Old Hands, part 19

A big event for the sixth graders was their three-day trip to Mérida. It was done every year—a treat for the kids who were going to move up from the Lower School to the Upper School. They would visit all the Roman sites in the town, but there would also be social occasions. “We have to bring nice clothes for dinner both nights,” Julie said. “And one night the girls each have to invite a boy to dinner, and the other night the boys have to invite the girls.” There was much giggling and speculation before leaving as to who would ask whom to dinner.

We thought about this often while Julie was on the trip, and when she got back it was the first thing we wanted to know. “How did the dinner thing go?” Mike asked.

Julie rolled her eyes. “It was so ridiculous! The first night the boys had to invite the girls. Álvaro and Anna went together, because they’re going out. Martin ended up asking me.” Her disgusted expression made it clear that this was not a desirable outcome. “We had to take their arms and everything—Mr. Peterson made us! Then they had to pull out our chairs for us.

“There were pitchers of water on the table, and Álvaro poured water for Anna. My glass was empty, so Álvaro punches Martin and says, ‘Give the lady some water!’ Then Martin takes the pitcher and starts pouring, but he forgets to look at what he’s doing. The glass gets full and he keeps pouring, and all of a sudden the water’s all over the table and running onto my lap! What an idiot!” We were laughing hysterically, but she seemed not to find the story so funny.