Life Without the Selection

Chapter 5

Ever since I had gotten the letter from Aspen I felt free. A new family arrived in the neighborhood, the Schreaves, they came to greet us. The mom and dad were really nice and they became friends with my parents immediately. They had a son and a daughter. Thea Schreave, the daughter, became great friends with me. I didn't talk much to the son. All I know is that his name is Maxon and he is 20 years old.

May has been seeming a bit, stressed these days. I tried to talk with her but she keeps getting mad at me and keeps yelling, "You don't understand!" I don't know what she means by that.

Mom sent me out with May to get groceries from the market. I decided I should talk to May on the way.

"May what's wrong?"

"Nothing, why?" she asked.

"You haven't been acting like you usually do, is something wrong?"

"America nothing is wrong," she persuaded.

"May I know there is something wrong. Is it a boy?" I asked. She's a teenager, boy problems are a big part.

"No! Probably the exact opposite..." She said quietly, not looking directly at me. I didn't know what was going on. Then I realized what happened.

"Did you and Jazmine have a fight?"

Jazmine was May's best friend ever. They are basically like sisters. Jazmine is like a little sister to me too. She is always at our house that it is basically her house too. Her mom died a long time ago, and her dad is an alcoholic. Jazmine likes to spend time at our house because she feels like she is part of a real family.

"No, well sort of. Can we not talk about this please?" May said.

"Sure, just remember, I know you love Jazmine and Jazmine loves you. She's your best friend," I say giving my sister's hand a small squeeze and a weak smile.

When we were at the market, I held onto our basket and May grabbed the things we needed. But then a foolish person walked right into me.

"Ow! Watch where you're going! Who walks into a person right in front of them - " I yelled but then realized who it was.

"Sorry, I'm so sorry I was just really into this book," he explained holding a book in one hand.

"Oh, are you America? And this is May right? I don't think we have properly met. My name is Maxon," he said. Gosh his eyes.