Our Voice 8

Our Voice 8 Page 25

by Scot McAtee

You have two bus

  stops ahead. On the

  third one, you need to

  get off. I’ll be there.

  Wait,

   

  The Instructor

  Jacob Reagan

  That’s the man I’m supposed to meet. I sat on the bus. We went through two more bus stops. The third stop was next. I was looking everywhere to find the man. When the bus stopped, I got off. The man was nowhere to be found. I walked about a half a block to the nearest gas station. I was in need of a nice cold Arizona Sweet Tea. As I walked into the Family Express, I saw something. It about made me drop to the floor. The cashier was the man. He was dressed in nice clothes. The man looked totally different, but I knew it was him. He gave me a reassuring look so I knew it was him for sure. He clocked out as another cashier clocked in. Then, he made me follow him to his apartment. The whole time we walked he only talked through letters. Any time I would ask him a question, he would pull out a small pad of paper and write a note and tear it off, then hand it to me with his answer. I had a feeling he didn’t want his voice to be known, which confused me because I had already seen his face. Maybe it was that he couldn’t speak. I wasn’t for sure.

  About twelve minutes passed before we arrived at his apartment. At his apartment, he handed me a four page packet that explained what was going to happen and how he was going to fake my death. The packet described, in great detail, about four steps that we were going to do to pull off my death.

  After I read the packet thorouhly, he took me into a room. This is where he was going to make a mold my body for the casket. I assumed this because of all the paint and clay things in the room. He confirmed my assumption when he handed me a note saying, “the body mold process begins here.” The process was very interesting. It took about three hours. He layed this plastic rubber over my body that copied every little detail about me. I had to lay there for about fifteen minutes, which by then the mold hardened. He took it off and I flipped over so he could repeat the process for the other side of me. When both sides were done, he clamped them together and then filled this liquid inside the full body mold. After that, he gave me a fresh suit of clothes, razors, shaving cream, some hair dye, and fake glasses. Lastly, he gave me a note that told me to go shower. I went into the bathroom, which was really clean and nice, and dyed my hair, shaved, and showered.

  After I got out of the shower, I found him in a spare room. He was making a lot of noise. I looked into the room, and he was building something. It turned out to be a casket, my casket. This spooked me, but in a way, it was interesting. I watched. He put a lot of detail into the casket! After about four more hours, he was done, had the mold of me dressed and in it. I was creeped out by how much it looked like me and even felt like me. After helping him finish the details, he gave me a note that read, “Good luck! Go out my door, turn left, follow the road four blocks down and you will come to a car. You will know which one.” I said thanks and handed him money. With that, I left the apartment never looking back.

  I met the car four blocks away down an alley. The car was blue and looked really nice but very expensive. The driver did not talk either. He had a dark blue suit on and a mustache with dark sunglasses on. The two hour long trip took me to my destination where I met the lawyer. He was in a gray suit with a black tie. He looked real intelligent, as you would imagine a lawyer to look like. I got out of the car after handing the driver some cash. The lawyer pulled me into his house to start the investigation.

  “Sorry for the rush out there. I didn’t want anyone seeing you. Now let’s get down to business,” he pulled out a lot of folders, “My name is James by the way.”

  I didn’t introduce myself. He already knew. I have been talking to this guy for three months through letters while I was locked up. We talked for a while. He told me how I was to stay there at his house till the court date.

  After four months of me hiding and James fighting, I was a free man, and the charge was off my background. I don’t know how he did it, but he did!

  Hurray!

  Jacob Reagan

  In a Small Town

  In a small town of Hickinsonburg, there lives a young girl, age is seventeen. She goes by the name of Brittany. She often has the problem of money shortage. She needs to get a job. It’s the summer of 1998; she needed money to save up for a small apartment this winter. Today, she hopes to solve her problems by going to apply at a little no-name fast food restaurant. Working there, as a starter job, she will save up money to get a better job. The only thing that worries her about this interview is that she talks a lot when she is nervous.

  “Beep Beep Beep Beep,” went Brittany’s alarm right before she shut it off. It was eight a.m., and time to get up. This was her day. She got up, rubbed her eyes and headed to the coffee pot in the kitchen. After that, Brittany headed to the bathroom to shower. Moments later, poured her cup of coffee in a to-go mug and left out of her house. It was eight thirty. Her interview started at nine, but she thought that being ten minutes early would be a good thing. She got there and went up to the counter.

  “How may I help you?” asked the cashier noticing from his nametag that his name was Spencer.

  “Well, Mr. Spencer…”

  “Jones. Spencer Jones,” he filled her in. He spoke in a nervous-like voice. Brittany had blond hair and blue eyes. “Gorgeous Blue Eyes!” he was thinking.

  “Well, Mr. Spencer Jones. I am here for an interview. I am here to see Mr. Bob Brown.”

  “Uhm…Just one.. uh just one second and I will get him.” Spencer ran off in the back. A few minutes later, Spencer came back and a larger man was following behind him. Brittany began to feel uncomfortable as she felt his eyes attacking her.

  “Well, hello! Hello!” Mr. Brown said. He noticed her beautiful young body and her sweet blue eyes.

  “Uhm. Hi, I am here for the interview.” She declared. Brittany felt real uncomfortable and out of place, but she knew she had to take this job.

  “Yes. Of course! Follow me if you will, right down this way. This is my office.”

  He pulled out a seat for her. Brittany sat down, trying to ignore the fact that he kept staring at her. He then walked around her and took a seat on the opposing side of the desk. He sat in a big office chair.

  “You’re hired.”

  “Excuse me? Shouldn’t you ask me questions and stuff?”

  “Well, Uhmm, you just seem qualified for the job. Uh, can you start today by chance?”

  “Sure,” she answered.

  Brittany was thinking, “Why? So you can stare at me all day?” She responded with sure because she knew she had to get this job. “Just for a couple months,” she thought. She only needed to get this job to build up her name so she could go get a better job.

  Mr. Brown stood up and walked out the door. Brittany followed. He stopped by a door. He opened it and then handed a uniform to her.

  “The bathroom is this way. Change and then report back to me.”

  Brittany nodded with an understanding look. She headed back to the bathroom. She felt Mr. Brown’s eyes staring at her as she walked down the hall. Brittany entered the bathroom, changed, and then met Mr. Brown back by the cash register. He showed her how to work it, how to make the food, and then how to run the dish washer. He gave her the assignment of doing whatever wasn’t being done.

  Brittany went to look for Spencer. She kind of thought Spencer was handsome. Spencer was over by the oven in the kitchen.

  “H-hi Spencer,” she mumbled.

  Spencer looked at nervously. He has trouble talking to pretty girls. He is really nervous. He managed to respond, “Hi. Brittany, correct?”

  “Yes. How are you?”

  “Okay. Are you? Mr. Brown is a creep. I don’t like him.”

  “He spooked me a little. He kept staring at me.”

  “Yeah. I saw.”

&nbs
p; The two then started to work together because Mr. Brown came back around to check on them. They worked together for the rest of the day. Spencer continued to show her the ropes.

  .

  The next day, they two came in and went right to work.

  “Good morning Spencer,” Brittany greeted, “I have a question.”

  “Good morning, what is it?”

  “Where are the other employees?”

  “They quit. Mr. Brown scared them off.”

  “Oh.”

  They got to work. They stayed quiet for the most part. The two were pretty busy. When lunch came around, which for them was around one thirty, Spencer went over to the door and switch the open sign around so it read “On Lunch.” Spencer turned around and walked over to the microwave.

  “Are you uh.. Hungry? I made these ten minutes ago,” Spencer said as he pulled to plates out of the microwave, both with a cheeseburger and French fries on them.

  “Yes, thank you!”

  The two sat down and started eating. It didn’t take long though until Mr. Brown came to interrupt them.

  “Brittany, we need to talk. Come back to my office, please.”

  “What’s it about?”

  “About your job.”

  Brittany grabbed Spencer’s hand out of a fear instinct. Spencer didn’t get nervous. He stood up and approached Mr. Brown.

  “There are only two of us out here. We are on lunch break. Brittany doesn’t mind if you say what you have to say in front of me.”

  “Sit down. This doesn’t involve you. Brittany and I need to talk.”

  “Why? So you can harass her too, just like all the other women?”

  “You’re fired! Get out of my restaurant.”

  “Brittany, hang on. I will be back. Bob, you aren’t done seeing me.”

  Spencer left the restaurant. Brittany took a half day and caught up with Spencer. They went to the police station. Spencer knew the small town’s sheriff. His name is Tony Marks.

  “Hey Tony, we have a problem. You know how I have been trying to prove to you that Bob Brown was a pervert and that he harasses his female employees?”

  “Yes. What about it?” Sheriff Tony Marks asked.

  “I know how to get him. We have to use her, Brittany. She just started working there. He tried to get her into her office today. I stood up for her and he fired me. Then, she took a half day to come down here with me and so she wouldn’t be there alone.”

  “What is his reason of firing you?”

  “Because I stood up for her.”

  “We can take him to court for that.”

  “Or, we can wait for him to harass her more and then take him to court for harassing her and firing me for no reason on top of it.”

  “Look, I can’t help you with that. But, if that does happen then I can help you.”

  “Okay.” With that said, Spencer and Brittany left. For the next week, Brittany worked as usual. She waited for Mr. Brown to make his move. Soon enough, he did. One afternoon, during lunch break, he went out to where here and four other new people were eating lunch.

  “Brittany, I need to see you in my office.”

  Brittany got up and followed him. She texted Spencer, who was waiting outside with Sheriff Marks close by, and then she entered Mr. Brown’s office. She was nervous. She sat down in his chair in his office. Mr. Brown sat down on one knee right next to her.

  “So, how do you like your job here?”

  “It’s okay, I guess.”

  “Okay. You know, I have been watching you work. You do an outstanding job. I would like to make you manager, if you think you are up to it.” Mr. Brown then put his hand on Brittany’s leg and slid it upward a little.

  Suddenly, sheriff Marks busted in the door, “Hands in the air, dirtbag!”

  Mr. Brown threw his hands in the air. He had a confused look on his face. Brittany jumped up and ran into Spencer’s arms. He held her.

  Sheriff Marks put Mr. Brown in the cop car. They put a closed sign on the resturaunt door. They headed to the courthouse. They had direct evidence and even with a lawyer, Mr. Brown couldn’t have done much. The judge took his resturaunt away and somehow Brittany managed to get a small settlement out of the whole deal.

  Brittany bought Mr. Brown’s old resturaunt. Spencer became the manager. They renamed it. And finally, Spencer finally asked out Brittany. She said yes.

  What is It?

  Jacob Reagan

  “Alexander Dyme is his name. He lives over on Heritage Road, here in Monticello. I’m telling you. There is something off about him,” introduced David, who studied business ethics.

  “How do you know? What if he is the one that is right and we are all the ones who are wrong?” questioned John, who studied biology.

  “I’m not for sure. I just know there is something different about him. Whether it is good or bad, we will soon find out. He is in five of my classes this year.”

  “Mom, please don’t make me go. None of the kids like me here. I’m different and they don’t like it,” negotiated Alexander with his mom.

  “All I’m asking is that you please give it a chance. If things don’t change, we will figure something out. But, you must try. Now come on we are going to be late!” demanded his mom. Alex’s mom, Susan, grabbed his arm and rushed out to the car. It was Alex’s fourth day of ninth grade. He just started. He wasn’t sure of the school’s name. It was a private school. His mom must have told him about a million times. As he wondered the name of his school, his mom tried to imagine how bad his first day was. He was very quiet when he came home yesterday; this worried her. She felt bad for making him go, but they needed to start new over here. She just got a new job as a CEO of the new factory that was built just outside of Monticello.

  “I’ll pick you up after school right here all right bub? Try to have a good day! I love you,” said Susan as she dropped him out in front of the school.

  “Sure,” answered Alex. He wasn’t happy with his mom at the moment. He wasn’t enthused for school either. He had to start his first assignment in science today. He was partnered up with some kid. He couldn’t remember his name. Alex seemed to think he didn’t like him though. He thought about this while he tried to find his locker. He always got lost with this task. He didn’t mind though. Alex’s first period was P.E. or Physical Education as Mr. Beamer stressed, Alex’s gym teacher. Alex chuckled as he remembered his first interaction with Mr. Beamer and the whole “Physical Education” idea; that it is Physical Education, not P.E. He could see his locker down the hall. He also could see something by his locker. As he got closer, he realized it was a person. But who could it be? He had no friends here. As Alexander approached, he soon realized that it was his science project partner. What did he want?

  “Alex is the name, right?” questioned David.

  “Correct. What’s up?” asked Alex who was full of wonder.

  “I want to know why is it that every time I go past your house at night, it looks like you’re welding something. It shows through your basement windows.”

  “How do you know where I live? Why do you want to know?”

  “First off, I live down your street. Second, you live in my neighborhood; I want to make sure my neighborhood is safe.”

  “I have to get to class,” answered Alex while walking away.

  Alex didn’t know how to take this. He had a huge secret and he didn’t want David to find out. He was scared. If anyone found out his secret he would be made fun of. He had an idea actually, not so much a secret. He had been making something in his basement.

  “Good morning Alex. Why are you so late? Do not use the locker excuse again. Take your seat.” demanded Alex’s gym teacher.

  I don’t know what to do. Is David going to do something? Is he going to investigate the problem? Will he keep sneaking around my house? I’m scared. He can’t know. If he
finds out, it will all fall apart and maybe even worse things. Jail time even? I’m not supposed to have this, so would I get in trouble?

  All Alex could do was think about this distraction all P.E. class. He kept getting in trouble for not paying attention. He couldn’t help it. He was constantly worried. After P.E. he went straight to the nurse’s office. All this worrying made him feel sick to his stomach. He went to the bathroom that was connected to the nurse’s office and made himself get sick. He made himself plenty loud to make sure the nurse could hear him. When he came out, Mrs. Smiley, the nurse, was already on the phone with his mom. He waited for her. When Mrs. Dyme got there, she asked if he was okay and then took him home.

  “I have to go back to work. Are you sure you will be okay here alone?”

  “Of course I will be mom,” said Alex. He had been home alone dozens of times before. After his mom left, he immediately left to continue downstairs to the basement. He took a prized look at his masterpiece. It was almost finished.

  What am I going to do if this goes downhill? How is everybody going to take it? My mom doesn’t even know. I could take it all the way if everyone accepts it and gives it a chance. But what if they don’t? Do I get taken away? Do I get in trouble? What will they do to my mom for having this thing?

  “Knock, knock, knock. Anyone home?” yelled someone at the door. Instantly Alex felt his stomach drop. Who would be knocking on his door? Everybody knows that nobody is home. He drew himself the courage to go upstairs to look out the window. As he pulled back the curtain, he saw David standing at the door! David must have found out that Alex went home, and he must have done the same thing. Alex didn’t know what to do. Without much thought, he went and opened the door.

  “What are you doing here? You were perfectly fine when I saw you this morning,” questioned David.

  “Uhmm… I uh... Felt sick. I left. What are you doing? How did you get here? How did you know I came home?” asked Alex.

  “I followed you. It’s not important. I want to know what’s going on with what you are doing in your basement.” With that being said, David pushed his way in the door and went straight towards the basement. He knew his way around the house. His cousin used to live there.

  “Wait! You can’t do that. Stay away from there.”

  “Why? What’s down there?” asked David while standing at the edge of the stairs.

  “Well uh. It’s dirty and stuff.”

  David proceeded down the stairs. Alex followed really quickly behind him. David couldn’t believe what he saw. It was a mechanism made of metal. It was just plain metal. No paint. It had gears and pulleys and springs. He knew right away this is what Alex was working on. But what was it?

  “What is this?”

  “It’s my idea. It automatically makes knives. It shapes them, sharpens them, paints, and assembles them! I’m making the control panel now. You can’t tell anyone. This could get me in trouble.”

  “Or this could make you rich.”

  “What if people don’t take it that way?”

  “Then you get in trouble. But it’s worth the risk. This machine is genius! We need to get it noticed. How did you come up with this?”

  “Well, it sort of just came to me. I have had the idea for a long time. I finally took the drawing and made it happen.”

  “Does it work?”

  “Almost, I have the control panel made. I just need to install it to the device. Then, I’ll set it in sync. It should work then. I have about a half hour left of work.”

  “Can I watch? I promise I won’t touch anything.”

  “I guess.”

  David took his seat. He was full of excitement. Alex took the control and bolted it on. He connected the wires to the ones on the machine. He then did something that involved pushing buttons on the control panel and the remote. David figured this must be the sync part. The gears started to move. After about twenty minutes of this, Alex took and inserted a flat piece of metal into the machine and some red fabric and thread into the machine. Then, he put the guard over the machine. It covered the whole thing. It was made of metal and was painted black. The cover had white letters painted on it that looked like this

  “What’s that say?” asked David.

  “Alexander Dyme’s Knife Maker. Forever Making Easier, that’s my slogan.”

  “Nice!” David nodded with an understanding look. The machine then started making noises. Alex pushed buttons on the remote. After about roughly five and half minutes of waiting, the machine spit out a sword-like figure. It had a black blade with a padded red handle. Alex and David both stared at this is shock.

  “Dude, you are a mastermind! Why haven’t you told anyone about this?”

  “I don’t know. I have made many other inventions, but nobody else seems interested and I am afraid no one will like them.”

  “You need to tell people. You are a genius. I mean, look at this. Your machine made this!”

  Alex didn’t know what to think. David made him feel confident. He went and picked up the sword. It was forty inches long. Alex and David made three more.

  “It’s already three o’clock. I need to be getting home. But hey, stay home tomorrow and fake being sick. We will go get this noticed” with that said David ran home. Alex didn’t know what to say. He decided to take the chance and do that with David. He gathered the stuff for adventure tomorrow and waited upstairs in the front room for his mom. When she arrived, they ate dinner and went to bed.

  “Alexander. Good morning. How are you feeling?” asked Alex’s mom.

  “Mom, I’m not feeling the best. Can I stay home?”

  “Yes. Call me if you need anything. I’m going to go to work. Have a good day!”

  After the door shut, Alex got up, showered, dressed, and then answered the door. David was right on time. They hauled up the machine and supplies to the front yard. They then locked the door and carried the items to the bus stop. They got on the bus and went and hour and forty minutes north to a manufacturer that David had found online last night. After arriving they stopped at a small family owned restaurant for lunch. Alex had a deluxe cheeseburger with French fries and a coke. David had tacos with nachos and a coke to drink. Then, they continued walking four blocks to the manufacturer. Alex and David eventually found the building and walked inside to the front desk.

  “How may I help you?” asked the woman at the front desk.

  “I need to see Mr. Longfellow.” said David.

  “Do you have an appointment?”

  “Yes. I spoke to him yesterday evening.”

  “What’s the name the appointment is under?”

  “Alexander Dyme.”

  A bellhop came to greet them. He took the machine and Alex’s bag and set them on a cart. He motioned for them to follow. They continued down the hall and into the elevator. David watched in shock as the bellhop took them to the thirty-second floor. They proceeded down another hall to the office with the tag labeled “Ideas for Construction: Mr. Longfellow.” The bellhop opened the door and pushed the cart in and left them alone in the room. There was an older man, about the age of his early forties that was sitting behind the desk in a black suit, white undershirt, and a red tie on.

  “Hello. I’m Alex. This is David. This is”

  “I know. David, your friend, has told me everything. You should thank him. From what he said, you seem like a very smart kid.” said Mr. Longfellow in a deep voice, “Show me how it works.”

  Alex got right to work. He set up the machine. David assisted him. They made a forty inch sword. It had a black carbon steel blade with a blue and white padded handle with white stitching. Mr. Longfellow was amazed. This made Alex and David smile. Mr. Longfellow took the sword and swung it around. He tested the quality and weight. He was amazed at how well this sword was built, but he wondered how the machine could do this that
quick. He knew he had to have it.

  “I want to buy your machine,” pronounced Mr. Longfellow.

  “No, you may buy the product, not the name. You can be our sponsor and your company can produce them. You can put them on the market. You may not buy the idea and name. It belongs to Alex,” smarted David before Alex could respond.

  Mr. Longfellow was surprised by this remark. He clearly knew business was David’s favorite subject or he had someone in the family with this skill.

  “I suppose, but first I need to talk to your legal guardian for a contract. You are under age, and I cannot make this contract legal without your parent’s consent.”

  “Deal, I already called my mom. She is one her way. “

  The boys showed Mr. Longfellow more details and made more knives and swords to pass the time. About two hours later, Alex’s mom showed up. Mr. Longfellow took the time to write up the contract. One hour later after all the business discussing was done, the family took the contract and left with the idea of Alex’s machine being on the market in two to three weeks. He was shocked. He couldn’t believe that just happened. The mom took the boys to dinner to celebrate and to figure out exactly what happened.

  Two weeks later the boys saw Alex’s invention being advertised on the television. Three weeks later, Alex became noticed and not long after that, famous. The money started rolling in after about four weeks. The family decided to put the money in a savings bond for safe keeping and only used it when necessary. And lastly, Alex and David became best friends!

  The Race’s Lesson

  Jacob Reagan

  Friday. The day was about seventy-six degrees. There was a slight, cool breeze. It was a perfect day for a race. The smell of exhaust filled the air. Everyone revved up their engines. The race was about to start. There were people everywhere. This was a big annual event. Fans traveled to see their racers. However, most people were from close by. This was the first race of the day. There will seven races to make up this race tournament. Today’s race takes place in Goodland, Indiana. Goodland isn’t that big of a town, but it’s big enough to host this race. There were racers from all over the globe. Some were from Goodland themselves. Others were from close by places like from Remington, Rensselaer, and Monticello. Then, there were also some racers from farther away. The race consisted of a total of three hundred, sixty-seven racers. Out of many, there was only one who really stood out and caught many people’s attention. It was hard to tell if it was him that stood out or if it was his bike. Maybe it was both.

  Number ten, he goes by the name Night Rider. His real name is John Seimore. He is eighteen and weighs one hundred sixty-four pounds. He has a custom bike he built from scratch. The bike has an eighteen inch bike tire and a front end, both from a mountain bike. He has the front guard off of a crotch rocket to help with aerodynamics. The gas tank is wide and wraps down the frame. The frame is slouched down at an angle, high in the front angling down towards the back to a twelve inch tire that is three inches wide. The bike is all black. It has a top speed of forty-eight miles per hour on a flat paved surface which is where this race happens to be on. Night Rider is in race one.

  The flagger whips the green flag up and down. Green means go! The racers took off. All the racers were doing well and staying together until the first bend. Three racers took the lead leaving the rest in a group behind them. Number twenty-seven, fifty-two, and eighty-three were leading the rest by a close hundred twenty feet. Number ten, Night Rider was catching up. He started getting mad. He shifted wrong putting him behind. Twenty-seven is in first place. She is also Night Rider’s enemy. Her name is Samantha Tryne. She goes by the name Speed Demon. Her bike is pink. It’s the fastest bike there topping a dangerous speed of sixty-two miles per hour! Night Rider was whipping through the crowd after recovering from the bad shift. There were only two people ahead of him before he would be leading the big crowd landing him a fourth place spot.

  He was catching up. Things were starting to look good. “I got this!” thought Night Rider trying to boost his confidence as he passed another bike. It was bike number twelve. His name was Jimmy Mine. He drove a blue and green bike that was a mix between a dirt bike and a crotch rocket. Jimmy’s bike could reach a top speed of thirty-two. He had the perfect bike for this race, but he needed more experience with it. As Night Rider passed Jimmy, Jimmy flipped him the bird, which was not very sportsman like. John just accepted it with a smile under his helmet. He understood Jimmy’s frustration. He had one person to pass before he could be in fourth place which means he would move onto the next race. You have to be in the top four to move on.

  John is catching up. He is riding fourth place’s tail. Fourth place, Andrew Dickson, looked in his mirror seeing Night Rider catch up. With an evil smirk, Andrew let off the gas slowing down and caught the front of John’s tire. Andrew then turned right bumping John off track and caused two riders behind John to wreck. One person sped up taking fifth place as Night Rider got onto the track. He wobbled. He wasn’t happy. John looked up as another rider passed him. This made him furious. John looked as sixth place rider sped off. He couldn’t tell who it was. He squinted, but he couldn’t see. Night Rider began to grow angry. He twisted the acceleration grip on his handle bars back. He sped up fast and quick. This was dangerous to do on a small track in a crowd of racers like where he was.

  John’s act of rage threw him forward quickly. He almost hit the sixth place racer. Instead, he whipped around him almost side swiping him. This put him in sixth place. He whipped side to side making sure to miss any potholes or misshaped pavement faults that would slow him down. He still never let off the gas. However, he didn’t speed up. John was keeping his constant pace. Before he knew it, Night Rider found himself in fifth place. As he looked ahead, John could tell Andrew was looking in his mirror just like the first time. Night Rider took good note of this. He rode up behind Andrew just like the first time. The only difference is that as John got close to Andrew, he turned sharply to the left and sped up! John did it! He left Andrew in the dust. Night Rider was finally in fourth place as long as he stayed in fourth or better, he was able to get to race two of the seven.

  John was full of excitement. He had done it! He still was flying through the track. Night Rider was sure he had this. After catching up to the other riders, he realized they were just cruising. They weren’t stressed at all. However, they were surprised to see Night Rider. The riders kind of panicked. The third place rider tried to cut John off. John swerved to try to avoid the accident. John ran off the road a little. The gravel jerked the wheel pulling the handle bar out of Night Rider’s hands. In a swift moment, John slammed to the ground. All he could do was think “Be quick, but you have time.” What seemed like a miracle was needed had happened without much thought but all adrenaline. John picked up the bike. He could barely walk.

  Night Rider threw the bike up. He was filled with rage. John jumped on his bike. Somehow it was still running. Night Rider stretched to his handle bars. It hurt, but it was possible. He pulled the acceleration grip. Wasting no time, John gunned it. The other riders weren’t too far ahead. He had fourth place by a long shot. However, he wanted third. Night Rider caught up quick. All three riders didn’t look happy, especially third place rider. John sped up to the left. As soon as the third place rider went to cut John off, he slowed down and whipped around him. Night Rider stole third. The finish line wasn’t far ahead. He believed he could do it. First and second place riders sped up ahead of him. John saw them finish. He decided to do the same thing.

  John did it. He finished third! John knew he would be racing in race number two! After he finished third, he proceeded to his pit and camp area. His pit crew immediately took the bike to get it ready for tomorrow. John walked into the camper. He changed and got something to drink. He came outside to racer Andrew Dickson standing there. Joh
n was thinking he was here to fight.

  “Hello, Mr. Dickson,” John greeted him.

  “I want you to know what happened out there on the track was totally unacceptable of me. I am very sorry. Anyways, good luck on the next race. You deserve it!” Andrew apologized.

  John fought to keep his jaw from dropping from shock. He couldn’t believe it. After that, Andrew left. John was happy. He sat in his lawn chair with ice on his bruises. He needed to get rest. Most importantly, he did it. John was going to be in race two!

  The Neglected

  Jordan Owens

  The fur was matted down, the leash was chewed up, and the collar was broken. The eyes were popping out and the strings were loose. It was surrounded by worn out and old objects that all have a story. This animal however, has a story too.

  “Mom!” I yelled, “I need my backpack!”

  “Be right there!” she yelled back to me. Today was the second day of school and I couldn’t find my backpack…again. What a way to start the school year.

  “Here sweetie,” mom said. I look in my bag and find my old stuffed animal from when I was in kindergarten. “Mom? What did I say about putting him in there?” I was getting tired of reminding her to stop putting the stuffed dog in there.

  “I’m sorry honey,” she said. “I thought you would want it for good luck.”

  “I’m not a kid anymore,” I argued. “I’ll see you later,” I sighed, “I’m going to be late.” I headed out the door and into the place I like to call “The Dungeon.”

  Getting lost in the halls of Rochester High was my specialty. I have been in this school for three years, and I still can’t find my way around. As I open the doors into school, I see big crowds full of a lot of people. I’m the type of girl that would blend into crowds with my long brown hair, green eyes, and fairly skinny figure. I start to maneuver through the crowds.

  “Ow,” I mumbled as someone ran into me. I was about to get to my locker, but then, I tripped. I squealed on the way down, but before I smacked my face on the ground, someone caught me. I looked up to find a petite girl who looked to be about my age.

  “Thanks,” I said.

  “No problem. I’m Amy,” she stated.

  “Lauren,” I replied.

  “Pretty name,” she said. “I’ll walk you to class.” I knew automatically that she would be my friend. She seemed nice. I put my books in my locker and started to walk towards my class with Amy.

  The first thing I saw on my desk was my stuffed dog. I ran to get the dog, ran out of the class and into the girls’ bathroom. I threw the dog in the trash. As I was walking back to class, I was hoping that no one saw.

  After school, I asked my mom if she brought it to school.

  “Honey, I told you I didn’t take it,” she said.

  “Sorry,” I said. “I just want to know who took it.” I did my homework, and then I went to eat dinner. I also forgot to mention that I’m very slow at homework so I don’t get it done until at least six o’clock.

  The next day, I saw the stuffed animal again. This time, I tried to rip it up and cut it. I was trying to figure out what was going on. I promised myself that I would catch whoever was doing this, I set up a trap. This time, I didn’t take the animal. I just left it. I would get there early and see who came to class.

  Finally, it was the day to put my plan into action. I went to school early and stayed outside the classroom. Everyone was giving me strange looks, but I didn’t care. No one came. I walked into class and the dog was still there.

  After school, I went to the thrift shop to drop off the animal. Hopefully it will torture someone else. I know that’s mean but I can’t let it do this to me anymore. I’m done with it. It’s torn and matted but I know someone out there will want it. They may fix it up. They can even get rid of the smile that is starting to grow on its face.

  Scar

  Jordan Owens

  The worst thing that could happen at school is probably embarrassment or bullying. My situation is bullying. I’ve been known as damaged, scar, ugly, broken and many more.  I’ve only had one friend almost all my life. Her name is Olivia, but she hates it so she demands that everyone calls her Liv. She has been my best, and only, friend since the third grade. My name is Avia, which isn’t short for anything. It’s been that way since I was born. My life has been good until my little mishap. When I was younger, I had a dark blue stool made out of wood. The corners were sharp and pointed. I usually had it by my bed. One day, I fell out of bed and woke up with my chin on the stool. My chin hurt and my neck stung. I felt a little trickle going down my neck. I ran to the bathroom to get a look at what happened and my whole neck was covered in blood.

  “Mom!” I yelled. She came running up the stairs. She came into the bathroom and stood there in shock. I turned to her crying. I thought that I was going to die. She then called the hospital and we rode in the back of the ambulance. They held a cloth to the wound and were shouting orders at everyone. When we got to the hospital, the doctors told me that I wasn’t seriously injured but unfortunately, it was going to leave a scar.

  This is how I ended up getting bullied. The scar on my neck caused me to earn all of my hateful nicknames. The scar ran from the bottom right side of my neck to underneath the left side of my chin. It was large and very noticeable. Most people were a little frightened of me because I guess it made me look tougher. Other people were a little happy because now they have a reason to tease someone. It’s not a very good reason if you ask me. Really, any reason is a dumb reason but what do I know? The only person who stuck with me was my family and my best friend Liv. Even some of the teachers gave me strange looks. Now it’s almost a normal routine. I would wake up, go to school, get bullied and receive strange looks, go home, do chores, do homework, eat dinner then go to bed. My routine really hasn’t changed. Every year there are new teachers and a few new students that have to know what happened. They don’t ask they just hear it from the extremely wrong gossip that travels around the school.

  “Bye Mom!” I yell after I eat breakfast.

  I grab my backpack and head out the door.

  “Have a good day!” she yells back.

  I head out to my Jeep Wrangler. This is my most prized possession. I don’t name it or make sure that there aren’t any scratches or faults. I’m just very happy that it’s mine. I’m 16, so it’s not illegal for me to drive. I do have my license, so don’t worry. I’m not a reckless driver. I do sometimes get a little angry if some idiot tries to cut me off, but other than that…it’s all good.

  I look at the school doors knowing what’s going to happen as soon as I walk in. I take a deep breath and step inside. At first, everyone goes silent and is staring.

  “Hey Scar!” I hear someone say and then laugh.

  That’s when it all started. Profanities were being shouted at me; people were looking, pointing and laughing. Nicknames could be heard as I walked closer to my locker. I see Liv standing there, at my locker, with a towel and a water bucket from the janitor’s closet.

  “Another one wrote your name on your locker,” says Liv.

  “Another one” is referring to the Monroe twins. Vanessa Monroe and Bethany Monroe are the two most popular people in the entire school. Their mother is the principal and their dad is an owner of a worldwide company.  I grab the other towel that’s hanging in the bucket and start to scrub.

  “Hey,” I say. “Thanks for helping me again. You’re the best. I’m sorry I had to drag you into this.”

  Liv stops scrubbing and turns to me. “Don’t be sorry. You’re my best friend. I’m the one who decided to stick with you.” I hug her and say thank you.

  “Get a room lesbians!” I hear someone yell.

  I sigh as Liv shouts at them. “Hey! You gotta problem buddy?” When they don’t respond she yells, “Yeah, that’s what I thought! Keep movin’ before I come after you!”

  She turns to me with a big smile on her face. We both brea
k out into laughter. A teacher walks by and tells us to get to class. That’s when we notice that the hallway is almost empty. Great, I think. We’re going to be late, again.

  At the end of the day, I start heading to my last class which happens to be art. This is my favorite class. My art teacher is sort of, spiritual so she she’s the beauty in everything. She’s the only teacher who doesn’t give me weird stares in class.

  “Avie! Darling! How are you on this, glorious evening?” She asks me enthusiastically.

  I chuckle and say, “I’m doing fine Miss. Birdie. How are you?”

  “Splendid! Splendid,” she says.

  I take my seat on the stool in front of my easel. I tie my hair up in a ponytail and put on my apron. I grab my brushes, a water bucket and some paint. I go back to my seat and sit. I’m ready to paint.

  “Ok class. Today is a feelings day. Paint what you feel. Make your emotions come to life on your canvas. Remember that there are no mistakes. Only different ideas,” Miss. Birdie says.

  I sit staring at my art work. My color pallet consisted of black, white, and gray. I put it near the window so it can dry. I start taking off my apron and taking my hair out when the bell rings. Other students are walking around and rushing to get out of class. I also forgot to mention that Bethany takes this class. As she passes by me, she bumps my shoulder.

  “Watch it!” she spits.

  I just walk around her and dump the bucket, full of my brown paint water, in the sink.  Bethany starts to clean up too. She carries her red paint jar over to the window. I curiously watch her. I don’t realize what she’s about to do until after she’s already done it. NO!  I think. She just spilled the paint on my canvas. I sit there shocked.

  “Oops,” she giggles.

  She then walks, no, sashays out of the class room. I run over to my painting knowing that there is nothing that I can do about it. I start to feel tears falling down my face. I will not cry.  I think as I wipe the tears away. Miss. Birdie then walks out of her office and notices my ruined painting.

  “Oh my goodness!” she says. She walks over and says, “This is magnificent! Great work dear. I want you to present this to the class tomorrow.”

  She gives me a smile and then goes to her desk. That’s when I realize that other students are running in the hallways with their backpacks. I gather my things and head out the door.

  At home, I set my backpack on the dining room table and then head towards the kitchen. I open the fridge and find nothing good that I want to eat. I then open the pantry and find Oreos. Yes, I said it, Oreos. My one true love, my soul, my reason for living. Maybe I’m exaggerating a little but I really do love Oreos. I grab the package and head back to my pack. See what I did there? Get it? Backpack? Back to my pack? No? That’s alright. I’m not the best joker. Anyway, I unload all my homework and then stare at the pages. I’m going in for the kill.

  About an hour later, I’m packing away my backpack. Then, I go and put my Oreos away. I look at the time and see that’s it’s around 4:45p.m. I think I’m going to watch some T.V.  But first, (no I’m not taking a selfie) I head up stairs and take a quick shower. When I’m done with my shower, I put on a fuzzy pair of pajamas, grab a warm fuzzy blanket, and head downstairs. I turn on the T.V and look for a good channel to watch. I stick to watching the Vampire Diaries.

  When my mom comes home, she sits on the couch and looks at me. I hit the pause button. Yes we have a pause button. We have the fancy company that lets us do that.

  “Honey, your father called.”

  If you didn’t know, my dad left our family for a better one. His ‘wife’ is supposedly super rich and really pretty. One day, I came home after school with my mom and my dad was sitting at the dining room table. He stood up and handed my mom divorce papers. He then walked out of the house and said, “They’re due next week.” Ever since then it was just my mom and I. I like it this way better. If my dad didn’t love us enough to stay, he doesn’t deserve the love that we should be giving.

  “What did he say?” I asked.

  I didn’t really care. It’s more out of curiosity.

  “He wants to meet me tomorrow for coffee,” she said.

  “Are you going?” I asked.

  “I think so. Just to see what he wants.”

  I gave her a questionable look and she just sighed.

  “It’s alright Avia. I’ll be fine,” she assured me.

  “As long as you’re alright with this,” I sighed.

  She got up and gave me a humongous hug. “I love you. You know that right?” she asked.

  “Of course I do,” I said. “I love you too.”

  The next day, I sit in art class waiting for my turn to present. The red paint has dried since then and now it looks as though someone was murdered on my painting. I know, that’s a little morbid but it’s true. The red definitely stands out. I’m just going to have to make something up since the red isn’t part of my feelings. Maybe I can make it into a feeling. I have it! I know what I’m going to do.

  “Avia, it’s your turn Dear,” said my teacher cutting off the rest of my thoughts.

  I stand up and go to the front. I don’t get nervous during these types of presentations. There are only a few people who take this class.

  “Um, this is my painting,” I start.

  “Yeah, we know that.” Someone says.

  The class starts to laugh.

  “Alright everyone,” Miss. Birdie says. “Calm down and let her finish.”

  I point to my painting and tell them about what the colors mean.

  “The black stands for the tragedies that have happened in my life. The grey is for the bad memories that start to fade with time. The white represents the good times in my life.” I look to the class and they all look at me with interest. “The red is for a new event that’s happening. The dark red that’s swirled with the bright red is the decision. This could be a good memory forming. That would make the paint be bright. If it turns dark, the memory is bad.”

  I finish with my presentation and the whole class looks at me shocked or confused. It’s hard to tell. I look to my teacher and see that she is smiling.

  “That was wonderful Dear. You can go sit down now,” she says.

  I go back and shrink down into my seat, trying to hide from all the studying looks. She calls on the next person and the class seems to pass by in a blur.

  When I go home, my mom is at the counter in the kitchen cooking dinner.

  “Hey mom,” I say.

  She looks to me and asks, “How was school?”

  I reply with the usual “fine” and go sit at the dining room table. I’m about halfway done when my mom comes in. When she sits down, I put down my pencil and give her all of my attention. She usually leaves me alone to let me focus on my homework.

  “Yes mom?” I ask.

  “Well, I went to go get coffee with your father-“

  “Don’t call him that,” I say. “He hasn’t been my father since he left,” I finish.

  “Alright, Kyle and I had coffee today and he told me a few things,” she says. “He wants you to go live with him.”

  I open my mouth but she puts her hand up. I close my mouth and wait for her to finish.

  “His reasoning is that he wants to show his wife how good of a father he can be. He lied and said that he still talks to you. He wants you to live with him for a year and show her that he can be a good father. She doesn’t want children, so she’s still skeptical.”

  I sit there staring at her. Finally I open my mouth.

  “So he wants to use me is what you’re saying,” I say.

  “Yes Avie, he wants to use you,” she sighs. “It’s your decision. Honestly, I don’t want him to have you. I can’t stop you from not going but, I am able to keep him from you if you don’t want to go. I’ll find a lawyer and we will settle it,” she says with confidence.

  I look at her and say, “I don’t want to go.” My dad is the last pers
on I want to see.

  “He’s filing a lawsuit if I don’t agree,” she tells me. “Don’t worry though. I’ll handle it. You just focus on school.”

  She gets up from the table and lets me finish my homework. I can’t help but think about what’s going to happen if we lose.  I don’t want to live with Kyle and his wife. Why would he want children anyway? He has-had me. I don’t want him, them, to have any part in my life. I’m fine without them. My mom is better than any other. She doesn’t deserve to be left again. When Kyle left, she handled a job, a child, bills and most of what couples handle together. She kept me in school, fed me, and gave me clothes. My mom didn’t leave me so I’m not going to leave her.

  The day of the lawsuit…..

  “Order, Order!” the judge yells.

  Today is the day. The lawsuit is in session. My mom is now standing at a podium; Kyle is standing at the other podium in front of the judge’s podium. I am currently on the bench behind my mom and Kyle’s wife, Sophie, is to his left on the bench behind him. My friend, Liv, is sitting in the audience section because I needed her support.

  “Ms. Rose, you will continue to have full custody your daughter Avie Rose,” said the judge.

  “NO! AVIE IS MY DAUGHTER TOO! I DESERVE TO HAVE HER!” my dad explodes, yelling at the judge. “DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW TO DO YOUR JOB?”

  Present day……

  Let’s just say, that my dad was escorted out by the police and the security. I was still living with my mom and I continue to go to school. The bullying still continues. I’m just waiting for the time when I leave high school. I tired of getting teased but I’m getting used to it. My mom tried to talk to the principal a few times but he doesn’t do anything about it. My life is almost perfect now. I know nothing is perfect but, I don’t care. I have my best friend, my mom and my Oreos. Life is good.

  Fangs

  Jordan Owens

  I felt a warm hand on the small of my back as I browsed through the numerous shelves of books. Surprised, I gasped and turned around, shocked to see the pale face staring back at me and even more amused at the self-satisfied smirk it bore. The face had perfectly sculpted features. His bright green eyes stared at mine; acting as though they could see right through me. I broke away from the trance and took a step away. His hand slowly fell to his side.

  “Sorry to startle you,” he said. “I’m Sebastian, and those are my friends Rose and Mark.”

  He turned and pointed to a table in the corner of the library. I take a look and see that there’s a girl with long blonde hair sitting on the table. In the seat next to her, is a boy with brown hair that’s been spiked with gel. They both look like they should be models. The green eyed man’s voice brought my attention back.

  “We have a history paper to write and I was wondering if you would be so kind as to show me where the books are.”

  I told him to follow me and started heading to the back of the library.

  “Thank you,” he said with a smile that showed perfectly white teeth.

  “You’re welcome,” I said and started to turn around.

  “See you later,” he said as I was leaving.

  I walk into my house and find that my mom hasn’t been home yet. I take off my shoes and set them on the ground next to the door. Then I take off my coat, scarf, and gloves. It’s fall, and the wind is chilly. These are a necessity when going outside. I take my backpack and run up the stairs. I want to get a start on my homework so I have the weekend to hang out with my friends and do whatever I want before school starts on Monday.

  As I’m finishing up my last assignment, I hear the front door open and close. I look at the clock next to my bed and see that it’s close to 6. Looks like mom’s back home from work, I thought to myself. I put all of my books and binders into my back and set it on the chair in front of my desk. I race down the stairs to see if my mom brought home dinner. As I rush into the kitchen, I see two plates set out and some boxes from the Chinese restaurant. My favorite, I think. I start to pile my food onto my plate when my mom walks in.

  “How was school today?” she asks me.

  “It was fine,” I reply.

  “Learn anything new?” she asked as she sat down across from me.

  “I learned that I don’t like school. Actually,” I said “I already knew that I didn’t like school.”

  She sighs and smiles at me. “Yeah, I didn’t like school when I was your age either. But now, I would rather go to school then have a job.”

  When dinner was over, I helped with the dishes and walked into the living room. I found a nice warm blanket and took it with me to go sit on the couch. I pick up the remote for the television and try to find something good to watch. As I’m flipping through the channels, my mom walks in and sits down beside me.

  “Hun,” she said. “I have something to tell you.” I stop flipping and turn to face her.

  “I met someone,” she happily said. If you didn’t know, it’s only my mother and I in this house. My dad left my mom after she had me because he found someone else half his age and went off to be with her. I’ve never missed him because you can’t miss what you don’t have.

  “I’m happy for you mom,” I say. She starts to tell me everything she knows about him. We sit there for about 20 minutes. I look at the time and tell her that I should get to bed. “We’ll talk more tomorrow,” I say with a fake smile.

  “Ok,” she says. I can tell that she really likes this guy. I head up to my room and get ready for bed.

  As I lay in my bed, I start to think about the green eyed man. He was strange I think to myself. I shake my head trying not to think about it. I probably won’t see him again anyway I think. I try to rid my thoughts of him and think about tomorrow. I’m going shopping with Stacy tomorrow. I can’t wait. We’re going to look for costume ideas for the party next week. I’m super excited. It’s going to be blast. I easily drift off to sleep thinking about the party and what to wear.

  BANG! I quickly open my eyes and sit up. What the heck was that!? I thought. I slowly get out of bed and tip-toe over to my closet. I slowly open it, hoping to not make a sound. I reach inside and grab my old softball bat. I tip-toe back over to my door and slightly open it. I lean over and peek into the hallway. I don’t see anything so I open the door wide enough for me to fit through. I head out and move toward the stairs. I walk around slowly and silently with the bat held up poised to swing. I head down the stairs and hear rustling around. I take a right and head towards the kitchen. As soon I turn the corner, I let out a scream.

  “Ah!” I yell. Someone else is screaming too.

  We both stop. “Mom!” I say. “You scared me half to death. I just lost five years.” She looks at me and smiles.

  “You always over exaggerate, sweetheart. Why do you have a bat?” she looks at me curiously.

  “I heard a bang,” I say. “I thought someone was in the house.”

  She looks at me apologetically and says, “Sorry about that. I dropped the pan. I was making pancakes.” We go to the table, sit and start eating. When we’re done, I help clean up and then head over to Stacy’s house.

  “LINDSEY!” I hear a screech as soon as I get to Stacy’s driveway.

  Stacy is bolting towards me. I brace for impact but it doesn’t come. Instead, she is bending over with her hands on her knees, panting.

  “I…am so…..excited,” she says in between breaths. She looks up and then stands up straight. She lets out one final breath and then says, “Let’s go shopping.” I look at her oddly and then we climb into her car.

  When we get back to her house, I help her with her bags. I left mine in her car so that way when she drops me off I’ll already have them packed in the car. We head up into her room and place the bags by her closet. I plop down on her bed and sigh. Shopping with Stacy takes a lot out of a person.

  “So guess what I heard?” she says.

  “What did you hear Stacy?” I ask.

  She always has the la
test gossip. She has her own website that updates students on what’s going on in the school. When she hears something juicy, she posts it on her website. She then goes around and interviews people in the school to get more input.

  “Well,” she starts. ”There’s new students starting school on Monday and I heard that they were all hot. Their names are Rose, Mark, and Seb-“

  “Wait!” I say as I sit up. “Sebastian?”

  “Yeah,” she says. “How did you know?” I stare at her with shock. They’re going to our school?

  “I met Sebastian in the library yesterday and he was with Rose and Mark.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?!” she shouts.

  “I was going to but, I don’t know.” She looks at me sternly.

  “Were they as hot as everyone says they are?” I burst out laughing.

  As soon as I’m done with my laughing fit, I wipe my eyes. “Yeah,” I say. “I guess you could say that.” I think back to when I saw them. They all look like models. I didn’t like the feeling that Sebastian was giving me though. It felt uncomfortable. It was giving me the willies just thinking about it. “It’s getting late and I’m tired. I’m going to bed,” I say. I yawn and get up to brush my teeth and put on my pajamas. I head over to the closet and pull out some blankets. I make a bed on the floor and lay down. I instantly fall asleep.

  The next day, I head back home. It’s now Sunday and I have chores to do. When I walk into my house, I see a note on the refrigerator. My mom left for work already. I go up the stairs and take a quick shower. When I come down I look at the list of chores that my mom has left me. Vacuum, dust, do the laundry, and do the dishes. I’m not usually someone who complains about chores like most teenagers do because this is how I pay for my phone bill. I get $20 a month for doing my chores.  Basically, my mom hands me a list of chores every Sunday. If I don’t do them, then I don’t get paid. If I don’t get paid, then I can’t pay my phone bill. I would look for a job, except I’m too busy with school and with my volunteer work at the animal shelter. I know how cliché that sounds, but hey, I like doing it.

  After my chores are all done, I head out to the animal shelter. They’ve already decorated it for Halloween. Oh!  Halloween is in three days. If you didn’t know, Halloween is my favorite holiday. I love being something that you’re not for at least a night. Ding. I hear the doorbell ring. I walk over and look out the peephole. What is he doing here? I thought. I open the door. “Hello?” I ask.

  Sebastian looks at me and says, “Sorry. I was driving around and saw you go into your house. I wanted to ask you to go the party with me this Friday.”

  Um, that’s not creepy, I think sarcastically. “Um…sure,” I say.

  “Ok great,” he says with a smile. “I’ll see you then,” he says as he walks away.

  “Ok,” I reply a little confused.

  “Lindsey, it’s Friday,” says Stacy.

  “I know,” I say happily.

  “My costume is amazing. “ I push open the school doors and head into the parking lot. I look around for my car and as soon as I see it, I head toward it.

  “I’ll see you tonight,” says Stacy excitedly. When I get home, I do my homework and get my costume and makeup out. I want to look really scary. This year, I’m going as a vampire. My dress is a short form fitting red dress that goes about mid-thigh. Over the dress is a long half sleeve black lace dress with a black vest. I also have black lace sleeves that go from my wrists to right above my elbows. I matched it with black heels and a blood red necklace. After I put that on, I check the clock and see that’s it’s almost 7. Jeez, I thought. How long does it take me to put on a costume? I walk over to my makeup bag, grab it, and hurry to the bathroom. I start to layer my eyes in black. I put on my black eyeliner, my black eye shadow, and my black mascara. Then, I apply dark red, almost black, lipstick to my lips. I then place the fake vampire teeth on. I bought the expensive ones so they look real. I take one last look in the mirror then head out the door.

  As soon as I get out of my car, I hear the loud blaring music. I text Stacy and tell her that I’m here. I start to head into the party when I see Rose and Mark. I don’t see Sebastian though. Oh my goodness! I totally forgot that I was going with him. I decide that I’ll just wait it out and see if he shows up. Then I need to apologize. I look around and find Stacy on the dance floor. I decide to go over and join her. I started to dance to Monster by Meg and Dia. Fitting, I thought. When the song’s over, I go to get some water. I grab a water bottle and feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn around and find Sebastian there.

  “Hey,” I say. “I’m so sorry for leaving you. I totally forgot that I was supposed to come with you.”  I look at him apologetically.

  “It’s alright. As long as you came right?” he jokes.

  “Yea,” I say a little relieved that he isn’t upset.

  “You look great,” he says.

  “Thanks. So do you,” I say. He’s also dressed as a vampire. “Those look so real. Where did you get them?” I ask as I reach up to touch his teeth. He hisses and leans back before I can touch them. “Sorry,” I say as I shrink back.

  “No I’m sorry,” he says. “It’s just a little weird to have someone’s hand in your mouth.”

  I look at him, laugh and say, “yeah, I guess it is.”

  “Hey. Do you want to go to somewhere quieter to talk?” Sebastian asks me.

  “Sure,” I say. We head into the office. I sit on the desk and he sits in a desk chair.

  “It’s good you’re sitting down for this,” he says. I look at him in confusion.

  “Is everything ok?” I ask.

  “Yea,” he says. “I just wanted to tell you something. “

  I look at him and say, “Go ahead.”

  He takes a deep breath and says jokingly, “It’s funny you dressed up as a vampire tonight.” Now I’m really confused.  I look at him waiting for him to explain. He looks me in the eyes. I stare captivated. “Lindsey,” he says. “I’m a vampire.”

  I start laughing hysterically. “You’re kidding me right?” I ask a little out of breath.

  “I wish I was,” he says. I look at him a little worried. His eyes turn red and his fangs are already out. “Wha-What-Oh my- ahhhh!!!” I yell as I turn to run for the door. I try the handle but it won’t open. I turn around right as he lunges for me. I quickly dodge him but not quickly enough. His nails scratch my arm and I scream in pain. “Ahhhh! Someone help me!” I know the music is too loud and no one is coming to help me. I hide under the desk and find a pen. I reach around and stab him in the foot. He barely flinches. He bends over to take out the pen and that’s when I head over to the wooden chair. I break the leg off of the chair and make a stake. He’s already up and moving toward me. I use my martial arts skills and sidestep him. Then I reach around his leg with my foot and kick him behind his knee. As expected, he falls to the floor. I jump on his back and pull his head up by his hair exposing his neck and chest. I shove the makeshift stake into his undead heart. He then disintegrates into black ash. “Aw man,” I say. “I really liked this costume.” Unfortunately, the sleeve on my dress is ripped. I guess it gives my costume more affect. Especially, since it has my blood on it from the scratch.

  I walk out into the party and hope that no one has seen my disheveled appearance. I start looking for Stacy but instead find Mark and Rose. “Hey guys,” I say. “Enjoying the party?” Hopefully they don’t suspect anything. Mark smirks at Rose and then in a flash, is behind me, covering my mouth with his hand, and is dragging me backwards. I struggle and try to get free. I know it’s not working so I try to pry his hand away so I can scream for help. It’s no use. I get dragged into a dark room. I feel the hands slip away. I then feel a little pinch on my neck. I reach up and feel a lock of spiked hair. Oh my gosh! He’s a vampire too! He’s drinking my blood! I struggle free and put a hand to my neck. I look at it but it’s too dark to see. I can feel the sticky substance though. I place my hand back on
my neck.

  I run around the room trying to stay away from Mark. “Please,” I say. “Just let me go. I’ll leave you alone.”

  He hisses at me and says, “You killed Sebastian. You’re not getting away from here alive.”

  My face pales. I start to back up when I run into a desk. I feel around and find that it’s the desk from when I was with Sebastian. I’m back in the office! I know exactly where I put the stake. If only I could get to it. Mark lunges at me and I jump out of the way. I’m closer to the stake and start to run towards it. Something tackles me from behind and I fall to the ground. He latches onto my neck again. Good, I thought. This will distract him for a while. I reach for the stake. I can feel myself weakening. I scratch it across his face and he jumps off. I turn around and lay on my back. He grabs my wrist and tries to take the stake. I drop it into my other hand and stab him in his cold, probably black, heart. He instantly turns to ash that falls all over me. I close my eyes as it falls into my face. Yuck, I thought. I wipe my hand over my face and feel the ash on my hand. I get up and go out to the party again. This time I find Rose alone on the couch talking to her friends. Oh great. Am I going to have to kill her too? She looks at me and I can tell she knows what the ash is from. She stands up and runs, at human pace, out the door.

  Now, I go home and hope that she’ll leave me alone. I know that’s not going to happen. I killed her family, or friends, whatever you want to call them. Now I just have to wait. This time, when she comes for me, I’ll be ready. I just wonder how they got here. Then it hits me. Vampires are real. This is insane. They are supposed to be scary Halloween characters that people talk about around the camp fire. I should stark writing down these questions that need to be answered. I’ll do that when I get home though. Right now, I’m just going to enjoy the fact that these vampires are gone and dance.

  Please Believe Me

  Jordan Owens

  Why is this idea so bad? I would like someone to tell me. It’s not every day that you hear something like this. It’s only an idea. I say it would change the world. No one believes it’s true. Only I do. I’m all by myself in this. Some days I’m fine. Others I’m not. If only I had a friend with me, someone who knew what I was talking about. I need a person on my side. I need them with me through all of the bad days.  I need someone who believes me. If only they were real.

  I’m Dayton. My friends call me Day. The thing is…I only have one friend. Her name is Zoë. She is my best friend, my only friend. I’m a sophomore in high school. I’m the kind of person that people don’t want to be friends with. I sort of, blend into the crowd. I’m not very tall. I’m around five foot six. I guess I would say that I am fairly skinny. People don’t whisper about me or anything like that. I just don’t get noticed. I’m like a chameleon. I blend in to my surroundings.

  I walk into school and immediately find Zoë. She is waiting by my locker. She always gets to school early. I don’t. I like to have a little bit of freedom before I come here. I absolutely hate school. “Hey,” says Zoë.

  “Hey,” I reply.

  “So,” she says.

  “I was wondering whether you wanted to go to Mason’s party this weekend.”

  Before I get to say my answer she hurriedly says, “You never go to the parties that people have. You don’t want to go and I want to go with you. You always complain about school and how you have to come here. This party will get your mind off of school. Do it for me? Please?” I shrug my shoulders and say I’ll think about it. I know that I am already going to say no. I always do. I’m just worried that Zoë will leave me alone to hang out with her other friends. She is the only person I would talk to. I am very anti-social.

  At the end of the day, my idea pops into my head. I still haven’t told Zoë about it yet. I’m afraid that she wouldn’t want to be my friend anymore. I know I shouldn’t think like that but I just can’t shake the feeling of nervousness when I think about telling someone. I am actually going to tell Zoë tomorrow during lunch about my idea. I’m really nervous. I know she would believe me. I don’t actually believe in my idea. It’s just a silly little idea. I’m not going to do anything about it. It’s just that I have been thinking about it a lot lately. Zoë is my friend she would understand. She’ll help me figure it out.

  “Zoë,” I say.

  She turns to me and says, “Yeah?” “I have to tell you something,” I say nervously. She can tell.

  She shouts, “Oh my goodness! You’re pregnant!”

  “No, no!” I say. I tell her my idea and analyze her reactions. She only has one and it’s a blank stare. Then she smiles at me and then looks down at her food. She takes a bite and looks at me again.

  “That’s great,” she says. “I wouldn’t think too much on it though.” I am so glad she is still my friend. I look down, relieved.

  The next day, I heard everyone whispering and laughing as I passed by. I was trying to think back to the days before and see if I did anything wrong. I didn’t do anything drastic except for tell Zoë my idea. She wouldn’t. I ran to go find her. I look around frantically and find her talking with a group of girls.

  I approach them and say, “Zoë? Can we talk for a minute, privately?”

  “Why would I go anywhere with you, freak?” she says with disgust.

  “Did you tell everyone my idea?” I accused.

  “Of course I did. I just didn’t know how much of a freak you are,” She says. I go to class with the murmurs and laughter following. People part for me. At least I can get to class faster, I think with sadness.

  It’s just me. My friend ditched me. Why would she ditch me like that? We’ve been best friends for a long time. I just can’t believe that she would actually do that. For the most part, everyone made sure to steer clear of me. I am once again alone. Just like when I was little. My parents died in a car accident. That’s what the doctors say at least. They were alive until they got to the hospital. That’s where they died. The doctors couldn’t save them. The cause of death was listed as a car accident. I know that’s not true. The cause of death was really failure to save. I don’t blame the doctors. They did their best. I have a feeling however that if it was personal; they would have tried even harder.

  After my parents died, I went to live with my aunt. She had a family of her own and didn’t want me. That is how I ended up in foster care. I wouldn’t call it care though. No one likes me there either. I don’t know what I did, but I do know that I would be sorry if I knew. I know I’m not a bad person. I guess no one has taken a liking to me.

  The next day, at school, I sit at lunch thinking of my idea. Maybe I should do it. Maybe I shouldn’t, I don’t know. I do know that it’s crowded here and I can’t think. I get up, dump my tray and go through the glass doors. I start to head to the park. I find a spot under a shady tree and park my butt down.

  It’s just me and my idea. Everyone knows what it is and disagrees with it. I don’t care anymore. I finally made my decision. I think about how I can start. It’s going to be hard. I just need to know how long it’s going to take. I know I won’t want to do it anymore later. I want to start now. I’m going to make a house for kids who are in foster care. It’s going to be big and available for anyone in foster homes. If people don’t like the house that they are staying in, they can come to my large house. I sigh and lean back on the tree. This is going to work. Trust me.

  Find Him

  Jordan Owens

  I sit rigidly in the bus seat. My leg is shaking up and down. I have my bag packed next to me. It has everything I need. I have some money, clothes, and my fake ID card. I look out the window constantly, trying to find police officers. I don’t think they suspect anything yet, but when they do, I’m not going to be there. We stop and I look up suspiciously, hoping it wasn’t a police officer. Instead, it’s a man with worn down clothes. He walks down the aisle and stops right by my seat.

  The man looks strange, dressed in dark green and black. He looks around 6 feet tal
l. His faced is aged, and I can tell that he is at least around 30 years old.

  “Yes?” I ask nervously. I’m hoping he doesn’t recognize me. He just stands there staring. I turn slowly and look out the window. I hear a rustling noise next to me and when I look, my bag is on the floor and the man is in the space next to me. I look at him strangely. I’m still fidgeting.

  “What are you?” I ask. “Some sort of detective?” He still stares blankly at me. “Well if you wouldn’t mind moving, it’d be much appreciated,” I say snidely. He still looks at me. I huff and turn to the window again.

  We pass a few towns and he is still here, in my seat, on the bus. He pulled out a book about a mile ago. I glance at the cover and see that it has an alien on it.

  He caught me looking and gruffly says, “They’re coming you know.”

  I look at him strangely and ask, “What?” He says again, “The aliens, they’re coming.”

  I look around and find that we are the last two on the bus. “Um, are you alright?” I asked.

  “I’m fine,” he says. “Humanity isn’t.” He stands up and looks around. He sees that the bus is empty. “I told you,” he says. “It’s already started.” He then goes to the front of the bus and talks to the driver. This man is crazy, I mutter to myself.

  He goes to the back of the bus and starts rambling.

  “They’re coming,” he says. “The aliens, they wanted to colonize here first. Humanity took over Earth and they are coming for revenge. I have a message.” He looks directly at me. I see that his eyes have glazed over. “The demons will rise on the 5th of October. Beware, the fire will fall, the screams will be heard, and the blood will be spilled. The smoke will be black. The food will be gone, and the water will be scarce. No one is safe. No one can help. Everyone will die. Your bodies will rot and they will take over. Humanity will die.” He walks up to me and I start to tremble. He bends over and looks me in the eyes. The glaze from his eyes is gone. He hands me a note. His eyes glaze over again. He stands up straight and walks to the front of the bus. He talks to the driver again. The driver pulls up to the curb and opens the door. The man looks back and nods his head at me.

  I open the note he gave me. His handwriting looks like scribbles. It’s barely legible. The red ink is all over the page. It looks like his pen exploded. I try to make out the words. It says, don’t harm the savior. Solve the problem. You’re haunted by your demons, you run from safety. They’re coming. No, they’re here. They watch. They study. They plot. It’s only him, The One. Find him. Don’t let him get away. He’s your last hope.  I look out the window as we drive by. The man is frantically yelling into his phone. He then stops talking midsentence and turns toward me. His eyes are wide, his mouth is open, and he looks frozen in place. I get a sinking feeling in my gut and watch him as we continue to move forward. The man then starts to talk into the phone, his eyes still on me. The bus continues to move and the man gets smaller and smaller until I can’t see him anymore. I take a sigh of relief and lay my head against the cool window. That was weird, I think to myself.

  We stop again and another man comes on the bus. He is wearing a black police officer suit. I take a peek and make sure he didn’t see me yet. I’m pretty sure he didn’t so I slink down under the seats, making sure I don’t make a lot of noise. He walks to the back of the bus and I slide forward, still under the seats. I continue until I am near the entrance. I find that the driver didn’t close the door yet. I’m grateful for that. As I’m about to bolt out the door, a hand grabs me from behind. I let out a yelp and try to scramble away. I turn around and see that the man isn’t a man at all. He looks…terrifying. My heart beat speeds up even faster and the blood drains from my face. Mason, I hear in my head. We’ve come for you. I try to break away from his hold but his grip is like iron. I close my eyes and pass out.

  As I sit up and open my eyes, I notice that I’m moving. I take a look around and find that I’m on a bus. I look over the seat and towards the front. No one is there. The driver and all the passengers are gone. I take my bag and start to get up. This is a perfect time to make a run for it, I think to myself. I get up and bolt to the door. I run down the stairs and hide behind the bus. I peek around and make sure there aren’t any cops. When I make sure it’s clear, I bolt to the other side of the street. I hear something rubbing in my pocket as I’m running. I reach in and pull out a note. It’s the one that man gave me. I look around and find a trash can. I run towards it and throw the note away. I look around again and start to run. Mason…………

  Missing Assignment

  Jordan Owens

  “Alright team. Gather anything worth looking at and name them as evidence,” says the chief.

  He looks around the scene and finds the body under a white tarp. The paramedics are here and have already named the body dead. The chief looks around the room and finds many things wrong with it. Some of the desks are turned over and the pictures are ripped. Pens and pencils are all over the floor. He looks around some more and finds the investigator standing in the corner surveying the room. The chief walks over to him.

  “There are signs of a struggle,” says the investigator.

  “My team is picking up some evidence if you want to go look at it. But remember; don’t touch it, “says the chief.

  The investigator looks back and says, “I know.”

  “Please. Please don’t hurt me,” the girl cries. “I’ll do whatever you want, but please just don’t kill me.”  

  The investigator feels discomfort and holds his head in his hands. He looks around hoping that no one saw. They didn’t. For that, he was grateful. No one needs to know what he can do. If anyone saw him, he would have to lie. He can see glimpses of the past if he is in an area of a recent death. The oldest death he has seen was someone who has died a week before. He doesn’t know how to control it. It just happens unexpectedly and on its own. He learned about his curse around the age of 11. The woman, who lived in the apartment under his, was murdered. Her name was Mrs. Feller. About two days later, he could see her screaming and struggling. It was like it was his own memory and he had lived it.

  The investigator walked over to the body under the tarp. He looked at the space around the body. There was blood spread out around the body. It looked like she was dragged. A few feet away, there was a necklace charm. The chain though, was missing. He assumes it was somewhere else in the room and someone picked it up for evidence. He finds a pair of sunglasses on the ground by the teacher’s desk broken. He looks around the room and finds one text book with indents in the cover. It looks like it has been used as a shield and something has been smashed into it repeatedly. There is a broken red ruler on the floor. The investigator looks closer and finds that it isn’t a red ruler. It’s white.   It must be blood covered. He looks at the body again. The head isn’t fully covered and he finds a hair clip on the side of her head broken. It looks like she was hit there. Someone must have tried to knock her out.

  The chief looks at the scene. Man, it must have been some struggle, he thinks. The whole room is destroyed. He looks at the investigator to see if he sees anything unusual. The investigator is supposed to be the best in the world. He is trying to figure out how. He must have gone to the same school as someone else who wanted to do the same job. Shouldn’t they have gotten the same training? He sees the investigator wince. That was weird, he thinks. He must have gotten a little headache. It’s probably nothing, he thinks.

  The investigator starts to write these clues into his journal. He walks to the desk and takes a look around. Why would someone kill in a public school? What was the motive? He takes out a pair of white gloves, puts them on, and opens the desk drawer. He digs around to see if anything can give him more insight of what happened.

  “No one is supposed to know where this is” says a man’s voice. “How is it you know?” The man advances toward the girl.

  She backs away. “I-I was looking f-for a pencil and saw the bottom of the draw ope
n. I-I’m sorry. I won’t tell I promise,” says the frightened girl.

  ” Of course you won’t,” says the man. “You’ll be dead.”

   “Ouch,” the investigator mutters.

  That one hurt. He takes a minute to fight the pain. He then opens the bottom of the drawer and finds a flash drive.

  He holds it up and says, “Can someone get me an evidence bag?” Someone walks over to him with a bag and opens it. The investigator puts the flash drive in the bag and then walks over to the chief.

  “I think I found the motive, depending on what is on the flash drive.”

  “Good work,” says the chief.

  Later that week, the investigator sits in his office with the flash drive. He takes out his laptop and turns it on. He plugs in the flash drive. A sign in screen pops open. He has to put in a password. He doesn’t have it yet but he has an idea of where he can find it. He has to go talk to the teacher. The flash drive was in his desk anyway. Of course he would have to know how it got there. If it’s his he knows that he killed the girl. The investigator just has to have real evidence to show because he has the visions but other people don’t. He has an advantage. He just has to prove it.

  The investigator walks into the classroom just as the last student is walking out.

  “Are you Mr. Tompkins?” asks the investigator.

  “Yes,” said the teacher.

  “This is detective Shay, do you have a moment to talk?” asks the investigator.

  “Uh, sure,” says the teacher.

  “Can you tell me where you were the night that Julia Crass was murdered?” asked the investigator.

  “I was at home sleeping,” said the teacher.

  “Can you tell me what this is?” asks the investigator as he holds up the flash drive. Surprise shows up on the teacher’s face that is quickly replaced with a smile.

  “Why that’s a flash drive,” he says.

  “Don’t get smart with me Mr. Tompkins,” said the investigator.

  The teacher then walks around the investigator and says, “I wasn’t being smart. I just was saying that it was a flash drive.” Before he fully finished his sentence, he bolted through the door.

  The investigator was chasing him through the school. The students in the hallway were screaming and moving out of the way. The teacher was fast, but not fast enough. When they got out of the school and into the parking lot, the investigator tackled the teacher.

  “I am taking you in,” said the investigator. As soon as the teacher was brought in, he was questioned. He thought that if he confessed to killing the girl, he would get less time in jail. He was wrong.

  “Nice work,” said the chief. “How did you figure out it was him?”

  The investigator looked at the chief and wondered if he knew something. “The flash drive was in his desk,” he said. “All I had to do was ask him what was on the flash drive.”

  No one knows what is on the flash drive. That is the one thing that the teacher wouldn’t say. The investigator hired some hackers to look into it. The flash drive should be the motive. If the teacher confessed to the murder, why wouldn’t he say why? They couldn’t take him to jail yet because they don’t know if it was self-defense. The investigator knows it wasn’t self-defense, but that is one secret he will never tell.

  Later that day, the hackers came and talked to the investigator. “Detective Shay,” one of them said. “We cracked the code. These are the files that were on the flash drive in order.” The hacker hands him a stack of papers.

  “Thank you,” said the investigator. “I appreciate the help.” He walks down the hallway and goes into his office. He sits at his dark mahogany desk in his soft black office chair. He starts to go through the files. What he sees doesn’t surprise him in the slightest. He knew the teacher was strange and disgusting. The only thing that was surprising was that he kept all of this information in the school in his desk where anyone could have found it. On the flash drive were files of young girls that were in his class. He had almost all of their information. You may think that it’s what all teachers have. They all have a file on their students. The school may have a file on all of their students but the teachers don’t have personal files. They definitely don’t have pictures of them in their houses like these files do. This is disgusting, the investigator thought. I’m glad he’s in jail now. He won’t be able to do this again for a long time.

  Liz Frazier

  Paintings

  “911 what’s your emergency?” The operator announced.

  “Everyone’s dead! Oh God, please hurry!” A panic came over the phone.

  “Ma’am could you please Calm down. How many are dead?”

  “I don’t know. I can’t go back in there.” She breathed in terror.

  “Alright ma’am. Can you give me your location?”

  “10050 Cello Drive. I don’t know how long they’ve been dead. She’s pregnant and they killed her.” The women panicked.

  “Alright. Police are heading your way.” She reassured her.

  “Have them hurry!” she shrieked before the line went dead.

  Three police cars pull up to Cello Dr. at 9:23 A.M. They get out of their vehicles and are greeted by a hysterical maid. “There’s blood everywhere! Go quick! See if they’re still alive!” She screeched. As the police step to the scene, the CSI unit van pulls up along with the detectives. Before they get to the house they identify a mangled female with blood all over her nightgown on the lawn. They see no movement so they continue to the house. On the door step was another mutilated man face down. They enter the house and find two others. A women clad in a negligee nightgown with a rope around her neck joined her body to another victim. Both victims repeatedly stabbed. Bullet holes filled the ceiling and blood covered the floors. No movement from inside. They continue to search around the house and find nothing. They exit the house and hear a dog barking from a small guest house. They break in and find a man sitting on a couch with his dog. “Freeze! Don’t move!” They shout. “ Wha-a-at what happened.” He asked confused. They arrest him as a suspect and take him into custody.

  They take all evidence from the crime scene to the LAIS lab for testing. Detective Hernandez is assigned the case and heads over to the scene. Once he enters the house he pulls out his notepad and starts investigating. He walks into one of the bedrooms and the bed sheets are on the ground. “They must’ve been a struggle to get out into the living room.” He commented. He walked out of the room and heard a jingle at his foot. He looked down to see a set of car keys. ‘1969 GTO’ it read. He headed to the garage to see if they had such a car. Two car garage was occupied by two Plymouth Roadrunners. “No Grand Torino here. Hey Elvis, come here.” He shouted into the house. Elvis tromped over with his mop of curls bouncing with every step.

  “What’s up boss?” He questioned.

  “I found these in the house, near the room on the left.” He showed him the set of car keys. Elvis took them in his hand and looked at the engraving on the key.

  “GTO. Do you think they have that somewhere around here?” He said while looking around the garage.

  “I was thinking the same thing but there’s only Plymouths here. We will have to see if there’s one around. Maybe these belonged to a guest.” He said while turning around.

  They went back into the house to check if the coroner had arrived yet. When they walked into the living room Officer Newman entered the opposite side of the room.

  “Hernandez, you need to see this.” He breathed.

  Hernandez and Elvis followed the officer to the other side of the house. Officer Newman stopped at the bathroom and pointed to the shower. The shower was painted with blood and on the wall was written ‘Die pigs’.

  “Suppose they took a shower before they left?” Hernandez assumed.

  “Last week we found a guy with his ear cut off with ‘piggy’ written on the wall. Guessing these murders are related?” Elvis figured.

  “But we
found a guy driving his car the next day and we took him in and found the man’s blood on him. He said he was staying at Glowen Apartments with friends.” Elvis added.

  “Find where that is and get them out of there.” Hernandez announced.

  Officer Newman hurried to his car and located Glowen Apartments and headed south. Elvis found a flash drive in the kitchen sink that was soaked in watermelon juice and half eaten watermelon slices. “Looks like they also grabbed a bite to eat.” He looked around and saw a police officer marking the fridge that had bloody hand prints covering it. On the counter was a water bottle filled to the brim with blood. This had to be the most horrific scene Elvis had ever seen in his time being a detective. Elvis took the flash drive to the CSI unit van and told them to get everything off the flash drive.

  ” Report back to me as soon as you find out what’s on it.” He demanded.

  When he returned to the scene the two bodies inside had been removed. The blood stained floor gave Elvis the chills. Hernandez came into the living room “You ready to go to the office?” He asked.

  “Yeah, let me make a quick run through first then I’ll head out.” Elvis answered.

  He walked into the master bedroom, into the bathroom, around the corner and into a closet. He looked to his right and saw two dogs huddled together in a small dog bed. “C,mere puppy’s.” Elvis bent down and put his hand out to the dogs. One dog cautiously walked to smell his palm, then went straight to his feet. He picked him up and softly pets him. The other dog started moping towards him and he picked him up with his free hand. He walked out of the house and put the dogs in the back of his Cadillac. Hernandez was in the driver’s seat waiting for Elvis to arrive. Elvis buckled up and they were en route to the station.

  When they arrive they went to Deputy Ronsick’s office. Ronsick takes photos of all the evidence and inspects all the information they accumulated at the scene.

  “How’s everything going Ronsick?” Hernandez greeted him.

  “Not to good. The killers left no evidence of DNA. So we will have to just go off of whatever’s on that flash drive and the GTO. They didn’t have their keys if it’s theirs so they couldn’t get too far” Ronsick announced.

  “Do we have scouts searching the radius of the area?” Elvis questioned him. “Yeah, Don has a crew looking for the car.” He proclaimed.

  Just then, Hernandez got a call on his office phone saying they found a women sleeping in the car off of 16th and the crossing and had been brought into custody.

  “One down. They found a women sleeping in the GTO off of 16th street.” He announced.

  Right as Elvis spoke, Roger Banks busted through the door in a panic. Everyone turned his direction waiting for him to speak when Newman came beside him and said,

  “You guys have to come and see what they found on the flash drive!” Everyone followed right after he left the room to the computer lab. When they entered investigator Turner spun around in his chair with anxiety on his face.

  “Prepare for what your about to see gentlemen. It’s violent, vulgar, and gory. “Turner spoke.

  He pressed play and the screaming began. Multiple times the person filming would show his face. He had shoulder length dark brown hair, a grizzly beard, and menacing eyes. There were two others. They couldn’t make out their faces but they were females. They could tell by the giggles and the high pitch singing.

  “These people are insane!” Hernandez exclaimed.

  “Yeah no kidding. Do you hear them laughing and singing like it’s a game?” Elvis choked.

  They finished watching the tape and printed 500 copies of the murderers face under the caption ‘WANTED’ and had them hung up all around the city of LA and broadcasted on the news.

  “How stupid can you be to leave proof at the scene of a homicide?” Elvis questioned.

  “Maybe they were drugged up or under the influence, who knows.” Hernandez added.

  “Well, that might explain it. We’ll find out in no time. The whole city is on the lookout for these fools.” Elvis said before he exited the room.

  The next morning everyone was astound at what was on the news. ‘Couple murdered in their home.’ No one knew what was going on. Hernandez barged into the office yelling “Haven’t we found these lunatics yet people!” He screamed.

  “Sir we don’t even know if these murders are related.” Officer Mindy whispered to him.

  “Of course they are! I just left the scene, and guess what I found there.” He announced. “Blood paintings and a letter this time.”

  “Great, what did it say?” Elvis asked.

  “‘Have a nice day you dirty pigs.’ That’s what it said.” Hernandez spoke.

  “What was the scene like? Shot wounds? Stab wounds?” Newman asked in his thick southern accent.

  “The husband was stabbed 42 times in the living room and had carvings in his stomach. The wife was in the bedroom with a lamp cord tied around her neck, stabbed 27 times in the back. A total of 69 stab wounds.” Hernandez preached to the people.

  “What was the blood painting?” Elvis questioned.

  “‘Death to pigs.’ I guess they have some weird fetish with pigs. But this can’t go on any longer. These murders have to be related. There’s no way it’s a copycat murder because the details inside of the first crime wasn’t aired on television. It’s impossible for anyone to know about the paintings.” Hernandez announced.

  “Newman have you had any luck with Glowen Apartments?” Elvis asked.

  “Funny thing is, there is no such thing as Glowen Apartments. There’s a ranch with the name of Glowen, but it might be a dead end.” Newman stated.

  “Find it and search it anyway. We’re looking for murderers here people! If you get any information take advantage of it!” Hernandez exclaimed.

  “Yes sir, I’ll get right on it.” Newman said while exiting the room.

  “We might have found em’ by now if it wasn’t for that fool.” Elvis laughed.

  Later that day they entered the second crime scene. It almost looked the same as the other homicide but there were more blood paintings than the other. Smiley faces and hand prints were illustrated on the walls everywhere.

  “My gosh.” Was all Elvis could say.

  The place reeked of blood and death. They collected all evidence and returned to the office.

  When they returned Newman ran to them both with a smile. “Come ere’ boys. Got something for ya.” He said as he led them to the confession room. They looked through the glass and saw the shaggy man they had wanted. As they studied him, the man turned towards the men and gave them a sly smile.

  “How can he see us?” Newman asked confused.

  “He can’t, this is a one way window,” Elvis stated. “He’s probably just crazy.” He snickered.

  “We arrested five others. When we got there they were washing their clothes and grilling. It’s like they had their own community or somethin’.” Newman stated with a strong accent.

  “A bunch of hippies is my guess.” Elvis said while entering the interrogation room and received a ghastly look.

  “I’m detective Khuen” Elvis spoke as he adjusted his tie.

  “Ah, and you must have some questions for me.” He spoke in a manipulative tone.

  “I most definitely have some questions for you.” Elvis stayed calm.

  “Proceed then.” He gestured toward Elvis.

  “What’s your name, huh?” Elvis spoke to the stranger.

  “You’d like to know that much, wouldn’t ya?” the man answered.

  “I need to know why you killed those people and taped it like some savage. What was your motive?” Elvis kept a calm tone. He wouldn’t answer Elvis. He just stared at him with empty eyes.

  “Who are you?” Elvis said slightly irritated. He stared at Elvis with a blank face. Then without warning he jumbled his face in bizarre expressions.

  “I’m a tramp, a bum, a hobo. I’m a boxc
ar and a jug of wine and a straight razor… if you get too close to me…Nobody.” He whispered with a foolish tone.

  “Cut the nonsense, what’s your name?” Elvis said quickly before snapping.

  He chuckled before he continued. “My name is Chauncey Grey, son of Charles Grey.” He finally answered.

  “Now Chauncey, why’d you do it?” Elvis eased onto the topic.

  “You should be asking me what I didn’t do.” He began his rant. “See, I’m just a musician trying to get a name and I happened to pick up a few folks on the way. I’m just trying to be a decent human by giving them a home, a family. We’ve all affiliated over the years we’ve been together; you could say we’re the Grey family...” He bantered before being cut off.

  “Chauncey, I don’t know where you’re going with this. Why don’t you just answer my question?” Elvis told him clearly irritated. Chauncey sat there motionless and silent, not giving him an answer. Elvis waited a few more seconds for a reply before he exited the interrogation room.

  “He is definitely crazy.” Elvis said to Hernandez, who was watching Chauncey from the window.

  “And what a name,” He chuckled, “Let’s ask the others some questions.” Hernandez said to the detectives in the room.

  “Wanna go to room two and talk with her?” Elvis held up a mug shot of a tired looking female with thin hazel hair.

  “I think I’m going to write a few statements then I’ll be in to watch.” Hernandez said.

  “Yeah, give me all the work.” Elvis laughed heading to the other interrogation room. Hernandez returned to his office and continued the statements. Suddenly, Newman slammed through the doorway frightening Hernandez.

  “Newman, you really need to work on your entrances.” Hernandez breathed.

  “Sorry boss, but you won’t believe what’s happening.” Newman gushed. Resulting in Hernandez standing up and rushing out the door and down the hall to room two. He looked through the glass window and saw the female was a chatterbox. Giving Elvis detailed information left and right. Thrilled, Hernandez chuckled aloud.

  “This case is done and closed.” Newman said all smiley.

  “This case has just begun. Yes we have insight but that’s all we got. There could be another accomplice, we never know. But this is a great start.” Hernandez smiled. Elvis thanks the girl so kindly for her honesty and exits the room.

  “Wow, I cannot believe that just happened.” Elvis looked stunned in the doorway.

  “You did great in there man. I wonder why she was so truthful.” Hernandez speculated.

  “She was definitely doped up. She said before the murders they took the legendary trip. Chauncey brainwashed all of them saying he’s God and what not.” Elvis sighed. Hernandez sat there chuckling at the women through the window and said, “Well all is done my friends. Our work here is done.”

  Liz Frazier

  Strange Encounter

  It was a chilly October night when I ran to the local bookstore. I was looking for a copy of The Grapes of Wrath for my American Literature class. I walked into the store to be greeted by an aged woman with sock curls and a wool vest. “Hello honey, anything particular your searching for?” she questioned sweetly. “Um yea, I’m looking for The Grapes of Wrath novel.” I said with a questioning tone. I have always been the awkward-shy girl that says everything as a question just because. She nods her head and leads me to a room in the back of the store that had an aroma of old books. “So many books I’m in heaven.” I laughed. “Are you looking for a job darling? I would be glad to give you one. You seem like a decent gal.” She offered. “I might actually take you up on that offer, but I’m so busy with school at the moment. Maybe in December?” I asked. “Sure thing darling.” She said as she handed me the novel. “Oh thank you so much Mrs. “I trailed off hinting for her to tell me her name. “Call me Ada.” She smiled. “I’m Violet, pleasure to meet you Ada.” I said as I turned around. I started to walk to the front of the book store until I looked to my left. There were stairs to a basement covered with books. “What’s down there Ada?” I shouted. “Just more books, you can take a look if you’d like.” She said. I made my way down the noisy steps and into a dark room. I felt the walks for any light switch but didn’t succeed. “Oh, you’ll have to walk a few feet and there will be a string for the light.” Ada shouted for me to hear. I walked forward and stepped on a pile of books. Almost falling I regain my balance and continue for the string. As I’m waving my hands in the air like a maniac I finally find it. The room is illuminated and I flinch at the brightness from the one light bulb. Down the row I see more strings. Me being scared of the dark goes down the row to turn the lights on. The isles are filled with books most on the shelves but also on the ground. I slowly creep down the last isle and at the end there is a black curtain. Curious I walk towards it. So much agitation is building up in me as my heart beats at its peak. I place my hand on the curtain and rapidly move it to the left. I couldn’t see anything. I take out my phone and turn on my flash light. More rows of books is beyond I could see. I search for the string for the light again but couldn’t find it. Maybe there was a switch for this room I thought. I went back to the wall and feel for it. Still not finding it I decide to be brave and just use my flashlight. Walking down the aisle I notice these books seem much older than the other older books. Intrigued I stop and got closer to one book on the shelf.

  I slide the book off the shelf and brushed the surprisingly massive amount of dust off. Diamond Sutra was the title. I flipped through it but was unable to understand any of it. I closed the book when a cold hand settled on the small of my back. Terrified I froze in my skin. “And who might you be?” A grizzly voice uttered behind me. My heart is beating at its peak frightened with curiosity of what will happen next. “W-who are you?” Was all I could mutter out. “That’s not important.” He spoke in a husky voice. I felt my hair sweep off my left shoulder to my back. Then I felt a sucking sensation on my neck. I dropped my phone but the flashlight luckily still laminated the room. This can’t be happening. Who is this freak? Why is he doing this? So many questions are running through my mind I have no time to think of what to do to get out of this situation. Ada is too far to hear my screams. “She won’t hear you.” He read my mind. I yanked my body forward but only to be turned around to face the monster. Surprised, it wasn’t a monster, it was a beautiful boy. His brown ash hair swept over his for head and his pale cold complexion radiated off his skin. I gasped for breath forgetting to breathe. “What are you doing down here Violet.” He spoke. “How do you know my name!” I silently screeched. “I know everything,” he smirked “you need to get out of here.” He muttered. I tried moving but was held down by his ice cold figure. “Then let me go!” I shoved his chest with my hands, but was still. He was strong as an ice berg. “Who are you?” I questioned. “I’m Tate, nice to meet you. But seriously, you don’t know what lives down here. Get out while you can.” He said as I pushed through is hold and ran for the door. “Tate my phone!” I yelled back in the dark. I saw a dark figure come toward me praying it was Tate. “Here ya go darling.” He handed me my phone chuckling. “What happened to you? Why are you down here?” I asked. “I live here Violet, don’t you get it?” he asked. Confused I didn’t answer. “Get out!!” Tate screamed over and over. I stumbled over all the books in the aisle running for my life. I finally reach the stairs and hurriedly stomped up the steps into the main book store. “Aye Violet, you okay down there? Interesting down there ain't it.” She asked. Gasping for breath I spoke “I’ll take the job.”

  Liz Frazier

  The Bus

  At 8:20 the bus pulls up. I step on and make my way to my usual seat in the 6th row. When I sat down in my seat, I notice an old man with thin glasses and a white beard, in what seems the 2nd row, turned fully around in his seat, gawking at me. I decided to get a quick look at the next case I’m working on. After I open my folder, I sense someone standing over me. I look up and see th
e man watching me as I look through my papers. I quickly close my folder and ask “Can I help you?” He hesitantly answered “May I have the seat next to you?” he smiled. I looked around the very nearly empty bus and gave him a questionable look. “Um sir, was the seat you were just in not suitable for you?” I asked. “Nah, actually it wasn’t missy. I’d like to have this seat right here.” He firmly stated. “Well my stop is getting very close. So would you mind waiting until then?” I offered. “Nah, I told you I wanted this seat. That means I want this seat now!” he raised his voice. “Sir what is so special about this seat? Can you please just sit down next to me or find another seat? I am not moving.” I softly mimicked his tone. He leaned in close to my face with menacing eyes and whispered “Oh missy, you’re gonna wish you didn’t do that.” My body trembled out of curiosity of what he meant. He sat in the seat across the aisle and continued to glare at me with a sly smile. I have never been this creeped out in my entire life.

  After a few minutes he stands up. Walks to the back of the bus, then immediately to the front. He hastily paces back and forth. While I watch in confusion more people catch on to his strange acts. When all eyes are on him he starts chanting some strange languages. I wish I could understand what he was reciting. But when he started speaking French I understood. Translated he said “stop the bus! Or this lady will feel my wrath!” Panic filled my body as he continued to chant in other languages. “Stop the bus please!” I shouted to the bus driver. We jolted to a stop and he sat down in the seat across from me. Not moving, he looked to the front of the bus acting like nothing had happened. “Didn’t you want off sir?” I questioned him kindly, not wanting to freak him out again. He whipped his head in a quick circle then gave me a grim look. “Nah missy, I’m fine right where I am.” I turned back to my open folder on my lap trying to get my head straight. What is wrong with this man? Is he crazy or mental? Does he need help? So many thoughts were rushing through my mind at this moment. The bus driver continued to the next destination. When the bus started moving the strange man leaped out of his seat and sprung up and down. I had never seen and elder so active before.

  Everything you are about to read you have already read. I did not finish it. After a few minutes he stands up. Walks to the back of the bus, then immediately to the front. He hastily paces back and forth. While I watch in confusion more people catch on to his strange acts. When all eyes are on him he starts chanting some strange languages. I wish I could understand what he was reciting. But when he started speaking French I understood. Translated he said “stop the bus! Or this lady will feel my wrath!” Panic filled my body as he continued to chant in other languages. “Stop the bus please!” I shouted to the bus driver. We jolted to a stop and he sat down in the seat across from me. Not moving, he looked to the front of the bus acting like nothing had happened. “Didn’t you want off sir?” I questioned him kindly, not wanting to freak him out again. He whipped his head in a quick circle then gave me a grim look. “Nah missy, I’m fine right where I am.” I turned back to my open folder on my lap trying to get my head straight. What is wrong with this man? Is he crazy or mental? Does he need help? So many thoughts were rushing through my mind at this moment. The bus driver continued to the next destination. When the bus started moving the strange man leaped out of his seat and sprung up and down. I had never seen and elder so active before.

  Liz Frazier

  Think Before You Speak

  I was sitting on my bed that had newspaper covering every inch. I was finishing my art project last minute. I always put school related things aside. When I didn’t try, my art turned out really nice most of the time. Luck I guess? I was finishing the lily pads that I put my own twist on and my boyfriend Zac walks into my room, almost resulting in me jumping into the wall. “Hey what’s up lady” he laughed as he saw my reaction. Catching my breath I tried speaking. “You scared the air out of me” I started laughing. He went to my television and flipped on Netflix and put on our favorite show, Bob’s Burger’s. He quietly sat on the ground while I continued painting. He always comes over to watch my TV or sleep. When he’s bored he comes over to eat or whatever. My mom really likes him so he does whatever.

  He gets up and walks out. Confused I look at my door and watch him turn up the stairs. A couple minutes later, I hear him tromping down the stairs laughing to himself. I have very good selective hearing. He walks in and hands me Mt. Dew and sits back down on the ground. “What were you laughing about?” I asked him wanting in on the joke. “Your mom is nailing your bro with questions, and when I walked in she got all sweet and nice. God, I love your mom. She’s so nice.” He peeked over the bed and I giggled. “Are you almost done with that?” he asked me sweetly. “I’m trying to add as much detail as I can. This is due Tuesday and I just started.” I sighed. “You always push your assignments till the last second.” He said. “And you never do your assignments, so shut up.” I snapped back. “Whoa there, I was just saying.” He said defensively. “So was I.” I spoke.

  He continued watching Bob’s Burger’s and finished about four episodes. Zac started talking about his weekend he had with his friends and I was so into my painting I blocked him out. I love listening to him talk but I wanted to get this project done soon so I could actually spend time with him this Sunday night. I didn’t say a word the whole time he spoke. Maybe a few “mmhmm’s and yeah’s” but nothing serious. I got up and sat my painting on my easel so I could go to the bathroom. While I was walking to my door he said something. I didn’t think anything of it so I continued walking to the bathroom. When I got back, he was in the same position he was when I left him. He also started his rant about his weekend were he left off.

  I crawled back on to my bed and pushed all of the newspapers to the floor. He spoke in a questioning tone and I looked towards him. He gave me a look and I snapped into reality. “Did you ask me something? I awkwardly questioned. “Yes Liz, I’ve been talking to you the whole time! Have you even been listening?” he heatedly asked. “No, I just want you to shut up.” I whispered. When I looked up at him he just stared at me with hurt in his eyes. “Zac I didn’t mean it. I’m just so tired, I’m sorry.” I pleaded. “No, it’s fine. I should get going anyway.” He said while putting his jacket on. “Zac please don’t go.” I called after him, but he was already up the stairs. I ran after him “ Zac lets relax and watch a movie or something.” I said as I grabbed his arm. He wasn’t having it so I forced him to hug me goodbye. “I’m sorry...” I muffled into his neck. “Bye Liz.” Was all he said before he left. I stood in the foyer heartbroken by what I had done to him. He would’ve never said anything to me like that. I watched as his car pulled out of the driveway and a few tears escaped. I thought of all the ways I could apologized but nothing kept away my guilt. I was so mean. Were supposed to be best friends. I’m supposed to listen to what he has to say not push him away. I put my issues before him and it wasn’t even a big issue. Sleepiness gets the best of us I guess. But what I had learned from my mistake is that you always need to think before you speak. Or else the people you love will be hurt and upset with you.

  Lauryn Romero

  One cool October night

  One cool October night I was getting ready for a good night’s rest. Just as I snuggled under the soft down comforter, I heard a noise. I quickly darted out of my bed and crept toward the door. As I slowly turned the knob and gently pushed the door open, I shrieked with horror when I saw…..

  A guy dressed in all black with red power shot eyes holding up a fake bloody knife I said “can I help you with my door cracked half way open? ‘’ he said trick or treat with him standing up tough and bold. “ I don’t have any candy why did you come up to my house anyways if my porch light isn’t even on. I was getting ready to go to sleep until you had to come up and knock on my door? “It doesn’t make sense do you have anything to say while I’m standing here. “ I knock on houses that don’t have porch lights, because I like to go out at night on Halloween and scare
people because it’s funny to me and its funny seeing people’s reactions on their face.

  “Well I don’t see anything funny about this there are some people who are trying to sleep you know Halloween is a night where people dress how they want and go to peoples porches that actually have lights! So go and get out of here I’m trying to sleep you don’t understand you literally scared me half way to death when I was snuggled up and finally getting comfortable.

  Soon after I told him to go he said I will be backing you watch it miss? “oh really don’t come back because for one I don’t even know who you are and who you think you are coming up on my porch scaring me while I am getting ready to go to sleep it’s not right Halloween is about going to people’s houses to get candy they bought for all the people not scaring people because there are kids around and I’m pretty sure they would appreciate if you gave them nice manners.

  “The next day I got a call from the lady and she asked if I would volunteer handing out candy tomorrow night at the local church I said sure I would love to but I have to go tomorrow to buy a load of candy for the boys and girls I will be there by 6:30 pronto. “Okay thank you said the lady on the phone”.

  That day has arrived and I was getting the butterflies in my stomach because I was so excited to give these kids candy and see what they are for Halloween this year I had a big smile on my face because the time has gone really fast and it’s time for people to come out and start going trick or treating I was sitting on a chair with my legs wrapped in a blue fluffy blanket all cozied up.

  “a kid came up to me dressing in an all-black suite, with red power shot eyes my face was shocked because I knew that a guy dressed up in this suit had the same colored of eyes came knocking on my door yesterday around midnight I quickly asked “excuse me but is your father around and did he dress up for Halloween this year?

  “Yes mama, he did and he likes to go around and try to steal peoples stuff, also he likes to scare people to no one likes him because he has no manners or respect towards any ones property.

  “okay, I see your dad was the one who came up to my door at midnight scaring me and he told me he likes to scare people now I’m scared that he’s going to try to break into my house and steal all the great and good things in my home I’m scared to go back to bed now because of him, “but thank you for telling me I just thought I would have to ask because you looked very familiar to me.”

  The night has gone and over with I had a really good time passing out candy to the little boys and girls and that night I went to my car there wasn’t anyone around just a dark night out on the second day of Halloween and I was scared because I might see something spooky I don’t want to see but I was fine getting into my care and driving home.

  I grabbed my house keys to open my front door I heard a strange noise so I creep about and didn’t see anything I was starting to get scared so I hurried up into my house and turned on all the lights in my house so that way someone knows I’m home and won’t try to break in I tried to stay up as late as I could but I couldn’t because I kept hearing noises I started shaking really bad because I’m scared something is going to happen to me tonight and even when I go to bed I won’t be able to go to sleep because of what that little kid told me and people told me everything bad happens on Halloween.

  I decided I wanted to go to bed so I left some of the lights on in my house and I left the television on in my house because I felt more comfortable that way so I went to bed and someone was knocking on my window my heart started pounding and I was so scared I wanted to burst into tears cause I didn’t know what to do. I cracked open my curtain and there he was standing with a fake bloody knife. I thought to myself I have to go out and tell him to leave me alone so I put my shoes on and opened the front door slowly I closed my eyes and open them there he was.

  “Can I help your sir he didn’t reply so I repeated it again “can I help you sir? He started walking towards me and I’m here shaking really bad and in panic.

  “ he started yelling out me and told me I better pack my things and move because I don’t belong in this house because he told me his once loved on use to live in this house and he doesn’t want anyone living in this house because the evil spirits could haunt me I just started laughing and told him I didn’t have to because I pay rent on this house and I don’t have to move out if the land lord says I have to move out then that’s only time I have to move out.

  “he stared at me in silence I said I would appreciate if you would leave me alone because I can call the cops for being on someone else’s property and trespassing so I would really appreciate if you would back up and leave me alone because basically you were trying to scare me and tell me mixed signals about me moving out because you loved on lived here he decided to put his house up for rent so basically you can’t do anything about it.

  “He turned away with low shrugged shoulders and dragging his fake knife on the road and until then I have been sleeping safe and sound and no one has hear or seen him again because I confronted him about it.

  The final day, of the ending week of October I ran into this lady at a local store shop she looked at me and said “mama” where you the one who was harassing my husband on Halloween. “ I stared at her as if she crazy and she didn’t know what she was talking about but while I was staring at her I was thinking maybe she is talking to me about the guy who told me to pack my things and move.” I said who mama who is the person’s name you’re trying to tell me that I have confronted…??

  “ his name is Daryl Harrison he is my husband and every Halloween he likes to come out and scare everybody and he likes to take things out of peoples home I’m certainly from the nursing home “mama” they let me out to go buy some food to take back to the nursing home every Halloween or holiday but I don’t come out as much because I been depressed there last couple of 15 years because my husband that use to live in your house died from a brain tumor he couldn’t no longer handle it because he couldn’t take care of himself he has passed away in the home your certainly living in and our son was 12 years old when he passed away he had passed away from cancer.

  “Oh so you’re telling me that your husband and son are dead but when I see them they looked like normal human being so I was communicating with spirits you can’t see is I right mama.

  “Yes you are certainly right I could tell it scared you I communicate with both of them because they like to do things around the house to let me know that they are still around here.

  “Wow! That is just creepy I was communicating with two ghost spirits on Halloween and they are messing with me because he loved one us to live here which was you but why did you move out for?

  “Because we go a divorce but we got remarried again so were together so next time you better watch on the next Halloween for you little lady there is more to come for you and have living in that house where ghosts will haunt you until you move out.

  “I walked away from the lady who looked possessed there has to be something wrong with this family I have to get out of here because if I wait too long there ghost spirits are going to keep haunting me because I live in a haunted house and I can’t take it anymore and the scariest part is I was communicating with ghosts on Halloween who looked like normal human begins.

  A month later I moved out of my apartment upstairs I decided to live in a small town outside of Texas it’s so much better now but I feel like I keep seeing ghosts spirits but I don’t want to think too much because maybe I’m wrong.

  That night I got settled in bed. I dozed off and I had a really scary dream. I had a dream that no anyone can imagine, but I had a dream that I became one of the spirits because I lived in a haunted house.

  I woke up with my heart pounding I can’t take it anymore so I watched some TV to get stuff out of my mind so I don’t have to think about it anymore it helped a little. I thought to myself let me go to bed and try this again. I got in my blankets and dozed off again I didn’t have any dreams I was just over
reacting all I have to say is wow! what a Halloween this year and never again will I go back to that house or even see that house ever again I don’t want anyone telling me what’s going on in that house because trust me I once lived there and I’m never going back because the people who lives in there now can deal with the ghosts because I already got away with it and then they are going to realize that, maybe that house isn’t haunted to them but when they see that it is then they are going to want to move out of it and not live there anymore.

  The Day It Changed My Life

  Lauryn Romero

  Someone who was later important to me would be my aunt and my uncle who are from Minnesota they come recent to visit us every holiday. I don’t really get to see them at all because I am really not around to visit them.

  They came around in the summer, and I got to meet them and I was so happy because they are really important to me, and they have been there for me when I was just a baby. I love them with all my heart, and when they around I feel like a big piece of my heart is going to explode. They mean more to me than what they did when I never knew about them until my grandma told me that they are coming to town to visit the family.

  When they come over they spend the night at my grandma’s house for 2-3 days , because they have to get back to their grandkids who need them but every time they leave I always miss them like crazy, because sometimes they can’t make it down here on time and I’m only wishing one day my whole family can go take a trip down there and visit them, because they are always coming down here sometimes every few years to visit us and it’s about time we do something for them in return, because they do so much for us and they appreciate what we do for them and we appreciate what they do for us.

  They are a piece of a puzzle to our family. They are the ones who keep our who family smiling during the holidays, because they are always having stories to tell us about what they do down in Minnesota. It’s always a funny story but then sometimes it’s a sad story, but mostly funny stories. When they are here we like to eat out with them and go to the stores and buy some cookies take it to the house and bake them and then we eat them. We watch movies curled up in our blankets and watch them all day and night with the family.

  When it’s time for them to go home we like to celebrate as in take them out to a nice fancy restraunt and just sit around eat, talk, and laugh about how they are going to spend their Christmas down there with their grandkids. My uncle and my aunt have become important to me since the day I have met them, they have meant a lot to or the past 3 days I have spent with them. It’s been a while since I have contacted them or talked to them because they like to come on the most random days or holidays because the last time they come here would have been during the summer and they had only stayed here two nights, and they had to go back home because they had their grandkids to worry about and they come here to out Monticello and to visit us and to keep in touch with us.

  They always ask how we are doing and every now and then she will call my grandma and ask how we are doing and set up a date to where her and her husband can come down here to see us and the rest of the family because they Aare family to and they want to visit us all the time but sometimes they have the time to do that because they are always busy but I love when they come down here it just means everything to me and love them with all my heart and it’s never going to change even if can’t see them when I want to or talk to them when I want to.

  My Bus Adventure

  Lauryn Romero

  I was the girl who sat in the back of the bus and I was looking at the window and seen a guy in a marine suit, it gave me an idea that he just came back from the marines. He started walking in the aisle of the bus looking for somewhere to sit at on the bus he was walking towards the back where I was sitting, and he came up to me and he was nervous but after all he looked at me and said “ May I sit with you if you don’t mind. I said “of course why not and smiled really big showing my white teeth. He appeared to be 200 pounds and smelled really nice he was good looking but he was only 6’2 he was very tall. He took a book out it was stacked with pages in the book it was titled “Marine Course 2015” I couldn’t believe how big it was he turned and looked at me and asked “have you hear or seen this book”? I said “no sir I have not why you ask?”

  He looked at me and smiled and said “ oh okay I was just wondering” he told me the book was about America and how we get our freedom to American and how we even face the struggles in American such as difficulties and how we solve them. He told me they solve it and I just sat there and listened to him knowing it brought tears to in my eyes; because I could listen to him talk all day about the marine course of America. I said “why won’t you stand up in front of everyone on this bus and give a speech about your book and tell them about America who cares what anyone is going to say or thinks about you I think you will do a good job. He stood up tall and bold and toke a big deep breath out and in about 4 times and he looked over at me. I smiled and told him “you can do it I know you can just stand up and talk to them about your book and how it progressed America.

  He told everyone if they can give their attention for about a couple of minutes before anyone gets off they all looked at him and smiled, because they knew he was a marine and he told every “Hi my name is James Over Meyer and I’m here today because I just came back from the war in Iraq and I want to tell you guys a little about my adventure and about the book that I brought alone with me in my luggage.

  “James continued his speech and he finally ended he told everyone thank you for listening to him give his speech everyone was wiping tears, and clapped loudly, because they are thankful for a marine like him in our world who would share anything with anyone. As soon as he sat down, because we was almost at our destination he looked out of the window on his right and seen a big sign it said “WELCOME HOME JAMES!” he started crying and we continued on the bus route and here came another sign it said “ You’re getting closer to seeing us”! He was excited he was feeling happiness in his stomach.

  We arrived at the route and he handed me a note before he got off it was a note that he had wrote me from those times I wasn’t paying attention to him on the bus while we was writing but he wrote about his adventures of being in the marines it was about his everyday thoughts and what he was doing everyday it was pretty much a diary that he wrote he looked at me and “smiled”. “I want you to have this because you are a very nice young lady who let me sit with you and treated me with full respect and all honesty I truly trust you and I want you to read what I thought it was like every day being a marine and how had we worked as a marine to fight for our freedom for American and all the families that are in America thanking us for what all we had done for the,. I looked at him and said “thank you so much I will read this when I get home I appreciate your time and your speech you gave us all you are very well nice man with full honest respect. Again thank you so much I appreciate it. As of them he continued to walk to his family with a big grin on his face, as I left his family looked at me and waved at me and that day is when my life turned into one big happy ending.

  Investigation in Russia

  Lauryn Romero

  Once upon a time there was a guy named Norman West yes that’s me! I am 20 years old really tall about 6’2 really buff and bald and I wear glasses. I am a young executive for an internet company meaning that I work in the police office and guy who detects what is going on in a servaliance camera outside the buildings and other places in town such as local stores or local supermarkets.

  I work for a guy who is about in his late 30-40s he’s big, has brown short hair appeared to be about 5’7 tall. He’s really nice his name is Mike Ford he is a chief of police of a large eastern city located in Russia in the far east the town seems to be about a big wacked out town, named Vladivostok the population seems to be about 594,701 of people.

  It seems to be that mike ford has another partner who works 2 jobs one he works a job like I do checks to see what people are
up to in the town/city the other job he works at a bread bakery making less money than what he does when he works in here with us making more money than his other job.

  Shawn Harmon is about 30 years old but is known to be a petty white-collar thief who has robbed mike several years but mike doesn’t know any proof that he did it so he still works here but me and mike were having a simple conversation between and among the both of us were going to put cameras in his office and where Shawn sits to see if we think it’s true about the things we have heard about him.

  But I haven’t mentioned another thing about mike he has a k-9 dog she appears to be trained, tall, mean, and her name is Penelope she is about 7 years old she is really grown from the last time we seen her but she is a crazy dog who loves to hunt down the bad boys and the thief’s.

  But the next day when I got done introducing the characters to the new people in the office, me and mike sat down in his office around 7:30, because he hasn’t had any calls yet, but when we looked over there was Shawn who walked in with his suite/gear on and went to go sit at his desk me and mike looked at each other as if there was something going on with him because every morning he would come up to us and say “good morning my dear fellows. But we let it go and see what else happens today with Shawn me and mike have a feeling that he kind of knows what we think he is and he has some guilty conscious about it.

  Penelope we usually let her out because she was to go use the restroom outside so I take her out while mike toke a phone call at his front desk I seemed to see that Shawn went out to take care of personal business.

  I heard a strange noise in the back of the police office right where Mike sits but behind the building. I might see something I’m not planning on trying to see I kept thinking to myself maybes he trying to break in mikes office and steal something, maybe he’s just angry and taking his anger out on something that might be going on at home I have no clue I have to go check this out and not make it obvious to where he can see me creeping or spying on him.

  So I leave Penelope on her leash and I slowly start walking towards the noise and I’m getting closer as I go and my hearts pounding because I don’t know what to expect when I’m trying to see what Shawn is up to I slowly creep over the corner! And I can’t believe what I was seeing……….

  I closed my eyes and opened them back up because I thought it was maybe a dream and I was over reacting! But I wasn’t I ran and got Penelope! And I told her go get him! She quickly ran around the corner and Shawn was lying on the ground scared and in a panic mode.

  I looked at Shawn and said “that’s what your wanting to do are you serious? Who does this and why in the world would you want to do that in the first place and just know that I’m going to tell Mike and be scared since you are already, because I don’t think you’re ever going to come back and are you serious for not thinking that we have cameras everywhere and we can see the footage of what you was trying to do I hope you really know that right?.

  I toke Penelope and I grabbed Shawn by his collar of his jacket and went inside and mike was in his office mike looked at me and told me “ what in the world is going on” I looked at Shawn and told him to explain he refused to .

  Mike looked at me and I said if you want to know what was going on I don’t know if you want to hear it cause you will be disappointed in Shawn and I’m going to tell you one thing Mike I don’t think he’s ever going to come back here and I’m going to tell his other job what he did here and he’s going to lose all privileges of even having a job anymore because I don’t think anyone wants to trust him after what he did thinking he could get passed us about being sneaky in the back of the building huh!.

  Shawn looked at me when tears have dropped to the floor. “are you going to tell him Shawn because if you’re not I will tell him and it’s not going to be pretty either, Alright Mike I was standing outside with Penelope because she has to take care of business . I heard a strange noise and I went to go check it out but Penelope was on her leash in the front of the building and I went to creep over in the corner and there was Shawn.

  I ran to get Penelope and when she went around the corner she started sniffing something as if someone was being sneaky she toke him to the ground and I told him what in the world was he thinking.

  Now I’m going to tell you what he was doing he was breaking in your back office with a huge hammer and beating and busting private property and when I went to go ask him questions he was refusing to why he was breaking in your back office for?

  Next day was gone by and Mike called the bakery and told them what Shawn was trying to do because he was trespassing private property.

  The bakery said that they are going to fire him because they don’t put up with that kind of stuff anymore and why in the world would they want a guy like working for them and they told us that it wouldn’t be the first time he has done that to mike because someone told her that he is a thief around here and everyone watches and keeps a close eye out on him even the cops do to because people have reported him stealing money from all his bosses when he works at a job.

  Shawn hasn’t come around for a while but a girl said that he seen him with over 100, 0000 dollars and mike went to go check his drawers and it wasn’t there he had called the undercover cops and told him to go catch him because he had toke off and robbed mikes money that he had kept there under some reasons but he doesn’t know how he knew where the keys were unless he had some of his own that fit the drawer.

  The cops finally caught up to him and they told him to not move I was watching this out of the window of the front office and he refused he started to take of running but he said it wasn’t worth it no more he’s already in deep trouble.

  He slowly started walking towards the sheriffs and put his hands on the cop car they pulled out the money and gave it back to mike and mike was upset that Shawn had been robbing him over several years now and mike said it made him wonder how many times he tried to get away with it but he couldn’t cause either him or I was around.

  The cops finally arrested Shawn and we didn’t have to worry about him anymore we kept the office secure and safe so that way no one will try to break in and mike doesn’t have to worry about his money being stolen. I was the one who still works for him and the rest of the people in the office who are only there during the day time but this happened at night time.

  This was on the new and they said that he has no current bond on him and will serve several long miserable months in jail for breaking and entering private property.

  Of All Things

  By: Kellyn Harrison

  I was sitting in the second seat from the back on the right side of the city bus, staring out the window trying not to pay attention to the mold growing underneath my purple paisley converse shoes. It was when I was getting ready to pull out a book from my Panic! At The Disco bag that we stopped and he got on. He had a button up plaid shirt tucked into faded blue jeans and cowboy boots peeking out underneath the bell bottoms. He had a face that could open the gates to heaven; it was pentagonal with cheek bones that caved in like the Grand Canyon and eyes that sucked you in to their blue depths. But his smile was nonexistent. It was almost as if all the joy was ripped out and laid out on a silver platter. Noticing that the seat I was sitting in was the only seat left open he sets his duffle bag on the ground and sets down almost defeated not before giving me a curt kind smirk. He then pulls out a book from his bag named The Tale of Two Cities. It was then that I noticed the looks of his duffle bag; it was a camouflaged bag with an army seal adorning the side pocket. There is a name plate sewn underneath the seal with the name. N. Blackthorn labeled on it. After studying the name for a few seconds I became curious and wondered what this mysterious man’s story was and why in the world is a man like him reading a classic by the most gruesome Charles Dickens.

  “What’s your name?”

  “Nathaniel Blackthorn. Why?” he asks without looking up from his book.

  “No reason just wanted to know
why you are reading Charles Dickens.”

  “He explains my past and my present.” he said almost as if he recited it from a script.

  “What is your story?” I ask with my returning curiosity.

  “My story?” he asks while looking up at me with slight caution and uncertainty.

  “Yes your story. Like who are you and how did you get here?”

  “Why do you want to know?” still using caution.

  “Well take it from my perspective. You are a handsome man that does not smile, is reading a Charles Dickens novel, and has an army duffle bag. I’d say your story is much more interesting than mine. Plus we are sitting on a bus layered with mold and nothing better to do. It is your choice whether or not you want to tell this time worthy story.” I answer with impassiveness.

  ‘What is your name?” he asks with new found interest.

  “I am Celeste Mary-whether and you handsome are not going to change the subject.” I answer with a smirk.

  “Fine I will tell you my adventurous and explicit story, but I warn you it can get gruesome; I will try to skip those parts-“

  “Oh, please don’t, I wouldn’t want to miss a single detail” I interrupt him.

  “It was the year of 2013 and my family was living in poverty. We were living paycheck to paycheck trying to keep the house and everybody fed. I being the oldest had the biggest responsibility. Since my single mother worked night and day shift only having three hours of sleep, I had to wake up my little sister, make breakfast, do her hair, get myself ready, make her lunch, and get dinner ready for that night. In case you were wondering, I did have a job; I went while May, my little sister stayed after school for a few hours. We ran a tight schedule and stuck together through thick and thin. It was five days before I graduated that the army recruiters came to our school and set up their stand. I had decided that night that to really provide for my family and bring home the extra cash we needed was to join the army, so that day I had signed up and got my pamphlet for sign up and training. It was a two days before I needed to leave that I had told my sister and mother what I was doing. My mother being the overprotective person she is forbid me to go and cried her eyes out in my arms while my sister being the strong one in the house, stood in the doorway giving me the evil eye. I knew I was going to get the smack down later that night. And let me tell you I did. It was the hands on the hips and stern tone that had me smiling and laughing. She didn’t take it too well, of course, but she understood my motives and made me breakfast, lunch, and dinner the next two days, me complaining and arguing the entire time. Sometimes I forgot how old she actually was and how fast she had grown up. She was 13 at the time. When I left I made sure to make mother and May breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the entire week. I would have left May something to remember me by, but I couldn’t afford anything.

  Throughout the 2 years I had sent and received many letters between both my mother and May but suddenly they stopped coming 4 months into my second year. I had grown anxious and worried so much that it cost me. My team and I were riding in one of our Hum-vees when we ran over one of the land mines. I woke up in a hospital with a new leg and three other deaths. It was when I got home four weeks later that I had found out why the letters had stopped coming and why they weren’t at the hospital. They were ran over and killed in a car accident.”

  “I have been floating through life ever since; going back to Iraq every year.” He finishes.

  “Wow, I was right your story is more interesting; although you skipped over the explicit parts.” I say with mock disappointment pouting my bottom lip.

  “I guess. I just wish that it wasn’t interesting in that sequence. Plus it was bad enough talking about my deceased family.” He answers suddenly dejected and tired.

  “Well know you can build off of that and make a happier story. I would say sorry for your loss but a man like you probably doesn’t like to accept pity.” I answer while placing my hand on his shoulder.

  “I guess. Thank you by the way I needed to get that out-“he says, getting interrupted by his cell phone.

  “Hello”

  “Yes”

  “No, I am sorry sir I just got back; you are going to have to contact somebody else.”

  “Ok yes, I understand perfectly.”

  With that he snaps his phone shut and lays his head on the back of the seat. I cringe remembering how dirty the seats must be.

  “What happened?’

  “They want me to go back but I declined.”

  “Good for you.” I answer proud.

  “Stop 47” the bus driver announces through the intercom.

  I look over to the mysterious and selfless man beside me not wanting to get off.

  “This is my stop.” I say.

  “Same.” He says.

  He then slides out of the seat and turns around to grab both his bag and my bag effortlessly.

  “Thank you.” I say, with scarlet cheeks.

  I then climb out of the seat and off the bus. When we are off I turn around and look up to see a sincere smirk gracing his face. My breath catches and his smirk turns into a small smile. He then hands me my bag and turns around to walk the other direction; without another word. Standing there until the stop is deserted I finally go home.

  It was when I unpacked my bag that I found the note.

  Let’s meet again. A cripple like me needs a girl like you in his life.

  Call me: XXX-XXX-XXXX

  So I pick up the phone the next day and call the mysterious man that will share and build his story with me; however long our stories may last.

  Sometimes you are the nail

  By: Kellyn Harrison

  When I wake the first thing I notice is being strapped to a dark mahogany chair. The leather straps cutting into my arms and legs, making ringed marks on my skin. As I look at my surroundings, I notice that I am in a dark room with only a large steel door in the far corner of the room. In front of me is a dainty little table holding a long lit candle and an ancient looking book flipped open.

  All the sudden I am pushed toward the table and when I turn around to see who did it, there is nobody there; only the shimmering of the air enveloping the empty space behind me.

  “Do it”, I jump to the sound that is projected so close yet so far away. Confused I ask the mysterious voice, “Do what?”

  “Do it” It states again, almost monotone. After he says that the book is pushed closer; the candle following.

  “I don’t know what you want me to do!”

  All the sudden a hologram appears next to my head; showing my family knocked out and strapped to chairs.

  “If you don’t they will die”, the monotone persists.

  I then take a look at the book, noticing that it is titled Binding Spell first.

  Not knowing what it is for and not caring, I close my eyes and pretend to do some weird magic junkie thing. When “done”, men in black leather jackets, sunglasses, black jeans, and matching shoes march into the room. At the same time the same men walk into the holograms picture and unbind my family and I. Instead of giving me a plate of food like they did to my family, I am shackled by the arms and dragged against my will to a white sterile room. When we walk into the room I am then again strapped into a chair; a tray piled with different colored needles. A man wearing scrubs grabs one of the needles and before I can say let alone do anything, the needle is plunged into my left arm; the man all while giving me a confusing small nod. I then look down to see myself losing oxygen, my whole body turning purple, and before I go, I hear “You’ve seen and heard too much.”

  -

  Potent smell was what woke me up. The stench of moldy food and rotting bodies invading my nostrils. I leaped up and took in my surroundings, but the only thing I saw was rust and green paint, and garbage layering the ground. When I hear three loud bangs on the side I gasp and then quickly stifle it.

  “Hello? Hey blockhead I know you are in there and awake. I hear you moving.” an u
nknown voice says almost bored. With that I slowly and silently peak out and see a teenage boy sitting along the wall his legs crossed one over the other. He was wearing dark jeans, vans, a leather jacket, and a maroon shirt underneath. His face was almost triangular; eyes as blue as the ocean, and hair a dirty blonde color; hanging over his tan forehead. He was looking at the ground concentrating on something across the alleyway.

  “You know I can see you right.” After I don’t say anything he gets up while saying, “Alright I think you have been in the dumpster long enough.” He then picks me up like I am a toddler instead of the eighteen year old I am. So when my feet are finally on the ground and I go to take a step, only to fall; I say thank you when he helps me up.

  “No probs. We better get you to headquarters anyway. You need a shower badly.”

  “Thanks.” I answer sarcastically; failing when it comes out hoarse because of the lack of speech over the last couple of days. But in response I get a tiny twitch of the lips.

  -

  When we stand outside the “building”; I become very on edge because it was then when looking at this shack without one single non rotting board placed correctly, not to mention located in the middle of the desert that I not only question my motives but the boy’s. I mean I wake up in the dumpster with a mysterious looking boy waiting outside to take me to a shack that can barely stand upright. When he walks up to the door I hesitate because I don’t feel comfortable going with him alone in a dark place where nobody can hear me if I scream. Sensing my discomfort, the boy turns around exasperated and gives me an impatient look all while letting out a puff of air.

  “Are you coming” he asks.

  “Why should I?” I answer defiantly.

  “Because if you don’t come in by sun down the coyotes will eat you alive and then the vultures will be there by morning to clean up their mess.” He answers almost bored.

  “Then I will turn around and go back the way I came.” I shoot back crossing my arms, lifting my chin, and turning my back toward him.

  “Fine, I could care less. It’s not my life you’re putting in risk.” he finishes while turning around and going through the slightly ajar door.

  Instead of giving in and following him; I huff still keeping my arms crossed and sit down, leaning against the one board that looks stable.

  -

  It was sun down when I let the fear take control of me. The mysterious yet infuriating boy’s words circling inside my thoughts and what finished it off was the every so present howl of a nearby wolf calling to its pack. When I hear another howl for the sixth time I jump up and stealthily slip through the door.

  The inside was as empty as it looked on the outside. There was a water basin on my right I am guessing for showers and a large pile that looked to be food on my left beside a ladder leading to the top floor. Still suspicious and cautious; I carefully place my foot on the first rung to see if it really as sturdy as I thought it was. When I didn’t go crashing to the floor I tentatively climbed the rest of the way till I reached the top. The next floor had the same darkness and layout as the bottom only there where different sections with a make shift “bed” placed in the middle. The only thing that stuck out was the small dim light at the end of the hallway. So when I walked quietly and carefully toward the light I started to hear hushed voices; one male, two females, and the other was the boy who brought me here.

  “Is she still out there?” the man asked.

  “Last time I checked she was.” The boy answered bored.

  “When was that?” he asked exasperated.

  “Probably an hour ago.”

  “Miles! We need her to get rid of them. You know this and yet you don’t want to help. Don’t you want to get revenge for what happened to your mother or did you not care then like you don’t care now.”

  After that the place was left in silence, not even the slightest hint of breathing. That is until something soft came up and startled me causing me to scream and tumble to the ground right in front of the door making my presence acknowledgeable. This causes everybody to whip around and stare at me shocked except for Miles.

  “See I told you she was okay. Nothing to worry about.” He said.

  “Shut up.” The other man said. When I take a closer look toward the man I feel as if I know him. He has brown slightly grey hair pulled over in a comb over and small round glasses over his hazel eyes. It was then looking at the way he holds himself that I realize I do know him.

  “Hey I know you!!” I start while pointing my finger at the middle of his chest. “You were the one that knocked me out making me wake up in that stupid dumpster while having this doof over here waiting on me doing who knows what.”

  “Okay first of all I am not a doof and second I was actually patiently waiting there from the very beginning.” He says slightly proud of himself.

  I then whip towards him feeling my anger rise. “Then couldn’t you at least grab me out of the dumpster!”

  Miles than raises his hand and backs off feigning surrender. After that one of the girls I had not noticed before comes up and grabs me by the shoulder carefully and leads me out of the room saying,

  “Come on, let’s get you washed; then we will talk about this whole scenario from the very beginning.”

  -

  After I get washed, dried, combed, clothed, and relaxed I am ready to face the jerks that decided it would be a good idea to knock me out, throw me in a dumpster, and bring me to the middle of nowhere. So when I walk into the room to see Miles leaning against a post; one leg propped on the wall; smirking at his nails I become annoyed again. But deciding that he is not worth it I stifle my frustration and walk over to the table the other guy was sitting at and pull out a chair.

  “Ok, let’s get this over with. I don’t plan on staying long.” I say.

  “Well let’s start from the very beginning before you were born.” He starts.

  “Before the great WW III the United States gathered people from all over the states and tested to see if they contained a certain gene that would help end the war and keep everybody in peace afterward. Your grandparents were tested and came back positive. After that they were trained for 6 months to become stronger not only mentally but physically. They were the leaders; they kept everybody sane and pushed everybody to do better for the sake of their country. But little did they know it was all a hoax. The groups called “illuminati” finally finished their training and were ready to change the sake of human kind for the best. When they got on the platform and started; they realized that the force was a lot stronger than they anticipated not 2 minutes into it the weakest died, so they tried harder. When your grandparents realized that there was no hope, your grandfather pushed your grandmother off of the platform; without knowing he save your mother’s and your grandmother’s lives.”

  “How do you know this?” I ask.

  “I was the one running the program and stopped right after your grandfather not realizing till then that it was stupid trying to stop the war through supernatural forces.” He said with disappointment.

  “How do I play into this?” I question.

  “There were men in my group that did not want to stop the force thinking that your grandmother could finish it and were not happy when I let her go. So they want to retry and decided that they would test your mother and you. Your mother passed, but you- you passed the test at a score of 110%.”

  “So they wanted to use me, for something I didn’t know I had and could most likely kill me?”

  He nods.

  “So why is he here?” I ask pointing toward Miles.

  “His grandmother was also tested and died. She had his mother before she went to finish the mission. His mother was tested but died when he was 13. Two years ago, the same men barged into his home; killed his father and almost took him, but Miles took karate and knocked the guy out before he could get to him. We took him in when he proved his worthiness.”

  “Why do you want me?”
/>   “You are more powerful than your grandmother and grandfather was you are their weapon and we cannot let them get their hands on you. We are going to get your help and destroy them and stop them from actually ruling the world and killing everybody in their path.”

  “And how will I do this?”

  “We are still planning that out. Miles can you go fetch Missy and tell her to get dinner ready.”

  I then looked over to see Miles push himself off of the post and head to the first floor. Deciding that I have no reason to be in the room and also because I felt like punching someone or something; I leave in a hurry, only to be stopped right when I jump from the ladder by two large hands on my shoulders. It turned me around and I screamed before it pushed me against the nearest wall, and when I look to see who it was I get even more angrier and bite the hand he has over my mouth.

  “Miles! What the heck!”

  “Shhh, I wanted to talk to you.”

  “About what” I say rolling my eyes.

  “Don’t listen to him or anybody else. I am getting you out of here and we are heading north. These people just want to use you the same way as they used your mother. Trust me I have been with them for 4 years and I know that what they are planning is nothing good.”

  “And why should I trust you, you have been nothing but rude to me.”

  “I know, but listen remember when he said that when those men came to my apartment and was going to take me, well when I looked in their pockets they had a card with the same organization as these people and the others. I was going to leave, but when I heard about you; I knew I couldn’t leave you like I did my mother.” He says, and at that moment I see a flash of something; the first emotion besides indifference since I first met him.

  Feeling pity, I answer “Fine but we have to destroy these people first, because there is no way I am going to run for the rest of my life.”

  “Don’t worry about that I am already devising a plan and it involves you and an air shaft.”

  “Oh really and where are you going to be through all this?”

  “Right behind you; saving your butt when you fail.”

  “Yea, Ok, more like I will be saving your butt with my bad mind skills.”

  “You don’t even know how to use those.” He says teasing me.

  “You wanna bet?

  “No I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”

  “More like you don’t want to get your butt kicked.”

  “Ha-ha, funny.” He says while moving out of the way. I follow him only to trip on a bucket; and before I hit the ground he catches me; and it was at that moment that I realized how gorgeous he really is. The sunset reflected through his blonde hair, almost making it look translucent. He then leans closer, our lips only centimeters apart, but it was the clashing of pans that broke us apart, and then my body hit the ground except for my head; Mile’s hands where still clasped together underneath it just inches from the dirt layered ground.

  “Jerk” I say.

  “You weren’t saying that a few moments ago.” He retorts while helping me back up on my two feet, smirking like he stole a cookie out of the cookie jar.

  “Shut up” I answer with scarlet cheeks and a slap to his chest.

  -

  That night when snores fill the shack; I sneak out of my cubby and scurry across the hallway towards the door at the end of the hallway that Mr. Smith the older man uses as an office. When I get in; I quietly jog over to the desk in the far corner and search the drawers; it wasn’t till I met the third drawer that I found it. There in the middle were newspapers, photos, and symbols that were hard to decipher. One of the symbols I did recognize though; it was a triangle with an eye in the middle, and just from that one detail I knew that the people I was working with were liars because Miles was right and we are too late because when I hear a loud knock from the door I know that I have been caught and there is no way out.

  “What are you doing in here?!” Mr. Smith hisses at me.

  “I just wanted to find more information about my family” I say innocently, but it ended with a squeak because two large men clad in ran in and charged towards me. When they were only from me I grabbed all the documents I could hold and ran right under their arms only to have one of them grab the back of my jacket, but not caring I keep running; causing the jacket to rip and me to follow, falling to the ground. When one of them grabs me, Miles and Anne (the maid) run into the room to take in the scene before them. Not thinking twice, Miles runs towards me only to be pulled back by the other man; Anne running from the room screaming bloody murderer.

  “Okay know that everything has calmed down. You are coming with us and if you try anything I that is one slash on the wrist.” Mr. Smith says.

  But right after he finishes that sentence, I see out of the corner of my eye Miles grab the man holding him tighter and flip over onto his shoulders resulting in the bigger guy getting his neck twisted. After this the guard lets go of me to take control of Miles; this lets me run out of the room with the papers in my hand. When I am outside of the shack, I stand there for a few minutes to see if Miles is coming; it isn’t till after 5 minutes that I see him waving at me, urging me to back up. When he finally reaches me, he grabs my arm and leads me further away. When we are about 7 feet away he stops and ducks behind a large rock.

  “What are we doing” I whisper

  “Wait” he answers with concentration, both eyebrows pointed downward. It was then that I felt the explosion; its blast incinerating the shack and shaking me to the core. When we are stable and the Earth stops shaking; Miles stands up and walks away from the now nonexistent building. Following him; I ask,

  “Where are we going now?”

  “I don’t know.” He answers with all seriousness, and after that we walk to the future. Whether it is for the best or it gets worst who knows because whatever it is we will fight through it together.

 

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