Bands

1) Preparation

*Okay, so this is my first book. I would like to say that the first two chapters are a bit rocky, but they get a lot better as you continue through the book. Please continue reading. Thanks.

I was in the mart looking for a quiet spot to relax, but so far that seemed impossible. People were everywhere, and the buzz of the crowd was so loud that I was having trouble hearing my own thoughts.

I had been in the mart all day shopping, and my legs were numb from all the walking. I was being shoved and crowded by people from all sides.

I fought against the current of people towards the door. I saw a space that would allow me to make it to the doors, so I hurried through. I busted out of the doors with relief. I welcomed the breeze that was blowing on that hot summer day. The street was still full of people making their way to various stores, but it was nothing compared to the mass of people that you would most definitely encounter in any one of the stores on a day like today.

I looked around for a place to put down my things and eat. A tall tree looked like my best option since it had the least amount of people around and would provide shade. I walked over and sunk to the ground. I stretched out my legs hoping that they would feel better soon. I took out a sandwich that I had made before I left my house that morning and started eating.

"Hey Jaz!" I hear a familiar voice. I look up and to my right to see Asher.

"Hey Ash," I return the greeting. I didn't expect to run into him today. It's a nice surprise though. He smiles and sits down next to me angleing himself so that our feet are slightly touching. He blows his dirty blond hair out of his face.

I smile back. When I look into his face that weird feeling comes. It feels like electricity is in between us, and I look away. This always happens when I get close to him.

"So will I still be seeing you tonight?" He asks me with a mischievous smile.

"I don't know. It's getting kind of risky to meet with the testing coming up." I respond.

"Come on Jasmine! The testing is exactly why we should be meeting more often. We need to finish our plans." He pleads with me.

"Fine, I will be there." I sigh.

"Good! I have got to get going though. My family sent a huge shopping list, and with this crowd it will take forever to get in and out of one store nevermind five." He waves and makes his way into the crowd.

I let out a breath that I didn't know I was holding. I finished my sandwich and decide that I should start home. I gather up all my stuff and head down the road that will eventually lead to my town.

My mother is usually the one that makes the trip, but I wanted to help my family as much as I can before I leave. I don't know where I will be going, and most kids rarely ever see their families again after the test. The test signifies the end of your childhood. After, you start your own life and family.

Every year, all the towns and cities have a big celebration in honor of all the kids who turned fifteen that year. After the celebration you have three days to spend with your family until a special bus comes and takes you to the testing center, and so I made the trip to town to get all the things we needed for the celebration.

*****Don't forget to vote and comment!!! Thanks. The next chapter will be longer.