Student Samples: Middle School
(Samples posted at WritingFix underwent all steps of the writing process.)
 10 Reasons Why I’ll Miss You
by Lydia, eighth grade writer
Tears were forming in Ashley’s eyes as she watched her best friend pack up all of her belongings and put them in big, brown, EXPO boxes. Sarah was moving and there was nothing Ashley or anyone else could do about it. Ashley sat in Sarah’s comfy computer chair, writing her a good-bye note. She knew if she said these things out loud, she’d probably break down and cry.
So she wrote, 'Sarah, You’re my best friend, and I will always think of you as a sister. You’ve always been there for me and I'd like to list ten reasons why I’ll miss you. Starting with one, I’ll miss the way you laugh. It’s one of a kind. Two, I’ll miss coming over to your house everyday after school to watch television and eat fudge bars.’
Ashley looked up at her friend, who was blowing her red blotchy nose on a tissue. The rain outside was rattling against Sarah’s windows in her room.
‘Three, I’ll miss our girls'-nites-out with you Mom. Four, I’ll miss taking pictures and putting them on Myspace.'
Ashley was crying now, and a big wet tear slid down her cheek and plopped on the notebook, leaving a little puddle, like the rain that was coming down outside the house on the sidewalk.
‘Five, I’ll miss your crazy ideas for fun! Six, I’ll miss the pictures of dogs that you always draw for me. Seven, I’ll miss being in every single one of your classes.’
The thoughts of her friend leaving were so sad that Ashley couldn’t believe it was happening to them.
‘Eight, I’ll miss you coming over for sleepovers every weekend. Nine, I’ll miss riding bikes with you up and down town.’
Suddenly, Ashley thought this was a bad idea. Sarah was sad enough as it was.
‘Ten, I’ll miss being your best friend. I’ll always cherish the fun times we had together, and even though you’re moving, I’d still like to stay in touch. You best friend~ Ashley.’
There was her note, the last thing she’d probably ever give to Sarah again. The rain outside had settled and Ashley knew she’d have to go home. So she stood, up, and hugged Sarah. “I’ll miss you,” she whispered, handing her the note.
“Me too,” Sarah said as she took the piece of paper.
“I really should go,” Ashley said stiffly,“while the rain is down.”
“Yeah, I know.” Sarah looked down at the floor.
“I’ll still see you again someday,” Ashley said, turning her head and walking for the door. “Good-bye.” That was the last thing she’d probably ever say to her friend again, and it was definitely the hardest thing to say as well. Confidently, Ashley choked down the tears, and rode home, the sun peeking around the clouds as she peddled down the street.
 Wishful Thinking
by Jason, eighth grade writer
It was a nice, winter evening. Snow was falling, and I had my fire burning. My little cat, Toby, curled up beside it and almost soundlessly fell asleep. I was reading The Blue Moon by Laurence Housman. Soon, I peered out my window and got a quick glance of a car. I walked outside and opened the dark wood door, and saw a silver BMW approaching the driveway. A man walked outside, and I recognized who he was instantly. “Hey Dad!” he said.
“Hey, Sean. Wow, nice car you got there,” I said, “and it looks like you have a beautiful wife, too.”
“Yeah, she’s gorgeous!” As Sean and I were talking, I saw a small girl walk over to the red fence. “Hey, is this your daughter?” I asked.
“Oh, this is Suzanne! Ain’t she cute?” he said with a grin.
I walked over, and gave her a smile. I kneeled down to grab her hands. As soon as I did, she turned around and shouted, “Hey Grandpa!” I was surprised by the sudden burst of excitement, and gave a quick chuckle.
Sean’s wife, Shannon, came next to me and muttered, “We should go inside. It’s freezing out here!” A few moments later, we found ourselves inside my living room. All huddled around the fire. “We’ll make dinner,” Shannon insisted.
“W-we?” stuttered Sean.
“Yes, we.” She said, “Now let’s get going.”
They both walked toward the kitchen and Sean glanced back. “You two have fun now. It’ll only take a moment,” he breathed, and they walked off.
“Grandpa,” Suzanne muttered. She walked near Toby, and sat down. Toby stretched his grey fur a bit, and lay down on her lap. “What are your regrets?”
“Ahh, I have too many, Suzy. I can’t possibly list them all.”
“Then let’s make them wishes!” she suggested.
I knew my first answer already, but I guess I just wanted to ramble on. “Well, let’s see…” I pondered, “for starters, I want to be rich and famous.” I said this seriously, and waited for some reaction.
She looked unphased, and she kept petting Toby. “What else?” she asked.
“Oh, right. Uhh… I suppose I could have eternal youth and relive my younger days. Haha!”
She didn’t seem all that happy. “Come on, Grandpa! Be serious. I want deep thoughtful wishes.”
“To be able to redo my mistakes,” I retorted with a grin.
“Getting better…” she said.
“Well then… on to the next one. Uhh, number six?” I thought out loud.
“Five,” she corrected me.
“Oh, that’s right. Anyways, number five. I’d have to say not to have regrets. It pains me enough to think about what I’ve done wrong, but to be able to move on and not think what I did was right or wrong.” I explained.
“Now we’re getting somewhere! Keep ‘em coming!” she said with joy.
“Haha. I wish everyone could be free. Feeling unrestrained.” I walked over and opened my drawers. I had a whole collection of classical music pieces, from Beethoven to Brahms, and lots more. I put in a CD and a beautiful sound engulfed the room. It was exhilarating. Sitting back in my chair again, I let out a big sigh. “I wish I could find true love again…” I said.
“What about Grandma?”
“Yeah… she was lovely. Too bad she’s not here anymore. I wish I could just… speak with her once more.”
“That makes eight wishes,” Suzanne said cheerfully.
“You’re quite the intelligent, little girl, aren’t you?” I chuckled. “Apart from all these things, I want to see you grow up. It pains me to think about how I might have to leave you, and your Mom and Dad. Which then leads me to wish number ten. I wish… to stay at this moment forever.”
“I do too, Grandpa! Forever, and ever!”
“Yes Suzy… Forever and ever.”
“Hey, it’s time for dinner!” called Sean. “Get the plates the silverware, Suzanne!”
“Okay, Dad!” she called.
Yes, I thought, I definitely want to stay here forever.
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