October 12th

Dear Diary,

Something very strange happened in class today. My stomach felt like it was full of tiny, fluttering butterflies. It all started when Mrs. Gable introduced a new student named Mia. She has curly hair and a bright yellow backpack that is almost as big as she is. When she walked past my desk, she smelled like strawberry bubblegum.

I usually talk a lot, especially about soccer or my new video games. But when Mia sat in the empty chair right next to mine, I forgot how to speak. My face felt hot, like I was standing too close to a campfire. I tried to say hello, but only a tiny squeak came out. I hope she didn’t think I was a mouse! I think I might like her, but it is a big secret. If my best friend Sam finds out, he will tease me for a whole year.

October 15th

Dear Diary,

I had the perfect chance to be a hero today. During math, Mia’s pencil lead snapped. She looked around her desk with a worried expression. I knew this was my moment to be helpful. I reached into my desk and pulled out my favorite neon green pencil. It is the one that always helps me get the right answers.

I tapped her on the shoulder and handed it to her. My hand was shaking just a little bit. She looked at me and gave me the biggest smile I have ever seen. She said, “Thanks, Leo. You’re really nice.” She actually remembered my name! I felt like I could fly over the school building. I didn't even mind that I had to use my old, chewed-up pencil for the rest of the lesson. Helping her felt much better than getting a perfect score on a quiz.

October 18th

Dear Diary,

Recess was very exciting today. We were playing a big game of tag on the grassy field. Mia is very fast! She runs like the wind, and her yellow backpack (which she finally took off) was sitting by the fence. I spent the whole time trying to catch her, but not because I wanted her to be 'it.' I just wanted to run near her.

When I finally caught up, I gently tapped her arm. We both fell down in the grass because we were laughing so hard. Her laugh sounds like little bells ringing. For a second, we just sat there catching our breath. She told me she likes soccer, too! We decided that we are going to be on the same team during gym class tomorrow. I have to make sure I practice my dribbling tonight so I can impress her with my skills.

October 21st

Dear Diary,

Today was the school bake sale. My mom helped me bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies last night. They were extra soft and had giant chunks of chocolate in them. I saved the very best, biggest cookie and wrapped it in a blue napkin.

At lunch, I walked over to Mia’s table. My heart was thumping against my ribs like a drum. I set the cookie down in front of her. I told her it was a 'Welcome to the School' gift. She broke the cookie in half and gave the other piece back to me. We sat together and ate our cookies while talking about our favorite movies. She likes the one about the space robots just as much as I do!

I realized that having a crush isn’t just about feeling nervous. It’s about finding a new friend who makes the school day feel much brighter. I still haven't told Sam, but I think he knows. He saw us sharing the cookie and just winked at me. I think this is going to be a great school year.