+ The Odd Jem (Chapter 4) +

Im so interested in this story! Im really wondering about Aunt Jem.

I think that your writing is really excellent! I think dialogue is the most difficult part of writing, and you've got it pretty good! Question, is this for school or is it just for your own enjoyment? I love just writing sometimes.

''Of course, I added home grown potatoes and carrots, too. I also put in a bunch of spices, since I cant stand the taste of rabbit or chicken without it. Oh, and chili pepper.'' I didnt know what to say, and it was too late to spit it out, so I just took my bowl to the sink and announced that I was heading to bed.

Suddenly I was homesick, and rather than act like a baby, I decided to shove my mouth full of the food. The soup was oddly spicy with a meaty aftertaste. ''Well, your friends sound great. You should bring them up with you next year, if you want to come back.'' My aunt smiled sweetly at me. ''So, hows the soup? It seems like you are enjoying it.'' ''Great.'' I said, mouth still full. ''What is it?'' ''Rabbit.''my aunt replied sweetly. I choked.

''Asa is the only guy Im friends with.'' I continued, ''Hes funny and gets along well with all of us, but hes really shy. Hes training to be in the military, so thats cool. Clo is the last in our group. Shes a foodie. Go to any restaurant, shell give you the best recommendation for whatever you are feeling. Her dad owns most of the restaurants though, so I guess that makes sense.''

''Theres Olivia, and she is all about fashion. The latest trends come out, and shes been wearing that for a week already! She says she looks great in baby pink, with her smooth dark skin and black hair, but Ive told her multiple times that navy is her color. Oh, and Tammy is such a nerd! When we were little, I needed her help with math. Thats actually how we met. My teacher paired us up in third grade to work on a multiplication project. We just clicked and kept working together!''

My parents started slurping up their soup. My aunt passed them slices of bread and also handed me one before she followed their example. I shrugged. ''I guess its kind of cool. I actually like sciences.'' I felt my inner nerd struggling to break free, but I got it under control and decided to talk about my friends.