Grant Middle School,
1st Day of 8th Grade Sade’s Point of View The first day of eighth grade felt like stepping into a whole new world. The hallways were louder, the classes were bigger, and everything seemed to scream, “You’re almost in high school!” Sade walked through the bustling halls of Grant Middle School with Isla by her side, clutching her schedule. “Switching classes, new teachers, and gym at the end of the day?” Sade thought, shaking her head. “Yeah, this is going to be a ride.” At 13, Sade had grown into herself more. She wasn’t the shy kid she used to be. Her hair, now free of the braids and extensions she used to wear, was a crown of thick, springy curls her mom had finally taught her how to style. Her mom had also let her start wearing light makeup—just enough to bring out her eyes and add a little shine to her lips. “Okay,” Isla said, pulling out her schedule as they walked. “Four classes together this year. That’s pretty good, right?” Sade nodded. “Not bad. Except…” She leaned over to peek at Isla’s schedule again. “Looks like you got Crabby Patty for science again this year.” Isla groaned. “Don’t remind me. She’s so mean and still annoying.” “Speaking of annoying, I just saw Marco. Let’s just say he has changed,” Isla added with a roll of her eyes. Sade laughed. “Maybe. But he’s definitely not the same scrawny kid from back in fifth grade.” That much was true. Marco had gone through a growth spurt over the summer. He wasn’t the short, skinny kid he used to be. At 5’9” and 145 pounds, Marco was now taller than most of the guys in their grade. His hair had grown out into soft curls, and while Sade hated to admit it, he wasn’t as awkward-looking as before. “Let’s just hope he’s less of a pain now,” Sade thought, though she wasn’t holding her breath. By the time they reached gym class—the only class they shared with Marco—Sade felt more comfortable. The day had gone smoothly so far, and she was ready to breeze through the last period. The locker room was loud with chatter as everyone changed into their gym uniforms. Sade pulled on her gym shirt and sighed. She wasn’t going to admit it out loud, but switching to middle school gym class had her feeling a little nervous. “Girl,” Isla said, glancing over at Sade, “are your boobs ever going to stop growing?” Sade froze for a second before laughing it off. “I don’t know! I’m already in a C-cup. Do you know how annoying that is? I can’t even wear some of my favorite shirts anymore!” Isla laughed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Meanwhile, I’m over here looking like I just started fifth grade. Life ain’t fair.” Sade walked over and gave Isla a playful nudge. “Stop. You’re perfect the way you are. And besides, you’ve got a face that can stop traffic.” Isla gave a small smile, grateful for the encouragement. They headed out to the gym, ready for whatever activity was planned. As they joined the other students, Sade spotted Marco jogging over. His smile was a little too confident, and before she knew it, he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close. “Yo, Sade,” he said, leaning in a little too close. “When you gon’ quit playin’ and let me be your man?” Sade blinked, caught off guard for half a second, then pushed him back. “Boy, if you don’t back your thirsty ass up… Marco’s grin didn’t fade. “We’ll see. You’ll come around, love.” Sade planted her hands on her hips, narrowing her eyes. “Keep dreaming, Marco. You’re not as smooth as you think.” Isla burst out laughing as Marco shrugged and walked off to join his friends. “That boy’s got nerve,” Sade muttered. “Nerve and no shame,” Isla added, still laughing. The gym teacher blew the whistle, calling the class to order. As the girls lined up, Sade couldn’t help but glance at Marco. At the same time, he glanced back at her and started making kissy lips, laughing with his friends. Sade overheard his friend Dre say, “Homie, she got some big ones.” Next thing she knew, Marco punched Dre in the arm snapping back with, “Shut the fuck up, bro!” Sade shook her head, rolling her eyes. He was still annoying, but at least he wasn’t pulling braids or popping straps anymore. He actually seemed more grown up. “Eighth grade is already off to a wild start,” she thought, shaking her head with a grin.Spring Break Adventures in FloridaThe Florida sun was high, and the laughter of tourists filled the air as Sade walked down Main Street in Magic Kingdom with Isla, Madison, Eric, Marcus, and her parents. The energy was electric, but Sade’s focus wasn’t entirely on the magic of Disney—it was on her phone.Every few minutes, her screen lit up with a new notification:Marco:“Look at this meme. Doesn’t this remind you of Dre? 😂”Sade:“STOPPPP! Why is this so accurate? 😂”Then another from Tamara:Tamara:“Girl, tell me why Dre asked me if you’re mad at him. You know you’re gonna have to deal with him when you get back.”And, of course, Dre himself:Dre:“I miss you, babes. How’s Florida? When you coming back?”Sade’s fingers flew across the screen, juggling between group chats, GIF wars with Marco, and polite responses to Dre. She barely noticed where she was walking until Isla elbowed her.“Can you put that down for five seconds?” Isla snapped.Sade blinked, startled. “Huh? Oh, sorr
A Second ChanceAnonymous POV Sade adjusted her water bottle in one hand and her gym shoes in the other, closing her locker with a soft click. Turning to head to the gym, she froze. Marco was standing directly in front of her, so close she could see the flecks of brown in his dark eyes.She blinked twice, confused. “Hey…what’s up?”For a moment, he didn’t say anything. His gaze locked on hers, a mix of determination and nervousness in his expression. Then, without warning, Marco reached out, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her.It wasn’t like the kiss before winter break—it was deeper, more deliberate, filled with emotion that caught Sade completely off guard. Her gym shoes tumbled to the ground as her free hand shot up, grabbing his wrist in shock.When he finally pulled away, her wide eyes met his. The hallway felt impossibly quiet, except for the soft murmurs of a few scattered students nearby who had witnessed the scene.“What was that?” she demanded, her voice hushed bu
A Week Before Spring Break March Sade’s POV The cafeteria hummed with noise, a mixture of laughter, clattering trays, and the chatter of spring break plans. Sade stirred her mashed potatoes absentmindedly, her mind racing with excitement for the Florida trip. Universal Studios, Disney World, and a whole week of freedom sounded like heaven. Even better, Isla and Marcus were coming along—it was shaping up to be the best trip ever. Sade’s thoughts were interrupted when Isla slid into the seat beside her, practically bouncing with excitement. “Girl, one more week!” Isla said, grinning. “I know! I’m counting down the days,” Sade replied, her mood instantly lifting. As they chatted about their packing lists, Tamara and Star made their usual dramatic entrance. Tamara dumped her tray onto the table and flopped into a seat with a sigh. “This school is trash, and so is this food. I swear this chicken looks like it came out of the damn dumpster.” “Tamara,” Sade said, laughing. “You say t
December 10:15 pm of Date NightSade POVThe front door creaked open just as Dre and Paul were stepping out onto the porch, their jackets zipped up against the cold night air. Sade’s parents walked in, their arms full of shopping bags, the faint smell of snow and city air following them inside.“Hey, Mom! Hey, Dad!” Sade called out, rushing over to help her mom with some of the bags.“Hey, sweetie,” her mom replied with a warm smile, handing her a couple of bags. “Did you guys have fun today?”“Yeah, we went ice skating and hung out at the mall,” Sade said, glancing back at Dre and Paul. “Dre and Paul are just heading out.”Dre gave a polite wave. “Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson. Thanks for letting us hang out here for a bit.”Paul nodded in agreement. “Yeah, we had a great time. Thanks for having us.”Sade’s dad gave them a nod as he stepped inside, shaking the snow off his coat. “Good meeting you boys. Get home safe, all right?”“Will do, sir,” Dre said, flashing a grin.
Date ContinuedThe laughter and chatter from the family room gradually died down as the group settled in. Sade’s older brother was still lost in his game, barely glancing up from his controller, and Isla was busy flipping through a magazine she’d found on the coffee table. Paul, leaning back in his chair, seemed content with the quiet atmosphere, but Dre looked over at Sade with a playful grin."Hey, Sade," he said, his voice low enough to keep it between the two of them, "can you show me your room?"Sade raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She was pretty comfortable around him, but she hadn’t expected this. She didn’t mind, though—it felt natural.“Sure, come on,” she replied, standing up and leading the way. She glanced over her shoulder as she walked, catching Dre’s gaze. Her heart fluttered a little, but she shook it off. It was just Dre. He was her boyfriend, after all.As they walked through the house, Sade showed him around, pointing out th
December Anonymous POV The weekend before Christmas was filled with excitement. The crisp winter air was a welcome change as the group of junior high students gathered at the Magnificent Mile for their “date.” But let’s be real, it wasn’t really a date—it was a group hang, a chance to get away from the regular grind of school and enjoy a bit of holiday cheer. Dre, Sade, Isla, and Paul met up at the mall, ready to dive into the festive spirit.Sade, looking casual but cute in a light sweater and jeans, was walking next to Dre, her hand in his. Dre was all smiles, his hoodie pulled up over his head, clearly enjoying the attention. Isla, in a fitted jacket and leggings, walked next to Paul, her eyes flitting around the crowds of people.As they made their way into the bustling mall, Sade pointed toward the ice skating rink. “So, we’re skating first, right?” she asked with a grin, her eyes bright from excitement.Dre chuckled, the sound light in the air. “Hell yeah, we are. I’ve been lo