My first shift book 1#

Chapter Seventeen

The rest of the school day flew by.
By the time I got to my last class, I was relieved I hadn't been marked late that morning.
A girl with long brown hair smiled at me as I sat down beside her.
"Hi! I'm Hanna."
"I'm Jade."
"It's nice to meet you."
"You too," Hanna said. "Do you like cooking?"
I laughed.
"I love cooking."
"Me too!"
"Wanna be partners?"
"I'd like that."
Just then, our teacher walked in.
"Good afternoon, everyone!" she said with a smile. "I'm Chef Georgie, and I'll be your cooking teacher."
"First things first—wash your hands and put on your aprons."
I could barely contain my excitement.
Cooking had always been one of my favorite things to do.
After washing our hands and putting on our aprons, Chef Georgie clapped her hands together.
"Today we're making cupcakes!"
I grabbed a mixing bowl while Hanna gathered the ingredients.
We measured everything carefully before pouring it into the bowl.
I mixed the batter while Hanna used the mixer to make it smooth.
Then we filled the cupcake liners and placed the tray into the oven.
The room quickly filled with the smell of fresh cupcakes.
"They smell amazing," Hanna said.
"I know!"
When they finished baking, we let them cool before decorating them with vanilla icing and colorful sprinkles.
Chef Georgie tasted one and smiled.
"Excellent job, you two."
I couldn't help smiling.
Maybe today really was going to be okay.
The final bell rang.
Outside my classroom, I spotted Lilly, Maya, and Leanna waiting for me.
"There you are!" Maya said.
"Wanna hang out after school?"
"I'd love to."
"I just have to pick up my little brother first."
"No problem."
I pulled out my phone.
"Here's my number."
The three of them quickly saved it.
"Now we can text," Lilly said.
"I'll message you when I'm ready."
As we walked toward the parking lot, I spotted Alex.
"Hey," he said.
"You coming tonight?"
"Yep."
"I'll see you there."
After picking up Ace from school, we headed home.
"How was your day?" I asked.
"It was awesome!" Ace said excitedly.
"I made two new friends!"
"That's great, buddy."
"How about you?"
I smiled.
"I made five."
His eyes went wide.
"Five?"
"Yep."
"And I'm hanging out with them tonight."
"Cool!"
Dad was already outside when we pulled into the driveway.
Ace jumped out of the car.
"Dad!"
He ran straight into Dad's arms.
I laughed.
He loved horseback riding with Dad.
I had been spending more time training Lex lately, but maybe I'd go for a ride before school one morning.
After helping Dad for a little while, I sent Maya a text.
Jade:
I'm ready.
A moment later...
Maya:
Awesome! See you soon.
Jade:
What's your address?
Maya:
203 Sophie Street.
Jade:
Thanks! Be there soon.
I told Dad I was heading out.
"Be home by eleven or twelve."
"I will."
"Be careful."
"I promise."
I drove to Maya's house, excited to spend time with my new friends.
I still couldn't believe how well my first day had gone.
I had new friends...
And somehow...
It already felt like I belonged.