When the Story Continues (Sequel to When the Script Changes)

A New Beginning

Middle school.

The words alone felt big.

Mon had spent all summer preparing—buying new notebooks, organizing her closet, and even asking Freen and Becky way too many questions about what middle school was like when they were younger.

"Mom, were you popular?" Mon had asked one evening, lying across the couch with Boba curled up at her feet.

Freen grinned. "Of course I was."

Becky rolled her eyes. "She just means she was loud."

Mon giggled, loving how her parents always teased each other.

But now, standing in front of the huge middle school building on the first day, her confidence wavered a little.

This was different from elementary school.

It felt bigger.

Louder.

More... grown-up.

Becky must have noticed because she squeezed Mon's hand and crouched down beside her. "You got this, baby."

Freen ruffled her hair. "And if anyone gives you trouble, just tell them your Mom is famous."

Mon laughed, feeling just a little braver.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward—ready for this new adventure.

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By the second week, Mon was settling in well.

Her best friends—Emma, Jayden, and Noah—were all in her class, and they still had lunch together every day, just like always.

But there was one big change.

Boys and girls weren't just friends anymore.

Suddenly, people were whispering about crushes in the hallways, passing little notes, and giggling when certain classmates walked by.

Even Emma had started doodling hearts in her notebook whenever Ethan, the boy from their math class, talked.

Mon thought it was cute—but also a little weird.

She had never really thought about crushes before.

Not until... her.

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It happened out of nowhere.

Mon was sitting in history class when the teacher introduced a new student.

"Class, this is Nalin. She just moved here, so let's make her feel welcome."

Mon barely registered the words.

Because all she could focus on was the girl standing at the front of the room.

She had short, wavy hair, a dimple on one cheek, and warm brown eyes that crinkled when she smiled.

Mon's stomach did something strange.

Something new.

It flipped.

And suddenly, everything felt different.

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Mon had never felt this way before.

Her face got warm when Nalin looked her way.

Her heart raced when they were assigned seats near each other.

And when Nalin turned to ask her a question—"Hey, do you have a pencil I can borrow?"—Mon completely forgot how to talk.

She just stared.

Like a goldfish.

Nalin tilted her head. "Um... you okay?"

Mon snapped out of it so fast she nearly knocked her notebook off the desk. "YES! I mean—yes, I have a pencil! Here! Take it!"

She shoved three pencils into Nalin's hand, her fingers trembling.

Nalin chuckled, and Mon thought she might actually die on the spot.

Because wow.

That laugh was really pretty.

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After school, Mon stormed into the house, dropping her backpack by the door and collapsing onto the couch with a dramatic sigh.

Freen looked up from the kitchen. "That's a new sound. What happened?"

Becky sat beside Mon, tucking her legs under her. "Tough day, baby?"

Mon groaned into a pillow. "I think... I think I have a crush."

Freen's eyebrows shot up. "Oh?"

Becky's lips twitched into a smirk. "And who's the lucky person?"

Mon peeked up. "Her name is Nalin. She's new. She has dimples."

Freen grinned. "Ooooh, dimples. Dangerous."

Mon groaned again. "Moooom!"

Becky laughed. "Okay, okay, we'll be serious." She nudged Mon playfully. "So, how do you feel?"

Mon sighed. "Weird. My stomach does flips when she talks to me. And my brain shuts down. And I think I gave her all my pencils today."

Freen snorted. "Classic first crush behavior."

Becky smiled. "You know, it's okay to like someone, baby. Crushes are fun."

Mon sat up. "But... what if she doesn't like me back?"

Freen wrapped an arm around Mon's shoulders. "Then that's okay too. Crushes don't always mean something big. Sometimes, they're just sweet moments."

Becky nodded. "And whether she likes you back or not, you're still our amazing, wonderful Mon. That won't change."

Mon thought about that.

And slowly, she smiled.

Maybe she didn't have to figure everything out right away.

Maybe, for now... she could just enjoy the butterflies.

And maybe tomorrow, she'd actually try talking to Nalin without turning into a goldfish.

Maybe.