The next day, James and Cameron were handing out invitations to their sixteenth birthday party in the school halls.

"Sam, Cameron and I celebrate our birthday this Sunday. We would love it if you could join us," said James handing him a card.

"But aren't only sophomores invited?" Sam asked uncertainly.

"Mostly, but as my sister's boyfriend, you're one of the exceptions to that rule," he said.

"I think that's a pretty lose term right now," he muttered.

"Sorry?" asked James

Sam went pink. "Nothing," he said quickly. "I'll try my best to show up.

James narrowed his eyes. "Umm … Okay. Thanks".

Cameron signaled James when he saw Audrey.

"Hi Audrey. Will you be coming to our birthday party?" asked James.

Audrey sighed. "Well, it's not like I have a choice. You're having it at my family's hotel and my parents are gonna make me go. But please tell your brother not to get any ideas."

"Right. I'll see you around," he said.


James tapped his fingers as he sat across from Rachel at Starbucks while she was slouched with her hand on her forehead.

"James, stop it", she said exasperatedly.

"Sorry," he quickly stopped drumming his fingers. "So … what's new with you?"

"Nothing. I got a new dress for your party," said Rachel.

"Oh, cool. I got a new suit too".

They fell into awkward silence again as they didn't have much in common to talk about. Not even passionate disagreements to debate about. They could be doing something together instead of having a drink at Starbucks, but neither enjoyed the hobby of the other.

"Hey you," Rachel snapped her fingers at the waiter.

"Yes miss".

"This table's a little dusty. Wipe it," she ordered.

"Yes, miss.

"Why is my espresso too hot?" Rachel demanded.

"But miss, that's how hot it usually is when freshly brewed," said the waitress who brought her drink.

"Don't argue with me. Just go cool it down". James could see the look of contempt in Rachel's eyes.

"Yes, miss".


"What's he doing here?" Chuck narrowed his eyes towards Jonathan.

"Mr. Drummond paired us together for an assignment, so I have no choice," said Audrey. "We'll be in the library" she said as Jonathan and her headed up the stairs.

"Leave the door open", Chuck bellowed.

"Daad" Audrey protested.

"Only joking. But leave the door open".

Audrey shook her head.

They could have gone to a public library but Audrey insisted they use the Bass one.

Jonathan picked out two books titled "The Dark Truth About Christopher Columbus" and "A Look Into Christopher's Columbus as a Colonizer". Audrey picked out two books titled "Christopher Columbus: A Biography" and "The Greatest Achievements of Christopher Columbus".

"Humphrey, you better be joking. The dark truth? Colonizer?" Audrey crossed her arms.

"I'm not. That's what he was," Jonathan shrugged.

"Columbus achieved many great things including discovering the Americas," she said indignantly.

"He was a colonizer who used brutality and abuse to do so. He also used genocide to depopulate Native Americans," he argued back.

"Those were just rumors or exaggerations. Even if he used some unconventional methods like colonization for his achievements, colonization was common those days. Sometimes principles have to be compromised for the greater good which were his achievements," said Audrey.

"It being common doesn't excuse him. And he did more than just colonization. Principles and treating others with with the bare minimum humanity shouldn't be compromised for the 'greater good'," said Jonathan.

"You're exaggerating".

"Alright. We'll look into reliable sources of information for both our point of views and see what we end up with," he reasoned.

"Fine".


"Sam!" Caitlin hollered as she made her way to his room.

"I'm in here" came his voice.

"Sam, I know you're mad at me, but can we please talk?" she implored.

Sam ran his his hand through his hair. "Alright, I'm listening"

"First, I'm sorry I didn't tell you about applying to Brown. Will you please forgive me?"

"Cait, even if I forgive you, our issue doesn't go away" said Sam.

"I know. I know. But please just give a week to decide. One week is all I'm asking for," said Caitlin.

"Alright. But what happens if you choose Brown?"

"I think we should leave that discussion for if and when that happens".

Sam nodded.