-Chapter 1-

"Rio, shut up!" Star laughed.

It was a normal spring day, and the four of us were walking home from school. Rio, Star, Ruby, and I.

"I'm just being funny," Rio shot back, his gray eyes bright with mischief. "It's not my fault you can't handle a joke."

"Well," Star snapped. "Maybe I'm not in the mood for jokes!"

"Are you ever not in the mood for jokes?"

"Well, no..."

"See?"

"Well, maybe it's time for a change then."

"Will you two stop," Ruby giggled. "Hey Robin, should we join this argument?"

"NO!" Star and Rio suddenly shouted in perfect unison. I had a way of bringing interesting arguments to the table.

We walked in silence for a few more moments. We dropped Star off at her mansion, then Rio at the Homeless Shelter. Finally, Ruby and I pushed through the door of our apartment. It smelled of lemon cleaning detergent. Reminds me of the time Star, Ruby and I met Rio...

2 Years ago...

"Ruby! Robin! Wait up!"

I turned to see the squealing Star behind us. Of course she was excited! First day of 4th grade! Star's curly blond hair was in pigtails, Ruby's straight red hair in two french braids, and my curly, messy red hair like normal. Of course. This mane is impossible to tame.

We walked towards Birmingham Elementry. Everything was okay, and when we got to class I already knew everyone from last year. There were tables spread out all over the room, and we checked the seating chart.

"YESSS!" Ruby cried. "We're all at the same table!"

We slid into the seats at the table, big smiles on our faces. A few minutes later, everyone finished filing in and sat. I was just beginning to notice the lemony fresh scent of newly cleaned desks and boards. Our teacher, Mrs. Astono, walked in with a scared looking boy. He was pale, skinny, gray eyed, and had a mop of black hair on his head.

"Class, I would like to introduce you all to Rio Uribe," Mrs. Astono had said. "He comes from Shepton Mallet in Somerset. I hope you all will welcome him with open arms. Robin? Ruby? Star? Could the three of you raise your hands?" We did. "Rio, there's an empty seat right there. Go ahead and meet them."

Present Day

"MOMMM! WE'RE HOME!" Ruby called.

"Good, good," she said from the kitchen. "Do you have homework?"

"It's the last day of school mom!" I called. "So...no."

"Oh, yes," I could hear mom smile. "Ready for cookies?"

"YES!" We shouted in unison.

"Calm down, calm down!" Mom laughed, walking into the room with a plate of homemade snickerdoodles. "Chow down."

"I feel bad for Rio," Ruby said out of the blue.

"Whatever do you mean?" Mom asked, pouring milk.

"He...well...nevermind," Ruby mumbled.

I felt like bringing out my phone, texting Rio's phone-That he got from Star for his birthday-, and asking him if he wanted to come over. I decided against it though. Too many obstacles.

There was a sudden knock at the door, and I jumped up.

"I'll get it!" I called.

I scampered to the door, and pulled it open. There was no one there. Hmm...

I was about the slam the door shut when I noticed two envelopes on the door mat. I picked them up. They were adressed to Ruby and I.

I walked back in, and handed the letter to Ruby. Mine was titled-

Ms. R. Oliveres

Apt. 469

6 Diana Drive

Birmingham

I looked at the letter in confusion. No return address, no stamp. My phone vibrated.

I picked it up. Star was on our group chat, and sent a picture of an envelope. Same layout as mine, but her address.

She captioned the pic-Anyone else got this?

Rio suddenly sent a pic of his. They even got his room AND bed number right. Ruby cautiously took out her phone, and snapped.

I then snapped mine.