Spring 12

I woke up on an invisible, glass like ground. I inhaled deeply and shot up quickly. Where was I? I knew I wasn't in Alvarna!

I looked around and I saw my best friend, he was translucent but his smile was very visible.

"Leonel!" I exclaimed, "I'm so glad to see…!" but he interrupted me.

"I just wanted to thank you."

"...For what?" I asked confused, he just gave me a big hug.

"For all the fun times! Bye, Clara!" He waved and ran away; turning instantly invisible, where I couldn't see him, but I could still hear his laughter.

"No! Wait! Where are you going!? Leonel!"

"Thanks, Clara!"

I shot up out of my bed, sweaty and panting, glad to know it was just a dream. However, was the dream trying to tell me something? I shook my head, rolling my eyes at my ridiculous thoughts; it was just a dream! I mean, I had a dream once where the blender came to life and started chasing me and that still hasn't happened yet!

I threw the covers from my body and looked at my clock, 6 AM. The same time I woke up almost every morning.

I threw on my clothes and walked out of my room.

"Good morning, Clara!" my mother exclaimed, I turned towards her cleaning the windows and smiled at her.

"Morning, mom!" I exclaimed, quickly hugging her and scurrying downstairs, my father smiled at me.

"Morning, Clara!"

"Morning, dad!" I ran up and gave him a big hug, he smiled and hugged me back.

"I can't believe how much you've grown." he whispered, I didn't reply out loud, but in my mind I replied 'I can't believe it either.'

The noon clock chimed as Barrett, excuse me, Mr. Barrett, scribbled notes on the board.

"Today we'll be learning about defenses in attacking, and when I say we that means you, Leonel."

Leonel blushed slightly as Orland sniffed slightly at him in a mocking way. The elf had much higher grades in Mr. Barrett's classes than any of us and I think that put my best friend in shame since he wants his father to be proud of him. I think secretly Barrett...sorry, Mr. Barrett is very proud of his son and his choices, but doesn't want to show it.

Then again...maybe he wants his son to be like him and is upset with his choices...

I just slouched forward and looked interested in the topic, when in real life several things were running through my head, none of which had anything to do with defenses in attacking.

"Class dismissed." my teacher announced, and so suddenly too that I was as straight as a stick. I looked at the clock, 3 o'clock, the same time we always got out of school. Time seems to be flying now than it used to, next thing I'll know I'll be married and pregnant.

I gave a small snort giggle to myself, that was a long, long time from now...then again...time was going fast...it was like...summer was becoming winter in less than a day...

However, that made me wonder what summer and winter would bring me this year. Would it bring me happiness, sorrow or maybe both? I felt someone shake my shoulder as I turned towards Leonel.

"Hi Leonel!" I exclaimed, he blushed with a concerned look on his face.

"You okay, Clara?" he asked, I just sighed and looked down.

"I'm not sure, Leonel...several things have been running through my head...it's like...time's going by way too fast now."

"Well...I hope you'll be fine by tomorrow, because I was going to ask you to the flower festival!" I smiled a sweet smile.

"Aw. Leonel! You know I'll always accept your invites! You're much more fun to talk to than Orland and Roy."

"Aw, you're just saying that!" His face was turning a cherry red, as I giggled.

"I mean it!" I told him and I really did mean it.

Spring 13

I woke up with a ray of sunshine splashing my fair skinned face as I flipped the blankets off of me. It was only 6 o'clock, the same time I woke up every day. I rummaged through my dressers until I found my pink outfit, a bubble gum pink halter top and a salmon pink skort perfect for the festival! I tied a simple pink ribbon in my hair and hurried out the door to meet up with my friends.

I arrived in front of the school, our meeting spot and waved hello to them.

"Good morning, Clara!" My cousin chirped, I politely waved at her before giving her a big hug.

"You seem excited this morning, Clara." Leann said as I nodded my head.

"You know I love festivals!" I replied, grabbing Leonel's hand and dragging him towards the cherry tree.

"Wow, you're overly excited, Clara." Leonel said with a bit of a nervous look on his face, "Are you still bothered from yesterday?"

"Oh! No! I mean, I am…but, it's not as bad today as it was yesterday!" I replied, he just smiled and nodded.

"Oh, okay! Well, if you ever need an ear, I'll lend you one!" I looked over at him with a smile. We just both sat in silence for a few moments, looking up at the cherry blossom petals raining before he broke the silence by asking, "What's it like being fifteen?"

"What's it like? It doesn't feel much different from being fourteen." I replied.

"Really?" He asked, I nodded, "I just wanted to know because you're different now."

"Is different okay?" I asked as he nodded.

"Different is great." another moment of silence.

"Hey, Leonel." I began as he looked at me with a 'Hm?' I continued, "Your birthday is coming up! Is there anything special that you want for your birthday?"

"I dunno." Was his reply, I just gave him a small smile.

"You mean...you really don't know?"

"Nope...I guess just a simple surprise...you can surprise me if you want!"

"I'll do just that." I giggled looking up again at the raining cherry blossom petals.