3 letter word for embrace

Deadlines to Keep

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:04:40 -0500

New post on my professional website, check it out if interested. http://bokeeffe.com/ Thanks for your support!

For the Time Being

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 20:16:12 -0400

Once upon a time there was an author who wanted to exercise her writing muscle in order to feel like she was truly keeping up with her writing. She had just graduated from college with a B.F.A. in Dramatic Writing from a very good school and was very hopeful about her future, but well understood that there would be very little she could at the moment to push her dreams forward. She had about half a dozen ideas for scripts, about half of them were already written in some shape or fashion, but not much more than that.

“Ah ha!” she thought, “I’ll get those creative juices flowing by writing any short story I like every day!” So she did, and she enjoyed it. She still needed a job though. Turned out, living on your own was expensive- something she knew, but still didn’t enjoy. So, as she wrote, she went job hunting.

After two months of searching she found one! The people there were very nice to her and she really enjoyed it. It was far, far, far away from her dream job, but as first job out of college, it was pleasing. The same day she got her job, her mother came to visit her for a week. The author was very happy to see her mother and sisters but between work and spending time with her family she, sadly, didn’t write anything. The week came and went and things were looking up. Her new job was looking promising, they were giving her more hours and seemed genuinely happy to see her in the morning.

But still, the author did not write.

She wanted to, but she was honestly very upset with herself. She had kept up with her commitment for 29 days. There were 29 stories on her blog. 29 hours of writing. She had been impressed with her own diligence. But all she could think about was how she did not reach 30 days. How she couldn’t push just one more hour so that, if nothing else, she had completed one month of writing. She was embarrassed that she had dropped the ball.

And then, she slapped herself. Metaphorically. It took nearly another month before she realized she was being silly. Failing to post a short story didn’t make her a failure or unreliable. It meant she was busy. It meant that, while unemployed it was much easier to post a daily short story. But now that she was working she had things she needed to do when she got back home.

The author decided, that she would keep up her blog but not on a daily basis. She decided she would write a new short story every weekend. Two stories, every week. This way, she could keep up with work, work on other, bigger projects during the week, and then every weekend, she would post something fresh. And perhaps more, should she feel up to it. “Yes,” she thought, “That will be better.” And she smiled.

Still, she felt like she had to explain her leave of absence. So she did. The end, forthetimebeing.

Thanks for checking in!

All my love~

Forest Foibles

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 17:18:52 -0400

The forest was damp from the rains last evening. The air was sweet and cool. It was early morning and the birds were only beginning to sing their melodies.

A white blur raced passed the trees. Her long ears were pointed behind her, so they would not flop about needlessly. She leapt over a log overlooking a stream. Water splashed up but she paid it no mind. She rushed through the veil of cool spring water and kept moving.

Up ahead was her goal, the cliff side that presided over the meadow. She could smell the sweet nectar of the flowers already. She sped up. She knew she had won.

She saw something cross her path. A slow moving turtle was making his way toward the stream. There was nowhere to jump on either side, she was heading right for him. She dug her legs into the ground and push herself back. She began to slow, but it wouldn’t be enough

A stream of orange came from above and collided with her. They tumbled backward, away from the cliff and the turtle, and into shallow stream in the woods.

“I got you, Bunny!” squealed the pointy eared orange creature, as she sat proudly on top of Bunny.

“Got off, Foxy!” grumbled Bunny, “I’m getting soaked here!”

“I don’t think so,” Foxy was smug, “I won the race, thus I get to sit where ever I please!”

“That wasn’t the deal! Winner gets the warm rock in the meadow!”

“I’d still be sitting where I liked.”

The water from the stream kept splashing into Bunny’s face. She wasn’t happy. “Foxyyyyyy!” whined Bunny, “Get off me! I can’t move.”

“Don’t be a sore loser!” chimed Foxy.

A thought came to Bunny and she smirked. “I can’t help it if you’re so fat I can’t move under your weight…”

Foxy jump up and growled. “What’d you call me!?”

Bunny leapt up on the bank of the stream and shook out her fur. It all splashed onto Foxy. When she was done she licked her paws. “There, that’s better.” She looked at Foxy and burst out laughing. Foxy’s fur was dripping wet. Bunny rolled over onto the grass in giggles.

“Why you!” Foxy jumped Bunny and they rolled into the tall grass. Bunny just kept laughing. “This isn’t funny!”

“Y-yes it is!!” squealed Bunny.

Foxy stepped off and pouted. “Hmph.”

“Aww, don’t be a spoiled sport, Foxy!” Bunny began poking and pawing at Foxy’s sides. “C’mon… smile!”

“Get off!”

“Smile!”

“What are you two going on about?”

Bunny and Foxy stopped for a moment and looked up. A dark deer with dark brown eyes was coolly looking down at them. Her antlers came forth from her head and so gracefully grew that they seemed to sit upon her brow like a crown.

“Venice!” gasped Bunny. She sat up straight and Foxy followed suit.

“Are we late, Venice?” asked Foxy, as unassuming as she could.

Venice bent her neck down toward the two little creatures and playfully nudged them both with her muzzle. “Relax, you two. I’m not here to scold you.”

Foxy let out a large sigh. “Oh that goodness.” Foxy leapt up on all fours and crouched low to the ground, her tail whishing back and forth. “C’mon! Do you want to play too!?”

“I wish I could…”

“Aw, but Venice!” Bunny hopped up and placed both of her paws onto Venice’s hoof. “This is our last day to do what we want! You have to play with us!” Bunny’s eyes were large and adorable, in a slightly forced way.

“I know, Bunny, I want to. But I have to settle things in my mother’s court before we leave tomorrow. The Grand Owl has summoned a meeting with my family for this evening.”

“Has the Grand Owl changed his mind?” asked Foxy.

“No,” replied Venice, “This is his plan. I do not see a reason for him to change his mind like that.”

Bunny sighed. ”Alright, if you have to go.”

Venice smiled kindly. “I’ll see you both in the morning.” She turned about and walked toward the forest court, near the Oak ring.

Bunny and Foxy watched her walk away and wave.

“Yeah, I don’t envy all of Venice’s responsibilities,” said Foxy.

“Me neither. She handles everything so well, but she always seems… a little lonely…”

“Lonely? She’s got us!” objected Foxy.

“I know, but it’s not the same thing. We don’t have to do anything. Except the Academy’s work,” said Bunny. “Like, remember when you were little and your family found out that you had magic abilities? And you were sent out to the Academy? It was fun, but then everyone started looking at you different, even your all forty seven of your siblings.”

Foxy shook her head. “I’ve only got four brothers, Bunny.”

Bunny shrugged. “I know. My mom and dad wanted a small family.”

“But, I guess I know what you’re talking about.” Foxy looked out into the direction that Venice had went. “I wish we could do something for her.”

They were quiet for a moment. Bunny eyed Foxy and slowly turned around. In the next second she sped off in the direction of the meadow. “Last one to the warm rock is a drooling human!”

Foxy turned around and started after Bunny. “Hey! That’s not fair!”

Street Magic 3

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 01:44:00 -0400

“Do something!” squealed Rachel. She could hardly contain herself, she began tapping the end of her softball bat in anticipation.

“I really can’t do much right now,” said Linda, rather embarrassed. “Ming chopped off half my hair….”

“And that’s the source of your power?”

Linda self consciously rubbed her head via the pink beanie Rachel gave her. “Yeah. The longer it is, the stronger your power.”

Rachel’s eyes went wide. “C-can I try something? Can I do magic??” She pulled out her hair tie from her ponytail. Her hair hung about shoulder’s length. “Maybe? I mean it’s really up to how well you channel it.”

“Why?”

Linda thought about it. She looked around the back alley of Rachel’s uncle’s diner for something to present as an example. She spotted an old flash light and it clicked. She unscrewed the back and let the battery fall into her hand. “It’s like a battery. You can have a brand new battery, but if you don’t know how to use it, it’s not gonna do its job.”

“But all you have to do is plug the battery into the slot.”

“Right. But instead of a battery, you have to have your mind in the zone.”

“What kind of zone?”

“Well it depends on where you want to do. Magic needs to have a medium.”

“Your hair you mean?”

“No, my hair is my battery and my mind channels where the energy goes. But then I need a medium.”

Rachel leaned forward on her bat. “Like… what?”

“Like, words or art. There are tons of words and images around the city, I can use them to do what I want,” Rachel still wasn’t following. “Alright, like, there are stop signs, right? If I wanted, I could make someone freeze.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. And if I want to get somewhere,” Linda turned to the graffiti brick wall behind them, “All I have to do is focus on where I want to go while I’m moving the images to make a circle.” Linda began to trace her fingers over the rough brick surface. Slowly, the graffiti started to move, following Linda’s fingertips. She managed to form a loop on the wall, but nothing happened. “But, without my hair, I don’t have enough juice to….” Linda looked to Rachel and stopped.

Rachel was so excited. “Teach me! Teach me! Teach me!” she cheered.

Linda couldn’t help it. She was trying so hard not to let it slip, but her mouth twisted into a forced frown and she laughed so hard she could barely stand. She leaned on the brick wall.

Rachel didn’t get it. “What?? I’m serious, Linda! Don’t laugh!”

“I’m sorry!” Linda was trying to stop. “But your face!”

Rachel pouted. “What about my face? My mommy tells me my face is beautiful!”

Linda was beginning to control herself. “Ha ha, you were just so- eager! Like a bunny with a carrot or something!”

“A bunny?” Rachel thought about it and she had to laugh a little as well. Her laughter got Linda going again. Neither of them could help themselves. Linda had never laughed so hard in her entire life.

After a while, they settled down. Both were leaning against the wall, sitting beside each other.

Rachel was still giggling. “I like you. I’m glad we’re friends.”

“Friends?”

“Yeah, aren’t we friends?”

Linda was confused for a moment, she had never had a friend before. “Yeah. That’s cool.”

Rachel smiled. “Good.” She looked at Linda for a bit. “Can I see your hair again, please?”

Linda half smiled, but pulled off her beanie. She still hadn’t seen the damage, but just feeling her uneven hair made her depressed. She really could do almost nothing with it.

“You know, it’s not so bad,” said Rachel, peering over Linda’s head, “My mommy could cut it for you, make it look nicer.”

“It doesn’t need to look nice,” said Linda, pulling the beanie back on, “I need my powers back. I’m so useless without my powers.”

“Useless? That’s an odd thing to say about yourself. And besides, you can’t go around everywhere with that beanie on. What would your parents say?”

“… I don’t got any parents.”

“… You don’t?”

“No, just my aunt-“

“Who’s been wondering where you ran off to.”

Linda turned to the side and saw a woman with long dreadlocks come out of the brick wall she and Rachel were leaning on. “Auntie May!”

Rachel’s eyes couldn’t get any wider. “Oh my GOSH! She just walked out of a WALL!”

Aunt May didn’t pay any mind to Rachel. “Where have you been?”

Linda avoided eye contact. “…Ming and Kelp were chasing after mean when I was going to get groceries.”

“I don’t see any groceries.”

“I lost them, somewhere between portals. I’m sorry.” Linda looked very upset. Rachel wanted to do something, but didn’t know what.

Aunt May stepped forward and brought Linda into an embrace. Linda, being short only could wrap her arms around Aunt May’s lower torso. Aunt May’s hands rested on Linda’s beanie. Her eyebrows raised up in surprise but then she understood. “And they chopped off your hair.”

Linda only nodded, clearly holding back from sobbing.

Rachel couldn’t take it anymore. “I got a good look at them, ma’am! I could be a witness if you go to the police! They assaulted her!”

Aunt May looked over at Rachel. “Who’s the girl?”

Linda stepped back and wiped her eyes dry. “She stood up to Ming and Kelp. Knocked the wind out of them, and we ran.”

“With my bat!” cried Rachel cheerfully, raising up her bat with pride.

“I see,” Aunt May looked at Linda. “What have you told her.”

Linda crossed her arms defensively. “You showed her more than I told her just now.”

“Right. C’mon, we can’t stay here.”

“Wait, what?” asked Rachel, “You’re leaving Linda?”

“She is.” Aunt May turned to Rachel. “Thank you for helping my niece. But this is the last you’ll see of her.”

“What? Really?” Rachel looked to Linda. “But, Linda, we’re friends!”

“I-“

Aunt May pulled Linda toward the portal on the wall. “I’m sorry, Rachel. But you cannot be friends.” Aunt May nudged Linda forward.

Linda glanced to Rachel. “Bye-“

And she was gone. Aunt May looked away from Rachel and followed Linda. The graffiti portal closed behind them.

Rachel walked up to the wall and touched it. She pushed forward. Nothing. They were gone.

Garden Grow

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 16:01:00 -0400

“Let’s catch up, Natalie. How are you?”

“Catch up? We saw each other last week,” laughed Natalie, “Really, Regine, what’s to catch up on? May I have some iced tea?”

“Of course.” Regine poured Natalie a glass. “Here. And I don’t know. I guess I feel like we always have more to say.”

“This is true.” Natalie paused. “Regine, why is your wrist wrapped up like that?

Regine lifted her left hand. “Just an accident the other day. I’m fine, don’t worry.”

“That’s good.” Natalie shifted in her seat. “These cushions are new, aren’t they?”

“Yes, we just got them last week.”

“They’re lovely, Regine. Really. They go with your patio furniture so nicely.”

“Thank you. I picked them out with you in mind.”

“Really?” Natalie slowly glided her hand over the surface of the fabric. “The embroidered roses are beautiful.”

“You’ve always liked roses.”

“I have. Do you remember my rose garden?”

“I was jealous of it.”

“I know. It was the most beautiful place in the world… Did I ever tell you that Mark and I made love there?”

“You only bring it up every time.”

“In the grass near some of my favorite roses.”

“And nine months later you had Rose.”

“Ha ha ha, yes, I’ve told you this story.”

“Only every time.”

“I still haven’t told her about her name sake!” Natalie giggled.

“Perhaps you will one day?”

“What? And traumatize my poor little girl! Never! The very last thing a fourteen year-old needs to know is where she was conceived! And that would ruin the rose garden for her. She loves it almost as much as me.”

“Almost.”

“The boys like it too. MJ and Reggie think the bugs are cool. Reggie wants to have his own garden, you know, but he wants to grow vegetables and such.”

“I still can’t believe you named one of your sons after me.”

“I swear, we all thought Reggie was going to be a girl! Regine is such a pretty name, I had my heart set on it, you know that.”

“And when you popped him out you thought it would be funny to name him Reginald.”

“Nothing funny about it. It’s a perfectly respectfully name you know.”

“I know.”

“And, really, what do you mean, ‘popped’ out? Child birth isn’t some bubble that you burst! It’s beautiful and horrible at the same time!”

“I didn’t mean-“

Natalie stood up. “It’s not something that just happens! It’s an act of God and nature! It’s precious! My babies are precious!”

“Natalie, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend.” Regine paused. “I guess I’ve always been jealous. I was never able to… with Keith.”

Natalie paused and sighed. She went to Regine and sat at her feet, resting her head on Regine’s knees. “No, I’m sorry, Regine. I know… you would have made a wonderful mother.”

Regine stroked Natalie’s thick black hair. “I’m still not certain of it. I mean, who would want a shrink for a mother? Telling them what they should and shouldn’t do.”

“That’s only one part of it. You listen too. Even if they keep you wake for all hours of the night, you listen to them. Their problems yes, but also their dreams. Their fears and their dreams. That’s why’d you make a good mother Regine. You listen so well.”

“Thank you.”

“MJ was afraid of almost everything. The dark, thunder, dogs, spiders, the list goes on.”

“I know.”

“But he always tries to cheer me up.”

“He does?”

“Yes, when I’m sad.”

“When are you sad, Natalie?”

“… I was sad when Mark died.”

“I remember.”

“That was about the same time you moved away.” Natalie paused. “Sometimes I would be sad for a very long time. I’d forget to make dinner or wash the clothes.”

Regine listened.

“But my children, they helped. MJ came to get me out of bed and brought me to the patio. Rose made dinner, using only Reggie’s vegetables. Ratatouille. And Reggie was hanging the clothes out to dry on the clothes line. They were so sweet. They had candles out too. It was beautiful.”

“They love you, Natalie.”

“I know they do, they are my saving grace.”

“You are blessed.”

“I had so many more blessings than one woman should ask for.” Natalie slowly sat up. “We had to leave a week after that.”

“You did.”

Natalie turned to Regine. “Have I already told you this story?”

“Only once or twice. I don’t mind.”

Natalie stood up and looked around. “Where are my children?”

“Natalie…”

“Regine, I haven’t seen them in days!” Panic stirred in Natalie’s stomach.

“Natalie, it’s alright.”

“NO! It’s not alright!? Where are they Regine!”

Regine stood up and slowly approached. “Natalie, I need you to calm down.”

“Regine where are they!? Where’s Rose and MJ and Reggie?”

“They are resting, Natalie, you all had a long journey.”

“No! You’re lying!”

“Natalie, I would never lie to you!”

Natalie grasped Regine’s arms and gripped them tightly. “Then what aren’t you telling me?!”

Regine pulled back. “The war, Natalie! Do you remember the war!?”

Natalie’s shoulders dropped. “The war?”

“Yes, the war.”

Natalie held herself. “No, I don’t want to remember…”

“I know-“

“YOU KNOW NOTHING.”

“Natalie, please, I only want to help you.”

“YOU CANNOT HELP!” Natalie sat beneath the table, knocking over the iced tea with her arm. Her skirt was covered with sweet brown water. “There’s nothing you can do. Nothing you can do. Nothing. There’s loud noises so MJ can’t sleep. Food’s gone, Rose can’t cook. Reggie keeps his seeds but there’s no where he can plant his garden… oh his garden!”

Regine knelt over to join Natalie. “Natalie, look at me. You did everything. More than everything. Do you know how many people you helped by hotwiring those machines? What you did was a miracle!”

“… the only miracle that I was ever part of was the birth of my children. And I couldn’t keep them from the nightmares.” Natalie stared out blankly. “What kind of a mother just lets her children die?”

Regine held Natalie’s limp hand. “You didn’t just let anything happen to your children, Natalie. They were taken from you. It’s not your fault.”

“I left them. I left them there to die. To help other people. Other people. Not my babies.”

“Natalie, you thought they would be safe,” Regine turned Natalie’s face toward her. “You went to help people. You did so much. They must have been so proud of you. You protected them from everything.”

“Not everything. People hurt them.”

“Some people did, yes, but-“

Natalie’s stare grew ice cold. “…Did you hurt them?”

“What-ARGH!”

Natalie bit deep into Regine’s hand. Regine tried to pull away but Natalie lunged out at her and started to claw at Regine’s face. “YOU WILL NOT HURT THEM! THEY ARE MY BABIES! THEY ARE MY PRECIOUS BABIES!” Natalie suddenly stopped and went limp, falling on top of Regine. Two men in blue scrums were behind her, one held a syringe. Regine was careful to lay Natalie to the side.

One of the men tried to help Regine up but she shooed them away. Her hand was bleeding and she pressed her handkerchief to stopped the blood flow.

“Doctor Hallaway, we need to get you to the-“

“Shh! She’s saying something.” Regine leaned in.

“…”

“Natalie?”

Natalie looked out on the green lawn, her eyes set on a rose brush not far from them. “You have a beautiful garden, Regine. I had one like it once…” Natalie’s eyes closed. She breathed very softly.

Regine stood up on her own, ignoring the assistant’s hand. “Get her to her room. And be gentle.”

“Yes, Doctor Hallaway.”

Natalie was soon rolled away from the patio. Regine took a sip of her iced tea before leaving herself.

Street Magic 2

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:36:50 -0400

Linda was panting. “So… what’s your name?”

“Rachel…. yours?” replied the girl with the ponytail. She was also out of breath.

“Linda…. Thanks for the hat.” Linda pulled off the pink beanie to reveal the hacked hair due that Ming and Kelp had forced on her, leaving her with a patchwork of uneven hair. Linda offered it back to Rachel.

“Nah, keep it, you need it more than me.”

“Thanks,” Linda pulled the hat back on. “So, where are we anyway?” From the looks of it, Linda knew that they were in the back of some restaurant or diner. A cook wasn’t too far away, getting out an order. When they first entered, Rachel had spoke to a man who rushed out to get someone.

Rachel leaned on her softball bat. “This is my uncle’s diner. He owns it. I figured it would be the best place to hide from those bullies.”

“Rachel? What cha doing here?” A large man with a bushy mustache approached them. His hair was the same color as Rachel’s. “Didn’t you say you had softball practice today?”

“I did, Uncle Wallace,” said Rachel. “But I met Linda and there were bullies and…”

Uncle Wallace noticed Linda behind Rachel and gasped. Her knelt down and reached out to touch her cheek but Linda backed off defensively. “I’m not gonna hurt cha. I just wanna get a better look at that bruise on your cheek.”

“It’s okay, Linda. He’s just my uncle.”

Linda paused and then nodded. Uncle Wallace inspected the injury. “Yup, that’s gonna swell. Be right back.” Uncle Wallace returned with ice wrapped up in a rag. “Here you go. Keep that on your cheek.”

Linda held the rag to her face and frowned. “It’s cold.”

“It’s supposed to be. Now,” Uncle Wallace sat on a turned over bucket. “Linda, who did this to you?”

Linda didn’t respond.

“Linda, this is serious, did someone do this to you.”

Linda didn’t respond.

Uncle Wallace sighed. “Well, I have to get to work… are you two hungry?”

“Yes!” shouted Rachel. “Are you hungry, Linda? Huh?”

Linda’s eyes glowed with desire. She nodded eagerly at the idea of food.

“Haha, well at least your hungry,” he pointed behind him. “Go ahead and hop into one of the booths, girls, just pick whatever you want off the menu.”

Linda was still in shock when Rachel passed her the menu. “I can have, anything here? For free?”

Rachel giggled. “That’s what my uncle said.”

Linda read over the menu at least three times and then pointed. “I want, that… and that…. this…. and this too…. Please?”

Rachel munched on a grilled cheese sandwich with fries while Linda drooled over her Peanut butter and banana sandwich, cup of chili, a large chocolate milk shake and a pile of onion rings.

“Are you really gonna eat all that?” asked Rachel.

Linda, mouth full, nodded happily. “I’ve never had so much good food in my life!”

“Really? Not even on Thanksgiving? Or Christmas?”

Linda paused and swallowed her food. “I’ve never had one.”

“Really? Which?”

“Both.”

“Oh….” Rachel was quiet for a moment. “Linda… can I asked you a question?”

Linda nodded.

“Why where those kids beating you up? And cutting your hair?”

Linda rubbed her arm. Mentioning Ming and Kelp’s assault reminded her how sore she was. “You wouldn’t believe me.”

“Why not? I don’t have a reason not to.”

Linda paused. “Why did you help me? You didn’t have to stick your neck out for me like that.”

“I know,” said Rachel as she took a sip of her lemonade, “But you needed help.”

“So?”

Rachel looked at Linda with a simple yet serious face. “So you help people who need help, if you can.”

Linda rubbed the back of her neck, not because it hurt but because she didn’t know what to do. Her hand brushed up against the beanie she was wearing. She thought about it. “They were after my powers.”

“Powers?”

“That’s why they cut my hair… to cut me off from my magic.”

“Magic??”

“I got them angry, and they thought they should teach me a lesson…” Linda didn’t look at Rachel. She probably thought Linda was a freak or a weirdo or something. “You don’t have to believe me- it’s just-“

“YOU’RE MAGIC!?” Rachel’s eye’s were wide with wonder. “THAT’S AMAZING!”

June

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 16:03:27 -0400

June had large ears that stuck out a bit farther than the norm. They had been that way since she was a baby. Once, when June was still in diapers, her mother brought her to work. All of her mother’s co-works had a grand old laugh. She was such a cute little baby with such large ears, they all asked if June was planning to fly away, like Dumbo.

June never really minded her ears until she became a bit older, particularly when she joined the marching band. She played the clarinet along with ten other students. Their uniform was made of wool and it was far too hot to be parading about in warm weather. Everyone also had to wear the same feathered helmet, and this was difficult for June. Not only did she find out that her head was bigger than all the other girls, but when she finally found a helmet that fit her, her ears stuck out. The band instructor told June that she had to tuck her ears into her helmet, otherwise she looked sloppy compared to everyone else. She tried, but the helmet wasn’t big enough for her head and her ears. And even when June managed to tuck her ears in, they would always pop out.

She soon found out a few other odd things about her face. Her teeth were a bit small. One of her classmates asked her if she still had all her baby teeth. June proudly said no, she had gotten five dollars per baby tooth from the Tooth Fairy. All of which she saved for a later date. Possibly ice cream with her Dad. Her classmate laughed and said no, that they must all be baby teeth. June thought that this was odd. Her teeth didn’t feel small when she felt them with her tongue.

June always tried to keep her hair long, with bangs in the front, always careful not to pull her hair behind her ears. She was trying to hide her bald spot. Just above June’s left ear was a small spot on her head where her hair wouldn’t grow. She never let anyone cut her hair too short or convince her to pull it back, even when it was hot and her hair would stick to the back of her neck.

In high school, June’s favorite hang out spot was over her friend Jaspreet’s house. They had been friends since kindergarten and was invited to Jaspreet’s sister’s wedding. June went to each celebration over those seven days and had a great time. But on the seventh day of the party, once of Jaspreet’s aunts went up to June and warned her, telling her that she had spots all over her face. “Spots?!” asked June. The aunt nodded, saying that there were a bunch of little brown spots all over her face. June realized that the aunt was talking about her freckles. June said that she liked her freckles, the aunt just laughed and walked away.

June asked Jaspreet about her aunt’s reaction to her freckles. Jaspreet explained that having freckles a or darker skin is something a lot of her family tries to avoid. Jaspreet’s cousins used to tease her when they were younger, her skin was darker than theirs, mostly because she liked to run around outside, but she was a little darker than them in general. She couldn’t help it. Jaspreet’s mother said that that kind of thinking went way back. People who worked out doors naturally had a darker complexion than the people who could afford to stay inside in the shade. So the idea of being paler was better because it meant you could afford not to work as hard. Jaspreet’s mother said that we shouldn’t forget old ways of thinking, but it didn’t mean you had to pay them mind.

Junior year was hard for June, her mother started on chemo therapy because of a lump in her breast. Her mother soon lost all of her hair. But June’s mother wasn’t ashamed. “If this is what it takes to get better, than it’s the best hair style I have ever had,” she said. Suddenly, June’s bald spot didn’t seem to be that big a deal. June shaved off all her hair and donated it to a foundation that made wigs for children who were going through the same thing her mother was. June and her mother started to wear colorful scarves to cover their heads from the sun.

June started to often do her homework with her mother in the hospital. She would stay for a long as visiting hours would allow. After homework, there wasn’t much to do but watch TV, so June started bringing cards and board games for her and her mother to play. Once, when they were playing Rummy, June’s mother laughed at her terrible hand and June noticed something. She had her mother’s teeth. June’s mother’s teeth were small for her age and they were even arranged in the same way. The left canine tooth stuck out just a little more than the rest of her teeth. June thought it was odd she never noticed that before, but laughed.

By the end of her senior year, June’s mother was out of the hospital, the lump was gone and her hair was even starting to grow back. Sadly, June’s grandfather had passed away in his sleep. Everyone in June’s family got together to mourn. Jaspreet and her parents came to the wake and the funeral. Everyone told storied about June’s grandfather, how he was a good man who liked to make people laugh and loved to tell stories. At the after party, Jaspreet, who had never met June’s grandfather finally saw a picture of him. She was shocked. “June!” she said, “You have your grandpa’s ears!” June inspected the picture and then looked at her own ears in a mirror. Jaspreet was right. They matched. June felt a little prouder of her ears now.

“You know,” said Jaspreet’s father, “Big ears means that you are very wise.” June was surprised. He explained that in a lot of old paintings used symbols within the art to express ideas. If someone’s hands were positioned in a certain way, it might mean that they were blessing you. Big, long ears often meant a person was wise, because they listened. June smiled.

Street Magic

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 03:55:11 -0400

Linda appeared seemingly out of nowhere. She literally ran out from the vandalized stone wall under one of the old bridges throughout the park. Linda whipped around to face the stone facade and desperately tried to close the portal behind her. Her long, dark, curly hair She struggled to control her shaking hands as her finger tips traced over the graffiti on the stone’s surface, trying to rearrange the art so she could not be followed.

She wasn’t fast enough.

Two other persons leapt from her portal knocking her on her backside. “Aw crap….”

The first punched her hard in the gut. He was a slight, red headed kid who went by the name Kelp. The other just watched. Kelp kicked her in the leg and pulled her arms behind her back. “Call for help you punk!”

Linda forced a grin. “Beating up eleven-year-olds your new hobby, huh? What? The twelve-year-old’s givin’ you trouble, Paul?”

Kelp pushed her face uncomfortably close to the wall. “THE NAME IS KELP.”

“Because tiny fish are so intimidating…” That comment got her arm a little twisted.

“Ease up on her, Kelp,” said the other. She was smaller than Kelp, but clearly in control. She had long black hair that was fixed up in a long French braid. “We didn’t come here to hurt the poor girl. Just teach her a lesson.”

Kelp pulled Linda away from the wall and pushed her to her knees but kept a firm grip on her arms. She now faced the other girl. “Hey there, Ming…. fancy seeing you here.”

“It’s fancy, huh?” Ming squatted down so she would be at eye level with Linda. “Like a fancy occasion?”

Linda glared at Ming. “…Sure. A fancy occasion.”

Ming reached out and played with a handful of Linda’s hair. Linda tried to pull back, but Kelp had her too tight. “It’s a shame that you didn’t do anything with your hair… I think this is due for a trim.”

Linda’s eyes grew wide. “No- not my hair.”

Ming half smiled as she pulled a pair of scissors out from her satchel. “I’m ‘fraid so. It’s such a mess. We’re just gonna have to chop it all off.”

Linda wiggled and squirmed violently to get out of Kelp’s sticky fingers, but she couldn’t. “No! Stop!” she cried.

“Keep still, Linda, keep moving like that and I might accidently cut you.”

“PLEASE!”

Snip. Snip. Snip.

Linda could feel the blades slice off every single strand of hair. “PLEASE! NO!” she cired.

Snip. Snip. Snip.

Linda started to see a pile of her hair form at her knees. She looked up and past Ming’s figure and saw the wall’s graffiti begin to rearrange itself back to how it had been. Her portal began to fade. “PLEASE STOP MING!”

“If you say so.” Ming stepped back to look at her handy work. She snipped the scissors in the air. “I am and artist!”

“Good job, Ming,” grunted Kelp.

“Why thank you.” Ming tucked her scissors back into her satchel and pulled out a plastic compact mirror. “Do you wanna take a look, Linda?” Ming popped open the compact and showed the shattered mirror to Linda. “What do you think?”

Linda didn’t want to see. She couldn’t bare it. She wanted to cry but she didn’t want to show them her tears. She kept her eyes screwed shut.

“Don’t be a spoiled sport, Linda,” said Ming, “It’ll grow back eventually. Isn’t that nice?”

Kelp started to chuckle.

BAM. Kelp’s grip on Linda’s arms was instantly loosened and Linda was dropped to the ground. She opened her eyes. All she could see was her hair across the ground. She could feel her hair on her cheek. She started out blankly, not really aware of what was going on.

“WHAT THE-!?” gasped Ming.

BAM. Ming was on the ground clutching her stomach.

Linda felt her hand being held again. But it wasn’t Kelp holding it. This hand was smaller, not nearly as rough. Linda was pulled up from the floor and forward.

Her body was limp and she almost tripped over her own feet.

“C’mon!”

Linda snapped out of it. She began to run with the girl who was pulling her by her hand. She couldn’t see this girl’s face, only the blur of her strawberry blond hair brought back into a neat little ponytail. In one hand, the girl held Linda’s hand, in the other, she held a softball bat.

“Keep up! We gotta move!” shouted the girl.

Linda nodded and quickened her pace. It would be a while before either felt safe enough to rest.

Cat's Cradle

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 02:09:00 -0400

“A cat? No but it back in the street where you found it.”

“But Dad! He’s just a little kitten. He’ll die on the streets.”

“Ranna, no. Besides, cats are smart, he’ll be fine.”

Ranna brought the kitten to chest, protectively cradling it in her arms. “Mom would say yes.”

“Mom isn’t home right now,” he turned to his daughter. “Ranna, don’t test me. Put that cat outside.”

Ranna pouted and turned away, rushing out of the room upset. Her father listened to hear the front door open and close before returning to reading the news on his tablet.

Ranna crept back into her room and was careful not to let the door slam. She pulled out an old shoe box that was filled with socks what were missing their pairs. She smiled to herself as she pulled the kitten out of her hoodie pocket.

He meowed softly.

“Hi Mr. Kitty. Remember to be quiet.” She placed the kitten into the shoebox. “We’ll just keep you in here until mommy comes home. Then we can get you a proper bed.”

The kitten meowed again. “Are you hungry? Alright, I’ll get you some tuna.” Ranna went to her door. “Now be very quiet. I’ll be right back.”

Ranna closed the door behind her. In the hall she heard shouting from the kitchen. “Mom?”

Ranna crept down the hallway and hid behind the cabinet with all the family photos on display.

“No, Joyce, I don’t want to talk about it,” said Ranna’s father.

“Greg, please, this isn’t how I wanted things to get so bad,” replied her mother.

“Really? This bad? So how bad has it been for you?”

“This is exactly why we need to talk about this.”

“Talking doesn’t solve anything, Joyce. What is it going to change?”

“I don’t know! Don’t you see! That’s why I want us to go see someone!”

“What? So some stranger can listen to all of our problems? What’s he going to do? Are you just going to spill our guts and he’ll fix it all, it doesn’t work like that!”

“I need to talk to you in a safe place! Don’t yell at me like that!”

“What place is safer than our home?!”

“Is this even a home anymore!?”

Ranna shut the bedroom door behind her. She was shaking a little.

“Meow?”

Ranna looked down. The little kitten was looking up at her with its large, gray eyes. “Oh… I-I’m sorry. I couldn’t get you your tuna…”

She tried to think and searched her room with her eyes. She spotted her lunch box on her desk. She went to it and pulled open the zipper. There wasn’t much. “Do you like potato chips?” Ranna turned, holding the half eaten bag of chips and crushed up the reaming salty snack. She poured the crumbs into her hand and bent down to the kitten. “Here.”

The hungry kitten licked up every last bite. He licked his chops. “You thirsty?” Ranna got her water bottle and poured some water into one of her blue plastic tea cups.

Ranna got dress for bed while the kitten drank up. She decided it would not be a good idea to go and brush her teeth tonight. Mom and Dad were still shouting.

The kitten meowed. Ranna picked him up and brought him into her bed. “I think I’ll call you Solo.”

“STOP YELLING AT ME!”

Ranna threw her sheets over her head and curled up next to the kitten. “Don’t worry, Solo. I’ll protect you.”

Jump

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:06:18 -0400

“No,” said George.

“Where else are we gonna go?” replied Sara.

“I hate you.”

“I know.”

With limited other alternative, George and Sara took each other’s hands and jumped of the cliff. Their pursuers were not so willing to throw their lives away and slid to a halt before they reached the edge.

“I HATE YOU!!” shouted George.

“I KNOW!”

They hit the water hard.

The soldier’s commanding officer peered over the edge of the cliff to the rapids below. “Call it in, the fugitives are still at large.” He turned, clearly more angry than he wanted to reveal.

Below, George and Sara were struggling to keep their heads above water. George kept grasping at rocks that he sped by. Sara reached out to him. He was terrified. George couldn’t swim.

“Hold onto me! Keep your head up!” spat Sara.

They were clear of the soldiers but far from safe. They were struggling to keep in control in the river, being carried through the canyon at the mercy of the sharp bends and bashing against the rocks of the river.

“I can’t!” he began to slip under.

“George, no!” Sara tried to yank George out of the water, but in doing so she couldn’t keep her own head up.

George began to lose consciousness. Sara couldn’t do much to help him let alone herself. After two days on the run, with little food and less sleep, she hardly had the will to keep her eyes open. This really was the end.

Something grabbed Sara out of the water. She was only half aware of what was happening, but she realized that George wasn’t being pulled out with her. She reached out and grabbed George’s sinking arm from the water.

She was being raised higher and higher into the air. Within moments they cleared the water and were above the rocky plateau of the canyon. It hurt to hang on but Sara would not let go of George. Not while there was breath left in her lungs. She would not give up on her older brother. Only when she felt her body lay flat on warm earth again did she loosen her fingers from George’s wrist. And she passed out.

A long huff of air blowing straight into Sara’s face woke her with a start.

“Ahhhh!” She didn’t know what was in front of her. This creature’s skin was thick and leathery, its large, dark eyes were staring right at her. For a moment she didn’t know what to do or think. It huffed at her through its large nostrils. She tumbled backward.

“Ahahaha!” A man in a long trench coat and broad brimmed hat stepped forward and patted the creature’s crown. “Don’t you worry. He wouldn’t hurt a fly. Wouldn’t you, Hall?” He gently patted the creature’s cheek. Sara finally got a good look at it. The creature called Hall lifted his head with its impossibly long neck, high above them. His neck was attached to a huge, powerful looking body with a long tail. Every step Hall took away from them gently shook the ground.

Sara staggered to stand but she was dizzy. She fell right back onto her bottom. “W-what is that? Who are you?”

“Name’s Jarred, miss Sara.” He stepped forward and reached out his hand to her. “Glad to see you’re awake.”

Sara didn’t take his hand. “How do you know my name?”

“Your brother told me it, ma’am.”

“George?” Was it too good to be true?

“Hey sis.”

Sara looked past Jarred and gasped. She tried to get up and move toward him but she toppled over her own feet. George caught her and rested down with her. “Take it easy Sara. You still need to get some food in our system.”

“George, where are we?”

“We’re safe. For now.”

Both of Them

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 12:09:44 -0400

She snuck out the backdoor the building with a bundle of cloth in her arms. She was careful to keep off the main street. Guards were stationed at every gate, but she knew they weren’t at every exit.

Her home was not far from the old outer wall around the city perimeter. Behind a row of trees there was a crack in the stone. People had been saying that the city would repair the wall soon, but they never did. The whole was just big enough for her to wiggle through to the outside.

Once there she stuck to the shadows and followed the moon. She did not know exactly where they would be but she did know that they were there.

Within an hour, she approached a caravan at rest. She was seen, but not questioned. Many people passed through, most peacefully.

A little boy walked up to her and tugged on her long dress. “She is over there, miss. Shall I take you?”

She nodded and followed the boy to the main fire. An old woman with beads draping every inch of her garments sat on a large cushion beside the fire. “Tell me your name, child,” she said.

“Annabelle, ma’am.”

The old woman looked at the bundle in her arms. “You are too young to have been once with child, Annabelle.”

Annabelle was taken aback. The babe in her arms hadn’t made a peep. “That-that is not true. There are many girls my age who are able and have had babies of their own.”

“It is not a question of being able, child, but of being ready. And then there is a difference between being ready to share your body to being ready to bring life from it.” The old woman shifted to make room on her cushion and patted it, inviting Annabelle to sit beside her. Annabelle obeyed. “Let me see the babe.”

Annabelle peeled back the cloth that she tenderly wrapped her son in to keep him from the chill of the night. He sighed and snuggled into the bundle. Annabelle smiled and handed him to the old woman.

The beaded woman examined the babe closely, being gentle and careful not to wake him. “Color in his cheeks, steady heart beat,” the sleeping babe grasped at the old woman’s boney finger. She laughed. “A strong grip! You are lucky, he is healthy.” She turned to Annabelle. So why have you come to me this night, child?”

Annabelle reached out and touched her son’s cheek. So soft. “I named him after his father. Roger.” She pulled away. “But we cannot remain in our home. We must leave.”

“Why, child?”

“Roger is a man of the cloth, I cannot put his reputation in jeopardy like that.”

The old woman began to rock the baby Roger in her arms. “Where have you been hiding to keep your babe from the people of your city?”

“I’ve lived with the nuns for the past year. They have kept our secret.” Annabelle turned to the old woman and pleaded. “Please, take us with you. I must leave this place.”

The old woman only looked at the baby. He breathed softly. “I do not think you are ready,” she said.

“What? No, please!”

“Hear me out, child.” Annabelle nodded. “I know you haven’t spoken to your Roger about this. You intend on leaving him for what you believe is better for you both. But I will not steal you away in the dead of night. If for no other reason but for the sake of my people.” The old woman gave the babe back to his mother. “Take some time. If this is what you truly want, return to us before we leave in the spring.”

“Do you promise?”

“I am not like the people of the city, child. I do not speak hollow words whose only purpose is to fill the air.” She laid her hand on Annabelle. “Come to me when your words are not filled with fear.”

“I am not afraid of what happens to me,” she defended.

“I know, child. You fear for your Roger,” she smiled, “Both of them.”

Beta 4

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 02:51:00 -0400

Business was slow, so Micelle had asked if he could sit with Harri and Cathy. Cathy said yes before Harri could blink. Every time Micelle started to ask Harri a question, she stuffed another bite of her muffin into her mouth. She tried to mumble an answer but it wasn’t working.

Harri got a text: im going to kill u. It was from Cathy.

shut up. replied Harri

ur gonna run out of muffin eventually.

…shut up.

“You seem rather popular,” noted Micelle.

Harri was about to take a bite of her muffin when Cathy swiped it from her plate and scrafed it down. “Sorry, I’m just so hungry.”

“I could get you another muffin…” said Micelle.

“No, we’re full,” interjected Cathy. “But you know what? I need to tinkle. Be are be.” Cathy slide out of the booth and let Micelle take her seat across from Harri. With his back to her, Cathy glared daggers at her friend.

“Your friend is funny,” said Micelle.

Harri hit send on a new message: i hate you. She looked up. “Yeah, well, that’s Cathy for you.”

Micelle leaned in. “Why don’t you put that phone away?”

Harri raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“You can’t have one proper conversation when you’re trying to talk to two people.”

“That’s a rather old fashioned view. Don’t you know everyone multitasks nowadays.”

“Or maybe I just want to talk to you… one-on-one.”

Harri straightened out her shoulders. It was sort of a reflex. She heard once that slouching when talking to someone was vulnerable body language. Even if she felt a little vulnerable, she didn’t want to portray that. “Why?”

Micelle smiled. “Do I need a reason?”

Harri sighed. “Yes. I don’t need to know every detail, but you seem to be flirting a little hardcore right there.”

Micelle leaned back in his seat. “Are you trying to analyze me?”

“People are constantly analyzing each other, I’m just being up front about it.”

Micelle was quiet only for a moment before laughing. He was really grinning now. “Alright. I got it. Fine. I think you’re a pretty cool chick, Harri. You’re smart, you’re pretty, and you got guts to be so up front…” he paused. “I think I’d like to get to know you better.”

Harri crossed her arms. “What does getting to know me better involve.”

Micelle scratched his head. “Ha, well, how about you answer some of my questions?”

“Fair enough. I’ll answer a question for every question you answer of mine.”

“That’s how it tends to work.”

“Good.”

“Alright, let’s start simple. Where you from?”

“Depends. I was born in New Jersey but my parents raised me back home in India until I was about eight. Been here ever since.”

“So do you consider yourself an American?”

“I do. My turn. How old are you?”

“Ha ha. Twenty eight.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Alright. Do you have any siblings?”

“A little brother. Harki. He’s only a year younger than me. “

“You two close?”

“He’s my baby brother, of course I am. That was two questions.”

“True, you’re go.”

“Did you go to school for anything? Pastry? Business?”

“Dropped out of culinary school four years ago when I couldn’t afford it any longer.”

Harri sighed. “That sucks.”

“Things could be worse, and I’m doing well. Second question.”

“Hmm… would you rather fly, read minds or be invisible.”

“Well, if I was invisible you couldn’t be see me…” Harri forced a laugh. Micelle looked at her. “And if I could read minds I wouldn’t have the pleasure of trying to figure you out.” Now Harri was trying not to smile. “So I’d fly.”

“Nice. You wouldn’t have to deal with airlines anymore.”

“Never been on a plane. But alright. My question.”

“Go for it.”

“Will you… promise to come by and see me again?”

“… do I get another muffin?”

“Not your turn yet.”

“… possibly.”

“Then you’ll possibly get another muffin. Can’t guarantee the flavor though.”

“Surprise me,” said Harri, her face all kinds of red.

“I think I’m beginning to like you.”

Lala 3

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 02:04:39 -0400

“I cannot believe you help that asshole every time he comes knocking at your door, Lala,” said Nance. Ursula kept her promise. She had met Nance for ice cream that afternoon and had spilt her guts about everything to do with Frankie. Well, not everything, she played down the unbelievable, super-natural parts. “I mean he shows up drunk with a bloody face at your apartment and you help him!”

Ursula took a healthy scoop of brownie chuck chocolate chip ice cream from her little bowl and talked as she ate. “Well, I couldn’t just turn him out looking like that.”

“Yes you could have, Lala.” Nance took a long sip of her milkshake. “After he moves out without any explanation as to why, he just shows up! Like it never happened and expects you to patch up his boo boos.”

“It was a little worse than a boo boo.”

“Even so. He even got you hurt at the bar. Someone he owed gave you that black eye because they were trying to get to Frankie? That’s bullshit.” She stopped and cringed. Brain freeze.

“Need a moment?”

“… No…” Nance shivered and shook it off. “I mean, it’s a miracle your face looks this good. You’re not a doctor you’re a magician!”

“I’m in med school, Nance. I’m not a doctor yet,” Ursula lied. If it wasn’t for Frankie’s concoction then half her face would still look purple and blue. It really was almost like… no she wouldn’t let herself believe him again. “And really, it wasn’t that bad. You just thought it looked worse in the dark lighting at the bar.”

Nance popped the top off her milkshake and started scooping up the reminisce of the creamy treat with her straw. “That or you’ve at got that claw-guy’s super powers.”

“Huh?”

“The one with the yellow jumpsuit? Never mind.” Nance tapped the last of her milkshake out from the bottom of the cup. “I’m just glad you kicked him out this morning.” She put down her cup and held Ursula’s hand. “I’m really proud of you, Lala.”

Ursula half smiled and nodded to the street. “Wanna get going?”

Ursula wasn’t quite finished with her dessert and ate the rest as they walked, trying to taste every last bit before it all melted away. “I feel bad for Marie though,” said Nance, “Poor puppy doesn’t know what a douche Frankie is.”

Ursula thought for a moment. “Yeah, it was good to see him.”

Nance was taken slightly aback. “What’d you say?”

“Nothing.”

Ursula was just staring down at her sad bowl of mostly melted ice cream. A drop of blood dripped right into it. She dropped the bowl instantly and looked up. Someone was standing on the fire escape above them. Ursula couldn’t see his face, it was cast in shadow. She just had a horrible feeling.

“Nance get down!” Ursula pushed Nance into an alley way and followed after her.

“Lala! What was tha-” Ursula covered her friend’s mouth to hush her.

“Shh, I think the guys from the other night is following me.”

Nance’s eyes grew wide as she searched around for the stalker. “Where?” she whispered.

“Back on the street. But listen, stay here while I-“

“What the hell, Lala? No, whatever it is it’s a dumb idea.”

“I don’t want them hurting you!”

“Safety in numbers, genius! What if they gang up on you again.”

“You don’t understand- I don’t even understand what they are after. I just don’t want you to get hurt!”

Ursula felt her arms being pulled behind her back. She tried to scream but her mouth was quickly covered. She glanced down at Nance to urge her to run but she was knocked out within the next moment. It all went black.

Lady Owl

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 14:00:00 -0400

Some called her witch. Others, a saint. She was a cautionary tale that parents would tell their children; a warning for what happens to old maids left to their own deceives for too long. If you had her eyes you could look into the future. If you ate her heart, you would be immortal. She was invisible. She only came out at night to eat babies from their cribs. She blessed you with the knowledge of the ages if you could answer her riddles. She was born and raised in a nunnery. She hatched from the enchanted egg of an ancient beast. The stories about Lady Owl were endless. And each one filled Kaliey with wonder.

“If you reach her home in the middle of the night, she’ll reward you for your bravery and give you a chalice of gold,” whispered Kaliey.

Gerald was too busy texting on his Smartphone to care. “You really don’t have any proof you know. You’re just making up stuff at this point.”

“I’m not making this stuff up. Everyone knows it.”

Gerald got up and put his dishes in the sink. “Everyone talks about some old hag that may or may not live in the woods anymore. She’s probably been eaten by her cats by now. You done?” He reached out to take Kaliey’s dish.

She passed it to him. “She doesn’t have cats. She has owls. They flock to her home because they sense her power!”

“Kaliey, really.” He tossed his sister a drying towel and started washing the dishes. “There isn’t anything up there. Tons of kids go there to check it out and find nothing. Well, no one has been there recently but that doesn’t matter.” He passed her a plate.

She began to dry. “Those kids don’t actually believe in her! Of course she wouldn’t show herself.”

He passed her another plate. “Now you have to believe in something that you can’t see?”

“It’s not the same thing. You can see her, only if you believe.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.” Gerald turned off the water. “Listen Kaliey. I get it, you believe in this stuff because you’re little-“

“I’m not little! I’m twelve!”

“Twelve is little Kaliey. No one listens to you when you’re twelve. I know, I was there.” Kaliey crossed her arms defiantly. Gerald gave up. “Fine, don’t believe me. I’m just telling you that you’re believing in something that doesn’t exist.” Kaliey plugged up her ears with her fingers. “C’mon Kaliey.”

“Lalalalalalalala,” sang Kaliey.

Gerald yanked the towel from Kaliey’s hands. “Fine, do what you want Kaliey. I’m gonna go to my room.”

Kaliey took her fingers out of her ears. “But Gerald, you promised we could hang out tonight while mom and dad went on their date.”

“Yeah, well you’re acting like a brat.”

“But you promised!” Gerald’s phone buzzed. He pulled it out to see who texted him. Kaliey was upset. “You just want to play with your new phone that you got for your birthday!”

Gerald was getting irritated. “Maybe I do. I waited a long time for this phone and now I can play with it.”

“You’re mean!”

“You’re spoiled! You can’t expect to get everything you want just by whining for it!”

“I’m not the one with the phone!”

“Well you know what? You’re just gullible! Lady Owl doesn’t exist and you should grow up!” He sighed. “Just go outside and play! I don’t want to see your face!” Gerald turned and went out to his room.

Kaliey stood there, still huffing to herself. Without a word she turned and sat on the back porch. Gerald had been acting different ever since September when he became a high school freshmen. Kaliey hated high school for this reason. The sun was going down and it was getting cooler.

After a moment she realized the yard was covered in leaves. She pouted. She and Gerald had already raked all the leaves the other day. This wasn’t fair. Where did all the leaves come from? Kaliey looked up the hill adjacent to her home was covered in tall trees. All bare. Not a leaf on them.

She grumbled to herself. “Stupid forest….” And then she thought. There was only one way to prove to Gerald what she wasn’t as gullible as he thought.

Kaliey ran back inside to grab her windbreaker and a flashlight. She took a pencil and wrote on a scrap piece of paper. ‘Went to the woods. Be back soon. ’ she drew a little heart and signed it ‘Kaliey’. She left it next to the fruit basket in the middle of the table and rushed out the door.

**A note to readers**

I apologize for the delay for this post. Yesterday was a friend’s birthday and when I returned home I was too tired to write. There will be another short story later today. Thank you for your patience!

Beta 3

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:30:11 -0400

Cathy readjusted the bun on the top of her head. “See? It’s supposed to look like you didn’t put any effort into it.”

“It looks like you have a rabid hamster on your head,” replied Harri. She sat beside Cathy on the subway car in a fetching little outfit that Cathy had put together for the occasion. Harri was trying to pull up the camisole under the deep v-neck. “How did you talk me into this.”

“You’ll thank me,” Cathy stood up from her seat. “Or if you don’t, he certainly we.” Cathy pulled Harri up and out of the subway.

“No, how are you doing this?” Harri pulled back. “I need to go home.” Cathy wasn’t paying attention, she was too busy trying to stuff the camisole back down Harri’s shirt. “What?! Get away from me!”

“C’mon.” They exited the subway.

Harri had to cover her eyes for the light shined in her eyes. “Please, can we head back?”

“Harri,” Cathy linked arms with her friend and continued to walk. “Listen to me, you need to do something you want to do.”

“And this is your idea of that? Pulling me through the city as I plead for you to stop?”

“You want to see this guy again. If only once. I can tell you do.”

“Really? What gave it away? The begrudged look on my face?”

“Every time you take a pic of a hot guy to show me you delete it right away. We have a giggle and then it’s done. You still have it on your phone.”

“Have you been looking through my phone? How’d you figure out my new password?”

“Not the point. The point is…” she stopped. “We’re here.”

There was a cute little sign on the corner of the city block with an owl who’s eyes were made of clockwork gears. Looking in, there were a few booths along with two long dining tables and several bistro tables. On each table sat a small tin can with a different flower in each can. Behind the tables was a large glass display of baked goods and coffee bean bags. No one else was in there currently.

“Oh my god this place is adorable!” blurted out Harri. “I bet he gay aunts set this all up!”

“Are you going in?”

Harri turned to Cathy. “Hell yes.” She grabbed Cathy’s hand and pulled her right in.

A bell jiggled as they entered. “What is that?! A bell!? How cliché!”

“Harri, keep your voice down!”

“No! This is too cute! Ridiculous! This is all too perfect there has to be a fatal flaw!”

“Hello! Welcome to Clockwork Owl!”

Harri froze up. Unless she was terribly mistaken, that was his voice. Cathy chimed in.

“Oh hi! We’ll have two… huh.. banana chocolate chip muffins please. One chili chai tea for me and… The hot chocolate special for my friend?” Harri peered over Cathy’s shoulder as to not be seen. It was indeed Micelle behind the cash register.

“Great! Coming right up.” Micelle punched in some numbers. “That’ll be $11, please.”

“My friend’ll be paying for this one.” Cathy pushed Harri forward. “I’ll be waiting at the booth for you,” she said all too sweetly.

“Huuuuh.” Harri kept her head down. “What was it again?” she asked, fumbling for her wallet.

“$11, miss.” Harri pulled out her debit card and handed it to Micelle while pretending to keep looking for something in her purse. “Thanks very much- wait.” Micelle held her hand to peer in. “Harri? Is that you?”

Harri nearly leapt back in shock. Cathy poked her head out from behind the booth to watch. “What!?”

“It is you Harri!” Micelle gave her a big smile and casually leaned in on the counter. “I’m glad you came by!”

Harri was sure her face was turning a hue light pink. “How did you know it was me?”

“Well, I didn’t at first, you hid your face behind your friend. But then I saw your hand.”

“My hand?”

He nodded. “The beautiful henna is still on your hand. It’s faded, but I remember it.”

“Eep!” squealed Cathy from the booth. She quickly ducked before Harri or Micelle could see her.

“Oh, well… yeah.” Harri took her card back from Micelle. “I came by. Like I said… yup.”

Micelle nodded. “Cool. Well, why don’t you take a seat and I’ll bring your food out to you in a second?”

Harri nodded. She probably would have nodded at anything at this point. “Yeah, okay.” He smiled and she smiled back. At least she think that’s what her mouth did.

When Harri sat at the booth with Cathy, Cathy’s face was aglow with delight. “Please stop that,” asked Harri.

“Nope,” said Cathy.

Blood and Foam

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 01:26:00 -0400

She sat on the starboard bow of the ship watching the sun descend into the watery horizon. Her eyes were red with the tears she had been spilling into the salty sea. She took a view deep breaths to calm herself down before any of the sailors saw her in this state. She looked down and pulled back the hem of her apron to reveal the dagger. It was made entirely of jagged blue coral with a polished purple stone set into the hilt. It was almost beautiful.

She reached out to touch the tip of the blade and pricked her finger. She lifted her hand up into the light and watched the blood pour forth from her finger.

“Oh, you’re hurt.”

She gasped and hid the dagger in her apron before spinning around to face him. Her heart leapt into her throat so fast she had to close her mouth so it would not jump out of her being.

“Let me see.” He took her hand and inspected the cut. “It’s not that bad.” He pulled his handkerchief from his pocket and torn off a strip with his teeth. She pulled her hand away. “Hey, don’t worry. I’m not going to hurt you.” And he began to tie the strip around her finger.

She wanted to shout at him with every ounce of her being. Tell him of her pain he had continued to put her through. The pain of his betrayal and of her undying love. She opened her mouth and nothing came out. She watched him tend to the wound and her anger slipped away with every wave crashing against the ship.

“There.” He looked up at her. “It’s not too tight, is it?” She shook her head and began to squint, trying to hold back the tears. And he could tell. “What’s wrong? Does it really hurt?”

“What have you done to make this angel cry?” Another woman, with beautiful long dark hair approached wrapping one arm around him and extended her other hand to look at the wound. “You’re hurt?” She looked up at him. “Did you do this to her?”

She withdrew her hand and shook her violently. He would never hurt her. Never.

He laughed. “See? I haven’t.” He pulled the dark haired woman close. “Not a day past our vows and you’re already cross with me. This does not bode well,” he said sweetly.

The dark haired woman tried to hide a smile. “No. It does not.” The woman pulled away and linked arms with her, placing her hand other the wound. “But I have to look out for this angel. She is the gentlest soul aboard this vessel,” the woman looked at her and spoke with great gratitude, “and I’m blessed to have her now as my handmaiden.”

The tears could not be stopped now. She sobbed a few times before turning her face from them for they did not know. They simply did not know.

Her sobs were paused when she felt his hand on her shoulder. She looked to him. “We both love you, my dear friend. Thank you.” Even if she had her voice, words would fail her. She nodded and smiled at them both. She hugged the woman.

“Shall we retire, my lord?” asked the dark haired woman. She left her side and walked past him, sliding her hand down his arm.

He smiled. “I’ll be with you in just a moment, love.” The dark haired woman nodded and walked into her cabin on the deck shutting the door behind her.

He turned to her, took up her wounded hand and kissed it. “Goodnight, my friend.”

She bowed her head and watched him go to his wife.

She sat there until early morning, staring off into the ocean. There was no moon out tonight. Nothing to out shine the stars as they were reflected in the water. She had to stop a time or two to remember if she was looking into the sky or the ocean. She began to wonder where the ocean met the sky. From here, she could not tell the difference between them. And she wondered if there was ever a difference between the two at all.

The pleas of her sisters echoed in her mind. They begged her to return home. To them. To their grandmother. To their father. She had hardly recognized them at first, with their hair shaven clean off. It could all be undone they said. She took hold of the dagger in her apron. The sun would rise soon. It could all be undone. She could be saved.

She set her feet on the deck and stepped off. Pain stabbed into her legs with every step she took. The pain hurt so much more now than it ever had before. Never had it been so torturous when she danced for him. And she wondered if it wasn’t the stabbing that hurt her so, but what she was walking toward. What she was walking to do.

She entered the cabin silently. The room was adorned with every finery. Bold colors. Soft silks. Polished maple and gold. It was lovely. At the far end of the room was a large bed in front of the wide window that looked out on the ocean. There lay the dark haired woman, and him.

One of the window panes was open. She could hear the waves. It was peaceful.

She stood beside him. Better to do this quick. She had the dagger in hand and brought it over her head. She closed her eyes. She did not want to see this. She closed her heart. She did not want to feel this.

And he sighed. In his sleep.

She knew this sigh. He sighed like that on the beach. Where he slept so soundly. Like a baby, free of any sin. She could only feel the dagger held tight in her hand. She knew he did not deserve this. The dagger that was meant for him. Meant for his heart.

She remembered that too. The beat of his heart. Her ear to his chest. It had brought her such joy once to hear it. And her grip on the dagger loosened. She wanted to hear it. Hear his heartbeat. Just one last time.

She laid her head on his chest and placed her ear over his heart….

It was slow, but it was steady. And it was strong. Like waves on the beach. Waves on that beach. Slow and steady and strong and beautiful. Like home. Like home. Perhaps she wondered, it was because this was her home.

He stirred as the sunlight poured into the cabin. He looked up at the window but his eyelids were still heavy. And yet-

“Marina?” He sat up in his bed, head turned toward the window. For a moment, he could have sworn he saw her there, sitting on the sill. Legs curled up to her chest. Watching him and smiling as she always had.

He got up to look over the window sill. But there was no sign of Marina. He placed his hand down on the wood but pulled it back. In doing so he knocked something over into the ocean. He only saw it for a moment. A dagger perhaps? A beautiful one.

He looked at his fingers. Sea foam. He rubbed the foam away between his hands. He sat where she was sitting. He must have imagined it. The rays of sunlight blinded him for a moment. He rubbed his eyes.

He felt a cool breeze brush gently against his cheek and the wind seemed to giggle in his ear. He looked around. No one was there to giggle. The dark haired woman was still fast asleep. And it was not the woman’s laugh he heard. He was sure of it. He must have imagined it.

And for the rest of his life, whenever the wind blew by, he heard her laugh. He began to wonder if he really did just imagine it.

Beta 2

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 23:47:00 -0400

Suddenly unconsciously self conscious about the henna on her hands, Harri pulled the ends of her sleeves to cover the intricate designs. “I just got back from my cousin’s wedding last night. We didn’t get back ‘til late.”

Micelle rested his elbows on his knees. “Late?”

“Like maybe three am?”

“Three in the morning? It’s nine now! You should be sleeping, Harri.”

“My mom woke me up so we could come and do laundry. Wait, nine? I didn’t put clothes in the dryer.” Harri went to check the washing machine.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” said Mrs. Phillips. “You’re mother put the clothes in the dryer and went out for some morning deals a while ago. You’re clothes should almost be done now.”

“Oh- thanks Mrs. Phillips.”

“You’re welcome, dear.” The old woman winked. “You have better things to do anyway.”

Harri laughed nervously and went back to her seat.

“Everything good?” asked Micelle.

“Yeah, it’s all good.”

“Good.” Micelle brought his coat closer to his body, clearly chilly.

“Hey, it’s warmer over here. Next to the machines.” Harri patted the seat next to her.

“Yeah?” he got up and sat beside her. Harri couldn’t help but smile, though she was trying not to. “So, what do you do Harri?”

“I’m a senior at Montclair University.”

“Cool beans, what are you studying?”

“Psychology. Trying to get into grad school and then get a PHD for it. You know, this way I can tell my grandparent’s I’m a ‘doctor.’” She flexed her fingers like quotation marks and giggled. “That should make them happy.”

“That’s a lot of work. You must really love it.”

Harri shrugged. “It’s something.”

He seemed surprised. “Just something?”

“I guess, why?”

“Seems like a awful lot of planning and work for something that’s just,” now he was using the air quotations, “‘something.’”

Harri crossed her arms casually. “Maybe, but it’s better than nothing.”

“I can understand that.”

They were quiet. Harri started this time.

“So, what about you? What do you do?

“I run a coffee shop slash bakery in the city.”

“Yeah? How long have you been open?”

“About a year now.” He pulled out his wallet and gave Harri a little black, white and brown card. “It’s a small place called Clockwork Owl.”

Harri read the card. “Because you’re open late into the night.”

“That’s right. We bake all day too, so we have something fresh.”

Harri smiled. “That’s a really sweet idea. Can I keep this?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

She tucked it away in her back pocket. “So is it just you or are there others in charge?”

“Nah. My aunt and her wife are technically owners too, but they run more financial things. Me and my best friend Lyon are the ones baking and brewing and cleaning up the place.”

“That’s really cool.”

“If you’re ever in the city you should stop by.”

“I think I will-” She looked past Micelle’s face and her eyes went wide. “I got to go.”

“You do?” Micelle turned to see what was behind him. Harri stopped him.

“Yeah, my mom’s here, she’s really particular about being timely.”

“Ah, well, it was good to meet you Harri. Thanks for talking.” he smiled.

“You too.” Harri quickly walked over to her mother. “Let’s get the clothes and go!”

“Who was that boy you were talking to, Beta?” asked her mother.

“Oh, he just wanted some change.”

“Oh? Is he homeless?”

“Mooooooom, no. The change machine broke.” Mrs. Kaur peered over her daughter’s shoulder to look at Micelle. Harri pulled her toward the dryers. “C’mon! Lot’s to do.”

Mrs. Kaur made quick work of the clothes and she and Harri were soon about to leave. Before they stepped out, Harri pulled out her phone and snapped a picture of Micelle, pulling out his laundry from the machine.

“Girl, I’ve told you before that you snagging pictures of cute guys is really creepy, right?” said Cathy as she inspected her half avocado sub sandwich. “Because if I haven’t I should and it is.”

“Yeah, ok, well I guess you don’t want to see him.” replied Harri as she coyly put away her cell phone.

“Now I didn’t say that. Gimme.” Harri passed her the cell phone. “Ooooo, Harri. I like him.”

Harri laughed.

“No, you think I’m joking. I’m not.” She put down the phone and pulled back her short brown hair into a tiny side ponytail. “You know what that reminds me of?”

“What he reminds you of?”

“You know how I keep a bag of chocolate chips at my desk to nibble on as I work? Sometimes the bag ends up too close to my computer’s exhaust fan and melts the chocolate inside. Then I push up the chocolate from the outside and bite right into the molten goodness.” She handed the phone to Harri. “That’s what that reminds me of.”

“That was a beautiful analogy.”

“I am an English Lit major.”

Harri bowed her head, “That you are.” They started to eat.

“So when you gonna go see him?”

“Well….”

“Oh no. No. No. No. Harri! Don’t do this again! He’s so cute! You should totally go flirt with him.”

“Maybe I don’t want to go flirt with this guy, Cathy.”

Cathy shrugged.

And besides, there’s no point in going into the city just to talk to some guy I barely know, Cathy.”

“Yes there is- look at that face!” Cathy sipped her soda. “And we both know why you really won’t try to see him again.”

“Yes we do. So that settles it, I’m not going.”

“Just because the guy is black doesn’t mean you should avoid him!”

“My parents would flip a shit if they knew I was going to see some guy that wasn’t related to me anyway! No point in trying to go flirt with a guy they’d never approve anyway.”

“So you do want to flirt with him?”

“I- oh be quiet.”

“I think you like him.”

“He’s at least five years older than me.”

“It would be nice to date a mature man, wouldn’t it?”

“Shut up.”

“Awwww! You’re getting red!” Cathy reached over the table to hold Harri’s hand. “I’ll go with you.”

“Excuse me?”

“We’re going.”

“I didn’t say I was going anywhere, Cathy.”

“But we are,” Cathy took a confident bite out of her sub and gave Harri a look.

Harri sighed. “Maybe.”

“Good. We’ll find this place on Saturday.” Cathy giggled to herself with glee. “This is going to be fun.”

Beta

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 23:58:36 -0400

“Beta!!”

“Ughh,” she moaned and rolled over in her bed, covering her head with her comforter.

“Beta!! Why aren’t you out of bed yet?”

She reached out and grabbed her phone. It was 7:20am. “Because it’s too early, Mamaaaaaa!” And she buried herself deeper into her covers.

Too late, Mama was there. She pulled off the sheets. “Beta, you can’t just lay in bed all day. Come. I need someone to help me do the laundry at the laundry mat.”

Harri laid there, her long black hair was a mess, sticking this way and that. She looked up at her mother and burned into the woman’s flesh with her hazel eyes. She wasn’t happy.

“Why can’t Harki go with you, Mama?”

“Because Harki’s sleeping.”

She looked up at her mother with such distain for a moment. “Fine. Give me 20 minutes to get ready.”

“Make it 10, Harri. If we don’t get there before 8 o’clock than we’ll miss the half off laundry early-bird special.” And Mama left.

“Ugh,” sighed Harri, as she slumped out of bed. In ten minutes, she had pulled on a pair of jeans, a purple pull over sweater and her dad’s gray cabby hat. She rinsed her mouth with Listerine and started the car with an energy bar in her mouth. Outside, she could see the warm air from her nose misting up the cold air. The trunk was loaded up with two bundles of laundry.

Her mother sat before her in the car. “Did you have a glass of milk? Why are you eating that? That’s not enough food to give your energy through the day. We had some frozen waffles in the freezer you know.”

“No time, mama,” she started the engine.

“Why do you look so sloppy, Beta?” she picked at her daughter’s pull over.

“Because it’s 7:30 in the morning and no one is gonna see me in this besides you, Mama.”

“You should make yourself up a little more. No one is going to hire a teacher with your disposition.”

“No, but my disposition will get better with coffee.”

“Coffee will keep you short, Beta. You should have had a glass of milk.”

“Yes, Mama.”

They drove about 25 minutes to the Bleach Alternative Laundry mat. It was a small place Mama had found own by a sweet old married couple. “Nicest white people you’ll ever meet,” Mama had said.

They had made it. “Good morning Mrs. Kaur,” said Mrs. Phillips. “You’ve just made it.”

“Hello Mrs. Phillips! We would have been here earlier but Harri here slept in this morning.

Harri just stuffed the laundry into the washing machine. No point in fighting her mother on this point.

“Harri, you’re such a nice girl to be helping your mother out so early in the morning. Bless you, sweetheart.”

Harri smiled. “Thanks, Mrs. Phillips.”

Harri poured the detergent into the machine and pushed start. She found herself a seat near the machines as to keep warm. It was still chilly outside. It might even snow… she thought. Her mother kept chatting with Mrs. Phillips and Harri drifted off to sleep.

“Excuse me?”

“Hmmmm?”

“Hey, I’m sorry but do you have change for a five?”

“What?” Harri’s eyes struggle to open.

“I’m really sorry, but I need money for the machine and Mrs. Phillip’s change machine just died.”

Harri yawned deeply. She rubbed her eyes and noticed her mouth was very dry. Must have been hanging open. She looked up to the person speaking to her. She sat up stiff. The man speaking to her was very handsome. He had a cool haircut, with his hair buzzed down into a short mohawk. His silver brow piercing led her to his light brown eyes. A fetching grin that stood out against his dark skin.

He grin grew a little nervous. “I take it you don’t have any quarters?”

“What, quarters?”

“Yeah, the machine broke and I really need to get this load done,” he said.

Harri frantically searched her pockets. “Y-yes!” She pulled out a small coin purse.

“Thank you! You’re a life-saver!” He received his coins and gave her his five dollar bill. “I’ll be back.”

Harri smiled and nodded. Once the man was gone she turned and looked in the convex mirror in the corner nearby and tired to mess around with her hair. Nothing could be done with it. She gave up and stuffed it back into her cap. She turned just in time to see him sit down across from her.

“Hey thanks again. My name’s Micelle,” he reached out his hand to greet her.

Harri reached out and shook his. “Harri.”

“Harri?”

“It’s short for Harinder.”

“Oh, that’s a pretty name.”

“Haha, it’s really not, but thanks.”

Micelle looked down at Harinder’s hand. “Oh wow, your henna is really nice.”

“Oh, you know about henna?”

“Well, you know. You see it here and there, but never his nice.” He let go of her hand and sat back comfortably across the aisle.

Ernesto and the Prince of the Grasshoppers

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 00:05:05 -0400

And I knew no one would believe me. There was no way. Between the time that I hotwired my teacher’s car so that it would only set off an alarm; the time I stole the bust of George Washington from the public library; and the time I took a short joy ride in my mother’s van, I had lost all reasonable credibility. But even with all that aside, even if I was an upstanding honor student of a child, I do not believe anyone would believe what I was seeing in front my me, on my window sill.

“Greetings, young sir! Allow me to introduce myself,” said the little man on my window ledge as he bowed deeply. “I am Verdden Rootigus XIV, Prince of the Grasshoppers. And this is Magnolia, my faithful steed.” A tiny skunk popped it’s head up from the ledge.

I nearly leapt back two feet when I saw it. “What the hell, man!?”

“Now, there is no need for such language, young man. Magnolia is a perfectly adequate steed and a source of wonderful conversation.” Magnolia climbed up onto the sill.

“It’s a skunk! Get is the hell out of my room!” I rushed over my bed and tried to shut the window. Stupid thing always got stuck. BAM. Done.

“This is a … spacious dwelling.”

I whirled around. The little man and skunk were standing on my pillow. “Got off that! You’ll stink up my pillow!”

The skunk, which was comparatively much larger than the little man hid behind him and whimpered.

“See here, now lad, there is no need to be so rude! And I’ll have you know that Magnolia is the prettiest smelling baby skunk in the land!” He turned to pet her. “Yes, you are! Yes, you are!”

I grabbed the little man and held him up, eye to eye in my fist. “What are you.”

“Sir! Unhand me!”

I poked his head. “Are you even human?”

“I am Verdden Rootigus XIV!! Prince of the Grasshoppers!”

“Don’t be cute with me, grasshoppers don’t have any sort of monarchy.”

“Oh, yes, and I sure you discuss politics with grasshoppers on a regular basis!” he shouted. “No unhand me!”

I thought about it and I put him down. The guy had a point.

He brushed himself off. “Thank you, Ernesto.”

“Whoa, how the hell do you know my name?”

“Language, sir.”

“Just shut up about the language, little man! How do you know my name?”

He didn’t pay attention, he just went over to his skunk and began to calm her down.

“Hey, little guy!”

“Manners, Ernesto.”

“You have got to be kidding me.”

He didn’t answer.

I gave up and sighed. I plopped myself onto the bed and thought for a second. I looked to the little man. “… Excuse me?”

He turned and smiled at me brightly. “Yes, Ernesto? How may I help you?”

“How do you know my name? What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to help you Ernesto, to get out of the bind you’ve gotten yourself into.”

“My bind?”

“You have a court hearing within a week, do you not?”

“Dude, you’re really freaking me out here. How do you know all this? What else do you know about me?

“Your name is Ernesto Gomez. You are fourteen years old, second child of Jonathan Gomez and Gabriella Gomez. You like music and science and you would probably excel in either subject if you put in the effort but you stopped about the same time your brother died about two years ago in the line of duty trying to stop a robber at a convenience store-“

I slammed my hand into the mattress. The little man and skunk leapt up into the air for a moment. “Yo, shut up man! Why the hell are you here?”

Again, the little man stood up and brushed himself off. He looked at me and said, “You saved my sister. I’m here to return the favor.”

“You’re sister?”

“You saved her from some cruel young men who had captured her and were about to toss her into a fire pit for their entertainment, Ernesto.” The little man approached and placed his hand on mine. “Thank you, for your bravery. I understand you took quite the beating from it.”

I scratched my head. “It wasn’t nothing. I really don’t remember it.”

“You are right. It wasn’t nothing. It was my sister’s life. And your lip-” He pointed up to the scar that overlapped my bottom lip. “The scar remains. Princess Midory said that you lost a lot of blood when they kicked you there.”

I smirked. “Yeah, well…”

“Ernesto!”

“Ah crap it’s my mom! Hide!” I shoved the little man and the skunk under my pillow.

Queen of the Stars

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 23:48:35 -0400

And she was crowned Queen of the Stars. Light poured forth from the crown upon Glendal’s head. The crowd cheered. Meredith, her lady in waiting, clapped the hardest out of them all. Glendal smiled and waved. She stepped down from her throne and addressed her heavenly council.

“My brothers and sisters, each of you have graced me with your presence tonight. Thank you-

“Milady is too modest!” cried out the jester, Samuel. He bowed deeply, “It is your light that graces each and every one of us on this day, Milady.”

“Hush you, Sam,” giggled Glendal. “As I was saying; Thank you all for your support and belief in our eternal kingdom and in myself. Please! Enjoy yourselves tonight! And may your light shine brightest in the darkest of times.”

And she bowed, and they bowed in return. The party continued.

Meredith could hardly contain herself and leapt up to embrace Glendal. “How does it feel, queenie?”

“Please don’t call me that, Mere. Just Glen for you.”

“And what of me, Milady? What should I call you?” asked Sam.

“Oh, Sam. If I haven’t told you a thousand times, I’ll have to tell you a thousand times more that you should call me, Glen.”

“Of course, Milady.” Sam giggled to himself and then went to make the others laugh.

Glendal shook her head. “Silly Sam.”

Glendal sat on her throne, Meredith sat on a cushion at her side, looking dreamily up at her.” “Stop that, Mere. You’re embarrassing me.”

“Truly? The Queen of the Stars is embarrassed by her friend? No. Take the title and own it. This is your rightful place.”

“I wasn’t born into this, Mere. I selected out of a hundred girls with their own spark. To be honest, I don’t know if I have any real right to sit here. I’m no different from you.”

“Glen, I have known you since we were young.” Meredith took Glendal’s hand. “You have always been a cut above the rest.” She smirked and plucked the crown off Glendal’s head and put it on her own. “You see?”

“See what?”

“I can’t make this crown shine like you do.” Meredith took it off and looked it over in her hands. It was a thin iron ring without any embellishments at all. Meredith traced her finger over its brim. She seemed lost in thought. She turned and placed the crown onto Glendal’s head. It instantly glowed. “See?”

Glendal touched the crown atop her head. “What makes it glow?”

Meredith shook her friend. “No! No mopping tonight! You have just been introduced to the Grand Court.” She stood and pulled Glendal to stand with her. “Dance with me!”

Glendal couldn’t refuse her dearest friend. They danced together on the floor, a little jig with a hop and a skip to it.

“Oh my! Are they sisters?” Ask one finely dressed courtier.

“No, no. Her Majesty’s and her lady in waiting have been friends since they were young.” replied another.

“Really? They look so much alike!”

Glendal relaxed. Meredith always did this. She made things better. Still, Meredith could have also been queen. She was of the hundred that stood with Glendal during the selection. There was truly no reason in Glendal’s mind that Meredith shouldn’t have been the one to make the crown glow.

Spinning about made it all so much more dizzy. Glendal was only selected three months ago. Since then she had a crash course in ruling the Kingdom of the Sky. That was when they met Sam. Sam could make Glendal giggle with his light hearted foolishness, but it was Meredith who made the days bearable.

Once the song was done Meredith laughed and bowed to Glendal. Glendal stopped her and stood her up straight. “You are to never bow to me, Mere.” Meredith smiled, unsure of Glendal’s tone. “This is my one and only command to you, as your queen.”

Meredith slowly nodded and hugged Glendal.

“Milady!” Sam nearly toppled over the two. “Miss Meredith, may I please have the next dance with the queen?”

Meredith nodded. “Just don’t be too crazy.”

Sam took Glendal’s hand and was about dance merrily about when the tempo changed. The song was slow.

“Maybe the next dance?” suggested Glendal and was about to turn when Sam caught her hand.

He stood upright, delicately held Glendal’s hand in one palm and rested his other on her waist. Despite being dressed head to toe in such silly garments, Sam appeared rather charming. He led.

Glendal giggled. “Sam, I’m shocked. Where did you learn to dance like this?”

Sam leaned in and whispered in Glendal’s ear. “Milady, I fear that this is not the time for laughter. There is a traitor among your guests. Your life is in danger.”