SOOOO, I have this thought. What if we were to make a literary magazine, compiling our works that we've put together for this site? We could make it to give to relatives, friends, etc. Or we could even use it to get more people interested in Writing Rants.
What I was thinking, was that we could have a section for on-going stories. I could do my NaNoWriMo story for that, and then other people (Lauren, Katie, Kelia) could decide what they wanted to put in, I know you all have stories that are long enough. I would also like to put in some shorter, complete stories, so we could all dig around to find some. We could also have a section that would be like 'Fun Stuff,' and for this issue we could have it be our most embarrassing stories. I'm sure people would get a kick out of reading our bad stuff from when we were little, and then our awesome stuff from now-a-days. ;)
But then again, that might be HORRIBLY embarrassing.
Okay, so here's some questions we would need to answer.
Would we want poetry in it? (I know Kelia writes it, I don't know about the rest of you guys.)
What would we want other than stories? (i.e., book reviews, movie reviews,favorite memories,our opinions on certain things, writing tips,etc.)
Would we only use our writings, or could we put in other peoples stuff too? (Like, if we decided to do poetry, I could put in some of my Dads poems, since he has millions, or we could choose poems or short stories by famous people to put in, if we wanted.)
How often would we do this? (Once a year, once every three months, two months, one month, etc. etc.)
The idea behind this was that I noticed how there aren't very many magazines out there with stories written by kids, that cover a wide area of genres. Like, a lot of the teen writing magazines I've read, have had mostly modern issues stuff, you know what I mean? Like, HELLO, where's the fantasy???
So I thought it would be cool if we could make one that covered a wide area of genres, which I know our writing does. So what do you all think? Could we do it?
Anna
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Editing
All right, so I'm really making up for all those months of not posting now! I even have more ideas for things coming up! Woohoo!
ANYWAY, this is two versions of one chapter in my NaNo story. The first is the unedited, original version, the second is pretty differant, the second version. What I want to know is, which one is better? (I think the second one is, as does Erin, but I want to see what ya'll say.)
KATIE, THIS IS A HUGE SPOILER WARNING! BEWARE! If you want to read my story, you might not want to read this since it's pretty close to the end and would give everything away. But, I also would really like your input on this, so if you don't care, read away.
*SPOILER EXPLANATION* Jenna and Jeremy had a fight, they were best friends before.Pennys little sister Angel has lukemia, and is dreadfully sick.Penny is in a musical of Twilight, as is Jeremy, and Jenna was but she quit it when her life fell apart. She was Pennys understudy. This is just for Katie if she decides to read this.:D *END OF SPOILER*
Chapter Seventeen: Magic Kiss
I called Penny from the cafe and asked if she’d like me to sleep over. She said yes, she’d love it, and came to pick me up. I was extremely glad not to have to figure out how to get home in the dark, and after saying my farewells to all my new friends at the cafe I took my leave. I’d slept over at Penny's before, but I knew this was going to be a little different than usual because of, well, everything. We were quiet on the ride to her house, and we were quiet when we got to her house and we were still quiet by the time we went to bed. We had both had a big day. I could tell Penny had wanted to talk to me about something, she kept giving me testing looks as if to see if I was ready for it yet, but I decided just to let her talk when she wanted to talk.
I couldn’t go to sleep, even though I was basically exhausted and it was really late. I stared up at Penny's ceiling and tried to think of pleasant things that had nothing to do with Dad and Mom, Jeremy, Twilight, or Angel. Those were my sensitive subjects. My mind kept turning back to Jeremy though, and I couldn’t help wishing we were still friends. He would know exactly the right thing to say about Angel. I forced myself to stop thinking about him and instead listened to Penny's breathing to see if she was asleep. I didn’t think she was.
“Are you awake?” I whispered.
Penny turned over. “Are you?”
“Quite,” I said, sticking my hand in the air and waving it around. “What are you thinking about?”
Penny sighed, and it occurred to me that that was a very stupid question. Obviously she would be thinking about Angel. “Why’d you quit Twilight?” she surprised me by asking.
“Because,”I said. “I don’t really know. Things were just complicated and I didn’t want to have to see Jeremy.”
“Are you still mad at him?”
I turned my head to look at her, wondering if she had reasons for wanting to know, but I couldn’t make out her expression in the dark. “Not really,” I sighed. “I just... I don’t know. It all seems stupid now. I’m sure he’s still mad at me though, I called his some pretty bad things.” Penny was silent and I was surprised she didn’t ask what bad things I had called him. Maybe he had told her.
“Don’t assume he’s still mad at you,”Penny finally spoke. “And you shouldn’t quit Twilight just because of him.”
“Well, it’s to late now,” I said, “the performance is two days away and I haven’t learned some of the last dancing. I can’t go back.”
“Would you, if you thought you could?” Penny had sat up and I stared at her dark shape, wondering at the strange question.
“I don’t think so,” I said. “I just don’t care about it anymore, it seems like real life is so much more important. Besides, I’ve got this bloody cold.” I sniffed loudly.
“Hmmm,” Penny murmured, sounding thoughtful.
“Why are you asking?” I sat up next to her, suddenly suspicious.
“Jenna,” Penny turned to me, her eyes intense. “Would you do Bella for me?”
“What?” I said, confused.
Penny took a deep breath. “We found out today that Angel needs to transfer to a hospital in New York, she might have a chance if she does. I could stay here by myself, but- I really, really want to go.” Her voice grew more and more wobbly as she talked, and I could tell she was crying. I put my arm around her, and felt her shoulders shaking.
“But you would lose the part,” I said. “You want to give up Bella?”
Penny pulled away from me, sounding a little defensive. “Wouldn’t you? If you’re baby sister was sick and had to leave wouldn’t you want to go in case-” she couldn’t finish.
“Yes,” I said, rubbing her back, “yes, I’d go.”
“But Jenna, I can’t go unless I have an understudy.”
Suddenly the realization of what she was saying hit me. She needed me to be Bella for her! Instead of feeling over overjoyed like I should have, I felt terrified.
“I don’t know all the stuff. How could I do it? And I have this cold and...” my voice trailed off helplessly.
“You could do it Jenna,” Penny squeezed my hands. “I would have to leave tomorrow so I couldn’t teach you the parts you don’t know, but... someone else could.”
“Jeremy?” I squeaked.
Penny laughed for probably the first time in days. “He’s not mad at you Bella, at least I don’t think so. I know you can do it. Please?”
I took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. “Okay.” I wondered what on earth I was getting myself into. The show was the day after tomorrow for crying out loud! How on earth was I going to do this?? Penny squealed as I agreed, and threw her arms around me. I’d never thought that anyone would be so excited not to get to play the part of a lifetime. But then, I hadn’t known Penny.
The next morning, after saying a tearful goodbye to Penny and company, I took a deep breath and got on the bus to Jeremy's. Lets just say, I was terrified. Movie Man hadn’t been pleased when Penny informed him of the change of plans, but there was nothing he could do about it. He ordered me to go and start practicing with Jeremy this very minute, so that was what I was doing. Whether Jeremy knew this or not, I wasn’t really sure. My thoughts were a jumbled mess as I stepped off the bus at Jeremy's street. I was going over lines and song lyrics frantically, but at the same time praying that Angel wouldn’t die (please God!) and wondering where Mom and Dad were right now. I knew I had to concentrate on Twilight right now, but I also had another thing to worry about. Jeremy. Penny had said she didn’t think he was still mad at me, but how did she know? How could she know? What if he refused to help me? Then I would have to get help from Movie Man, that wouldn’t be fun. But really I knew that Jeremy would never do that to me, even if he was still mad at me. At least, that's what I hoped.
I walked down the street and stood looking at Jeremy's little house for a long time, trying to quiet my racing heart. What if he wouldn’t talk to me? What if he slammed the door in my face? Taking a deep steadying breath (not) I told myself to suck it up, and went up the front steps and in. I thought of knocking but decided against it, I wanted to get him in his bedroom, familiar territory. I closed the door quietly behind me, hoping he hadn’t heard, and tip toed through the house to his bedroom door, which was closed. He was singing one of his most beautiful Edward songs, and I stopped and just listened for awhile, my heart doing a flip flop. Then I raised my arm and knocked.
“Come in!” he shouted, and I was surprised by how good it felt to hear is voice. I opened the door slowly and looked through at him, his curly hair falling a little in his eyes as he looked down at his script.
“Hey,” I said softly, and he looked up sharply, the surprise in his eyes evident. We opened our mouths simultaneously, and said it together. “I’m sorry.” Then we both grinned, and my insides seemed to click back into place, as I knew it would be all right now. I stepped through the doorway and all the way into his room.
“I wish I hadn’t said all those horrible things,” I told him, and he grinned, his eyes glued to my face.
“Oh, so I’m not a fame greedy money grabbing liar anymore, am I?” I blushed, shaking my head.
“You never were.” then my voice became teasing. “I admit to throwing a fit, but am I really a pampered princess?”
Jeremy took a step closer. “No,” he said seriously, “and you had every right to throw a fit.”
“Well, I don’t know about that. Um, did you hear about Penny?”
Jeremy frowned, “No...”
“Her sister is sick and she has to leave and I’m playing Bella,” the words spilled out of me, and I heard how frantic I sounded.
“Whoa,”Jeremy said, sounding sort of shocked. Then a huge grin spilled across his face. “That's GREAT!” he shouted.
His enthusiasm rubbed off on me, and I started to feel a little better about it. “I don’t know all my stuff, so you have to teach me. That’s why I came.”
“Okay,” said Jeremy, spinning to grab his script, “we have a lot of work to do.” That boy, always up to a challenge. I watched him fondly, and then something occurred to me.
“Jeremy,” I said slowly, my face going hot “Don’t you think we should-I mean, I think I’d like to-” Jeremy raised his eyebrows at me questioningly, clearly he had no idea what I was talking about. “Practice kissing,” the words barely made themselves out of me.
Jeremy got a funny look on his face, and my heart did a little flip flop again. He stepped closer and I franticly began reminding myself what he had said about stage kissing. It wasn’t like I actually had any feelings (yeah right, okay, that one didn’t work) I should keep myself and my character separate. There's no big deal about pressing your lips together, right? My heart started hammering as he cupped my face in his hands, and I wondered if he could hear it. Then he leaned forward and kissed me, gently at first and then not so gently, and I found myself kissing him back. It was wonderful, but the fact resounded in my head that this was only acting for him, he was kissing me like Edward. Wasn’t he? Or was this the real thing? I pulled away, confused and sad.
“Was that real?” I found myself asking. “I mean-” and then he kissed me again, which was really all the answer I needed. I was perfectly content to wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him back, knowing this was not acting!
Chapter Eighteen
I called Penny from the cafe to see if Angel was doing all right, and she told me she was more stabilized now and things were looking up. I offered to sleep over, and Penny said yes gratefully, and came to pick me up. I was extremely glad not to have to figure out how to get home in the dark, and after saying my farewells to all my new friends at the cafe, I took my leave. I’d slept over at Penny's before, but I knew this was going to be a little different than usual because of, well, everything. We were quiet on the ride to her house, and we were quiet when we got to her house and we were still quiet by the time we went to bed. We had both had a big day. I could tell Penny wanted to talk to me about something, she kept giving me testing looks as if to see if I was ready for it yet, but I decided just to let her talk when she wanted to.
I couldn’t go to sleep, even though I was basically exhausted and it was really late. I stared up at Penny's ceiling and tried to think of pleasant things that had nothing to do with Dad and Mom, Jeremy, Twilight, or Angel. Those were my sensitive subjects. My mind kept turning back to Jeremy though, and I couldn’t help wishing we were still friends. He would know exactly the right thing to say about Angel. I forced myself to stop thinking about him and instead listened to Penny's breathing to see if she was asleep. I didn’t think she was.
“Are you awake?” I whispered.
Penny turned over. “Are you?”
“Quite,” I said, sticking my hand in the air and waving it around. “I was thinking.”
“About what?”
“You know how you said I should try out for winter track?” I said slowly, the idea still knew to my mind.
“Yeah,” Penny nodded.
“Well, I think maybe I will. I want to do as much with my life as I can, you know?” I didn’t say aloud how Angel had showed me this, but we both knew it.
“Yeah.” Penny said, smiling sadly. There was a pause, and then she said slightly hesitantly, “you know, I was thinking too.” I waited for her to spit it out, but what she said next surprised me. “Why’d you quit Twilight?”
“Because,” I said. “I don’t really know. Things were just complicated and I didn’t want to have to see Jeremy.”
“Are you still mad at him?”
I turned my head to look at her, wondering if she had reasons for wanting to know, but I couldn’t make out her expression in the dark. “Not really,” I sighed. “I just... I don’t know. It all seems stupid now. I’m sure he’s still mad at me though, I called him some pretty bad things.” Penny was silent and I was surprised she didn’t ask what bad things I had called him. Maybe he had told her.
“Don’t assume he’s still mad at you,” she finally spoke. “He actually sort of looks like a wreck. Did you hear about his sister?”
“What do you mean?” I asked , beginning to feel worried.
“Apparently she was in a car accident.”
“Is she okay?” I said, sitting up fast. Penny sat up next to me.
“Yeah, I think so, but I’m not so sure about Jeremy.” There was a silence, while a million things went through my head. “Anyway, my point is you shouldn’t quit Twilight just because of him.”
“Well, it’s to late now,” I said, trying not to think about Jeremy, “the performance is two days away and I haven’t learned some of the last dancing. I can’t go back.”
“Would you, if you thought you could?” I stared at Penny's shape in the dark, wondering at the strange question.
“I don’t think so,” I said. “I just don’t care about it anymore, it seems like real life is so much more important. Besides, I’ve got this bloody cold.” I sniffed loudly.
“Hmmm,” Penny murmured, sounding thoughtful.
“Why are you asking?” I was suddenly suspicious.
“Jenna,” Penny turned to me, her eyes intense. “Would you be Bella for me?”
“What?” I said, confused.
Penny took a deep breath. “We found out today that Angel needs to transfer to a hospital in New York, she’ll have a better chance if she does. I could stay here by myself, but- I really, really want to go.” Her voice grew more and more wobbly as she talked, and I could tell she was crying. I put my arm around her, and felt her shoulders shaking.
“But you would lose the part,” I said. “You want to give up Bella?”
Penny pulled away from me, sounding a little defensive. “Wouldn’t you? If your baby sister was sick and had to leave, wouldn’t you want to go, in case-” she couldn’t finish.
“Yes,” I said, rubbing her back, “yes, I’d go.”
“But Jenna, I can’t go unless I have an understudy.”
Suddenly the realization of what she was saying hit me. She needed me to be Bella for her! Instead of feeling over overjoyed like I should have, I felt terrified.
“I don’t know all the stuff. How could I do it? And I have this cold and...” my voice trailed off helplessly.
“You could do it Jenna,” Penny squeezed my hands. “I would have to leave tomorrow so I couldn’t teach you the parts you don’t know, but... someone else could.”
“Jeremy?” I squeaked.
Penny laughed for probably the first time in days. “He’s not mad at you Jenna, in fact, I think he might really need you right now. I know you can do it. Please?”
I took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. “Okay.” I wondered what on earth I was getting myself into. The show was the day after tomorrow for crying out loud! How on earth was I going to do this?? Penny squealed as I agreed, and threw her arms around me. I’d never thought that anyone would be so excited not to get to play the part of a lifetime. But then again, I hadn’t known Penny.
We were up early the next morning, as Penny needed to meet her parents at the hospital, where an ambulance would drive them to New York. Mr. and Mrs. Clarion had been home briefly during the night, getting things ready. I helped Penny pack, and we were both quiet, knowing we wouldn’t be seeing each other for a long time. Pretty soon everything was ready, and we headed out the door, Penny locking it behind us. We stood looking at each other on the front steps, knowing this was good bye.
“Are you going to be all right?” she asked, putting her hands on my shoulders. I smiled.
“I’m the one who should be asking you that. I’ll be fine. You will too, right?”
“Of course,” she said, blinking back tears.
“Call me,” I whispered, trying hard not to cry.
“Of course,” she said again, “and I’ll tell Angel you said good bye.”
“Thanks.” We stepped together and hugged for a long time, not wanting to let go. “Farewell, sweet sister,” I whispered in her ear, and we both laughed.
“Bye,” she said, pulling away, and then running to her car she drove off. I watched her go, knowing for the first time what it felt like to have a true sister. Turning to grab my stuff, I ran to the bus station, where I got on the bus, headed for Jeremy's.
Lets just say I was terrified. Movie Man hadn’t been pleased when Penny informed him of the change of plans, but there was nothing he could do about it. He ordered me to go and start practicing with Jeremy this very minute, so that was what I was doing. Whether Jeremy knew this or not, I wasn’t really sure. My thoughts were a jumbled mess as I stepped off the bus and onto Jeremy's street. I was going over lines and song lyrics frantically, but at the same time praying that Angel wouldn’t die (please God!) and wondering where Mom and Dad were right now. I was worried about Tisha, wondering whether she was all right, but even stronger was my worry for Jeremy. I felt horrible for not being there for him when he needed me most. And what if he was still mad at me? What if he refused to help me? Then I would have to get help from Movie Man, and that wouldn’t be fun. But really I knew that Jeremy would never do that to me, even if he was still mad. At least, that's what I hoped.
I walked down the street and stood looking at Jeremy's little house for a long time, trying to quiet my racing heart. What if he wouldn’t talk to me? What if he slammed the door in my face? Taking a deep steadying breath (not) I told myself to suck it up, and went up the front steps and in. I thought of knocking but decided against it, I wanted to get him in his bedroom, familiar territory. Closing the door quietly behind me, I hoped he hadn’t heard, and tip toed through the house to his bedroom door, which was closed. I opened it slowly and looked through at him, his curly hair falling a little in his eyes as he looked down at his script. He was at his computer desk, and Penny had been right, he did look like a wreck. My heart went out to him, and I prayed to know the right thing to do.
“Hey,” I said softly, and he looked up sharply, the surprise in his eyes evident. He stood up and our gazes locked, the expression on his face not exactly forgiving. He looked so confused and tired, and I found myself walking forward and simply hugging him. His arms came around me slowly, and I felt him relax.
“I am so, so sorry,” I said, looking up into his face.
“Me too,” he replied quietly.
“Are you okay?” I asked, reaching up to touch his face.
“I am now,” he said, smiling.
“Is Tisha okay?” The smile faded a little, and was replaced by a worried look.
“You heard about the accident?” I nodded, feeling anxious.
“She broke her arm and couple of ribs, but yeah, she’s okay.” I sighed with relief, and then looked back up into his tired eyes.
“I’m so sorry I wasn’t here for you. After everything you’ve done for me - I was so stupid!” The anger in my voice was evident, and Jeremy tightened his arms around me.
“Don’t. You’re here now, and that's all that matters. Besides, I was stupid too. You had every right to be mad,” he said softly.
“No I didn’t,” I said, shaking my head at him, “stop trying to make me feel better!” He laughed, and I grinned.
“Tisha’s in her bedroom if you want to see her,” he said, stepping away from me slightly. I felt a pang of loss as his arms slid off my waste, but I tried to hide it.
“Of course,” I said, “is this a good time?”
“Sure,” Jeremy shrugged, and then taking my hand, he led me to Tisha’s bedroom. I opened the door and peeked in, and she looked up from the book she was reading. She was propped up on a pile of pillows, and one of her arms was in a cast. Her left eye had a massive shiner.
“Hey,” she said, grinning. “I knew you’d come back!”
“Nice shiner you’ve got going there,” I said, walking to her bed side.
“Thanks,” Tisha said, “personally, I think it looks fantastic!”
“How are you feeling?” I asked her more seriously.
“Eh, not to bad,” she said cheerfully. “It’s just dumb because now I can’t go to the first show, but you know...”
“Well,” I said “it’s you getting better that's the important thing.”
“If you say so,” said Tisha, rolling her eyes. “It’s a really good thing you’re back though, Jeremy boy was pretty stressed without you. Not very pleasant to live with, let me tell you.”
“I’m sure you and Lila gave him plenty of loving and kind support,” I said sweetly.
“But it doesn’t help if it’s not coming from the right person,” Jeremy said, stepping up behind me. His voice was serious, and I turned to look at him with surprise. He was closer then I’d thought, and our gazes locked for a moment. I could feel the breath catching in my throat.
“God,” Tisha said, yawning, “why don’t you two just get together already?”
I blushed, but Jeremy didn’t break our gaze, and if anything, his look intensified.
“Don’t be silly,” I said, turning to Tisha and feeling slightly panicky. What was going on?
“Same to you,” she replied smugly. I was growing more and more uncomfortable, so when I caught her yawning again I grabbed my escape.
“We should let you rest,” I said, trying not to sound as quaky as I felt.
“Yeah, I do feel a little tired,” said Tisha, with a crafty look in her eyes. “But thanks for dropping by,” I gave her a weird look, wondering if she was trying to get rid of us, and then just shook my head. She was just hard to understand.
“Sweet dreams,” I said, turning to leave the room. Jeremy followed me, and once back in his room I knew I really had to tell him about Penny. Plus it might distract me from the looks he’d been giving me. They weren’t bad looks, just really unsettling, because it almost seemed like he wanted to kiss me or something, and obviously that couldn’t be right.
“Did Movie Man call you?” I asked him, sitting down on his bed.
“No, why?” The look didn’t leave Jeremy's eyes, and I stared at the floor.
“Well, Penny's sister is sick, so she’s going to New York and I’m playing Bella.” The words tumbled out of me, and I knew I sounded frantic. Jeesh, I felt frantic!
“Seriously?” Jeremy said with a look of astonishment, and I nodded. “But that's GREAT!” he shouted.
“Yeah,” I stood up, laughing, “except that I’m completely terrified!” Seeing I was serious, he bounded over, putting his arms around my waste.
“It’ll be okay Jenna. I’ll help you,” he said, the happiness in his eye’s infectious.
“Okay,” I said, nodding and beginning to feel better about it all.
“Be excited!” Jeremy said enthusiastically, and I shrieked as he picked me up and spun me around and around. We were both laughing as he put me down, but the breath caught in my throat as I saw that the look was back in his eyes, and I was falling, falling, falling. Tightening his arms around me, he leaned forward and whispered two words in my ear. “You’re beautiful.” It doesn’t mean anything, it doesn’t mean anything, it doesn’t mean anything, I told myself desperately.
But apparently I was wrong. Because then he leaned forward... and kissed me.
I'm pretty sure this is going to be another frighteningly long post, so sorry!:D
Anna
ANYWAY, this is two versions of one chapter in my NaNo story. The first is the unedited, original version, the second is pretty differant, the second version. What I want to know is, which one is better? (I think the second one is, as does Erin, but I want to see what ya'll say.)
KATIE, THIS IS A HUGE SPOILER WARNING! BEWARE! If you want to read my story, you might not want to read this since it's pretty close to the end and would give everything away. But, I also would really like your input on this, so if you don't care, read away.
*SPOILER EXPLANATION* Jenna and Jeremy had a fight, they were best friends before.Pennys little sister Angel has lukemia, and is dreadfully sick.Penny is in a musical of Twilight, as is Jeremy, and Jenna was but she quit it when her life fell apart. She was Pennys understudy. This is just for Katie if she decides to read this.:D *END OF SPOILER*
Chapter Seventeen: Magic Kiss
I called Penny from the cafe and asked if she’d like me to sleep over. She said yes, she’d love it, and came to pick me up. I was extremely glad not to have to figure out how to get home in the dark, and after saying my farewells to all my new friends at the cafe I took my leave. I’d slept over at Penny's before, but I knew this was going to be a little different than usual because of, well, everything. We were quiet on the ride to her house, and we were quiet when we got to her house and we were still quiet by the time we went to bed. We had both had a big day. I could tell Penny had wanted to talk to me about something, she kept giving me testing looks as if to see if I was ready for it yet, but I decided just to let her talk when she wanted to talk.
I couldn’t go to sleep, even though I was basically exhausted and it was really late. I stared up at Penny's ceiling and tried to think of pleasant things that had nothing to do with Dad and Mom, Jeremy, Twilight, or Angel. Those were my sensitive subjects. My mind kept turning back to Jeremy though, and I couldn’t help wishing we were still friends. He would know exactly the right thing to say about Angel. I forced myself to stop thinking about him and instead listened to Penny's breathing to see if she was asleep. I didn’t think she was.
“Are you awake?” I whispered.
Penny turned over. “Are you?”
“Quite,” I said, sticking my hand in the air and waving it around. “What are you thinking about?”
Penny sighed, and it occurred to me that that was a very stupid question. Obviously she would be thinking about Angel. “Why’d you quit Twilight?” she surprised me by asking.
“Because,”I said. “I don’t really know. Things were just complicated and I didn’t want to have to see Jeremy.”
“Are you still mad at him?”
I turned my head to look at her, wondering if she had reasons for wanting to know, but I couldn’t make out her expression in the dark. “Not really,” I sighed. “I just... I don’t know. It all seems stupid now. I’m sure he’s still mad at me though, I called his some pretty bad things.” Penny was silent and I was surprised she didn’t ask what bad things I had called him. Maybe he had told her.
“Don’t assume he’s still mad at you,”Penny finally spoke. “And you shouldn’t quit Twilight just because of him.”
“Well, it’s to late now,” I said, “the performance is two days away and I haven’t learned some of the last dancing. I can’t go back.”
“Would you, if you thought you could?” Penny had sat up and I stared at her dark shape, wondering at the strange question.
“I don’t think so,” I said. “I just don’t care about it anymore, it seems like real life is so much more important. Besides, I’ve got this bloody cold.” I sniffed loudly.
“Hmmm,” Penny murmured, sounding thoughtful.
“Why are you asking?” I sat up next to her, suddenly suspicious.
“Jenna,” Penny turned to me, her eyes intense. “Would you do Bella for me?”
“What?” I said, confused.
Penny took a deep breath. “We found out today that Angel needs to transfer to a hospital in New York, she might have a chance if she does. I could stay here by myself, but- I really, really want to go.” Her voice grew more and more wobbly as she talked, and I could tell she was crying. I put my arm around her, and felt her shoulders shaking.
“But you would lose the part,” I said. “You want to give up Bella?”
Penny pulled away from me, sounding a little defensive. “Wouldn’t you? If you’re baby sister was sick and had to leave wouldn’t you want to go in case-” she couldn’t finish.
“Yes,” I said, rubbing her back, “yes, I’d go.”
“But Jenna, I can’t go unless I have an understudy.”
Suddenly the realization of what she was saying hit me. She needed me to be Bella for her! Instead of feeling over overjoyed like I should have, I felt terrified.
“I don’t know all the stuff. How could I do it? And I have this cold and...” my voice trailed off helplessly.
“You could do it Jenna,” Penny squeezed my hands. “I would have to leave tomorrow so I couldn’t teach you the parts you don’t know, but... someone else could.”
“Jeremy?” I squeaked.
Penny laughed for probably the first time in days. “He’s not mad at you Bella, at least I don’t think so. I know you can do it. Please?”
I took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. “Okay.” I wondered what on earth I was getting myself into. The show was the day after tomorrow for crying out loud! How on earth was I going to do this?? Penny squealed as I agreed, and threw her arms around me. I’d never thought that anyone would be so excited not to get to play the part of a lifetime. But then, I hadn’t known Penny.
The next morning, after saying a tearful goodbye to Penny and company, I took a deep breath and got on the bus to Jeremy's. Lets just say, I was terrified. Movie Man hadn’t been pleased when Penny informed him of the change of plans, but there was nothing he could do about it. He ordered me to go and start practicing with Jeremy this very minute, so that was what I was doing. Whether Jeremy knew this or not, I wasn’t really sure. My thoughts were a jumbled mess as I stepped off the bus at Jeremy's street. I was going over lines and song lyrics frantically, but at the same time praying that Angel wouldn’t die (please God!) and wondering where Mom and Dad were right now. I knew I had to concentrate on Twilight right now, but I also had another thing to worry about. Jeremy. Penny had said she didn’t think he was still mad at me, but how did she know? How could she know? What if he refused to help me? Then I would have to get help from Movie Man, that wouldn’t be fun. But really I knew that Jeremy would never do that to me, even if he was still mad at me. At least, that's what I hoped.
I walked down the street and stood looking at Jeremy's little house for a long time, trying to quiet my racing heart. What if he wouldn’t talk to me? What if he slammed the door in my face? Taking a deep steadying breath (not) I told myself to suck it up, and went up the front steps and in. I thought of knocking but decided against it, I wanted to get him in his bedroom, familiar territory. I closed the door quietly behind me, hoping he hadn’t heard, and tip toed through the house to his bedroom door, which was closed. He was singing one of his most beautiful Edward songs, and I stopped and just listened for awhile, my heart doing a flip flop. Then I raised my arm and knocked.
“Come in!” he shouted, and I was surprised by how good it felt to hear is voice. I opened the door slowly and looked through at him, his curly hair falling a little in his eyes as he looked down at his script.
“Hey,” I said softly, and he looked up sharply, the surprise in his eyes evident. We opened our mouths simultaneously, and said it together. “I’m sorry.” Then we both grinned, and my insides seemed to click back into place, as I knew it would be all right now. I stepped through the doorway and all the way into his room.
“I wish I hadn’t said all those horrible things,” I told him, and he grinned, his eyes glued to my face.
“Oh, so I’m not a fame greedy money grabbing liar anymore, am I?” I blushed, shaking my head.
“You never were.” then my voice became teasing. “I admit to throwing a fit, but am I really a pampered princess?”
Jeremy took a step closer. “No,” he said seriously, “and you had every right to throw a fit.”
“Well, I don’t know about that. Um, did you hear about Penny?”
Jeremy frowned, “No...”
“Her sister is sick and she has to leave and I’m playing Bella,” the words spilled out of me, and I heard how frantic I sounded.
“Whoa,”Jeremy said, sounding sort of shocked. Then a huge grin spilled across his face. “That's GREAT!” he shouted.
His enthusiasm rubbed off on me, and I started to feel a little better about it. “I don’t know all my stuff, so you have to teach me. That’s why I came.”
“Okay,” said Jeremy, spinning to grab his script, “we have a lot of work to do.” That boy, always up to a challenge. I watched him fondly, and then something occurred to me.
“Jeremy,” I said slowly, my face going hot “Don’t you think we should-I mean, I think I’d like to-” Jeremy raised his eyebrows at me questioningly, clearly he had no idea what I was talking about. “Practice kissing,” the words barely made themselves out of me.
Jeremy got a funny look on his face, and my heart did a little flip flop again. He stepped closer and I franticly began reminding myself what he had said about stage kissing. It wasn’t like I actually had any feelings (yeah right, okay, that one didn’t work) I should keep myself and my character separate. There's no big deal about pressing your lips together, right? My heart started hammering as he cupped my face in his hands, and I wondered if he could hear it. Then he leaned forward and kissed me, gently at first and then not so gently, and I found myself kissing him back. It was wonderful, but the fact resounded in my head that this was only acting for him, he was kissing me like Edward. Wasn’t he? Or was this the real thing? I pulled away, confused and sad.
“Was that real?” I found myself asking. “I mean-” and then he kissed me again, which was really all the answer I needed. I was perfectly content to wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him back, knowing this was not acting!
Chapter Eighteen
I called Penny from the cafe to see if Angel was doing all right, and she told me she was more stabilized now and things were looking up. I offered to sleep over, and Penny said yes gratefully, and came to pick me up. I was extremely glad not to have to figure out how to get home in the dark, and after saying my farewells to all my new friends at the cafe, I took my leave. I’d slept over at Penny's before, but I knew this was going to be a little different than usual because of, well, everything. We were quiet on the ride to her house, and we were quiet when we got to her house and we were still quiet by the time we went to bed. We had both had a big day. I could tell Penny wanted to talk to me about something, she kept giving me testing looks as if to see if I was ready for it yet, but I decided just to let her talk when she wanted to.
I couldn’t go to sleep, even though I was basically exhausted and it was really late. I stared up at Penny's ceiling and tried to think of pleasant things that had nothing to do with Dad and Mom, Jeremy, Twilight, or Angel. Those were my sensitive subjects. My mind kept turning back to Jeremy though, and I couldn’t help wishing we were still friends. He would know exactly the right thing to say about Angel. I forced myself to stop thinking about him and instead listened to Penny's breathing to see if she was asleep. I didn’t think she was.
“Are you awake?” I whispered.
Penny turned over. “Are you?”
“Quite,” I said, sticking my hand in the air and waving it around. “I was thinking.”
“About what?”
“You know how you said I should try out for winter track?” I said slowly, the idea still knew to my mind.
“Yeah,” Penny nodded.
“Well, I think maybe I will. I want to do as much with my life as I can, you know?” I didn’t say aloud how Angel had showed me this, but we both knew it.
“Yeah.” Penny said, smiling sadly. There was a pause, and then she said slightly hesitantly, “you know, I was thinking too.” I waited for her to spit it out, but what she said next surprised me. “Why’d you quit Twilight?”
“Because,” I said. “I don’t really know. Things were just complicated and I didn’t want to have to see Jeremy.”
“Are you still mad at him?”
I turned my head to look at her, wondering if she had reasons for wanting to know, but I couldn’t make out her expression in the dark. “Not really,” I sighed. “I just... I don’t know. It all seems stupid now. I’m sure he’s still mad at me though, I called him some pretty bad things.” Penny was silent and I was surprised she didn’t ask what bad things I had called him. Maybe he had told her.
“Don’t assume he’s still mad at you,” she finally spoke. “He actually sort of looks like a wreck. Did you hear about his sister?”
“What do you mean?” I asked , beginning to feel worried.
“Apparently she was in a car accident.”
“Is she okay?” I said, sitting up fast. Penny sat up next to me.
“Yeah, I think so, but I’m not so sure about Jeremy.” There was a silence, while a million things went through my head. “Anyway, my point is you shouldn’t quit Twilight just because of him.”
“Well, it’s to late now,” I said, trying not to think about Jeremy, “the performance is two days away and I haven’t learned some of the last dancing. I can’t go back.”
“Would you, if you thought you could?” I stared at Penny's shape in the dark, wondering at the strange question.
“I don’t think so,” I said. “I just don’t care about it anymore, it seems like real life is so much more important. Besides, I’ve got this bloody cold.” I sniffed loudly.
“Hmmm,” Penny murmured, sounding thoughtful.
“Why are you asking?” I was suddenly suspicious.
“Jenna,” Penny turned to me, her eyes intense. “Would you be Bella for me?”
“What?” I said, confused.
Penny took a deep breath. “We found out today that Angel needs to transfer to a hospital in New York, she’ll have a better chance if she does. I could stay here by myself, but- I really, really want to go.” Her voice grew more and more wobbly as she talked, and I could tell she was crying. I put my arm around her, and felt her shoulders shaking.
“But you would lose the part,” I said. “You want to give up Bella?”
Penny pulled away from me, sounding a little defensive. “Wouldn’t you? If your baby sister was sick and had to leave, wouldn’t you want to go, in case-” she couldn’t finish.
“Yes,” I said, rubbing her back, “yes, I’d go.”
“But Jenna, I can’t go unless I have an understudy.”
Suddenly the realization of what she was saying hit me. She needed me to be Bella for her! Instead of feeling over overjoyed like I should have, I felt terrified.
“I don’t know all the stuff. How could I do it? And I have this cold and...” my voice trailed off helplessly.
“You could do it Jenna,” Penny squeezed my hands. “I would have to leave tomorrow so I couldn’t teach you the parts you don’t know, but... someone else could.”
“Jeremy?” I squeaked.
Penny laughed for probably the first time in days. “He’s not mad at you Jenna, in fact, I think he might really need you right now. I know you can do it. Please?”
I took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. “Okay.” I wondered what on earth I was getting myself into. The show was the day after tomorrow for crying out loud! How on earth was I going to do this?? Penny squealed as I agreed, and threw her arms around me. I’d never thought that anyone would be so excited not to get to play the part of a lifetime. But then again, I hadn’t known Penny.
We were up early the next morning, as Penny needed to meet her parents at the hospital, where an ambulance would drive them to New York. Mr. and Mrs. Clarion had been home briefly during the night, getting things ready. I helped Penny pack, and we were both quiet, knowing we wouldn’t be seeing each other for a long time. Pretty soon everything was ready, and we headed out the door, Penny locking it behind us. We stood looking at each other on the front steps, knowing this was good bye.
“Are you going to be all right?” she asked, putting her hands on my shoulders. I smiled.
“I’m the one who should be asking you that. I’ll be fine. You will too, right?”
“Of course,” she said, blinking back tears.
“Call me,” I whispered, trying hard not to cry.
“Of course,” she said again, “and I’ll tell Angel you said good bye.”
“Thanks.” We stepped together and hugged for a long time, not wanting to let go. “Farewell, sweet sister,” I whispered in her ear, and we both laughed.
“Bye,” she said, pulling away, and then running to her car she drove off. I watched her go, knowing for the first time what it felt like to have a true sister. Turning to grab my stuff, I ran to the bus station, where I got on the bus, headed for Jeremy's.
Lets just say I was terrified. Movie Man hadn’t been pleased when Penny informed him of the change of plans, but there was nothing he could do about it. He ordered me to go and start practicing with Jeremy this very minute, so that was what I was doing. Whether Jeremy knew this or not, I wasn’t really sure. My thoughts were a jumbled mess as I stepped off the bus and onto Jeremy's street. I was going over lines and song lyrics frantically, but at the same time praying that Angel wouldn’t die (please God!) and wondering where Mom and Dad were right now. I was worried about Tisha, wondering whether she was all right, but even stronger was my worry for Jeremy. I felt horrible for not being there for him when he needed me most. And what if he was still mad at me? What if he refused to help me? Then I would have to get help from Movie Man, and that wouldn’t be fun. But really I knew that Jeremy would never do that to me, even if he was still mad. At least, that's what I hoped.
I walked down the street and stood looking at Jeremy's little house for a long time, trying to quiet my racing heart. What if he wouldn’t talk to me? What if he slammed the door in my face? Taking a deep steadying breath (not) I told myself to suck it up, and went up the front steps and in. I thought of knocking but decided against it, I wanted to get him in his bedroom, familiar territory. Closing the door quietly behind me, I hoped he hadn’t heard, and tip toed through the house to his bedroom door, which was closed. I opened it slowly and looked through at him, his curly hair falling a little in his eyes as he looked down at his script. He was at his computer desk, and Penny had been right, he did look like a wreck. My heart went out to him, and I prayed to know the right thing to do.
“Hey,” I said softly, and he looked up sharply, the surprise in his eyes evident. He stood up and our gazes locked, the expression on his face not exactly forgiving. He looked so confused and tired, and I found myself walking forward and simply hugging him. His arms came around me slowly, and I felt him relax.
“I am so, so sorry,” I said, looking up into his face.
“Me too,” he replied quietly.
“Are you okay?” I asked, reaching up to touch his face.
“I am now,” he said, smiling.
“Is Tisha okay?” The smile faded a little, and was replaced by a worried look.
“You heard about the accident?” I nodded, feeling anxious.
“She broke her arm and couple of ribs, but yeah, she’s okay.” I sighed with relief, and then looked back up into his tired eyes.
“I’m so sorry I wasn’t here for you. After everything you’ve done for me - I was so stupid!” The anger in my voice was evident, and Jeremy tightened his arms around me.
“Don’t. You’re here now, and that's all that matters. Besides, I was stupid too. You had every right to be mad,” he said softly.
“No I didn’t,” I said, shaking my head at him, “stop trying to make me feel better!” He laughed, and I grinned.
“Tisha’s in her bedroom if you want to see her,” he said, stepping away from me slightly. I felt a pang of loss as his arms slid off my waste, but I tried to hide it.
“Of course,” I said, “is this a good time?”
“Sure,” Jeremy shrugged, and then taking my hand, he led me to Tisha’s bedroom. I opened the door and peeked in, and she looked up from the book she was reading. She was propped up on a pile of pillows, and one of her arms was in a cast. Her left eye had a massive shiner.
“Hey,” she said, grinning. “I knew you’d come back!”
“Nice shiner you’ve got going there,” I said, walking to her bed side.
“Thanks,” Tisha said, “personally, I think it looks fantastic!”
“How are you feeling?” I asked her more seriously.
“Eh, not to bad,” she said cheerfully. “It’s just dumb because now I can’t go to the first show, but you know...”
“Well,” I said “it’s you getting better that's the important thing.”
“If you say so,” said Tisha, rolling her eyes. “It’s a really good thing you’re back though, Jeremy boy was pretty stressed without you. Not very pleasant to live with, let me tell you.”
“I’m sure you and Lila gave him plenty of loving and kind support,” I said sweetly.
“But it doesn’t help if it’s not coming from the right person,” Jeremy said, stepping up behind me. His voice was serious, and I turned to look at him with surprise. He was closer then I’d thought, and our gazes locked for a moment. I could feel the breath catching in my throat.
“God,” Tisha said, yawning, “why don’t you two just get together already?”
I blushed, but Jeremy didn’t break our gaze, and if anything, his look intensified.
“Don’t be silly,” I said, turning to Tisha and feeling slightly panicky. What was going on?
“Same to you,” she replied smugly. I was growing more and more uncomfortable, so when I caught her yawning again I grabbed my escape.
“We should let you rest,” I said, trying not to sound as quaky as I felt.
“Yeah, I do feel a little tired,” said Tisha, with a crafty look in her eyes. “But thanks for dropping by,” I gave her a weird look, wondering if she was trying to get rid of us, and then just shook my head. She was just hard to understand.
“Sweet dreams,” I said, turning to leave the room. Jeremy followed me, and once back in his room I knew I really had to tell him about Penny. Plus it might distract me from the looks he’d been giving me. They weren’t bad looks, just really unsettling, because it almost seemed like he wanted to kiss me or something, and obviously that couldn’t be right.
“Did Movie Man call you?” I asked him, sitting down on his bed.
“No, why?” The look didn’t leave Jeremy's eyes, and I stared at the floor.
“Well, Penny's sister is sick, so she’s going to New York and I’m playing Bella.” The words tumbled out of me, and I knew I sounded frantic. Jeesh, I felt frantic!
“Seriously?” Jeremy said with a look of astonishment, and I nodded. “But that's GREAT!” he shouted.
“Yeah,” I stood up, laughing, “except that I’m completely terrified!” Seeing I was serious, he bounded over, putting his arms around my waste.
“It’ll be okay Jenna. I’ll help you,” he said, the happiness in his eye’s infectious.
“Okay,” I said, nodding and beginning to feel better about it all.
“Be excited!” Jeremy said enthusiastically, and I shrieked as he picked me up and spun me around and around. We were both laughing as he put me down, but the breath caught in my throat as I saw that the look was back in his eyes, and I was falling, falling, falling. Tightening his arms around me, he leaned forward and whispered two words in my ear. “You’re beautiful.” It doesn’t mean anything, it doesn’t mean anything, it doesn’t mean anything, I told myself desperately.
But apparently I was wrong. Because then he leaned forward... and kissed me.
I'm pretty sure this is going to be another frighteningly long post, so sorry!:D
Anna
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Script
Okay so. As most of you know, I'm directing the Easter Pageant at my Moms church, which includes writing the script. I seem to recall promising I would update soon recently, so even though this isn't technically a story, it's still writing. (By the way, people are actually allowed to post ANYTHING that is writing, you can even post your own original bumper stickers, if you really really want to.)
But anyway, this is the script.It is basically the second script I've ever written from scratch, so don't expect it to be good! Ignore any odd comments that don't make any sense, I probably put them in for the youth director, who is overseeing. The reason I have written in music randomly is because she wants it to be a musical, and thankfully she's figuring all that out herself.
Please tell me what you think! Questions and comments will be greatly appreciated! :)
Easter Pageant
Opening: One of Us - Dance
Scene one
(Mrs. Peters stands in front of a group of kids)
Mrs. Peters: Is everyone here? Well, great! We’ll get started then, we have a lot to do.
Cassy: (raises hand) Can I be Jesus’ Mom, Mrs. Peters?
Mrs. Peters: I’m afraid not darling, you get to be a- (consults script) a palm tree! Don’t you think that will be just perfect? Now, I have everything planned out. Do all you kids remember the pageant St. Matthew's did last year? (kids nod heads) what about St. Ann? Well, they’re all doing them again this year, and I just think it would be great if ours could be the best! We’re going to do something completely original and fancy, and blow them all away.
Cassy: Who does everyone else get to play Mrs. Peters?
Mrs. Peters: Well if you wait just a moment Cassy, I’ll tell you. Kyle, you are to play Jesus, I know you can do it. Maggy, you can be Mary. Here’s your monologue, read it over and start memorizing right away. I know it’s long, but it’s absolutely necessary for you to memorize every word, and you know I think it would be really great if you could cry over it. Now, does everyone have their scripts?
(Kids nod, or say yes, whatever)
Mrs. Peters: All right, we’re all set to begin! Kyle and Jonathan, help me move this scenery please.
(Goes and moves big back drop, kids scatter out of their way as they put down it down, and it leans threateningly. Mrs. Peters steps back to look at it and frowns)
Oh my, we’ll have to get that fixed!
(She takes a pencil out of her hair and jots it down on one of her many notebooks and scripts she carries around.)
All right! (she turns to fact the kids again, who are looking wary and standing together in a group.) Why don’t you start, Maggy?
Maggy: Okay. (Steps forward to mike, holding script pages awkwardly. She reads aloud her monologue, struggling until Mrs. Peters stops her.)
(This bit of monologue is Torn Garments, by Joan McNeal Faison. I’ve added some stuff to help the actor stumble.)
Maggy: Oh my son, my heart is breaking for you. I can hardly stand to watch as the sol- as the soldiers drag you to your, uh, death. Your face is knotted with pain as streaks of blood and dirt ooze down it. Your outer garments are soiled and ripped. They’ve beaten you so.
My precious Jesus, there are many things which I have treasured and pon- pondered in my heart since you were born. You were such a sweet baby. And I re-member the first clothes I wrapped you in. They were torn strips of material-all that we had. But at least they kept you warm and protected in that drafty old stable. I wish I could protect you now, my son.
Mrs. Peters: (Interrupting and already looking worried.) That's just excellent Maggy! But, I do hope you’ll put in so much more emotion for the actual performance, it’s really got to be powerful! Why don’t you go practice reading over there, okay?
Maggy: Okay. (Goes and sits in corner and looks miserable.)
Mrs. Peters: Now kids, we’re going to start practicing the play through the beginning to end. I think it’s just going to be wonderful this year, I’ve decided to do the entire story of Jesus’ life, not just the death and resurrection. It will make it so much more impressive! Why don’t all of you start practicing together over there, while I show Lena her music?
(Kids go over and mime reading aloud their scripts, while we watch Mrs. Peters and Lena)
Lena: What did you want me to sing?
(Mrs. Peters hands her music)
Mrs. Peters: Just a couple of these fabulous songs, Lena, you have such a beautiful voice, I know you’ll be the star of the show! Now, why don’t you go ahead and try one?
Lena: (Uncertainly) Um, well, okay. (Try's to sing one of the songs, and it’s really fast and high. She stops after a minute.) I don’t really think these are the right kinds of songs for me Mrs. Peters, but I do have a favorite Easter song I’d like to sing.
Mrs. Peter: Oh but Lena, these songs are all the rage! I know you can do it dear.
(Cassy suddenly comes running over from the group of kids.)
Cassy; Mrs. Peters, Mrs. Peters Mrs. Peters! We don’t know how to do anything right, and Leo feels sick, and how am I supposed to be a palm tree?
Mrs. Peters: Cassy dear, you must wait until I’m done talking to Lena.
(She suddenly sees the back drop beginning to fall, and runs to stop it, but is to late and it falls on her and all the children. There is utter chaos. Mrs. Peters yells all throughout, “It’s all right children, every thing’s all right!” Lights black.)
Music
Scene Two
(The stage is cleared, and Lena is the only one there. She steps up to the mike.)
Lena: (speaking to audience) What does Easter mean to me? (smiles) That's a hard question! I used to think it was all about the easter bunny, and candy. The night before Easter I could never sleep, I was so excited! But then one year, I went to an Easter pageant, and learned what it was really all about. I decided I wanted to live my life for God, because of what His Son did for us. It’s hard to explain (she shrugs) but, I learned a little poem that says it perfectly.
(she now recites Jesus came, by Iris Gray Dowling)
Since Jesus came to earth
This world has never been the same.
Folks deny his hallowed birth
But can’t deny he came.
It was time his love he must show
To the millions lost and undone
If everyone would just believe
And seek the only begotten son.
(Lena exits.)
Music
(Lena, Maggy, Kyle and Cassy, come on and sit in chairs on stage, looking depressed.)
Cassy: Mrs. Peters doesn’t seem very happy.
Kyle: Rehearsals aren’t going well, are they.
Maggy: (sounding scared) there's only a week to the show!
Lena: (shaking her head) I’m afraid Mrs. Peters is just trying to do too much, you know?
Kyle: (grumpily) Yeah, I thought this was supposed to be about Easter, not about “being the best!”
(Kids roll their eyes and chorus together. They’re used to his grumpiness.)
Kids: Kyle!
Kyle: What?! I’m just saying!
Lena: (getting up) You know, you’re sort of right. It would be so much better if we could just do a simple pageant, because then we’d be able to get it really good and it wouldn’t matter whether we’d be the best or not, because we’d be doing it for God. Don’t you think that's really what matters?
Kyle and Maggy: Yes!
Maggy: (speaking slowly, she’s not sure of herself) I think Mrs. Peters believes that too. She’s just forgotten. If there were some way we could remind her...
Kyle: (shaking his head) I’m afraid she has got her mind made up.
Lena: I know. (sitting back down with defeat, she thinks) Wait, if there were some way we could remind her... (pops back up) I have an idea! Come on, we need all the kids help!
(Runs off stage with the others following.)
Music
Scene Three
(All of the kids come on stage, they are talking excitedly in whispers. Lena comes to stand in front of the group.)
Lena: Okay everyone, time to practice! Places! (kids scatter to various places, Lena clears her throat and then begins to read. All rhymed sections are from the Easter Sunday dramatic reading by Kenton K. Smith)
His name was Jesus; from Naz’reth He came.
His deeds and His doctrines had won him acclaim.
(At this point Mrs. Peter comes in and stands, watching. No one sees her.)
But one in His band was about to turn traitor,
And tragically only five days or so later,
This Jesus would hang on a cross in shame.
At the passover feast He met with His men
He had warned them before, now he warned them again.
Kyle: At this table is one about to betray me-
(he stops, as he suddenly sees Mrs. Peter, Lena turns to see why he’s stopped, and sees her also.)
Lena: Mrs. Peters!
Mrs. Peters: (frowning) What are you kids doing? That's not part of the pageant!
Maggy: (standing, suddenly brave) No, we were practicing our own pageant!
Lena: Maggy!
Maggy: (Ignores her) Mrs. Peters, I’m never going to be able to memorize all those lines. I’m sorry, but we were all having so much trouble with your pageant that we decided to make our own.
(Kyle, Lena and Cassy glance at each other, then step up next to Maggy, supporting her.)
Cassy: We think it doesn’t matter whether we’re the best, we just want to tell people about Jesus.
Mrs. Peters: (clearly upset, trying not to show it) Of course! Of course that’s what matters, but I think we can still do it my way...
Kyle: Can we just show you, and then you can decide?
Lena: (stage whisper) Kyle, we’re not ready!
Kyle: No. But God is.
There could be a song here, maybe about trusting in God?
Scene Four
Mrs. Peters: All right children, show me what you have.
Lena: (takes a deep breath) Okay everyone, lets do this. Places!
(Kids go to table, except for Lena, who goes to mike. Mrs. Peters sits off to the side and watches. I think it might be cool if we could have a slight light change here, like maybe they dim a little, or brighten or something.)
Lena: His name was Jesus; from Naz’reth he came.
His deeds and His doctrines has won him acclaim.
But one in His band was about to turn traitor,
And tragically only five days or so later
This Jesus would hang on a cross in shame.
At the passover feast He met with His men.
He had warned them before-now He warned them again.
Kyle: At this table is one who is about to betray me-
He’ll deliver me up to men who will slay me.
Lena: And His eyes turned to Judas Iscariot then.
The betrayer went forth to priests in the night
Driven by avarice, vengeance or spite.
(while she reads, Judas gets up from the table and goes sneakily to a corner, where two kids join him. They pretend to whisper, and then hand him a big bag that jingles. They stay there.)
He bargained; they promptly consented to paying
Thirty pieces of silver-his fee for betraying.
He’d guide them to Jesus when the time was just right.
(now Kyle and his disciples get up and move in front of table, his disciples move off a little ways and sit down, pretending to sleep. Kyle kneels center stage.)
The Master sought solitude, started to pray.
Kyle: Oh Father, now let sorrows cup pass away!
But if I must drink on the soon coming morrow
This cup overflowing with bitterest sorrow,
Then I am determined your will to obey!
Lena: The disciples, bone weary and burdened with care
Had fallen asleep, but now wakened, aware
Of an ominous sound in intensity growing,
and of numerous lights at the garden gate glowing-
A mob was approaching! They watched with despair.
(Here, Judas and the kids he got the money from move from across the stage and over to Jesus and his disciples. Judas silently points, and then the two kids grab Jesus (Kyle) and push him off stage. The disciples flee the other way. Only Lena and Mrs. Peters remain.)
Music (it might be nice if Lena could sing something. After music the stage is clear again except for Lena.)
Lena: The Governor, Pilate, took some time to mull
Jesus’ fate, but would not the Jews judgment annul.
So Jesus was scourged and left weakened and bleeding;
Then bearing His cross He walked the way leading
On out to Golgatha, the place of the skull.
(during this, Kyle and the mob kids enter again, Kyle has a cross tied to his back and is bent over. One of the mob kids places a stool on the ground. Kyle stands on it, with the cross attached to his back.)
The cross was uplifted, at last it was standing
And now he would suffer what sin was demanding.
But from many his sacrifice met only scorn.
Like ravening wolves, surrounding their pray,
His accusers drew near and had their last say.
Accuser one: Come down from the cross, if you have the power!
Accuser two: Come down! Save yourself in this hour!
Lena: The hours dragged by, then he whispered.
Kyle: I thirst.
Lena: A sponge soaked in vinegar was raised to him first
(Accusers raise sponge, Kyle turns away)
He tasted it, turned from it, sought it no longer-
His will to endure now made surer and stronger.
He hung on that cross till at last his heart burst.
Music The children's choir could sing anytime in here, while they are singing Kyle and onlookers could clear off the stage.
Lena: The burial efforts had to be brief-
Some disciples performed them, though bowed down with grief.
The tomb where they laid him they were able to borrow.
They bade him goodbye, while their hearts ached with sorrow
Three days and three nights, without any relief.
(During the next lines, Cassy and another girl come on together, looking sad. They look astonished as the Angel comes out of the tomb, which could be simply that mettle arch we were going to use for the Christmas pageant)
When some woman approached the tomb in the gathering light,
They stood and they stared in amazement and wonder,
As, close by the tomb, with it’s seal torn asunder,
A being appeared clad in raiment white.
Angel: Why seek you the living in the place of the dead?
Lena: His question served only to deepen their dread
But he gazed at the tomb, as dark as a prison
Angel: You seek Jesus, he has gone! For he has risen!
Lena: And they hastened away, these glad tidings to spread.
(Woman exit, Angel exit. Enter Maggy.)
At the tomb, Mary Magdalene once more drew near,
blinded by grief and burdened with fear.
She heard a kind voice.
(enter Kyle)
Kyle: Woman, why are you crying?
Maggy: Sir, if you know where his bodies been laid,
Tell me; I’ll see that arrangements are made
For some of his friends to go forth and carry-
Lena: She halted, her ears and her heart hearing
Kyle: Mary!
Lena: Her eyes cleared, she saw him step out from the shade.
Maggy: Teacher!
Lena: She cried, and she heard his command
Kyle: Mary, now go tell my grief stricken band
That my mission on earth is near to it’s ending;
To my father on high I will son be ascending,
For this is the way it was long ago planned.
Music. (After music, everyone come onstage, Kyle, Maggy and Lena group around mike.)
Lena: And this is the way that our faith has begun
In Jesus, the Savior, Messiah, Gods son.
Kyle: How vital that we, his gospel are learning,
For soon comes, as promised, his hour of returning.
Maggy: When mans proud dominion at last will be done!
(Everyone looks out to audience, then lights change again, and they all turn to Mrs. Peters, who gets up.)
Lena: (nervously) So what did you think?
Mrs. Peters: (with emotion) I think- I think, that you kids are amazing.
Lena: (shaking her head, smiling) No.
Lena, Maggy, and Kyle: He is!
Group hug!
Ending song, You Raise Me Up
Anna
But anyway, this is the script.It is basically the second script I've ever written from scratch, so don't expect it to be good! Ignore any odd comments that don't make any sense, I probably put them in for the youth director, who is overseeing. The reason I have written in music randomly is because she wants it to be a musical, and thankfully she's figuring all that out herself.
Please tell me what you think! Questions and comments will be greatly appreciated! :)
Easter Pageant
Opening: One of Us - Dance
Scene one
(Mrs. Peters stands in front of a group of kids)
Mrs. Peters: Is everyone here? Well, great! We’ll get started then, we have a lot to do.
Cassy: (raises hand) Can I be Jesus’ Mom, Mrs. Peters?
Mrs. Peters: I’m afraid not darling, you get to be a- (consults script) a palm tree! Don’t you think that will be just perfect? Now, I have everything planned out. Do all you kids remember the pageant St. Matthew's did last year? (kids nod heads) what about St. Ann? Well, they’re all doing them again this year, and I just think it would be great if ours could be the best! We’re going to do something completely original and fancy, and blow them all away.
Cassy: Who does everyone else get to play Mrs. Peters?
Mrs. Peters: Well if you wait just a moment Cassy, I’ll tell you. Kyle, you are to play Jesus, I know you can do it. Maggy, you can be Mary. Here’s your monologue, read it over and start memorizing right away. I know it’s long, but it’s absolutely necessary for you to memorize every word, and you know I think it would be really great if you could cry over it. Now, does everyone have their scripts?
(Kids nod, or say yes, whatever)
Mrs. Peters: All right, we’re all set to begin! Kyle and Jonathan, help me move this scenery please.
(Goes and moves big back drop, kids scatter out of their way as they put down it down, and it leans threateningly. Mrs. Peters steps back to look at it and frowns)
Oh my, we’ll have to get that fixed!
(She takes a pencil out of her hair and jots it down on one of her many notebooks and scripts she carries around.)
All right! (she turns to fact the kids again, who are looking wary and standing together in a group.) Why don’t you start, Maggy?
Maggy: Okay. (Steps forward to mike, holding script pages awkwardly. She reads aloud her monologue, struggling until Mrs. Peters stops her.)
(This bit of monologue is Torn Garments, by Joan McNeal Faison. I’ve added some stuff to help the actor stumble.)
Maggy: Oh my son, my heart is breaking for you. I can hardly stand to watch as the sol- as the soldiers drag you to your, uh, death. Your face is knotted with pain as streaks of blood and dirt ooze down it. Your outer garments are soiled and ripped. They’ve beaten you so.
My precious Jesus, there are many things which I have treasured and pon- pondered in my heart since you were born. You were such a sweet baby. And I re-member the first clothes I wrapped you in. They were torn strips of material-all that we had. But at least they kept you warm and protected in that drafty old stable. I wish I could protect you now, my son.
Mrs. Peters: (Interrupting and already looking worried.) That's just excellent Maggy! But, I do hope you’ll put in so much more emotion for the actual performance, it’s really got to be powerful! Why don’t you go practice reading over there, okay?
Maggy: Okay. (Goes and sits in corner and looks miserable.)
Mrs. Peters: Now kids, we’re going to start practicing the play through the beginning to end. I think it’s just going to be wonderful this year, I’ve decided to do the entire story of Jesus’ life, not just the death and resurrection. It will make it so much more impressive! Why don’t all of you start practicing together over there, while I show Lena her music?
(Kids go over and mime reading aloud their scripts, while we watch Mrs. Peters and Lena)
Lena: What did you want me to sing?
(Mrs. Peters hands her music)
Mrs. Peters: Just a couple of these fabulous songs, Lena, you have such a beautiful voice, I know you’ll be the star of the show! Now, why don’t you go ahead and try one?
Lena: (Uncertainly) Um, well, okay. (Try's to sing one of the songs, and it’s really fast and high. She stops after a minute.) I don’t really think these are the right kinds of songs for me Mrs. Peters, but I do have a favorite Easter song I’d like to sing.
Mrs. Peter: Oh but Lena, these songs are all the rage! I know you can do it dear.
(Cassy suddenly comes running over from the group of kids.)
Cassy; Mrs. Peters, Mrs. Peters Mrs. Peters! We don’t know how to do anything right, and Leo feels sick, and how am I supposed to be a palm tree?
Mrs. Peters: Cassy dear, you must wait until I’m done talking to Lena.
(She suddenly sees the back drop beginning to fall, and runs to stop it, but is to late and it falls on her and all the children. There is utter chaos. Mrs. Peters yells all throughout, “It’s all right children, every thing’s all right!” Lights black.)
Music
Scene Two
(The stage is cleared, and Lena is the only one there. She steps up to the mike.)
Lena: (speaking to audience) What does Easter mean to me? (smiles) That's a hard question! I used to think it was all about the easter bunny, and candy. The night before Easter I could never sleep, I was so excited! But then one year, I went to an Easter pageant, and learned what it was really all about. I decided I wanted to live my life for God, because of what His Son did for us. It’s hard to explain (she shrugs) but, I learned a little poem that says it perfectly.
(she now recites Jesus came, by Iris Gray Dowling)
Since Jesus came to earth
This world has never been the same.
Folks deny his hallowed birth
But can’t deny he came.
It was time his love he must show
To the millions lost and undone
If everyone would just believe
And seek the only begotten son.
(Lena exits.)
Music
(Lena, Maggy, Kyle and Cassy, come on and sit in chairs on stage, looking depressed.)
Cassy: Mrs. Peters doesn’t seem very happy.
Kyle: Rehearsals aren’t going well, are they.
Maggy: (sounding scared) there's only a week to the show!
Lena: (shaking her head) I’m afraid Mrs. Peters is just trying to do too much, you know?
Kyle: (grumpily) Yeah, I thought this was supposed to be about Easter, not about “being the best!”
(Kids roll their eyes and chorus together. They’re used to his grumpiness.)
Kids: Kyle!
Kyle: What?! I’m just saying!
Lena: (getting up) You know, you’re sort of right. It would be so much better if we could just do a simple pageant, because then we’d be able to get it really good and it wouldn’t matter whether we’d be the best or not, because we’d be doing it for God. Don’t you think that's really what matters?
Kyle and Maggy: Yes!
Maggy: (speaking slowly, she’s not sure of herself) I think Mrs. Peters believes that too. She’s just forgotten. If there were some way we could remind her...
Kyle: (shaking his head) I’m afraid she has got her mind made up.
Lena: I know. (sitting back down with defeat, she thinks) Wait, if there were some way we could remind her... (pops back up) I have an idea! Come on, we need all the kids help!
(Runs off stage with the others following.)
Music
Scene Three
(All of the kids come on stage, they are talking excitedly in whispers. Lena comes to stand in front of the group.)
Lena: Okay everyone, time to practice! Places! (kids scatter to various places, Lena clears her throat and then begins to read. All rhymed sections are from the Easter Sunday dramatic reading by Kenton K. Smith)
His name was Jesus; from Naz’reth He came.
His deeds and His doctrines had won him acclaim.
(At this point Mrs. Peter comes in and stands, watching. No one sees her.)
But one in His band was about to turn traitor,
And tragically only five days or so later,
This Jesus would hang on a cross in shame.
At the passover feast He met with His men
He had warned them before, now he warned them again.
Kyle: At this table is one about to betray me-
(he stops, as he suddenly sees Mrs. Peter, Lena turns to see why he’s stopped, and sees her also.)
Lena: Mrs. Peters!
Mrs. Peters: (frowning) What are you kids doing? That's not part of the pageant!
Maggy: (standing, suddenly brave) No, we were practicing our own pageant!
Lena: Maggy!
Maggy: (Ignores her) Mrs. Peters, I’m never going to be able to memorize all those lines. I’m sorry, but we were all having so much trouble with your pageant that we decided to make our own.
(Kyle, Lena and Cassy glance at each other, then step up next to Maggy, supporting her.)
Cassy: We think it doesn’t matter whether we’re the best, we just want to tell people about Jesus.
Mrs. Peters: (clearly upset, trying not to show it) Of course! Of course that’s what matters, but I think we can still do it my way...
Kyle: Can we just show you, and then you can decide?
Lena: (stage whisper) Kyle, we’re not ready!
Kyle: No. But God is.
There could be a song here, maybe about trusting in God?
Scene Four
Mrs. Peters: All right children, show me what you have.
Lena: (takes a deep breath) Okay everyone, lets do this. Places!
(Kids go to table, except for Lena, who goes to mike. Mrs. Peters sits off to the side and watches. I think it might be cool if we could have a slight light change here, like maybe they dim a little, or brighten or something.)
Lena: His name was Jesus; from Naz’reth he came.
His deeds and His doctrines has won him acclaim.
But one in His band was about to turn traitor,
And tragically only five days or so later
This Jesus would hang on a cross in shame.
At the passover feast He met with His men.
He had warned them before-now He warned them again.
Kyle: At this table is one who is about to betray me-
He’ll deliver me up to men who will slay me.
Lena: And His eyes turned to Judas Iscariot then.
The betrayer went forth to priests in the night
Driven by avarice, vengeance or spite.
(while she reads, Judas gets up from the table and goes sneakily to a corner, where two kids join him. They pretend to whisper, and then hand him a big bag that jingles. They stay there.)
He bargained; they promptly consented to paying
Thirty pieces of silver-his fee for betraying.
He’d guide them to Jesus when the time was just right.
(now Kyle and his disciples get up and move in front of table, his disciples move off a little ways and sit down, pretending to sleep. Kyle kneels center stage.)
The Master sought solitude, started to pray.
Kyle: Oh Father, now let sorrows cup pass away!
But if I must drink on the soon coming morrow
This cup overflowing with bitterest sorrow,
Then I am determined your will to obey!
Lena: The disciples, bone weary and burdened with care
Had fallen asleep, but now wakened, aware
Of an ominous sound in intensity growing,
and of numerous lights at the garden gate glowing-
A mob was approaching! They watched with despair.
(Here, Judas and the kids he got the money from move from across the stage and over to Jesus and his disciples. Judas silently points, and then the two kids grab Jesus (Kyle) and push him off stage. The disciples flee the other way. Only Lena and Mrs. Peters remain.)
Music (it might be nice if Lena could sing something. After music the stage is clear again except for Lena.)
Lena: The Governor, Pilate, took some time to mull
Jesus’ fate, but would not the Jews judgment annul.
So Jesus was scourged and left weakened and bleeding;
Then bearing His cross He walked the way leading
On out to Golgatha, the place of the skull.
(during this, Kyle and the mob kids enter again, Kyle has a cross tied to his back and is bent over. One of the mob kids places a stool on the ground. Kyle stands on it, with the cross attached to his back.)
The cross was uplifted, at last it was standing
And now he would suffer what sin was demanding.
But from many his sacrifice met only scorn.
Like ravening wolves, surrounding their pray,
His accusers drew near and had their last say.
Accuser one: Come down from the cross, if you have the power!
Accuser two: Come down! Save yourself in this hour!
Lena: The hours dragged by, then he whispered.
Kyle: I thirst.
Lena: A sponge soaked in vinegar was raised to him first
(Accusers raise sponge, Kyle turns away)
He tasted it, turned from it, sought it no longer-
His will to endure now made surer and stronger.
He hung on that cross till at last his heart burst.
Music The children's choir could sing anytime in here, while they are singing Kyle and onlookers could clear off the stage.
Lena: The burial efforts had to be brief-
Some disciples performed them, though bowed down with grief.
The tomb where they laid him they were able to borrow.
They bade him goodbye, while their hearts ached with sorrow
Three days and three nights, without any relief.
(During the next lines, Cassy and another girl come on together, looking sad. They look astonished as the Angel comes out of the tomb, which could be simply that mettle arch we were going to use for the Christmas pageant)
When some woman approached the tomb in the gathering light,
They stood and they stared in amazement and wonder,
As, close by the tomb, with it’s seal torn asunder,
A being appeared clad in raiment white.
Angel: Why seek you the living in the place of the dead?
Lena: His question served only to deepen their dread
But he gazed at the tomb, as dark as a prison
Angel: You seek Jesus, he has gone! For he has risen!
Lena: And they hastened away, these glad tidings to spread.
(Woman exit, Angel exit. Enter Maggy.)
At the tomb, Mary Magdalene once more drew near,
blinded by grief and burdened with fear.
She heard a kind voice.
(enter Kyle)
Kyle: Woman, why are you crying?
Maggy: Sir, if you know where his bodies been laid,
Tell me; I’ll see that arrangements are made
For some of his friends to go forth and carry-
Lena: She halted, her ears and her heart hearing
Kyle: Mary!
Lena: Her eyes cleared, she saw him step out from the shade.
Maggy: Teacher!
Lena: She cried, and she heard his command
Kyle: Mary, now go tell my grief stricken band
That my mission on earth is near to it’s ending;
To my father on high I will son be ascending,
For this is the way it was long ago planned.
Music. (After music, everyone come onstage, Kyle, Maggy and Lena group around mike.)
Lena: And this is the way that our faith has begun
In Jesus, the Savior, Messiah, Gods son.
Kyle: How vital that we, his gospel are learning,
For soon comes, as promised, his hour of returning.
Maggy: When mans proud dominion at last will be done!
(Everyone looks out to audience, then lights change again, and they all turn to Mrs. Peters, who gets up.)
Lena: (nervously) So what did you think?
Mrs. Peters: (with emotion) I think- I think, that you kids are amazing.
Lena: (shaking her head, smiling) No.
Lena, Maggy, and Kyle: He is!
Group hug!
Ending song, You Raise Me Up
Anna
Friday, January 19, 2007
Epsilon Blazing
Okay, here is the second chapter to my story.
Chapter Two A Promise
Epsilon found himself standing before the sea. He stared around him with awe. In all the great expanses of space he had been in, he had never seen such beauty. The moon cast a pearly light on the water, making the greenish blue silvery. Waves crashed softly on the sand, making a soft sssshhhhing noise. The whole world seemed asleep, and the stars twinkled softly far above.
He turned around, and saw a bunch of box shaped things behind him. He understood from all the new knowledge unfolding in his brain that these were houses, in which people slept. Sleep seemed like a good idea to him right now too, and he strode toward the town in hope of some one giving him a room for the night. A dark blue cloak had been added to the clothes he wore up in space, but the night was still chilly.
He knocked on the gate of a big house, and waited while he surveyed his surroundings. He was standing on the edge of the town square, which was ringed by large buildings. Little houses that weren’t much more then shacks grouped around the square, leaning away from the sea breeze. The house in front of Epsilon was practically covered by climbing ivy, giving it a jungle look. A stone wall wrapped around it, broken by two wooden gates.
“What do ya want?” A head in a big white night cap peeped out of the door, and the shrill voice came again. “Do ya want a room? If ya don’t, leave!”
“Can I please have a room?” Epsilon asked politely.
“Do you have money?” the lady sounded mistrusting. Epsilon thought about it for a moment. Money seemed to be what they traded everything for, and it was essential in most places. He felt in his pockets, and came out with a few small copper pieces.
“Will this do?” He asked, showing them to the lady.
“Oh certainly,” the lady said, sweetly now, coming out of the door and opening the gate. “You can pay for the night tomorrow. This is the best Inn in town! You won’t find better food anywhere else!”
“Thank you,” Epsilon murmured sleepily as she led the way to his room, still going on and on about the Inn. He collapsed on the bed as soon as she left, and shut his eyes wearily. What a day it had been…
“Lets go exploring today,” Coral suggested eagerly. Nadine and her were just drifting about lazily, and Coral was bored. “I feel like doing something new.”
“Exploring isn’t exactly new,” Nadine said. “We used to do it all the time.”
“I know, but I want to go farther then I’ve ever gone before!” Coral did a summersault in excitement. “We’ve never gone past those mountains,” she pointed towards the craggy rocks in the distance.
“Its dangerous over there,” Nadine said . “There are giant squids and sharks, and hungry clams,” A twinkle appeared in her eye. “Lets do it.”
Laughing, they swam towards the mountains. The water got darker the closer they came, and the mermaids got glimpses of strange creatures floating through the water. Soon their chatting stopped, but they continued on. Soon they reached the summit of the mountains and peered down the other side.
“Lets go back,” Coral said. “We’ve had our look. I don’t really feel like exploring any more.” Nadine agreed wordlessly as she turned hurriedly away from the murky blackness.
Before they had gotten farther then a few feet away, they heard a strangled cry. Turning around, they saw a fearsome battle taking place. A sperm whale and a giant squid were thrashing in the water, with the giant squid winning. It had all its tentacles around the whale’s neck, and the whale could not get free.
“We have to help!” Nadine shouted to Coral over the noise.
“If we try to, the squid will just turn on us!” Coral shrieked.
Nadine knew she couldn’t expect any help from Coral. Her mind was racing, trying to think what to do. ‘I won’t be any use if I’m in a panic,’ Nadine thought desperately. She took a deep breath, and let it out. Her mind calmed, and she focused on one thing that she hoped would work.
Nadine closed her eyes. All around her was water, water, and more water. In her mind she envisioned a block of it separate from the rest, and carefully she started easing it apart. Each layer she took off got thinner and thinner. She poured all her power into her final layer, which was thinner then paper. Opening her eyes, Nadine shot the sheet of water at the whale. It slipped beneath the Squids tentacles, loosening his hold. With a cry of relief, the whale shook the squid off of itself and surged upwards. The squid sank into darkness.
“Lets get out of here,” Nadine said to the amazed Coral, and swam upwards to the whale.
“How can I ever repay you?” the whale said joyously when they were a good distance away from the mountain. “You saved me.”
Nadine smiled. “There’s no need to repay me,” she said warmly. “Anyone else would of done the same thing.”
“Well, I’ll keep an eye on you. If you ever need help, I’ll be there.” And the whale swam off, relishing in his freedom.
The swim back to the palace was silent. When they were almost there, Coral broke out, “I’m sorry I didn’t help you. I was scared.”
“Its alright,” Nadine said. “I’m just glad you did suggest to go exploring.” And smiling, they swam off to play.
Sylvia and Adalia were in the petitioner’s room. There hadn’t been many people for Sylvia to see, so in the spaces between them Adalia would tell her things from her life in Grees.
“My parents were captured in a war,” Adalia said. “I was born in Grees, but I look very different from everyone there.” Just then the butler walked in.
“Excuse me,” he said stiffly. “Sir Demosthenes wishes to pay a call to her Royal Highness Sylvia Wentworth.”
“Show him in,” Sylvia sighed. Shortly, Sir Demosthenes entered.
“My lady,” he bowed.
“Sir Demosthenes,” Sylvia said, forcing a smile. “How nice to see you,”
“It is always the greatest pleasure,” Sir Demosthenes said, “To see your charming face.”
“Why don’t you sit down,” Sylvia said, interrupting his ardent stare at her. A footman appeared over her shoulder, offering a glass of wine.
“I have come,” he said once he had settled and taken some wine, “To propose something.”
“Most people do,” Sylvia said under her breath.
“A proposal of marriage,” he said grandly. Sylvia nearly choked on her drink. She had been expecting this, of course, but it was so early in his visit! Leaning forward, Sir Demosthenes said, “Not only would this allegiance strengthen both of our countries, as you know, I am a member of the Oligarchy, it would provide for you a husband and eventually an heir.”
Sylvia frowned. So he knew why she was accepting his visits all of a sudden. “Well, sir,” she said when it became clear that he expected an answer, “That would certainly work for both of us. I shall have to consider it.”
“My best of wishes to your thinking, then,” Sir Demosthenes said standing up. He bowed again and left. Sylvia smiled wanly and said,
“Adalia, I want you to tell me about Sir Demosthenes.”
KrazyKelia
Chapter Two A Promise
Epsilon found himself standing before the sea. He stared around him with awe. In all the great expanses of space he had been in, he had never seen such beauty. The moon cast a pearly light on the water, making the greenish blue silvery. Waves crashed softly on the sand, making a soft sssshhhhing noise. The whole world seemed asleep, and the stars twinkled softly far above.
He turned around, and saw a bunch of box shaped things behind him. He understood from all the new knowledge unfolding in his brain that these were houses, in which people slept. Sleep seemed like a good idea to him right now too, and he strode toward the town in hope of some one giving him a room for the night. A dark blue cloak had been added to the clothes he wore up in space, but the night was still chilly.
He knocked on the gate of a big house, and waited while he surveyed his surroundings. He was standing on the edge of the town square, which was ringed by large buildings. Little houses that weren’t much more then shacks grouped around the square, leaning away from the sea breeze. The house in front of Epsilon was practically covered by climbing ivy, giving it a jungle look. A stone wall wrapped around it, broken by two wooden gates.
“What do ya want?” A head in a big white night cap peeped out of the door, and the shrill voice came again. “Do ya want a room? If ya don’t, leave!”
“Can I please have a room?” Epsilon asked politely.
“Do you have money?” the lady sounded mistrusting. Epsilon thought about it for a moment. Money seemed to be what they traded everything for, and it was essential in most places. He felt in his pockets, and came out with a few small copper pieces.
“Will this do?” He asked, showing them to the lady.
“Oh certainly,” the lady said, sweetly now, coming out of the door and opening the gate. “You can pay for the night tomorrow. This is the best Inn in town! You won’t find better food anywhere else!”
“Thank you,” Epsilon murmured sleepily as she led the way to his room, still going on and on about the Inn. He collapsed on the bed as soon as she left, and shut his eyes wearily. What a day it had been…
“Lets go exploring today,” Coral suggested eagerly. Nadine and her were just drifting about lazily, and Coral was bored. “I feel like doing something new.”
“Exploring isn’t exactly new,” Nadine said. “We used to do it all the time.”
“I know, but I want to go farther then I’ve ever gone before!” Coral did a summersault in excitement. “We’ve never gone past those mountains,” she pointed towards the craggy rocks in the distance.
“Its dangerous over there,” Nadine said . “There are giant squids and sharks, and hungry clams,” A twinkle appeared in her eye. “Lets do it.”
Laughing, they swam towards the mountains. The water got darker the closer they came, and the mermaids got glimpses of strange creatures floating through the water. Soon their chatting stopped, but they continued on. Soon they reached the summit of the mountains and peered down the other side.
“Lets go back,” Coral said. “We’ve had our look. I don’t really feel like exploring any more.” Nadine agreed wordlessly as she turned hurriedly away from the murky blackness.
Before they had gotten farther then a few feet away, they heard a strangled cry. Turning around, they saw a fearsome battle taking place. A sperm whale and a giant squid were thrashing in the water, with the giant squid winning. It had all its tentacles around the whale’s neck, and the whale could not get free.
“We have to help!” Nadine shouted to Coral over the noise.
“If we try to, the squid will just turn on us!” Coral shrieked.
Nadine knew she couldn’t expect any help from Coral. Her mind was racing, trying to think what to do. ‘I won’t be any use if I’m in a panic,’ Nadine thought desperately. She took a deep breath, and let it out. Her mind calmed, and she focused on one thing that she hoped would work.
Nadine closed her eyes. All around her was water, water, and more water. In her mind she envisioned a block of it separate from the rest, and carefully she started easing it apart. Each layer she took off got thinner and thinner. She poured all her power into her final layer, which was thinner then paper. Opening her eyes, Nadine shot the sheet of water at the whale. It slipped beneath the Squids tentacles, loosening his hold. With a cry of relief, the whale shook the squid off of itself and surged upwards. The squid sank into darkness.
“Lets get out of here,” Nadine said to the amazed Coral, and swam upwards to the whale.
“How can I ever repay you?” the whale said joyously when they were a good distance away from the mountain. “You saved me.”
Nadine smiled. “There’s no need to repay me,” she said warmly. “Anyone else would of done the same thing.”
“Well, I’ll keep an eye on you. If you ever need help, I’ll be there.” And the whale swam off, relishing in his freedom.
The swim back to the palace was silent. When they were almost there, Coral broke out, “I’m sorry I didn’t help you. I was scared.”
“Its alright,” Nadine said. “I’m just glad you did suggest to go exploring.” And smiling, they swam off to play.
Sylvia and Adalia were in the petitioner’s room. There hadn’t been many people for Sylvia to see, so in the spaces between them Adalia would tell her things from her life in Grees.
“My parents were captured in a war,” Adalia said. “I was born in Grees, but I look very different from everyone there.” Just then the butler walked in.
“Excuse me,” he said stiffly. “Sir Demosthenes wishes to pay a call to her Royal Highness Sylvia Wentworth.”
“Show him in,” Sylvia sighed. Shortly, Sir Demosthenes entered.
“My lady,” he bowed.
“Sir Demosthenes,” Sylvia said, forcing a smile. “How nice to see you,”
“It is always the greatest pleasure,” Sir Demosthenes said, “To see your charming face.”
“Why don’t you sit down,” Sylvia said, interrupting his ardent stare at her. A footman appeared over her shoulder, offering a glass of wine.
“I have come,” he said once he had settled and taken some wine, “To propose something.”
“Most people do,” Sylvia said under her breath.
“A proposal of marriage,” he said grandly. Sylvia nearly choked on her drink. She had been expecting this, of course, but it was so early in his visit! Leaning forward, Sir Demosthenes said, “Not only would this allegiance strengthen both of our countries, as you know, I am a member of the Oligarchy, it would provide for you a husband and eventually an heir.”
Sylvia frowned. So he knew why she was accepting his visits all of a sudden. “Well, sir,” she said when it became clear that he expected an answer, “That would certainly work for both of us. I shall have to consider it.”
“My best of wishes to your thinking, then,” Sir Demosthenes said standing up. He bowed again and left. Sylvia smiled wanly and said,
“Adalia, I want you to tell me about Sir Demosthenes.”
KrazyKelia
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Nanowrimo Story
This is the first chapter of my Nanowrimo story. Its only edited a little bit, and I'm welcome to suggestions. Its called Epsilon Blazing.
Chapter One Beginnings
Epsilon looked down at the earth. So many people were down there, living their little lives, dreaming their tiny dreams. How could they not know that another whole world was above them, continually orbiting their pre-determined path? Epsilon was proud of the fact that he was a meteor, but he too dreamed of being something bigger.
“Epsilon Meteor Youngling,” Epsilon looked up, surprised to hear his full name said. Floating in front of him was Hinterop, the messenger of all the well known stars. “The great stars Aldebaran and Vega have requested an audience with you.” Epsilon could hardly believe his ears. The two most honored stars wanted to speak to him? He couldn’t wait to see what they wanted. They traveled light speed through the blackness until they reached the meeting place.
The stars had taken the shape of humans, as they would of burned up anyone who approached them if they were in their real shape. Still, a great light came from inside them, and Epsilon lowered his eyes in awe. He took his human shape too, and sat down in the chair a ways down the table from the stars.
“It has come to our attention,” Aldebaran announced formally, “That you have reached the age of two hundred and twenty.” This was still very young for a meteor, only about twenty two percent of Epsilons life had passed. “At that age it is the custom for meteors to go down to the neighboring life inhabited planet. You shall have a year to try to make some great change for the good there. If you succeed, you shall be transformed into a star. This is a very great honor for a meteor, and few achieve it. If you don’t succeed, you shall simply continue your life as a meteor.”
Epsilons eyes shone with excitement. This happened to every meteor some time in its life, but usually they were older. He hadn’t given much thought to it all yet. Imagine! An adventure on an earth where the sky seemed blue, and there were great expanses of water. It was shaped like a ball, so how could you ever get lost? You would eventually come back to the same spot again.
A nudge from Hinterop reminded Epsilon of his manners. “Thank you, O great star, for this wondrous chance.” he said. “I shall do my best.”
“There are some details that you will need to know,” Vega said. Her voice was silky and smooth, and very kind. “When you reach the earth, you will look as you are now. Your soul will not give off light, for there is a sun that will guide your way. Only in the greatest need will it shine once again. You will see that there are certain things that are necessary for your human body, such as eating and sleeping. It will not be easy in that world, for there are many things that you know nothing of. But I believe you can learn, and will do well. To help you we will plant knowledge of some of the most basic things of this world in your mind. In one hour you will be transported there. Go in peace.”
Epsilon nodded in thanks, absorbing all she told him. He transformed into his meteor shape, and sped away happily. He made sure they couldn’t see him before he started doing loops in the air gleefully.
The sunlight filtered through the water, broken into different colors and shapes. Bubbles floated toward the surface, their iridescent colors changing. Nadine swam slowly, enjoying the lightness of the water when she was close to the surface. A school of brightly colored fish drifted towards her, looking at her with big eyes, and a large green plant waved with the current.
“Surprise!” Coral, Nadine’s best friend, had crept up behind Nadine and now shot past her laughing.
“You always do that,” Nadine said good naturedly. “And now I’m going to get you!” She torpedoed towards Coral with a powerful flip of her tail, and a happy game of tag ensued. When at last they were tired out, they floated lazily down to the sandy sea floor.
“What were you doing, daydreaming like that?” Coral asked. “You usually aren’t so…. reflective.”
“I like peace,” Nadine said. “A moment away from you is rare enough,” she joked. When their laughter died down, Nadine said more thoughtfully, “Things have been changing around here though. Have you heard about the two mermaids who were stranded on the beach a few days ago?”
“Yes,” Coral said seriously. “But since when have mermaids been getting stranded?”
“It used to be that life was like paradise,” Nadine said a little dreamily. “No deaths, or when there was, it was just because of old age. We never had a worry on our mind.”
“Either the world is changing drastically,” Coral summed up, “Or something fishy is going on.”
Their talk ceased as their palace home came into view. The main building was coral, vibrantly red with flashes of mermaids swimming in the windows. There were several towers, all made out of mother of pearl. The silky white shell melted into pink, yellow, blue, silver, and green as the light hit it. Forests of bright sea plants surrounded it, and craggy mountains loomed in the distance. Right behind the palace there was a garden, with jewels laid out like flowers.
Coral and Nadine smiled at each other, the beauty of their home wiping away all fear and doubt in their minds.
Sylvia looked out of her window. The evening light cast misty shadows on her lawns and gardens, making everything look serene and magical. Her frown at last creased into a smile, and she sighed at the beauty.
Sylvia was a duchess in the prominent country of Ingland. She had become Duchess when she was 20, when her parents had died. She liked ruling, feeling important to the land, and giving justice to the people. Her councilors for several years had been urging her to marry, but she had ignored them until now, and she no longer could. Tradition had it that she must have an heir by the time she was 35, and now just 5 years before that age she had to get married.
“It is a wonder there are still suitors left,” the chiding words of her councilor rang in her ear. “After ten years of being turned away, I wonder that they are still persistent.”
‘Oh you can wonder all you want,’ Sylvia thought irritably. ‘That won’t make me like the Baron from Jerminy, or the Oligarchy member from Grees any better.’ She turned away from the window, her good mood gone, while her bad mood dissolved into sadness. She had had a purpose while she ruled, and now her husband would take over that job. What would be her responsibility then? Having a baby, and then frittering away the time with embroidery and social calls.
A butler knocked tentatively and then called “My Lady?”
“Yes?” Sylvia was brought out of her self pity.
“Sir Demosthenes from Grees has arrived, to pay a call.” Sylvia frowned.
“I’m tired. “ she sighed. “Tell him to come tomorrow. More politely then that please.”
“Yes my lady,” the butler turned to leave, and then hesitated. “He has also brought a gift. Shall I bring it in?”
“All right,” Sylvia said impatiently, anything to get the suitor away. She lay morosely on her bed for a few minutes, not looking very forward to the chocolates or flowers that would undoubtedly be coming up the stairs any minute now.
“My lady,” it was the butler again. Sylvia turned her tired gaze to him, and gasped with surprise. Standing a little behind him, was a girl. She had long blonde hair, and big blue eyes. She was wearing the Grees clothes accustomed to a slave, and was looking about her fearfully. “The gift,” the butler said gently pushing the girl inside the room. “A slave girl to wait on you.” He bowed and backed out of the room.
Sylvia and the girl stared at each other for a few silent moments. “Do you have a name?” Sylvia asked a last.
The girl nodded, and whispered, “Adalia.” She smiled hesitantly.
“How old are you?” Sylvia asked.
“Sixteen,” Adalia replied. Sylvia tsked her tongue.
“I expect that you didn’t want to be given away as a slave, then. Your very young.”
“Oh no!” Adalia contradicted. “It is a great honor to serve a royal lady.”
“Well,” Sylvia said, “Your job might be easier then you think. I want you to tell me all about you, your life, and Grees.”
Adalia smiled again, bolder this time. “That shouldn’t be too hard,” she said. That was the beginning of a very long friendship.
By the way, this is KrazyKelia
Chapter One Beginnings
Epsilon looked down at the earth. So many people were down there, living their little lives, dreaming their tiny dreams. How could they not know that another whole world was above them, continually orbiting their pre-determined path? Epsilon was proud of the fact that he was a meteor, but he too dreamed of being something bigger.
“Epsilon Meteor Youngling,” Epsilon looked up, surprised to hear his full name said. Floating in front of him was Hinterop, the messenger of all the well known stars. “The great stars Aldebaran and Vega have requested an audience with you.” Epsilon could hardly believe his ears. The two most honored stars wanted to speak to him? He couldn’t wait to see what they wanted. They traveled light speed through the blackness until they reached the meeting place.
The stars had taken the shape of humans, as they would of burned up anyone who approached them if they were in their real shape. Still, a great light came from inside them, and Epsilon lowered his eyes in awe. He took his human shape too, and sat down in the chair a ways down the table from the stars.
“It has come to our attention,” Aldebaran announced formally, “That you have reached the age of two hundred and twenty.” This was still very young for a meteor, only about twenty two percent of Epsilons life had passed. “At that age it is the custom for meteors to go down to the neighboring life inhabited planet. You shall have a year to try to make some great change for the good there. If you succeed, you shall be transformed into a star. This is a very great honor for a meteor, and few achieve it. If you don’t succeed, you shall simply continue your life as a meteor.”
Epsilons eyes shone with excitement. This happened to every meteor some time in its life, but usually they were older. He hadn’t given much thought to it all yet. Imagine! An adventure on an earth where the sky seemed blue, and there were great expanses of water. It was shaped like a ball, so how could you ever get lost? You would eventually come back to the same spot again.
A nudge from Hinterop reminded Epsilon of his manners. “Thank you, O great star, for this wondrous chance.” he said. “I shall do my best.”
“There are some details that you will need to know,” Vega said. Her voice was silky and smooth, and very kind. “When you reach the earth, you will look as you are now. Your soul will not give off light, for there is a sun that will guide your way. Only in the greatest need will it shine once again. You will see that there are certain things that are necessary for your human body, such as eating and sleeping. It will not be easy in that world, for there are many things that you know nothing of. But I believe you can learn, and will do well. To help you we will plant knowledge of some of the most basic things of this world in your mind. In one hour you will be transported there. Go in peace.”
Epsilon nodded in thanks, absorbing all she told him. He transformed into his meteor shape, and sped away happily. He made sure they couldn’t see him before he started doing loops in the air gleefully.
The sunlight filtered through the water, broken into different colors and shapes. Bubbles floated toward the surface, their iridescent colors changing. Nadine swam slowly, enjoying the lightness of the water when she was close to the surface. A school of brightly colored fish drifted towards her, looking at her with big eyes, and a large green plant waved with the current.
“Surprise!” Coral, Nadine’s best friend, had crept up behind Nadine and now shot past her laughing.
“You always do that,” Nadine said good naturedly. “And now I’m going to get you!” She torpedoed towards Coral with a powerful flip of her tail, and a happy game of tag ensued. When at last they were tired out, they floated lazily down to the sandy sea floor.
“What were you doing, daydreaming like that?” Coral asked. “You usually aren’t so…. reflective.”
“I like peace,” Nadine said. “A moment away from you is rare enough,” she joked. When their laughter died down, Nadine said more thoughtfully, “Things have been changing around here though. Have you heard about the two mermaids who were stranded on the beach a few days ago?”
“Yes,” Coral said seriously. “But since when have mermaids been getting stranded?”
“It used to be that life was like paradise,” Nadine said a little dreamily. “No deaths, or when there was, it was just because of old age. We never had a worry on our mind.”
“Either the world is changing drastically,” Coral summed up, “Or something fishy is going on.”
Their talk ceased as their palace home came into view. The main building was coral, vibrantly red with flashes of mermaids swimming in the windows. There were several towers, all made out of mother of pearl. The silky white shell melted into pink, yellow, blue, silver, and green as the light hit it. Forests of bright sea plants surrounded it, and craggy mountains loomed in the distance. Right behind the palace there was a garden, with jewels laid out like flowers.
Coral and Nadine smiled at each other, the beauty of their home wiping away all fear and doubt in their minds.
Sylvia looked out of her window. The evening light cast misty shadows on her lawns and gardens, making everything look serene and magical. Her frown at last creased into a smile, and she sighed at the beauty.
Sylvia was a duchess in the prominent country of Ingland. She had become Duchess when she was 20, when her parents had died. She liked ruling, feeling important to the land, and giving justice to the people. Her councilors for several years had been urging her to marry, but she had ignored them until now, and she no longer could. Tradition had it that she must have an heir by the time she was 35, and now just 5 years before that age she had to get married.
“It is a wonder there are still suitors left,” the chiding words of her councilor rang in her ear. “After ten years of being turned away, I wonder that they are still persistent.”
‘Oh you can wonder all you want,’ Sylvia thought irritably. ‘That won’t make me like the Baron from Jerminy, or the Oligarchy member from Grees any better.’ She turned away from the window, her good mood gone, while her bad mood dissolved into sadness. She had had a purpose while she ruled, and now her husband would take over that job. What would be her responsibility then? Having a baby, and then frittering away the time with embroidery and social calls.
A butler knocked tentatively and then called “My Lady?”
“Yes?” Sylvia was brought out of her self pity.
“Sir Demosthenes from Grees has arrived, to pay a call.” Sylvia frowned.
“I’m tired. “ she sighed. “Tell him to come tomorrow. More politely then that please.”
“Yes my lady,” the butler turned to leave, and then hesitated. “He has also brought a gift. Shall I bring it in?”
“All right,” Sylvia said impatiently, anything to get the suitor away. She lay morosely on her bed for a few minutes, not looking very forward to the chocolates or flowers that would undoubtedly be coming up the stairs any minute now.
“My lady,” it was the butler again. Sylvia turned her tired gaze to him, and gasped with surprise. Standing a little behind him, was a girl. She had long blonde hair, and big blue eyes. She was wearing the Grees clothes accustomed to a slave, and was looking about her fearfully. “The gift,” the butler said gently pushing the girl inside the room. “A slave girl to wait on you.” He bowed and backed out of the room.
Sylvia and the girl stared at each other for a few silent moments. “Do you have a name?” Sylvia asked a last.
The girl nodded, and whispered, “Adalia.” She smiled hesitantly.
“How old are you?” Sylvia asked.
“Sixteen,” Adalia replied. Sylvia tsked her tongue.
“I expect that you didn’t want to be given away as a slave, then. Your very young.”
“Oh no!” Adalia contradicted. “It is a great honor to serve a royal lady.”
“Well,” Sylvia said, “Your job might be easier then you think. I want you to tell me all about you, your life, and Grees.”
Adalia smiled again, bolder this time. “That shouldn’t be too hard,” she said. That was the beginning of a very long friendship.
By the way, this is KrazyKelia
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