*A Special thanks to a special friend for helping me write Rachel's entries and our fabulous editor who has made this all possible.*
Letter to a Friend
9-3-12 Ali
Dear Amy,
You wouldn’t believe how crazy it is here in New York. It’s just the beginning of September and still it’s freezing. Anyway, our house here is so small compared to the one we had in California. Truthfully, the “Big Apple” isn’t so big. You wouldn’t believe how close everything is to each other. I’m about to start school tomorrow. Can you believe it? We’re now in high school! I don’t know how I’ll survive without you. I’ll make sure to send you lots of pics. I miss you and I hope you enjoy your freshman year.
Your Bestie,
Ali
P.S. Tell Jake that I miss him too.
Dear Amy,
You wouldn’t believe how crazy it is here in New York. It’s just the beginning of September and still it’s freezing. Anyway, our house here is so small compared to the one we had in California. Truthfully, the “Big Apple” isn’t so big. You wouldn’t believe how close everything is to each other. I’m about to start school tomorrow. Can you believe it? We’re now in high school! I don’t know how I’ll survive without you. I’ll make sure to send you lots of pics. I miss you and I hope you enjoy your freshman year.
Your Bestie,
Ali
P.S. Tell Jake that I miss him too.
A New Place to Call Home
9- 3-12 Ali
Today we moved into our new house. It’s so small. My dog Sherlock doesn’t like it at all. There isn’t a big enough yard for him to play in. Anyway, as I was unpacking I heard some amazing music come from the next door neighbor’s house. Sherlock heard it too. As soon as his big ears heard the noise he started to bark. It took me a whole five minutes to get him to stop. I guess he was a little unsettled in the new house too. By the time Sherlock stopped barking, bright blue eyes appeared over the fence. By then Sherlock was barking all over again. “That’s quite a dog” he said. “Umm... thanks I guess.” It was really strange. I later learned that his name was Daniel and that he was starting school tomorrow as well. Weird right? Anyway, I need to go back to unpacking my things. Till next time, Bye!
Today we moved into our new house. It’s so small. My dog Sherlock doesn’t like it at all. There isn’t a big enough yard for him to play in. Anyway, as I was unpacking I heard some amazing music come from the next door neighbor’s house. Sherlock heard it too. As soon as his big ears heard the noise he started to bark. It took me a whole five minutes to get him to stop. I guess he was a little unsettled in the new house too. By the time Sherlock stopped barking, bright blue eyes appeared over the fence. By then Sherlock was barking all over again. “That’s quite a dog” he said. “Umm... thanks I guess.” It was really strange. I later learned that his name was Daniel and that he was starting school tomorrow as well. Weird right? Anyway, I need to go back to unpacking my things. Till next time, Bye!
School Start
9-4-12 Rachel
School had started today! This year was going to be great! I scored a top locker, all my friends are in my advisory. and I am happy so far. School began at 8:00 am, and not shockingly, Brad was late. My best friend Karmin is in my advisory too, but Matt kept talking about all of these smarty pants things that I couldn’t understand when we were trying to talk. Of course Sadie was bothering Daniel the whole time. My friend Ethan never gets here on time, and it was funny to watch him try to sneak into homeroom without being caught. I sat between Karmin and Nathan, Ethan’s twin brother. Nathan was kind of annoying, but we joked around through all of homeroom. Nathan looked pretty harassed by this girl Penny, with her obvious crush on him. Nathan kept boring us with his talk of sports. I’m a gymnast and I can’t stand stuff like football. I’m not sure what Ali’s hobbies are though. She just kinda sat in a corner with a sketch pad. I guess she likes art or something. I think Whitt spent a little time trying to free Daniel from Sadie, but then he went and talked with Carson. Jenny, of course, fell over a couple times and knocked a few things over. Jenny is super incredibly sweet but is klutzy sometimes. Freshman year is going to be awesome.
School had started today! This year was going to be great! I scored a top locker, all my friends are in my advisory. and I am happy so far. School began at 8:00 am, and not shockingly, Brad was late. My best friend Karmin is in my advisory too, but Matt kept talking about all of these smarty pants things that I couldn’t understand when we were trying to talk. Of course Sadie was bothering Daniel the whole time. My friend Ethan never gets here on time, and it was funny to watch him try to sneak into homeroom without being caught. I sat between Karmin and Nathan, Ethan’s twin brother. Nathan was kind of annoying, but we joked around through all of homeroom. Nathan looked pretty harassed by this girl Penny, with her obvious crush on him. Nathan kept boring us with his talk of sports. I’m a gymnast and I can’t stand stuff like football. I’m not sure what Ali’s hobbies are though. She just kinda sat in a corner with a sketch pad. I guess she likes art or something. I think Whitt spent a little time trying to free Daniel from Sadie, but then he went and talked with Carson. Jenny, of course, fell over a couple times and knocked a few things over. Jenny is super incredibly sweet but is klutzy sometimes. Freshman year is going to be awesome.
Leaving the Butterflies Behind
9-5-12 Ali
I was so nervous walking up to my new school today. I couldn’t breathe. I felt paralyzed standing there without knowing a soul. I knew I needed to move, to get out of the way, but my feet felt glued to the ground. Rule number 1 of life: don’t stand around five minutes before the bell rings. The next thing I know, I was lying flat on my back. A bunch of paper lay scattered around me. A guy had run into me, apparently late for school. “Sorry about that! I should’ve watched where I was going,” he cringed. He had sandy hair and his eyes were filled with humor. He looked like he had just played a joke on a teacher and hadn’t been caught.He held his hand out to help me up. He apologized profusely. We ended up walking to class together since he was nice enough to tell me where to go. That is how I met Carson. Boy, he had an obsession with gossip. He seemed to know everything about everyone whether it was true or not. He told me he wanted to be on Broadway and that his parents moved him out here to fulfill his dreams. I asked him what he was going to do if he didn’t make it on broadway. His reply was classic, “I’m not to think that way. I’m what you would call the glass half full kind of guy.” Somehow We ended up walking to class together. We talked about school and other goals. When we walked into the classroom he headed for a seat close to the middle. I sat across from him. I was surprised when I saw Daniel take a seat on the other side of Carson. I guess they are friends. Strange right? Speaking of strange, this other student, Karmin, kept coming up in all of Carson’s constant chatter. I wasn’t really listening to him but he was speaking really loudly. I could tell that everyone was a little bit uncomfortable with this subject. I wondered if Karmin was in this class because there was a lot, and I mean a lot, of gossip about her.
What seemed like a lifetime of gossip and chatter finally died down when our homeroom teacher walked in. M-S B-R-O-W-N-S-T-O-N-E, she spelled out on the board. She told all of us a little bit about herself. Apparently, she likes rock climbing, poetry, and has a sweet tooth for fudge. She was really nice and didn’t make me stand up in front of the class and tell them all about myself. Surprisingly enough, the rest of the day went smoothly. Just like my old school. The gossip, the rush to get to class, the people who don’t care, and the mixed feelings of being in school again. One Day down, 179 to go.
I was so nervous walking up to my new school today. I couldn’t breathe. I felt paralyzed standing there without knowing a soul. I knew I needed to move, to get out of the way, but my feet felt glued to the ground. Rule number 1 of life: don’t stand around five minutes before the bell rings. The next thing I know, I was lying flat on my back. A bunch of paper lay scattered around me. A guy had run into me, apparently late for school. “Sorry about that! I should’ve watched where I was going,” he cringed. He had sandy hair and his eyes were filled with humor. He looked like he had just played a joke on a teacher and hadn’t been caught.He held his hand out to help me up. He apologized profusely. We ended up walking to class together since he was nice enough to tell me where to go. That is how I met Carson. Boy, he had an obsession with gossip. He seemed to know everything about everyone whether it was true or not. He told me he wanted to be on Broadway and that his parents moved him out here to fulfill his dreams. I asked him what he was going to do if he didn’t make it on broadway. His reply was classic, “I’m not to think that way. I’m what you would call the glass half full kind of guy.” Somehow We ended up walking to class together. We talked about school and other goals. When we walked into the classroom he headed for a seat close to the middle. I sat across from him. I was surprised when I saw Daniel take a seat on the other side of Carson. I guess they are friends. Strange right? Speaking of strange, this other student, Karmin, kept coming up in all of Carson’s constant chatter. I wasn’t really listening to him but he was speaking really loudly. I could tell that everyone was a little bit uncomfortable with this subject. I wondered if Karmin was in this class because there was a lot, and I mean a lot, of gossip about her.
What seemed like a lifetime of gossip and chatter finally died down when our homeroom teacher walked in. M-S B-R-O-W-N-S-T-O-N-E, she spelled out on the board. She told all of us a little bit about herself. Apparently, she likes rock climbing, poetry, and has a sweet tooth for fudge. She was really nice and didn’t make me stand up in front of the class and tell them all about myself. Surprisingly enough, the rest of the day went smoothly. Just like my old school. The gossip, the rush to get to class, the people who don’t care, and the mixed feelings of being in school again. One Day down, 179 to go.
Where it Began...
9-6-12 Rachel
Two days down and one hundred seventy eight more to go. I woke up this morning to the sound of my puppy, Savannah yipping and yapping in my face. My birthday was in August, and Savannah was my present. She is an English Yellow Lab and the sweetest girl in the world. Savannah just started sleeping in my bed with me, and every morning she wakes me up at 6:00 a.m. for school. My personal alarm clock! I got out of bed, and put on my coral sundress with my strappy, brown, woven heels. I raced to school to get the latest gossip. Carson texted our whole advisory to come meet him at the front steps of the school, he stated that it was extremely important. For some reason he didn’t include Karmin or Daniel in the message. When I arrived at school, Ali, Sadie, Jenny, Nathan, Ethan, Penny, and Carson were all there. Carson said that Whitt, Brad, and Matt couldn’t come, and we needed to talk fast. I realized a few things while Carson was about to present his dramatic speech. Ali stood near Carson, quiet and timid. Jenny was by me, texting Whitt. She told me that he asked her to text him the gossip. The strangest thing was Penny staring at Nathan, Nathan joking with Ethan, and Ethan ignoring Nathan to stare at Penny. Penny has this major crush on Nathan, but Nathan doesn’t like her, and Ethan is totally in love with Penny! Crazy, I know. So Carson began his part one out part one million of daily gossip.
“Guess what I heard!” Carson said trying to grasp his crowd of people. Nobody said anything, until Jenny felt bad and said what.
“Okay, this is crazy stuff I’m about to tell you guys... Karmin and Daniel... Are dating!” Exclaimed Carson, with his excitement building up even more.
“What?” Sadie screamed half a minute later. I could sense her anger. Ever since eighth grade, Sadie has been crushing on Daniel secretly. Well, actually not in secret... Sadie seeks Daniel out in pretty much everything. Last year, we had a major exam science project where we completed an experiment of our choice. Sadie literally jumped up, and ran to be with Daniel. I was with Karmin. We got a 96% on our volcano eruption, but Sadie and Daniel got a 47% on their lie detector. Daniel was trying really hard to get a good grade, but all Sadie did was flirt with him. It was very distracting. When Karmin went to talk to Daniel, Sadie was there. When Karmin began to flirt with Daniel, Sadie was there. When Karmin did anything involving Daniel, Sadie was always there. I’m assuming that when Sadie was at my house last night, Karmin must have had dinner with Daniel. She called me last night, she said that she and Daniel had gone to dinner somewhere really fancy, and then went to go see a movie. Karmin said that Daniel had already seen the movie, and when the guy in the movie was asking out the girl in the movie, he whispered something to Karmin. Karmin told me that he repeated the line that the actor said the actress, Your eyes shine brighter than all stars, your face is prettier than any angel, you are the best person ever, will you be my girlfriend. Karmin said that she thought he was showing off to her, so after the movie he asked to walk her home, and Karmin, unknowingly said, If you want to be friends, we can, but if you want to be boyfriend and girlfriend, let me know now, so I’ll stop trying to get your attention. Karmin said that Daniel tilted his head back laughing, with his (quote from Karmin) golden locks glistening with dew from the rain. He said that he had asked her out, but she must have misunderstood him. She said YES! And they went home together, hand in hand. So this news wasn't so new to me, but I guess I'll see how Sadie handles it...
Two days down and one hundred seventy eight more to go. I woke up this morning to the sound of my puppy, Savannah yipping and yapping in my face. My birthday was in August, and Savannah was my present. She is an English Yellow Lab and the sweetest girl in the world. Savannah just started sleeping in my bed with me, and every morning she wakes me up at 6:00 a.m. for school. My personal alarm clock! I got out of bed, and put on my coral sundress with my strappy, brown, woven heels. I raced to school to get the latest gossip. Carson texted our whole advisory to come meet him at the front steps of the school, he stated that it was extremely important. For some reason he didn’t include Karmin or Daniel in the message. When I arrived at school, Ali, Sadie, Jenny, Nathan, Ethan, Penny, and Carson were all there. Carson said that Whitt, Brad, and Matt couldn’t come, and we needed to talk fast. I realized a few things while Carson was about to present his dramatic speech. Ali stood near Carson, quiet and timid. Jenny was by me, texting Whitt. She told me that he asked her to text him the gossip. The strangest thing was Penny staring at Nathan, Nathan joking with Ethan, and Ethan ignoring Nathan to stare at Penny. Penny has this major crush on Nathan, but Nathan doesn’t like her, and Ethan is totally in love with Penny! Crazy, I know. So Carson began his part one out part one million of daily gossip.
“Guess what I heard!” Carson said trying to grasp his crowd of people. Nobody said anything, until Jenny felt bad and said what.
“Okay, this is crazy stuff I’m about to tell you guys... Karmin and Daniel... Are dating!” Exclaimed Carson, with his excitement building up even more.
“What?” Sadie screamed half a minute later. I could sense her anger. Ever since eighth grade, Sadie has been crushing on Daniel secretly. Well, actually not in secret... Sadie seeks Daniel out in pretty much everything. Last year, we had a major exam science project where we completed an experiment of our choice. Sadie literally jumped up, and ran to be with Daniel. I was with Karmin. We got a 96% on our volcano eruption, but Sadie and Daniel got a 47% on their lie detector. Daniel was trying really hard to get a good grade, but all Sadie did was flirt with him. It was very distracting. When Karmin went to talk to Daniel, Sadie was there. When Karmin began to flirt with Daniel, Sadie was there. When Karmin did anything involving Daniel, Sadie was always there. I’m assuming that when Sadie was at my house last night, Karmin must have had dinner with Daniel. She called me last night, she said that she and Daniel had gone to dinner somewhere really fancy, and then went to go see a movie. Karmin said that Daniel had already seen the movie, and when the guy in the movie was asking out the girl in the movie, he whispered something to Karmin. Karmin told me that he repeated the line that the actor said the actress, Your eyes shine brighter than all stars, your face is prettier than any angel, you are the best person ever, will you be my girlfriend. Karmin said that she thought he was showing off to her, so after the movie he asked to walk her home, and Karmin, unknowingly said, If you want to be friends, we can, but if you want to be boyfriend and girlfriend, let me know now, so I’ll stop trying to get your attention. Karmin said that Daniel tilted his head back laughing, with his (quote from Karmin) golden locks glistening with dew from the rain. He said that he had asked her out, but she must have misunderstood him. She said YES! And they went home together, hand in hand. So this news wasn't so new to me, but I guess I'll see how Sadie handles it...
Who Did It?
9-6-12 Rachel
When the bell rang for homeroom, Daniel and Karmin walked in, hand in hand. Everyone was talking when they walked in, accept Sadie. Sadie was staring at them, as if she could use laser beams to break them apart. Sadie had come up to me after the announcement, and she was talking about how she should be the one dating Daniel, not Karmin. I told her to be happy for them, and she would find her special guy. She kept on clenching her fist, and rolling her eyes. I left when she started saying mean things about Karmin. Sadie really is a nice girl, but can be demanding sometimes. I’ve seen her at her worst and her best. I went up to Karmin after Daniel went to go talk to Whitt. Karmin and I walked over to Carson. Karmin was upset that he had told everyone she was dating Daniel. He said that someone had told him. Karmin asked who, and he said he didn’t know, he got a text from someone whose number he didn’t have. I was wondering who it was, until it happened!
When the bell rang for homeroom, Daniel and Karmin walked in, hand in hand. Everyone was talking when they walked in, accept Sadie. Sadie was staring at them, as if she could use laser beams to break them apart. Sadie had come up to me after the announcement, and she was talking about how she should be the one dating Daniel, not Karmin. I told her to be happy for them, and she would find her special guy. She kept on clenching her fist, and rolling her eyes. I left when she started saying mean things about Karmin. Sadie really is a nice girl, but can be demanding sometimes. I’ve seen her at her worst and her best. I went up to Karmin after Daniel went to go talk to Whitt. Karmin and I walked over to Carson. Karmin was upset that he had told everyone she was dating Daniel. He said that someone had told him. Karmin asked who, and he said he didn’t know, he got a text from someone whose number he didn’t have. I was wondering who it was, until it happened!
Doomsday
9-12-12 Rachel
Here’s what happened, on the rainy Wednesday. Daniel gets a text from Karmin, Karmin’s text said that she wanted to break-up. Daniel texted back saying if that was what she wanted. Later that day, Sadie went up to Karmin saying Daniel hated her because they broke up, but Karmin had no idea what was going on. Then it hit me! Sadie stole Karmin’s phone to text Daniel, then she went up to Karmin and began talking about what Daniel said. It was all a lie! I told Karmin this, and she went to go talk to Daniel. They got back together, but this was also the beginning of the girl war between Karmin and Sadie. Who knows what will happen next...
Here’s what happened, on the rainy Wednesday. Daniel gets a text from Karmin, Karmin’s text said that she wanted to break-up. Daniel texted back saying if that was what she wanted. Later that day, Sadie went up to Karmin saying Daniel hated her because they broke up, but Karmin had no idea what was going on. Then it hit me! Sadie stole Karmin’s phone to text Daniel, then she went up to Karmin and began talking about what Daniel said. It was all a lie! I told Karmin this, and she went to go talk to Daniel. They got back together, but this was also the beginning of the girl war between Karmin and Sadie. Who knows what will happen next...