A Pinky Promise by Kayla Loomer

Today is like any other day. Lunch has just started and I'm walking with my friend jenny.  Jenny was ranting about something but I honestly couldn't tell you about what.  In the middle of her rant, I see her wave to someone.  I turn my head to see that it's him walking with his friend.  He doesn't even wave back.  

"Wow! What a douche bag, he didn't even wave back!" I say with a bitchy attitude.

"Oh" I said sort of embarrassed that I made a big deal out of nothing. 

I sort of preferred when he acted like a douche because it gives me a reason not to like him, but lately he has been really nice.

Out of nowhere jenny screamed, "You still like him!"

" Uhh…. No I don't, not even close."

Jenny gave me the I know you're lying glare and said, " C'mon  I know you do and you just told a lie."

" Jenny honestly I don't" I say as I feel my face starting to red.

"Lie!" Jenny said bluntly.

Shit she caught me.  She's always been good at knowing when someone tells the truth or not and to top it off I'm not a good liar.  I've never got the hang of it.

"Ok fine I kind of still like him.  Are you happy now?" I said, still mad that she was able to get it out of me.

She nods her head and we keep walking to our locker when Jenny suddenly stops.

"OH MY GOD! I have the greatest idea!" she exclaimed.

"What?" I asked not really wanting to know what the idea was.

"You should tell him at the end of the year! Better yet graduation." She said starting to jump up and down.

"Hell No." I said as I start to walk again when I feel her thug on my arm.

"C'mon it's not like you guys are going to see each other after that."

To my surprise I'm actually contemplating this crazy idea.

" Just do it. Pinky promise?" she said as she held out her pinky to me.

Oh shit she's serious!  No one ever goes back on their pinky promises.  It's do or die time.  Do I do it and risk being rejected or do I not and always wonder what if.

I hold out my hand and our pinky's lock."Okay pinky promise."

Sexiest Adventure in High School by Sandy Shih

I really want to write such stories like a bunch of people that does it in my creative writing class. The point is, I just can't. Those people makes up great stores that you can ever picture it right at the moment and connecting all the pictures into a piece of movie or something. And whenever I start writing a few sentences, I just can't seem to finish, what a shame. I don't know how they come up with these amazing stories. It's just like when you take a picture of a really nice scene and it actually came out better than you thought. Yes, I am writing random things in my notebook again, but who cares. I have to say that I got really heartbroken because Rachael said I was stupid. Well, she didn't exactly say it, but she meant it.

            Let me tell you how the story begins. At lunch, when I came in to Ms. T's classroom to hang around with friends, the next thing you know is Zoe seeming to have something exciting to tell me, so I happily bump up right against her to hear what a wonderful and sexy story she has to talk about. She says,

"Hey Sandy, I auditioned for Romeo and Juliet today!"

I said: "So are you Juliet?"

She says: "No! Listen to me. I got to be the nurse and the nurse is really stupid. And Mr. Ballin told me to just act like a stupid person. Rachael was right next to me, so she tells me, 'Just think of Sandy!'"

            I was so pissed off, disappointed, and pretty much heartbroken, you don't even know! I was thinking that Rachael is not getting an ice cream cake anymore on her birthday, because I was that much disappointed.

            I mean, why can't my parents just be as happy as then can ever be, instead of being such unhappy people as ever before. Let me tell you what I mean by that. My wonderful mommy always just frustrates herself and has this sad/mad/bad face. And I even told her to not to frustrate herself so much and be as happy as she can because you know, she still has to live a life right?! So, today is the 7^th of February, and it is on a Monday, which feels like a day in summer, since it's sunny, I guess. Anyway, I had added Emma on facebook today and I decided to chat with her. I told her to write "You're so sexy," on my wall just for fun because I was bored and didn't feel like doing that big bald head's project. The next few seconds, I see something else on my wall and I was going to ask her what it meant. However, after reading it so many times to myself, I finally figured it out without asking her, so I felt smart, it's just that my brain functions slower than other people, which annoys me, I have to admit, but I hope not the slowest of all in history.

            I have to tell you, there were a lot of people that added me on facebook after my sexy Zoe did. One of them was Tyler Rowe (row row your boat). I started chatting with him too, I said:

"Why are you on my wallpaper?" since I saw his disgusting face in my phone after I had borrowed it to him. He puts a smiley face. Then, I asked him,

"Is Lillian there?"

He says, "No."

I said, "Oh, dang it. Are you coming tomorrow though?"

He said, "Yeah, I am."

I said, "Am I going to Disneyland though?"

He screams at me, "I don't know! That'd be weird." I wondered how weird, he's weird.

So I say, "WHY? I am sexy. Duh!"

He says, "Ew."

I tell him, "Don't eww me.. I GOT BOOBIES."

He says, "Eww," Again.

I ask him, "Is Lillian riding with you?"

He said, "She's not coming."
I told him, "Aw man, I wanted to see her bras," with a smiley face.

He then tells me, "OMG. Sandy you are so weird."

I of course say, "Thanks, but sexy at the same time."

I asked him, "Did you have blue waffles for lunch?"

He said,  "No."

I said, "Oh, ok then..Does Lillian like those?"

OFFLINE.

            Oh yeah, and I commented on one of his pictures on facebook of him and his girlfriend: "Oh, She's HOT! You row that that boat! 'Oh Jack, oh Rose!'"

            The weather right now is making me a really sad person, which I pretty much strongly dislike. Isn't this some kind of a disorder? Because I learned it in health class with Mrs.Baur, but at least I'm not committing suicide right? But I have to tell you, I have what's called OCD. My OCD is pretty strong, since my classmate, Juan, had told me that everybody in this world has at least a little bit of OCD in them. It's really confusing. I don't even know why I have it, but I wish I never did, because it is simply annoying and frustrating. The reason is because I am very conservative, you can ask any of my friends, but then I take a shower for a really long time, and that I strongly dislike.

            So, I had a really bad day yesterday because first of all, my mom didn't make sense. Second, because this girl at my 6^th period, which I knew her since 5^th grade, tripped me and instead of telling me that she was sorry, she laughed at me! Which isn't nice or cool at all! And the last, also the biggest reason was because of not having enough sleep, why do I have so many things going through my mind?! I don't want to, I just want to sleep..

            I swear, I am going to miss high school so much! Although I think most of the classes are just TOO boring, and a lot of times I just don't learn anything from it, but maybe that's just the essence of Life, which is going to school! If you think about it, God is giving you something to do and not having you to think whether if you have something to do each day, so you should be thankful. However, I was wondering if I could throw my bra up in the air instead of the cap, and Chikku says I should. But to tell the truth, I'm going to miss many people from the creative writing class, I guess the people that are sitting around me (what a coincidence), because we have shared so many laughter together!

            So, I had a picture that Pooja took of me sitting in class and I made it my profile picture on facebook. Amanda commented on it and said:

"This gives you the illusion that you are studious. Dig it."

So I replied back, "Dig what? I don't get it. Some Gold?"

And she said, "Oh Sandy," with a blinked-eyes smile.

            Now, it's time for me to post up all the poems I wrote, and they could be the sexiest poems ever.

"Lamborghini"

Emma likes it cheesy & sweaty

Butt Evans likes it skinny

Rachael is mean

Darien is unsexy

Zoe is weird but also sexy

Kimberly likes heavy coffee

Angely likes it tall

Pooja likes random people

Chikku is my grandma

Eugster likes to give birth

Lisa likes mango's bone

Brenna loves Zach & Cody

Mario admires Luigi

Yapheth loves the beach

Hot muscles are made for me

And Tyler just likes PORN

"Hotter than HOT CHEETOS"

My valentines are my boobies

I shall take them to the movies

I wanna go on the roller coaster

And Tyler loves Justin Bieber

Government to me is like French

I'd rather sit outside on the bench

Will Ferrel is just SO HOT

And no, I am not smoking pot

Amanda eats frozen burritos

I wanna be friends with "The Incredibles" speedo

In 1^st period I always have to PEE

What I had for breakfast was bagel with cream cheese

I like Garfield and his favorite food is lasagna

I wanna kill Mr. Awwad in the mafia

Mama Max looks like Andy from the movie with the Barbie doll, dinosaurs, and cowboy

And of course he will ask Emma to prom with Joy

Tyler sent assquash a picture of his "muscle"

In a long time I haven't ate a taco

I am probably the most creative in this class

I wonder who's ass Tyler is talking about when he says, "DAT ASS."

When they say "Drop It Like it's Hot," I go: "Drop what?!"

Walking Home Part 2 by Sara Attanasio

"What?" asked Ally.

"No one is here." I replied. Her face got this frightened look. Now realizing that she was worried, I was now terrified. So we walked back to the school to see if her mom was there. Once we got there, we still couldn't find Tammy. Walking back out of the school, we saw the trees and decided that they would be our new home if our parents couldn't find us.

"We can gather all the needles on the ground, climb up and build a nest to live in," says Ally.

"What about food?" I asked.

"Well…," says Ally, "We can get the food from the cafeteria and the water from the play ground."

            After about an hour of dreaming up our "would be" lives, we decided to walk back to Allison's house to see if Tammy was there. On the way, we really didn't talk much. I think we were both trying to not show each other how scared we were.

            When we walked up to the house, we realized that our backpacks were missing. This just freaks Ally out. She runs out to the front lawn and just starts bawling. I went over to her and tried to comfort her. When I tried to pick her up off the ground, I could feel that her whole body was shaking.

"We're lost!" Ally cries out. "Sara, we're lost. We're lost and no one will ever find us!"

All I could do was just stand there and stare at her. I was thinking that how could we be lost if we are right outside her home. This was just confusing to me.

As though Tammy was listening to our conversation, she pulls up into the driveway. She ran around the van and grabbed Ally, who was now hysterically crying. Tammy then broke down into tears too. I could tell that we scared the crap out of her. She had me come over to her and she included me in her and Ally's hug. Feeling safe in her arms, I just start sobbing. After about ten minutes, Megan had to break us up and push us into the house.

We continued to cry in the house. Then out came all the questions.

"Mommy, where were you?" Ally asked

"Oh Ally, Sara I feel so bad! I totally forgot that today was early day. Megan and I were out shopping at the mall when I finalized that it was early day and that I was late picking you guys up. I'm so sorry." Tammy said, while still crying.

After we all calmed down, Tammy called my mom to let her know that she found us. Then she got us in the van and took us to this little diner in town and got us some milk shakes and French fries. I have to admit, it was very good comfort food.

After we came back home, Ally, Megan, and I went in the backyard to play on the swing set. While fooling around, we found out how Megan was so scared when she and Tammy couldn't find us. She kept on asking all these questions… "Where did you go? When did you leave? Why did you walk off school grounds? Was it scary? Sara, why wasn't anyone at your house?"

Finally Ally and I had to take her by the arms to get her attention. She just started crying.

"I was just so scared. I thought I lost you guys."

We gave her a big hug and continued on playing. After a while, we went back inside to play Barbies. About an hour later, we all hear a voice come through the front door.

"Hello? Anybody home?"

I know that voice I thought. I jump and run out the room, over all the Barbie shoes. It hurt but I didn't care. I turn the corner and see Tammy holding the screen door open and talking to my loving and caring mother.

"Mommy!" I cried out. I ran up and hugged her around the waist. "I missed you so much." After about five minutes of hugging on her she tried to get me to let go but I knew that I never would.

Well about two minutes later, Ally, Megan, and I run down the driveway and all climb into my mom's car. This was a daily ritual for us. We loved to act like we were driving and dancing to music. My mom always hated it because we would play with all the buttons and when she started the car, everything would come blasting on. After my mom and Tammy are done talking, Ally and Megan climb out of the car and say goodbye.

After waving goodbye, my mom and I drove home. When I came in I saw my brother sitting ten inches from the television and playing video games. I tackled him and gave him a big hug. Then he played with me in my room until dinner was ready. By now my dad was home and heard all about my crazy adventure.

We all sat at the table and then they asked me to tell them what happened. They realized I went along with Ally because I didn't want her to walk home alone. They ended up not giving me a punishment.

"Sara, you're not grounded," my father explained, "but if you ever walk home alone again, then you will be grounded. We never told you that you couldn't walk home so we are not going to punish you for what you didn't know, ok?"

"Ok daddy." I reply.

Ally and I still talk about our little adventure around town to this day. It was and still is one of the scariest days of our lives. We felt so alone and scared. Now looking back, we understand how lucky we were that nobody grabbed us off the street. It was a lesson learned.

That Day by Dominique Armendariz

I wanna take you back to that one perfect day

and just freeze it.

Forever stay in your arms.

Not that you let me go anyways,

but I loved it.

I melted to you then,

just like a fallen candy bar on the ground on a sunny day.

But I can't go back in time.

Just like I can't freeze time.

And, you had to leave.

I couldn't have loved you anymore than I did that day.

Unfortunately, the feeling didn't last.

But, nothing lasts forever.

We never had "that" moment again.

I've tried to get it back

but each attempt is a fail.

I wish you felt how I did that day.

Maybe you did but was scared of it.

But that's ok love is a scary thing.

Supposedly Not by Dominique Armendariz

We were supposed to be.

You were always supposed to be  mine.

We were never supposed to part.

But, I guess this time it's different.

It really is over.

No more kick its in my room,

No more late night phone calls,

And, no more tears from you.

I should be happy that I've replaced you

but the truth is is that I never wanted it that way.

I waited as long as possible but all you did was take advantage.

Today is the  first day I've thought of you and it hurts.

You were always that special one

too bad I wasn't your special one.

When I went away

you didn't even try.

I guess that's what I mean to you.

Leaving by Dominique Armendariz

My best friend is leaving.

Not forever

but it will seem that way.

My whole day is turned upside down

when you're not around.

I'll miss you so much.

I hope you don't go back.

Just thinking of this

makes me tear up.

I hate this.

Along with the person who put you there.

It's not fair.

But, hopefully you'll learn your lesson

because im selfish.

I never want you to leave me again.

Hopeless by Ed Kingsly Dungo

I have been looking for you but wherever I go, I couldn't find you. You seemed to avoid places that you know I'll look for. Are you avoiding me baby? Have I done something? Are you avoiding for someone else? I have been asking myself, but I couldn't get an answer. I know that you are the only who can answer all these questions and who can tell me why. I was so hopeless. I was so worried. I don't know what to do. I want to scream so loud rather I cried 'til there's no tears left to cry. It felt like it doesn't matter because you'll never show yourself to me. But a month after, your mother called. She wanted to see me in person and tell me something urgent. I got to the café shop just like she told me. I was inside. I was so worried. I got the feeling she's going to tell me something bad. What happened to you? I was shaking my leg and gripping my coffee cup tight. I know something bad happened to her. Is she going to be alright? I couldn't think straight. I thought that you got into a terrible accident and that you'll die. I cried but I kept it low so nobody knows. Your mother arrived and sat facing me. I apologized to her for seeing me crying. She told me that she didn't mind. I asked her why I am here for. She said that something happened to you. I knew there's something happened but I was hoping it's not what I was thinking. She said, "I'm sorry Eddy, but she died. My daughter died of cancer," and cried.

"Huh? W-w-what? I can't be…I can't be…" I said but the words were getting delayed by my emotions and I cried.

"Karen…why…why you have to go…why you have to die…why?" I said while I'm crying.

Your mother wiped off her tears and kindly said, "It's better for you to go to her funeral. I'll give you ride."

"Okay," I said while I'm crying. I was looking down the entire time your mother told me about what happened. It hurt that knowing you died. It hurt so badly. It felt like my heart was being stabbed. It felt I'm going to die. I have been looking for you and in the end, I got to this point where what I have been looking for was worthless. It hurts…it hurts…it hurts! It hurts! What's going to happen to us? Am I going to raise our child by myself? Am I going to hear my son saying "where's mom?"? I don't know what to do Karen. It felt like I can't do this responsibility without you. I don't want to see my child looking at the kids holding their mother's hand and desperately will come looking for you. Baby I hope that our son will grow just like you. You're smart, clever, romantic, caring, everything I found to a person I want to be with. Baby…wherever you are, you guide us…guide us… Baby I love you…that I still couldn't accept the fact that you're gone…Baby I love you…

Tarzan by Alex Ramos

                                    Tarzan studied the rifle and looked intensely to his friend and ally, Bulbasoar. "Looks like an assualt rifle, buddy." he said to 

Bulbasoar. Then they walked out of the burning building as it exploded in slow motion behind them. But a T-Rex came out of nowhere and ate 

Bulbasoar up. Tarzan jumped on the dino for revenge but he saw Ariel and the Aladdin chick so he went to go hit on them. But before he got there 

Master Chief came out of the woods and was killing everything with the oracle. But Tarzan removed his one clothing item and Master Chief ran 

away in fear. So a few days later Buzz and Woodt were smoking pot until they got so high that they both wanted to kiss Bo - Peep and flew away. 

Elmo heard about this and was enraged, so he, Barney and some other homies took towards their house. But Buzz and Woody got so high that 

they both got stuck to the cieling. Elmo said "Hey guys, get down here!" But Buzz said "Hey, I got a mission from Star Command and it's to mess 

you up." So Elmo cried and went to his world. So before you know it some kid told the story to his creative writing  and Ms. T got so mad that she 

got a crew of teachers to go get justice. It was Ms. T, Mr. Duerr, Mrs. Jasani and Mr. Harrison. They all flew fighter jets over to the scene of the 

incident. But some robots came up from behind them in their own planes and started shooting 6000 pound people at the jets. Mr. Duerr took a hit to 

the fuel tank and went down. Miss Jasani started bitching: "Oh my gosh, you sons of bitches should have done your homework, I'm calling home!" 

But a fat person hit the cockpit and Jasani was torn to bits and thrown into the sea. The robots were satisfied taking down the bitchiest of them all 

and decided to fly away. But Mr. Harrison watched Top Gun too many times. So he flanked them and messed them up. THE END.

ABORTED

Where are you now?

Where have you been?

And how are you?

Would you have been a little prodigy?

One who stand by me,

Look up to me,

Learn from me,

And lean on me?

Would you have come to me when you were in trouble?

When you messed with the wrong people,

Come to me cause I know what to do on the double?

I want you to know this wasn't my choice at all.

Your mother cheated and lied to me.

Took you away from me.

She took away it all.

But I woulda done anything for you,

Woulda starved for you and died for you,

I'd a done anything for ya,

And that's even though I never knew ya, 

I woulda loved you,

Whoever you would have been.

This situation is so bad, so sad,

And makes me so mad.

But this is I love you,

To the son I never got to have.

Maybe we'll meet somewhere above,

Where I can meet you and teach you.

Show you the love that I never got to show you.

Teachin' you how to ride a bike,

And do the things I like.

It's nights like these that got me down,

Like the night your mother said you wouldn't be around.

That's reason enough to leave,

Not that I give shit about anyone who'd do what she did,

I'm on my knees now askin' Jesus,

Why was it my son,

Couldn't you have taken another one?

It's so selfish, 

But not as selfish as what she did,

When I looked at her the last time, 

It was so easy to leave it.

It's got me thinkin,

Where are ya now?

If you're not on my knee,

Asking me questions like,

Daddy, what does this mean?

I can't see the reason you're not lookin' up at me,

Smiling back.

An Evening at NYC’s Downtown by Sarah Shaik

Its Friday night and I set early out of my house,
To catch up with my gang at my friends den,
I regret taking my car,
And decide upon to walk my way.
Ducked under jackets,
Wrapped up mufflers,
People walking fast,
The downtown was filled with strangers and huddlers.
Tall buildings,
In a way kissing the sky,
Narrow roads and people full of life,
Cars hustle and bustle,
After all,
Its Friday night!
I smell the fresh air
And continue my verb,
Ney York city's downtown so enthusiastic,
Merchants, shoppers and shops,
And bright lights looking fantastic.
Wining and dining,
And ladies shopping,
Now I felt the intensity,
Of the New York City living.
I buy myself a cappuccino,
And let its heat warm me,
I walk down the street,
Posh, stylish, one of a kind and free,
People here, people there,
Culture every where,
Avenues all lit up.
But who knows, what's dark inside?

Rathalos by Yapheth Tesfai

            In the small village of Ortho an earthquake hit destroying many of the resources and buildings that we relied on. This earthquake wasn't a natural disaster; it was the doing of a Rathalos this wicked beast is a giant monster that has been terrorizing many villages for the past 100 years. This monster is a fire dragon that is 600 feet tall, has a tail that is a spiked wrecking ball, skin is made of some special and rare type of material that is impeccable to most weapons of the human race, and must be stopped. That's where you come in the monster hunter the world has been waiting for, for the past 100 years. You're existence was brought upon us was to defeat this wrecked beast. To slay this fire dragon and release this village from this torment. Now don't be afraid we aren't going to send you out there right now, you need to proper training and the proper weapons. Now monster hunting isn't an easy task it takes skill, bravery, stamina, and a whole lot of strategy. Monster hunting isn't something you just do it's something you learn. If you don't want to die then you better listen up everything I'm going to tell you are key in order to survive out there.

            Now first things first we need to find out what weapon best fits you. Do you think you're more of a close range, mid-range, or long range fighter? There are many types of weapons to choose from. Weapons vary from things like long swords, hammers, great swords. Even weapons like a bow and arrow or my personal favorite the switch axe. Each weapon has its strength and weakness against specific monsters in this case all the weapons I just name cut things up so you're covered on this part. Long swords are a great weapon type leading to fast and multiple attacks that do striking damage and stun to your enemies. Do enough damage and your sword will do a special attack unleashing devastating power. The hammer a slow but one of the more powerful weapons at hand. This weapon unleashes 3 slow attacks but leading to massive damage and stun play your moves right and you might even get a kill in less than 5 blows. The great sword just likes the hammer with its speed but even more powerful, the only downside is no special attack and no stun. This may be a problem to some people, but true hunters find their way around anything. Then there is my personal favorite the switch axe, this weapon is both speed and power. This weapon is truly great this weapon is 2 in 1 in one form is it a fast striking but hard hitting axe then with a switch it turns into a slower but massively damaging sword that has mystical powers that give it an extra boost in damage. Now I know what you're thinking just give me that weapon, but hey slow your role this weapon right here is for experienced hunters your just a little noob and need to earn your way to this weapon.

            Now the second factor we must work on and that is armor. Do you want armor that is fully protected, but cripples you when it comes to speed, vice versa, or maybe you would like armor that is light but has resistance to some elements in the world those are great, but cost money. Like I said nothing is the monster hunting world is easy. You can even make your own armor out of specific materials you find in the world. You see stone grab a pick axe and bring some or even some earth crystal if you lucky enough to find some. You can make armor out of anything all coming with their own reward and payments, but usually coming with more reward.

            So did you get all that cause that's only the beginning there is tons more to learn in the world of monster hunting. You're going to need to learn these fast and get ready for the big battle against the fire dragon the fate of our world depends on you. So do you think you can handle it, will you be the hunter or the hunted?

Unwanted by Emily Reed

James sat in his car at a red light. His finger tapped almost violently on the wheel. The radio was on, but he wasn't listening to the incessant jabbering of the announcer. James looked at the glowing clock on the dashboard. 1:42 pm. Too late to crash at any of his friend's houses. He wouldn't be able to fall asleep anyways. The biting insults still rang in his ears and he couldn't shake them this time.

.-------.

               "James! You piece of shit! What the hell are you doing?"

               "James! Get your lazy ass off the couch!"

               "James!"

               "James!"

               "JAMES!!"

.-------.

               No, there was definitely no way James was going to be able to get any sleep, now. The only thing he could do was drive. James saw a light go on behind the wheel. Out of gas. James switched lanes and pulled into the nearest gas station. He parked, got out if the car, and dug a twenty out of his pocket. He walked into the convenience store and to the cashier. The cashier was an old man. Probably about 60. He looked like working at this gas station was the last place on earth he wanted to be at.

               "What do you want, kid?" the old man said. His voice was surprisingly rough.

               "Twenty dollars of gas on number four." James slapped the twenty on the counter. The man, whose nametag read Rodger, gave him dangerous look. Almost as if he were about ready to jump over the counter and strangle him. He snatched the money off the counter but kept his eyes on him.

               "Thanks," James mumbled and headed back to his car.

               "James."

               He heard his name whispered on the wind. He looked around but all the people at the gas station were busy filling up their tanks. James shrugged it off and went to his car. He unscrewed the gas cap and heard it again.

               "James." said a voice. James could tell it was a male so he turned to the guy at the station in front of him. It was a middle-aged man with glasses. He was poking buttons on the screen. James had never seen him or any of the other people at the gas station before in his life.

               "Going crazy," James thought to himself. He picked up the pump and shoved it into his car. He leaned against it and tapped his foot impatiently.

               "James!" he heard it again

               "James!" he spun his head to the right.

               "James!" Behind him now.

               "James!"

               "James!" echoed a chorus of voices. James looked around crazily. To his horror, dozens of people were walking slowly in his direction. Eyes focused on him like an archer's on his target.

               "JAMES!" they all cried.

               "What?!" James yelled. "What do you want from me?!" He spun in circles looking from person to person, waiting for them to all start laughing and yell "April Fools!" James saw Rodger from the convenience store, chanting his name and walking towards him. His face was more blank than a piece of paper but his eyes were murderous. This was not a joke.

               They were closing in on him.

               A few people had knocked the pump out of his car and gas spilled everywhere.

               "No!" James screeched. "L-l-leave me alone!" he tried to sound menacing but it came out in a whisper.

               They were on him now, chanting his name and grabbing at his limbs. Then, it was silent. Nothing but the sound of dripping gas.

Web-Stars! by Anupama Ghosh

Characters: Zara: Young, beautiful girl. Marshall's love interest.

        Marshall: Kevin's best friend. Fresh out of college

        David- Kevin's cousin and close friend, musician

        Kevin- Spontaneous, carefree, 23 years old

Scene 1

Marshall a smart, young man graduated from John Hopkins with a masters in engineering gets fired from his low paying job.

Gurt (Marshall's boss): (over the intercom) Marshall please report to my office

Marshall: (harassed, worried) Y-yes sir…

Gurt: Well, what you have been doing id extremely mediocre. No great work really (pauses) I am afraid I have got to fire you.

Marshall: Wait… wait what? How can you? I do all your paperwork and calculations. You can't just…

Gurt: Marshall my decision is final

A very young beautiful woman walks into the room.

Gurt: She will be taking your spot now. (He then winked at the woman)

Marshall: WHAT?! Whatever happened to brain over beauty This chick won't be able to do anything!

Gurt: How dare you insult her! Get out with you things right NOW!

Harassed and embarrassed, Marshall storms out as the blond makes her way to sit on Gurt's lap.

Marshall goes home to find his roommate, Kevin, munching on Cheetos and watching free movies online.

Kevin: You are home early!

Marshall: so? Any problem with that?

Kevin: OH WOAH…calm down jus' asking.

Marshall: Sorry man, just got fired, unexpectedly.

Then there is an awkward silence

Kevin: OH dude, don't worry, here have cheetos.

Marshall: (irritated) Man, shut up. You don't even care how we will pay this month's rent. You don't even care how we will buy food today. You just don't care do you!?

Kevin sat there making a silly sad face hoping Marshall would cheer up.

Marshall: When the hell do you think you will try to bring in some money? It's been three months. You asked for three months to find a job and still haven't.

Kevin: Sorry mom, but I am trying. Stop taking your anger out on me.

Kevin goes back to watching his free movies. Marshall goes to his room changes into casual clothes and bolts out the door.

Scene 2

Zara is waiting outside a Starbucks café for Marshall. He parks his car and approaches her.

Zara: Hey, M!

Marshall: Hey Zara

Zara: What's wrong you sound so lost?

Marshall: Oh, nothing just tired from work…

Zara: work? Huh…

Marshall: Yeah, why you sound so suspicious (he forced a smile)

Zara: Maybe because when I called there, the lady who picked up the phone said " OH sorry, Marshall doesn't work here anymore"

Marshall: (sighs) are you serious? (disgusted)

Zara: What's going on M?

Marshall; I got fired, I am pretty sure you figured it out, and Kevin is just one annoying roommate. He has no responsibilities and just ad no aim in life. All he does is…

Zara: Sorry to interrupt your monologue (smiling), but you're just taking your anger out on him. It's really not his fault.

Marshall: I know, but if he had a job, at least we would have been secure for a while.

Zara: (holds his hand) First go and apologize to Kev, then with a cool mind we'll look through newspapers tomorrow and find a job. Things will be back to normal.

Marshall: You...You're such a … You are nice…I love how…umm thanks for being with me

Zara: (laughing) no problem, that's what friends are for, staying with each other.

Marshall and Zara hug and depart.

Marshall enters his house. He finds that Kevin has made dinner and has set the table. He also cleaned the apartment.

Marshall: wow

Kevin: (playfully) I was waiting for you my beloved…OH how enchanted this evening will be. Just the two of us. Alone with the essence of roses and vanilla and mac and cheese.

Marshall: (laughing) Man, I'm sorry, I just went a little mad.

Kevin: A little!? Bro you went insane! It's cool though. I understand your self-esteem is at an all time low.

Marshall: (smiling) If you were a girl I would have married you by now.

Kevin: Don't ever say that again. Ever. But...IM FEELING A BRO-HUG COMING!

Marshall: OH god.

Kevin : Gemme some love baby!

They both laughed and ate dinner while watching Transformers.

Scene 3

Kevin : M! wake up JOB SEARCH!

Marshall: ohh dude...what time is it?

Kevin: It's 12:30AM

Marshall: ugh I knew I had nothing to look forward to, so I fell asleep

Kevin: NOTHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO?! DUDE you NEED a job. I'll die without money… I mean WE'LL die without money.

Marshall: I really have no chance.

Kevin: You are one depressed soul.

Marshall: Leave me alone

Kevin: Ummm, no, we gotta pay rent remember!

Marshall: Then you go look for a job…

Kevin: Man, don't start again

Marshall: (sighing) sorry, ill get ready. Just for you.

Kevin: Atta boy!

Marshall gets up and goes to the bathroom while Kevin goes outside to get paper. After freshening up, Marshall finds that Kevin has already prepared breakfast.

Marshall: You're a changed man.

Kevin: That talk we had last night, awoke some real love for you man (smiling)

Marshall: Oh god…(they both laugh)

Kevin: Here you go…coffee and warm buttery toast and (drumrolls on the table) today's job section. YAY!

Marshall: It's not fun

Kevin: I'll make it fun.

Marshall: You're making it better...yes (rolls eyes)

Kevin: Are you being sarcastic?

Marshall: No,no not at all

Marshall opens up the newspaper and starts reading the headlines. Kevin goes on and turns on his laptop. Next to his screen was a flyer reading "Want to be Web-star?" "The new internet sensation!" "start posting videos on YouTube and watch your fans grow uncontrollably.

Kevin: Hey wanna be "the new web sensation"? (laughing)

Marshall: Sure, and get hate mails and increase the number of haters "uncontrollably"

Kevin: (laughing) just kidding!

Kevin throws the paper in the waste basket but misses. Marshall picks it up and  smoothes out the crumpled paper to read.

Marshall: wanna be web-stars Kev?

Kevin: You're sooo desperate!

Marshall: we can actually be good at this. I am not getting a job or my old job back. Why not just try this?

Kevin: You ok?

Marshall: Seriously, we have nothing to lose.

Kevin: Yes, our self-respect

Marshall: man…

Kevin: What if it doesn't work?

Marshall: What if it does?

Kevin: You're right, nothing to loose

Marshall: Yup, only to gain.

Kevin and Marshall got to Best Buy to purchase a camera and get started a script. They plan on making a video blog about common topics in everyday lives. They talk about pain, happiness, their days…anything

After two months…

Marshall: We have 98 views, that's just depressing

Kevin: we have one fan: azngirl845

Marshall: (sarcastically) Yay

Kevin: give it some time man. It's only been two months

Marshall: That's a long time. We still need money.

They sit and ponder what they should do

Kevin: YARD SALE!

Marshall: That's a great idea!

Kevin: We'll sell your stupid soft toys which you bought for…what's her face? Zina…Zaba…

Marshall:… Zara

Kevin: sorry, Zara

Marshall: Fine, then

Kevin: What happened to her? Still gonna… GET SOME?!

Marshall: She's not like that man, plus she has a boy friend.

Kevin: Oh sorry, tough luck. Your life just sucks doesn't it..

Marshall: thanks, yours seems to be great as well.

Kevin: it is actually, ANYWAY,back to the sale

Marshall: We'll sell your Pokémon stuff as well.

Kevin: Yea, they are in tip-top condition as well

Marshall: This will be fun!

Kevin: I see myself swimming in millions already!

Marshall and Kevin were excited to get started and earn some money after a very long time.

sworing after effect by Victoria Gallegos

My world was fine until he entered it I liked him as a person Yeah, we dated here and there It wasn't like that though I hated him I wanted to destroy his world for lying to me Whats this, your engaged But of course he wasn't somehow I continued to like him He wasn't what I was used to He was the nicest asshole ever We never fought The world stopped when I was with him But so did my feelings I couldn't handle his games I bounced the fuck out Yup, bye, i was gone easily after months Oh,so he didn't care anyways He couldn't even look me in the face He couldn't even respond to my messages REAL MATURE! Two can play that game honey Months go by Whats this? You text me to come see you Why i wonder Now you suddenly are getting closer You take some shots i guess Now you start to man up and Open your mouth for once Those three words started to slip out I LOVE YOU. I knew it would happen It always does Unfortunately for you, I told you I didn't play games Thank you, For wasting my time.

Someday by Catherina Silva

Just a naked face in a dangerous place

Don't judge unless you know the truth

Don't judge me I' m just a youth

Countless times I've listened

Countless rhymes I've written

But I can never explain exactly

What's going on in my head

Yell and scream till your face is red

You can't change my mind set

I'll make it don't fret

Someday you will hear me

Stop and listen to me

Finally smile at something I said

Finally smile at the life I've lead

Carousel (Part 1) by Cameron Rios

Carousel Part 1

Time: 5:34 P.M. in Fremont, California. Date: April 16, 1995. I walk into my room, which only consists of three main items: A dresser, filled with nothing but three pairs of briefs, one pair of socks, three T-shirts, and a shirt I use to dust furniture, a rug, with vomit stains and scabbed over blood drips, and a mattress, which isn't really a mattress at all, just two styrofoam strips stacked together and covered with a sheet to appear as a mattress. I did that myself. All of this is my luxury. But today is not a day where I will need any of them. I came in the room to give it one last look. To let an old reality disappear for I will not return to this room, this house, or this family for as long as possible. I got a large bag wrapped in plastic containing my rather more important belongings resting in our toilet main until I relieve it. My mother is resting, tired from a long day at work and a long night of misfortunate sexual harassment from her husband, or my "father". I'd rather not use that term. I tell her I'm going to take a shower, and that I love her. Out of the whisper of my voice, I silently say "I wish things would have turned out better for you". I had no intention of her hearing me, but I believe she did. I turn our shower on and get my bag. This was a simple plan: exit out the window and take yourself as far as you can. I wasn't running away, I was accepting a new beginning I should have started a long time ago. My name is Christopher. I'm 16. And life is about to get a hell of a lot better for the worst.

 I've had this one song stuck in my head that I heard earlier today. I think it was called "Carousel", but I'm not sure. It was a new track off an album or demo for some band that a radio station broadcasted in the morning. I start humming it, and then I started silently singing it. That right there is personal history in the making. I didn't know it at the time, but this song would hold a deeper meaning for me down the road. I walked for about 5 miles until I met up with my most valued person near a set of train tracks: Mr. Tom Engle, a fellow individual who I can say is my best friend. He was similar to me, in a weird way. He wasn't neglected or abused, quite the opposite. He was overly secured and his family bugged the shit out of him. He was never comfortable around his family. They were Mormon and somewhat over the top with their beliefs. Growing up around here in California, sometimes people find that their religious beliefs will begin to deteriorate as you are coming of age. Maybe it's just the times we live in. Anyways, I've known him since our days at Centerville Jr. High, and this kid was quite a character. He wasn't like anyone I had ever met, and believe me, people in this town are only influenced by the people around them, who are basically too similar to differentiate

"So where are we going", he asked.

"I know a building", I replied.

"Let's walk and not speak until we get there."

I wasn't good at communicating with words, but with actions. Tom could read me better than hear me so it wasn't always necessary to speak. Tom and I were friends that don't just take a couple years of each others time and then split. He was someone that understood me and had opinions that were not only valid and truthful, but life changing and motivating. He was the one who made me rethink my life and make a drastic change. But our reasons for running away differed: Tom is wanted by the Police. He is a suspect in the recent murder of a 10-year old girl that lived across the street from his home. He had been seen playing with her and speaking to her, which would be suspicious to the white religious fanatics who didn't like Tom to begin with. They found her body yesterday, and this made Tom believe he needed to get away. I'm sure Tom is innocent, but I know I wont asked him a second time. I asked him once. He said "No". That's all I needed. I also believe that even if he wasn't wanted by the police he would still be running away with me. Tom was tall, slim, and pretty pale. He had braces that he never took care of and you would never catch him without his orange cap. He was a Nintendo nerd and a music junkie, like me. I don't think I could stay sane, or at least mildly insane, without him.

We didn't have a huge plan after leaving. He took about $500 from his family, I grabbed about $250 and $120 of my own cash I was saving up for real bed. But I'm aware sacrifices are necessary if you're going to go life your life on your own. Money is the biggest necessity. That and staying alive.  In my bag I had mostly stuff for daily living, like some cloths, some hygiene items, some water, food, and an army knife. I'd pick up everything else once Tom and I found a way to make more money and support ourselves. Unfortunately, stealing is going to have to be a common alternative to purchasing. I'm not the only one who needs to break the law to live. But if I get caught, I will certainly be sent back home where I will literally be beaten to death by my moms husband. The police would have dropped me off and returned to the houses without even traveling a block away to find me dead. For now, I'm just going find somewhere to crash and lay low.

 We reached an abandoned facility that I assume was either a hospital, a juvenile center, or a school. It was only two stories tall, and was about as big as a mini mall. I had seen it on my way to school a not too long ago. I went inside and noticed it was isolated. This would be our haven for the time being. Reality began to hit me about 5 hours into this plan. "How the hell is this going to work" I wondered. We'd only have enough cash to stay at a Motel 6 for about a week and then find some kind a job, while I do intend to balance school with this catastrophe of a plan. Maybe ill just find some text books at Borders and study there and then get my GED. Thank god books are still valued in this town. But what about a job? Can I handle being a homeless teenager with no connections or resources except for a skinny Mormon? I catch my breath and remember that if I stayed at home or was taken in by social services it would probably amount to a similar situation of despair and fear.

            We entered the facility, and the stench of dead animals, rusting metal, and burning rubber wasn't too bad, to be honest. The smell was an improvement compared to my previous occupation. As we continued into the facility, things felt less assuring. There were mice, birds, and rodents, like raccoons and ferrets. This made us feel like we were wild animals immigrating to a new home. It would have to do for now. Then we noticed that there were toothbrushes and bottled water in the restroom. This meant only one thing: People were already here. Me and Tom walked out of the restroom and saw three people approaching. I froze. I couldn't catch my breath. They didn't make any noise but you can tell they were approaching with caution. They came close enough to the point where we could observe then. One was tall and ripped, like he was on some kind of hormone enhancer. The other was a rather overweight and shirt. The last one was an average boy with glasses and a goatee. The big one finally said something.

"We want you to stand still and keep your hands to your sides"

Me and Tom dropped our stuff and stood still with our hands out.

"You guys lost? Looking for a place to crash? Well, just give us your cash and you can stay here for the night. Just remember this is our occupation until this building is bulldozed to the ground. What are your names?"

"I'm Chris, and this is Tom", I said.

'I'm Wes. The slim one is Chester and the Short one is Mark", he said.

This was to be our family for the coming months.

            Time: 5:23 A.M. in Fremont, California. Date: May 15, 1995. Tom was never the most careful person. He often did things like a jackass whenever he was caught up in the moment. He never took precaution seriously. That was just the way he was. Today was the day that one mistake would create a severe accident. Tom took Wes to a Quickstop to get some food, among other necessities. However, Wes didn't want anything that had to be purchased, but rather the content that, in itself, can be used to make a purchase: money. This was the first time he attempted to rob a convenient store since we had stayed at the Hospital. He was desperate and savagely determined to get some money of his own. He only got $58, and he and Tom ran as fast as they could back home. Being 5 AM in the springtime morning, no one saw them. But it was still dark and hard to see clearly. There is this fence Tom and Wes had to climb to return to the facility. Tom was freaking out and found himself franticly trying to claw his way over the fence, thinking that the cops were going to come and take him away. As he made it to the top of the fence, his shirt got caught, making him lose his balance and drop 20 feet, landing right on his face. Tom began to scream, which sounded like the cry of a dying animal. He was a screaming, bloody mess.

He was slurring and crying, spitting up blood and coughing. Wes made it over the fence and carried Tom into the facility. We set him down on a chair and observed his injury: Literally, his piece of crap braces snapped off their glued brackets, jamming into Toms gums. The wires in the back slid over and punctured the back of his mouth. Three teeth were loose and only being held in place by the glued down portions of the braces that didn't break off. There was almost too much blood to even see if that was the worst of his injuries. His tongue looked swollen and bruised, he must have bitten it. It was our understanding that Tom needed medical attention, but that couldn't happen. He would be arrested upon being filed in at the hospital and do time in jail, among being sent back home where he will harassed by his family. Who knows what the risks would be for us if we attempted to take him to the hospital. I didn't care if I was going to be caught, I knew he needed to have those braces removed from his mouth and that he needed to be sedated with a numbing drug to relive him of the pain. But Wes, Mark and Chester all declined in fear of being picked up by someone at the hospital. I couldn't believe it. I was panicking. They said we will have to remove the braces ourselves. We had to be surgeons for a couple of hours. Four kids who have shit for brains are going to try fixing Toms injury, that of which we didn't even know the full extent of. His jaw might have been broken. We wouldn't know. My conscious told me to suck it up, be a man, and try to help your friend, but meanwhile, I'm thinking that we are in a pickle and need to act quickly. Somebody can snap and make this situation a whole lot worse. We needed to help Tom at our own risk and be safe. I wanted to get him professional attention but didn't want him to be sent home or to jail or worse. I couldn't let that happen to him. I decided that we needed to try to remove those braces as soon as we can or he's going to pass out, get sick from his own blood, or do something drastic to stop the pain. We are going to do it. Either way, Tom will need to be strong and trust me. We had tools in the building that make me believe it was a hospital, like left over gauze, left over scalpels, and left over water, things like that. I asked Tom what he wanted to do. From what I could understand, he said "I think I'm going to die today. I don't care. Just help me. Help me Chris". He basically gave me the okay to help him. Now, I couldn't let anything happen to him. The guilt would stay in my forever as long as I live. He needs my help, and I'm going to do it. God help me...