“This is the last day, boys and girls. Do any of you feel the least bit sad? This is your very last day of elementary school.”

“Are you kidding?” I whispered violently to Ben.

One girl raised her hand. Melinda. Of course. “Yes, Miss Simmons, I will miss you.” And here she got up and turned to face the class. I rolled my eyes. “And every one of you as well.”

“Give me a break,” I muttered to Ben, who gave a snicker. Melinda must’ve heard me, because she turned my way.

“Even you, Billy.”

As the gang walked home, Kim began the conversation, as always. That girl can talk. She can hit, too. “Can you believe Melinda?”

“Sickening. What a teacher’s pet. And on the last day, too!”

“I think she likes you, Billy.” Kim said.

I gave a shudder. “Why would you say that?!”

“The way she looked at you and blushed. She singled you out.”

“Our Billy’s a heartbreaker!” Ben teased. We all laughed. I gave him a good sock in the shoulder. “Watch out for this one pitching! God, that hurt!”