The Choice 1 Two more weeks was all that stood between Jesse and his tenth birthday! He felt taller just thinking about it. Being double digits was a big deal, and so was the epic birthday party Jesse was hoping to have with all of his friends. Stronger, popular, excited, older.

2 The party was such a big deal that Jesse had been in his bedroom for an eternity debating who he should invite. Should it be a massive party with everyone he knew, or should he keep it small so that he could spend more time with each of his closest friends?

3 It wasn't long before Jesse was summoned by his mom. "Do you have that list for me yet, Jesse?" she called up the stairs. He hurriedly wrote down the final name—Tim, a friend he had been playing soccer with for two years. Then, clutching the list like a prized possession, he sprinted down the stairs, relieved to deliver the news to his mom. She scrutinized it, and Jesse could almost read her mind. "What's wrong, Mom?"

4 "Well," she began, "I see that you invited all of the boys in your class except Michael, the boy who just moved here from Indiana."

5 "I know," Jesse began to explain, getting defensive, "but I don't know him very well at all. He probably wouldn't like the activities we have planned and wouldn't have any fun."

6 His mom was quiet for a moment. "It's your party," she said, "but I want you to spend the next day giving that some additional consideration. In all probability, Michael doesn't know many people here yet, and he may appreciate being included. Also, what if he finds out that he was the only boy not invited?"

7 "Fine," Jesse said, heading back up to his room to play video games, not intending to give it much thought at all. But, later that day, he reluctantly found that he was not only thinking about his new classmate, Michael, but also about when he himself first started playing soccer.

8 That first day, he was anxious and hesitant to step out on the field. He wasn't exactly an introvert, but it did take him some time to get accustomed to new situations and make friends. Plus, he knew that most of the team had been playing longer, and they had already developed connections. Lucky for him, Tim was on his team. Even though no one was rude, it was Tim who made sure he was included in all of the goofing around that occurred after practice and always called him over to sit next to him when the team went out for food after a big win. Two years later, it was this same Tim he considered his closest friend.

9 So, when Jesse distributed the invitations at school the following day, his stack included one for Michael. As the class proceeded outside for recess, his teacher, Mrs. Marks, requested that Jesse remain behind for a minute. "Great," thought Jesse, "what did I do wrong now?" But Mrs. Marks wore a big smile when he approached.

10 "I noticed that you invited Michael to your party," she said.

11 "Yes, "Jesse replied, feeling slightly unaccustomed to such positive attention from his teacher. He knew that Mrs. Marks felt that he needed to work harder from time to time.

12 "Well, I think that was a wonderful and gracious thing to do for someone who is new," she continued. "You probably don't realize this, but Michael's dad is still working in Indiana and will be there for a few more months. I know that's been difficult for Michael, and I'm sure this invitation will mean a lot to him and his mom."

13 Jesse had no idea about Michael's dad, or why Michael's mom would care about a party, but Jesse felt good knowing that Mrs. Marks was proud of him. In fact, Michael's mom was the first to call and accept the invitation to the party. She said that Michael was really looking forward to it.

14 When the day of the party came, Jesse felt like he was going to explode with excitement. Tim was the first to arrive, and he and Jesse started playing basketball in the driveway. Michael came next, and he stood off to the side watching them. Looking at Tim, and then Michael, Jesse remembered that first season of soccer. He tossed the ball to Michael, who surprised them by making a nearly impossible shot from where he was standing! "Whoa! How did you do that?" Jesse exclaimed. From then on the party flew by. By the time everyone went home, Jesse was thankful that he had been given the push he needed to find a new friendship.

Part A
The following question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.

What main purpose does the flashback serve in the text?

A.
It reveals Jesse’s reason for joining the soccer team.

B.
It shows how Jesse begins to understand Michael’s situation.

C.
It tells why Jesse and Tim begin playing soccer together.

D.
It describes how Jesse and Tim help each other when necessary.