Chapter One
Max POV
"Three syllables?"
I tap my wrist twice, shaking my head
"Two syllables!" Sam shouts.
Nodding I smile as I sniff the air. A buttery aroma of popcorn has begun to waft around JJ's TV room. While Sam, JJ and I were waiting for the popcorn to pop we had decided to play charades and I was currently smashing my two best friends. I'm killer at charades and get really into the game, which probably explained why I didn't hear my phone's text alert. I did however hear its loud obnoxious ringing, and JJ, who was sitting next to it answered.
"Maxine Ride where in the world are you, I have texted you seven times and YOUDIDNOTANSWERME!"
I could hear my mothers voice on the other end of the phone, her voice rising with each word.
"Um Mrs. Ride? This is JJ, do you want me to put Max on?"
JJ nodded twice, said "sure thing" and handed the phone to me.
"Mom?" I began cautiously.
" Max I need you home right now! Half of your room is still unpacked!"
"So what? Its two weeks till the move mom!" I rolled my eyes at JJ, silently mouthing help me. JJ shook her head laughing and I turned my attention back to the phone.
" Well.." my mom said slowly, "That's what else I wanted to talk to you about, Max would you please just come home?"
"Ill be there in 5" I said to my mom, and hung up. Turning to my friends I told them I had to leave and exited shouting
"I'll see you tomorrow!"
5 minutes and two very muddy Nikes later
"I'm home!" I yell, pausing to take on my wet shoes. I suddenly straighten, recognizing the scent of freshly made chocolate chip cookies. Following the smell I make my way to the kitchen and stop when I see a slightly terrifying sight. My mom and step-dad, Jeb, sitting at the dining table with a plate of cookies in front of them. Actually the cookies were a happy sight but when the 'rents are sitting at the table waiting…well, lets just say I was ready to grab the cookies and run.
"Max.." my mom began. She stopped there and looked at Jeb for support. He cleared his throat and tried to look excited.
"We are moving." He said.
"Well no duh" I said. "I knew that."
"No, what I mean is..." This time Jeb looked at my mom for support.
"We're moving early Max."
"Okay like how early?" I asked, starting to feel worried.
"In two day we will be starting our new life in Arizona." Jeb said smiling brightly. At that moment I lost all ability to speak. Having known from the beginning it would come to this I expertly grabbed the cookie plate and bounded up the stairs, taking them two at a time before locking myself in my room and shoving chocolaty goodness into my mouth. Okay so I stress eat, so what?