All in the girls' school were were always talking about Jess Owen today. He has returned to the boys' school next door after spending six months away in Philadelphia. He has grown much taller and appears to be the most handsome boy in the valley.                                                                                            Last winter, Jess and I were good friends. I talked easily to him and teased him. But today I was shocked to learn that I felt exceedingly shy when I first saw him on the path through the sugar maple grove.                                                 He waved to me and called my name. The sun was bright on the maples, and a gentle breeze blew, making the last leaves fall around him like yellow stars. I only nodded in return, for I was in a flutter.                                                      When Thomas asked why I was walking so fast, I hushes him. In truth, I suddenly did not know what to say if Jess were to walk with us.