Do you really have to go?” Rachael begged.

“I’m afraid so. The others don’t have to leave, though.” Turning to the others, “The rest of you are free to stay as long as you’d like. It sounds like my sister is craving some company. We’ll see all of you at lunch.” With our goodbyes said, Mary Beth and I took our leave, heading back to the cafeteria.

As we approached the small dining room, the door was standing open. I noticed that the tables had been removed and about thirty chairs had been place in neat rows, with about half of them already occupied. There was also a small piano near the front of the room, according to how the chairs were arranged. Just outside the door were two men, one about thirty, and the other about fifty. They were dressed in dark suits, white shirts and ties, and each had a black and white nametag, just like the one’s I’ve seen on the LDS missionaries.

I paused for a moment and took Mary Beth’s hand. I looked at her; she looked at me, smiling at each other, we took a deep breath and continued on.

“Good morning Mary Beth. Good morning Matilda,” the older man greeted as he offered to shake hands, “I’m Elder Johnson.”

“And I’m Elder Bennett. We’re happy you have decided to join us this morning.”

"Good morning,” we chorused.

"Excuse me, but how did you know who we are?" I asked. "We've only been here three days."

"Let's just say that we do know you, and leave it at that," Elder Johnson replied.

"So how much do you know about us?" Mary Beth wondered aloud.

"Well, I'd say that we know as much about you as you know about each other," Elder Bennett answered. "Shall we go in and meet the others?"

'More pieces of the puzzle that don't match up with the other pieces. They know us, but we've never met. They aren't Missionaries, but their nametags are the same style. I wonder if they come up here from the valley, just to hold services?'

"Elder Bennett, what's the condition of the roads outside the school grounds?" I asked casually.

"I don't know, why?"

"Well, we have about a foot of snow here, I was wondering if my Mother will be able to get here today, to visit with Rachael?"

"I'll try to find out and let you know," Elder Johnson added.

"Thank you." 'That told me a lot. Now I know that they're residents here. They also didn't ask who Rachael is, which means they already know who, and where she is. As only a few people know about her, I'd say there's a ninety percent chance that they're part of school security. I wonder if those are their real names?'. I smiled to myself, as Mary Beth and I passed them, going into the dining room.

* * * Note to the readers * * *

Mary Beth and I will not force our religious preferences on our fellow students. Likewise, I will not force it upon those reading this tale. If you don't wish to read about our first Sunday service, you may skip down to the next set of asterisks.

* * * * *

"Good morning everyone," Elder Johnson greeted as he opened the meeting, "we'd like to welcome all of you this morning, especially our newest members Matilda and Mary Beth. We'll leave a little time later for proper introductions."

We sang an opening hymn, 'The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning'. One of the older students played the piano. I recognized her as a member of the orchestra, but didn't know her name, yet. Another led the singing. Considering there were only twenty of us in the room, it sounded pretty good. After the opening hymn, another student offered an invocation. That was followed by the sacrament hymn. Elder Johnson pronounced the blessing on the bread and two of the boys passed the bread to everyone. Then Elder Bennett pronounced the blessing on the water and it was also passed to everyone.

'Pretty normal so far, I figured that having church outside of a regular church house would feel strange, but it doesn't. It's actually relaxing and enjoyable being here. I feel as at home here, with these two Elders and our fellow students, as I did in my ward back home. It's funny, sitting here thinking about all the different places I've attended church. In some of the wards we visited, when my family was traveling, I felt like an unwanted alien. Not here though, I feel calm, peaceful, relaxed, and at home.'

There were three talks given, the first two were by students. Then we sang another hymn, ‘I Know That My Redeemer Lives’ followed by a talk by Elder Bennett. They had each selected a speaker from General Conference, which had been three weeks ago, and highlighted the main points of their talks.

After the closing hymn, 'I Stand All Amazed', and benediction, Elder Johnson reminded everyone of the branch 'Family Home Evening' on Monday evening. 'Well, he reminded everyone else; it was new information for and me and Mary Beth. What surprised me, was that our little group is considered a student branch'. He also informed everyone that because of the altered schedule for choir practices, Family Home Evening would be during the senior student’s dinnertime. He went on to say that everyone in the branch had been granted permission to eat with the junior students.

* * * * *

We were then introduced to the other members of the branch. They went around the room and introduced themselves, as well as telling us a little about them. First was Becky and Chad from year B, Becky is fond of small animals and forests, while Chad has a thing for fast cars. Tina and Susan are in year C, Susan wants to be a model, whereas Tina dreams of building the first truly functional robotic maid. Marilyn and Tommy are in year D, Marilyn is interested in high quality sound systems and Tommy is interested in theater. Susie and Rusty are in year F, Rusty likes to fly, while Susie likes to sing. Janice and Ty Bickmore are year G, Janice and Ty were the only ones to give a last name. I discovered later that they had been married last August. There were also Shawna and Cory from year B, Lexi and Emily from year E, and Darryl and Terry in year H.

We were just getting a good conversation going, when Elder Johnson cut in, reminding us that we only had the room reserved until 11:30. He told us that we would be welcome to continue our conversation in the main dining room. So that's what we did, well, about half of us anyway.

As we were moving, I remembered a question I had. Quickly returning to small dining room, where Elder Bennett was cleaning the sacrament trays, I interrupted him, "Elder Bennett?"

"Yes Matilda, what can I do for you?"

"Well, I was wondering, who do I need talk to about getting some scriptures? Mary Beth is used to reading every night before going to bed and she really misses it."

"And what about you?"

"Well, I didn't read every day like Mary Beth, only three or four times a week. But if it makes her happy to read before going to bed, I'll join her."

"That's terrific! I'll make the arrangements. To make things easy on everyone, we've loaded the scriptures onto an 'SD card' that plugs into your PDA. I'll have one, along with the software that you'll need, delivered to each of your rooms. If you have any trouble accessing them, I'm sure that Janice would be happy to help you."

"Thank you Elder Bennett, but I think I'll be able to figure it out," I smiled.

'From what I’ve head about you, I’m sure that you will,” he chuckled. “Will you be joining us tomorrow evening then?”

“I don't know. Our schedule is always changing as new things are added. All I can promise is that we'll try to be there."

"Well, we can't ask for anything more than that, I do know how quickly things change around here. We'll look forward to seeing you then."

"Thanks again, see you later." I waved, as I left the room.

The others were deeply involved in a discussion of tonight's Halloween Ball and the buffet.

"So Matilda, your nickname is 'Munchkin'?" asked Becky.

"Well," I sighed, "yes I guess it is. It's Beca's fault, she's the one that started calling me Munchkin."

"Beca, year F's year leader?" asked Susan. "How come she nicknamed you? Usually it's someone in your own year that comes up with funny nicknames."

"When I was here before, going through girl 101 and 102, Beca was my big sister. It was on my last day here; well, at least I thought it was going to be my last day here. Anyway, as I was hugging her as if there would be no tomorrow, she cried out, 'Let go of me you crazy little munchkin'. Everyone has been calling me Munchkin ever since."

"I also hear you're going to be a munchkin for the Halloween Ball," added Tommy.

"Mary Beth!" I scolded. "I thought we were keeping that a secret until tonight."

"But, I didn't say a word. Promise," she said as she crossed her heart and held up her right hand.

"All right Tommy, if Mary Beth didn't tell you, and I didn't tell you, then how did you ..."

"I work with Mr. McGuiness. He told me how beautifully the munchkin costume fit you. He was so pleased that it fit you without needing any alterations."

"Well, how many people have you told about it?"

"Only Marilyn, oh, of course everyone here knows about it now. I suppose most of the staff know as well."

"All right everyone," I started, as I looked around the group, "you are all sworn to secrecy. I know it's not much of a secret, because tonight everyone will know. Until then I'd appreciate it if you didn't pass the word around the whole school. Tommy, what do you mean about the staff knowing?"

"Every night, while we are at choir practice, the teachers and psychiatrists get together and discuss the days activities," explained Marilyn.

"Great! Everyone is going to know! So much for keeping something a secret around here." I paused, then asked nervously, "Do the psychiatrists tell everyone, everything they know about the students?"

"Of course not," replied Marilyn. "That would be unethical. Mostly, they listen to what the teachers have to say."

Mary Beth realizing what I was concerned about, queried, "I can't imagine that just anyone can sit in on one of these meetings. How do you know what goes on, what they talk about?"

Tommy sputtered a little before actually answering, "Well ... Um, we can't tell you how we know, at least not yet. We just know!"

From the looks on the faces on everyone younger than Tommy and Marilyn, this was new information to them as well. Several started whispering among them selves, then said their farewells, as they hurried off. I assumed they were off to tell the others in their respective years what they'd just learned from Tommy and Marilyn.

After we said so long to everyone, I turned to Mary Beth. "It's almost time for lunch. I don't suppose you want to walk over to the year lounge, just to turn around and walk back here, do you?"

"Not really. I wonder how much longer these silly ribs of mine are going to hurt, before they start getting better."

"I don't know. We'll have to ask Dr. Harris, the next time we see him. Anyway, our year will just have to wait to learn this new information."

We moved to our usual table and sat down to wait. I got out my PDA and started tapping at the keys on the screen. "What are you doing?" Mary Beth inquired.

"Learning," I absentmindedly replied.

"Matilda, are you going to get into trouble again?"

"Possibly."

"Why only possibly?"

"Well, Ellen did tell me that I was to do my best at whatever I'm doing. I'm just doing what I was told to do."

"All right, you're doing your best, but doing your best at what?"

"You know that something has to be done about Bart. He can't be allowed to go around beating up on little kids. Somehow, justice must be served. I’m just trying to figure out how to get what we know about him into the right hands, without us having to go to court to testify. If I can just figure out how to get into the main system ... YES, ALL RIGHT, That’s what I’m talking about."

"All right, what?"

"I just made it around the firewall and into the school’s main server system without setting off any of the alarms or tripping over any booby traps. Now, let's see what we have here. Hum, that's interesting, encrypted files and hidden directories … I wonder …”

“Uh, Matilda,” Mary Beth tugged at my sleeve. “Would Mr. Peterson coming towards us be of interest to you?”

“Hum, what?” She was pointing in the direction of the approaching principal.

“Oh, yes that would be interesting,” I whispered as I shut down my PDA. Announcing loudly, “I surrender Mary Beth, you win again. I’ve never been able to beat you at Hang Man. Oh, hello Mr. Peterson it’s nice to see you again.”

“Hello ladies. A little early, and slightly overdressed, for lunch, aren’t you?” he replied, smiling.

“We’re only just a little early,” replied Mary Beth.

“We attended the LDS church service this morning. We thought it would be silly to walk over to the year’s lounge, just to walk back again,” I added.

“I agree with you Matilda, that would be just a bit silly, not to mention a little strenuous on Mary Beth,” Mr. Peterson agreed as he sat down with us. “That isn’t why I thought I’d visit with you today. First, I was wondering what you think of Immigration Manor?”

“That’s hard to say Mr. Peterson,” Mary Beth confessed.

“That’s true, after all, all we’ve seen of the school is our rooms.”

“The cafeteria.”

“The theater.”

”And the hospital.” Mary Beth and I alternated phrases.

“Hmm, yes, well I can see where that would leave you with a limited outlook. I hope you will have a different opinion of us after the ball tonight. Actually, that’s why I wanted to talk with you. Matilda, I understand that you are going to the ball as a munchkin from the Wizard of Oz, is that correct?”

Shaking my head I slowly answered, “Yes, Mr. Peterson, that’s correct. I felt that was the best option I had, from the limited choices Mr. McGuiness had available. Now, I’m not so sure. News certainly travels fast around here.”

"Yes, well, I do like to be kept informed. After all, as the Principle, I'm supposed to know what's going on around here. Matilda, um ... how well do you know the story of 'The Wizard of Oz'?"

"Um, I don't know, pretty well I guess. Why?"

"Have you ever done any acting?"

"Not really, um ... what's going on?"

"Tell me my dear, do you think you could really act like a little munchkin?"

"Mr. Peterson, what are you talking about?"

"You know, act terrified if you encounter a Bad Witch, dance and sing if you see a Good Witch? Just like the munchkins would."

"I suppose I can try to act that way. Mr. Peterson could you tell me something ... why are we having this conversation?"

"What conversation?" he said with a smile. He then stood up, just before turning to leave he added, "By the way, do you have a name that you go by when you're dressed as a munchkin? Oh well, never mind. I'll see you both this evening."

After Mr. Peterson left, Mary Beth and I sat motionless for sometime. I finally closed my mouth and looked at Mary Beth; her mouth was still hanging open. I reached over and gently pushed up on her chin, which brought her out of her trance.

"Matilda! What just happened?"

"Mary Beth, I have no idea. I've never been so confused by such a short conversation, that apparently didn't take place. I'm guessing that Mr. Peterson wants me to act like a munchkin tonight at the ball, although, I don't know why. I am certain that we aren't to tell anyone else about this, um, imaginary conversation."

"Great! At least I know that I'm not the only one confused by something that didn't happen. One thing I think I'm sure of is that you, my dear little munchkin, need a munchkin name."

"Hey, you're right there," I said, as I got out my PDA and linked to the internet. "I've got to change the direction of my research for today. Let's see now, I don't remember if any of the munchkins had names. I guess I better get reading."

"What do we tell the others, they'll be here in about ten minutes?"

"We tell them nothing, I'll only be able to work on this when were alone."

"Okay, what are you doing now?"

"Looking on the University of Virginia web site for the original story ... Terrific, it's here, ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ by Frank Baum, 1904. Now download it, very good, now all I have to do is speed read to the point that Dorothy leaves Munchkin Land."

I started reading as the other years started entering the cafeteria. Chapter one was before Dorothy arrived in Oz. Skipping that, I started skimming through chapter two. 'I've never read anything by Frank Baum before, his writing is easy to follow, and enjoyable reading. I think I'll have to read all of his works sometime.'

I finished skimming chapter two as year A started sitting around us. "Hi Matilda, Mary Beth, how did you like your church service?" inquired Misa.

"It was great," Mary Beth replied. You should come ..."

I quickly placed my hand on Mary Beth's and shook my head, saying, "It was better than I expected. We both enjoyed being there,"

"Mary Beth, what were you going to say?" Sue inquired.

"Nothing important, just that motherly training peaking out again. Please forgive me. Um, I hope you enjoyed your morning as much as we did." 'Good recovery, Mary Beth.'

"Well, I'm pleased to see that year A has arrived before the announcements," Mr. Peterson chuckled, as he stood up. "Unfortunately, or perhaps it's fortunately, I have no other announcements at this time, other than I’m pleased that year A is on time. Enjoy your meals."

"Gee whiz," George complained, "the first time in two weeks that we haven't been late. There weren't even any announcements that we would have missed, if we were late."

"So, the fact that everyone has been late to every meal since Matilda and I got here, isn't because of my walking slow?"

"Oh no, it has nothing to do with you. We've been late to just about everything since school started last June," Peggy commented.

"Maybe that's why he calls us the Black Sheep," Christina suggested.

"It's probably part of why he calls us the Black Sheep," Misa agreed.

"Of course, that's not the only reason. Remember the um, disagreement we had with year B last July?" Deanna added.

"What disagreement?" Mary Beth asked.

Misa started, "Well, it was rather trivial ..."

George interrupted, "You call what they did to us, trivial?"

"Easy George! We don't want to go through that again," cautioned Morgan.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Well," Peggy continued the tale, "someone from year B offered a … suggestion,"

"A suggestion? They insulted us!" George gruffly whispered.

"George! Stop it right now," SueAnn warned her study partner. "I is not going to be treated like a baby girl again. So forget bout it!"

"All right," he grumbled, returning to his lunch.

I remembered seeing something, briefly, while I was looking at the directories on the main server. I went back in and found the directory ‘Disciplinary Action’ with a sub-directory ‘Year A 2004’. There was a detailed account of the action that had been taken. There was however, no mention of what prompted such action, 'I'm not sure I want to know what they did to receive this type of discipline. Just between you and me, the pink frilly dresses sound like fun, but being babied by the year H students is definitely out of the question.'

I showed my PDA to Misa and quietly asked, "Is this what they're talking about?"

After reading a little she replied, "Yes, that was how we were disciplined, a week of being treated as little children, for acting like little children. Matilda, how did you get this file? I've never seen a report of that incident in such detail."

"Oh, well, it's just a file I came across while I was learning how the system works."

"Matilda, did you hack into the schools secure server?" she appeared shocked.

"I found eight servers so far, is one of them supposed to be a secured server?" Misa appeared a little shaken by last statement.

"Relax Misa," Mary Beth said with a giggle, "it’s just what she does. At our old school, she was banned from even sitting in front of a computer. Even when she was recovering from her um, breakdown, I couldn't leave her alone if there was a computer in the room."

"Matilda, do RJ and Mr. Peterson know about your, ah, abilities?" asked Peggy.

"I know that Mr. Peterson knows about my, ah, talent. Before he gave Ellen permission for me to come here as a temporary student, she had to assure him that I wouldn't be permitted near a computer. Ellen told my Mother that it was estimated that, if I were left alone with a computer, I'd be through the main security systems in twenty minutes or less. As for RJ, I don't know what he knows, I haven't met him yet."

"Matilda, looking at your student profile, neither you nor Mary Beth has a specialty listed, how come?"

"I noticed that as well. I guess it's because we haven't picked a specialty yet," I explained.

Morgan corrected me, "Oh, you don't pick your specialty. They're assigned, by the school. Are you saying that you haven't been assigned specialties yet?"

Mary Beth was faster than I was. "No, no one has said anything about a specialty."

"Well, we'll just have to take care of that little oversight, I'll speak to Ellen as soon as we're finished with lunch," Kathy assured us. "As for your unauthorized access of the schools computer systems, do you remember each step you took, key stroke by key stroke?"

"Yea, I guess so, why?" I asked.

"Because if I know RJ, he's going to want a demonstration of exactly what you did, a step by step explanation of how you got past his security."

"Great, I'm in trouble all ready," I grumbled.

"Oh, I wouldn't say you're in trouble," Kathy went on to explain. "This is, after all, a school, and everyone here is still learning, that includes me, Ellen, Mr. Peterson, and RJ. RJ will want to know what you did so he'll be able to improve the schools systems."

"So I'm not in trouble?" I asked with a sigh.

"I don't think so," Kathy said with a smile. "Just to be on the safe side though, you better have a demonstration ready for RJ tomorrow."

'Good grief, when am I going to find time to do everything, research a name, choir practice, get ready for the ball, and learn to act like a munchkin, all before 6:00 when the ball starts. So much for this school being all fun and games.'

The rest of lunch passed without any more unexpected surprises, after which all of year A went to the year lounge. As was normal, everyone else seemed to walk a little faster than Mary Beth and I, this time it was welcome.

As soon as she thought no one could hear us, Mary Beth asked, "Did you find a name to use?"

"No! The only name given for any munchkin is for a Rich Old Munchkin named Bog."

"What are you going to do now?"

"Well, as soon as I can, I'll get back on the internet and search for the movie script. Hopefully I’ll be able to find something there."

"Can you go on-line from here?"

"I don't know, I guess it couldn't hurt to try." After I linked in and waded through two pages of the 112,000 matches to 'The Wizard of Oz' I found and downloaded the script. I had a sudden urge to thank my friend. "You know Mary Beth, sometimes you're brilliant," I said just before we entered the dorm. Then I reached up and kissed her cheek.

Her response wasn't what I expected. "Yuck! What did you do that for?" she complained, while wiping her cheek.

"I don't know. It just seemed like the right thing to do at the time."

"Well, just warn me next time, so it isn't a surprise, okay?"

"Um, okay. It'll probably sound funny though, but I'll remember," I promised, with a giggle.

As we entered the lounge, I glanced at the time. ‘Forty-five minutes until choir practice, that means that Mary Beth only has twenty minutes to rest here before we need to get started. Of course, that should give her ten minutes to rest there before practice begins.’ Looking around I noticed an empty couch, which is where I guided Mary Beth. Fortunately, it was close to those I wanted to talk with, Aaron, SueAnn, and Christina. I wanted to ask them to help with some remote control systems for Rachael.

"So, what did you think of Rachael?" I bluntly asked.

"She's pretty neat. Why isn't she a student here? You're twins aren't you?" Christina asked.

"No, we just look like twins," I replied.

"Matilda, I thought you said she's your little sister?" Aaron inquired.

"Yes! I'm fifteen months older than she is."

"That is interesting. Judging by your size I would have guessed that the two of you were twins," Jenny agreed.

"Yah, you're bout the same size, look the same, talk the same,” SueAnn added.

"A lot of people make that mistake," I said softly.

"And she's just about as smart as you are," Barbara added.

"She also has a better sense of humor. Oh, and she warned us about your elephant jokes," George added.

That’s all it took for me to realize that I was being had, and start laughing.

"What are you laughing about?" Mary Beth wanted to know.

"I'm just trying to figure out which one to call Statler and which one to call Waldorf. The problem is, they’re all hecklers."

"Who are Statler and Waldorf?" Deanna asked.

"You're telling me that you don't know the Muppets?" I responded.

"Yes, I've heard of the Muppets. So?" Deanna replied.

"Statler an Waldorf is da two old guys that is always heckling everyone," SueAnn explained, with a giggle.

Giggling, Jenny added, "And you Matilda, are as smart as Rachael said you are. It only took six lines before you realized what was going on."

"Okay everyone," Morgan called out. "Who had six?"

"That would be me," Em replied, standing up and bowing to the assembly. Everyone responded by applauding.

"You're telling me that I was the object of a betting pool? Do you do this often?" I asked.

"When ever we can, but it's becoming less often. The teachers have caught on to us, well, at least most of them," Deanna explained.

"The students in the other years tend to get a bit crabby about it, when we do it to them," Howard added.

"I have to ask; how did she do, I mean what's the average?" Mary Beth wondered.

"Oh, she did very well," Em answered. "If my figures are correct, and they usually are, the average is twelve point seven two."

"All right, so I figured out I was your most recent victim, and I figured it out very fast. I have two questions; first, what does Em get for winning the pool? Second, if we're a family, can I count on you to help me when I need it?" My second question seemed to take everyone by surprise, as the room suddenly fell silent.

After what seemed like half of forever, Jenny rose and came over to sit beside me. She took my hand into hers before braking the silence, "Matilda, we are a family, and everyone here will do what ever he or she can, to help each other. I sense you're troubled," she closed her eyes and sat up straight. "Oh my, yes, your soul is very troubled, by many things, things you must do, secrets you must keep, things that you will know that we won't be able to share. You face many challenges and you are ... unsure of yourself, and your ability to do what must be done."

Jenny let go of my hand and slowly opened her eyes. "Matilda, you are ... a most unique individual, how may we be of service to you?"

To be continued

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