I noticed that some students had painted in bright, cheery colors, and others had sketched in charcoal. Parts of the mural showed wildflowers in bloom (which my mom would have loved), and another section showed a stormy sky, and then another section showed a rainbow.

Each student painted whatever they wanted and didn’t worry about whether it blended in with the rest of the mural. The end result showed so many different personalities and styles that it was all the more beautiful.

I reached out and ran my hand gently across the colors. “Always be your own special self,” I whispered. “Thanks, Mom.”

In that moment I could feel her presence. Even though I couldn’t see her anymore, I knew she was always with me. And I would always have my family and friends to help me through rough times, and make the hole inside me a little smaller.

I took a deep breath and walked into my first class.

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‘So Jelly!’ Teaser

Keep reading for a preview of

So Jelly!

by

Coco Simon

Chapter One I Don’t Like Change

My friend Sophia was looking at me like I was crazy. “But you have a job!” she said. “That’s so cool!”

I sighed and pushed my bangs off my face. They were really starting to annoy me, and I had to decide if I should just let them grow out or get them trimmed.

“Well, yes and no,” I said. “Yes because it’s cool to work at Donut Dreams, but no because it’s hard work, and I’d rather be doing a lot of other things, like going out for pizza tomorrow with you.”

I work at my family’s restaurant, the Park View Table, after school Fridays and one day on the weekends. This week I’m working on Sunday.

Inside the Park there’s a donut counter, Donut Dreams, that my grandmother started with her homemade donuts, which are kind of legendary around here. I work at the Donut Dreams counter with my cousin Lindsay.

I don’t mind working with my family, but it’s hard when my free time is eaten up by work while my friends get to hang out and do things—like how Sophia, Michelle, and Riley were planning to go out for pizza after school the next day.

“Hey! Are you coming with us tomorrow?” asked Riley as she plunked herself down at the lunch table.

“She’s working,” said Sophia with her mouth full.

“What?” said Riley, and then without waiting for an answer, she called out, “Oh hey, Isabella, over here!” Sophia and I looked up to see Isabella walking toward us.