It was almost my favorite time of year- Fall! Fall is my favorite because the leaves change colors on the trees and I get to go back to school. 

This year I am going to be in 8th grade. I feel all excited inside with butterflies twirling and twirling around in my stomach. 

I decide to go outside to play with Toby, my dog, on the very last day of summer vacation.

It's the first day of school and I am so excited to see my best friend, Sammy! I'm curious about what classes we have together. Before the bell rings I go over and catch up with her, talking about how her summer was and what classes she has.

A few weeks go by and everyone begins to talk about the upcoming school dance. People are asking their friends to go with them and gossiping about who is going together. I had never had a boy date to a dance before. Although, I had never really wanted one either. I felt out of place... kind of invisible.

The next day I decide to ask Sammy who she wants to take to the dance.

Who are you gonna go to the dance with?

I'm not sure yet Liza. I don't really have anyone in mind. In fact, I wouldn't mind going with you. Would that be weird?

I couldn't respond to Sammy. I was too afraid to. Did she mean go as a couple? Or just friends? I ended up running to the car and not saying a word. Later that night I talked to mom about how I was feeling.

You know that your father and I support you in your choice to go to the dance with whoever you want.

Mom, I'm scared. What if I like girls more than boys? What will people think of me?

I decided I would tell Sammy yes. I was so nervous that it felt like my skin was crawling!

She was thrilled that I said yes. The next day we planned on buying our tickets and reporting who we were going with to the office.