I pushed my box braids out of my face, and tried to concentrate on what my teacher was saying, but it was hard, even though Ms.Neo was my favorite teacher because she taught science. But then some words caught my attention: “Guys, I have a special surprise for you! Our students in the science class with the highest grades are going to space, to do a research on black holes! There will be no adult astronauts on this mission, but the rocket will be on permanent autopilot, and there will be gravity! So who are these lucky ones? They are Amanda, River, Leo, aaaaaand……..” I held my breath.’’Mina, you can have the privilege to lead!” The class erupted into a chorus of whoops and cheers. A space mission, all by ourselves! I just couldn’t get my head around it.”And one more thing, I already told your parents, and they know, and agree. You’ll be going away  for 5 weeks, and I know you’ll get a good grade!” I looked at my future colleagues. Amanda fiddled with her bracelets looking thoughtful, River was jumping up and down, and Leo was rapidly talking to his friend. I felt a tap on my shoulder, Ms.Neo came up to me and said:”Mina, this mission will be harder for you, because you’re the captain, and you decide what to do. But you’ll do great.” I lowered my head deep in thought.

When I came home my mom and my older sister Sammy smothered me in hugs. “I’m sooooooooo jealous!!!!!!!” Sammy’s words oozed with envy. I chuckled. Sammy was 2 years older than me, and when we moved here, I went to 4th grade, and she had to go to 6th, so we’re in different schools, and Sammy’s SO not going to spacewalk. Sorry, Sammy! My mom made a whole celebration dinner when my dad came back from work. He picked me up and twirled me around the room. “Dad, I’m 10!” I giggled. “Since you’re going tomorrow, I thought we should pack your bag together.”Sammy appeared out of nowhere. “Good idea.” I nodded. This evening after dinner we crowded in my room with a large duffel bag. “Pack me in it!” Sammy howled snapping selfies. We laughed. I threw my toiletries and half of my spring wardrobe in. Sammy ironed and stacked everything neatly.I put everything in. The duffel bag was stuffed. I was ready. In the morning, dad drove us to Washington,to the launch site. I saw my groupmates, also with bags and backpacks.I felt an urge of excitement. This is finally happening! Sammy gave me a broad smile full of pride, and I thought I saw a hint of envy or sadness in her eyes for a moment. I felt a twinge of guilt. After all, it was me going, and not her, and I knew how much Sammy loved space. It was unexplored. But there was nothing I could do, but keep her proud.” Promise you’ll text.” Sammy whispered to me. I nodded. “Do this for me, ok?” She said. We exchanged looks. We always had this special power of telepathy, which we could use when having eye contact. I squeezed her hand and silently told her. ‘I’ll do it,’ Sammy hugged me. We said our goodbyes, and strapped into our seats. We could see Ms.Neo waving, and our parents whooping. “3,2,1, Launch started.”

And just like that, we were off, launching into space. After that, we quickly unstrapped and Leo, Amanda, and River went to unpack, while I remained in the cockpit. I thought for a minute. We needed to research black holes, so we should try to come near one without getting sucked in. Then I said. “Autopilot, head for the nearest black hole.” “Heading for the nearest black hole.” An automated voice beeped. We flew for a week. The gravity was okay, the food was nice, and I was sending constant updates to Ms.Neo and Sammy. (And my parents of course.) On the 7th day of flying, I was texting Sammy, and I said:’The ship is ok, but I miss U a lot.:(:(!!!’ Then I added a crying emoji. We reached the black hole. I was about to get out observing equipment from the lab, when suddenly the whole ship jerked, and we began racing towards the black hole. “What’s happening?!” Leo screamed. “We’re being sucked in.”I whispered. Someone screeched. I saw Amanda under a pile of boxes that have toppled.(We had gravity after all.) I climbed up the boxes and tried to reach her hand but I was too high, and Amanda wouldn’t cooperate.”Grab my hand!” I called.”I can’t!” Wailed Amanda.”Yes you can! Grab!” I hollered. Amanda finally grabbed my hand and I pulled her up. We still continued spinning like on a crazy roller coaster. And then it all stopped.I looked at the space map on the screen. “We’re 100,000 miles away!” Amanda blurted out. “The black holes are portals.” I uttered.”What?” River demanded. Leo and Amanda explained it to him, while I grabbed my phone and sent off a flurry of texts. A few weeks later we arrived on Earth and got a perfect grade on our report.

The End.