The Lagoon

 

I miss her…

For a long time I hated her. I thought she left me, abandoned me. I thought she abandoned her child. What woman… What mother abandons her child. She was strong, she was really strong. But in the end, she was weak. She didn’t even try to stay. She didn’t fight, why hadn’t she fought?

As I said…

For a long time, I was angry. I think I’m lying to myself when I use the word “was”, as if I’m still not angry. As if I have gotten over her. I’m still kind of angry, but not because she left. I guess… I guess I’m angry because, for so long I preoccupied myself with hate, with resentment, that I neglected my own daughter. she doesn’t deserve that. She deserved a father with Love. But her mother, she squeezed all the love I had out of me. She took my love when she left.

My daughter didn’t deserve that. She deserved a mother, is what she deserved! But seeing things more clearly now, what she really needed was a father. My only regret is that for the most part of her years, she hadn’t had one. I was bitter, really bitter.

The last time I saw her mother, I remembered her smile. I remembered her curly hair that sat gently on her shoulders. I remember Her beautiful green eyes. Her eyes reminded me of a lagoon we used to visit on the island of Bora Bora. The lagoon was amazing. One day we were on the shore of the lagoon. She smiled at me with her amazing grin. She had a way of sending chills down my back. She hadn’t said anything, but I just knew. It was the way she looked at me. The way she smiled, at that moment. It was as if she told me with her eyes that she wanted to be with me forever. She jumped up and ran to the lagoon. She looked back and blew me a kiss and then jumped in.

I jumped in after her. We both reached the bottom of the lagoon. She held my head down, trying to win our “who can hold their breath the longest” contest. My forehead softly hit the sand at the bottom of the lagoon. She swam up for air, but not me. My eyes had spotted something at the bottom of that lagoon. It was as if the universe was trying to tell me something. I reached out and dug my hand in the sand at the bottom of that lagoon. The object had been stuck and I was running out of air, but I did not care.

I tugged and pulled. I knew She had been worried. I knew she could see all my air bubbles escaping my mouth, traveling to the surface. I knew she was going to come down and pull me back up. I knew she was going to come back for me. I had to pull the object up before she pulled me up. My lungs felt like they were about to collapse, but I had not cared. I had done it. I had gotten the object from the sand and out from the tangled weeds. It was a huge diamond ring. Someone had lost it and it was here, at the moment she had mentally declared her love for me. The diamond had generated a great light. It was either that or I was seeing my own light. I clenched the ring in my hand. I began to black out. I felt myself pulled to the top.

I woke up on the shore of the lagoon. She stared at me with eyes of concern. I knew she was scared and I was too. What was this feeling, this over excitement? Why did I feel so powerful, so strong? As I pulled the string of hair that laid over her eyes behind her ear, I knew the answer to my question. It was her. She made me feel strong. She was my eternal energy source. She was the battery that kept me going and without her, I knew I would be nothing. I knew at that moment I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. I sat up and opened my fist. She stared at the ring in my hand. She quickly placed her hands over her mouth in shock. Tears streamed from her eyes and before I could ask, she said

“I do.”

She promised to be there with me, through thick and thin. Through sickness and in health. But when the priest said till death do us part, we paused. Everyone thought it strange. They snickered and laughed as they thought we were having second thoughts, but they had not understood. Our love was strong, stronger than death. There was no death that would do us part. We omitted the “death do us part” oath and created a vow of our own. Our marriage would continue through death.

She promised me…

I was thinking, or maybe I just hadn’t wanted to see, but she had kept her promise.

When I saw her at the hospital, the last time I saw her while giving birth, the doctors told us we had two options. Push through with the delivery and I lose my wife, or save my wife and lose the child. Like the blind man I was, I chose my wife. I was a lost fool. How could I live without her? She had not smiled. She told me that her love would continue through our child. But I had not listened, I had not agreed. I could never love another, not even a child. Foolish me, foolish words. I only wish I could have take them back. She began to push. I began to hate her. She had made her choice without me. I had not held her hand, I had not coached her to push. I withdrew my support, the one thing I promised I would give, through sickness and in health.

She remained loyal till the end. With the most amazing glow, she smiled at me. I had not honored her through death. She left knowing I had not honored our vows. I hadn’t realized it then, but she remained faithful to our vows. She had left her love through our daughter. If only I had looked at my daughters eyes. If only I had seen those beautiful green eyes. I would have realized that my wife had remained with me and all I had to do was look at her beautiful eyes.

I was angry… but now,

now I am sad.

My daughter stands before me, by my side, watching me take my last breath. Her eyes saddened. The eyes her mother had, still has love for me. She watches me in pity as I am unable to respond. I should have spent more time with her. I should of held her more as a child. I should have appreciated her eyes, the eyes of the lagoon. I should have loved her, but hate occupied where loves once dwelt.

But my daughter, she had love for me. The passion she felt sent a chill down my spine, the same chill her mother once gave me. Around her neck was the ring from the lagoon. She kept it as a symbol of true love.  My daughter had not blamed me for loving her mother. She was understanding of my withdrawal from her, even though she shouldn’t have been. It’s not that i hadn’t loved my daughter or shown her love. But i hadn’t shown enough. I hadn’t really appreciated her. Her tears fell from her eyes and unto my cheek. It slowly ran from the corner of my eyes and down my face. Another tear from my own eye had followed it. I felt as I had when I was in the lagoon.

I felt like I was under water. My lungs began to collapse, I could feel them failing. I could see a bright light. I  knew darkness would come next. I turn to my daughter and her fiance. I reach out to speak, but no sound comes out. My daughter looks into my eyes and nods her head as if she could read my thoughts. Just as I had with my wife.

“I wont father, I wont ever give up on love. I will love through death,” She said

“I will love her through death,” Her fiance declared. I smiled as more tears released from my eyes. She had known what I wanted to say. Darkness surrounded my eyes. I could not see. I knew I would open my eyes soon and my wife would be waiting for me, at the lagoon.

Cassowary

The turtle tank had not been cleaned in a week and the odor was beginning to fill the room. Every once and a while, everyone would glance over at the turtle tank, praying someone would dispose of it. feeling their murderous gazes, the turtle hid behind the rock, careful not to make a sound. The windows had been closed, trapping the smell that fought, so desperately, to relieve the class of it’s lingering presence. The fan had not helped at all. It bounced the smell around from nose to nose, causing more and more students to look up from their test to glance at the turtle tank.

The smell, however, had not bothered Kelly. Or maybe, she just hadn’t noticed it. She clicked her pen as she stared into the the air, lost in thought. Her test half way completed, but this had not bothered her. She was pretty sure she wasn’t going to fail the test anyway. Her glasses slid to the tip of her nose, submitting to the force of gravity. Kelly used the tip of her pen to prop it back in place, full aware that she would have to repeat the process in probably the next three minutes.

“Five Minutes guys,” Mr. Brainshaw declared. Kelly couldn’t help but notice how unusually geeky he looked today. Geeky turned her on. Brainshaw’s ocean blue eyes drowned her thoughts. She was mesmerized. It was as if he had hypnotized her with his stern stare. He would always glance at her through the top of his glasses. She would smile, but only after he would look away. The top of his shirt had three unloosed buttons. The open shirt revealed his curly black hair that was pasted to his chest. She would always get a quick look at his butt, but he never turned around long enough  for her to enjoy it. It was as if he knew she was watching.

“Pens and pencils down,” Brainshaw declared. He quickly glanced at Kelly through the top of his glasses, the way he would do with everyone and then quickly looked away. Kelly, as faithfully as always, smiled. The bell rang and the class began to move. everyone began to pack there bags as if there had just been a fire drill.

“Alright, Alright,” Brainshaw declared. “School’s out, but my class isn’t. Please place your test on my desk on the way out. Helen! that better be your name that you are writing on that test!” Helen smiled and quickly put her pen away. She smiled and handed the test to Brainshaw, but not in any ordinary way. She smiled and seductively poked her chest out. She teased him with the paper, pulling it out of his hand as he attempted to take it. He smiled and snatched it.

“I hope I pass, Mr. Brainshaw,” She said sweetly, then exited the room.

“Whore,” Kelly whispered to herself. The room quickly cleared out. Brainshaw smiled at Kelly, still in her seat. He picked up the eraser and quickly cleared the board. Kelly caught the butt show, as he stretched and reached. She smiled as she placed her pen in her mouth.

“Anything I can help you out with, Kelly?” Brainshaw asked, clapping the chalk dust from his hands.

“I was actually looking for a little… extra credit,” Kelly declared. Brainshaw laughed and straightened the papers on his desk.

“Go home, Kelly.”

“I’m serious. I don’t think I have what it takes to succeed in this class. I was wondering if you could possibly help me out?” She twirled her hair, feeling more uncomfortable then she was sexy. She began to pop gum, that did not exist in her mouth. She slowly walked to the desk and rubbed her finger on a spec on his desk. Soon realizing the spec was a booger someone had left behind, she hysterically wiped it off on one of the test. She smiled, as she continued to try and seduce Brainshaw.

“Kelly, you’re new to this class. I mean for  God sakes, you’ve only been here two weeks. You don’t know me,” Brainshaw declared, teasing her, more than putting her in her place.

“I know you’re sexy,” She teased. Brainshaw smiled at the comment. “But I also know you’re kind of… not much man down there,” She declared. Brainshaw had not been smiling any longer. Confusion rang in his ear.

“Really? Is that what you think?” Brainshaw asked sternly. Kelly nodded, while placing her finger on her mouth and a hand on the desk. She stared at him through her thin glasses, as if to tease him. She smiled, humored by his response.

“A little birdie told me that… Well, that you have a little birdie.” She took a small piece of chalk and held it close to her face. She blew on the chalk and placed it back down.

“Your information is… Who told you this?” Brainshaw asked.

“Mr. Brainshaw, you misunderstand. I think you’re sexy, either way. Blessed, or not so blessed, you’re a sweet guy.”

“There’s nothing sweet about me,” Brainshaw declared.

“Tasha seems to think so,” Kelly declared.

“Tasha is a whore,” Brainshaw declared.

“Wanda thinks you’re a sweet guy too. She said you remind her of her little brother. Body parts and all,” Kelly continued to tease.

“Wanda’s an even bigger whore, Brainshaw stated with a smile.

“Ooo, I see a pattern here Brainshaw. I think you like whores. That or you have a low opinion of your students,” Kelly declared. She was now sitting on his desk. “She leaned in close, while pulling on his tie, until she was in his ear. “What if I want to be a whore too.” She leaned back and bit her bottom lip. Her lip stick had not smeared, but continued to gloss. Brainshaw smiled. He looked her up and down. He leaned in close, while placing his hand on the desk for support.

“I’ll try not to judge,” He declared, still smiling. “Wanda and Tasha spoke to you of a bird?” Brainshaw asked. Kelly laughed a little as she pulled on his tie once again.

“A rather small one,” She declared. She began to kiss his neck, he had not stopped her.

“Have you ever heard of the Cassowary?” Brainshaw asked as he played with Kelly’s lips. He grabbed her waist, outlining her hips with his finger. She glared in his eyes and shook her head no. She then kissed his chin.

“It’s an aggressive bird. One of the most aggressive birds actually.” He caressed her back as she submitted to his touch by arching her back. “If you’re not careful,” He began.

“It can kill you.” Kelly stopped and looked him in the eyes. She searched for the meaning behind his words. “But something tells me, you’re a predator yourself,” Brainshaw declared.

“I’m sixteen. What do I know about preying.” Kelly got up and walked away from Brainshaw. “You and Wanda… Are you done with her?” Brainshaw glared up at kelly. Now it was his turn to search her eyes for meaning. “She very unstable, I would hate to have detention for a stupid fight over you.”

“I love a girl who fights over me,” Brainshaw declared, walking over to Kelly. He placed his hands on her hip and quickly looked about the window and then back at her. “I’m done with all of them, especially Wanda. I see the way you look at me in class, as if you want to tell me something,” Brainshaw declared. He leaned in close and whispered in her ear.

“Now’s your time. What is it you want to say?” Brainshaw asked as he lightly nibbled on the top of her ear.

“You’re under arrest,” Kelly declared soft;y. They both stared each other, him still holding her. Kelly slowly brought her arm around and over his grip until she lightly placed the gun to his face along with her badge. “Hands off the hips and on the desk. NOW!” she declared. Brainshaw, confused, quickly followed her instructions. It wasn’t long before the cops came running through the door. They held Brainshaw head on the desk as they cuffed him. Braisnshaw looked up at kelly with hate and anger. Kelly returned the look with pity.

“Wanda… She was fourteen, Brainshaw. Fourteen!” kelly declared.

“Was?” Brainshaw asked.

“Was,” Kelly declared.

“I had nothing…”

“To do with her death?” Kelly asked . “You may have had nothing to do with killing her, but you were the reason for her suicide four weeks ago,” Kelly declared. She threw a stick on the desk near his head. He had not recognized it at first until they pulled his head from the desk. It was a pregnancy test.  He looked up at Kelly with even more confusion.

“Yes, it’s alive and it’s yours.” She turned around and the police began to take him away.

“Wait!” Kelly declared. The men stopped. Kelly walked up to Brainshaw  and gazed at his defeated  and ashamed face. She smiled at her victory. “Brainshaw, you and I both know, That was not a Cassowary down there,” She said looking down. The officers smirked.

“But be careful, because where you’re going, they have a lot of them there. So I’d take your own advice, because you said it best. if you’re not careful…” She began as she walked towards the door. She turned around and let her hair down. She removed the glasses and broke them in two.

“They can kill you.”

His first love

The rain invaded the city as it unexpectedly fell from the sky. The sky had decided to cry that night. The sky wept for Matthew, as he swiftly exited the building. Walking wasn’t getting him anywhere. He had to run. He began to run, trying his hardest to escape the pain. It seemed to catch up to him. His heart thumped and pit pattered along with the dark rain that fell. His eyes had been partially closed, hoping he wouldn’t see the bus he prayed would hit him.

“Matthew! Matthew wait!” he heard Brian call out to him. “Matthew!! Please!” Brian ran after his friend ignoring the harsh rain the beat on his shoulders. there had been nothing on Brians feet. His appearance had not concerned him, only catching up with his friend. His voice had reached Matthew and he immediately stopped. Matthew had not turned around to face Brian. He did not want to see his face and Brian knew this. Brian took a small step forward, trying to figure out if it was appropriate to approach him. Matthews fist clenched as a stream of water slid off of him and to the ground. His wavy hair had been stuck to his face, but he had not cared. Neither of them cared.

“Matthew…” Brian began, breaking the loud silence. Matthew had not responded. He tried to make himself turn around, but he just stood there.

“You wanted to hurt me,” Matthew cried.

“No,” Brian declared softly.

“You did hurt me,” Matthew declared finally turning around. “It hurts, Brian. I’m hurting right now!” Matthew glared in the eyes of his new enemy. His eyes full of hate and sorrow. His eyes quivered and his lip trembled. Brian couldn’t tell the difference between the tears that streamed from the eyes of his friend and the rain that washed them away. Brian returned his gaze with regret. He wanted to be sympathetic, he wanted to show passion, but he couldn’t find it in him to do so.

“Why?” Matthew asked in a sob. Brian knew the answer, he knew why, but he didn’t want to tell him. He couldn’t bring himself to say the words, let alone think them. He knew he was about to lose the best thing that had happened to him. He knew he owed Matthew everything, and at the least, an explanation. But his pride had took control. he shook his head and glanced at the ground. Matthew nodded his head, disappointed. He looked at Brian, knowing he wanted to speak.

“It’s just me Damn it. It’s me, your best friend. You’re the only one I have. Brian…” Matthew cried. “Brian, I love you man, and… and… and I’m here, right here in this damn rain, and i’m asking… No I’m demanding you… My friend, that I would do anything for… to tell me why.” Matthew eyes continued to rock back and forth, waiting for a reply. Brian had not picked his head up. He searched the ground with his eyes, hoping they would reveal the answer. Brian had buried his own truth and there was no lie that had surfaced in it’s place. Brian looked up and searched his friends eyes for a little understanding, but he found none.

“Because… I love her,” Brian declared. the rain continued to fall, but there had been no sound. Matthews pupil shrunk. His heart began to heat up. Brian looked away as he rubbed his arms from the cold. there was no excuse for Brian sleeping with the girl Matthew was trying to get with. But Brian knew Matthew really had no interest in the girl. It was just his feeble attempt at covering up what he really was inside. A truth he too had buried. The thing is, No matter how hard Matthew tried to bury his secret preference, It would always confront him when he was around Brian. Brian knew this. It was all anyone talked about, but Brian valued his friendship with Matthew, but he valued the touch of a woman more.

Why did he choose the woman Matthew was trying to date? Well, opportunity had presented itself. And just like every weak man at the right time in the wrong place, he took it… the opportunity. It wasn’t to hurt his friend, it most certainly wasn’t because he loved her, but it made him wonder… Why those words. Why did he choose to blurt those words. It confused him. More than it had Matthew.

“Brian… I,” Matthew began. he closed his mouth, reconsidering his next words. He shook his head and turned around. He began to walk away, but immediately stopped as he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry Matthew! Please, I dont want to end it like this.”

“End what? Not this friendship. Is that what you thought this was? Tell me why you really did it Brian? Is it because of what almost happened?” Matthew cried.

“Nothing almost happened,” Brian declared softly, looking away at the people running from the rain.

“Why did you do this? to make me jealous?”

“No. I did it because. Because she was giving me what I needed, Matthew. And i’m sorry it was her.”

“I don’t care about her!” Matthew yelled. “Why couldn’t I…”

“Stop Matthew!” Brian declared, feeling uncomfortable. he didn’t want to upset Matthew, but he didn’t want him to finish his sentence.

“You don’t care about me. You know what you mean to me and I mean nothing to you?” Matthew declared, feeling uncomfortable to himself for sounding like a female.

“I don’t care about you? You mean nothing to me!?” Brian asked aloud. “I’m standing out here, bare feet with shorts and a tee shirt in the damn rain, begging for your forgiveness! I came after you, Matthew, because I care about you.” Matthew quickly looked around and then back at Matthew. “I love you man. You’re the best thing I got besides my girl. And she don’t even get as much attention as you. And i’m cheating on her.” Matthew turned around again to walk away.

“Matthew, please man,” Brian declared. Matthew couldn’t stand it anymore. He had built his resolve, he knew the friendship was over, there was no point hiding his feelings. No point hiding the truth. he turned around one last time, staring in the eyes of his once best friend.

“I love you Brian. Sometimes, more than I love myself. When all I have is a dollar to my name, i’m thinking of ways to spend it on you. When my phone beeps or rings, I quickly answer it on the slight chance that it’s you hitting me up. You should see my face when it’s not. When I’ve done a million things within the day and my mom ask how was my day, I think of the one moment I spent with you. Every time i hear a joke and i need to share it with someone, you’re the first person I contact. If all you needed was a heart, mines is yours to take Brian. I love you,” Matthew declared. he paused a moment to think “I’m in love with you,” he said, more to himself than to Brian.

“But the thing that kills me most, is that I think you already knew that,” Matthew declared. Brian said nothing. He looked away, which he made a habit of doing when he was in a tight situation. He slowly walked towards Matthew. He wanted to tell Matthew that he had known all along. he slowly wrapped his arms around his friend tight. Matthew grabbed his friend and cried. It was only a few seconds before Brian gently pulled away.

“I love you Matthew,” Brian declared, looking his friend in the eyes. Matthew eyes lit up. He was hurt, still hurt, but something about his friends warmth had saved him from the darkness. Something about his smile had soothed his mind. Something about his eyes reciprocated his feelings. Matthew leaned in to kiss his friend, but Brian’s hands had stop him.

“Just not like that,” Brian declared. Shame filled the face of Matthew. Brian, once again, looked away, pained that he had to hurt his friend. It had not been what he wanted. Deep down Brian knew how he had really felt, but it wasn’t what he wanted. He wanted everything to go back to normal. He wanted to wake up tomorrow and call his best friend. But there would be no call. Brian took two steps back, their eyes had not moved from each other. It was as if their eyes were having a private conversation. Brian slowly turned around and ran back to the building. Matthew stood in the rain, soaked. Soaked in hurt, in pain, in confusion. His time with his friend flashed before him.

He could hear Adele playing her love lost music in his head. There would never be another like Matthew and Brian knew this. There was a limit to how far two men could go, without crossing any lines. And although Matthew was willing to cross those lines, Brian wasn’t ready to. It wasn’t that Matthew was attracted to men, but he had found his first love. A true love. Something a woman had not shown him. He looked up at the third floor window. A woman had been watching him. She bit her lip and shame at how she contributed to the hurt Matthew had been feeling. She took one last look and quickly closed the curtains. Matthew turned around and walked away, taking Adele with him.

The Junior Goddess

Ginger, spice and nothing at all nice. This is the stuff Emma was made of. Her black lipstick shined from the lip gloss that lightly coated it. It was always sunny in Fountain Hills, but it seemed as if Emma’s skin refused to tan. Her jet black hair always shined. She was always asked how long it took for her to do her hair in the morning, or how many times do she brush it at night. But the truth was, all she had to do to make her hair shine, was wake up. 

“Wassup Emma!” a boy declared, as Emma walked by. She had heard him, but she ignored him and it was totally cool. He had been happy just to get a glimpse of her. There no particular word to explain Emma’s status in school. Popular wouldn’t come close, more like… a Goddess.

Even the cheerleaders worshiped her. All the jocks wanted her, the pageant girls wanted to be her, the nerds couldn’t explain her, the teachers couldn’t tame her, but everyone feared her. No one would eat at lunch, unless she first sat down. Everything and everyone at school revolved around Emma and no one could explain why… No one except for Emily.

Emily had not be as relevant, as popular, but this did not bother Emily. Emma’s evil charms had no affect on Emily, for she knew the truth. Emily and Emma shared the same black hair and light brown eyes. They both were the new girls in the school. Both finishing their Junior year in high school. But even more interesting, they both shared the same secret. 

Emma and Emily were witches. 

“Emily? I didn’t expect to see you here. How’d you get to school? wasn’t your mothers car repossessed?” Emma laughed, walking up to Emily at her locker. The three blondes that trailed behind her laughed as well. 

“I flew on my broomstick,” Emily declared, trying to remember her combination.

“Emily, you’re such loser,” one of the blondes declared. “You should be more like Emma.”

“Oh, Valerie,” Emily began, still trying to figure out the combination to her locker. “You’re only saying that because you and the whole school are under a spell,” Emily declared, attempting to create a facetious inside joke. Emma had caught it and lightly chuckled to herself. 

“Seriously, Emily. You need to live a little more,” Emma declared. She pointed at the lock, causing it to immediately open. “You have a gift, I don’t know why you don’t use it.”

“Because unlike you, Emma, I am afraid of the consequences.”

“You’re such a bore. You could have anything you want.”

“I have all that I need, thank you,” Emily declared. 

“Why are you even a witch?” Valerie asked. Emily Immediately turned around and stared at her, then at Emma. Emma smiled at Emily’s surprise.

“Valerie, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Emily declared, trying to dismiss it as some kind of joke.

“She knows what she’s talking about. These three have been released from my little, goddess spell.” Emily stared at Emma in shock. “Oh come one Emily, I don’t think our almighty leader will mind. Besides, its boring being the only one with powers… who’s willing to use it.”

“No, you can’t. If they join, then that means…”

“I know exactly what it means,” Emma declared.  

“I’m not going to let it happen. I’m going to stop. And while I’m at it, i think i’ll take the school off this curse. You’ve had enough fun this year Emma,” Emily declared, leaning off of her locker and walking towards Emma. The three blonde girls began to circle Emily, as if to attack. The sky outside began to cloud up and darken. Emily could see a small storm forming in the distance. It had no doubt been Emma’s magic. Emily had not been afraid, she knew exactly the power Emma had. She knew the power she possessed as well. 

“Was that a threat, Emily? Sister’s… I think she just threatened us. She’s going to stop you all from awakening your true potential as witches,” Emma declared. 

“Emma, you do not scare me. And you know… and I know as well… that you don’t have the power to beat me,” Emily declared. The blonde girls laughed. Emma stared at Emily, contemplating if this was the route she wanted to take. 

“If you want to stop me, Emily, You’re going to need a hell of a lot of magic. And I don’t think you want to deal with the consequences. All you have is your mother now.

One of the blonde girls quickly pointed their skinny finger at Emily. A spark of lightning hit Emily in the back of her head, causing her to stumble forward. Emily fell to her knees, but not all the way to the floor. The rest of the blondes pointed their fingers and sparks began to fly. the sparks pierced her clothes, but not her skin. 

The sparks weren’t really as painful as they were just annoying. They stopped suddenly, but it had not been on their own. 

“That wasn’t nice girls,” Emily declared, hands and knees on the floor. The blonde girls finger suddenly bent upward, breaking their pointing fingers. They screamed in pain. They grabbed their fingers, deciding whether or not to bend them back in place.

 Three lockers immediately opened. Three shadowed arms extended from the lockers and grabbed the three barbie doll blonde girls and just as quickly, pulled them in to the lockers, shutting it tight. The three girls screamed and banged on the door, but it was as if no one could hear them.

Emma tried to point her finger at Emily, but she froze. It was as if her body was not responding at all. Emma struggled and began to sweat. Emily slowly climbed to her feet. At this point, fear began to creep into her throat and slowly climbed to her heart. 

“Do you see how weak you are, Emma? Do you now see just how much more powerful I am? You still have to point in order to use your powers,” Emily declared. “Do you know what happens when i point my finger?” Emily was finally on her feet. She slowly drew for her hand.

“No! Emily please, I’m sorry!” Emma declared. Emily smiled as she pointed her finger at Emma’s head. Emma closed her eyes and screamed. There was a loud explosion behind her, as the wall behind her had been blown through. The bricks flew into the air, hitting trees and cars. Emma could feel the pressure on her skull as if it were to crack any moment. Emma continued to scream.

She stopped as she heard the bell ring. Emma looked around, the school had been normal. The three lockers opened and the three girls fell from the locker and unto the floor. They had been scared beyond reckoning. There had seemed to be a small crowd and they began to laugh. 

“As I said, Emma, you’ve had enough fun for the year.” Emily nodded her head in agreement. “And the spell?”

“I’ll take it off,” Emma declared, still afraid. Emily looked at the three girls.

“Every time you use your power, something bad happens to someone you love,” Emily declared. Emily took her books from the locker and began to walk away. 

“I’ll make sure your mother gets her tires back,” Valerie declared, trying to get on Emily’s good side. Emily stopped and turned around. My mother has been dead for years. The old lady at home is my daughter and the middle aged woman is my Grand daughter,” Emily declared. You know what my punishment for my powers is?” The girls all looked at each other and then back at Emily. I”‘m seventeen for ever. I’m doomed to watch my children die. It hurts,” she declared. A tear left her eye, then she turned and walked away. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Too bad

The drop of sweat had been a stubborn one. It had made its way all the way from the top of his forehead, slithering past his eyes and and creeping up the bridge of his nose, until it stopped at the tip. All the other beads of sweat had not hesitated. It was as if it was natural for them to let go and fall to the floor.

But not this one. Nope, it decided it wasn’t its time yet and it clung to the tip of Jonas nose for dear life. Another sweat from the tip of his forehead had followed the same path as the First, slithering and dipping, avoiding the pot holes he called eyes, until finally it reached the tip of his nose as well. Jonas immediately woke, causing both drops to fall to the floor below. They disappeared, in what appeared to be, the red sand below, cleansing their existence. Jonas looked around, He could see clearer than he was able to five minutes ago. He didn’t even have his glasses. But the sudden strength in sight wasn’t what bothered Jonas the most. Confusion and fear clung to his heart as he noticed, he had been chained to the wall. The wall slanted a little bit, as if it were to collapse at any given moment.

He grabbed the chains that bound him, trying to figure out how tight they had been. He pulled and yanked and tugged, but the chains would not budge. Jonas started to panic, as he began to notice that the chains weren’t just binding him to the wall, but part of the chains seemed to have been fused to his body. There were burn marks all over his arms and legs. Confusion began to climax in the mind of Jonas. Fear began to climax in his heart. He heard distant screams and it had only made him even more afraid. He was afraid to scream, maybe if he stayed quiet, they wouldn’t know he was awake. Well… thats what he thought anyway.

A woman screamed behind him, as if she was directly on the other side of the wall. Her scream wasn’t a fearful scream, but it was more real, more vicious. it was a scream of pain and Jonas could hear it all in her voice. Jonas heard another scream, but it was more sinister. Every time the woman would scream, Jonas would here the deep dark scream right after, as if to mock her. Cries followed and then dark laughter. Jonas began to tug on the chains even harder. He looked up in front of him, as he watched a very tall, very thin man arranging tools on a shelf. his back had been to Jonas and he was extremely quite.

Jonas thought his heart could’t beat faster, but it had and he was afraid, so afraid. he began to cry, trying to figure what happened. Why was he here? Where was he? What was going to happen next? But more importantly, who was the tall man and where did he come from? Was he there the whole time/ Jonas thought maybe he should calm down. What ever was going to happen would happen and there was nothing he could do. Maybe he should just figure out what was going on. He took three deep breathes and quickly closed his eyes. he opened them again and stared at the tall man that continued to work, as if he was preparing for something.

“Sup?” Jonas asked, trying to remain cool. He tried not to show fear, but his teeth wouldn’t stop chattering. his voice was shaky, it couldn’t be helped.

“Sup?” the man responded normally. Jonas hadn’t expected such a normal response, with a normal voice. the man had no shirt. His spine looked as if it was going to fall out. He looked as if he hadn’t eaten in years. Never the less, His response made Jonas feel a little better. Maybe Jonas could talk sense into him.

“Whatcha doin over there buddy?” Jonas asked, teeth still chattering.

“Um… I am preparing,” The strange man declared.

“Preparing for what?”

“I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but… It’s nothing good Jonas, I’m not going to lie to you.”

“Who are you and what do you want from me?”

“Who am I? Well, that’s kind of a difficult question to answer Jonas. You never believed in me before, so why try to convince you now. As far as what I want… well, you’ve already given it to me about…” The man glanced at the wall to his left. A clock squeezed it’s way through the wall. Jonas had not recognized the type of clock. It had more than 12 dials on it. It then squeezed it’s way back into the wall and disappeared.

“… about five minutes ago,” The man continued. He turned around to face Jonas. Jonas couldn’t even begin to dream of what was going on and who this man had been, but one thing had been extremely certain when he turned around. This being standing in front of him was no man. It had six eyes and all sharp teeth. His tongue had been split. One of his eyes seemed to have been burned. Jonas gasped in fear. The chains that had been bound to Jonas began to heat up. The room began to get really stuffy and Jonas couldn’t breathe.

“The chains!” Jonas cried out, as he tugged on the chains. “The chains are burring me!” he cried.The being had stood there and watched. Neither five eyes blinked. He did not smile, nor did he move. He stood there emotionless, just staring. The chains turned fire red as they began to scorch him. Jonas let go the greatest scream in his life. the pain was unbearable. It seemed to have lasted for hours, until finally it stopped. Jonas head fell down in exhaustion, but more than exhaustion, he felt thirsty.

“Please… what did I do?” Jonas cried.

“You did nothing, Jonas. You did nothing and that was your mistake,” The being declared. Jonas glanced at his body, only to see, what doctors might have called, The worse kind of burn scars. They burned so deep that it tore his flesh. The dark figure lifted up a big bucket. “Thirsty?” he asked. He then threw the liquid unto Jonas. Jonas screamed as he arched his back in even more pain. Jonas cried and sobbed, snot and drool releasing form his mouth. He thought he had pissed for the third time. The alcohol the figure had thrown on him had not ceased. It continued to burn. the being, again, stood there emotionless.

“Please stop,” Jonas cried.

“Thank you. I must say Pleading down here, is like giving a door man a $50 dollar tip. it only means I’m doing my job right. and I haven’t even gotten to the good part.” The being set the bucket down and walked away. he came back into the room with company.

“They wanted to say hi to you, Jonas. The being teased. It was his mother, little brother, grand mother and girlfriend. there had been another man he hadn’t recognized. Jonas tried to cover himself, as he had been naked. His mother began to cry as she held his grandmothers hand and held his little brother.

“Release Him! let him go now!” his mother cried

“We need you bro, come on, fight it,” The little brother said as he cried. The chains began to heat up again and Jonas began to scream. he saw his mother crying as she watched. his girlfriend, however had not cared. She was in the arms of another man as they made out. This made Jonas upset. Had she ever cared about him. Jonas let off more screams as flames engulfed him this time. The last thing he remembered was a highway, a crash. Then it hit him… Was he dead? Was he in hell? What happened friend? did he die as well?

“I can answer your questions Jonas,” The being said, aware of everything he was thinking, everything he was feeling. He knew it all.

“Yes, you’re in hell. And worse part is, you’re going to be here for a long…” The being had not finished his sentence. there was darkness and then immediate light. Jonas looked to the ceiling as he was being rolled away. He could see the lights passing down on the hall.

“He’s back, good work doctor. I want an EMP over here stat. I don’t want to lose him again. You’re going to be ok, son,’ the doctor explained.

“Don’t let me die, please don’t let me die. I don’t want to go back,” Jonas cried, too afraid to stop talking.

“We got you son. we’re not going to let you…” There had been a flash of light and then darkness. Jonas immediately opened his eyes and found he had been back in his chains. He had been naked, but the atmosphere had changed. It felt like he was in a freezer. The five eyed being finally smiled and held his heart.

“Well, that was close. They almost saved you. Too bad,” The being declared. He then quickly picked up his whip.

Open the Window

Click Click… Click Click… Click Click

Justina opened her eyes. She stared at the ceiling, thinking to herself if she had heard something. The clock on the wall continued to tick. The clock would always “tick, tick, tick” her to sleep. She glanced at the glass of water on her counter, which she last remembered filling with ice. The glass sweated and there had been no evidence of ice in the cup. She lightly wiped the sweat away from her own forehead.

Click Click… Click Click… Click Click

Justina sat up straight, she knew she had heard something. She quickly looked at her clock on the wall.

3:14 am… He was late today.

Justina knew where the sound had been coming from. It came from her window. She slowly slipped from under the covers and gently placed her feet on the hardwood floor. The floor had been sticky from the heat.  But the heat wasn’t what worried her. The stranger that was trying to gain her attention, he was back. Third time this week. Justina had not been as fearful as she was the first day. For as long as she remained inside the house, she was ok.

Click Click… Click Click… Click Click

Justina could see the small pebbles raping on the window and sliding off the side of her house.  She made no attempt to move. She stared at the window, hoping he would just go away. He would stand at her window and watch her sleep, hoping, waiting for her to open the window. Justina was no fool, or so she thought.

“Justina,” the mysterious man whispered from outside. It was light and faint. The window was closed tight and yet she could still hear him. The eerie whisper sent chills down her spine. The fear she thought she had overcome, made a surprise visit. Her heart began to pound slow and hard. It was as if someone was pounding on her chest from the inside trying to run. Her heart was trying to escape, to run. But her mind told her she was safe. Her mind knew what she was talking about. Her mind had saved her a million times, why would he fail her now.

Now if only she could convince her beating heart of that.

“Justina,” the voice whispered again. Slowly, Justina could see the top of someones head in her window, as if the were hiding. His head slowly began to rise until his eyes peeked through the window. His eyes were a deep blue. The blue in his eyes had not reminded her of the beautiful sky or the peaceful lake by her house. It reminded her of death, desperation, deceit… anything bad that began with a D really.

Soon she could see his sadistic smile and his pale neck. He crossed his arms as he floated in front of her window.

“Justina, why do you ignore me?” The mysterious man asked.

“Leave me alone,” Justina declared. Her mind had been proud of her courage. She coached Justina, trying her hardest to drown out the cries of her fearful heart.

“Justina, is that anyway to treat a guest? I am a guest of your home, right?” The pale man asked.

“No,” Justina cried out “Leave me alone before I call the police.” the man dug in his pocket and quickly pulled out a wallet.

“Detective Roger Jones at your service. Why don’t you let me in and we can talk about whats bothering you,” The man declared. He laughed as he dropped the wallet. Justina was well aware of who Detective Jones was and it wasn’t this man. He lifted his finger and lightly scratched the window. He licked his lips as he passionately stared at Justina.

“I’m going to scream,” Justina warned.

“Sure, give them a reason to think you’re even more crazy,” the man laughed. He grabbed the window gaurds and shook it in fury “Open this damn window!” the man declared. his eyes beamed a darker blue, but then quickly changed back, as he contained his composure.

“Go away,” Justina warned. The man smiled in amusement. He scratched his nose and rubbed his chin, hoping their was more to the sentence.

“Sounded to me that you were about to say, or else. Or else what, Justina?” what exactly do you plan to do?”

“Go away! There is nothing here for you. You are going to leave me alone. I’ve been doing well without you. Get away from my window, you pale, death smelling individual. Go kill yourself,” Justina said. Shen worked up the courage to tell him off.

“Oooh, big girl hiding behind the window. Funny, when you were sleep, your heart was so calm. You know, when I was out there throwing pebbles outside of your window, I was harmonizing. I was listening to your heart. It sounded like a symphony. The rocks on your window wasn’t to get your attention, it was just me enjoying my personal little boom box. When you woke up, UGH!! Music. Your heart began to climax and it was my favorite part of the song. Justina,” The mysterious man continued “I’m not going to be satisfied until the music stops. Now open… the window.”

“You… it was you! you killed mom! You killed haley and brad! you took my family away from me! It was you!” Justina cried. “I remember your eyes that night. No, you’re not going to get me! Not this time.”

“Justina don’t do this!” the man warned.

“Help!! Someone Help me!!” Justina cried out. She lifted herself from her bed and screamed as loud as she could. The mysterious man broke out in laughter, as she continued to scream for help. The Metal door opened and three nurses and two guards rushed into her room.

“CALM DOWN MS. CALLPRI,” the nurses pleaded. Justina continued to scream and fight the nurses off of her.

“He’s there, He’s still there in the window laughing at me!” Justina cried. the nurses glanced through the small bar windows. The doctor rushed into the room and stuck her with a sedative

“Shhhh, it’s ok now Justina. He’s gone, He left.” the doctor declared.

“He wanted me to open the window again, Doctor Jones. He asked me to open the window.”

“Never open the window, Justina. Remeber what happened the last time you opened the window. Don’t let him in, don’t let him take over,” Doctor Robert Jones declared. They placed Justina back in her bed, as she began to fall asleep.

“Poor girl. She killed her mother and two siblings, I guess that haunts you forever. She was doing so well this month Doctor,” The nurse declared as she closed the door. Justina continued to sleep.

Click Click… Click Click… Click Click…

“Justina,” Said the low sinister whisper.