Arden

I raced outside the classroom with everyone else, in the mob heading for the door. My locker had been cleaned out since yesterday and I was ready to go.

Sixth grade was over! I was now, officially, a seventh grader.

I grinned as I was pulled along with the excited crowd. No homework, no strict teachers, and no detentions for three whole months!

My bus was last in line, so it took a good half hour for me to get home. The ride was full of girls hugging each other and exchanging phone numbers, football guys boasting about how early their training started, and kids eagerly describing the camps and vacations they had planned for the summer.

I didn't really have anything to add to all the buzz. For some reason, my mom wouldn't let me sign up for any overnight, or even daytime, camp this summer. I had no clue why not.

Pretty soon it was my stop. Some kids shouted things like "Bye!" or "See you next year!" to me as I got off. None of my close friends were on my bus, though, so I didn't get any huge farewell.

I ran up the street to my house and swung open the door. "I'm home!" I yelled.

My mom leaned out the doorway from the kitchen, a bright smile on her face. "Welcome home, sweetheart! Happy summer!"

I kicked off my shoes and went into the kitchen. Chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk were waiting for me on the counter.

My older sister, Gabby, was sitting at the table, having her share of the cookies. She had finished her exams today. It was weird to think that next year she'd be a junior.

I grabbed the plate of cookies and plopped down at the table, next my sister. "Summer!" I half sung, half shouted. My sister winced and motioned for me to be quieter.

"Are you excited for camp?" My mom asked. I must have looked confused, because she quickly explained.

"This year you finally get to go the same camp your sister does! Gabby has agreed to show you around and help you get settled."

I was shocked. Every year Gabby went to a camp in New York for the whole summer. I had no idea that I would too one day.

I looked over at Gabby and she winked at me. "You'll love it," she whispered, just loud enough for me to hear. "I'll explain everything on the way there."