The (Not so amazing) adventures of Max

First Entry: Countdown to Chaos

Tuesday, August 1st

Okay, so today marks exactly seven days until high school. Seven days until I officially trade my freedom for overcrowded hallways, teachers who talk way too much, and homework that's probably designed by evil scientists. Honestly, I'm not sure if I'm ready. Mom keeps saying things like, "High school will be the best years of your life!" which, coming from someone who thinks "fun" is reorganizing the kitchen, doesn't exactly comfort me.

This summer's been a mixed bag. My little brother, Sam, who's 10 but acts 5 on a good day, has made it his mission to follow me around like a lost puppy. Yesterday, he tried to copy me doing kickflips on my skateboard. It ended with him sprawled on the driveway, Mom yelling, and me pretending not to laugh (I totally laughed).

Then there's the squad: Alex, Ben, and Leo. We're four halves of a whole idiot. If there's trouble within a five-mile radius, you can bet we're already knee-deep in it. Last week, we tried to prank Ben's older sister by setting up an elaborate "fake spider attack." Let's just say the only ones who screamed louder than her were us when her actual tarantula escaped its cage and nearly made Alex cry.

Anyway, back to the big countdown. I can't decide if I'm more nervous about the whole "new kid in high school" thing or facing him—Mr. Dreadmore. That's not his real name, of course, but according to the eighth graders last year, he's the most feared teacher in the school. They say he punishes you for breathing too loud. Perfect, right? Just my luck.

I guess I'll spend this week trying to enjoy what's left of freedom before the chaos hits. If Sam lets me, that is. I can already hear him outside my door, humming the theme song to some cartoon like it's his life's anthem.

Here's to one last week of summer. Wish me luck—I'm going to need it.