Page 30 of When October Starts

“I was in it. Of course it turned out amazing,” Pixie grinned, but Benji waved his hand at her to make her shut up. “You know what? I don’t even have to think about it. A plus.”

“Really?” I asked surprised. Benji would never give out a grade that high unless it one hundred percent blew him away.

“Yes, really. That, kids, is art.” He got up from the couch, and I glanced at Ezra who was smiling at me.

“I was expecting something else. Don’t know what, but not that.” He pointed at the dark screen and then patted my shoulder. “I need you to get me a copy of that movie. I will archive it and show it to every class I ever get in this school.”

I couldn’t contain my joy and awkwardly hugged Benji. “Thank you!” I squealed.

I was happy with myself and the work I’d done. I put so many hours into that project, and thanks to Pixie’s help, I managed to amaze Benji.

“Why don’t I get any credit? I was literally on that screen for more than half of the movie.”

“It’s weird. Normally, the actors get acknowledged way more than the director or writer of a movie,” Gus pointed out.

“I think it’s safe to say that both Juno and Pixie did an amazing job,” Ezra told the class. “Well done, both of you.”

I walked over to Pixie and bent down to hug her tight. “Thank you for volunteering and wanting to be in my movie. You’re incredible,” I said quietly. I was thankful to have her.

“That’s what best friends are for.”

Everyone started to pack their things and leave the classroom, and after talking to Ezra for a minute, Benji left to go back upstairs to his office.

“Is our sleepover still on tonight?” Pixie asked. It was Monday, but to celebrate my finished movie, we decided to watch some other great masterpieces in the coziness of my bed.

“Yes. Come over whenever you’re done with dinner.” Pixie nodded, then left the classroom.

“I told you they’d love it.” I let Ezra watch the movie last Saturday night to see what he thought of it. He loved it, and we watched it a second time.

“I’m glad they did.” I looked around the classroom, and after Pixie’s footsteps faded, I moved closer to him.

“Juno,” he whispered, keeping me at arm-length. “Not here.”

I sighed, crossing my arms over my chest and tucking my hands away so I wouldn’t be tempted to touch him.

“I’m sorry. I miss you,” I said quietly.

“I know. I miss you too.” He took in a deep breath and tilted his head to the side. “Is our date still on tomorrow after school?” He kept his voice low, but there was no one around anyway.

“Yes. I’m excited. You sure you don’t wanna tell me where you’re taking me?”

“Positive. It’s a surprise. But I need you to wear something pretty.” He looked at my sweater, silently telling me that he wanted to see me in something other than a sweater.

My jaw dropped, and I put one hand on my chest to show him just how hurt I was by his judgmental look. “I’m offended. This sweater is beautiful. It’s unique. Your grandpa wished he owned one of these.” I tried to keep my sarcasm down, but his grin told me that he didn’t fall for my fake pain.

A chuckle escaped him. “I bet he did. Now, go. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I stood there for a second, not knowing what to do in case someone walked in on us. But the whole building was quiet, and I took the chance to get close to him today.

I stepped closer to him and kissed his cheek softly. “I love you,” I whispered, then left the classroom without waiting on a response. I knew he loved me. I didn’t need him to tell me.

The others didn’t know I wrote the movie about Ezra. He was that one person I found, but never looked for. He was my happiness.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Juno

Weeks passed, and it was finally winter break. It was two days before Christmas, and I had great news to tell Ezra. I walked over to his apartment while the snow slowly fell from the sky. It wasn’t as cold as it would usually be this time of year, but I was still freezing.

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