So here's my new story! Hope you like it! Oh, and it starts out kinda slow, but please stick with me.

"Dear diary,

It happened again today. The kids at school stole my lunch and my homework. I was sent home early for being a 'tattle tale', as the principle called it. Next time I see a happy commercial about how wrong bullying is, and how telling a grown up is the best option, I'm sending a hammer through the screen. I got a smack on the cheek by the school bully for trying to tattle. At least things went good at Bells 'n Whistles. A young boy attempted to steal a dog whistle, but I caught him. As a reward for catching him, Mr. Matthews gave me a tip! I am now currently five dollars away from being able to buy the Ultra Sonic Raider Ninjago set! Hopefully, tomorrow's pay will give me the rest. This is Alexandria Stones, signing off."

I sighed and flung my pencil down on my bed. Flopping back onto my pillow, I rubbed my cheek were I had been slapped. I cringed as I pictured Miss Heart's disappointed face. It had broken my heart to see my favorite teacher not believe me. I even had the slap mark to prove it!

"Lexi!" My mother's weak voice echoed through the hallway. Heart heavy, I lifted myself off my bed and trudged toward my mother's room. I lightly pushed open the creaky door and peaked into the dark room. Dead flowers lay crumbling on the chipped nightstand. The small, curtain-less window cast an eerie glow onto my pale mother's face. She noticed me staring and turned her head, cringing in the process.

"Lexi. . .How was school?" Now it was my turn to cringe. I hated lying to my mother. After waiting for her violent coughing fit to cease, I gritted my teeth.

"Fine." I lied. "Just fine." My mother weakly smiled.

"Good." She murmured, before painfully shifting to her side and drifting off to a restless slumber. I sighed and quietly shut the door. Mother was dying. The doctor had, unsettlingly calmly, to,d me that I needed to find a new place to stay. I refused, though, clinging, desperately clinging to the belief that she would get better. She had to. . .

I shuffled into the kitchen to search for something suitable to call my dinner. Upon opening the cabinet, I discovered why our food had been disappearing. Rats! I screamed and slammed the door shut. Well, so much for the idea of dinner.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. I froze. Who in the world could that be? The landowner, demanding pay? The kids at school, returning to pick on me again? I warily made my way to the door, cautious of who might be on the other side. When the door swung open, I was shocked to see the boy who had tried to rob Bells 'n Whistles! I growled and crossed my arms.

"What do you want?" He frowned and glanced at the ground. I instantly lost my ferocity when I noticed the tears in his eyes.

"I-I'm sorry about earlier." He whispered. "I just really needed some money. My dad is really sick, and, well, it's just me and him." My heart melted when he looked up at me with his chocolate brown eyes. I pulled the younger boy into hug, much to his surprise.

"I'm like you. It's only me and my mom, and she's really sick." His eyes searched my face for any hint of lies. He wiped his cheeks and smiled.

"Really?" I nodded. "Do-Do you think we could be friends, Alexandria?" I grinned and ruffled his hair.

"Sure! But please, call me Lexi." He wrapped his arms around my waist. I patted his head. Then he tilted his head, as if remembering something.

"Oh yeah! Here, I think you dropped this at school today." He pulled a small, plastic bag out of his pocket and handed it to me. I gasped.

"My lunch!" He nodded. Then a low grumbling sound startled both of us. His smile faded, but mine grew.

"Here. Keep it." His eyes widened.

"Really? Thanks, Lexi!" He hugged me again and took off running. I reached out to grab him, but missed.

"Wait! You never told me your name!" I shouted after him. He looked back, and with a smile, yelled one word.

"Blake!"

Sooooo, like it? Or now? I promise it will get more interesting. I already have chapter two done. I will try and post it tomorrow.

Xion98