Ch. 2: Growing Up

Chapter Two: Growing Up

You know the old saying “time flies when you’re having fun”? Well, take it from me, it really does! It’s already been two years since little Nathan was born! Two whole years! But Nathan isn’t the reason time is flying. Don’t get me wrong, I love my little brother – well sometimes, but that’s beside the point – but there are bigger and better reasons as to why these two years have flown by.

After pestering Mom and Dad enough about homeschooling me they finally listened – a little at least – they didn’t pull me out of public school but they told me if I tried really hard in class and listened to my teacher that they would sign me up for an after school writing class. Isn’t that great!?

So now Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for an hour after school I meet with a little group of special readers and writers and we write short stories and sometimes get to share them with the group! I love reading my stories to other people because I can finally get my feelings and words out in the world. Even if I’m writing through the voice of a character some experiences obviously hold true and relate to my life. People write from what they know, and that’s why stories are so good. A lot of people think life is boring but the second they can read about someone else’s life it becomes magical.

It’s a Friday today, which not only means that I get to go to my writing club, but it’s also the weekend! Mom and dad said that since I’ve been doing so well in school I get to have a sleepover with Avery and it’s going to be wonderful.

Cheerfully, I skip downstairs and walk into the kitchen for breakfast. Nathan is talking nonsense in his high chair and I smile at him first them I turn to Mom and shine a wide toothy grin.

 “Well someone is in a good mood.” Mom laughs and sets a plate of bacon and eggs in front of me. “Hope you’re hungry.”

“Oh I am! In a good mood and hungry, that is. Thanks mom.” I start shoveling the food in my mouth and pause momentarily to smile at Dad as he enters the kitchen.

“Morning kiddo” He ruffles my hair in passing and gives Mom a kiss on the cheek.

I remember my plans with Avery for the evening and I’m suddenly too excited to sit still. “Mom, Dad? Avery can still come over right? Because we already had it planned and she’s going to go to my writing club with me and then Mom’s picking us up right? Right?”

Dad glances at Mom and then turns to me, “Well…” he says in a strange tone, “We don’t really know if that’s such a good idea anymore.”

My face instantly falls and the bouncing excitement disappears from my body. “But… why not?”

Then Mom and Dad smile and Dad adds, “You and Avery in the same house overnight, things are bound to get crazy. Maybe just Avery should come over and you can stay at school.”

“But that’s silly! This is my house. Avery – ” And then I finally realize that they are kidding. “Moooom, Daaad! That’s not funny!” I whine. “You guys really scared me!”

“It’s our job.” Mom smiles. Then she adds, “Plus we’re allowed to have some fun every now and then too. Better finish those eggs and then head out for the bus; you don’t want to be late.”

I nod my head and quickly finish my eggs then I head outside to begin my day of fun filled excitement.

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The day crept by at an excruciatingly slow pace as days usually do when you have something to look forward to. Eventually though, Avery and I made it home. We spent the night playing tag by the beach.

And roasting marshmallows by the fire Mom and Dad made for us.

We even spent some time playing with Nathan before he had to go to bed – well I did anyway. Avery was playing with Nathan’s Play-Doh.

After Mom and Dad put Nathan to bed Avery and I had to be quiet so we put in a movie in my bedroom and settled down for the night. We didn’t really watch the movie though; we spent most of the time talking.

“You know, when I get old enough I’m going to University like my sister Natalie. This is her second year and she loves it.” Avery says out of the blue.

I nod my head in agreement. I didn’t really know what University was like, but I knew I wanted to go as well.

“She’s trying to get a communications degree. Then she wants to work for the local news station and hopefully become the star anchor someday. That’s not what I want to do though. I’m going to be a vet. I thought about being a doctor but I don’t like humans as much as I like pets.” Avery laughs.

She’ll probably change her mind about what she really wants to do when she grows up but not me. I know. I’ve known for a while. Ms. Sylvia the faculty advisor for the Writing club says that I have a real passion for writing, especially for a ten year old. Wherever my life leads me I know that I have to write. About anything and everything. It’s just a part of me already and it always will be.