I can’t eat lunch, and even after recess, I still feel bad. For the whole afternoon, I don’t look over at April or Mae, not once. When the bell rings, I grab my stuff and run. Today’s park day, and Mom and Sammy are waiting for me at the school gate. I give them giant hugs.

Mom sees my sad feelings right away. “June, what’s wrong?”

I tell her everything.

She hugs me tight. “You aren’t a friend stealer. You and April need to let Mae pick her own friends. Maybe she wants you all to be friends together?”

Being friends with April is not something I’ve thought about. I’m not sure I can do it, but knowing I’m not a friend stealer makes me feel better.

Sammy and I both love the park. He loves chasing squirrels, and I love the big round swing. Today someone’s already on the swing. I can’t believe it. It’s Mae! Is April here too? I look around but don’t see her.

Mom points to the swing. “Looks like fun.”

I nod, but I can’t stop thinking about April. What if she’s right? What if Mae only wants to be friends with her?

I let Sammy off the leash. “Let’s chase squirrels.”

 

 

“SQUIRRELS!” shouts Sammy, and I race after him.

Sammy never gets tired, but I need a rest and a drink, so I stop at the water fountain. The water is warm, but it’s better than nothing. When I finish, Mae is standing right in front of me.

 

 

“Want to walk to school tomorrow?”

It’s a surprise question, but I know the answer. I smile and nod like crazy. Now’s the perfect time. I ask her the Wonder Wheel questions.

Mae doesn’t have to think about it. She answers right away. “Making new friends is the best, and losing my lucky blue bird is the worst.”

“Is that what he looks like?” I point to the blue paper bird with big yellow eyes peeking out from her braid.

She nods and gives him a pat.

“JUNE! Time to go!” It’s Mom calling me.

I smile at Mae. “See you tomorrow!” And then I turn and run.