Gone But Not Lost

I was five years old. My mother passed away; my father left me. I had to live with my grandmother, let's just say she wasn't happy with me at the time. Today I'm 14, still living with my grandmother. Today is the first day of 8th grade. I am so excited to see my best friends.

"Gabby, over here!".

"Coming." I reply, as I rush over to my friends "Hey Madison!" I say excitedly.

Madison is my best friend; she is always by my side.

"Hey Gabs". That's Cora. I met her last year, she's super friendly and funny.

"Hey Cora" I reply. "You guys excited for the year?".

"Defiantly" Cora says, sarcastically.

"Well..." Sofia laughs, "aren't we all!".

Then, the bell rings. "Well, I'll see you guys at lunch!" I yell as they walked off to their classes. "Finally!" I think to myself as the lunch bell rings for a second time.

The hallways are crowded with people pushing and shoving.

"Ow!" I say, as someone runs into me. "Watch where you're going!".

"O-oh sorry." It's Rylie, Cora's boyfriend.

"Oh, sorry Rylie, are you ok?". I apologize, feeling bad for my tone of voice.

"No, I'm sorry, I should've looked where I was going.". He replies while picking up his scattered papers. I bend down to help him.

"Here." I say, handing him his papers.

"Oh, by the way, happy birthday!" He says with a slight smile on his face.

While looking at him in shock, I thank him. I didn't think anyone remembered. Then again, I've known Rylie for years now, so it's not too surprising that a nice guy like him, would remember. I watch as he slowly gets up and walks away. I sit there for a moment, wondering why he remembered, but mid thought, someone taps my shoulder.

"Hey, you coming?" I turned my head to see Madison, standing over me.

"Yeah, I just got distracted". I brush it off.

"Man, I'm starving." Cora says with a hungry look in her eyes, as I sit down at our usual table.

"What's for lunch today?". I jokingly roll my eyes and poke my salad with a fork, cautiously.

"I don't know, Cora, maybe its fresh garbage today?". Madison laughs while Cora looks at her tray, as if trying to imagine a pile of garbage sitting in front of her.