11
Heather
Fifth grade
Today was the worst day. Ever—to infinity. Past that even. The worst ever, ever, ever, ever.
“What’s your problem?”
I screamed, jumping back, and felt my face heat up.
Channing was at his locker, pulling books out and stuffing them into his bag. I’d been the one not looking where I was going. He’d been there the whole time.
He laughed before stuffing more of his books into his bag.
“Wait.” I pointed at the bag. “What are you doing?”
I couldn’t hold back the edge of hysteria in my voice, though so far I’d managed not to burst into tears. Barely. Now they were threatening to spill. I’d just been told one friend was leaving. I couldn’t lose another one.
I couldn’t lose Channing.
He smirked, though it didn’t go to his eyes. They looked sad. “They finally figur
