Different

Chapter 1. Come Together

Anastasia Rose Morrison was known as Elwood's "Miss Efficient". She was known by most everyone. She was always doing something to help others. Whether it be volunteering, helping or just being there for people, you could always count on Ana. Ana was raised in a church which most of the small town attended. She always had a love for Jesus in her heart. She knew he was alive and felt his presence, and tried to live her life for Him, and this is what many knew her for. It was getting close to August, which meant junior year was coming. And Ana was more excited than anything.
"Mom! Have you seen my blue sweater?" Ana yelled down the stairs. "Ana" her mom replied, "it's seventy five degrees out. Why would you need your sweater?" "I'm getting ready for school" Ana replied, still shouting. Her mom shook her head. " That girl is head over heals for education."  Ana came running down the stairs with a wide smile, wearing her blue sweater. "What do you think?" She asked. "It looks just as nice now as it did last year." Her mother replied. "I think it's time to take you shopping for some... newer clothes." "Really?" Ana squealed. "Yes really. We can go as soon as I get done with the salad for dinner. Will you ask your father if he can watch the dog while we're out?"  "Will do!" Ana replied, still smiling from ear to ear. She ran upstairs.
The reason why someone had to watch the dog, his name was Captain, was because he had had surgery two days before and was still recovering.
Ana ran upstairs. "Dad!" She called. "Can you watch Captain while me and mom go shopping?" "I can as long as you're back by five!" Her father responded. Ana ran back down stairs. She stopped for a breathe. "Whew." She thought. " I really need to start working out." She laughed to herself. "Dad said he could watch Captain as long as we're home by five." "Oh good!" Her mom said. "I've been wanting to go clothes shopping for so long! Maybe I can pick up a little something new for myself." They both laughed, grabbed their bags and left.
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"Jackson, will you please put down your phone and help us with this!" Jackson's mother yelled across the lawn. "Son," his step dad said, "we can't carry this couch in by ourselves." "Fine." Jackson replied. The three of them moved the couch into the living room. As soon as they were done Jackson grabbed his phone again. "Do you ever take a break from that thing?" His mom asked rather ticked off. Jackson just rolled his eyes. "Jack, buddy. Could you be a little more respectful. Now come on we've got more furniture to move in."  "Look," Jackson said. "I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to come here, I didn't ask to leave all my friends behind, and I didn't ask for you to tell what to do!" He ran upstairs into his room filled with boxes and slammed the door. He started to cry. Jackson never let anyone see him cry. It was his secret. He was the only person who knew he did it. And he did it all the time. About an hour later Jackson's mom knocked on his door. "Honey," she said. "Please open the door" He has somewhat recovered, so he opened the door and let her in. "Sweetie, I know all this has been very difficult on you. And I know you're going through a lot. But remember I'm always here for you, and so is your father." "He's not my dad!" Jackson yelled. "He'll never replace dad!" "I know honey," his mom said. "But we have to try to make things work. Now I know you probably want some time away from us, so why don't you go into town and check things out. What harm could it do?" "Whatever." Jackson said. He reached for his phone and skateboard and ran down stairs. His step father was in the living room. Jackson passed him pretending he didn't exist.
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Ana and her mom had just gotten to the store. "Ahh I'm so excited!" Ana remarked. "I haven't been clothes shopping in forever!" "I know!" Her mom replied. "Neither have I." "Hi Mr. Clark!" Ana greeted the store clerk. "Well hello there Morrison's! How have you done young ladies been?" He asked. "Oh we're just fine Fred." Anas mom said. "We're back to school clothes shopping today." "Ah I see" he said. "Let me know if you need help with anything!" "Will do!" Ana replied. Before long Ana was in the changing room admiring some of the things she picked out. She was just about to show her mom one of the cute dresses she had on, when someone came in to the changing room with her and slammed the door. He was a younger boy, around 17 years old. Ana had never seen her before. He turned around and saw Ana and looked horrified. He came close to her, and facing her he put his hand over her mouth. Ana could head Mr. Clark outside. "Boy, come out now. There ain't no need to steal nothing. If you come out we'll forget anything ever happened." Anas eyes widened. She looked down at his hand and could see him holding a new pair of sports shoes. They looked very expensive. They stayed in the room for about 15 minutes, and Mr. Clark had seemed to have given up his search for the strange boy in that area. He finally took his hand off Anas mouth. Ana didn't know what to say, so she just asked the obvious question. "Who are you?" She questioned. "My names Jackson." He replied.