Prologue: New York
"Pass the red," I said to Nick. Nick Davis was my best friend in 7th grade. We were in art class 3rd period on that Monday. The day when Nick would tell me about the choice Nick's parents made that would change both our lives one day.
"Kay," he said sadly and he placed the red marker in my hand.
"What's wrong Nick? You've been acting weird all day."
"It's nothing," he replied too quickly.
"No it's not," I said in a firm voice. "You're sad. What's wrong?"
" I can't tell you,"
"You can tell me anything,"
"I can't,"
"Come on," I made a puppy dog face. "Please?"
"No,"
I made my face more pathetic. "Please?"
He stared at me for a minute and then sighed. I smiled. That always worked on him.
"I think… I might… be moving,"
"What?" I said with widening eyes.
"I Know," he said looking back at me. "I feel the same way."
"Where?"
He looked down. "New York,"
My mouth popped opened. We lived in Arizona. "But that's like all the way across the country!"
"I know," he nearly mouthed.
I lay my head on his shoulder. My eye caught on the picture he was drawing. "Hey, nice pic Mr. Artsy" Mr. Artsy was my nickname for him because he was the best artist at school, and I don't just mean drawing. He could act, dance, sing, and paint too.
"Stay on topic please," he moaned.
"I think I kinda am."
"Huh?"
"Well aren't they all like artsy fartsy in New York?" I commented.
He rolled his eyes. "Sorta."
I smiled. "Then you'll fit right in,"
He sighed, "I hope you're right Emma,"
"Don't worry, It'll be fine," I said in my best acting happy voice and lucky for me, he bought it.
"Thanks, I'm glad you're not mad at me,"
"I'm not," That was true. I wasn't mad at him. I was mad at his parents. Then the bell rang.
"Well see ya Mr. Artsy," I said with a smile.
"Yeah, see ya," he gave me a hug and it was off to 4th period
