I woke up the next day and Jaxon had gone. He could have left in the middle of the night, or just a few minutes ago, but I was in too deep of a sleep to notice. I got up and got ready for school. Thankfully the late start for the last day of term meant I could actually sleep to a decent hour, rather than going to school feeling like a zombie. Hunter was gone by the time Jaxon drove Lachie and I to school, since senior school was already finished.

As we were driving, I remembered that I had texted Noah to see if we could go shopping and I checked if he had replied. He thought it sounded like a good idea and wanted to know which shopping centre and when. I told him I would double check with Hunter and see if him or Jaxon could drive us there since Noah's parents still had work.

"Who are you texting?" Asked Lachie, peering over my shoulder.

"No one." I glared.

"Ooh, Livi's got a boyfriend." He taunted.

"Hell no she doesn't, baby." Jaxon growled. He hadn't even bothered to get out of the clothes he slept in, which gave me the hint that he didn't stay the night with me. He had probably gone back to his room and slept there and then just woke up to take us. "Did you remember the present and food?" He asked me.

"No." I gasped in shock.

"Livi!" He yelled in frustration. "I can't..."

"Just kidding!" I smiled, before he began ranting. He slapped my leg. "Ow!" I whined, hitting him back.

"You deserved that." He shook his head before pulling into a carpark. "Out."

"Bye Jaxon. Love you." I smiled.

"Bye Olivia. Get out." He huffed, not looking at me.

"You're not going to say it back? You don't love me." I frowned. This was fun.

"You know I do. Now get out." He growled, restarting the engine. I was scared he'd start driving whilst my door was open, so I hurried to grab my bag and get out.

The class party was really fun, and we played lots of games that I thought we wouldn't do in high school. It had me thinking about how much my life had changed over the past year. I wasn't the little baby of my family anymore. I had grown up; I was a teenager now. There were things I missed about being younger, of course. The cupcakes everyone brought into their class on their birthday, not having tests or assignments that mattered, having endless amounts of energy to run around all day. Being young is just simple. Stress free and simple. But there were so many things to look forward to in the future. I was going to graduate and go to university or college. I would get a job and have a family and be able to help so many people. I still had a glow up waiting for me. But finally, I was really in high school. And I wasn't just a year 7, I had finished year 7 and am becoming a year 8. Someone who's relevant to the rest of the school.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to grow up, but there was only one way to know if I was going to like it. It's funny to think that all kids ever want is to grow up, but as you do, you just wish to be younger again.

"What are you thinking about?" Noah asked, coming and sitting next to me.

"Everything and nothing." I smiled.

"Okay then." He knew me too well to ask. I could never put that depth of meaning into words. They were just thoughts that came and went. "Ready for presents?"

"Definitely!" I smiled.

Our class discussed a bazillion systems of getting our gifts, but finally agreed on one which meant we could start. We went in alphabetical order which meant I was a little after halfway through. I unwrapped mine to find monopoly deal. I didn't have it, but I had played it with Noah before at his house. I looked at him and he winked. I guess I know who my Secret Santa was.

"We should go out for ice cream." Lexi suggested as well all walked out of the assembly together.

"I don't know if I can eat anymore after the party this morning." Theo laughed.

"Same boo." Hugh added. He had gotten so much more confidence this year and was super comfortable being out as gay. We all laughed at him.

"Too bad Theo. We're going." Noah laughed.

"I'll call Hunter."

I go out my phone and tried to call him, but he didn't answer. I figured he was in a meeting, so I went to the next best option and called Jaxon.

"Yo." He answered.

"Can I go for ice cream with my friends?"

"What friends?"

"Not funny. Answer the question."

"Sure. Do you have money?"

"No."

"So how are you going to pay for it?"

"Stop being annoying Jaxon. Can't I just get some off you at the car?"

"I'm not coming to school."

"What, why?" I whined.

"Lachie's going with his friends now and you're going with friends. I don't need to."

"But I need money." I whined.

"Just borrow it and you can pay them back. I'll give you the money when you get home."

"Can you pick me up from Piccolina?"

"Fine. Are you sure you can't get home by yourself, baby?"

"I'm not a baby!" I protested and Noah laughed next to me. I glared at him before continuing. "And you made that rule with Hunter anyway."

"I know baby, I'm joking." He laughed. I could tell he was enjoying this, and I wasn't impressed. It was easy to sense his smirk through the phone.

"Bye." I grumbled, hanging up.

"So, what'd he say?" Noah asked.

"Can I borrow money from you?" I asked.

"Of course."

"Then we're all good." I smiled.

We grabbed our bags and remembered to take our locks home before walking to the ice cream shop.

Year 7 was done and dusted.