Half Dead World: Book One from the Apocalypse Tales by Adrienne Hargrove (little readers txt) 📗

Carly stopped Kirra in the lunch line one day last year and told her she might want to put her burger back and get a salad because she was starting to get a little too much jiggle. Fin, who was behind, Carly, announced very loudly to everyone that Carly was just jealous because she was still built like a twelve, year old boy. Then he winked at Kirra and said there is nothing wrong with your jiggle. She tries to act indifferent about him, but I have seen her looking at him like he is Lancelot incarnate.

I can tell by the look on Kirra’s face that she would be disappointed if I thought Fin was interested in me. So, I do what any good friend would do and come up with an alternate theory. “No, he seemed more worried about tonight in particular rather than worried about Jackson. I do think he misses our friendship. I miss it to. But I don’t think he wants more than that.”

Kirra looks skeptical but shrugs her shoulders and says. “I guess… I’m sure we will find out sooner or later.”

“Probably sooner rather than later, he is coming to my house tomorrow night for dinner.”

Kirra sits up straight so violently her strawberry blond curls are still bouncing when she screeches “WHAT!”

I cringe and scold myself internally. Okay, not the best way to give her that information.

“Well, you know that Fin and I were best friends when we were little, but it was more than that… he was like a part of the family. It wasn’t just me who was sad when he stopped coming around, my mom and dad really missed him too. I think he wants to set things right with my parents.”

“Why would he be so mean and ignore y'all all these years?”

“I… I can’t really say what I think without feeling like I’m betraying his trust. His life…well it’s his business who he shares it with. But I think there were extenuating circumstances. I’m sorry, Kirra, I can’t say more.”

“It’s okay, that’s one of your best qualities. You are a vault. I know all my secrets are safe with you.”

I smile and the bell rings.

“Ugh, on to Government History, I don’t know why we have to take that stupid class every year.”

Kirra gives me a sticky sweet smile. “It is so the government can brainwash you, of course.”

I hold up both hands in silencing gesture.

“Stop right there, didn’t I institute a (no conspiracy theory) rule last month.”

“Not at all, you tried to, but the vote was tied one to one, so it didn’t go into effect.”

“Hmm, we’re going to have to institute some sort of tie breaking policy.”

“Yeah, why don’t you come up with one, while you are daydreaming during Government.”

“Very funny, I’ll see you after school.”

“Do you still need a ride, or will one of your love interests be bringing you home?”

“Ha ha, whatever would I do without, your endless wit.” I reply dryly. “Yes, I still need a ride for another week until my car is fixed.”

Kirra gives a mock salute and turns to go toward her next class. I sigh and head into my U. A. Government class. I resolve to pay attention in class, and not daydream. I even answer some questions. The first question; “What was the primary cause of the breakdown of the former United States government?” I raise my hand and answer at once. “It was due to widespread, and uncontainable, corruption within the two major political parties.”

Micah, who sits directly across from me, gives me a warm smile as I answer correctly. I smile back and notice a sparkle in his sable eyes. He taps his fingers on the desk and I watch the muscle in his forearm ripple under his smooth, umber, colored skin. I wonder, is it possible, have I stumbled onto some sort of love potion unknowingly? I quickly shove the ridiculous thought out of my head, as I realize this is just Micah’s personality. He is undoubtedly one of the smartest kids in school, but he is not at all pretentious about it. He is friendly, and warm, and always happy for someone else to get the right answer. I realize I am wandering off again, and quickly tune back into the teachers nasally voice asking rapid fire questions.

“How did the government change after the two years known as the “government cleanse,” and which two citizens have been most instrumental in the restructuring of the Government?”

I raise my hand again. “There was a complete dissolution of the United States Government. All political parties were abolished, and the United Administration was formed. The government was completely restructured and streamlined. The legislative branch of the former government was eliminated. The Supreme Court was eliminated, and all lower courts are now overseen by the executive branch. The executive branch is currently governed by one president, five supreme counselors and 52 regional counselors. The restructuring was the brainchild of Ezra Martinez a noted Academia, Philanthropist and Nobel peace prize winner. He was seen as the altruistic, voice of reason during the nation’s darkest hour. Most people had already lost their faith in government. The first half of the twenty first century, had become so synonymous with corruption, that there was a political revolt. Riots broke out across the nation. Cities burned, politicians were targeted with violence, even the white house was attacked. The country nearly destroyed itself Ezra Martinez brought a plan to the table that calmed the masses. There were some that worried it gave to much unchecked power to the president. But in the end, Ezra’s intelligence, and benevolent disposition won over his critics, and he was elected the first president of the United Administration. He served for six years, four months and two days, before he was assassinated. Supreme counselor Ryo Liu was elected after his