A 1994 Ford pick-up pulled into Joyce’s driveway as she snuck out to Max. “It’s not close to twilight yet.â€? The first words she said while sliding in.

“Joy, calm down. Everything will be fine once we meet up with Jazzy and them.â€?

“I hate when you call me Joy.â€? she snapped. “And Jazzy is such a gossip girl. I hate having to talk this whole ride to Ft. Lauderdale with her.â€?

“Its less than five hours.” Max looked at her. ” Someone’s in a bad mood.â€? But she just mumbled under her breath. “English would be nice. Maybe then I could help with what’s wrong.â€?

“Noah and I had a fight. We were on the phone and I was like, ‘I’ve been setting aside time to clear a little space,’ but then he cut me off and started yelling. I tried to control my anger and all he said was, ‘a way back into love’ and then he hung up on me.â€?

“You guys are always fighting.â€? Max told her while grinning.

“Whatever.â€?

“And the trip will be over in a flash.â€? Max told her and then he turned up the music to drown out other complaints.