Chosen.

Chosen. Chapter 17

Chapter SEVENTEEN

Hannah

"Okay, so I didn't mean to say that out loud," I instantly reply, trying to smooth over my cussing moment a second ago after seeing the looks on my parents' faces. "But, I mean, can you believe that??" I'm pointing at the rankings in shock.

38- BARLOC FAMILY

"We are number 38 on there right now! Holy...uhhh...cow!" (See, that just sounds silly).

Kyle and Heath start jumping and hugging, "Woot, woot!!!" Kyle slaps Heath on the back, "We are going to Mars, Bro! Look at that score; we slayed it!" Heath's smile is priceless, but then he quickly calms down and steps back from Kyle--getting his emotions once again under control--but I know inside he has fireworks. I also know this from our 'twin bondy thingy'. Heath then answers more seriously, "It's only the first round, though. Things can change fast in these trials. Look how close we came to going home." (Yup, back to the rational Heath).

My parents are also in awe by the score and begin talking to each other about what this could mean for our family and the future. I don't think they really expected us to have a real chance at this, let alone place in the top 50 after only the first trial.

Autumn begins her go-to habit of biting her lip and gives me a nervous look. I reach out and squeeze her hand in comfort, "It's okay, Autumn. Nothing's for sure yet. Don't stress." But I know how she's feeling because I'm also wondering how this happened. I still don't know about living on a whole new planet without having any of my animals to take care of. I mean, if we are actually chosen to go, I may still back out of all this and stay with Aunt Stephanie. Of course I haven't mentioned this to my family. I figured I'd wait to see how this all plays out, since it may not matter anyhow if we get sent home. But now after these rankings, I'm not so sure.

Autumn squeezes my hand back and is about to say something when all of a sudden this blonde guy walks over and starts talking to us, "Congratulations." He smiles, "I was hoping to see your name on there, but, I have to admit, I'm surprised to see it so close to ours." Autumn doesn't say anything for a minute, and I don't know if she is being shy or what, so I decide to fill in the silence for her, "Gee, thanks, uh, I guess. You sound pretty sure of yourself and......well, conceited" I finish with an eyeroll.

Autumn gives me a little nudge, "Hannah, be nice. This is Lance. Lance, Hannah," she awkwardly makes the introductions now that she seems to have found her voice and responds to him. "Yeah, well, we were pretty surprised ourselves. So it looks like we'll be staying for Trial 2, or whatever." I can tell she is avoiding looking at him and it's obvious she's into him by the way she's trying to act like she could care less. Honestly, it's kinda weird because I've never really seen Autumn like anyone like that. She has always been too busy with her nose in a book or journaling her life away to be interested in boys. It's pretty funny that it would happen now of all times.

He smoothly picks up the conversation, "I'm looking forward to it. Maybe we can work together if you guys need any help. And nice to meet you, Hannah." He turns his charm to me, "I hope to get to know all of Autumn's family better the longer we are here." He turns around and begins walking back towards his family, "See you two around." Autumn stutters out after him, "Uh-huh, I or you see, later Lance."

She puts her hand across her forehead, obviously embarrassed. I pat her back, "Yeah, that was pretty painful, Sis. What the heck was that about?" Before she can answer, though, an excited cry comes our way and Ryker grabs us into a hug, "Can you believe it, that we're all still here?!" His eyes are dancing with electricity, "I'm so happy I met Heath that day, and now look!!"