Chapter 1
"Hello, my name is Meri Chroni. I am 16 years old and live in a van in the woods. My dad moved away because of his job, and my mom died in a plane crash on the way to America. I have a part time job at Wal-Mart so that's my food source. My two best friends Lizzi and Tohru don't even know. If they found out, they'd kill me! But, I can't ask for everything so why not live on my own?"
Meri checks her watch. Its 7:50 and school starts at 8:15. "I got to hurry! Oh no I'll be late" she shouted. Meri quickly wiggled into her clothes and brushed her hair and teeth. She slipped on her shoes and ran out the eager to make it on time. When she burst through the door, she realizes the test has started. She looks over at Lizzi, who is already done, and feels a rush of worries flee past her like leaves on a windy day. She sits down and the teacher hands her the test. With her hands shaking, she picks up the pencil, and begins the test.
"Question 1: What formula do you use to calculate the surface area of a cylinder?" Oh great, if there is more like this then I'm done for.
As Meri finally finished the test, Lizzi walks up. "How did you do?" asked Lizzi "I bet I did horrible!" exclaimed Meri. After school, Meri headed to her van to change for work. She slips on her Wal-Mart t-shirt and heads out.
When she arrives at Wal-Mart, a worker approaches her and says " Meri your working the night shift. You have to stay till 11:00 p.m." She started her work in the clothing isle.
She casually walks around and hangs up clothes that were in the wrong place. Then, she sees someone very familiar sleeping in a dressing room. Its Lizzi! What is she doing here? I think I'll go see
*Knock knock* "Liz, is that you". No answer. I can't believe her. She didn't tell me? "Liz, I know your in there. Come out now." Slowly, the door creaks open and Meri sees Lizzi slowly creeping out. "Why didn't you tell me you lived here!? You know I care for you so I would've brought you food." Lizzi replied, "actually, when the store closes, I walk around and look for dinner. Tonight was Lunchables." Meri looked at her shocked. "Well, as long as we're sharing secrets, I have to tell you something" "What is it?" Liz asked determined to know. "I live in a van in the woods" "WHAT!?" replied Liz.