My name is Ellie. I live with my Mum, Dad, five year old sister Lucy and my pet dog, Rock Star (who is nearly 100 if he was human). One of my best friends is Alyssa or Lys as I call her. She and I met when we were in preschool and we’ve been friends since. But we moved houses and I had to go to a new school, so I don’t see Lys at school anymore. I still see Lys on weekends and we message each other.

Unlike some other kids, Lys is always kind, listens and understands me. I can ask her things I’m not sure about and she understands what it’s like to move schools. She helps me out and always has good ideas. 

I’m proud to have a friend like Lys. I could not wish for a better one. I’m also grateful that we became friends in the first place. That seems like a long time ago now.

Ellie and I have known each other since we were three. There’s something comforting about having a best friend. You find her in the morning at school, you sit next to her on the bus, you swap trading cards with her if you get the same one twice but mostly she’s there when you need someone to talk to and I need it more lately. You see, we both changed to new schools and it was such a hard thing to do. We changed for different reasons. Ellie moved and I got a place in a private school that my Mum really wanted me to go to, so we separated. Then we got different friends and everything seemed to change very quickly. I realise I rely on her a lot. She always seems to be the brave one, talking to people first, trying out new things and being adventurous. I guess when Ellie takes the lead I don’t have to think about doing it for myself.

I’m an only child. I have my Mum and also my Por Por (that’s what I call my grandmother) who lives in a little unit near us and is always around to help. I miss Ellie during the week. Out of everyone, she gets me the most. Luckily we still have soccer together on Saturdays… I guess that’s something to look forward to at the end of the week!