A Legacy

It's small at first, a childish love. And then the years go by. The grains of sand slip ever more. Falling into a pile of memories. Some lost. Some cherished. A sunset over the mountain. The laughter of small voices. Echos through the years. A legacy is created with hard work and tenderness. Molded and formed over ages. Dust collects and is caught in the sunlight. Pack rats and clean freaks unite. The Family gathers. We multiply over night. They grow older. More memories are created. The road here may have been rocky. But we're all on the same path. Some to pave the way, and others to leave footprints. Those footprints touch our hearts and give us the glimpse of hope that we need to continue on the journey. But the path we are on cannot be walked alone. It is simply not possible. A legacy is a powerful and beautiful thing to create. It takes time. It takes compassion. It takes courage. It takes patience. It takes commitment. It takes love. It takes two. Their love grows stronger. Entwines through the songs they used to sing together. Her old hands remembering the tunes of years gone by. The worn ivory dancing up and down once again. His low voice singing the repeated refrain. With all the love in his heart. Nothing in the world could be stronger than the love they felt for each other. The love they still feel. Though time passes, we could linger here forever. But forever is too long for anyone to stay away from home. We all must leave at some point. And start on the long trek home. For some it is hard to leave, for others a simple joy. We all must depart. But others will meet us there. All will be right in the end. "Together we're going a long, long way...Though the Rockies may crumble...our love is here to stay."

In Memory of my Grandpa

Marvin Ralph Ashby

I love you Grandpa

A Love Song

This is an assignment we did in A.P. Lit. We had to describe a picture with concrete and imaginative description. Enjoy!





 A Love Song  

       

The last bit of warm hope the man had flickered out with his candle. And the flowers he had so carefully chosen for her wilted and drooped on their stiff green stems. A few dry petals fluttered to the tear stained pages of scattered and empty sheet music. The strings on his once bright and capable violin sagged in remorse. Mourning the loss of a blossoming love. The pages had wrinkled and torn edges that had been acquired over time, from many instantaneous inspirations of their amorous artist. But all was to no avail now as the artist was lost and his fondest memories of her beauty crushed. He sat now in a large cushioned chair in front of his fireplace. Watching the last of the glowing embers flicker and fade. Their light reflected in his eyes which were wet with regret. But despite the comfortable seat and the warm radiating embers his heart had been left cold, with no way in which to warm it again. The last trail of smoke from the lifeless candle clouded his sorrowful thoughts and muddled any shred of happiness he had conjured from the deep chambers of his mind. He unsuccessfully attempted to call the lovely images back to his remembrance. The short instances where her hand had touched his arm, and the simple smile that melted his heart. The cool smell of grass as they sat along the banks of the river, talking about things that mattered to her. But that was all a distant vision of what was. Which ended with a was, not how it could ever be. His song was lost forever, for she no longer loved him. She had moved on and he had become as wilted as the old roses that were chosen for her. His heart was given to her and taken as she left. The last refrain of the tarnished music repeated in his mind. It was the only thread he had left to grasp as he felt his heart strings twanging and snapping loose where they had once been firm and strong. The old and worn melody faded from his thoughts. And the last light of the lonly day passed under the darkening clouds. Leaving him alone. Lost in his forgotten thoughts. And the last warmth of the ash was snuffed out as the final lingering note from the violin was lost and covered by the sound of mourning silence.

Shadow Keepers

          There are many hidden things in our world; children's toys, boxes of money, secrets, feelings, self doubt. But there is nothing anyone can hide that will not eventually be seen. Some of the best hiding places are so conspicuously placed that they are not hidden at all. Usually when something is put in plain sight no one is able to notice it right off. In all my years I have seen that most people naturally tend to hide underlight. Yes, that may sound odd to you, to anyone that cannot see as I do. When under the light, a person can see themselves as they truly are and who they want to become. So it turns out, that others can't see them as they are. Or they see them distorted. As if through a tinted and warped looking glass, who's worth has been neglected over time.

          The average person cannot look inside someone else without much feeling and effort. But I can. I can see into every part of them that reflects light. When a person stands directly underlight I can see their heart, emotions, everything. Where others cannot.

          For, you see... I am a Shadow.

          I have lived all my life in darkness, watching my keepers. Saddened greatly because I am unable to help them. But no longer must I wait. Finally, I have come to my time. I am now allowed to take my solid form and help my keeper. This is her story, and mine.

         The story of how she saved my life.  

Chapter 1:

          The night chilled air created bumps on her skin as Shauna stepped out into the cool concrete of the front porch. Her breath hissed between her teeth as her bare feet met the grey slab. Shauna pulled her rust orange shawl tighter around her shoulders and folded her arms inside. The moon still sat comfortably in the lightening blue sky, and the last few stars flickered away dissolving in the morning light.

          This was her favorite time of year. The very first Autumn morning. When the trees start turning. When each breath of air chills the back of your throat. and the breeze smells of warm cider and pumpkins. Shauna sat on the cool steps and the heat of her legs scattered as the chill of frozen concrete seeped through her jeans. She considered going inside for a blanket but decided to wait. She couldn't take the risk of missing her favorite part of the year.

         But this year would be different. Until three weeks ago she had planned on sharing this morning with her mother. But that hope changed the moment that one man took a last swig from his beer can and threw it out the window, causing him to loose the last shred of concentration and soberness he had left as he easily slid into the oncoming traffic; hitting her family car, a 2006 Honda civic head on.
           Shauna was not there when it happened. But the call she got from her mother’s cell phone changed her life forever.
           "This is officer Kasey of the name of town City Police. Do you know anyone by the name of Allison Peters?" Said the voice on the other end of the call.

           "Yes, yes she's my mom." Shauna had replied.

           "Now, I don't want to alarm you." The officer said. "But your parents have been in a car accident." Shauna almost dropped her cellphone. She sat on the purple living room sofa to stop herself from dropping as well.

          "Are they alright ?" She stammered, clutching her elbow in her left hand.

          "We were able to speak briefly with your mother before she lost consciousness. And the man, your father I believe, was unconscious when we arrived at the scene.We're taking them to the local hospital. Could you please confirm the man's identity for me?" He described Shauna's father and she hesitated for a moment, taking in the sudden information.

          "He is my father." she said, "His name is Robert. Robert Peters."

          "Thank you Shauna." Officer Kasey said. She didn't remember if she had told him her name. She couldn't remember anything. "We will send someone over to your house to check on you." She was quickly pulled back into the skewed reality her life had become. remembering her manners she said,

          "Th-thank you officer...officer Kasey."

          "I know this is probably hard for you. Just hang in there and try not to worry." He said as an attempt to comfort her. He said good bye. She thought she heard herself saying a brief farewell but it felt distant. Shauna slumped into the deep cushions of the sofa, letting her hands and her cell pone rest in her lap. Te setting sun behind her made her shadow crawl across the thick carpeted floor.

          As the morning light hit her eyes Shauna came back from her reverie. The light of the dawn touched the clouds in the pale sky sending colors of gold and pink reflecting in the heavens. She stood up hoping to see as much of the spectacle as she could through the trees. Newly yellowed and orange leaves gleamed with dew, and the song of small birds fluttered through the trees.

        

Havasupai Hike

This is a video of a hike I went on with some of my family.
It takes place in Havasupai (have-a-soup-eye) Arizona in the Grand Canyon in 2011.
It was the greatest adventure of my life so far. Enjoy!

Here's just a bit of background info...
 The hike down into our camp was 10 miles (2 of those ten in sand) The bloody cactus pricker hand is mine, I fell into a patch while walking on the trail backwards! :P yeah, not to smart on my part. that was only about three miles into the hike. The whole trip was about 3 days. I had so much fun!! I want to go back some time. I would definitely recommend the trip for those who want a bit of adventure.
 The movie is about 30 min long (just to let you know before hand)

Bella : A retelling of Beauty and The Beast

 I need help choosing a name for Belle. I want a unique but beautiful -bella name. If you have any other ideas please comment. The country she lives in is very fond of exchanging certain "i" or "e" sounds for a "y".

Bellany

Ysabella
Arabella                     

Myrabella  (meer-ah-bella)

Evyrbella   (Ever-Bella) meaning ever beautiful, I thought that might go along with the whole rose idea quite nicely.

Prologue

          Bellany's small arms wrapped around her father's neck as he ran. Carrying her further away from the burning rubble of their small home. The attack had happened so suddenly. Many people swarmed the town's streets, frantically scrambling to escape the onslaught. The assailants were the rumored dark soldiers; said to be from the cursed castle of a broken prince with a forsaken title. Phantom soldiers of legend who were said to be so distant from human that they were the very spawn of evil themselves. Bellany buried her face into her fathers wool coat. Tears soaked through the thick fabric as she tried to force the terrible image from her mind.

          There was a small grove of twisted trees just past the modest gate of their home. Bellany's father set her down and pulled the knotted branches over her.

          "Stay here, Bellany! I must go back. The Greydons need my help. You must stay put, no matter what happens." He said, running his hands through her brown disheveled hair. "You must promise me Bella."

          "I promise father." She said, hot tears streaming down her cheeks. "Will everything be alright?"

          "I don't know my darling." He replied, pulling her into his able arms. "I don't know." He reluctantly pulled away from her, kissing her forehead one last time. "I love you Bellany. Never forget that." He swiftly turned and ran back towards the smoldering village that was once their home.

          Bellany crouched in the thicket of mangled wood and laid her head against her knees. She worriedly thought of her best friend and playmate Ryan Austyn, the youngest son of Greydon Austyn. She wondered if she would ever see any of them again. Bellany leaned back against one of the larger trees wishing warmth to her young body during the crisp Autumn night. She couldn't rest. No matter how loud her body screamed at her to sleep. Neither could she escape the horrible image of the burning village as it crept its way into her mind. Despite her efforts she soon found herself falling into the dark abyss of uneasy rest.      

          Misshapen light from the morning sun peered through the branches above and warmed the dew on Bellany's damp clothes. She sat up, her mind whirling for an explanation of where she was. The scent of smoke and cold ashes awakened her to the reality of the previous night's escape. But as she looked around the copse, a chilling realization hit her. Her father had not returned.

Chapter One

          Vincent used to be a normal boy. His long days were filled with hunting, mastering his natural swordsmanship and endless hours of tutoring from a private teacher insisted upon by his mother. For when the time came, he would rule his father's kingdom. But all of it, his future and dreams, were shattered by one foolishly prideful act by his father. He remembered the story well. His mother told him often the talk of his curse before she died. It seemed that she wanted to put in his heart the burning hatred she had for the man who had cursed them both.

_._._._._

          Once upon a time, in a land far better than the one in which we live, there lived a young princess who had a love for all  people and knew her country well. A country that, sadly, she was never destined to rule.

          Although she loved all she met and they all loved her in return, there was a deep hatred that festered inside her for a single person. A man named Ryolan, betrothed to her at her birth, dooming her to a life where she could never truly love. He was a terribly vain and selfish man. He did not love her for her character or kindness. But he loved her out of pride, knowing he was to marry the most sought after, and most beautiful woman in the five kingdoms. He was a man of trickery and deceit. For he prospered in the  kingdom's riches; eating fine meats and wines, and filling his life with fleeting pleasures. He neglected his wife and young son. And his people slowly died of uncontrollable disease and starvation. 

          Then, one fateful night, as the king was practically drowned in spirits, having been feasting on the grape in it's many forms. A call came from beyond the main gate, which was answered by a sentry nearby. A single old woman with a cloak of rags and deep wrinkles in her skin, stood just beyond the door. She seemed to the sentry to be older than the kings entire stock of liqueur. And the voice which emitted from her lips was more weathered than the stones of the castle's great walls.

          "Please," She said, "might a poor woman find refuge from the biting winds on this winter's night?" The sentry was taken back by the woman's modest request.

          "Woman, can you not see to whose house you have stumbled upon?" He replied, "This is the castle of a great king..." But she held up her hand and said, 

          "I know the door at which I stand. And restate my humble request, permit me, if you would, to speak with your king. Could you not do me the simplest favor?" As she spoke these words, she held out a hand which held a single gold coin. Which she knew was more than the soldier had ever seen at one time in his life. He wasted no time in pocketing the money and guided her to the king's table. When the king saw who entered his vast dining hall he turned to the sentry with frustration in his eyes. 

          "What business do you have bringing this filth in while I'm trying to enjoy myself?" He questioned.

          "Sire,"The guard replied, bowing his head. "She requests a place to stay tonight." The king raised his eyebrows, then suddenly laughed heartily as if someone had mad a great joke.

          "A place for the night!" he chortled, "And what would the old hag have to offer in return for my gracious gesture?" He asked. At this the woman simply smiled and reached beneath her cloak. She met the king's eyes, which shined with the tears of drunkenness, and presented to him a single red rose.

          "This rose," She began, "is the only one of it's kind. It will never whither or die, but it shall bloom beautifully forever. I offer you this rose in return for a warm place to sleep for one night." After hearing the old woman's offer, the king's brow knit in a sharp scowl and he stood abruptly, scraping his heavy wooden chair on the cold stone floor.

          "How dare you enter my castle and insult me with such a worthless offer! Do you not realize that I can have anything I want?! Anything with one word or a flick of my wrist! And you have the gall to offer me a simple rose!" the king sat back down fuming and dismissed them with a wave of his hand. "Take her from my sight."

          "I warn you,"Replied the old woman calmly. "do not be fooled by appearances. Many things are more than what they seem to be on the surface."

          "I said take her out of my sight or I'll..." But as the King turned to face her, the old woman's ugliness dissolved, revealing her to be a beautiful enchantress.

          "Ryolan I have seen that there is no love in your heart."She said, "You are foolish and think of only how to better yourself. I have experienced first hand how you treat others and you shall be given what you deserve. The king cowered in fear and fell at her feet, begging for a shred of forgiveness. But she turned from him and walked towards the doorway. Before she left she said, "I shall place a curse on this castle, that you may one day learn the error of you ways and see yourself for what you truly are, a beast."

          "No!" Ryolan shouted, "There must be another way!"

          "Look into your heart Ryolan." The enchantress replied."You are a monster. If you remain this way your son shall grow to be like you. Leave everything as it is, Ryolan, and you shall only bring sorrow to others. Stay here and love your son. No matter what shall befall you and your family. But the curse may be lifted if you teach your son to love, and someone can love him in return before the rose wilts on his twenty-first birthday." With that she tossed the flower to the cold stone floor and vanished, never to be seen again.

_._._._._

             Regretfully the king eventually forgot the warnings of the enchantress. He and his wife learned quickly of the curse set upon their small family. All through the night, as soon as the sun set, their boy Vincent would be just like any other child his age. But as soon as the sun would rise each morning he became a horrid, grisly creature. He grew up despising the form he would take at dawn, hiding himself from the rest of the world. Convinced that he would never break the curse set upon him because of his father's cold heart. King Ryolan soon died, never passing on his title to his son, and never having changed his heart.  Vincent cared for his aging mother who loved him very much despite the truth of his being. But she was also eventually taken by time. Soon the human part of him was overcome by the beast, so much that he did not change when the sun went down. So Vincent was doomed to live in his dark empty castle along with a handful of servants who had fallen under the enchantresses spell. A king without a formal title who ruled over a kingdom that no longer existed. He would grow old, and the rose would slowly wilt and die, having never found love. He seemed to have lost all hope. For who could learn to love a beast?

Chapter Two

          Beads of sweat fell down the bridge of her nose as -bella heaved the last bale of hay into the loft. She wiped the back of her hand across her forehead and rested the shaft against the hardwood walls of the barn. 
          "What are you doing out here Bella? You should be enjoying yourself today, not working." Bella turned around to greet the familiar voice of her guardian, Mauryce O'Connor.    
          "You should leave that for Nygel." Nygel Gallagher currently worked as a farmhand on the O'Connor Homestead. 
          "Don't worry about me Mauryce. I don't mind doing any more work, it's the last time I'll be able to be in here for a while at least. And Nygel told me he had some things to pick up in town so I thought I'd save him the time. I'm finished already anyway." Mauryce's old eyes wrinkled at the corners as he smiled.
          "Well then, come inside dear. Jenyce and I have made a surprise for you." He offered his arm and led Bella toward the farm house.
         

Tetra Key-Book I

This is a novel I'm writing and I'm just saving it on here in case the notebook smudges....enjoy!
(the underlined sentences need revising)

Tetra Key-Book I           

Prologue: Tetragon

            His dark brow is set to a firm, unwavering scowl, and his piercing eyes glint in the last rays of pure sunlight being consumed by the ever blackening and cloudy sky. A black coat billows around his long figure as he leans forward, clenching and unclenching his hands on the railing of a stone balcony; which juts out from a massive building known as the Nexus. The corners of his mouth curve into a bitter smile as he examines the great city he helped create…and destroy.

--+--+--+--

     Status: Negative

          Reload. Search.

     Status: Negative    

          Reload. Galaxy: Andromeda. Search.

     Status: Negative    

          Reload. Galaxy: Milky Way.

                  Planet: Earth. Search.

     Status: Searching…    

     Status: Searching…

     Status: Affirmative. Target Located.

--+--+--+--

Chora's palms clam up with seat as he walks down the empty stone corridor, his footsteps echoing off the walls. His trembling hand once again runs through his brown disheveled hair. and adjusts the thick rimmed glasses ever inching down the bridge of his thin nose. He knocks on the tall wooden door at the end of the hallway after in taking one last breath of tense air. The large hinges creak from the unwelcome strain of his weight. A cold rush of wind easily slices through his white coat rudely pulling him further into the agonizing reality of his ever growing problems as he steps onto the outermost terrace of the Nexus. 

             "How dare you interrupt me in this untimely manner!" A loud voice shouts over the ever advancing wind.

            "Forgive me master Zuradon, but..." Chora barely manages to stutter.

            "You have ultimately failed me Chora." Zuradon says without turning from the railing. "I only saved your miserable life because you were said to be successful." Both their eyes meet in a flat stare; Chora's widen with overwhelming fear. Zuradon's ice-blue irises pierce Chora's mind with such intensity that his knees buckle and his limp body collapses on the cold stone floor. 

             Zuradon's strong hands roughly drag Chora to his feet, and shove him hard against the wall. Trembling, Chora gasps for breath as a forceful hand pins him firmly by his thin neck. "How could you let this happen?! " Zuradon's hot breath as it hits Chora's cheek might as well have been a snake bite compared to the frigid wind as it blew across the vast terrace. "It's been fourteen years! Do you hear me?! FOURTEEN YEARS!!"

             "T-t-target located, s-s-sir." Chora manages to breath through the pressure of Zuradon's vice-like grip.

             "It's been too long! We would have found her years ago if it weren't for your..." Zuradon's grip loosens slightly on Chora's neck and he takes the opportunity to suck in a breath of bitterly cold air. "What did you say?" Zuradon asks through clenched teeth.

             "T-t-target located, sir. we found her." Chora replies in between panting breaths. Zuradon shoves Chora, who nearly looses his footing, towards the door.

             "Why didn't you mention that in the first place?! Send out the Searchers immediately!! They'll not harm her or they'll answer directly to me! And do not dare come back to me until she is within the walls of the Nexus! We cannot jeopardize her safety! Now GO!"

--+--+--+--

            Status: Affirmative. Target Located.

     Location: Galaxy: Milky Way

               Planet: Earth 

               Country: England

               Address: Unknown

               Name: Erin Spring

               Age: 15




Chapter: One

            Brrrrrrrring!!! The five minute warning bell resonated through my brain. I jump backwards cursing the blasted bell that sits just above my locker and fumble with the combination again. I swing it open and shove my backpack inside. Then begin unloading its contents. Geometry, biology, history, gym clothes... the list goes on. After gathering my books for first period, I stick a pencil behind my year. I reach to close my locker but a rough hand slams it open again, turning some eyes in my general direction. But they quickly look away.
            I reluctantly turn around and look up into the eyes of Benjeman Collins. 
 Benjeman is a bully. He wears his uniform how he wants to wear it, and nobody can tell him otherwise. He walks around the school with such power that most everyone turns away in fear. 
           One day he walked into school with the brightest green shoes on. They looked ridiculous with his black uniform, but no one laughed. No one would dare. Not even the jocks; tough guys who could've flattened him in a second. Girls giggling in the corner would quiet and shrink under his glare. I once overheard some hippie-type go-green activists who claimed that he gave them bad vibes. 
          The fact of the matter is that everyone is scared of him. Literally everyone. Except me. I could kick his butt from here to tomorrow and back without blinking an eye. I could actually stand up to him. But I don't, and here's why. I'm not like other girls my age. I can't let him know my secret. Because then, everything would go down the drain. My life, who I am, my history I have yet to discover. They'd lock me up in a cage or send me to a zoo where people would stare at me for the rest of my life. 
          The only one who knows is Loeisa, caretaker at the den, and she doesn't even know half of it!
          "What do you want Benjeman?" I ask him. I would have seemed a little more threatening if I didn't have too look up to meet his eyes. His dark, ominous figure leaned closer to me, if possible, and a wicked smile curved up on the corners of his lips. 
          "You know what I want Narau." By the way my name's Narau. And this guy was getting on my nerves. I'd been giving him my lunch money (I know, typical) for about 2 weeks now to keep him away from Nathan, my ally from day one. But it wasn't working as well any longer. I had to stop this somehow. I stood up as straight as I could from down there and looked him right in the eye. 
          "Make me." I said. For a split second confusion clouded his eyes, but then it was gone. In that moment I realized my mistake. Then the thought crossed my mind. 
          Maybe I should have stuck with the lunch money.

          He grabbed the collar of my school uniform with one hand and twisted so it cinched around my neck. I pulled at his wrist trying to get away, but he shoved me hard up against the panel of lockers. 
          "Think you're gonna try and be tough do ya?" he snarled. 
          "Look, I just..." I stuttered, trying to come up with something.
          "We got a deal here." He said. Frankly I had know idea what "deal" that actually was other than, he's bigger than I am and I have lunch money. "Now you gonna pay up or do I have to teach you who's in charge around here?!"  Behind his head I could see that we were drawing a bit of attention from students walking by. Of course we'd had fights and scuffles in the halls of Fortwalk High School. But never had guy or girl provoked a member of the opposite gender into a fight. It just didn't happen. But here I was, in that very situation.
          WHAM!!!
          I hit him square on in the stomach with my knee. I guess he didn't expect that because his eyes kind of bugged out and he fell to the floor gasping for the air I knocked out of him. More students gathered around and we were soon enclosed in a tight circle. I had to teach this guy a lesson, I wouldn't let him bother Nathan or anyone again.

--+--+--+--

          Principal Whitelock's sharp eyes unblinkingly stared at Benjeman and I at the far end of a conference table. His fingers clasped beneath his chin, leaning his elbows on the hard oak. His grey eyes grasped my green ones and studied them. My hands tightened against each other as they sat on my green uniform skirt. I'd never really interacted with Principal Whitelock before, except when I met him the first day of my transfer to Fortwalk. He quickly moved to Benjeman who had been casually glancing around the room with a practiced air of authority. His tall figure leaned back in the chair, arms crossed. The skin around his eye becoming more purple and more swollen than it had a few minutes ago. He didn't bother meeting the principal's eyes. They probably had many times before. But they simply wandered now awaiting punishment.

          The shuffle of shoes on carpet turned my attention back to Principal Whitelock. He'd come halfway down the table towards us and stopped, leaning against the wall arms folded, his eyes never wavering.

          "Do either of you want to tell me what happened?" he asked. I opened my mouth and then shut it again, quickly looking at Benjamen. 

          "Narau?" His gaze softened.

          "No, sir." I replied, hoping Benjamen would get the hint and decide to leave Nathan alone. He turned his head towards Benjamen, the light glinting off the streak of white in his greying hair, which fell down the back of his collar in a thinning ponytail.
          "Benjamen," he sighed, "Would you like to say anything?" Unexpectedly something snapped and the facade he had created was no longer fixed on his face. Benjamen stood up and his chair scooted back and precariously balanced on it's back feet for a moment before resting on the carpeted floor. 
          "I was attacked by a girl! My whole reputation is ruined! How am I..." He shouted, but was cut off by Principal Whitelock.
          "I'm sorry for your misfortune, and hope the bruise on your eye will heal quickly. But I cannot overlook your erratic behavior any longer Mr. Collins." he cooly replied.
          "But she..." Benjamen started but Principal Whitelock held up his hand standing up straight.
          "The matter is closed Benjamen. Unless the young lady has anything to say, I would like to get on with my day." He then looked at me. Here was my chance. To protect Nathan and get Benjamen off my back forever. But if I ratted him out, what rumors would be spread? Would I have to transfer, again?
          "Sir, I only tried to protect my friend." Benjamen moved to make a retort but was stopped again by Principal Whitelock's hand.
          "Go on." he said.
          "There's not much to say sir. I shouldn't have reacted violently, but Nathan is my friend and..."
          "Nathan Clarke?" He asked.
          "Yes sir." All of us at the Den have taken on Loeisa Clarke's name. None of us ever knew our own last name.
          "I trust you Narau. You're free to go." I stood up and pushed my chair back under the desk. "But this will never happen again. Do you understand?" 
          "Yes sir." I nodded and left the room. I could feel Benjamen's eyes penetrating my back as I shut the heavy office door. The muffle of voices receded as I found my way back to my locker as classes were ending. I caught some odd glances from a few students as I made my way down the hall. One of Benjamen's friends hit my shoulder with a not-so-sincere apology and hurried off. As I turned around the corner I almost ran into Drake Cadieux. He hadn't been at Fortwalk very long, only a few months, and he was very secretive. No one really knew anything about him. He stood almost half a head taller than me in a crisp green uniform jacket with the school crest. His dirty blonde hair attractively fell over his forehead. There was something hidden behind his deep blue eyes that I couldn't pinpoint. 
          "Narau, is it?" I nodded unable to find my voice.
          "Um..." He quickly glanced behind my head. I looked back but could see nothing out of the ordinary. A folded piece of paper was shoved in my hand. 
          "Don't open this until you're far away from here." He said. And then he was gone. Lost in the sea of students. I stared after him dumbfounded. What was he talking about, and what behind me could have made him so skittish? I looked around once more and met the eyes of Benjamen from across the hallway. He'd seen the exchange, I'd bet money on it, and looked slightly amused. I pretended I didn't notice his confident smug and started down the stairs to my locker. I quickly grabbed my books, slung my bag over my shoulder and pushed open the front doors taking in a refreshing breath of late summer air. I claimed the bench just outside the front doors of the school building and took out a text book to study as I waited for other kids from the Den. 
          I hadn't read much of my biology assignment when a shadow fell over me. Once again I found my self looking into the eyes of Benjamen Collins. I closed my book as he sat on the bench. Luckily for me my book bag separated us a little. He draped his arm over the back of the wooden slats of the bench. His coy smile unnerved me a little. What trick was he up to now?
          "Looks like we've had a lot of excitement today." He said, with a smile that didn't nearly reach his eyes. "Little Miss Perfect getting in trouble with the Principal, and now would you imagine that, she gets a love note from Cadee-oh." He jeered, purposefully mispronouncing Drake's name. I briefly looked at the note I had mistakenly left on the top of my book bag. I reached for it, but he managed to get it first. 
          "Benjamen you give that back!" I commanded and stood over him. 
          "Oooh, it is a love letter." he laughed. I could feel my cheeks turning red at the humiliation he was causing. Of course it wasn't a love letter.
          "No it's not..." I stopped realizing that I didn't really know what it was.
          "Don't tell me you haven't read it yet." Drake said. The mocking smile on his face growing larger. "Hmm, why not save you the trouble." With that he crumpled the paper in his hand and tossed it behind his back into the trash can that sat next to the bench. I gaped at him. He just smiled and roughly patted my back as he walked away. I ran over to the trash can and looked over the edge. I stared down the small opening in the top. An unwelcome odor hit my nose and I backed away from the canister. I had to get that paper back. 

--+--+--+--

          I slowly trudged along the sidewalk reeking of high school refuse. I safely tucked the still folded paper in my skirt pocket. I promised myself that I would only read it when I was completely alone, and smelled better. As I made my way up the front walk of the old Victorian home I couldn't help but admire Loeisa's flower gardens that decorated the yard. Azaleas lined the walk and snowball bushes sat comfortably under the front windows. I walked up the front steps and tried to sneak past the kitchen where Loeisa was making her signature cocoanut oatmeal cookies. But the wood floors of our old house gave me away.
          "Narau what do you think you're doing, back from school and not giving me a hug or even a hello?" Loeisa's arms wrapped around me in a big bear hug, but she quickly pulled back and held my shoulders a full arms length away. "What have you been doing my dear? You smell awful! 
          "It's a long story Loeisa, but it'd be better shared after I have a shower." I hinted.
          "I see, now you run along and come back when you smell a bit fresher." She smiled and her eyes wrinkled at the corners.

         

Romeo and Juliet [The Comedy]

This is a play I've been writing for an Independent Study Theater Arts class. Input would be wonderful! Keep in mind that this is the comedy, not the tragedy. ^_^ Enjoy!

Romeo and Juliet [The Comedy]

Act 1 - Scene 1~

[ Back alley of a main Diner in Villach. There is a bench and a tree. Enter Sammy and Gus wearing school colors. (Blue and White) ]

Sammy

Gus, I swear, I can’t take it anymore!

Gus

C’mon Sammy, he’s not worth your time.

Sammy

No way, I could flatten him!

Gus

Not unless you want to get suspended.

Sammy

Doesn’t matter.

Gus

Man, I don’t know.

Sammy

Uugghhh!! He makes me so angry!

Gus

I wouldn’t get any ideas if I were you. You can be a real pansy sometimes.

Sammy

I’m not a pansy! That dog! I’ll pound him into the wall!

[ Enter Abe and Biff SR, wearing school colors (red and yellow) ]

Gus

Careful Bro, here he comes.

Sammy

I’ll show him, don’t you worry, I’m a man!

Gus

I sure hope you are!

Sammy

‘kay, you start somethin’ and I’ll back you up.

Gus

(looking over his shoulder) You better not run you pansy. (to Biff) Hey, shove off ya scum!

Sammy

Yeah, get off our turf!

Biff

(too Sammy) You say somethin’ to me kid?

Gus

Yeah, you wanna make somethin’ of it?

Abe

[to Biff]  Mariner trash, let’s take ‘em.

[ Gus and Biff continue to ‘speak’ silently and become more angry ]

Sammy
Hey! You wanna say that to my face?!

[Enter Benny SL]

Abe
You’d better watch yourself punk, someone might get hurt.

[Abe swings at sammy and hits his stomach]

Gus
[to Biff] Don’t think you can talk to me like that and get away with it!

Biff
I’ll talk to you however I want!

[Gus swings at Biff, but the hit is blocked and he puts Gus in a headlock. All four of them keep fighting as Benny runs toward them]


Benny
Guys! What do you think you’re doing?!
[He makes his way into the brawl]
Cut it out!
[Benny gets socked in the face and falls away from the fight]
Cool it guys! … C’mon stop it!
[Sammy gets Abe pinned on the floor and Gus comes to help him but is pulled away by Biff who punches sammy. benny again gets thrown from the group]

[Enter Tyler SR]
Tyler
What?! You're fighting with these idiots, nerd! I’ll kill you mariner!!

[he puts up his fists and goes for Benny’s head but he dodges each of them]

Benny
[dodging the swings of Tyler’s assault] No, I was trying to stop them!

Tyler
C’mon and fight you coward!! [they fight]

[enter two policemen, two coaches, a few other students, and the Mayor]

Policeman #1
C’mon, Break it up! Break it up!

Policeman #2
You heard him! Come on boys!

[students murmur and talk to each other occasionally gasping. The coaches help break up the fight. They have to hold Benny and Tyler back to keep them from going at each other again.]

[Aside] Cavalier Coach
Tyler, what were you thinking! that’s your second offense this term. As the team captain I can’t allow you to get away with this.

Tyler
But coach, they’re mariners!

C.Coach
I’m well aware of that Tyler. but as much as I agree with your anger, [at this he sends a death glare to the mariner coach] I cannot ignore this type of behavior.

Tyler
You wouldn’t...?

C.Coach
No, you’re too valuable of a player. [Tyler relaxes a bit] But I will have you clean every inch of the bleachers to learn your lesson.

[Enter Robert SL. Exit police with fighters and Coaches (Benny stays) Other students disperse.]













Scene 2~

Benny

[to a forlorn Robert] Good Morning Robert. [He doesn’t respond] Uh...Robert, are you okay man?

Robert
[Acknowledging Benny for the first time] Huh? Oh, hi Benny.

Benny
Wow, what’s eatin’ you?

Robert
[Sits on bench and leans over] Ugghh, Rachael just broke up with me.

Benny
Woah! [Rubbing around his ear] Tyler must have socked me good. I thought I just heard you say Rachael broke up with you.

Robert
[looks at Benny. Beat] I did.

Benny
[Beat] But you two have been together, like, forever.

Robert
Yeah, I don’t know what happened. [Enter Janitor SR and hangs up Dance Poster] One day things were just fine, then today she said that she didn’t think it would work out.

Benny
Dude, forget her. There’s plenty of other girls out there, way hotter than Rachael! [Gestures to poster] Look, here’s your chance.

Robert
No! No one could ever replace Rachael! [Puts head in hands]
Benny
Wow Robert, that’s sad. [lightly punching Robert’s shoulder] C’mon man, snap out of it! [Robert looks up at him] Look at you, you’re the team captain, you have a cool car, and you’re single! What girl wouldn’t date you?!

Robert
[without looking up] Rachel.

Benny
Look man, let’s just go to this dance thing and I’ll Show you there’s better girls than Rachael.

Robert
[Taking the challenge] And I’ll go just to show you that no one could be better!
[they exit SR]












 
Scene 3~

[Lights up on Juliet room DSR. Julie and Nellie sit on bed. Nellie is looking at a year book. Julie is playing with her hair]

Nellie
Ooo! He’s Cute!! [pointing to a guy in the yearbook and showing Julie]

Julie
Scott? He’s like a total nerd. [Taking the year book] And this is from what, like third grade?

Nellie
[Taking it back] No, it’s from last year!

Julie
Honestly Nellie, even if I did like one of the guys at school, it’s not like I’d ever get the chance to talk to him.

Nellie
[Still looking at the book] Why not?

Julie
Tyler’s two steps ahead of me all the time! He never lets me have a second to myself. Unless of course, it’s to talk to Parker [she says his name with disdain]

Nellie
I don’t know, Parker’s kind of cute.

Julie
What are you kidding me?! All he can ever think about is himself!

Nellie
You know he is the student body president.

Julie
Ha, that’s only impressive if you were rightfully voted in.

Nellie
What do you mean?

Julie
He payed students to vote for him.

Nellie
Oh.

Julie’s Mom (off stage)
Honey, dinner will be ready in five minutes!

Julie
Okay Mom!

Mom
Oh, and Jenelle can’t stay for dinner!

Julie
It’s Nellie Mom! [to Nellie] Sorry, we’re supposedly having company over.
Nellie
That’s fine. [Looking to her left at her invisible friend] C’mon Jeffrey, we’d better get going.

Julie
You still hang out with...Jeffrey?

Nellie
[Gasp!] Don’t insult him! [Consoling Jeffrey] It’s okay, she didn’t really mean it.

Julie
Um, Nellie, we’re in High School.

Nellie
[Slowly walking out of Julie’s room] Well you don’t think I’d leave him at home do you?! Just because we’re growing up and moving on, doesn’t mean that Jeffrey should be allowed to experience life too! [Leaves in a huff]

[Blackout]











J         M            D     T


Scene 4~

[Lights up SRC. Table set, Julie’s mom is bringing in the main dish and her dad is already sitting down.]

Mom
Julie! Don’t be late for dinner! [Dad tries to steal some food from a bowl, mom slaps his hand away]

Julie

[backstage] I’m coming mom! [Enter Julie SR]  

Dad

[Standing up] Julie dear, how was your day at school? [He gives her a brief hug and kiss on the cheek. He then steals some food from the bowl while mom isn’t looking]

Mom

[Looking at an analog clock on the kitchen wall] Oh, where’s Tyler? He should be here by now.

[Enter Tyler through kitchen door CS]

Tyler
Wow! Did someone spill a tank of toxic waste? [Drops his backpack on the floor. Holding his nose] What in the world is that smell?

Mom

Tyler, how many times do I have to tell you? Don’t leave your backpack on the floor! [sighs exasperatedly] And that smell would be your dinner. [hands on hips]

Tyler

[Picks up backpack] Aww, gee mom! I was just kidding. [Hangs backpack up on hook on the wall]

Mom

Come sit down Tyler, the food’s getting cold.

[He carelessly sits down]

Julie
[too dad] Hey dad, I’d like to ask you-

Tyler

Dad, you wouldn’t mind if I hang out with Parker later, would you?
[They start getting food and eating]

Dad
Sure Tyler, why don’t you take Julie along with you!

Julie
Dad-

Dad
Just a minute sweetie.

Tyler
Great, Rachael’s gonna be there too.

Mom
[Clearly disgusted] That, Mariner, girl.

Tyler
Mom, she only switched schools because her dad got a new job.

Mom
I’m just not sure about her, if you know what I mean. [pointing at Julie]

Julie
What?! You guys are talking about me like I’m not even here!

Dad
Sorry, dear did you have something to say?

Julie
Uuugghh!! [Slumps back in chair.]

Tyler
[mocking/cockey] Gee Julie, if there’s something you want to say, just say it.

Julie
[collecting herself] The fact of the matter is, [Looking at Tyler] I’m on to you brother, boy am I on to you! [looking back and forth at mom and dad] And I’m not interested! [folds arms and sits back]

Mom
Julie dear, what are you talking about?

Julie
All of you scheming and conniving against me!

Dad
What do you-

Julie
Parker!
Mom
Parker? Dear, what’s wrong with Parker?

Julie
Obviously nothing, according to you!

Tyler
Yeah! He’s the student body president, the mayor’s son, he-

Julie

You keep out of this! I’m very well aware that he’s the student body president, and I get enough from you at school!

Tyler
Aww, geez Julie. I just-

Julie
Admit it, you’re just as annoyed by him as I am. You only hang around him because he’s Rachel's next door neighbor! [Beat] And ‘cause mom and dad pay you.

Mom, Dad, and Tyler
Now Julie-
See here-
You take that-

Julie
NO! I really don’t need my own family messing with my love life!

Mom
Julie we just-
Julie
No! I’ve had it!!    [exits SR]

[Blackout]










Scene 5~

[Capulet High School. School bell rings. Students mingle and walk to classes. Backdrop of lockers and a few classroom doors. Some students open their lockers and go into the classrooms. Julie enters SL. Crosses to a locker ULC. Enter Tyler and Parker SL. They cross DS on the quarter line. Tyler is eating a banana, and Parker is constantly fixing his hair.

                Tyler
    ‘Kay, here’s your chance. Remember what we talked about. You make her smile, or laugh and we get a bonus. Split 80-20, just like we agreed.

                Parker
    I thought the deal was 70-30.

                Tyler
    Look, 80 is bigger than 70.

                Parker
    Oh, yeah...I like that.

                Tyler
    Now get going!

[A boy USR acknowledges Julie and starts walking toward her. Tyler notices this and throws his banana peel in front of him so he slips and falls. Some students laugh as he gets up. During this Parker Goes up to julie and and follows her as she crosses DSR. Tyler stays crosses DSL and watches their conversation]

                Parker
    Mornin’ beautiful. [puts his arm around her shoulder] How ya doin’? [He fixes his hair]

                Julie
    [pushes his arm off] I’m fine Parker. [doesn't really meet his eyes.] But I’m going to be late for-
               
                Parker
    Don’t worry about it, I’ll cover for you.

                Julie
    But I really-

                Parker
    You know Jules, There’s a dance this weekend-

                Julie
    Don’t call me that, it makes me sound  like a necklace or something.

                Parker
    Well I was wondering-

                Julie
    I’m busy.

                Parker
   
    What?

                Julie
    I have plans with a...friend.

                Parker
    Wh-what are you talking about? [he can’t believe she actually turned him down]

                Julie
    Well it’s none of your business. I just have plans, end of story. [she starts to leave]

                Parker
    Wait, I... [He puts his arm around her waist, pulling her closer and moves some hair behind her ear. She’s too surprised to do anything] I just really wanted to go with, you.

                Julie
    [she steps out of his arms] Sorry, you’ll just have to find someone else. [she leaves before he can say anything else. Tyler snaps his fingers in the “aww, darn” gesture]


[Blackout]