The Plan

I told Mara today that I need time.

"How much time?" she asked.

"As much time as it takes," I told her. "Change isn't easy. He has to want to do it."

"You can't make a person want something."

"Gosh, I hadn't considered that maybe.... Maybe you're right. Hey, Jason gave me a note for you. I almost forgot. I put it in my backpack here."

My backpack is known for containing more junk than a backpack ever should. I really have to clean it out this weekend.

By the time I started rummaging through the third pocket Mara couldn't take anymore. "Sheesh, Anna. Why did you put it in your backpack anyway when you could have just stuck it in your jeans pocket?"

"What's the matter Mara? Am I making you want something?" I reached into my jeans pocket and pulled out the note.

"Alright, Miss Wisenheimer. So you won that battle. It didn't really change anything, did it?"

"I don't know. Maybe you should read the note. But I can't stick around. I got into a fight with Andrew and I'm grounded, so I'd best get myself home pronto."

"Stupid Andrew. I'm sorry," Mara said, instantly empathetic. She has a younger brother, too. "Can I call you later?"

"Sure. It's probably a gift in disguise. This project is going to take a lot of planning if I'm going to pull it off."

Mara made a face, (she still doesn't believe I can do this) and then gave me a hug. "I guess it's better than sitting in your room doing nothing. I bet you're finished your homework, right?"

"Yep. They can take away my freedom, but they can't take away my mind. It'll be fun. See you tomorrow."