The Maison Series: Book 1

Chapter 1

"Everyone, I'm going to join the army!" Niko announced at the annual Cantora Family Reunion.

"Are you crazy?! You'll get killed!" yelled Nancy.

Nikolette Marie Cantora dreamed at an early age of eight years of wearing an official army uniform. And now having turned a sixteen year old sophomore, at times when her enrollments of the army were brought up for discussion, Nancy Midermick would try a new tactic each time to convince Niko to stay. Nancy hadn't realized the depth of Niko's choosing the army after having witnessed her father's death at a bank robbery.

Logan Nicholas Cantora had been her favorite person, beloved husband, and cherished father. Now all she had was the shame of not being able to save him. The only way she thought to be able to redeem herself would be to join the forces and help protect the last family member she had. For she would not be fit enough to live if she lost her mother.

"Niko, do you realize the slim chances of you coming home alive? Please rethink this. I won't be able to go in this world without you." she stared at Niko through tear streaked eyes and such sorrow that could make even the happiest person sad.

"Nancy, I've told you too many times now that I'm not going to be changing my mind." she walked away solemnly from her sniffling friend.

"Joey, sometimes I wonder if this is a mistake." Niko spoke to her imaginary friend.

"No it's not. She doesn't understand you like I do." he replied. She smiled and hugged him.

"Now come on, sweetie, let's go back to the party." Joey smiled. Niko went back to find Nancy talking quietly with her second cousin, Andrea.

"Happy birthday, Niko. Your dad would have been so proud, baby. May all your hopes and dreams come true. And let you be happy with your decision of the army." she blushed while everyone cheered and clapped. Joey made a face at her and Niko held back a giggle.

"Hey, Matt. You wanna stay for pizza? I'll call Leo, sweetie." her mom said to the tall red and black haired kid.

"Um, sure. I guess." he shrugged nonchalantly, continuously playing with Niko's light green hair that had been pulled back into a ponytail that reached completely down her back.

The next day had begun with Matt calling Niko to meet at the gym.

"Mom? I'm going to meet Matt at the gym now, I'll be home later." she called out the door.

"Niko, this is the thi-" her mom heard the door close.

"Hey Niko," Matt couldn't see Joey.

"You ready to have some fun? Joey, why don't you go and play with the pigeons?" Niko watched as he ran out in the street and watched as he dived into the cement like it was water.

"She's crazy." Matt whispered to himself.

"Tag! You're it!" Niko poked him and started into a fast run. Matt simply started walking and whistling, knowing Niko would get tired soon. Matt smiled and leaned down.

"You're it." he tickled her and walked away, knowing she'd try to run after him. She flipped him off and got up. Matt shook his head while smiling to himself.

"You suck." Niko said. Matt pulled her into a hug, but as he did, he saw cuts and scars on her wrists.

"Niko. What's that on your arm?" he asked.

"What?... Oh. Those." she quickly stepped out and sat down, looking away from him. Matt put his hand on her shoulder as she got up.

"Why?" he was a bit furious that Niko was hurting herself instead of getting help for it.