Love Is Happiness... and Sadness

   “When you have lost hope, you have lost everything. And when you think all is lost, when all is dire and bleak, there is always hope.” I Am Number Four written by Pittacus Lore is about a teenage alien, trying to go back to it's planet. It's not that easy though, to get back to their plant, Lorien, they need to take down another species, the Mogadorians who try to kill the Loriens and take over their resources. The protagonist, John Smith starts developing his powers, but he is also in danger because the Mogadorians are much more stronger than he is.  He normally moves around the world a lot so he never has the chance to make friends, however, this time it's different. He stays in Ohio for quite the time and meets friends he can actually trust. The moment when John slightly feels the idea of friendship shows that this thought can be very hopeful and ecstatic, however, it may also bring consequences, negatively affecting many characters.

  To begin with, John makes friends with Sam Goode and Sarah Hart, and he feels like he can trust them with any secret. He feels as if he can actually rely on someone. He tells them that he is an alien with powers, and now Sarah Hart and Sam Goode actually help protect John's identity. Trusting his friends, he doesn't have to carry the pain alone. Friendship gives him motivation. He says friends give him a reason to fight, a reason to protect. Sarah Hart becomes John's girlfriend, giving him a taste in love. it's his first time in a relationship, Sarah boosts his confidence, and makes him courageous. “One of the gifts our planet gave us is to love completely. Without jealousy or insecurity or fear. Without pettiness. Without anger." As a Lorien, love can affect him greatly.

   On the other hand, being friends with humans and living in the same place because of friendship is affecting not only John but also his loved ones. For example,  John's putting them in danger, since they're his friends, the Mogadorians can torture John's friends to lure him over.  Although they can't kill his friends, they can deal a big amount of pain that may cause them to leave John. Additionally, he is very vulnerable. He leaves himself open to Sam and Sarah, which might not be a smart idea. Sam thinks his dad was abducted by aliens, and since John himself is an alien, Sam might hate hatred towards him and may betray him in the future.

   Although friendship may be negative, the positives still outweigh it. He still gains a lot confidence and hope that makes him stronger. Love comes in many forms and can always affect someone. The question is how will it affect John? Will he turn out superior? Or will he give in evil?