Chapter 4 - Max

As I walked into the school, I could feel the excitement bubbling inside me. I greeted my friends with a high-five. We all sat down together in the school courtyard, enjoying the warm sun and the cool breeze of an early Wednesday morning. We talked about our plans for the weekend, agreed to hang out on our bikes, and laughed at silly jokes. It was moments like these that made me realise how lucky I was to have such amazing friends, no matter how many mean words Maisie would probably say to me. Who insults someone by telling them to stub their toe? That's so powerful, I even had to curl my toes just to feel better.

As we were walking to our classroom, I noticed a new girl sitting alone on a bench. She looked sad and out of place. Without thinking, I excused myself from my friends and went to sit next to her. I introduced myself, and she told me her name was Margot. We talked for a while, and I could tell that she was feeling better. I invited her to join my friends and me, and she happily accepted, which was a good idea because Caden had taken a liking to the poor soul.

During the day, the bell rang for the first time, and we all rushed outside and played games. I couldn't help but notice how Caden was trying his hardest to get Margot to join in, which made me laugh because he had never shown any interest in any girl before.'

I wrote my last letter to Maisy which was over 2 weeks ago I couldn't understand what our problems were, we never got along from the moment I insulted her and she threw what she could back but after that they became fierce. She became fierce over paper and It always made me laugh. I never really showed anyone any of the letters, there were quite a fair few of them, I always wonder if she keeps mine with her or if she burns them like I thought she would have done. I have always kept hers in a small box that doesn't look too suspicious but far away from anyone in my family who could tease me about them and then probably send my mom into a frenzy. fifth grade was almost over and my friends and I were heading into summer with each other with plans to spend it outside all the time. I wonder if Maisie likes spending time outside.

Again months have passed, and mine and Maisie's letters have not been as frequent. She sent me one with a note telling me to break my ankles, and she hoped that the next item of food I had was the worst that I'd ever had. That was it. I kept it along with the other ones she sent, though, because it amused me. Before I knew it, it was a tradition we had where we would write to each other with insults. Nothing new. A year had been and gone since this all started and sixth grade was going well. Margot had become a good friend to everyone and she had a big crush on Caden. He liked her too but he didn't want to admit it to her...or me. I always checked my mailbox when I got home from school but after a while, it wasn't as full, or if it was, the letters inside it were usually for my mom and dad. I had been hoping to get something from her but I didn't. She never said that she had anything to do. I mean, we never really spoke about those types of things. I knew she had a sister, and I knew she was alright in school, and the only thing we did was write to each other to get on each other's nerves, and we were very successful at doing that as well.

I'm 11 years old-nearly 12 now-and I'm getting ready to go into Seventh grade, Time has gone by so fast I can't even remember how fast it has gone, well obviously I can because I'm talking about it now, I'm really excited as it is our graduation day tomorrow, and I couldn't wait to leave this place and start at high school with Caden, Margot, Marco and all of our friends. I am excited for our future at high school, and I know that no matter what, I will always have my friends by my side.

-

Today is the day I've been waiting for all year-my school graduation. I can hardly believe that I have completed seven proper years of education and am now ready to move on to the next chapter of my life. As I stand in front of the mirror, getting ready for the ceremony, I can't help but feel a mix of emotions: excitement, nervousness, and a tinge of sadness at leaving behind the familiar walls of my school. The only school I have ever known. Will it be scary to move up?

I quickly put on my graduation gown and cap, making sure everything was perfect. My parents and younger brothers Nick and Carlos are already waiting for me downstairs or outside. My parents were beaming with pride this morning, and I can't help but feel grateful for their constant support and encouragement throughout my primary academic journey. Yes, I'm going all soppy and emotional but No one will know, right?

As we make our way to the school field, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as I pass by the familiar families and people I call friends, and even though we are all going to the same high school, I think I probably won't have any classes with them or if I do I probably won't speak to them as much. This school has been my prison since I started properly which would have been for the past 7 years if I'm not mistaken, and I have made countless memories here. I am going to miss it, I guess, but that's a secret you can't tell anyone.

The ceremony begins, and we all march into the field with our heads held high and big smiles on our faces. The principal gives an inspiring speech that is usually boring but today it's not, a speech reminding us of our achievements and encouraging us to chase our dreams. As my name is called and I walk on stage to receive my graduation certificate, I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me. I can't believe that this day has finally arrived. 11, nearly 12 years old, and leaving primary school is a big achievement. I must be repeating myself because even I am getting bored now.

After the ceremony, we all gather outside the school for a small celebration. I look up and find my brother Carlos standing there with a smile on his face. There are only 13 months between me and Carlos and another 2 years between me and Connor, but we are close enough. Nick doesn't understand much, but when Connor is about, he follows him like a puppy.

'Hey, congratulations on your graduation,' he says with a charming smile.

'Thanks, Carlos,' I reply, trying to sound casual