Addictions by Alex Ramos

Do you remember the times that we had? I remember all of the hate that
you had to add.
Everyone has forgotten you, now you have forgotten yourself.
How can you sleep at night without me by your side? Did you ever
realize how hard I've tried?
I never thought things would get this bad.
So I guess this is what it comes down to, your demise from the
addictions you were bound to.
When the world tumbles around you, the evil you confessed will never crown you,
You wasted your life.
So I guess this is what it comes down to, your demise from the
addictions you've been bound to.

FB Status, Who's Your Celebrity Crush? by Angelina Espinoza

On June 1^st 2011, I got the idea to find out who my friends celebrity crushes were. So I decided to post a Facebook status about it, simply asking the question of "Who is your celebrity crush?" of Course I stated the reason why I need people to comment, but ultimately I needed that question to be apparent. So as I posted my status, I began to get a boat load of notifications. Such as Sarah Edwards, Ashley Chavez and 3 other friends commented on your status. I didn't exactly think about why I wanted to know, but I thought since I was writing about MY celebrity crush, Drake, I thought that I'd like to know what others were.

Untitled by Jessica Kane

I may not be the best person there is in the world, but I do know that I am at least a good person. I respect those who are older and deserve the respect. I have been told that I am kind and I always try to be nice, and I don't start drama among the people that I choose to surround myself with. I will stand up for those I trust and believe in because they are the few people that I consider my true family. I care deeply for my friends and the people that I truly love, who I will continue to care about no matter what happens.

Heartbeat by Josh Ebadi

Well one day I came home from school and I saw my parents outside with angry looks on there faces, and my brother with a huge grin on his face.i did not know what was going on . I was confused.. All of a sudden my phone vibrates.

Ice Cream With a Girl by Josh Rozul

So I've been talking to this girl for like 2 months now. Just trying to get to know her, you know? Trying to figure out the right moment to like ask her out. So this past Saturday May 21, 2011. I finally got the guts to get her to get ice cream with me. It was a nice day, so I thought that today was the day to like tell her that I like her. I gave her hints and stuff, hopeful that she would already know. But anyways uhm, she's Christian so she was telling me like "Well you know the rapture might happen today." And I thought to myself "Oh shit it's at 6:00 PM everybody may disappear." I kind of knew this already. It was all over Tumblr, it was pretty much every persons status on Facebook. But I didn't really believe it. Yea me and her were vibeing the whole day. It was 5:58 PM and uhm I wanted to make some moves I was going in and uh she just DISAPPEARED! I was like "WHAT THE FUCK!"

Unspoken Truth by Natalie Sanchez

Drifting through life as an unnoticed living ghost, Seeing life from up above, Despite feet placed firmly in soil. Yearning for spoken affection, Yet not admitting to the privation. Hoping one day, someone will see The emotions swimming inside of thee. Expectations set high, The universe sets them aside. All I want to do is DIE. *Note found under pillow*

Sealed Lips by Amanda Griffin

Eyes wide

Ears open

Mouth Silent

Mind Full.

Coming to a close by Jonae Anthony

I wasn't even 16 years old year yet and I was seriously close to thinking that first year that I, Jonae Anthony was IN LOVE. God was I so young and even more naive. I always knew in the back of my mind that it was really only 'Lust' even though it was fun to think i was in puppy love. Andrew Nohr, i'll never forget your name.

The Dutiful Daughter by Bridget Moore

Evelyn stepped out of her home, now her parent's home, onto the porch to the snowy outside where she would now remain. Her papa stood in the doorway, holding the door open for Evelyn's mother as she put on her coat. From Evelyn's perspective it looked as if he were about to slam the door shut in her face.

Nose to the Grind Stone by Brannon Pantoja

I remember as a little kid, well I remember bits and pieces of it. I

remember moving around so much, and I mean so much. From LA to all over parts of

San Jose, to Belmont, Half Moon Bay, Hayward, Fremont, and Newark. Being tossed

back and forth between my mother and my father, it was weird having parents who

never married. And it fucking sucked just as much as my parents hated each other. My

parents would constantly fight over stupid stuff and it was annoying. Any ways lets not

really going into all that negative shit, my life wasnʼt all that bad until later in my life but I

want this to be a positive story, and leave with a good ending.

YOU by Emily Topham

               Sometimes I miss your touch. I miss the way you couldn't get enough of me. I miss being cared about.

                Sometimes I miss your laugh. Your eyes. Your stubbornness. I miss the way I would just keep talking and you would listen. The way you gave me perfect advice.

                Then I remember who you are. What you did. What you didn't do. I remember how much work it took just to get you to admit how you felt about me.

                I remember that your door is closed and there's no handle on the outside. The only way you would let me in was if I pounded my fists and screamed your name. Even then, you didn't always listen.

                I remember that that is why I pretend you don't exist and never did.

How To Love by Kirsten Mamauag

She would make sure that he finished his homework before he made his way to the basketball courts. She stayed after school for a whole week just to help him study for his math final because she knew that math was his worst subject. She would call him at night just to make sure that he finished his homework and stay on the phone with him if he had any questions. She made sure he was doing nothing less than the best that he could. She supported him no matter what happened or what he chose to do. She understood  and saw the difference of when he was trying his best and when he wasn't trying at all. Within time, he realized that they would have time for love but as of right now -what he needed to do was succeed. It was the key to having the future that he's always dreamed of. With her, of course. He knew that if she understood his concept, then she would understand him no matter what. He also knew that if she was able to teach him anything from a simple book, imagine how it would be if she taught him how to love.

I Am Who I AM by Sara Attanasio

I am who I am. I am who I want to be. And nobody can or will ever change me.

            I am a person with blue eyes that light up when I feel loved and secure. I am a person with curly, brown hair that shines in the sun. I am a person with a cute nose that came from my mom. I'm so glad I didn't

Untitled by Joshua Selles

            Sooooo, there was this girl in my 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 6^th periods in school.  Her name was Hazel, and god damn were my eyes glued on her.  She was barely 5 feet tall if that, and Filipino.  For some reason, ever since junior high Asians especially caught my attention in girls.  Also, if you were fun size, that made you that much sexier to.  Every period I'd just admire her, and the often time she'd catch me staring.  I'd have to make a dumb ass face to fake that I wasn't even paying attention to her, or just look up at the clock really fast.  This has been a habitual schedule everyday since 3^rd grade, and I can still remember the first time we met.

Off to Hawaii it Seems by Dominique Armendariz

"Wake up it is 6:00 A.M we have a plane to catch!," yelled my mom. 

Yes! I have been waiting for this day to come for months. I jump out of bed, eat some cereal, and put whatever clothes I had laying on my couch  on. Five minutes later my grandpa pulls up to take my mom and me to the San Francisco Airport. We find the Hawaiian Airlines gate. I feel the adrenaline rushing. Not that much longer until we are on our way to Oahu.

"Nani what are you doing? Hurry up!," yelled my mom again.

All of the sudden the airplane was gone. And it was black. I was dreaming all along. All I see are my baby blue walls. We aren't going to Oahu until June. It is just a normal Tuesday. Time to go to school.

The Rapture: A Satire? By Angely Guevara

     Well, welcome to the rapture. What did you expect? Jesus at your window, using the force to pull you out of your bed or seat or sofa? A giant courtroom where Saint Peter reads off your sins and good deeds at like a kajillion words per minute, then God decides where you go?

     Sorry to disappoint. Did you think the Mormons were wrong in their door-to-door methods? Then I guess you'll be surprised when a bunchload of angels come knocking at your door, Census collection-style. It's a rather simple form they're handing out, really.

     First question: Are you a human? Any answer other than yes is an automatic no. Be smart here people. Second question: do you accept Jesus Christ as your lord and savior? Mark yes or no.

     If you have answered no to any of these questions, I am sorry to inform you that you will not be admitted into eternal life and rejoicement with God. However, you are free to continue roaming Earth as you were before this glorious day. Unless people start looting. Congratulations Earth, you are on your own now. Consider this God's pullout.

Yoga by Eduardo Martins

My dad and I were in a deep concentration of mind while practicing our Vinyasa yoga. A deep concentration in nothingness and nonexistence. My mom and my sister were in the room next to us practicing Pilates which was far too intense and advanced for us. While feeling the yoga endorphins and meditating in Shavasana under a blanket with my legs tucked in my belly, I suddenly heard an extremely loud and abrupt sound and felt the earth beneath me oscillate up and down.

Good-Bye by Chikku Luckose

Dear fellow classmates,

As many of you probably know, today will be my last day in high school.  I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know what a great pleasure it has been to be with all of you.

In the beginning of September, I walked into this classroom with one goal, to meet some unforgettable people, and now that the dream has become a reality,

Final: A New Era by Darien Teague

Teras almost says something but the bush rustles, shrieking in panic. Evangeles, however, keeps his Death Glare up as well as his silence. And giving no warning he lunges at the bush, with fingers turned into claws. Teras watches on as a scuffle ensues between him and another. It's over quickly as Evangeles jumps forth and throws to the ground an unusually suspicious young man, about 13-14 years of age. "This one's been following us", Evangeles coldly states.

The young man looks Slavic, and like such folk his skin is a bit pale. Hair is moderately long but tide-up around its mid-section. Clothes are of good quality and of dark coloration, not unlike his dark green hair. "There was no need to get all panther on me with those claws", he manages to force out while in pain.

"Maybe I wouldn't have to if you'd just come out front", he says calmly as his claws morph back into fingers. Despite whatever anger he may hold, he seems to be slowly letting it go.

Life by Dominique Armendariz

Why must life be so scary? As if there aren't enough things to be worried about. Now you have to think if your kid goes down the street will he be kidnapped? If you get bit by a spider will you die? If you take a hit of that crack pipe will you over dose? If you don't make enough money will you go homeless? Why can't the world be simpler? Is it as time goes on the world gets more violent and complicated or because the mind has gotten smarter so there are so many ideas that run through our heads? I wonder what the world was like at the time of the cavemen? or the Native Americans? Sure more simpler but less dangerous. But, again my generation has cures to almost everything, we're more open minded, and more knowledgeable about anything. So I guess if I had to take a more scary life than simpler life I would. If it meant that we had more smarts and better ways of living then definitely.

Future by Dominique Armendariz

I'm always thinking of my future life. And, frankly it scares me. The idea of living without my mom because I depend on her so much makes me a little concerned of how I am going to do it a lone. I often wish I was a miniature her. She's so smart and motivated on the other hand I'm not. I'm probably the laziest person that anyone could ever meet. I'm 18 years old turning on 19 and still don't know how to cook, I don't pay bills because I don't have a job, and all I want to do is hang out with my cousins. I'm about to graduate and still haven't gotten serious about college. I don't know how I'm going to make it through another couple of years of college when I don't even like school. I keep telling myself I'm going to someday be the motivated person I want but it doesn't just happen like that. I'm sure the world would be a much better place if we could just be what we wanted at the wish of something.

Greater Than Godlike Tournament by Yapheth Tesfai

Its been something that I have wanted to do for the longest time now going to compete and trying the best I can to make it far. Most people wouldn't understand why I would love this so much and that's fine its just because they aren't apart of the community. The people who are apart of it know what goes on and knows just how difficult it is to make it here those are the kind of people that I want to be around these are the people that I want to meet. Traveling to different venues just to play some of the top players in the world is a dream come true to me, I have always thought I could hang amongst some of the best, my time and dedication spent on this improving everyday, meeting new people everyday, learning new things everyday. I have only been into it for a year now and I am extremely upset with myself because I wish I found this years ago. People who are surrounded by the same old thing everyday, getting up early in the morning to go to school, hanging out with the same friends, having the same meaningless conversation and basically living the same day over and over and over again even though you try to make everyday different. Well this is the life that I have been living for sometime, but its not going to continue for much longer. Competing and trying to be the best is a feeling that is only something that you can experience you cant tell. Being able to go to that chair sit down and put my arcade stick on my lap and get ready to play my opponent knowing that all these people and the internet is watching being impressed by my skills and hearing the crowd cheer when ever they see something awesome, whether it be a good read or a nice combo or even an unbelievable comeback, its just extremely satisfying to know that you did it and that people saw it along with a few more people knowing your name. Its this kind of life that I had hope to be living one day and I'm glad to say that, that day is coming very soon. When I go to my first match I will never forget it, its going to be exactly like the streams on the internet show it. I get my nickname called on the megaphone telling me I am up and its time to play. While my opponent and I begin to select our characters the rest of the audience gets to view it on a huge projector screen and the computer screens of thousands around the world. Before the match even begins the people already begin to get hype cheering and screaming getting ready for that fight to start. Once it begins I know that I will win, because I have been ready for this day for a real long time now. There isn't anything in my mind that tells me that I can be one of if not the best player in the world. Most people don't understand the things that they can do in life. They are so zoned out of everything that is amazing about life and everything that they can do even if it seems silly to others. For me when I found that something I fell in love with it and I don't care what people have to say about it because I have seen people that go through the same thing, what people say may be negative, but the end result is something that makes you feel like the coolest man in the world that feeling is only something to be experienced, but I will give you a quick view on it. Imagine you being recognized for being amazing at something popular, people knowing your name, actually having fans, meeting really cool people that love the same thing you do and finally the best part about it realizing that you really can do what ever you want as long as you put your mind to it. Soon I will find out if I get to experience that feeling when I go to the next tournament.

Can't Wait to Grduate by Kaylee Parsons

I've been hearing a lot of talk lately about graduation. People are asking each other what colleges they are going to next fall and things like that. Lots of people have big plans and are going to State colleges or Universities, and they seem to already know exactly what they want to do. But not me.

Take the Stage by Kaylee Parsons

I pushed the "power" button and turned on my iPod dock. I searched for my favorite Paramore song, That's What You Get, and pushed play. I began to brush the tangles out of my hair, while looking into y mirror. The instrumental part was fading out as the Hayley Williams began to sing. I started to sing along in a whisper, mostly trying to lip-sync. "No sir, no I don't wanna be the blame, not anymore…" I heard the front door close, then looked towards my window to see who was leaving; my parents. Yes, I'm alone. I turned up the volume and started to sing along louder. "Why, do we like to hurt so much…" Next thing I know, y brush had turned into a microphone, my mirror had turned into the crowd, and my bed was a stage. I sang louder for my fans as the chorus approached. "That's what you get when you let your heart win, woooooaaaaaahh!" The crowd went wild as I danced around the stage. Instrumental; second verse. "I wonder, how am I supposed to feel when you're not here, cause I've burned, every bridge I ever built, when you were here. I still try, holding onto silly things…" A strand of hair fell in front of my eyes, and I noticed that it was orange. I looked down at y outfit, and it too has changed. What used to by my hair brush, was now a bright orange microphone, just like the one Hayley Williams uses to perform. I decided to woo the crowd with a trick, so just before the chorus was coming up again, I tossed up the mic; it flipped in mid-air one-two-three times, then gently back into my hand. The crowd went wild again, this time with three times the excitement. I held out the mic, gesturing for the crowd to sing the chorus with me this time. "That's what you get when you let your heart win, wooooaaaahhh!" Then the third verse. "Hey, make your way to me, to me, and I'll always be just so inviting, if I ever start to think straight this heart will start a riot in me, let's start, start hey!" I was really working the crowd. Finally, the song was coming to an end as I sang the chorus one last time. I threw the microphone back, the bassist caught it, and I jumped into the crowd. Suddenly, all of the noise stopped. I opened my eyes and I was back in my room. I still heard someone clapping though, so I turned towards my door as my heart began to race. My brother was standing there, and he began to laugh at me. I didn't hear the front door, since I was so lost in my own little world. "Loser." He insulted me while he was still snickering. My face turned bright red with embarrassment.

It's Friday, Do the Creep! by Kaylee Parsons

May 6th, 2011. It's Friday. Jaime and I had plans to go to Taco Bell with Luis and Will from our guitar class, but Luis ended up bailing and Will ditched us; we decided to go to Taco Bell anyways. On the way there, we were crossing the street when we came across the first creeper who was in a truck waiting to turn the corner while we crossed. He noticed that I was wearing a Captain's hat, the decided to be creepy and said, "Hey, I got a boat!" I didn't quite know how to react to that, so I just kind of smiled and laughed awkwardly, then mumbled to Jaime, "because that wasn't creepy at all…" I don't think he was aware of how creepy that really was. Was he not aware of his age? Or that he was talking to two teenaged girls who would easily be creeped-out by that? We kept walking. Fast forward, and now we were at Taco Bell. Jaime was telling me about this new guy friend of hers who she has been hanging out with lately. She said he works at Little Caesar's Pizza and that he was working late on that day around 5:00PM. So we decided that we should pay him a visit and het some pizza. Fast Forward, we are buying pizza, but we don't see her friend Nick. So Jaime asks the cashier "is Nick working today?" The girl turns around and says "hey Nick, you have a visitor, she said something about you owing her money for child support or something!" she joked. Nick comes out. This is the first time I've seen the guy. The girl told him to order up our pizza. Jaime said something to him, and he smiled. I don't know what it was, but that guy had a weird smile. There was just something about it that kind of bugged me. I stared at him mouth as he continued to smile. Fast forward, Jaime and I were both on scooters. There was nowhere to sit down to eat inside Little Caesar's, so we decided to go over to Target to sit down and awkwardly eat pizza because they had tables. Fast forward, we are in Target. Only a few people looked at us weird. Then, these two drunk looking chicks walked in, looked at us as if they knew us from somewhere and said "pizza girls!" Then turned to me and complimented my outfit. Fast forward, there were like three pieces of pizza left, neither of us wanted anymore and didn't want to carry it since we were on scooters. We didn't want to waste it. "Hey, why don't we give it to the hub kids?" Jaime suggested. I thought about it for a second, then I was like "eh, what the heck, why not?" Fast forward, Jaime and I look over to the spot where the hub kids are. Jaime then says "never mind, I don't want to do this anymore. It's creepy." Then I was like "nah, just come on, let's be creepy and just do it, who cares!" We get closer, there's like twenty-five of them. "Oh… never mind!" We continue to roll by on our scooters as I ramble on, "nope, definitely not, too many people, just kidding, no way, see ya, L-O-L, J-K; this was such a dumb idea…" Then the hub kids acknowledged us. They all looked over at us as they threw their hands up in the air and yelled out "HEY!" I look over at Jaime. She yells back, "hey, do you guys want some pizza?!" Dammit. They got all excited and two of them came over to us as Jaime explains that we didn't want to carry the leftovers. One of them grabs the pizza and asks us like three times if we were sure. Then I hear one of them mumble the name Michelle. Whatever. The guy with the pizza thanks us, then does that weird guy handshake/high-five thing that all guys do to greet each other. He turns to the other guy standing there and says, "Hey, do you want some?" Then the guy says, "No, you go ahead. I'm going to stay here and chat with them for a bit." Jaime and I exchange a weird look. Then he starts talking to us about some drink that they just mixed, which we didn't really care. Then he says it's from a song, and starts saying some of the lyrics. He is mostly looking at me when he does this. "Haven't you heard that song?" he asked. "No, definitely not." Then he asked, "You guys don't listen to rap, do you?" We both laughed and said no. He turns to Jaime. "So, I heard you aren't going to prom with him anymore." Jaime, really confused, says "who, Nick?" "No! Francisco!" Confused even more she says "who??" Then I was like "um who are you talking about? We don't even know you!" He probably felt really awkward and stupid at this point. "Wait; take off your shades for a second." Jaime lowers her sunglasses to show her eyes. "Oh, my bad, completely wrong person!" I am so sorry!" He apologized. "It's okay…" said Jaime. He offered us alcohol, we said no thanks. Then he asks us to hang out with him and the rest of the hub kids. At this point, I was focusing on the back of someone's head that was behind him. Jaime just wanted to get out of there. I ask, "Is that Jason over there?" "Jason McGrath? Yeah that's him." I wanted to go over and say hi. The guy kept trying to get us to stay, while Jaime kept trying to leave. "Oh, well maybe another time, we have to go now," she shot me a look. "Oh, okay. Well my name is Alex by the way." He shook Jaime's hand, then mine. "Nice to meet you… what was your name?" he asked me. I told him my name, said goodbye, and then we left. "Uh, Jaime… did he ask you for your name?" "No." "Dammit! Why did he only ask mine!? That was so creepy, and I thought we were going to be the ones creeping on them by randomly offering our leftover pizza to them. Who takes pizza from strangers? We could have done something to it for all they know, like licked it, or slipped some cocaine into it… Dammit! WE were supposed to be the creepy ones and WE got creeped on! It totally backfired!" The Jaime just says, "Stupid hub kids…" Then I start chanting "hub kids never leave the hub! Hub kids never leave the hub!" Referring to the stoop kid who never left his stoop on Hey Arnold! The next day, Jaime and I were at the mall. We walked by the food court and guess who was there… none other than THE HUB KIDS.

Thinking Back On It by Britney Sanchez

           I remember this week clear as daylight. It was the end of the week and I finally didn't have to deal with school anymore. I could not handle being at school all week, it was the most depressing week I have ever had. It was complete hell and finally, Saturday was approaching where my relief would finally come to the rescue. No more tight feeling in my stomach, the shaking, worrying, and crying in the middle of the night. All would disappear in a matter of minutes. I was only 15 and a sophomore in high school when it happened and I can barely handle the pressures of high school but, what happened to me was beyond anything I could have ever imagined for me. Of course I have been through so much during my adolescent times; no luck would ever come my way. I'm 18 now and looking back on what happened, I honestly still feel fear in my body every time I think of it. I had the scare of my life: 16 and pregnant.

            Every teenager comes to that point of when they begin to grow into their bodies and actually well, mature a little. For some, high school is the time to let wild and party and be careless, "live life" as they call it. Yet, I really wouldn't say that's the smartest thing to do in the world. For my sake, "living the life" ended very quickly for me. It happened when I wanted to fit in, be cool and get recognized by boys. Every girl loves the attention of that and for me; it wasn't so easy getting the attention like my classmates.

            I was fair skin, no blemishes, and bright hazel eyes. I wouldn't say I was the prettiest but, it can be questionable why I have trouble speaking to boys. I like to use the excuse of my ratty old knotty dirty blonde hair. Everyone had such soft silky hair, I wasn't apart of that description. My hair was rough and looked like I came to school everyday with bed hair; or as others call it "sex hair'". I never really understood that till halfway through my sophomore year. I never was with that crowd that learned so many multiple swear words or non appropriate thing. I was the last innocent girl in my grade. That wasn't ok with me, maybe looking back on it I shouldn't have cared, but I did. I cared a great deal. I remember the feeling of being all alone and a complete loner. Even my friends at lunch would tease me about it sometimes. I always felt sad and depressed and had nobody to talk to about how I was feeling.

            About a month before "IT" happened, I was at home and I decided that I can mo longer be an outcast. I need to fit in, I can. The rush of being confident and straight forward and gutsy hit me hard. I walked up to bathroom mirror hanging up in my bathroom above the long white marble sink and I looked at myself. I critiqued every inch of my face and body. I knew what I had to do at that very moment.

            I grabbed scissors and began to cut my knotty ugly hair away. I have myself layers and bangs; I shampooed, conditioned and brushed my hair. It was no longer an ugly rag on my head but a silky golden stream that ended at my shoulders. In the next few hours, I bought a whole new closet of clothes in which I saw other girls buy their clothes from like Forever21, Pacsun, and Hollister. I put on my first outfit. It was a white cami with a navy blue cardigan with brown buttons with anchors on them and dark blue skinny jeans. I studied myself feeling as if I couldn't even recognize who I was looking at in the mirror. I was a new person. I even changed my name at that point. I was no longer Channa Olivia Tatum. I was Olive Tatum.

            I created this name for myself because my first name is something I do hate and now that I had changed the way I looked, its time for identity to as well. I was creating a whole new image for myself and wanted to fit in perfectly. I wanted the attention; I craved for it, to be noticed and invited to hang out all the time. That's all I ever wanted to have. Though, my expectations of this were much higher in a sense, I never thought anything bad would come of it, only positive.

            I returned to school over the weekend and immediately I was noticed. I was getting looks and confused faces. This was funny to me. I felt happy and had a smirk on of course, I finally felt good about myself, I felt…pretty. For the first time, I was pretty. I sat down at my desk and waited for first period to be over so I can walk around and feel great about myself. I was so anxious for the whole school to see me and think that I am a new student. You could hardly recognize me. I was day dreaming in class when I was interrupted by Chris Reel, he sat next me. I didn't catch what he said at first, it caught me off guard.

            "Huh?"

            "You're Channa Right?" he said stuttering a little. I took a moment to respond. I had 3 classes with him total this year and still he had never spoken one word to me before. 

            I just replied quietly, "call me Olive." He just smiled and turned away. I was kind of confused though, I thought conversations were supposed to last longer than that. In my mind I felt a little urgent to keep it going, maybe hell like me or something.

            "So uhm, you're Chri-"he cut me off quickly and turned towards me whipping his head around as if he was scared.

            "Yea, Chris." He smiled then cleared his throat about to say more but I turned my head and started doodling on my notebook. One thing I have learned from other girls is leave a guy dangling for me.

            The class ended 45minutes later and no other words were said between me and Chris. He was always sort of the quiet shy type of guy though. He was cute, which left me puzzled why he would be, he could really have a girlfriend if he wanted to be. But I really shouldn't be talking. I liked him since elementary school and we never really ever talked except once in third grade. We were on the same team for hide n go seek at a birthday party. He was scared of the dark and cried; I told everyone it was me. Doubt he would remember that though.

            School ended quickly and I was satisfied. The feeling of being noticed all day was accomplishing. I even had lunch with a lot of other pretty girls at my school I knew them, but we never really ever talked to each other. So it's nice to be finally welcomed for once. Though, when I got home I kept thinking of Chris, he was a really nice guy and always kept to himself but he was part of the popular crowd so he was friends with all the sporty nicely tanned guys everyone wanted to date, including me.

            Next few weeks I made more friends than I ever had before. I was invited to a couple of sleepovers which were after a part of course. I didn't go to them though, I wasn't ready for that. I didn't know what they did at those parties and I wanted to study up before. I always had butterflies in my stomach, stupid and childish I know but, I truly felt like a little kid getting their first Christmas present everyday and time is repeating it over and over again.

            Then it happened a week later, I went to my first party and it was at some kids house I didn't even know or even talk to their. Probably didn't even see I don't really remember that night that well. All I can remember is that it's a night that was vey eventful but blurry in most parts of the night.

            First thing I did that night was find the most attractive outfit in my closet I could find. It wasn't that great but it was a short black pencil skirt with a red tank top that had a red flower on one strap and brown low strap heels with a small brown flower in the front. I was ready, but I felt a sense of urgency inside of me that I shouldn't go. I shook it off and figured I was just nervous of my first High School party. I never thought that, that moment was my first warning sign of total disaster.

            I arrived at the party and entered a house filled with kids that I have never associated with nor even seen before. My first thought that came to mind was, don't be alone. I looked frantically around looking for at least one girl I knew. I didn't want to just stand by the door, so I ran across the room bumping into at least 6 strangers trying to reach the punch bowl where everyone got their red cups from. I just looked around and poured myself a hell of a lot of punch. It tasted kind of funny and I just ignored it. Of course at the time I had no idea that was my first dose of alcohol. I kept drinking it too, least 6 cups worth.

            Finally I saw some girls I knew, I walked over and said hi. Alex Diaz was a junior and treated me as if I was her little daughter or something. It was really annoying but she just would call me her sophomore. I think she wanted me to be her little version of her or something. I didn't get that but I didn't bother least I was with her at the party. Sarah Zwecker was another girl standing with us. She was tall lean and blonde as can be. Meaning smarts too. Though, her beauty makes up for it and she always had the boys eating out of the palms of her hands. She also was a junior; I think I was the only sophomore there at that party. I don't remember but we stood there for a while drinking our alcohol fruit punch and laughed and talked about who knows what. The next thing I remember was I was alone in a bathroom throwing up.

            I was in the bathroom for a while. I remember I sat on the floor smelling of puke and punch. I was hugging the toilet and mascara was running down my cheeks. I didn't feel well, and I really didn't want to be alone either. The next thing I remember is hearing a fait "hello?" and a knock on the bathroom door. It was Chris. So apparently I wasn't the only sophomore there. One thing I liked about Chris, he never changed since we were little like everyone else. I turned around as I heard the door opened. I quick jolts of sober sprang through me and I ran to the sink and looked down and tried to clean off as much mascara off my face as I can. He just stood there sort of rocking back and forth a little scared and tired.

            "Are you ok Chris?" he said nothing.

 I walked towards him and he fell on me, I caught him barely and didn't know what to do. He was sort of heavy so I couldn't just stand there. Quickly I thought looking all around and began to pull him towards a bedroom door. I plopped him on the bed trying to catch my breath a little. He just moaned and sort of sat up against the pillows using them as a crutch for his back.

"Sorry, I just-"I cut him off because he had no reason to explain to me. I know.

            "I get it; I didn't know you were going to be here. Should have told me we could have I don't know, talked and stuff"

            "Aren't we now?" he said sarcastically. I don't like when people give me smart ass answers but its ok, ill let that sly he's drunk.

            "I wouldn't count this though I mean look at you."

            "Well excuse me, Olive hanging over a toilet" we both got quiet at that point trying to sober up more but I just ignored his ass.

I wanted to leave that room. I didn't want to stay five more seconds sitting on some stranger's bed with Chris. I felt uncomfortable and I remember slightly I voice in my head to tell me to RUN. I didn't listen; my second waning of that night. All I remember after that is that I then laid down on the bed because now I had a headache from all that stupid "punch". Then after that well, it explains for itself. I left that party with my skirt messed up, one strap off and my knotty raggy hair was back.

            Then the weekend ended and I remembered coming to school with everyone whispering and eyeing me. It wasn't the good feeling kind either. I was worried and confused. Course I lasted through four periods of that and also numerous amount of flirting from guys than usual. I felt uncomfortable at that point.

            Lunch came and Sarah pulled me aside and asked if I was feeling ok. From that point I was completely confused, she had a look on her face of satisfaction and mockery too. I didn't know what to say, I felt embarrassed and though I did something wrong. I didn't like that feeling at all. I wanted to get away from everyone and not be the center of attention anymore. I backed up from Sarah and glared around and saw everyone sort of starring at me. Maybe it was all in my head but I remember it like that completely. I turned leaving Sarah standing there and a few seconds later I ran into Chris.

            He pumped into me making me drop 3 of my books, he picked them up for me and I just was embarrassed. I was anxious to talk to him, to flirt, to make him like me. He was so nice and cute I just became a naïve little girl around him.

"Olive, do you remember anything at all from the party?" he had a really serious face, and my smile drifted quickly after that.

"Uhm I guess no. Some parts I do, why?"

"We did something, and the whole school knows. I didn't realize Olive I am so sorry like I wish I was…"

My mind stopped processing his words, I was in shock I thought deeply and thought this couldn't happen. I don't remember this. We couldn't have, how could this be? Was that legal? My mind was all mixed up. I remember I felt the pressure of waves behind my eyes. My stomach fell, my hands went numb and I didn't know what to think now.

            I ran from him. I ran from everybody. I ran straight home. I fell onto my bed and cried. Nobody was home either so I felt more alone than I have ever felt in my life. I only had one thought as I was bawling my eyes out. "I want to die." It's a horrible thought to have but I had it and I wish that I could take it all back. Even now I can feel the intense pain in my stomach and the tears the frequently ran down my face.

            I had no one to talk to, nobody to run to, to be safe. Nothing I could do but just wait. I was never really taught about stuff like this. I felt disgusting and gross. I showered about 5x that day. I felt that if I showered so many times it would go away and nothing would happen to me. Being educated by this stuff at the time would have helped me a lot. All I knew was to get what they call a "pee stick" and pee on it in two days. I did just that and pee'd. I waited 3 minutes till I got the results. Those 3 minutes felt like 3 days and the whole time I was shaking. I hadn't talked to Chris either; he was in the back of my mind the entire time.

            I couldn't help but think of how my whole life was gone in an instant. I barely talked to the guy. I barely remember what happened. Did it even happen? Till this day I don't even know. But what I do know was that I wasn't pregnant and I was safe. I know that I will never ever be so dome. And through out the next 2 years of high school I followed that. I never talked to Chris after that day; I think he was too scared to even look at me. But, I made it through not trying to impress anyone anymore or even care. I was happy and smart now. Never again will I be stupid.

My Memories by Pooja Sharma

            I want to write this letter to my best friend Sandy. Hopefully it is something you will read with a smile, make you cry, and keep for a very long time. This took me a few days to write, and it came from my heart, so you better appreciate it champ haha. I seriously do just want to be your #1 best friend, and I don't want anyone else to get in the way. You are the reason I love school so much this year, and I hate that we live so far apart. I feel honored to know you. Ever since we began our friendship in 2009, it has been so awesome to have someone so kind, caring, pretty, funny, generous and loving, to want to spend their time with me. I have never felt worthy of your friendship, but always treasured it close to my heart. You have taught me a lot. Believe it or not, you are someone I have always wanted to be like. I see your courage, your devoting loyalty to your friends and family, and above all, your unconditional ability to love. I have loved that over the past few months that I have known you, you were always the person I could turn to. I feel like I am able to talk and share anything with you, we are that close. And that has meant the world to me; words cannot describe how much I look up to you. When I was growing up, my mom would describe to me a very loveable person, she would say, "Someone I want you to grow up to be is nice, funny, smart, wise, loveable, funny, pretty, athletic, and many more qualities". I would always picture myself being all these things, but now when I think of this, I see a picture of me and you in my mind. We both have the greatest qualities anyone would ever want, and we should be very proud of that. You are the perfect best friend, and I am so happy I met you. I don't care what you say; we are the same in every way. You always make the right decision and always think before you speak. Those are two key ingredients to the perfect friendship. With our friendship comes one guarantee, what happens to you happens to me. If you are ever sad, I am sad for you, if you are ever excited, I am also excited, if you are about to pee your pants because a joke was so funny, chances are, I already peed haha just kidding, just kidding. When I talk to you, it's like shelter, just hearing your voice makes my day shine. Yesterday brought the beginning tomorrow brings the end, and somewhere in the middle we became the best of friends. You have no idea how happy I am that we are best friends. I would do anything for you and I know you would do the same for me. No matter where life takes us, you will always be in my heart and on my speed-dial. You are truly my best friend, through thick and thin, through all our fights, I hope you know that I will always love you like a sister and there is nothing in this world that could ever change that, I pinky promise =]

            I also wrote about how people get education or from where they get education. It starts at home because your parents are the first teachers of "life" that you will have. By listening to your parents, you can learn a great deal of things before entering elementary school. Your parents are the first to teach you to speak, perhaps they even read to you. One of the best elements of a good education that I can think of is memorization and work. Nothing in this life that is worth having or worth leaning will be easy. Some people have an easier time at this than others, but it is a hard thing to do at times. The best elements of a good education is memorization and hard work because the student at any point in their lives will have to do this through out their careers and education. Education is more than books and memorizing facts. A good education should reflect the love, passion, and dedication of a teacher who is committed to teaching the whole child for a lifetime, not just for a year. These are not the "good" teachers. These are the great ones.

Kill Shot by Emily Marden

A gray mist filled the air as Melissa pulled up to the front of her parent's house. Neither her mother nor father was home so Melissa decided to abandon her car and walk around the post knowing how more accessible it was on foot. Memories crossed her mind as she passed by the buildings that she grew up with.             Wondering if her grandfather was around she decided to go to the Post Command building and talk to his secretary. Flashing her identification card it seemed as if her last name was a powerful statement. Fear crept in the secretary's eyes as Melissa asked if General Joseph was in his office. No reply came out of the secretary's mouth as she just nodded to answer the question.             "Hey sweetheart how are you doing?" Her grandfather was base commander of Fort Benning for almost twenty years and being Major General that meant that he held a lot of power around here.             "I'm okay it feels weird to be back on an Army base after three years." Hugging each other she let out a sigh as she sat down in chair place directly in front of his desk.             "Maybe if you visited us instead of your family having to travel all over the country trying to catch you on another one of your book tours then it wouldn't be so weird." Sarcasm filled the sentence as George Joseph changed character from base commander to concerned grandfather.             "But if I did then you four would never leave the base." Knowing that the change was happening she decided to test the boundaries and how casual he would go while he was still wearing the uniform.             "I think that it is a lot safer for you to be on base instead of New York City." Trying to prove his point he threw a New York Times newspaper on the desk in front of her with the front page talking about another rape that occurred last night.             "You sound exactly like dad." Not knowing what other sarcastic remark to make she started searching the pictures all around the room. Everyone had a story either from her own childhood or the family that preceded her.             "Melissa I don't think you understand how special you are to our family. You are the only girl that has been born in the Joseph family in three generations…" One picture caught her eyes as she ignored her grandfather's speech.             Four older brothers were what she grew up with. All of them enlisted in all different branches of the military. Kevin was the oldest and he enlisted in the Marines. Two years younger than Kevin her second older brother Jack enlisted in the Air Force at eighteen deciding to be the second to break her father's heart. Only a year apart from Jack, Mark being the closest with Kevin became a Navy man had hopes to one day work with his older brother in combat. The youngest of all of them was Logan who finally made the family proud and became the only son out of the whole family to follow in the footsteps that had been laid out in front of him.             Melissa had grown up with a complete understanding on how to deal with men. With five years of separation from Logan and Melissa they stuck to each other like glue. Melissa helped him with girls and he helped her become a strong women who could take care of herself with or with out a gun.             "Are you even listening to me?" Following her eyes he saw what she was looking at. Major General Charles Joseph was not a soft man but when it came to Melissa he was pudding in her arms. Placing that picture of his four grandsons's huddled around Melissa as an infant made him melt. "I was but then I spaced for a bit. Do you know where Dad is right now I want to go and see him before I find mom?" Standing she knew he would know where her father was so she didn't need to worry. "At target practice right now with the Rangers making sure everything is perfect before we ship out for Somalia in a few months." Shocked that her parents had not mentioned this during their past conversations Melissa couldn't help but sit back down. "When are they shipping out?" The shock on her face was the answer that she hadn't heard about the news. "Five months from next week. Your father is captaining the Rangers as they try and fix Somalia's problems." In late August was the date where the U.S. would finally intervene in the international problems of the starved country. "Speaking of Somalia I got an offer from the United Nations to go and try to establish some medical knowledge and supplies to a small village outside of Mogadishu." Cringing she prepared for the lecture on how it was too dangerous or how she was putting herself at risk. "Melissa Olivia Joseph wait until I tell your…!" Just as he was about to blow up Melissa sprinted out of the room and ran all the way down the street. Ten minutes was all it took for her to find her way to the shooting range. Of course because it was the grey clouds who decided to released their fury as the rain pounded against the ground. "Reload and check your gun!" Yelling was heard as the rain finally lightened and the gun fire finally ceased. Pacing back and forth across the back of the line of the shooters was her father Captain Geoffrey Joseph who was instructing and yelling at the same time. "Private Anderson why does your target look as if a five year old eating an ice cream cone was aiming at it?" Berating another officer was basically her father's pass time and right now he seemed to be enjoying the officer's fear. "I don't know Sir I usually hit the target. Today must be an off day for me." Feeling the tension brewing Melissa knew one thing would break the tension. "Private one off day in war and your days are over. My daughter has a better shot than you." Everyone around them became silent as the officer continued his criticism. "It's true I do actually have a really good shot." A smile was something a Captain should never show in front of their men but when it came to their families it was something that couldn't be stopped. "Don't worry he does this to everyone. Just thank the world that you're not a boy I bring home to him." "How about you show these boys what really to do to hit the target." A hand gun wasn't Melissa's gun of choice but she knew her father would never give her any real power. "Don't worry daddy I have this." Taking the offered gun she took a spot right in front of her father's whole team and shot three times. One in the head for the kill shot, another in the chest right through the heart, and the last in the groin just for a bit of fun. "You should see me with a moving target." A win was recorded into her record books as she saw all their faces twist in pain. "Soldiers I hope you don't ever disappoint me like that." Looking at most of the group which consisted of men of all ages giving her a look that said they were defiantly picturing her naked.  "I thought you weren't arriving home until tonight? Does your mother know that you're here yet?" Gibberish was the only coming out as her father bombarded her with questions. "Only Grandpa knows I'm here since neither of you were home when I arrived." Logan had decided to join them and Melissa broke off the conversation long enough to laugh as he picked her up and swung her around like they use to do when they were younger. "Mom's at the hospital right now but she should be home in a few hours. You're welcome to stay here and help me supervise these monkeys." All the men seemed to be eavesdropping because their yells of discontent were easily heard. "I'll stay and maybe Logan will let me shoot his pretty little gun for a little bit." No reply but from both the glares she was receiving told her that she wasn't going to be taking any more shots for awhile. "Come on sis I'll introduce you to my friends." Twelve men gathered around as Logan introduced all of them to his little sister. "Finally this is Sergeant Josh Tillman one of our chalk leaders." Something about their meeting felt different than all the others she had occurred. His green eyes seemed to suck her in as she tried to interpret the new feeling. Another hour passed as Josh and Melissa talked while the rest of the guys tried their hardest not to get yelled at by her father. By the end of the day all the guys headed back to their barracks as Melissa went to go find her mom at the hospital. Squealing and tears was what she met when her mother Trisha saw her waiting on the bench in front of the base hospital. Dragging Melissa all the way home she made her tell everything that had happened in the last eight months since she last saw her. "Tell me how does it feel to be an official celebrity?" Trish had finally stopped talking about every minute of her life since the last time she saw Melissa enough to ask her daughter a question. "Authors are really not celebrities; it's our characters that become them." Searching the room there on the mantle was her book. "Everyday Army" which was Melissa's first and only novel which had graced the New York Best Seller's list for almost two months. She actually quit her job to continue writing on her second novel and focus on a few charities she had become patron of. "Did you know that every wife on this base has read your book and every single one has said it's their favorite because it can make you laugh at certain parts and cry at others." Feeling as if this was an exaggeration Melissa laughed and could only smile at her crazy mother. "How was today at the hospital?" This was a question that Melissa had asked everyday since before she could remember. "It was a slow day but I bet when you were working in New York it was so much more exciting." A year ago Melissa was a nurse working in the Emergency room at teaching hospital in New York City but during her free time she was writing her novel. Once she was published she went on a book tour as the popularity grew bigger as more and more people saw in to the life of Army families. "Not really only when there were really bad accidents that we got the true chaos feeling." Melissa's mouth water as the tray cookies was laid out in front of her. "Do you miss it sometimes?" What Melissa never told her mom was that she loved the idea of being a nurse and helping people but once she started on her first day the job wore her out. Double shifts, all nighters, and seeing people die is something she wasn't use to and didn't think she could everyday for the rest of her life. Although she couldn't deal with the situations on a day to day basis for some reason there was an itch underneath her skin to try and do something good for the world. This trip to Somalia could finally relieve the pressure. "When I'm all alone in a hotel room eating room service while watching TV but then I think about all the people who can relate to what it was like as an Army brat and it makes me a little happier." Just as she was putting the warm and gooey cookie to her mouth her mother's hand smack it right out of her grasp. "How about your love life do you have any men knocking down your door hoping to get a date with you?" Romantic was one way to describe her mom. "No but I think there's potential here. I visited dad before I came to meet you at work and may I just say that his Ranger's are looking very dapper." Trisha knew that if her father knew she was looking at his men would put him off a little. "Mel I know it's been a long time but I hope you remember that when you're on this base you represent this family. Do not go around dating all of your father's men." Lecture after lecture was the only thing Melissa was getting today but what her mother didn't know was that Sergeant Tillman had already asked if she wanted to go out with him tomorrow. "Don't worry mom I only received one offer today." Smirking Melissa couldn't help but laugh at her mother's discontent look face. Her green eyes filled with a mixture of emotion that only Melissa could read. "Who was it?" Curiosity is said to have killed the cat but right now it was eating Trish up. "Josh Tillman one of the chalk leaders." Why her mother smile Melissa didn't know but for some reason her mother seemed a little more excited. "Make sure that you tell your father before tomorrow." That was all she said for the rest of the time as she started cooking dinner. A few hours later Jeff and Logan were home and seated at the dinner table waiting with wide mouths for dinner to be served. "I have something that I want to tell everyone." All eyes fixed on her as she looked at the wall behind them as she dreaded the next few words she was about to say. "I got an offer from the U.N. to do some charity work. I leave for two weeks and help set up an infirmary in a small village in Africa." "Where is the village located?" Each feature on her father's face tensed as he waited for her to elaborate but Melissa was hoping that they wouldn't care as much. "An hour southeast from Somalia." Since Melissa wasn't supposed to know about the deployment she faked ignorance. "Melissa did you read the newspapers in the past months." Avoiding his eye contact she looked to her mom for support but her eyes told her that it was the same answer as her dad. "Yeah dad and that's exactly why I want to go. I have this degree in nursing that just sits in my apartment not being used! Plus you never know someone's life could change because of me." Dinner was silent for the rest of the time as Melissa looked around the table and the only one who looked at her with any sympathy was Logan. Walking up the stairs she opened her door and looked around the room. Her room was still the same as she left it almost three years ago. All the pictures of her childhood were pinned on every possible wall in her room. Family portraits lined the shelves as her growth into adulthood was captured through out pictures. Her favorite was the one at her graduation from High School with her brother on both sides of her pointing to the diploma that she received that day. A knock sounded on the door asking for permission "Melissa I know your upset that I don't agree with your decision but I want you to understand that when you're in Somalia there isn't a government to cover your ass if something happens. I don't want you doing this irrationally because the war is there and our military is intervening and you might be caught in the cross fire." Even though he just barged in Melissa still excepted when he gave her a hug. She was a daddy's girl and nothing would change that. "I understand but I want to do this. The United Nations has already promised to give us weapons to defend ourselves and all we will be doing is helping establish some type of modern medicine information." Jeff couldn't help but understand where she was coming from and with her hazel eyes staring sadly back up at him he couldn't stay angry at her any longer. Sitting on the coach together they spent the rest of the night watching TV and relaxing. By the time it was time to go to bed Melissa knew it was time to tell her father. "Dad I need to tell you something." He looked at her for a second trying to read what was going on in her head. "I can't really do anything tomorrow because I have a date." "Who? If you don't mind me asking?" Now she couldn't help but cringe as she forced the words out. "Josh Tillman." Red filled his face as he tried to calm himself enough to speak an actual sentence. "Sounds like fun." From the force of shock she collapsed on the couch as she couldn't believe what she just heard. Not one single lecture about it. He must have been really caught off guard. The next day she woke up to find herself all by her self in the house. Deciding on what to do she went over to see if her friend Anna was around to hang out. Anna had just married a soldier who had bee stationed here a few months prior. Growing up together Anna and Melissa were fast friends. Wasting a few hours with her Melissa headed back home to get ready for her date. At seven thirty everyone had returned home including Logan who seemed as if he was about to pass out. "I'll see you guys later if you're still up." Making a quick exit she ran down the street towards the Army barracks and hoped to meet up with Josh there. Waiting outside she tried to warm her self up by pulling her jacket tighter. "You look quite lovely tonight." A charming southern drawl floated into her ears as she looked behind her. "Thank you and you look as though my dad kicked your ass today." His stance told her that his muscles were soar and that he could collapse at any moment. "If you are too tired we can get a rain check for later?" "I will be fine and I theorize that it's what your father had hoped for." Grabbing her hand he led her to his car and drove off base towards some unknown destination. For the rest of the night they sat at a bar outside of base and just talked for hours about everything in their lives. A small town boy from Georgia was what Josh Tillman was. He had grown up hunting and that was the extent of his military knowledge. Melissa in turn told him all that she knew about the Army and how New York life showed her opposite side of the spectrum that she lived with for eighteen years. Dropping her off at the house they had their first kiss together and it was perfect. For five months they slowly but steadily fell in love but his deployment was bringing apprehension towards whether to admit it. As the third week of August approached Melissa felt that if she didn't say it at the airport then she would never get the chance to say it again. "I guess I'll see you in three weeks." She should be a professional at this. For the past twenty five years of her life goodbyes were a regular occurrence as her father was deployed at least once every five years. "Yeah I guess so. Try not to do anything too stupid alright. I love you too much." His eyes bugged out as he replied the sentence back to her with the same amount of passion as she did. One last kiss and he was he was gone into the back of the plane. "Don't worry sis I promise I'll have his ass if something bad happens." Cocky was the only word to describe Logan as he gave her hug and jogged to join Josh. "You be careful alright and if you need help with anything while your there go to the Mogadishu airport that's where the Army has stationed all their controls." Kissing his daughter's forehead as he had done too many times to count he felt reluctant to let go but knew he had to. Pulling her from his grip he gave her a smile before boarding as the plane was getting ready for lift off. Three weeks passed but the men hadn't finished the mission and were still stationed in Mogadishu or Mog as they named it. Melissa knew that if it wasn't completed soon then she would head off to Somalia with danger lurking everywhere. Another week had passed before she touched down in Nairobi and took the day drive to the nameless village. Two weeks was the length of their stay and with help from two Londoners Molly and Matt along with a local man Garrett they would establish some medical knowledge in the minds of these people. The United Nations also gave instructions to help them acquire food for the village. A week passed before they needed to replenish the small food rations that the village had when they showed up. After driving an hour to Mog they finally got to the distribution center to get enough to feed the village for at least a month. Just as we were leaving a man came behind them asking them for all of their food with a gun in his hand. His appearance screamed militia and that made Melissa on edge. Denying his proposition he grabbed her by her pony tail and pointed a gun directly to her temple. "You Americans think you own the world but you are just a woman who can't even defend herself." Pushing away from the man Matt tried to pull her back into the trunk but one of the other men released a round into his shoulder. Acting as quickly as possible she pulled out her hand gun and signaled to drive for Garrett. Shots hit the Jeep in all directions as Garrett swerved to avoid people and bullets. Taking a couple shots her self she hit a few of her targets spot on. Finally they were clear of the danger zone so Melissa gave instructions to go to the airport because it was the closest safe zone in twenty minutes. "Someone please come I have a man shot!" All around almost every single person stopped what they were doing and looked at the scene of Melissa covered in blood. Medics took over the job for Melissa as she caught her breath. "Melissa! What in gods name is happening?" That's when she just broke down and cried so hard in her father's arms. A thirty minute shower later and scrubbing her skin till it was raw she finally felt clean enough to appear from the locked bathroom she was hidden in. Matt was still in surgery so Molly was waiting for anything news. Clean clothes were scarce in her bag but luckily she was able to find a pair of unworn cargo pants and a long sleeve thin white shirt. Jeff had to go off for a meeting so she was all by her self. Walking around the base to kill some time she saw that the men had truly made the base a home instead of a bunch of airplane hangers. "Melissa what are you doing here?" His heart was beating in fear that something happened to put her in danger. "We were ambushed and one of the guys in my group was shot." Pulling her gun from the belt she pulled the clip out and saw she had only one bullet left. "Luckily I got a few shot off before we left." "Are you okay?" Tears were welling in her eyes and her voice was lost as she just shook her head and buried it into his chest. "You came at the perfect time because tomorrow we have a mission tomorrow and then we should be heading home soon after." "What are you guys doing tomorrow?" As long as it wasn't near any of the hostile areas of the city then Melissa knew that it would all work out. "We head to the market, down town." Melissa's stomach dropped as she thought that something bad was going to happen. October 3, 1993 in Melissa's mind would be a day of worry as three men that she cared about put their lives at stake trying to save a country from self destruction.