Chapter Twenty-Six

On the first day of school, Mom takes us to a diner for breakfast. We have to go extra early in the morning because high school starts earlier than elementary school. It’s one of those classic diners with old signs on the walls.

The three of us sit in a booth with red vinyl seats and order waffles. We can’t make waffles at home, because we don’t own a waffle maker. I look over at Nick. He’s awfully quiet and pushing his waffle around his plate.

“Are you excited about high school?” I ask.

Nick shrugs.

“Kind of. It’s strange to be starting a new school again. I feel like I have to be more grown-up now. Plan for college, etc.”

He looks wistfully at me.

“I sort of wish I could go back to elementary school with you.”

“Me too.” I lean on Nick.

“Well, you two can live with me forever,” says Mom jokingly.

Nick rolls his eyes.

“And we can cancel the driving lessons,” Mom says.

“No, no. I’m okay,” he replies with a smirk.

“What about you, Stella? ¿Cómo te sientes?”

It takes me a second. I feel so many things. Happy, excited, but then I settle on one word.

“I’m optimistic.”

I really, really am.