Bennett — Age 15
“Who wants popcorn?” Maven walked out of the Prices’ kitchen with a giant bowl.
Carson and I raised our hands in unison.
“Here.” She scooped some into the only extra bowl and handed it to her brother.
“Don’t I get any?”
She dropped onto the couch next to me, handing me the bowl. “I figured you’d eat most of it anyway, so you might as well have full access.”
It was true. This growing business meant if there was food, I would consume it, but I threw a piece of popcorn at her anyway, pretending offense.
“Hey! Is that the thanks I get for—”
I threw another piece.
Her hands gripped the bowl. “If you’re going to be like that, then I’ll just take—”
“Okay, I’ll stop,” I said, lifting a hand in surrender.
Maven released the bowl, grabbing a handful of popcorn for herself.
“What movie did we decide on?” Carson asked, flipping through their library of digital content.
“I’m pretty sure it was the newest Pride and Prejudice.” Maven didn’t even crack a smile. “The music is incredible.”
“School of Rock is about music,” Carson countered.
Maven scoffed at the apparent insult.
Carson looked at me. “What do you want to watch?”
“So the choice is between some old love story and a Jack Black movie?”
Maven grabbed my arm, her green eyes pleading. “I think it’s important to note that girls love when a guy is familiar with classics like Pride and Prejudice. And the movie version can be the least painful way to consume those classics. Plus, this version has Kiera Knightley.”
My gaze shifted to Carson, and he was shaking his head.
I shrugged. “She makes some valid points.”
Maven lifted her hands in victory, like the decision was not only made but was now set in stone. Apparently, Carson felt similarly because he groaned but flipped to the movie and hit play. “This better prove useful someday,” he muttered.
Maven was biting back her smile when she stood to flip off the lights. When she returned to the couch, she sat closer than she had been before. Likely to reach the popcorn better, but I found I didn’t mind. Despite our rough start, Maven had turned out to be a pretty decent friend.