Keep Holding On

I'm Still Good

April 13th, 2028

Malibu USA

Miley's POV

"Mom you're home!" Jessica says excitedly. I just got home from the studio, and Emma was watching the kids. The kids run up to me and all give me a hug.

"Were you guys good for Emma?"

"Yeah." They all say.

"Okay kids, go play."

"They were great." Emma replies, walking into the living room from the kitchen. "They all just finished lunch."

"Thanks for making them some lunch, I totally forgot to make something earlier."

"They just had sandwiches."

"Okay, thanks again. You remembered Cece is grounded right?"

"Yup. No games, no tv...just school work, reading, and playing outside."

"It's still not fair mommy." Cecilia says, walking into the living room.

"Well I'm the mom which means I make the rules. I told you if you got in trouble at school again you'd get grounded. How is it so far, spending your spring break grounded?"

"It sucks."

"I bet it does, now maybe you'll think about how you behave. Okay, go play outside."

"Well I should get going."

"Thank you for watching them." I say before hugging Emma.

"No problem, call me anytime. See ya later Miley."

"Bye."

I walk outside to see the kids playing, except Jessica was sitting by a tree reading. I walk over and sit next to her.

"What are you reading?" I ask.

"To Kill a Mockingbird. I found it in the library and it sounded good."

"For being ten you sure do read some grown up books."

"What everyone in my class is reading is boring. I've read it already."

"What are you reading in class?"

"Hatchet. I've read it already but I still have to read it in class." Jessica answers.

"Why's that?"

"Cause that's what everyone else is reading for the work we get. We have to read the book, analyze it, and write an essay. I'm done with my essay and everyone else is still just analyzing it. Some have started their essay but I'm already done."

"So what do you do in class now that you're done?"

"Read the book."

"Why?" I ask. "You're already done with your essay."

"Mr. Wattson said I need to stick with the class."

"Didn't you explain to him that you finished and you want something else to read?"

"I don't wanna make him mad."

"Asking to read a different book because you're finished with your current one? That shouldn't be a problem. I thought your teacher Mr. Collins was okay with you doing different work."

"He is, but Mr. Wattson is strict. He's a sub until Mr. Collins comes back, we still have a week with him." She explains.

"You should ask, it isn't fair that you have to read the book when you're done."