The Adventures of Harley and Harper

The twins were abuzz with drinking punch, eating pizza, and excitedly talking with their classmates. It was the last day of school! All the kids were going from one topic to the next discussing the summer, vacations, and trying to plan playdates. 

While Harper was enjoying her celebratory lunch and listening to her friends, she could not help a touch of sadness from creeping over her as she realized she would not only be having a new teacher next year, but her new best friend Sophia was moving away. 

As much as she was looking forward to the summer break from school, she now found herself wishing that the year could restart itself so she could have more time with her friend and her teacher, whom she had grown attached to. 

“I saw that there are cupcakes! I hope they bring them out soon.” Harley shared as he and his buddy Dylan came over. Seeing that his sister looked less than thrilled about the sugary goodness to come, he asked, “You okay, Harper?”

Harper was watching Sophia giving their other classmates a hug and hardly heard him. 

“Harper?” Harley shook her shoulder.

“Huh, what?” she asked, startled. 

 Before Harley could mention the cupcakes or ask if she was okay again, their teacher had called for quiet in the room. 

She proceeded to talk about their achievements in the past year, both individual and class accomplishments, and encouragement for a great summer before the start of the next grade. 

The class clapped and cheered, taking turns to hug their teacher while the cupcakes were brought out. Harley and Dylan promptly bolted for the treats, leaving Harper by herself. 

After a few moments, her teacher, Miss Cooper, must have noticed her standing alone and approached, “What’s the matter, Harper? You are usually my social butterfly.” She gave her a side hug. 

Harper’s lip was fighting the urge to quiver as she felt the lump forming in her throat, “I’m going to miss you…”

“I’m going to miss you too, but you will be just down the hall in Mr. Heiland’s class. That’s not too far.” 

“I wish I could have you again as my teacher for next year, I don’t want to leave this classroom. I wish we could start the year over; I don’t want things to change.” 

“I am so glad that you enjoyed this school year, I enjoyed having you in my class. But, Harper, you have so many great things ahead! Advancing grades, a new teacher, and a new classroom are all stepping stones towards that.”

Harper nodded slowly. She knew her teacher was right, but it didn’t stop the sadness, “So many things are changing…” she said lowly. 

Miss Cooper knew that Sophia was moving and also knew how close the two girls had become, “Your mom says you and Sophia talk all the time over the phone, that doesn’t have to change, right?” She side-hugged her again. 

“No, it doesn’t. We already have times planned to talk over the summer.”

“And, she isn’t moving to another country, only a few hours away. Maybe your parents can arrange a visit every once in a while?”

Harper’s sadness was growing smaller, “My dad does like to drive…”

“And! What about your new gymnastics summer camp? That is a big change for you, and I bet you are going to love it and make some great friends there.” Miss Cooper smiled widely. 

Harper looked up toward her.

“Change might not always be fun when it is happening, but it can be a very good thing if you give it a chance.” She noticed Sophia watching them and waved her over, “How about the two of you go get a cupcake and enjoy this time together?”

Sophia smiled at Harper and then to Miss Cooper, “Thank you for everything, Miss Cooper. I had a great half year with you.”

Harper remembered when Sophia joined the class at the start of the new year, struggling with English and had little friends. Sophia had been through so much change in the past few months, and she was all smiles now. Change was a good thing for her.

Maybe, if she let it, all the upcoming changes would be a good thing for her, too?