Dear Diary,

Today is Thursday, October 4, 2007.

My stomach hurt in bed last night and after an hour of sleep, I threw up over the side of the bed. I felt better by morning and went to orchestra at 7:30. My stomach felt weak, but I don't think I stressed it to an extent today.

I read my book in advisory, a series called "The Clique" by Lisi Harrison. I am almost finished with the recent book, "Sealed With a Diss".

In Social Studies, we completed a worksheet of the chapters we have read in a textbook for homework. I have not mentioned we have a substitute teacher because our teacher is on maternity leave. I like our substitute; she's nice and easy.

In English, we read "Of Mice and Men" and for homework Monday we have to read the rest of chapter 4.

In gym, we walked out of the school to the driving range on a local golf course. I think I hit well!

In art, I painted my mask and attempted to finish my condominium floor plan. I did not succeed, but I am almost done. Tomorrow I will add hair to my mask and try to finish the condo.

At lunch, I often glance over at the opposite table and I wonder if Louisa notices I am upset with her. I have started to resent and ignore her.

In Science, we took the math test because we had limited time due to a bus evacuation drill. The drill took about two minutes, useless and redundant.

In Spanish, we had a substitute. Our teacher has been sick for almost two weeks!

I went to afternoon advisory.

Time of event: 3:10 p.m.

I ran into the classroom with my backpack slung over my left shoulder. I sat down and waited for instruction or lecture. My teacher explained the Autumnfest dance schedule to us. Him and I were surprised to find only four people (including me) were attending the dance; therefore, we had only four shifts, one for each person!

Our teacher asked students why some were not attending. My friends Claire and Kelly responded, "We are going to Michigan, Elizabeth too."

My heart stopped. MICHIGAN? In 6th grade, Louisa took Elizabeth, Katherine and I to her house in Michigan where we stayed on President's Day weekend. Louisa had talked about an invitation in the summer before 7th grade. When I heard Claire, Kelly, and Elizabeth's news, I knew my friendship with Louisa had ended. I felt hurt; my heart sank.

When school ended, I sat on a rock outside, dejected. A friend came over and asked what was wrong, but I replied nothing. I saw Mary, Jeannie, and Kendall as they rode their bikes home. This scene made me feel worse. Mary and I have known each other for a while, and I felt I had been her confidant, the one she consults with. Now I feel as if I have been set aside and neglected. She has found other friends to talk to and consult with. I feel out of place and alone.

I came home and my mom saw the expression on my face and asked what was wrong. I replied nothing, but she doubted me and asked me to talk to her whenever I chose to. I had finished most of my homework when she walked in with tea. I asked her to sit down on the bed, and I held Penny in my arms. I explained the situation to her; she knew about the ELK issue and told me I had to move on. She told me Louisa cannot be the friend I had known, which I believe to be true. She has changed and become a different person since she has met certain people.

I know the situation sounds like a breakup, and I believe technically it is. As friends, we have broken up, fell apart. I have noticed certain songs on my iPod remind me of our friendship. What I've Done by Linkin Park would be an example. I think I have to re-evaluate who my friends are; I don't know anymore. Relationships are hard; no matter if the person is a friend, family member, or boyfriend or girlfriend. You feel the same pain. I have to move on and overcome the sadness. I think I can fix the Mary situation, but the Louisa friendship has been reduced to a wave in the hall.

Elyse, you and I now have the same in common: We have to move on!

~Meg/Horselvr1188