That Time I Stole A Phone (MI part 0)

This has no TWs previously assigned to this saga
Ok ok this one is actually kinda funny/not alarming or concerning. It's just me being a precocious hellion as a 8 year old. But since it does involve me talking to a mental health professional against my will it technically fits here. I'll have part 4 up soon, safe to say the story is finished as 2/3 of the main parties are no longer a part of my life. But you know what i like this series. As mentally draining as it is to write I still enjoy having something to talk about. And let's get into it.

Mandatory Intervention part 0: Well yes but actually no.

I always loved technology as a kid. I always thought of it as being this 'grown up' thing and was super excited to have my own cell phone. Though I expected my phone to be similar to my dad's at the time, a touch screen free blackberry with a physical keyboard. Because it looked cool and professional and grown up and stuff like that. I am the embodiment of the kid who would come up and ask if you had games on your phone.

So naturally I was absolutely elated when I not only got a Samsung tablet for christmas one year, but also an HTC phone. "But TG, didn't you say you were 8, what kind of kid gets a phone when they're 9?" And you know I'd agree with you on that. But it was my mom's old, very used phone. I'd say the model was from like 2009 and this was in 2014. And it also had no sim card, so it was basically just a pocket sized tablet. But you know, basically a dream come true for 8 year old me.

Now, we weren't allowed to have phones out ever in elementary school. You would be asked to put it away or it would be confiscated on sight. Which seems kind of extreme if you ask me, but I guess things like eating and physical activity and bonding with others was a lot more important at that age. (Though I do still suck at all of those). But did I listen? Noo. And that's probably why I still suck at all of those

One day at some point in Octoberish in third grade. I decided I was gonna be cool and take my phone with me. And so I stuffed it into my jean pockets and went on my merry way. Everything was going great until recess. I was standing right outside the area we were supposed to be at with a friend. We'll call her Tara. I was showing her Angry Birds Space and Baby Hazel (that game is so cursed) and Fruit Ninja. When suddenly a teacher came up and stopped us. Now, if I had just put it away like she asked me to this story could end right here. But I didn't, and so we continue.

Now, this lady was asking me who's phone it was. I explained that it was mine and that my mom gave it to me. But she interpreted that as "I took my mom's phone from the counter this morning now she doesn't know where it is". Which is blatantly false. And I tried telling her that, and instead of simply giving it back at the end of the day like she would have if I had kept my mouth shut, they're now taking it to the office for my mom to pick up. Which meant I was going to be in trouble at home now. Naturally, this was not something that I could allow to happen because.

1. It was mine.
2. It's not yours.
3. We're at recess, what learning am i missing out on?
4. It's not my mom's freaking phone!
5. Did I mention that it's mine and not my moms?

And I was absolutely flipping out. To give you an accurate image, I was not cussing out the teacher nor was I on the ground. I was screaming (words, not just sounds) and sobbing because I didn't want to get in trouble. My mom didn't even know I had it at school in the first place. I think she may have been home with my brother that day, which is important for later.

So what to do with a inconsolable child who's trying to tell you that the conclusions you're drawing are incorrect? Sit her with the school counselor of course! I was in no mood to talk about my feelings with this guy, but I was trying as hard as I could to correctly express my displeasure. Safe to say I was not successful.

Because I was not engaging in the session, I was sent back to class (thankfully it was afternoon math so I didn't have to deal with the older kids) and later I was called up to the office. I had no idea what could be coming next. I was in the wrong for having my phone, being out of bounds on the playground, blatantly disregarding orders, not to mention everything that happened afterwards. But it was still my phone, and I wanted confirmation that I wasn't getting it taken away forever.

When I got there, one of the office ladies gave me back my phone, apologized for the misunderstanding, and sent me back to class. And the explanation I got from my mother was even better

"Well I got a phone call on the landline around lunch time and Ms. [Redacted] asked if I had my phone with me. I said that I did. And she was like oh... Well we have your daughter's phone up in the office because she said that you gave it to her. We thought she had stolen it from you. Would you like to come get it? I said that they could give it back to you and we'd talk about it at home. Why did you have that thing in the first place?"

And yes I did end up taking it again by accident, but nothing like this ever happened again. I hope one of these days people actually learn to listen to me. Til then I guess I'll keep telling you guys stories. Part 4 tomorrow maybe? No promises tho knowing me. Thx for reading.

Positive vibes!!