Marigold by Heather Manheim (best books for 8th graders .TXT) 📕

Quinn then sat and then patted the seat next to her on the bench, indicating Cricket should sit next to her. However, Quinn was startled when soon after Ana walked in with an indignant look and said, “Am I interrupting something?”

Quinn couldn’t tell her she wasn’t interrupting fast enough, and as she felt her cheeks blushing hotly, she attempted to quickly and simply explain she was hanging out with Davis and Cricket. Quinn wished she could somehow clarify that she was trying to bond with Davis, making her feel more comfortable and at ease. There was no way to explain in front of Davis, so Quinn quickly slid down, creating a space for Ana to sit down next to her.

As Ana went to sit down, she gave a quick explanation about how she had gone to Quinn’s room to ask her something but was surprised to see Quinn was not there. Quinn noticed Ana was blushing, and her blush continued as she sat, making Quinn feel bad that she had created an awkward situation for Ana.

To recompense, Quinn started pouring the wine for Ana, then refilled the other glasses after. That’s when Davis suddenly spoke up, sounding like there was something important to say. When Davis started speaking, it was not entirely clear what she was trying to get at, so Quinn wanted to encourage her. “You can tell us whatever you want,” she said, looking directly at Davis.

Quinn watched Davis as she drank some water and nibbled on snacks, looking nervous, and as if she was trying to gather and control her thoughts. Quinn decided right then that no matter what Davis said, she would be as supportive as possible. But there was nothing that could have prepared her for what she heard. It started benign enough, about her nightmares, and Cricket said a generic yet kind platitude. Then it quickly went dark. Quinn was quite surprised to hear that Davis had been involved in transporting a terrified young boy to some kind of reprogramming center. While the details were not entirely clear, what was clear to Quinn was that this boy had been in a dangerous situation, and Davis had delivered him right into the hands of the enemy.

When Davis started to cry, although the shock had not worn off yet, Quinn jumped to one of the things she felt like she excelled at, comforting. She got up to sit next to Davis and rubbed her back. Quinn tried to put her hand on Davis lightly, not wanting to make her more nervous or put her off. She tried to say a few kind words, although this was a difficult situation. There was not much to say. And Quinn saw very quickly as Ana and Cricket also tried words of comfort that it was just one of those things that would take time. They could be as encouraging and friendly as they knew how—and they would be—but it would not be an easy road to navigate. Made evident by Davis, who was now sobbing.

Just when Davis started to calm down a little, she suddenly started crying hard again. Quinn felt so badly for her; clearly, she dealt with a lot of pain, confusion, and uncertainty. Quinn also realized Davis was worried and anxious about letting down everyone in the bunker group. Quinn felt torn; she very much wanted this plan to go forward and wanted Davis to help them. However, Quinn also wanted to be supportive and kind to Davis. She looked at Ana and lifted her eyebrows as if she was trying to ask her what now? Quickly, Quinn turned her attention back to trying to comfort Davis again. She barely said a few words when Ana jumped in with some surprising yet incredible words of comfort. Quinn found herself very proud of Ana, her wisdom, and the strength that her speech imparted. However, Quinn started to worry and shot Ana a look of panic as she continued her story. She was unsure Ana should share what Quinn was certain she was about to contribute to the conversation.

Quinn was stunned as Ana told her story and what had happened to her mom, Camila. Quinn had heard part of it but never the part about Ana talking to the guard and turning her mom in. Quinn felt the bottom of her stomach drop out. What was Ana talking about? she thought. Quinn decided to go back and sit with Ana. Quinn walked slowly back; it felt as if she was treading through molasses. Ana had told Quinn the basics of what happened, but understandably, she did not like to talk about it much and typically avoided the topic. In turn, Quinn avoided the issue and tried to protect Ana when and if the subject ever came up. Quinn was utterly taken aback and had no words when Ana started confessing that she had been the reason Camila got murdered. She wasn’t mad, just very surprised by this revelation and so sad for Ana, and sympathized with how difficult that must have been. How painful that must have felt. And even if Ana had indeed forgiven herself, Quinn could see it in her face that the pain had not gone away. There was not much Quinn felt she could say in this circumstance. It was so beyond any words that could be helpful. So, Quinn just tried to be as comforting as possible and let Ana know that she still supported her.

The evening started to wind down after that. Quinn and Ana both offered to clean up, and Cricket departed with a kiss on the cheek for each of the other three ladies. Looking exhausted and beyond sleepy, with puffy eyes from crying, Davis sat there a few minutes until Ana slid her hand onto Quinn’s knee. That’s a foolish move, Quinn thought. We can’t get caught doing things like this. She doubly figured they should be careful because she was pretty sure Davis saw the move Ana made