The Thirteenth Year of Emily John- August

I woke up and it was 8:00 a.m. I could hear my godmother snoring in the other room, I don't know how my godfather is able to handle it. I laid in my bed and looked around my room. Many people (well, girls), when they turn thirteen, will clear out their room of any childish memories. Layla did, she actually had me come and help. It was kinda sad getting rid of the Barbies we used to spend hours on end playing with. After she turned nine, she shoved them under her bed, but the day that Layla turned thirteen, they were gone. I couldn't bring myself to clear out my room, I liked it. It was my room, my escape from reality. I had decided that I wouldn't clear out old memories, I would only add new ones. 
I had asked my mom if we could invite the family over again this year. I just had to start off my fourteenth year perfectly. They were all to arrive around 10 or 11 a.m., except my godparents, who came out yesterday morning. I told Layla and Tom to drop by sometime, so that should be good. Of course, one thing that I was debating was inviting Greg, but then I stopped and thought about him laughing at me all those times and being a jerk and kissing me when he had no right to, and I put the phone back down. 
So, of course, the plan was a total bust. I really wanna give up, but I just can't bring myself to. Never give up on something you can't go a day without thinking about. So, I'm not gonna give up, but its so hard because there is no use! I am scared of saying the wrong thing or getting angry or anything like that, and I never get nervous with boys! Never ever! Then I think of that girl, Julie, and I give a little shiver. Ugh, horrible memories. 
I got out of bed and wrapped the blanket around me as I sat down on the bench below my window. I could see runners coming by, their breath panting and their feet pounding. I saw the head of a deer pop out of a bush and look around frantically before dashing across the street into another persons yard. I saw birds fly above my line of sight, and I tilted my head upward to see them better. I closed my eyes and listened to the chirping of the birds, and then I heard pounding of another runners feet. I opened my eyes and pressed my face against the window to get a closer look, and I realized it was Sam. I saw him turn into our driveway and turn his iPod off before disappearing below me. I threw my blanket off and ran down the stairs to greet him at the door. As soon as I caught his eye I broke into a sprint and ran into his arms. Sam lifted me high into the air, my head grazing the chandelier in the front hallway. He put me down and laughed.
"You may be thirteen now but you're still very light!" Sam said, then brushed past me into the kitchen.
"Nice shirt by the way," he said, smiling at me and biting into a banana. 
I looked down at my worn in Gators shirt, I slept in it almost every night. 
"I'm not thirteen yet," I said, breaking into a grin. Everyone busts me because I refuse to say I'm a year older until I really am.
"9:07 a.m. I will be thirteen," I said, and turned around to face my mom and dad with a plate of birthday waffles. 
Gosh how I loved birthdays.
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I pulled on a pair of denim bermudas and a turquoise and white striped t-shirt while happily humming to myself. I heard the grandfather clock strike 9:00 a.m. and my stomach churned a little. I finished tying the laces on my sneakers and went downstairs to sit on the deck. I could smell food in the kitchen and hear the phone ringing, family asking for our address again. The Tree cast shadow on a part of the yard, but ended because of the lake we have. My mom had been so excited about putting that in. We have these fish in there that she takes care of in the summer, and then they hibernate for the winter. Its actually really pretty and really clean. There are two big rocks next to it that Greg and I used to go and sit on while we dipped our feet in the water.
Greg. Ugh, he is always coming up, probably because he was such a big part of my past, my childhood. Well, in T-minus 3 minutes, I will be a teenager, and none of that will matter anymore. I will be positive. Today will be a good day. Its my thirteenth birthday for crying out loud, I will enjoy it. I came inside and saw the oven clock say 9:07 a.m. My mom came over and hugged me and my godmother yelled, "You're thirteen now, no more Happy Meals!"
I chuckled to myself, and Sam yelled over her, "Thirteen is an unlucky number! Emily is unlucky now!"
No, Emily is a happy, normal teenage girl now.
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Things were actually going really well. I was very pleased with my gifts and Layla and Tom and I were having a great time together. We were sitting outside eating and my stomach churned. I glanced over at The Tree and felt it calling me over. Layla seemed to notice because her eyes went all big and scary looking and she shook her head from side to side urgently. I bit my lip and thought for a second, before looking at her and nodding my head just as urgently. I did the same as last year, banged my knife against my glass and got everyone's attention. 
"Now, I know that last year didn't start off too great," I began, and let everyone have their moment to chuckle, "but this year is different. This year, I will climb The Tree. So, lets get a move on now!"
My family whispered, but they all got up. My dog trotted along beside me, and as we reached The Tree, I patted his head, then turned to face everyone. I flashed a thumbs-up signal, and began my journey. I would describe what it was like, but all I really remember was the pounding in my head and my chest. 
But it gets better.
This journey, was successful. Everyone crowded around me, hugging and clapping me on the back. My dad had filmed the whole thing, and was now trying to contact Channel 5 News. Those who had already congratulated me stepped aside, until there was one person left.
Greg.
According to Tom (who told me this later on), Greg showed up right before my journey up The Tree began. I must have been so nervous I didn't see him. 
I awkwardly stood there, looking at him, before he reached out and hugged me.
"I'm so sorry Emily, you have no idea how horrible it has been without you. I was a jerk, and I can totally understand if you don't--"
"Greg," I cut him off, releasing myself from him,"come on."
I grabbed his hand and turned around to face the lake. The sun was setting now, and the sky was a gorgeous mix of purple, orange, yellow, pink, and turquoise. We walked towards the lake, hand in hand, and only released hands to untie our shoes. I sat on my rock and he sat on his. Then he grabbed my hand again, and we sat there in silence, and that was enough for me. 
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Megan