Everything Happens for a Reason by Taylor H.

There’s always going to be something that you regret in life, but it’s how you react to it that makes you the person that you are. Faith was growing up, just a small town girl, living with the loss of her parents. She grew up with her grandmother; however, she has a huge regret in her life, a mistake that has changed her life forever.

Faith not only has to live with the loss of her parents, but she also has to learn to become a parent of her own. Luckily, she has her grandmother there by her side, and she’s not going to make her raise the baby alone, but it’s still going to be hard for her to be a single sixteen year old mother. She’s gone through a lot with her Grandmother in the past year, and Faith has been there every step of the way. Faith has always been the strong one, but now it’s time for her Granny to be there for her.

Faiths went to a party one night with her friends, and let’s just say by the morning, she couldn’t remember how she got home, or where she was. She got a call from a boy that she supposedly met the night before, and he asked her unusual questions. Therefore, she took a pregnancy test, and it came out positive. She couldn’t believe how irresponsible she had been that night, and how stupid she could have been to have done that. Not only does she have to learn how to be a mother, but she doesn’t even know the father.

Dear Diary, July 9^th, 2006

I don’t know what I have done with my life recently. I’ve thrown away all my hopes and dreams to make sure that this baby will grow up in a normal life style. I don’t know what I would do without Granny here with me right now. It’s been months since the party, and I still can’t believe that I’m going to be raising my own baby girl. I’m praying that I will be a good mother, because I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t give my baby all that she deserves. I know what it’s like to have to live without my father, and I know that it’s going to be hard for her to understand, but there’s nothing I can do about it. I’ve gone so many restless nights without sleep, and I just want everything to be okay. I hope someday I’ll know how to get myself out of this hole that I’ve buried myself in.

Days have gone by, which have turned into weeks, and Faith is doing okay. Granny spends everyday talking to Faith and telling her just to believe that everything is going to be okay. She hasn’t thrown away her dreams; she can still accomplish all that she desires to do. Right now she is attending Sherwood High School, and she will finish

off the rest of her high school career as a single teenage Mom. However, Granny is going to help her take care of the baby, so she will have time to get her studies done, and still be the average student she was.

Months have slowly dragged on, and Faith has a beautiful baby girl named Emily. Granny has had Emily wrapped around her finger since the day she was born.

***

Faith wrote a letter to Emily for when she’s older so she can understand what happened in her life better.

Dear Emily, May 12, 2007

I know your life is complicated, and I know it might for you to understand everything that happens, but everything happens for a reason. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and not a day goes by that I’m not thankful that I have you in my life. You have a father somewhere, but he isn’t part of my life, or yours. Someday, we can find out who he is if you want to, I know he’d be so proud of the girl you’ve grown up to be. Being such a young mother, you have taught me so much. I love you with every beat of my heart, and I’m so glad that I have you in my life.

Love, Mom

***

In the end, it all comes back to Granny. If Granny wasn’t here, neither would Faith, or Emily. Granny kept Faith believing that everything was going to be okay, until eventually Faith started to believe it, and it was. Everything always happens for a reason, and this time, it ended up being the best thing that has ever happened to Faith.

Stranded by Sam C.

The night was dreary and the wind was calm and cool. I walked for miles trying to find the sight or sound of life. I was in the forest on an island in god knows where, all alone, trying to survive. All I had was one slowly running out bottle of water. I knew that it wouldn’t last and I would need to find help or more water soon.

The last thing I remember was that I was on a cruise for my company. I think I was intoxicated and the waves didn’t help. I remember falling and my body striking the water. I don’t think I passed out because I made it to this island. I have been here for maybe five- days. For the first few days I sat on the beach silently, and thinking what I should do. So here I am now, trying to do something or find someone to save me.

I made note of everything that I passed in the forest so I could know if I was going around in a circle. I feel like I’ve been walking for hours and there has been no sight of anything. My stomach roared so noisily I thought the whole forest could hear it. I needed to get food, but how? The bushes in front of me started to quiver. It scared me for a moment but then out leaped a rabbit. Perfect, lunch! I thought to myself. I needed to find and make some sort of a weapon.

After searching the forest, I managed to find a pointed rock and a long stick. The perfect items to make a spear but how would I tie the rock to the end? I searched and searched even more and found a slender vine hanging from a tree. I ripped it down and completed my weapon. I hunted all night and when dawn came I had nabbed myself two small rabbits and six birds. I then proceeded to find a clear opening to build a fire and roast my game. I rummaged the forest to find some dry firewood and then headed toward the opening I had found. Building the fire must have taken me over an hour because the wind kept blowing out the only flame I had managed to produce. When the fire was finally started I roasted my first rabbit. It was delicious and satisfying. It would be able to hold me over till the next day so I decided to save the other game for tomorrow. I managed to keep the fire going all day.

The next morning I wandered around the island till I came to the edge. Clear, placid water surrounded me and I couldn’t see anything for miles. The best thing for me to do was try and start another fire as a warning signal. I gathered all the brush and wood I possibly could. I dug a hole in the ground and placed rocks around it to make a fire pit. Once the fire was raging I found sticks to spell out HELP in the sand. I knew that this would save me eventually.

Just then, I heard something in the distance. It sounded like a small whirring sound over the waves. I listened and stared at the sky till I saw a small object in the distance. I ran to the fire to make sure the smoke was high enough and the fire was raging bright enough. When the object got closer and closer I noticed that it was a helicopter. I frantically waved and flagged him down. He landed about 100 yards away from me and I ran to him. Finally after being on the island for about a week, I was saved.

Lost by Rachel L.

The car rolled to a stop. A heavy steam was fogging the view. Dean got out to check the car and Ken followed.

“I think the engine is shot,” Ken said. Dean tried to get the car started, but all it did was make a horrendous hissing noise. Dean and Ken were brothers. They lived in a small town in the quiet hills of Vermont. They had gone out to the bar to have a few drinks. On their way home they didn’t realized that they took a wrong turn a while back and were completely lost. Ken took out his cell phone. He had little service and his battery was almost dead. He decided to shut it off and use it where there was better service. Dean and Ken began to walk along the dirt road. It was a cool, cloudy night and they needed to find a safe place to stay.

After an hour or so of walking, it began to rain. They were getting drenched when they came across an old beaten down barn. It looked as if it had been abandoned for years. Ken turned on his cell phone. He had to make it quick. He dialed 911. A friendly voice answered but got cut off by the sound of Ken’s phone powering down.

“Damn it,” said Ken, “Hopefully they can trace the call.” The boys tried to dry their clothes and get warm. For some reason the barn had a certain chill to it. They figured they should rest a bit to regain their strength and continue in the morning to look for help. It was hard for them to fall asleep. They lay close to each other to keep warm.

Strange noises kept them awake. It sounded as if there was someone pacing back and forth up on the second story of the barn. The noises seemed to be getting louder and harder. They were both frightened by this. Talking in a whisper they decided that Ken would go up the ladder and see what was happening. Ken slowly climbed up the rickety old ladder which could barely support him. He rolled over on to the top of the loft. Dean could no longer see him from the ground. It was silent for a moment. Dean called up to Ken asking him if he saw anything. Ken didn’t answer. Dean, concerned for his brother, decided to climb the ladder to go after Ken. Dean reached the top and looked at Ken. He was just standing there stunned looking at the dark, dusty corner of the barn. Dean quickly looked over and didn’t believe his eyes as a pale figure was forming. Bright yellow eyes were staring back at the brothers. Short and stubby legs moved towards them. Finally recovering from their paralyzed state, they jumped from the second story. Dean fell first and cushioned Ken’s fall. Ken darted for the barn door, but then he noticed that Dean wasn’t following him. He looked back. Dean’s knee was sprained and he could barely move. Ken rushed back to help him. Once they got Dean to his feet, they eventually made it to the door. When they were a good distance from the barn, Dean laid down to rest.

“What the hell was that?” asked Dean.

“I have no clue,” answered Ken, “do you hear something?” The siren of a police car comforted the brothers. The car pulled up next to them. Ken told the policeman about their car that had been broken down and asked if he would be able to give them a ride home. The policeman agreed. Ken and Dean got into the back of the car. The policeman asked Dean how he hurt his leg. Dean began telling him about their trip looking for shelter and how they came across the barn.

“Wait, did you see something there?” asked the policeman, “There used to be an old crazy man that lived up there. He never left his barn for anything. He went insane and eventually died. People say that his sprit still haunts the place.”

Ken and Dean looked at each other and nodded to each other, but did not respond.

Home Sweet Home by Olivia N.

Benny was an orphan. His parents died in a fire when he was seven, so now he lives with “Aunt Margret”. Benny didn’t think she was actually related to him, because you’re relatives aren’t supposed to be that mean to you. Anywhere was better than the orphanage though, so he put up with it; doing chores from dawn to dusk while Aunt Margret sat inside watching TV. He knew that she made him do the chores because she just didn’t like him, things such as picking up the sticks in the backyard and raking the lawn in August were meant to keep him busy, they weren’t chores that were necessary. . Benny never complained though, if he did she would beat him like she does whenever he doesn’t get the chores done on time and not give him any food for two days. More than anything in the world though, Benny longed to have a family, and a place to call home where he could get away from the world and be surrounded by people who loved him. He had a roof over his head and an Aunt, but that was it. Just a house and some person who happened to be related to him.

School was no better either, the other kids made fun of him because of his ragged oversized clothes. He only had one friend, Rose.

One day after school, the class bully, Greg, started picking on Benny.

“Hey Benny, who’s sweater is that, your grandmother’s?!”

“No, it’s mine,” Benny answered politely, “but it was my Aunt’s, it shrunk in the wash, and she doesn’t buy me new sweaters so it’s the only one I have.”

All the other kids started laughing.

“Why don’t you wear her old skirt to school tomorrow with it?” said Greg.

“Shut up Greg!” Said someone in a quiet, but menacing voice.

“Who said that? Rose?” Demanded Greg. “Oh that’s funny, and who’s gonna make me, you?!” Rose was tiny, about half the size of Greg, but she had a big heart and an even bigger attitude.

“I will if you say one more mean thing to Benny!” She exclaimed.

“Hey Benny, I guess I can’t talk to you anymore, otherwise your little girlfriend here will beat me up! It’s too bad, I was just going to ask you if you had your Auntie’s bra on too!” He laughed.

WHAM!

Rose punched Greg in the nose and it started to bleed.

“I know karate and I happen to be a black belt! Go ahead, say something else! I’ll aim lower next time and you’ll really regret it!” She threatened.

“Bebby I’ll geb you for dis!” Shouted Greg while holding his nose.

The color drained out of Benny’s face and he just stood there.

“You alright?” Rose asked

“Yeah thanks,” said Benny

Suddenly the bell rang and it was time to get to class.

“Well see you later,” said Rose.

And they both ran to class so they wouldn’t be late.

Benny didn’t see Greg for the rest of the day, even at lunch, and Benny knew Greg never skipped a meal. Perhaps he went home, Benny thought. He wasn’t having good day though, and of course Greg didn’t really go home.

Benny was standing at his locker putting his books in his backpack, when he remembered that he needed to talk to one of his teachers about a homework assignment, so he ran back in the classroom. By the time he finished talking to the teacher pretty much everyone had gone home already and the hallway was deserted. Benny grabbed his back pack and walked towards the door, when all of a sudden Greg appeared out of no where and shoved Benny into against the lockers.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Demanded Greg.

“Home,” said Benny. Although Benny didn’t exactly consider it home.

“Well not anymore you aren’t, I know you love school, so you can stay here all night long and maybe one of the janitors will leave a night light on for you.”

“No thanks, I really need to get home, I have a lot of chores to do for my Aunt.”

“Well you can tell her the principal made you clean the school of all your slime.”

Greg sneered. And with that he picked up Benny, opened his locker and shoved him inside. Benny heard the lock click and knew he was stuck inside of his own locker until someone just happened to wander by. He heard Greg laughing all the way out of the school and doubted anyone would come. He sat in there waiting and dreading what his Aunt would do to him when he finally got out.

“Benny? Benny? Are you in here?”

“Yes! I’m stuck in the locker can you help me? The combination is 14-23-5.”

Benny heard someone fumble with the lock and a click and the door opened. Benny fell out tripping over his feet, almost bringing Rose crashing to the floor with him.

“I’m so sorry, are you okay?” She apologized.

“No, I’m fine, it’s not your fault, don’t worry about it. And thanks. I would’ve been stuck in there for hours if you hadn’t come. How’d you know I was in there?”

“Well I was waiting for you outside and you never came so I went inside and I saw your backpack in the floor.” Rose explained.

Thanks Rose, I really have to go, if I don’t get my chores done my Aunt will be really mad.” Benny said.

“Well, my mom’s here, we can give you a ride to your house.”

“Really, that would be great, thanks!” Said Benny smiling. “Rose?”

“Yeah?”

“You’re really lucky,” Said Benny.

“Why?” Because your mother loves you

“Oh, here’s my mom, c’mon let’s go.”

So Benny got in the car with Rose and her mother and Rose explained what had happened to Benny while they drove him to his house. When they pulled into the driveway there were ambulances and cops surrounding the house. Then they saw a body being carried from the house into one of the ambulances on a stretcher.

Benny got out of the car and went up to one of the cops. “What’s going on?” He said.

“Are you Benny?” Asked the cop.

“Yes,” Benny

All of a sudden Rose and her mother appeared next to Benny.

“Benny, your Aunt had a heart attack and passed away about an hour ago. The records that we have here say that she was your last living relative, and there was nothing in the will about who you would take care of you should something like this ever happen. I’m afraid you’ll have to go back to the orphanage.” The cop explained.

“NO!!!” I can’t go back there! You don’t understand, anywhere is better than that horrible orphanage!” Benny cried.

“I’m sorry son, but it’s the only way.” Said the cop.

~

Rose’s mother looked at Benny and then pulled the cop off to the side and whispered something in his ear.

“Well there will be a lot of papers to sign and a lot of legal work to go through, but, yes, you can.”

“We’ll take him then.” Said Rose’s mother to the cop.

“Benny, you’re one of the family now.”

The Messy Breakup by Melissa O.

“What should I do?” Sarah yelled at Lisa.

Sarah and Lisa were sprawled out on Sarah’s bed. Sarah has been dating her boyfriend Adam for two months and feels it has been long enough. The summer was coming and she wanted freedom. She liked him a lot, but he was acting really weird lately and she was getting sick of it. She had to let him down easy, but how do you do that without hurting someone? So, Sarah decided to consult her best friend Lisa for advice.

“Just tell him the truth.” Lisa advised.

“Yeah, but the truth hurts and I do not want to hurt him.” Sarah said.

Sarah realized that Lisa was not going to be any help after spending hours on the subject and getting no where. She was on her own. She felt best the to use the excuse, “my parents don’t want me to date anymore” so this way it will seem that she still wants a relationship, but she can’t have one.

The next day Sarah and Adam went to the movies. It was awkward. Every time Adam tried to kiss her she ducked or coughed to avoid it. When the movie was over they went for pizza.

“We need to talk.” Adam said.

This was great! Sarah thought he might just dump her first, which would make things so much easier.

“Ok.” She said.

“Well, I didn’t want to tell you this, but I feel you have the right to know.”

“Know what?” She said like she had no idea what he was going to say.

“That I have cancer.”

For what seemed like hours she sat there just starring at him. This couldn’t be true. He was supposed to dump her and that would be it. For the rest of the night they were silent and when he dropped her off she couldn’t even look at him. It just didn’t make sense.

As soon as she got home she lied in bed silent for a while. Then the phone rang and it was Lisa.

“How did it go?” She asked.

“I couldn’t do it.” Sarah said

“Well why not? You had your heart set on it a few hours ago.”

“Lisa, he has cancer.”

For quite some time Lisa consoled her and told her that she did the right thing, but Sarah felt like she didn’t. Should she stay with him because he’s sick or should she dump a person with cancer? It was a really tough decision and Sarah thought best she should leave things the way they are and take some time to think about it. One thing was for sure and that was that for the time being she should make things alright with Adam.

The next day she called Adam and said they should talk.

“I’m sorry for the way I acted I just was confused and scared.” Sarah told Adam once they were alone.

“That’s ok I mean it was a lot to put on you. I’m sorry for being so distant lately it’s just that my mind has been a little scattered.” He said.

Sarah decided to just enjoy herself. They did things like they used to and they were really having a great time. They seemed to spend all there time together. A week had passed and Sarah was having such a great time she completely forgot that Adam was even sick. Until one day at lunch she noticed something different.

“Did you get a hair cut?” Sarah asked lifting up the side of his hat.

“Actually I did since it was starting to fall out anyway I figured I would just get it over with.” Adam said.

“Oh.” Sarah said as she began to remember everything.

That night Adam made Sarah a romantic dinner at his house since his parents were away. Ever since Sarah learned that Adam was sick they seemed to be having the best time together. They spent all hours of the day together and seemed inseparable. Sarah even had thoughts of the future with Adam. One night at around eleven Sarah received a phone call from Adams mother Mary saying that something had happened and Adam was in the hospital. Sarah rushed to the hospital.

“Is he all right? What happened?” Sarah said looking like she was about to cry.

“On his way to bed he fell. The doctor said the cancer has spread to his legs.” Mary said as she burst into tears.

“But he’ll be ok. Right?” Sarah begged, but Mary just stayed quiet.

Sarah then began to burst into tears. She stayed there hugging Mary for a while until the doctor came out and said Adam can have visitors. Mary went in first and then Sarah. Adam seemed fine, just a little tired. She couldn’t help but cry every time she thought of him.

Every day the cancer was getting worse and worse, and they stopped the chemo. Every day Sarah brought him flowers and stayed with him for hours. She stayed strong for him, but it was getting harder.

Three weeks later Adam passed. Sarah really loved him and was happy for the time they did have together. She knew she would remember him for the rest of her life.

A long way from home By Melissa B.

It was the last day of school and Ellie was at her locker cleaning it out. She took her One Tree Hill pics down, the pics of her friends and of course, Jason. Jason was her boyfriend of 1.5 years. They went through high school together until he graduated last year. They were inseparable until he went to college. He was going half way across the country to play football at Michigan State. It was unsure to Ellie what they were now, were they still together or were they just friends? Being across the country from him made her think of him a lot. They didn’t talk as much as they used to. They’ve gone a whole three month without talking just because they’ve both been so busy. Ellie’s friends have told her to let go of him even though he was so great but there’s a better life out there for her than waiting for him to come home every 4 months, but she just couldn’t let go.

Ellie hugged all her of friends goodbye and said she would be at her going away party around 6:00. Ellie took one last lap around the school looking at all the posters and pictures and the classrooms. She couldn’t believe that she was leaving. Leaving home forever and most likely not coming back. Ellie looked at pictures of her and her friends on the upperclassman board. She grabbed the pictures and took them with her. She wanted to take everything she could with her to New Zealand that would remind her of home.

Ellie, her two sisters, brother, mom and dad were all moving to New Zealand for her dad’s job. He is an ER doctor and was being promoted to be the chief of the hospital in New Zealand. The pay was a little better than he was getting now but not the greatest since it wasn’t the richest place. But he would be getting paid more and he would get to help a lot more people that were in more need than at home.

That night at the going away party Ellie looked at her friends and thought that she had the best friends in the world and never wanted to leave them, or the town. They had so much fun together and they talked about things that they would never forget about each other. Ellie looked at her phone and realized it was 11 o’clock and knew that her dad would be there to pick her up any minute. Her eyes started to fill with tears as they fell splashing onto the floor. Her friends then all started to cry too knowing that the end was almost here. End of their Friday night movies and sleepovers, their study groups, their lunch in the cafeteria together and watching One Tree Hill calling each other on a 10 way discussing how shocked they were what happened. But they knew that one thing would never end, and that was their friendship. Ellie promised to email them at least one a week with pictures news about New Zealand. It was 11:17 and Ellie’s dad was here to pick her up. Ellie gave them all a hug and left with eyes full of tears.

The next morning the family grabbed all their stuff that they were bringing on the plane and sent the stuff that was to big to go on the plane, in the mail to their new house. Ellie was a little excited because their plane was making a stop in Michigan, not to far from Michigan State where Jason was. Ellie decided that since she had enough time, she would make a surprise trip to see him. They got to the airport and went through luggage check in and security then finally boarded the plane. The captain’s voice came over the loud speaker and said to follow the seat belt directions on the screen and to have a wonderful flight. Ellie clicked her seat bet in place, put her Ipod on, headphones in the ears and close her eyes for the 1 hr and 17 minute flight. The plane started going down as it hit the runway. The plane pulled in and the passengers started getting off.

Ellie and her family got their carry on’s and walked off the plane to a place to sit in the gate. Ellie said “I’m going to get a cab to go see Jason, don’t worry mom, I’ve got my phone and everything, call me if you need me.”

Her mom looked at her confused. “Please?!” Ellie said. Alright, you have 3 hours before we board the plane again. Make sure you’re back.”

“I will mom” said Ellie as she started walking toward the door.

Once Ellie got outside she put her Coach sunglasses on and called out for a taxi. A taxi stopped and she got in. “Michigan State University, please,” and with a shut of the door and a step on the gas, Ellie was on her way to see Jason. She was finally here. She walked into the main building and asked where she could find him. The lady at the desk gave her his door building and his room number. Ellie walked across campus until she was finally standing in front of his door. Ellie took a deep breath and knocked on the door. A guy answered who Ellie assumed was his roommate.

“Hi, is Jason here?” She asked.

“Nahhh, he’s at the center of campus,” said Jason’s roommate.

“That would be where?” Asked Ellie confused.

“Here, I’ll take you there,” As he grabbed his football jacket and shut the door. On the way to where Jason was, they talked and introduced themselves to each other. Jason’s roommate was named Greg, who was a junior and the wide receiver on the football team. He was a high second round pick into the NFL but decided to finish college first and then make a decision if he wanted to play football in the NFL or take up a “real” job. After about a 7 minute walk they finally reached the campus center. Ellie looked around for Jason. She looked everywhere and then finally saw him by the Starbucks. “Jason!” she yelled with a wave as she ran down the steps. He must have not heard her as he started to walk away. Ellie slowed to a quick walk as she followed him. She was only 100 feet away to finally talking to him in months. He then sat down next to a girl on the water fountain ledge. Ellie was to excited to notice this but when she saw him kissing the girl, Ellie stopped dead in her tracks. She just stared at them as her eyes started to fill up, standing in the middle of the campus about to cry. Greg came up to Ellie and just stood by her side not knowing why she was crying until he thought that she wasn’t his sister, Ellie was his high school girlfriend. “Greg!” someone yelled “over here!” it was Jason motioning for him to go over. Greg looked at Ellie and they both started to walk over to him. “Hey man,” said Jason, “who’s the gi……Ellie?” His voice quieted down as he looked up into her tear filled eyes. Then he looked at Meghan (the girl sitting next to him) “I uhhhh…..” said Jason not knowing what to say. The tears started coming harder now and Ellie was just so embarrassed. She ran to the stairs and ran up them skipping every other one wanting to get out of there as quick as she could. “Ellie” screamed Jason as he ran after her. Ellie flagged a taxi and was about to get in when Jason grabbed her hand.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t--”

“What, you didn’t mean to hurt me?!” interuped Ellie. “Yea, well it’s a little too late for that. My friends were right, you aren’t worth it”

And with that Ellie got into the taxi and left. She sat in the taxi in tears the entire way back to the airport. When she finally got there she had to go through check in again and security. Ellie walked up to Gate 36A and found her family.

“Hi, honey!” Said her mom “How was it?!

“I don’t think it is going to work out,” Ellie said with disappointment.

“Oh, I’m sorry”

“Mom, It’s fine” Ellie responded quickly, “He isn’t worth it.”

Ellie got back just in time to board the plane. Everyone got onto the plane, settled down, buckled up and took off into the air once again.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

In New Zealand 1 month later….

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

“Ellie, get ready for school!” yelled her mother, “you’re gunna be late!”

Ellie rolled out of bed and got into the shower, got dresses (in her school uniform), did her hair, make up and then went down stairs to eat breakfast. She had been going to school for about 3 weeks now and in one of her classes she was already going on a fieldtrip.

The fieldtrip was wilderness survival as well as kayaking in the ocean and playing games on the beach. None of Ellie’s new friends were going and she didn’t know anyone that was going on the trip so she sat alone the entire 3 and a half hour bus ride. When they got there the class set up their tents and went swimming in the beach. Ellie just sat on the beach watching them all have fun. Ellie was just about to get up and go read a book in her tent but then she heard a voice,

“Ah, you going to come swim in the wottah with us?”

Ellie turned around to see a tall, New Zealand blue eyed, blond boy standing in front of her. He was like no American boy she’d ever seen. “Ummmm….”

“Come ohnnn” said the boy.

“Alright” said Ellie with a smile. Ellie took her clothes off to reveal her bright blue bikini. Ellie walked along side the boy down to the water.

“I’m Cam by the way”

“I’m Ellie”

They got into the water and Cam introduced her to the rest of the people. They played in the water for so long. They played catch with a nerf football, they played chicken, and then they got out of the water and played tag. Once the sun went down the teacher started a bonfire and put out things to make smores. Ellie hung out with Cam all night and they shared things about themselves to each other.

* * *

It was the last night that they would be on the trip until they got back home. Ellie and Cam sat under the stars and just watched as the sky got darker and darker. For the first time Ellie was happy that she was here in New Zealand.

Ellie looked up into Cam’s eyes and said “You make me want to never go back to the United States because there is somebody special here that would be waiting for me to come back if I left. There is no one like that back in the US, except my friends, but they probably don’t miss me anyway.”

As Cam leaned in toward Ellie he said “I’m so glad you’re here too, and I would miss you more than anything if you were to just leave.”

And with that, Ellie leaned into Cam and they kissed, under the light of the moon.

Fight of Defiance By Melanie D.

I had been running and fighting for too long to give up now. I would not die before I broke the curse that bonded me with this ongoing nightmare that seemed to have captured my reality. It had started when I allowed myself to be lost in the mind games of life and had forgotten who I am for a fraction of a second, but even that was long enough to let this corrupt creature escape from my locked soul. I had no control after that point; it had run instantly away from my grasping clutches, and begun its destruction of every aspect of my life. It ran wildly, searching for every way it could find to abolish the person I had become. Before I could react, my whole town was lit in blazing flames that seemed to have seized the entire world known to me. I was confused beyond all reason, until I realized that this other, darker part of me had somehow been disconnected from my body and was now running lose through our small town, destroying anything that dared to cross its path.

Captivated by the horror of what was happening, I became immersed by a shot of adrenaline that absorbed my body, as I ran through the fires and past the shrieking citizens with fierceness greater than anything I have ever felt. I arrived at my house without even realizing it and charged through the rooms screaming hysterically for my family. I knew they were not there, but the fruitless bonds of false hope convinced me otherwise, and I searched anyway, not ready to lose faith yet.

A chilling voice echoed in my mind, “Your mistake will see them forever lost to you.” I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from, but it seemed as if the voice was latched in my own mind. I was sure that this creature was a deranged part of me, but it had severed the physical connection between us.

“No! I made no mistake, please just bring them back!” I cried as tears flooded my vision, yet the only reply I received was a ghastly laugh that mimicked my pain. With one final hope remaining, I sprinted through town and arrived at my best friend’s yard. Shock and disbelief spread through me when I saw the ruin that had overtaken the once beautiful home. The house lay in a blackened wreck on the smoldering ground, surrounded by the flames that had brought its death. This creature had gone too far, taking away my friends and family, leaving me with nothing left to live for. In that moment, standing amongst the disaster my life had become, I vowed that I would destroy this creature in any way possible.

I had heard somewhere before that the only way to truly eliminate an unknown being was to stab it with a silver blade, but I had no idea where to obtain one. I had also heard that if your need is great enough, and your ambition is strong enough, that miracles can happen without explanation or reason. As I was thinking this, a glimmer of light immersed in the blazing flames caught my eye, so I walked by to pick it up, and held in my burnt hand a magnificent silver sword. I was ready to fight and rein victory.

It had come to the final battle leaving me to fight something that I wasn’t even sure was real. Defiance held strong within me. I would not let this overwhelming force pull me away, I would not let it take me into the black depths of what lay beneath my mind. Tragedy had overtaken everything I knew, there was nothing left for me to fight for, but I still held on to that one last strand of hope with such strength that nothing could defeat my determination. I did not believe in giving up, and that certainly would not change now. The only enemy I had to face was myself, and once I had victory over that, the world would lie at my feet and I would be free.

I was trapped in a prison within my own mind that held unthinkable tortures in an unexpected way. I was so close to obtaining the knowledge of how to defeat it that I could imagine the possibility of never having to endure the inescapable pain that had chased me endlessly until now. That thought alone gave me the last surge of energy that kept me fighting with all the strength I had left, prompting the last victorious moments of the battle. The intensity and confusion that entangled my brain seemed to clear for a single instant that allowed me to strike down my enemy.

I gallantly raised my sword, and struck against the black abyss that claimed the body of this ruthless creature. As the metal pierced its insubstantial form, it released a horrific screech that could deafen any living being and scar their memory with the estranged sound of it. It gave its final stand in the fight it had begun and surrendered itself to the deathly hands of defeat, leaving me shocked, standing on the cold ground that just witnessed a heroic battle. I finally had the power to watch my enemy fall to my feet and collapse in a defeated bundle landing with a crash to the ground. Victory was mine to indulge myself in, and with it was brought my life that was once again free.

One Shot by Lauren B.

I released my shot at the 3 point line watching it swoosh perfectly through the net tying up the game. My long blonde pony tail swiped against my neck as I rushed back to play defense. I got down really low and carefully watched the point guard of the opposing team handle the ball. She lost control of the ball for less than one second and I knew that it was my opportunity to steal the ball. I darted at her making her lose her focus and sneakily swatted the ball away from her. It flew uncontrollably down the court. I sprinted towards it and drove all the way to the hoop on a fast break. The buzzer went off marking the end of the game and the crowd cheered knowing that I had just won our team another game.

Basketball was my life. Not only did I enjoy playing, but I was really good at it. It was my passion, my favorite hobby, my main focus in life. I was determined to be the best of the best, and I was quickly gaining that title. I was, by far, the player that held my high school basketball team together. I had been the starting point guard on the varsity team since freshman year. My grades weren’t the best. Actually they weren’t even close to the best. I had basically all C’s and no chance of getting into any Ivy League college like my mom would want me too. It wasn’t that I was bad at school, I would just much rather watch a Celtic’s game than type an English paper or shoot hoops in my driveway than work on a math problem. My only hope of getting into a semi reasonable college was by a basketball scholarship and being the best player on a division one high school team gave me a good chance at that.

It was Saturday morning when I woke up still in a good mood from last night’s game. My muscles were sore but the image in my head of myself saving the game made up for it. I put on shorts and a hoodie and started off my day by jogging on my treadmill just like every other morning. My stop watch went off after exactly one hour and I hopped off and jumped into a steamy hot shower. I combed my fingers threw my hair and threw it up into a messy bun.

I was about to switch on my laptop to check out the scores of my favorite college basketball team when my cell phone vibrated in my sweatpants pocket. It was a text message from my best friend Sara. It read, “Brooke! Party at my house 8:00 tonight. I better see you there!” Sara’s parties were always way out of control and there was never any parental supervision. I decided that it was a better idea to stay home. They’d all be drinking and not remember that I wasn’t there anyways. I texted back saying, “Thanks but no thanks.” Right after the message was received my cell phone started vibrating again. This time it was a call.

“Brooke, you have to come tonight. It’s going to be awesome. My parents are gone for the entire weekend.”

“No thanks,” I responded. I wasn’t too much into the whole party and drinking scene like my other friends were.

“Oh my god Brooke, You are such a loser. You have the weekend off of basketball. You should just come. You never come to parties.”

I knew she wouldn’t give up until I gave in. “Fine,” I said. Maybe it would be fun after all. I deserved a break from basketball. It was all I had been doing lately. Plus I could celebrate last night’s game. I suddenly got really excited realizing that it would be the first fun thing I had done in a while. I slipped off my sweatpants and pulled on my shortest jean skirt and my tall chestnut UGG boots. I put on a cute sweater that complimented my eyes and wore my hair down and straight. It was a change from my normal work out clothes that everyone was used to seeing me in.

I basically stared at my watch until it turned 8:00. I walked out to my car and cleared my sweaty head band, knee brace, and basketball sneakers off the seat. I drove to Sara’s house confidently, getting ready to have a good time. I tried hard to hide my nervousness. It wasn’t that I was planning on doing anything bad; it was just that I wasn’t used to being at wild parties. I recognized the fact that I had nothing to be worried about because I couldn’t get in trouble if I didn’t do anything wrong.

When I arrived at the party, half of the guests were already drunk out of their minds. It was funny watching our friend’s trip over their own feet and laugh for absolutely no reason. I enjoyed being basically the only sober one and watching everyone else make a fool out of themselves. Everything was going great until a boy from my school offered me a drink. I kindly declined his offer but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot that the star athlete here doesn’t drink.” I laughed it off hoping he would leave me alone; but he didn’t. “Why would you come to a party if you’re not even going to drink?” he asked. He kept harassing me until I finally yanked the can from his hand and took a big long gulp. It was one drink that led to another, that led to another, that led to another. Everything was spinning and I found it very difficult to walk. I had lost count of how many drinks I had but it didn’t seem to phase me. Everyone was having a good time, laughing, taking pictures, and playing games. The rest of the night was a blur.

I woke up the next morning on the floor of Sara’s bedroom with a major headache and almost no remembrance of the previous night. I got up and drove back to my house. I layed in bed the entire day, exhausted from the crazy party. I couldn’t believe it was Sunday and I had school and basketball the next day. I was feeling much better by Monday and had a lot of new friends saying “hi” to my in the hallways.

After school I got dressed in my basketball clothes and went out on the court to start warming up before practice. My coach slowly walked up to me with a weird look on his face and a yellow folder in his hand. He led me into the coach’s room and told me to sit down. I had no idea what was going on. He sat in front of me with a table separating us. He opened the folder and took out multiple pictures and placed them in front of me. I couldn’t believe my eyes. In front of me were pictures of party that I had not seen. Apparently someone had put them online Sunday night and my coach had gotten a hold of them. There were pictures of me drinking alcohol and acting crazy. It was weird seeing me doing things that I couldn’t even remember. I hung my head as my coach raged at me. When he was done screaming and asking me what I was thinking, he calmly explained my consequences. He informed me that the team had a zero tolerance policy and that I would be kicked off the team permanently. I could not believe it. I didn’t even know how to respond. I covered my face with my hands as tears streamed out of my eyes.

I couldn’t even imagine not being able to play basketball. It was the one thing in life I enjoyed the most. I went out to my car and sat in the parking lot in shock. I couldn’t believe that one night, one party, one mistake, could ruin my entire life. I remembered that I had no chance of getting into college anymore and that I would probably end up not being accepted anywhere. The hardest part was telling my parents. They were extremely disappointed and more worried than upset. They also knew that my chances of getting into college were slim. I started trying really hard in school but I was not making any progress. It just wasn’t my thing.

I graduated high school by the skin of my teeth. I wasn’t accepted into any colleges because of my grades and I couldn’t get that athletic scholarship I was hoping for my whole life because I was no longer on the basketball team. If only I didn’t go to that party I would have been recruited to a division one school and got a good education and possibly got on a pro team. One mistake, one bad choice, one party, ruined my life. I wouldn’t be able to get a good job because I didn’t have a college education. Basketball is just a game but it definitely teaches you life lessons; One of those being to make good choices.

Running Into Love by Katie T.

Jenna’s life has always been predictable. Good things have always happened to her until death crossed her path. She understands things happen for a reason and she has been waiting twenty-eight years now for something to happen. She lives in an apartment in Boston with her seven year old daughter. She moved away after college and is trying to find her new soul mate. Being a 28-year old mother in a big city is hard enough as it is.

Jenna was good at most of the things she has done. She is an editor for Seventeen magazine, and knew most of the hottest celebrities. One thing that always got her through the day was her daughter Sarah. Adam was Sarah’s father. Jenna and Adam were madly in love, however a few years after Sarah was born; he died in a tragic car accident. For a few years now, Jenna has put Adam’s death in her own hands. The death was not her fault, but she has acted as though it was. She has been depressed for a while now, and has been waiting for something good to come her way again.

It has been three years now since his death and Jenna was now ready to get back out on the dating field. Jenna wanted to just go out and find someone to love. Adam was the kind of guy Jenna usually didn’t go for. That wasn’t necessarily a bad thing though. Jenna needed to stop thinking about the past and start thinking about herself more. There was only one thing stopping her from dating again and it was her little girl. She didn’t want Sarah to think that she was trying to replace her father. Adam was Sarah’s hero, he played such a big role in her life and now he was gone. Sarah meant the world to Jenna and she didn’t want to do something to hurt her.

***

Jenna got out of work early for personal reasons, and took Sarah with her to Quincy Market. They were walking until they spotted a frozen Lemonade stand.

“Hey Mommy, hey Mommy, look what I found!” Sarah shouted with such delight.

“What is it dear?” Jenna said without paying attention.

“LEMONADE! LEMONADE! I want lemonade! Please mommy?” Sarah begged.

“Oh. Sure babygirl, anything that will make you happy. Now you go wait in line and I will be over in a second.” Jenna said laughing.

They couldn’t believe that so many people wanted this famous lemonade. The line was very long, almost too long. As the man at the stand asked them for the money, Jenna had realized that she had left her bag in the apartment. Sarah was very upset and stated to cry! But with their luck, there was a man behind them, a very handsome man that was willing to buy one for Sarah.

He handed Sarah the drink and said “I know what it feels like to want something really bad and knowing you can never have it.”

Jenna responded and said” Yeah, I know what you mean. Thank you again sir.”

The handsome man smiled and said “It’s Eric.”

Jenna reached out her hand to meet with his, “Jenna”.

***

The day Jenna and Eric met was the best day either of them have had in a very long time.

Ever since the day they met, everywhere they went they kept running into each other. They agreed to go on a date together. So, Jenna hired a babysitter for Sarah, so she could have a night of peace with a very nice guy. Sarah absolutely dispised babysitters and she had a fit. Although Jenna felt bad, there was nothing that was going to get in her way of going out with Eric.

“When will mommy be home? I want my mommy! I want my mommy!” Sarah cried to the babysitter.

“In a little bit babes, now go to bed, it’s getting late.” The babysitter told her.

Sarah had pretended that she had fallen asleep just to make the babysitter go back downstairs. Sarah was up for a few more hours than usual. She was waiting for her mom to get home, until she saw a car pull up the driveway. Sarah noticed that familiar face of the man come out of the car and opens the door for Jenna. They were both smiling as they walked up the steps. Right before Sarah’s eyes they lean into each other and kissed. Sarah couldn’t believe her eyes. She was very upset at her mother. How could she do that to her? This was a true nightmare!

By the time her mother actually got home, Sarah was fast asleep. She sent the babysitter home and went to bed herself. The next morning Sarah gave her mother the silent treatment. Jenna figured that it was because of Eric. She they had a big talked.

“Baby, he’s a really ice guy and he really cares about me. And I really care about him as well.” She explained.

“I can’t believe you would to that to dad! It’s so hard.” Sarah cried.

“Sarah you have to understand dad is gone now. I still love him dearly, but sometimes you have to let go of the things you love. Plus he is in a safer place now. I have to start searching for someone I want to spend the rest of my life with.” She tried gaining her daughters respect, “Sarah, I’m not trying to replace your father. If that’s what you think I’m trying to do. Nobody could ever replace him.”

“I know and it’s just hard for me because it’s hard to let go of the things you love. But I will give Eric a chance I promise. Now let’s go down town.”

***

It was a very special evening, Eric had a surprise for Jenna and Sarah was in on it. They all went out to a fancy dinner together, looking their finest. When the clock struck 11:11, Eric pulled out his chair and got down on one knee. Eric explained to her how much he loved her and how he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

“…So Jenna Callaway will you do me the honor by marrying me. We will live a great life and our love is everlasting. So will you?”

All Sarah could say was, “I love you so much!” Eric took that as a yes and Sarah was very happy.

***

Sarah was now ten years old living in an apartment in Boston. A new apartment, with her new family, with no problems. This was the first time her life where she truly felt at home. Jenna and Eric got married last year and were expecting a baby. There life was a fantasy. Who knew, if you want something really badly, go for it and you might end up getting what you want.

Confiding in the Fear by Julia L.

The moon shone a dull, shady gold, suspended in the cloudless fall sky. A gentle zephyr rustled the leaves and gave off eerie aura. Anna and Sadie whipped around at the slightest noise, being thoroughly creeped out. Sadie took a hesitant step away from the noise, only to have it sound again. They took off running, scrambling through the thick underbrush. Adrenaline kicked in and they ran faster when they realized they were being followed. Anna stumbled on a root and was knocked unconscious. Sadie couldn’t just leave her there, but she didn’t find being murdered a good alternative. What she didn’t know was that Anna was already dead, but in the rush of the moment, Sadie didn’t dare stop and check. She stooped down and started to drag Anna into the cover of the nearby underbrush.

She heard her pursuer getting closer, and closer. Sadie had seconds before the thing was upon her. She pulled with all her strength, knowing very well that every breath might be her last. All her strength went into pulling Anna into the underbrush, all her concentration, everything she had. She knew nothing else in those moments, except for Anna and the formidable thing coming after her. She could hear it tearing through the branches above her! All of a sudden, it stopped. Sadie tentatively looked back and there it was. Black cloak, glowing green eyes, and an axe raised above its head that glinted in the moonlight. One momentary glance was all she had, until BAM! And Sadie crumpled into a lifeless heap on the ground.

***

Eight hours later, Sadie’s mom, Blare, awoke to the sweet melody of a nearby robin. She rubbed her eyes in sleepy contentment. They were camping in a literal hinterland with only the birds and the bees as company. Blare always had a passion for camping and when Sadie and Anna were born it had become a sort of tradition to come camping every fall. Blare started to prepare breakfast, hoping the smell of fresh-cooked bacon would wake the girls. Well, breakfast came and went and the girls still hadn’t wakened. Suspiciously, Blare peeked into the tent, only to find it empty. Now utterly worried, she started to call them.

“ANNA… SADIE!!” she screamed until her voice was nearly gone. In hysterics, she started to search the nearby woods. “Something is wrong, they wouldn’t have left without leaving a note and they wouldn’t be gone for so long. They know I would worry. Something must be wrong,” she thought out loud. She searched until she spotted a pool of red liquid out of the corner of her eye. It formed a little stream coming from behind a tree. She tentatively followed it until two mangled bodies came into sight.

It could not be! They came here every fall and nothing bad had every happened, but this year was different. Her two beloved daughters lying there on the ground like two worthless lumps. Blare found tears coming to her eyes, as she spotted a carved message in the tree the bodies were leaning against. As she read it tears were replaced by sheer terror.

“You are not safe. I will find you.” What was coming after her? She could not stay here. She had to; she was stuck here until Bill came to pick them up at the end of their excursion. That was a week from now. She could not leave her daughters here either. She came to the realization that she had no options, as she heard a rustling in the leaves behind her. She whipped around to see a figure in a black cloak and glowing green eyes step out of the bushes. It was almost transparent, like a spirit. It held a glinting axe dripping with blood in its hand. Blare was like a deer caught in headlights, paralyzed. As it took a step towards her, the hold keeping her there broke and she ran like a gazelle through the underbrush, adrenaline driving her along.

She could hear the spirit’s cloak rushing through the wind, but it wasn’t crashing through the underbrush as she was. Suddenly, she heard a whoosh above her head and she looked up to see the treacherous spirit flying above her. It had its glinting axe poised and ready to strike. In her terror, she screamed. Just as the spirit swung down, Blare fell. She fell down, and down, safe from the evil swing of that glinting axe. When she stopped rolling, she found that she had fallen down a steep ravine and was now hidden in the abnormally thick underbrush.

She was safe for now, but she knew she would not be safe for long. If she stayed in the same place, then she would be found and certainly killed. Blare peered through the underbrush and saw her pursuer standing watch over the ravine, like a sentry, in a tree. She could not get out of the ravine without being spotted. Blare was in a horrible predicament that guaranteed death. She considered and came to the terrifying decision that it was easier to join her beloved daughters in heaven then to run and spend her life in shame.

Blare burst through the underbrush and started running in plain sight of the mysterious spirit. It swooped down upon her and Blare stopped running. She stood facing it with no fear in her heart. She looked it straight in the eye, knowing that death was staring right back at her, but she was not scared. Those terrible glowing eyes and the jet-black cloak, a glinting axe dripping with blood in its left hand.

It slowly took a step toward her, and brought its axe up into position. “Go ahead, finish your job! I have nothing to fear!” Blare screamed at it.

“You think you are not scared of me?” it said it a slow, raspy voice that made Blare jump.

“Why should I be?” Blare answered defiantly, her confidence building with every passing second. It laughed a malicious, hollow laugh and stepped even closer. It was inches away from her as it raised its axe above its head. Just as it was about to swing, a cold choking noise came from its dry throat. Its glowing eyes dimmed and it dropped its axe. The axe landed with a thud as it grabbed at its throat. Seconds later, it was gasping for air. Suddenly, it burst into a cloud of green and black dust, covering everything in the vicinity in a fine layer of evil. Blares courage and fearlessness in the face of death had destroyed the spirit. The burst blocked out the sun for a moment until it settled and clouded the earth with its blackness. Then, an icy wind blew and carried it all away as if cleaning up the mess it made.

Blare stood there, stunned, unable to move. It came over her that she had not died and she fell to her knees. She would never see her children again. She realized she was stuck in her earthly form and a feeling of remorse and depression washed over her. As she sat there on the mossy ground, tears came to her eyes as determination faded into misery, and she burst into hysterics.

Never Go To Bed Angry By Julia M.

Reilly sat at the kitchen table, sipping the last of her wine. Her husband, Blake, had forgotten about their anniversary celebration and was still at the office. She stood to put her glass in the dishwasher, shut off the lights, and went upstairs. As she was washing her face she heard the front door open as Blake snuck in quietly, as if that would change the fact that he was late. Reilly sighed as she climbed into bed and waited for Blake to find her.

Before long, he came rushing in with apologizes:

“I’m so sorry I’m late. There was a problem with one of the cases and I couldn’t leave until we solved it.”

Reilly had heard this story many times before. She gave him a blank look.

He pulled out a small box from the pocked inside his jacket. “I got you something.” He said.

“You missed our anniversary dinner and you think a necklace will make up for that?”

“Just open it, please?”

“Blake, if this was the first time you got caught up in your work then I would be more forgiving. But this has been happening a lot lately. It’s your law firm and you shouldn’t have to supervise every decision they make.”

She watched at he pursed his lips together to form a straight line.

“I told you Reilly, I couldn’t leave and I’m sorry. Can’t you forgive me and we can celebrate our anniversary together tomorrow? I’ll even take the day off. It’s not good to go to bed angry you know.” He said teasingly trying to lighten the mood.

Reilly shook her head as she crawled back into bed. She wasn’t in the mood anymore. She listened as Blake went into the bathroom to brush his teeth and strip down to his boxers. He set the loose change from his pant pockets on the dresser and then crawled into bed besides her trying to snuggle close. Reilly refused to let him. She was mad at him and she wasn’t going to let him off the hook that easy. Instead of wrapping her arms around him like she usually did, she put her book down and shut the light off. She knew Blake could take a hint as she felt his body turn away. She shut her eyes and was asleep in seconds.

L L L

Reilly’s alarm interrupted her dreams. She awoke and remembered her first class didn’t begin until nine. She glanced at the glowing red lights; 6:50, it read. It was no use going back to sleep now that she was up. She walked sleepily over to her closet to pick out an outfit of old sweats and a lacrosse shirt her team had won at a jamboree last year. Then she sauntered into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Below her, taxi’s whizzed by on the already busy streets. The first semester was almost over but Reilly was still getting used to the college life. In August she had packed up her belongings and left her cozy home in the suburbs for Boston. She had been accepted early and decided right away that she would attend Harvard Law School in the fall.

She turned off the shower and got dressed. She threw her beautiful long brown hair up in a ponytail, applied some mascara to the tops of her eyelashes, dabbed on some of the watermelon lip gloss her sister had gotten her and she was good to go. She walked through the doors of her off campus apartment. She could feel the eyes of the sweating construction workers watching her as she turned up the street to the library. She was used to seeing heads turn as she walked down the street although she had no idea why. Reilly liked to think of herself as plain and simple. She never paid too much attention to her reflection as she brushed her hair in the mornings or thought about what others would think as she chose her clothes. Instead she dressed in whatever it was that she felt most comfortable in and usually tied her hair back with rubber bands she often found in the bottom of her bag.

She ignored the horny workers and zipped up her jacked to shield her from the cold winds. A burst of air blew her bangs back as she opened the old library doors. She took a seat at the abandoned table in the far left corner and opened her history book to study for the exam today. She was reviewing the vocabulary when she felt the presence of someone sit down across from her. She glanced up. A boy with shaggy brown hair that covered his deep brown eyes glanced back at her. She couldn’t help but notice how cute she looked in his grey sweater and blue red sox hat.

“I’m sorry, do you mind if I join you?”

“Oh no, not at all.” She answered a little surprised.

He smiled, and she noticed his perfectly straight white teeth, “I’m Blake, I’m a junior here, I’ve seen you around before, this is your first year right?”

“Yeah.” She said, shocked that he knew so much about her when she hardly knew anything about him.

He fumbled around his bag for a moment before pulling out a notebook. He opened it and began writing. Reilly turned her attention back to her book.

A few minutes passed and Reilly was making no process. She could feel him looking at her but she kept her eyes on the words in front of her. Before long, her curiosity got the best of her and she decided she wanted to know more about Blake. He was so mysterious and she had never seen him around before although he had obviously seen her. She looked up at him. He had put his notebook away and was sitting patiently waiting for her to finish reading. She closed her book

“What time does your next class start?” he asked.

“Nine,” she responded and glanced up at the old clock on the wall, she had over an hour.

“Perfect.” He said happily, “How about we go for a walk and get some coffee, I know a great place just around the corner.”

Reilly took a minute to answer. Blake was a perfect stranger but he was talking to her like they’d known each other forever. “Sounds great.”

They walked out of the library and down the street. “So how do you like the dorms?” he asked

“Actually I live off campus. I have a small apartment to myself a little ways away. What about you? How’s it like having a roommate?” she wondered.

“Oh it’s great. I love it. Me and Tim go way back.” He said as he held the door open for her. He told Reilly the story of how he and Tim met up again after he moved away in high school.

“Sounds like the both of you got very lucky.” She said.

“Yeah, we did. What about you? Don’t you get lonely in an apartment all by yourself?”

“No, I love having it all to myself. My sister and I both had our own rooms. I’ve never had to share a room with anyone before. I was really glad when I found out that I could afford that apartment.”

“You have a sister? Older or younger?”

“Younger, she started high school this year.” She said.

“Sounds like you guys are pretty tight. I’m an only child so I love having someone to hang around with everyday.”

The waiter brought there coffee’s and the sat sipping them quietly. Reilly wondered again how this boy knew her.

“So how’d you know this was my first year?”

He glanced down at the table and rubbed his fingers over the small crook someone had left in it. “Actually I’ve seen you around a lot, and when I saw you in the library this morning I thought I’d take a chance and introduce myself to you.”

“Well, I have to admit, I’ve never seen you around.”

“Well, hopefully we can change that.” He said and then flashed her the most adorable smile she had ever seen.

She heard the chorus of her favorite Taylor Swift song coming from inside her bag. She had set her phone alarm this morning to remind her to get to class. They said goodbye with promises to get together again soon.

J J J

A strong smell of a gourmet breakfast brought Reilly back from her dreams. She put her robe on and followed the delicious smell downstairs. She stopped at the doorway to the kitchen and took in everything she saw. Blake was wearing the same adorable sweater from her dream, the first time they met. He was standing over the stove flipping French toast. A plate of bacon, sausage, and ham sat in the center of the table, which was set for two. She went over to her seat and noticed the small box sitting on her plate. It was Blake’s present that she had refused to open the night before. Reilly remembered their horrible fight. She walked over to the stove. She absolutely hated fighting with him.

“Good morning” he said with a kiss on the cheek.

She smiled, “Good morning.”

He brought the plate of French toast over to the table and sat down. French toast was her favorite food and she loved how thoughtful he was to make it for her today.

“Happy anniversary.” He told her as he began eating.

She smiled and took a bit, yummm! “I had the most amazing dream last night.” She said.

“Oh really?” he asked waiting for more.

“Mhmmm, about the first day we met. Do you remember?”

“Of course, at that old library on the Harvard campus.”

Reilly smiled to herself as she remembered the dream. “I’m sorry I was being stubborn last night.”

“I’m sorry I missed our dinner.”

This was Reilly’s favorite part of fighting with Blake. He got up and walked over to her, wrapping his strong arms around her waist and kissing her tenderly.

“If we could do anything today, what would you want to do?”

A mischievous smile spread across Reilly’s face, “I’ve got a few things in mind.” she said as she took his hand and led him out of the kitchen.