“Maybe,” said Mrs. Peters. “That’s why it’s so exciting. You can really start figuring out who you are and what you like.”

“What if we already know what we like?” asked Casey.

“Well, some kids do,” said Mrs. Peters, “Brett is probably still going to be a piano genius. He’s been playing since he was three. But it’s always good to be open to new things too. You may not even be aware that you’d love being on the volleyball team until you try it.”

I looked at Casey and giggled. She broke two fingers playing volleyball last summer, and she hates it.

“Okay, maybe volleyball is a bad example,” said Mrs. Peters, laughing.

I guess I looked a little worried, because Mrs. Peters put her arm around me and said, “But whatever changes, I know you and Casey will always be friends.”

“What? Of course we’ll be friends always!” yelped Casey. She slid over and threw her arms around me. “Don’t try on any new BFFs!”

I laughed and hugged her back. “I won’t. You are stuck with me!”

Later that night, I thought about what we’d talked about. I usually fell asleep really fast, but I was tossing and turning, thinking about what Mrs. Peters had said.

What would I decide to do that was different? What if I didn’t want to try anything different? I tried to stop my mind from spinning so I could get to sleep.

Finally I decided that even if middle school was different, if Casey was around, it would all be okay. Plus, I had my dreams, and I knew those would never change. The next thing I knew, it was morning.

Chapter Eight Dress Party or Pity Party?

Mimi had talked about a “dress party” for me since she’d arrived, and even though it made me feel a little squirmy, I figured it would be fun. I don’t really like being the center of attention, but I would be with my family and friends. It wasn’t like I’d be strutting down a runway.

“It’s party day!” Mimi trilled as she came into my room in the morning. “So much fun awaits! But first, work!”

I groaned. A day off would be nice, but the plan was for me to go to work in the morning.

Kelsey beat me to the Donut Dreams counter and was bouncing up and down, she was so excited.

“Do you think your grandma will let me keep one of the dresses that you don’t like?” she asked.

“Uhhhh,” I said, unsure.

“I mean if Mom pays for it!” said Kelsey. “Oh, I’m so excited I just can’t wait. Aren’t you so excited to see what she picked out?”

I started to answer, but Kelsey cut me off.

“I mean, what if you hate everything?” she asked, her eyes getting wide. “That would be a disaster!”