Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Unbelievable by Derek H.

Jim and Della woke up early to go for a walk through the town common. They both got ready and then ate breakfast together while they read the newspaper. It started out like any other morning.

That was when they left for their walk just like they did every morning. They walked down the street and to the town common, which they crossed every morning never being disturbed. That was where the morning became different from every other morning.

They got about half way across the common when it got very cold. Then Della suddenly fell. Jim helped her up, wondering what just happened.

“Are you okay,” asked Jim.

“Why did you hit me,” cried Della.

“What,” Jim said confused. “I didn’t hit you.”

“Then who did,” asked Della. She looked around at the empty common, but while she wasn’t looking at Jim, she was hit again. “What is wrong with you,” she cried.

Jim didn’t say anything. Della turned around and began to run away. As she was running she ignored the voice she heard because she thought it was Jim, but Jim still didn’t say anything. He wasn’t the one yelling. He looked around and there was still no one there. He didn’t understand who was yelling or who hit Della.

He turned around and watched her run away. That was all he could do. Nothing would bring her back. Jim slowly started to walk back home wondering what had happened.

He thought about it for a long time. Then he remembered some rumors they had heard when they first moved here. He heard that the common was haunted by a ghost. Jim had never believed in ghosts. Neither did Della. They ignored all of the rumors. They thought it was impossible for ghosts to haunt the common. Jim still didn’t believe, but he couldn’t think of anything else.

The next day, Della realized she had to go back home to get some of her things. She decided to go through the town common to get one last look at it. She didn’t want to leave, but she thought that Jim would keep beating her if she stayed. She didn’t know that Jim really hadn’t hit her. She had never even thought about the rumors for years.

As she was wandering slowly through the common, for what she thought was her last look at it, it suddenly got very cold all around her. She started walking a little faster to get out of the cold. Then it got warm again, but Della didn’t understand why the temperature was changing so fast for no reason. She walked even faster now that she was getting scared.

Then out of nowhere she was hit over the head with a stick. In pain, she slowly got up, not knowing what happened. She gazed around at the common until she spotted the stick on the ground. She looked around again and couldn’t understand how the stick had gotten there seeing how there wasn’t a tree around and she was still the only one in the common.

At that very moment Della remembered the rumors about a haunting in the town common. She began thinking about the rumors and how she just ignored them. She and Jim thought nothing of it because they thought it wasn’t realistic. Then, while she was lost in her thoughts, she was pushed to the ground. The next moment, when she saw a foggy figure walk by, was when she finally accepted that ghosts existed.

Della got up and began running home to Jim. She wanted to tell him everything that had happened. She didn’t know that it wasn’t over yet. All at the same time three things happened. She began hearing the voice that she thought was Jim’s voice earlier, it got very cold again, and there was a very strong wind, but it was only blowing in the common and nowhere else.

These things all happening at the same time made Della very scared. She didn’t think she would make it. She wanted to be home with Jim. She wished that this was just a nightmare that would be over soon. She couldn’t take it anymore. She fainted in the middle of the common, but no one was around to help her.

The next morning Della woke up at home with Jim. She found him making breakfast for both of them.

“How did you find me,” asked Della.

“I saw you on the ground while I was going to the store,” replied Jim.

Jim and Della ate breakfast and went for a walk together again. They don’t walk through the common alone any more for the fear that they could be hurt worse than before. If they do go through it they make sure that there are other people around to witness anything that could happen and help if something goes wrong.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Squire’s Tale by Jasen O.

“Grandpa, Grandpa! Could you read me a story, please?” Tommy asked his grandfather as he walked into his bedroom. “It’s way past your bedtime, sonny,” Tommy’s grandfather said. “Please? I’ll get to sleep right after it,” Tommy pleaded. “Well, alright, I guess it couldn’t hurt,” Tommy’s grandfather replied. “Way back when, a time when people believed magic and monsters still existed,” Tommy’s grandfather started. “Do monsters still live now?” Tommy asked with a fright. “No, no, not anymore, sonny, but before, many people believed they did,” Tommy’s grandfather explained. “Are you going to read me a story about back then, grandpa?” Tommy asked with glee. “I sure am, and it’s a good one, indeed,” Tommy’s grandfather said with a chuckle.

There was a young man training as a squire under the great King Arthur, who was destined to become his best knight. He wanted to become one of the twelve Knights of the Round Table. But the requirement seemed impossible for any normal man. Many tried; none were fit to be one of the greatest knights on Earth. This young man, had potential, not only physically, but as soon as the King set his eyes on this man, he knew he would be the right man for the job. Though the king had barely been wrong, he had to test this man nonetheless.

“Boy, these tests within the palace have been nothing compared to what you have to do in order to become a true knight,” King Arthur stated with authority. “I’ll gladly accept any challenge you wish to bestow upon me, sire,” The young man said. “Very well, then. Boy, state your name so I may show you the supreme challenge to test not only your body and mind, but to test yourself as one who had entrusted loyalty to not just me, but yourself, and your country. So come forth and state your name!” “Jacob sir, I am a squire of your army, and a loyal soldier to everyone in Britain! I willingly accept any challenge you wish to set upon me, your majesty!” Jacob said with pride. “Splendid! Here is your assignment, Jacob. What I want you to is to take the life of one the most ruthless, vile, and despicable Knights of this continent. Sir Allen Ordell under King Worshak of Turkey,” the king stated. Now son, this will be no easy task, for this is King Worshak’s greatest knight, his best fighter. Poor preparations will result in your death. If you truly wish to accept this path, I will allow you three months to train yourself for the ultimate battle between knights,” The king said. “I will accept, for a knight of your kingdom will not stand down from the task that has been laid upon me. I will go forth, knowing that my life may end there,” Jacob stated with pride in his eyes. Very well, off you go son! And may the gods watch over you in your quest for victory!” The king gladly stated.

The three months were grueling. Jacob trained himself far beyond what he believed his limit was, strengthening himself to the point where for a moment he thought he was invincible. Jacob reported to King Arthur that was setting off. “Good luck and Godspeed to you,” The King said as he sent off Jacob. Jacob started his quest in a small field outside of London, traveling quickly to the dock outside of the field. He was planning on taking a ship to Germany and then he’d figure out what he would do from there. He recalled the king’s words as he thought in silence. “Poor preparations will result in your death,” began Jacob as he spoke to himself. “I must be careful from here on out” Jacob added as he proceeded. He made it to the dock, and purchased a ticket for the ship.

The trip didn’t seem to take that long, it was a two night trip, as Jacob’s excitement and adrenaline made it seem like a couple of hours. When he arrived in Romania, he purchased a weapon there, a nicely made steel bladed long sword. He also made a disguise as he took another small boat over the Black Sea into Turkey, where his enemy was.

It didn’t take long for Jacob to arrive in Turkey, and about a day of traveling brought him to castle. Jacob knew he wouldn’t make it alive if he just rushed in, so he devised an all-or-nothing plan. He was to be taken in as a squire for the king, and then assassinate the great knight. It didn’t take long to trick the king and his underlings to him being one of their own. He was around a seemingly friendly environment; it was kind of hard knowing they are the enemys. The time Jacob spent went by slowly, as he thought he would never get a chance at his enemy. Until one day he overheard the king speaking with him. “Sir Allen, I am afraid that one day a spy from our enemy kingdom may come and try to assassinate one of us. I fear that this day draws near, so as a direct order I wish for you to resign early this night, as tomorrow I want you to set out and kill their king before the same fate comes on one of us, understood?” King Worshak stated. “Understood, sire,” Sir Allen replied.

Later that night Jacob set his plan in motion. He crept with care as he made his way toward the room of the great knight. He carefully opened the door, peeking in to see if the knight was asleep, surely enough Jacob saw him in bed. Jacob quickly came into the room, spinning around a few times; making sure a trap wasn’t set. He approached the bed with caution; he drew his sword and trusted it through the lump on the bed. Just then Jacob knew something was wrong. All of a sudden a dark figure rushed at him, pinning him to the wall. “You believed it would be that simple to assassinate me? I knew I didn’t like you the second you walked into this kingdom! And now I can-,” The great knight started as he then fell to the ground, holding onto his leg, a knife was impaled into his leg. “That knife is poisoned, you won’t last much longer now,” Jacob stated. “Looks like you’ve gotten a little careless,” Jacob added. He tied up the knight, also tying his mouth shut, assuming he’ll be dead by the morning. Jacob quickly gathered his things, making sure not to leave a trace as he escaped the kingdom. As he made it back to Britain, the kingdom greeted him with open arms, as he returned a hero.

“His statue stands tall today in the town square, sonny,” Tommy’s grandfather said. “Wow grandpa, is that a true story?” Tommy asked. “Yes it is, sonny, anyway it’s really late you should get right to sleep,” Tommy’s grandfather said. “Do you think he’s still alive grandpa?” Tommy asked. “I still believe he’s out there, sonny, and he may be closer than you think. Goodnight,” Tommy’s grandfather said. “Goodnight grandpa!”

Moonshine by Dan F.

The full moon behind the black silhouettes of the mighty forest pines had always evoked a strong deep instinct in Lance. It was so basic and primal; it felt like a calling from another life. It always put things in perspective. He had a clear view of the pines and stars from his bedroom window. More then 1000 times now he had fallen asleep while gazing at them. Tonight was no different. While here, the familiar sight had calmed him in times of hardship and stress. From his first day at his new school to the last day of summer, from the day he got his new dog, to the day it died from a car accident, from Christmas evening, to the day his brother was born, the moon had always been with him. Its pure white light always had eerie effect on the front yard below him, making it seem just a little unreal.

Tomorrow was Saturday, the end of the week. After the weekend, he would go back to school for 5 days, then another weekend, then perhaps a vacation, a few more months of the routine, then summer, when he still do the same thing every day, but it would not include school. The pattern of his life; until he finished high school. Maybe then he could get out expand himself; find a career, focus his education. Tonight, all he cared about was sleep. Tomorrow, he was going to see a movie with his friends.

As his eyes closed, he got a final look at the moon. Or, rather, were the moon would be. It was a cloudy night and the there was only a periodic break through which the open cosmos could be observed. The grey sky was tainted near the horizon with the warm orange and pink of distant city light beyond the woods. In the deep black of the middle sky the Aura borealis flowed high and bright.

The next day, as planned, Lance and his friends went to see a movie. It was great. The actors were realistic, the plot engaging, the music provoked strong emotions for the situation and every scene was picture perfect. It was “epic”, and the viewers ate it up. They loved to get lost in impossibly grand superior worlds of imagination, in which there were heroes, characters, places, and things which they felt were somehow more extreme, more awesome, then those in the real world. The audience was mesmerized.

Suddenly the power cut out. There was a low angry roar all around them. It was pitch black in the theater. Even the exit sign was dormant. The people panicked. There was instant kayos. Lance and his friends scrambled to find one another, then to get out. When they finally did, after nearly being trampled by the hustling crowd, they found the streets too were filled with crazed citizens. All the lights were out and not even flashlights or cell phones worked. Worst of all was the sky, for it had turned blood red with streaks; the flaming tails of destroyed satellites as they fell from their orbit.

Within 24 hours, the world’s major cities were diminished to smoldering ruins. The extra terrestrial attackers, whatever their motives for war were, had decimated earths population. In some parts, they sent grate bolts of superheated plasma hurtling towards the surface, turning the sand to glass and vaporizing life. Their millions of drones made short work of all mans planes. Forests burned and oceans fumes steam.

5 years later, Lance found himself on a rescue operation as the chief engineer aboard a medical ship. The invaders of earth had brought devastating weapons with them, such as the EMP generator, which they used in the initial attack, but humans were quick to adapt and reverse engineer any and all technology that they obtained from the aliens.

Within 3 years of the first encounter, the surviving scientists had learned the secrets of light speed travel and artificial gravity. It, along with salvaged alien weapons technology would at best give them small defenses, enough for evacuation of any inhabited planet that could be attacked, not that there were enough humans left to colonize them.

They were lucky to have survived at all. The only reason some lived was because the aliens had underestimated human kinds advancement from the last analysis of their civilization, which was more then 100 earth years ago, when they left their home planet and began their march towards the sol system. Since then, humans had made the atomic bomb, and with it, appropriate shelters in the mountains. It was in these that the survivors hid until the bombardments stopped. Later they would learn that all of human kinds weapons had been used, had been necessary, to destroy the enemy ships in space. Every bomb in every nation’s arsenal was used to penetrate their defenses, but eventually, the alien fleet was destroyed, leaving only a handful of humans left. It was learned that the aliens were from a distant planet, and travel between there and earth, even with light speed engines, took a century. If another fleet had been sent, the humans had 100 years to prepare. However, the second encounter with the new enemy came much sooner then they though. Lance had been drafted, like many others, into earth’s armed forces. While scouting a planet they thought might be inhabitable, an exploration frigate had scanned its surface. Orbital images showed a small structure made of refined materials. It had right angles and a strong power signature emanated from its position. Communication with the ship was lost soon after. It was assumed it was an alien outpost, on the outskirts of their special territory. Lance and his shipmates were on their way to investigate and help anyone they found who was injured, although following the aliens pattern of destruction, there probably wouldn’t be much left. It was likely suicide to even come close. But Lance followed orders, like everyone else.

As they approached the planet, Lance could see its’ moon out the window against the dark side. It was about two times larger then earths moon, but with their distance from it, it appeared very similar. There were no pine trees, although a nearby nebular had the same effect as the northern lights on earth. He thought about his position; a new recruit in the space marines, on his way to war with an alien species. He had always wondered what it would be like to be one of the 300 Spartans at Cher Napoli, or a solder on the front lines in the American civil war. Now he found his situation to be even worse. “Maybe life is as epic as the movies” he contemplated, “or more so. We mistake the plot twists for disasters, the climax for death, and there’s never any music playing to set the mood. There doesn’t need to be. The mood is set automatically. He wondered what movie hero would do in his position as he flew towards near certain destruction. But then he realized he was no hero. When the human fleet came to investigate the loss of a second ship, all they found was a single escape pod…

One Missed Shot by Matt C.

I placed the ball exactly where it had been before. Just like before I gauged the wind and slowly approached. Then I kicked as hard as I could. It had the same amount of spin as before and I just watched as it went into the upper corner of the goal. Why couldn’t that have happened last time. Why.

What happened last time was just short of a disaster. I am a soccer player and I’m really good judging by what I’ve accomplished. I had just made the Russian national soccer team and was being called great. All of Russia was obsessed with soccer because they thought I was the key to a World Cup. Then we started the World Cup and we advanced through the ranks. I was scoring multiple goals every game. My specialty was free kicks and my accuracy was called deadly. Then the game for the gold came and it was us against England. With about two minutes left there was a hard foul and I was picked to take the kick. I went to take it and was too confident. I screwed it up and it hit the post.

Now I’m back home in Russia and I can’t go out in public. I tried to a week after the game and I was almost killed. I have no idea why everyone is so mad, it’s just a game and the team would never have gone to the finals if I hadn’t been on it. People are calling for my retirement at the age of 19. They think I should just stop playing now because I missed one shot. I might have to quit because I’m scared, so far there have been death threats and my house has been egged every night. The people are insane and even my friends and teammates hate me. I don’t know why I’ve gone from a celebrity to hands down the most hated person in all of Russia. I decided I'm gonna try to go out tomorrow and see if people confront me in person, they probably will. It ain't gonna be fun.

"Boo, you suck" another man yelled at me. "Good one" That’s about the hundredth time I’ve heard that, the fans here are so creative. I should definitely have stayed inside for another week, or a month would have been better. Nothing has gotten better. If possible I think its worse and I don't see how that happpens. Everyone that I walk by either gives me a dirty look or attempts to spit at me. I tried calling my teammates and they still won't answer the phone. This sucks, I'm an outcast in my home country. I just think that the only way I could gain back the support that I once had is by winning again and maybe then they would have as insane a reaction except this time a good reaction. One that includes me being loved by everyone, that would be great. I'm gonna practice again and then won't have to be scared to walk down the street.

I've been practicing for about 3 hours a day and I found a team to join. They are in the Russian pro league and I've already noticed a difference in the number of people that hate me. Now it’s just a strong dislike by most people that I walk by. But they know that what I bring to the new team is insane skills and they know that they're going to win. I hate how people are, they hate me when I make an mistake even though anyone could have done it. Then once I help them win they are back on the bandwagon. If I had listened to them I would have quit and I couldn't do that. Soccer is too much fun and I can't listen to people who know nothing and will change their opinion in a week. I've gotta make my own decisions and continue to play the game I love.

A Drink to Remember and Another to Forget by Kay T.

As the New Jersey sun sunk below the horizon, they sat around the dwindling fire as they watched the embers fiery red glow diminish. No words were spoken aloud, but among them everything was understood. No one could understand why this had happened. Such a tragedy on what was supposed to be the best time of their lives. One thing is for certain, this would live with these individuals for the rest of their days.

“Ring” the last bell sounded as the members of Rock Ridge High School fled from the building. That was the last bell of high school that the seniors would have to obey. A group of the senior class, John, Maria, Lewis, Colin, Stacey and Todd walked stealthily out of the double doors. “Gee, can’t believe this is the last day” Todd said looking back at their old high school. “Right, high school is over guys” Colin added.

“Well at least we still have our senior trip together before we all part our ways to college,” Stacey said with hope. As the group of friends admired what they had accomplished, a stampede of seniors ran toward them to get into their cars. Joshua Colin’s friend jumped onto Colin and gave him a noogie. “Yo bro, excited for Sea Isle?! We’ve got a load of “stuff” if you know what I mean” Joshua said quietly. Sea Isle is the secluded beach where their group of senior friends would vacation for the summer. The seniors had been saving all year for this event. It was no doubt the highlight of the year, and now it was finally here. After sharing this information with Colin, Joshua scurried off to catch up with his friends to prepare for their summer get away. “Ah I can’t wait guys! Me and Stacey are going home to pack we’ll meet you guys at Lewis’s house in about an hour okay?” Maria stated.

“Alright we leave at 6 sharp!” John exclaimed. He would be the one driving the crew down.
Six O’clock rolled around. John hurried everyone into his old black jeep. He hopped into the front and roared the engine. They were off. On the way down Todd had brought his CD mix he had made. It included many Sublime songs along with some Dispatch. Free-spirited, they shouted and chanted the songs the whole way down to the secluded beach house in Sea Isle.

The six graduates arrived at the Beach House when Joshua, red party cup in hand, greeted them at the gate. “Hello fellow graduates!” he said drunkenly, “Let’s get this party started!” He through a beer bottle at Todd and motioned for the group to get inside. Everyone followed inside excitedly except for Todd. Something had been burdening him for the whole ride down to the beach. Maria, who he was closest to in the group, grabbed his hand and dragged him into the house.

There were about 100 party goers inside. All of which were seniors. Sounds of Bob Marley filled the huge house. At that Todd left his troubles behind and partied with his best friends. John, Todd, Lewis, Colin, Maria, and Stacey reminisced on their high school years, and how long they had all been friends. “Let’s make a vow right here and now, we’ll stick with each other through the end. Nothing will ever make us befriend each other” Stacey slurred to the group. At this they lifted there cups and clashed them together.

The next morning, Joshua came into the room full of sluggish bodies and shouted at the room full of adolescences “Get up you bums! It’s beach time!” the crowd slowly opened their eyes and attempted to follow the orders. Finally the crew got up and followed Joshua to the beach. They had Frisbee tournaments all day long along with many other fun games. All of them enjoyed the fact that they were newly graduated seniors. But what was to come was unbearable.
Although Todd had been drinking and partying like the rest, he hadn’t been feeling that well all day. Todd had a secret that none of his friends knew about. He couldn’t bear to burden them with the awful news he had been carrying. He continued to act as though nothing was bothering him. As dawn turned to dusk he got weaker and weaker. Maria, John, Colin, Stacey and Lewis noticed he wasn’t being himself. They suggested a game of truth and dare. Meanwhile Todd tried to keep his pain to himself. He was experiencing crucial migraines. The drinking was not helping but, he didn’t want anyone to question his health.

Going around the circle everyone had a separate dare. When they got to Todd he was dared to climb among the ledge near the reef. “Come on they chanted have some fun!” Todd tried to respond but couldn’t. Lewis, who over the years he hadn’t been the closest with Todd, dragged him up to the ledge. Todd couldn’t contain himself any longer and with out control he wobbled off toward the edge. Lewis caught him just before he fell. Todd passed out among the rocks in Lewis’s arms. “Help!” Lewis shouted. Everyone ran to be by his side. He wouldn’t move. Maria crouched down next to him shook and cried out to him. There was no response. The ambulance arrived and after a few hours the surgeon came out in his long white coat. “I’m sorry but your friend didn’t make it. He didn’t have much time left…,” he said “but why did you let him drink?” They had no idea that Todd had been hiding his brain tumor from them. Now they knew and unfortunately nothing could be done. He was dead.

As the fire slowly started to die out, everyone gathered in a huddle. They cried in unison for Todd, for their best friend was gone. John rose a glass and muttered these words “for Todd, our beloved friend, rest in peace bro. Here’s to a Drink to remember this as the best times with Todd still here with us, and another to forget his loss.” At this the group swallowed their shots. He would always be with them.

The Newman’s Vacation by John B.

“Come on you two get up, we have to leave soon so we can make it to the airport on time!” “Alright we’ll be down for breakfast in a few minutes,” said Sara and Justin. “I’m so excited it’s finally time for us to go on vacation to Ireland,” said Justin. The two young 9 year old twins quickly ran down the creaky steps with their big blue luggage bags. “You’ll have to eat breakfast in the car, so grab a box of Poptarts and drinks,” said their dad. Everyone was in the red Dodge Caravan within 40 minutes. “So how long will it take to get to Ireland from Connecticut, mom?” said Sara? “To long”, said Sara’s mom.

“Hey can you pass me some Poptarts,” said Sara’s dad? Everyone barely ate breakfast, because they were so excited about flying for the first time.

After about 3 and ½ hours they arrived at the airport. They got all their bags checked through the tight security, because of the September 11 attack. “Hello, may I see your passport,” said the plump lady in a blue uniform. Everyone gave the lady their passports and got on the plane. “Welcome please take your seats we’ll be leaving very shortly,” said the pilot.” “I don’t want the window seat,” said Justin. “I’m afraid of heights.” “I’m going to take a nap, because I couldn’t sleep last night,” said the twin’s dad. The plane took off and a movie came on which kept the twins entertained. “I always wanted to see the movie National Treasure,” said Sara.

During the movie Justin noticed that the man sitting across from him kept looking at him frequently. So Justin quickly looked at the man and the man smiled at him. Justin smiled back and didn’t look at the man for a while. The plane finally arrived in Ireland. The Newman family left got off the plane and said bye to the captain. “Everyone please stick together we don’t want to lose you in the airport,” said the twin’s mom. “Hey a sports store”, said Justin. He quickly ran off to the sports store before his parents could stop him. Suddenly just before Justin entered the tiny store a man picked him up and dragged him out of the airport to the exit that was just about 2 yards away. “Mom and Dad where did Justin go,” said Sara? “I don’t know, I told him to stay near by,” said Sara’s mom. Everyone panicked and quickly looked and shouted for Justin.

“Let’s tell the airport security,” Billy said. Billy (the twin’s father) told the security guys and the looked on the cameras. Justin was nowhere to be found. After about 2 hours of questions and searching family decided to go to the hotel and let the police and security look for Justin. “I really hope Justin is okay,” said the twin’s mom as she and Sara began to cry.

The man had blind folded, duct tape Justin’s hand, and put a gag in his mouth. Justin was being pushed by the man and before he new it he was in a tiny room. Then the man took Justin’s blind fold off. “Hey you’re the man that smiled at me on the plane,” said Justin. “Shut up, unless you want the gag on again,” said the man. Justin didn’t say anything for the moment. Instead he observed everything around him. Just in case he was saved and the man got away. He could tell the police that the man was about 6 feet tall, had blue eyes, black hair, and was wearing a tuxedo. The man left the room and Justin was alone. There was a telephone on the dresser, but the man had destroyed it completely. Justin noticed a little card on the floor. He picked it up and it said CLAIR”S HOTEL. Well Justin was in a hotel. He wished he had listened to his parents and had stuck with his parents. He had to find a way to get the duct tape off, and a way to leave the room.

“Were here, at the hotel,” said the twin’s dad. “Great lets do something to get our minds off Justin for a little bit,” said Sara. Sara’s parents talked to a guy who was at the front desk. They got a card for room 674. They walked down the hallway on the first floor; they wanted to stay on the first floor for Justin’s sake since he was so afraid of heights. As they walked down the narrow hallway Sara read all the numbers on the door, as they increased. “That red color on all the doors is very pretty,” said the twin’s mom. Billy opened the door with the small green card key. Their straight faces suddenly changed to a huge O. It was Justin in their hotel room.

“Justin,” everyone screamed! Justin had stopped trying to take the tape off of his hands and started to cry. He was so happy to see his family. “Oh Justin, I thought we’d never see you again,” said Justin’s mom. “Quick mom no time to chat, get the tape off me as quickly as you can,” Justin said vigorously. “The man that kidnapped me could be back any minute, who knows if he has a weapon.” Justin’s mom and dad quickly took off the tape as Sara watched. The told the man at the front desk to call the police immediately. He called the police, and they arrived within 7 minutes. The police went and hid in the room waiting for the man to come back. The Newman family stayed in room number 401 for the time being. Sure enough the man came back after about 35minutes. The man opened the door and a police officer shouted “Freeze”! The man didn’t freeze but ran. The police were to fast and caught the man.

The Newman’s family vacation was great for the rest of the two weeks. They visited castles and saw the Cliffs of Moher. During the end of the first week the family got a phone call to go to the police station for some questions, after that they were never bothered again by the police or the man. From that day on Justin always listened to his parents, he figured they knew what was best for him.

Half Empty To Half Full by Brian R.


Walking down Redwood Street, Darren Patten kept his head down, making sure he made no eye contact with anyone walking the opposite way. Feeling his phone vibrate, he reached deep in his pocket to see who was calling him. When he saw that it was his mother, he ignored the call, shaking his head with disappointment. A few minutes ago, he had come running out of his house on the verge of tears, due to his parents fighting once again. Many times it had been over something foolish, but this time it was serious. Just last night, Darren’s father had come home acting differently, almost guilty. In the morning his mother found many clues leading to the discovery of his father cheating on her. Darren thought that she would start crying, but she seemed too angry to shed tears. He had never seen his mother so furious, besides the time when Darren had broken her favorite set of glass dishes from France, passed down from her great-grandmother. He couldn’t listen to the threats and yelling going back and forth between the two, so he ran out the door without glancing back.

The sun, which was just rising, peeked its brilliant head above the trees. The birds were singing their happy songs but Darren could not feel as cheerful as his surroundings. He understood that his parents would most likely be getting a divorce after all that was happening, but it could not sink in. His parents had been married for the past 23 years, he could not imagine them splitting up. What would happen to himself and his little sister, Amanda, who was only at the age of two. Thinking back, the whole morning had been a blur and he realized that he had been reluctant to eat anything. Feeling around in his pocket, he felt some money and change, and headed toward the drug store.

“Hey Darren,” Mr. Jenkins greeted him as Darren came into the store. The usual bells rang as the door shut behind him.

“Hi, Mr. Jenkins,” he responded, trying not to look up at him, hoping that he wouldn’t ask what’s wrong or why Darren looked miserable.

Jen Jenkin’s Drug Store had been around since before he was even born. Darrens father had always told stories of when he was a kid, going into Jen’s with all of his friends after a long day at the baseball field or in the park, during the summer. Darren always loved hearing these stories, it felt strange stepping into the same store his father had once stepped into when he was about his age.

Darren went to the back of the store and grabbed a soda. He had left his house only an hour ago and already had nothing on his mind for himself to do. He knew that his parents would be getting worried, but he also understood that they had enough on their shoulders at the moment with the fighting and arguing. Pretending to be deciding which chips he wanted, he glanced at Mr. Jenkins. He was quite an older man, dark skinned with wrinkles on his face, probably from smiling so much. Darren had never seen him yell or even get angry before. He always had a smile on his face, he eyes were kind and his heart warm. Ever since he could remember, Jem Jenkin’s Drug Store had been his home away from home. He personally enjoyed his time there more than his own house.

Deciding against chips, Darren purchased the half empty soda and stepped back out onto the street. Again, keeping a steady pace and his head down, he strolled alongside the trees that lined the street. He made his way into the forest, where there was an empty boxcar on the old abandoned train tracks. Darren sometimes came here to think things over and to be by himself. As he approached, and slid open the door with a high pitched squeak, he came to notice he would not be the only one using the box car. There was a short, grubby homeless man smoking a pipe in the corner of the car. He looked up with a startled look when Darren opened the door, but didn't seem to be bothered by him.

"Come on in kid, its ok, there's plenty of room in here," the homeless man said, "My names Jason, and I just moved in," he said, looking around the box car.

"Thanks, I'm Darren," he said, stepping into the car, which was filled with dust. "That's my dad's name, Jason"

Darren and Jay talked for a little while before Jason asked what brought him to the box car. Darren told him that this was him thinking spot when something was bothering him. Jason was curious to what was bothering him and Darren told him all of his troubles and everything that was going on at home.

"Sometimes I just wish I didn't have parents or family at all, they make everything complicated and they fight too much," Darren told him, looking at the floor.

"Don't say that kid," Jason responded, "I wish I could go back to my family but I cant, I screwed up kid."

Jason told Darren that when he was about 18 years old he started to use drugs and was a heavy drinker. After his parents caught him more than once, they apparently had kicked him out of the house. Since then, Jason had lived on the streets by himself, no matter how tough it was. He had tried to go back once or twice, but each time they had refused to accept him into the house. For five years, he had been living in the safest places on the street, praying every day that someone would take him in.

"See kid, family should mean a lot to you, even if they fight excessively," Jason finished. "Go back to your house and talk to your parents kid."
Darren sat on the floor pondering, and after about 10 minutes, thanked the man and jumped down from the box car. He lumbered out from the trees and jumped back onto the sidewalk. Walking back down Redwood Street, Darren Patten kept his head down, thinking about everything Jason had just told him. He had to be thankful for having his family and everyday that he spent with them.

Suicidal Sunday by Kaitlyn B.

It was late afternoon, and sunlight spilled onto Ellia’s face. She was 24 years old, with somewhat tanned skin. Her eyes were blue like the sea, and she had long wavy blonde hair. It was Sunday, and only thirteen hours had passed since her brother, Ned, had died. She hadn’t been able to get a full night of sleep before something interrupted her from her temporary disconnection to her troubled life.

It sounded like air rushing quickly out of something. Next there was a gross smell, and Ellia knew something was wrong. She quickly got up and followed the quiet breezy sound. Down the hall and in her bed she found a small metal sphere with gas coming out! She quickly grabbed it, the cold metal freezing her hands. Ellia turned and threw it out her window, not caring that she didn’t open it. Glass bits shattered everywhere and as soon as it touched the ground there was a small explosion, killing some of her beautiful daises surrounding this mysterious sphere.

Something was very strange. Her brother, Ned, had just died, and the doctors thought it was suicide. All she could think of was that Ned had recently been to his best friend’s party. His girlfriend Nelly had gone with him, who recently just got out of a serious relationship. Nelly was really pretty, with green eyes and gorgeous long black hair. But just hours after her brother had died, someone was trying to kill her?

“What…just…happened? I need to call Trevor!” Ellia exclaimed.
~*~
“What took you so long?!” Ellia got really nervous, wondering what might happen next.

“It’s okay, I’m here. I came as fast as I could. I thought you might be worried so I stopped and bought you these.” Trevor smiled as he handed her a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, making sure there were daises in it, her favorite flower.

“Thank you, but now’s not the time. I think, but this is just a thought, that someone is out to kill me. My brother just died, and the doctors said it was a suicide, but my brother would never do that. And now, someone is trying to bug my apartment? Is it just me or is something suspicious?” Ellia was really starting to get worried.

“Shhh,” Trevor hugged her to calm her down,” I really think your getting paranoid here. Your brother just died, and you’re obviously having a hard time. Let’s go inside.”

So, Trevor and Ellia slowly shuffled their way in the girl’s apartment, not knowing what was happening just a few feet away.

“Aww, how sweet,” Magda said in a mocking tone, “they’re in love. Shasta, get my stuff!”

Magda is a Swedish spy, a mean cold-hearted killer. She was not someone you wanted to mess with, seeing after he husband’s death, she gave no mercy. Shasta was her partner in crime for many years whose loyalty made up for his lack of brains.

“Here’s your…” Shasta couldn’t even finish his sentence before Magda snatched the gun away from his grasp.

“Give me this! I don’t have all day.” Magda held her ice cold scope with pride, peering through the window of the apartment. Any minute now, she was so close, a bullet away from $750,000.
~*~
“Ellia,” Trevor said, “ I’m going to keep watch, make sure everything is alright out there. Don’t worry.” Trevor didn’t want to admit to it, but he was worried something would happen to the love of his life.

“I’m going to try and get some sleep.” Yawned Ellia.

“Okay, I’m here if you need me.” Said Trevor.
~*~
“Quick get up! I heard something outside, like shooting, and now it sounds like whatever was out there, is in here! Let’s go!” Trevor yelled.

“Let me just…” Ellia complained sleepily.

“No time!” Trevor grabbed her and they ran out.

The hallway was half lit and eerie looking. Ellia kept hearing noises and looked behind her, but all she saw was a shadow. She sped up her pace, and soon they were out side in the parking lot.

“Pink! Tick! Bonk!” Gun bullets were flying everywhere now. Some dangerously close to hitting her and Trevor. Dodging them, they quickly progressed closer to the car.

“Hop in!” said Trevor, frantically opening the door. He quickly ignited the ignition, and they sped off.

“That was too close.” said Ellia. She waited a bit to catch her breath, “So where are we going?”

“To the scene of the crime, your brother’s house. We need to look for clues.” Trevor panted.
~*~
When they got to her brother’s house, Ellia almost teared up. Memories swept over her, and it still hadn’t hit Ellia that Ned was no longer with her.

Trevor reached for the brass doorknob, and turned it quickly, embracing for something bad to happen. They walked in, but stayed together. Ellia was squeezing Trevor hands so hard, he thought it would fall off. He didn’t want to admit he was scared, to keep Ellia less freaked out. They slowly made their way upstairs and into her brother’s bedroom. Ellia paced up to the bed, and something caught her eye. It was a single strand of hair on one of the pillows. It was long and black, which was a major clue. Ned’s girlfriend, Nelly, had long black hair. She lifted up the covers and found some dried up blood spattered on the crisp white sheets. Ellia gasped and turned to cry on Trevor’s shoulder.

“How could she? I trusted her!” Ellia wailed.

“How do we know it was her? She moved in not to long ago, she sleeps here,” Trevor said, “Let’s keep looking.”

Ellia sniffled around the house, desperately looking for anything that could be a clue. She nearly gave up her hope until she came upon something that changed her mind about Nelly. A couple blood drops made a ten-foot trail that led behind Ned’s couch. Ellia tugged Trevor along as they both peered over the edge of the couch and she screamed. A body was lying down limp with a slit throat and a pool of blood surrounded him.

It didn’t take Ellia long to realize it was Ned’s best friend, Toby. Ellia put the puzzle together in a matter of seconds.

“Toby was mad at Ned for stealing his ex-girlfriend Nelly. He must have found out at the party when Ned introduced them or something. Toby must have realized that’s why Nelly left him. So the next day, he must’ve hid in the bushes, waiting for Nelly to leave. Then he broke into the house and went to Ned’s bedroom, where he must’ve been sleeping in. He cut Ned’s wrists, to make it look suicidal, until he bled to death in his own bed. Toby left him there and must’ve just gone mad. He cut his own wrists and walked behind the couch at the same time. Then he jumped behind the couch to hide, and slit his throat.” Ellia concluded

“Wow.” Trevor was impressed about how quickly his girlfriend could put things together.

“Is that a siren I hear?” asked Ellia.

The couple couldn’t believe what they saw when they looked out the window. Two people with guns and explosives out side getting handcuffed. They both ran outside in amazement.

“These people were on the top ten list of America’s Most Wanted. They were hired to kill you.” a cop said to Ellia.

“Well that’s what was happening to me. I knew I wasn’t crazy. Thank you so much officer. But why kill us?” Ellia said gratefully.

“I heard the lady say something about someone named Toby? Oh, and don’t thank me, thank your neighbor. She called reporting a bloodcurdling scream and saw strangers with weird devices outside. It’s our job to check it out.” the cop replied.

“This Toby was really paranoid.” Said Trevor.

“Oh, the scream was regarding something else. I think you need to check it out.” Ellia said as she led the cop inside.
~*~
After explaining the same story to the cop that she did to Trevor, he called in for back-up to check the house to make sure nothing else was wrong and took in Toby for further investigation.

“We’ll be sending a story to the F.B.I in case they need you for any future jobs. You did amazing work here. Keep it up, and stay out of trouble.” the cop said as Trevor and Ellia left Ned’s house.

Ellia didn’t even reply, she was so happy. No one was out to kill her anymore, her brother’s death was solved, and she and Trevor were alive. But Trevor was happy for something else.

Trevor knelt down on one knee, and Ellia thought he was tying his shoe. But then he stared talking to her and she caught on. After a minute of a lot of talking he popped the big question.

“Ellia, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” Ellia cried.
The newly engaged couple kissed under the twinkling stars and everything was finally the way Ellia wanted it to be.