Random Person Story Part 5

I've been having way too much fun writing this story! Also thinking of publishing...opinions, anyone?

Enjoy! :)

PREVIOUSLY:

..."Don't worry. My boys are experts in the field of healing. They should have him up and back to normal by morning. Now you come along with me and I'll get you something to drink. You look like you could use a nice mug of hot chocolate."

I hesitated, not wanting to leave Eriq. Cocoa did sound welcoming, though. Hope started to walk away, and I followed. Be safe, Eriq, I thought.

__________________________

The next morning, I sat up and stretched, yawning. My eyelids drooped, still heavy from sleep. It took me a moment to realize where I was as I took in my surroundings. It was a cozy place. Across from me a hastily-made bed sat. A colorful rug decorated the wood floors. Somehow I felt like I was home again.

As I looked around, I reviewed what had happened last night. I had been so exhausted that I had fallen asleep in the chair that Hope had brought me. So she had led me to the women's cabins and had given me a change of clothes.

I looked down and realized with dismay that I had fallen asleep before changing. Thankfully, there was a bathroom, so I showered and dressed. Feeling refreshed after that, I walked outside. The early-morning sun filtered through the trees as I set off down a well-worn trail. I had to find Eriq.

A group of teens came down the path, laughing and talking. Among them was the girl from earlier, only she looked different. Her biker's apparel and dark makeup was replaced with bright clothing and a cheerful smile. When she caught my eye, she stopped.

"You guys go ahead, I'll catch up later," she said, striding over to me. Her eyes sparkled. "Hey! Glad to see Hope got you comfortable. Are you hungry?"

"Um, yeah. I didn't catch your name earlier. I'm Shae."

"Jakki. Can I show you around?"

"I'd like to see Eriq first, if you don't mind."

"Sure. He's been waiting for you. Follow me."

                                                  __________________________

I half-expected to see Eriq pale and disheveled. But as we approached, he stood surrounded by children. One laughed as she sat on his shoulders. He flashed me a smile as we drew near.

"Eriq?"

He set the girl down and strode over as the children ran off, giggling.

"Hey, Aphria! I see you've met Jakki."

I stared, baffled. "How did you heal so quickly? You're... When Jakki saw you, she... Well, I thought something horrid had happened to you!"

"I'm not the only one who has the healing touch around here," Eriq said with a grin.

"Many of us have that gift," Jakki chimed in. "Currently, we have over sixty youth in training."

"Jakki's one-of-a-kind," Eriq said proudly, making Jakki blush. "She has the gift of vision. Not only can she get glimpses of the future, but she can also share images with others, through telepathy. There are very few in the world that have this talent."

I suddenly remembered the visions I had seen yesterday. What if Jakki were/was the one who sent them to me? This whole situation was bewildering and seemed unnatural, yet something at the back of my mind was nagging me, as though I was missing a big piece to my puzzle. I WAS missing something--my memory. A big part of my childhood I couldn't remember. All that remained was a black gap in my mind, until my teen years.

I strained to grasp a memory, anything that I could. Nothing. Not even a sliver of a glance at my past. Nowhere in my mind could I recall this place. Then why did it feel so much like home?

My thoughts were broken by Jakki’s question. “So what is your gift, Shae?”

I could feel my cheeks flush as I stumbled over a response. “I…uhhh...I don’t...have one.”

Jakki laughed, which made me blush even more. “Of course you do! Each person that sets foot into the Sanctuary has a gift. There is a special sort of energetic connection that draws an individual to this place. How else would you have entered?”

“By...Chance?”

“No person enters this place by chance. There is always a purpose, or something within them, that draws them to it, like an internal magnet.”

My vision suddenly blurred as a vivid scene flashed into my mind.

The young girl followed the urging within her, anxiously searching for a way home. Two scary-looking men got out of a vehicle in front of her. Her eyes widened as she wildly searched for an escape. A brick building was her only option, so she frantically started to climb. Suddenly, a large hand seized her ankle. She shrieked and kicked with all her might, but he was too strong for her. He pulled her down as her nails scraped the wall, clinging to the last opportunity of escape. But it was too late. Within moments he had her enveloped in his burly arms. A cloth was shoved over her mouth and nose and she held her breath. She knew what it was, and she wasn’t going to go without a fight. Finally, she gave in and gasped, holding her breath again. But it didn’t last long. Within moments she had to breathe, and before she could fight it, she slipped into unconsciousness.

_________________________

To be continued...mwahaha! ;)

-Jemison Stripes

Random Person Story Part 4

Here's another part of my Random Person story! Enjoy! :)

PREVIOUSLY:

        ..."Since when did you become my guardian?" I asked, walking along beside him.
        "Since we met," he said somberly, a distant look in his eyes.
                                                                  ----------

       Eriq's words lingered in my head as we continued walking. My pace slowed as I pondered. When did we really meet? The hospital was, to my knowledge, when I first spoke to him. But there was something about his words, his presence, that made me feel like I knew him before. If only I remembered more about my past!
        My thoughts came to a halt as I realized I was in an unfamiliar part of the city.
        "Eriq, where are we going?"
        "A place where people like us are safe."
        "You mean, people like you. I have had nothing to do with whatever hoodoo you've been up to. The guys who shot at me were probably thinking I was 'with' you, or something."
         Eriq froze. His shoulders tensed as he turned and looked at me with a serious expression.
        "You don't care for me at all, do you?"
        "Well, you did lead me on a wild goose chase and nearly got me killed in the process. Besides, I just met you!"
         A sad look filled his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it and turned his back to me, starting off at a quick pace.
         I bit my lip. "Eriq, wait!"
Eriq's pace slackened slightly.  "We'd better hurry. I want to arrive before dark."
                                                                  -----------
The sun was just setting as I noticed her. A girl with cropped blond hair and dark makeup, dressed in biker's clothing. She was leaning casually against a graffitied building, watching us. I don't know why I noticed her...it wasn't an unusual sight in Chicago. But there was something about her that caught my attention. Something about...her eyes. They were an extraordinary blue, brighter than I'd ever seen before.             Her eyes flashed a warning and a chill went down my spine as she darted out of sight. It was then that I realized why. An image had filled my mind. Two men and a woman in black suits were walking briskly towards us, and they didn't look friendly. My vision cleared and I glanced behind us. No one was there, but I still had a bad feeling that something was about to go wrong.
Eriq's pace increased and became a hurried jog. "Aphria, someone's coming."
"I know...I felt it."
        I ran ahead, darting past the graffitied building and turned the same way the girl went. Following my gut instinct, I bolted down the street, and then into an alley. Before long, I came to a blockade--a tall, brick wall. Instead of turning around, I had a strong urge to get beyond it.
        A distant gunshot rang out. I turned, and Eriq came running down in a panic.
"Aphria!" He gasped. His wide eyes glossed over, and he buckled.
"ERIQ!" I caught him just in time. A dart protruded from his back. I yanked it out, terrified. "Wake up...Oh, please wake up!"
Another image formed in my mind. The men and woman were running now, nearly upon us. The woman held a gun. The scene changed and I was looking at the wall. Only it wasn't a wall...
Suddenly, I knew what to do. I struggled to drag Eriq, stumbling as we neared it.
"I hope this works!"
With a last effort, I flung myself and Eriq into the wall. But instead of hitting bricks, I fell through.
I spat grass out of my mouth as I sat up. Astonished, I stood and looked around. Grass was everywhere! A bright green butterfly glided by, and a calm silence filled the air. Somehow, we were in the city, but...not.
"Eriq, where are we?" I asked in awe.
Then I remembered what had happened to him. Instantly the peaceful feeling diminished as I realized he still wasn't awake.
"Welcome to the Sanctuary," a teen's voice interrupted me.
Startled, I looked up. It was the girl I saw earlier! She looked concerned at Eriq.
"What happened to him?"
"He...he's hurt," I held out the dart.
"Oh, no," she whispered. "You wait here. I'll be right back!"
She dashed off down a faint dirt path. Within moments, she reappeared with two teen boys carrying a stretcher. A rosy-cheeked woman in a soft blue dress followed.
"Welcome back. My name's Hope. Do you remember me, honey?"
"Uh...no," I said, standing up. I glanced worriedly at Eriq.
"Don't worry, dear. My boys are experts in the field of healing. They should have him up and back to normal by morning. Now you come along with me and I'll get you something to drink. You look like you could use a nice mug of hot chocolate."
I hesitated, not wanting to leave Eriq. Cocoa did sound welcoming, though. Hope started to walk away, and I followed. Be safe, Eriq, I thought. 
                                                               ----------
To be continued...

-Jemison Stripes :)

Story Ideas!

Hey everyone!

Since no one has been posting lately, I have some story ideas that you might enjoy continuing (or at least reading). I am excited to see what you create out of them! Have fun with it! :)

Vanishing Act
Lightning streaked across the sky. A crack of thunder followed that shook the earth with its tremor. People frantically rushed to get to shelter. The streets became vacant. It was obvious that a dangerous storm was brewing. 
Only one person sat outside, happily enjoying the rain as it streaked down her face and soaked her clothing. It was a little girl of only six. She laughed as another bolt of thunder made the ground shudder. 
Suddenly, the air shimmered and she vanished. If others had been observing her at that very moment, they would have seen a beautiful woman in white take her hand right before she vanished.
Other strange occurrences have happened around the world at different times. A terrifying storm, and a child's disappearance. Each time, it is as though the child vanishes into thin air.
But I know the secret.
~~~~~~~~~~~

Light vs. Dark
The tension was thick between us as I struggled to bend him to my will. He knew something was wrong the instant I locked my eyes on him, but now it was too late. His strength was weakening, and I was gaining the energy I needed to defeat the evil within him.
Suddenly, with a burst of shock that made my limbs tremble, he broke my control and evaporated into the shadows.
The intensity of that moment knocked my breath away and I shuddered, gasping. I realized with pain that there was no way to eliminate the darkness alone. I needed help.
~~~~~~~~~~~

Enjoy!
-Jemison Stripes

Random Person Story Part 3

Hey everyone! I finally got out of writer's block! So here's the next part of the random person story I've been working on! :) Enjoy!

PREVIOUSLY:

...After a while I started hearing police sirens. Within moments of hearing the sirens, the men disappeared and we were able to escape down an empty road.
                                        ------------

       When we were certain of our safety, I collapsed to the ground, sobbing. I didn't dare look at my wound, convinced that if I did I would faint. My emotions were a mess, and I felt sick and weak. Where had my regular life gone? Just a few hours ago I had been sitting in my apartment with my cat, reading a favorite book. ...Or was it days ago? I didn't even know that!
I became vaguely aware of strong arms bringing me into a gentle embrace. My eyes teared up and I cried again, this time from the pain. "It hurts. It hurts so much! Make it stop, Eriq. Please!"
Suddenly, an overwhelming image formed in my mind. A little girl with long, dark curls, and a tall boy with a dazzling smile stood together in a garden. The girl started crying...she had pricked her finger on a thorn and it was bleeding. Worried, the boy ripped a small strip off the hem of his tunic and gently tied it onto her finger. She looked up with admiration at the boy, and he smiled back. 
"You said my name," a marveled voice spoke, and the image shivered and faded away. "You remembered my name."
I looked up at the wondering grey eyes and blinked, abruptly realizing who it was. Quickly I moved away, landing on my injury. Without thinking, I glanced down at the wound. I choked. Half-dried blood coated my shoulder, and the pain increased as I realized how horrid it really was. Everything around me began to spin, and I passed out.
                               ------------
My eyes gradually opened and I again found myself looking at the young man.
"You seem to have a habit of fainting when I'm around you," he said with a slight grin.
"Well, you seem to have the habit of startling me when I least expect it," I backfired, attempting to sit up. As I did so, I found that my shoulder no longer hurt extremely. Just a subtle throbbing remained.
He held out a hand, helping me to my feet. "Sorry I didn't heal you entirely. It takes a lot of energy to fix wounds like that."
Only then did I realize how worn out he looked. He had probably used up most of his strength protecting me from the day's events.
       "Thank you," I said, "for saving me earlier. It was a brave thing to do."
       "It was nothing. I was just doing my duty as your guardian."
       "Since when did you become my guardian?" I asked, walking along beside him.
       "Since we met," he said somberly, a distant look in his eyes.



To be continued! :)
-Jemison Stripes

Dirty Trick

This is a story I wrote for my Vanguard Writing Class, from a writing prompt, "The Hole Waist Deep."
I wrote it with a beat, sort of like a poem, but with little rhyming. Enjoy! :)


Dirty Trick
By Jemison Stripes

My sister told me to dig a hole, she said I'd get to China.
So I started out, just my shovel and I, and my dog decided to join me.
Dig--dig--dig! I thought to myself. Digging and digging to China!
My curly blond hair became a big mess as the dirt flew all around.
My dog became spotted with brown mushy mud. Quickly my skin was turned dark.
I was proud of myself as I kept going down. Deeper and deeper I got.
'Til fin'ly I felt I couldn't get out, but I didn't care, no way!
Determined to get to China one day, I shoveled more and more.
Then suddenly, the sun went out! I didn't know what to do.
Until my mom's voice came from above, shouting angrily, too.
"Cooper Matthew Davis what on earth have to done to the yard?!"
That's how my adventure ended, my mom scrubbing dirt from my hair.
I knew then that I had been tricked. My sister would get it someday!

The End

-Jemison Stripes

Help!

Help! I am trying to choose between two stories to send for the Teen Writer's Conference writing contest. Could I get your opinions on which one I should do?
Here are the stories I am considering:
-Part One of the Fairy Tale Add-On Story (I've been writing it with Megan and Tova)
-The very beginning of my Random Person story (from a writing prompt)

Let me know soon what your opinions are.
Thanx!
Jemison Stripes

Random Person Story Part 2

Hey everyone! Here's the next part for the Random Person writing prompt story I've been working on!

Enjoy...

PREVIOUSLY:

...I heard men shouting from above and behind me and the young man urged me to keep going. "We have to get away from here! Come on!"
I had no other option then to follow.
                             ------------

Here's the next part:

        After many twists, turns, and nearly getting caught, I jerked to a stop. Why was I running?! I still had no idea who this guy really was, and I was taking off with him! What if the men chasing us were actually his enemies and he was using me? He could be some freak who wanted to kidnap me!
         "Aphria, you can't stop now! They'll see you!"
"I'm not going anywhere until you tell me who you are and what you really want with me."
"I'll tell you everything once you are safe from harm. I can't let them hurt you! Aphria, please listen to me!"
       I gritted my teeth. "My name is not Aphria, and my life is NOT in danger! I don't know what you are talking about, and I am going to find out who these men really are." I spun and bolted around the corner, back in the direction of the men. They were only a short distance away from me now.
"Hey guys! I'm over here! Perfectly safe, he didn't hurt me!"
I stopped, trying to figure out what they were doing.
Suddenly, three shots rang out. A bullet whistled by me, barely missing me by inches. I shrieked and started to run in the opposite direction. They were shooting at me!
"APHRIA!" The young man appeared and started running towards me, somehow managing to dodge all the bullets flying at us.
Before I could escape, one of them pierced my jacket. The impact made me stumble and I screamed in agony as pain shot through my shoulder. I continued running. The young man was right. I had to get away from them before they took my life! He reached me and managed to keep me from further harm as we took off down the street. By now my whole arm was numb from the pain.
The rest of everything happened in a blur. They chased us down street after street. After a while I started hearing police sirens. Then the men suddenly disappeared and we were able to escape down an empty road.
                                                        ------------

-Jemison Stripes

Merry Christmas!

Hi everyone! Here is a Christmas story I wrote for seminary.

The Loyal Donkey
By Carmody Eggett 12-20-12

Exhausted. Weak. Thirsty. Those were the three things I felt during that time. I had just taken a long journey from Galilee with my mistress on my back. A sense of pride had filled me at carrying her throughout this trip, as though there was something special about her. As we finally neared Bethlehem, I was ready to collapse from lack of sleep. But so was my master, who had shared most of his meals with me. He cared dearly for my mistress, so he fed me well. 


Suddenly, I sensed something was wrong with my mistress. My master pled with me to continue walking and started me on a brisk pace. Back and forth my master would run up to a building and beg the people for a place to stay. But no one would let us in. By now my mistress was moaning. Finally, my master was able to find a place--a simple stable. He carried my mistress the rest of the way. I decided to follow. A stable meant food and rest for me.

I was very confused at first. My mistress was in great distress, and I didn't know how to help her. I finally gave up and found a small place to sleep. When I awoke, my mistress was no longer upset. I felt a sense of peace as I got up to see what was going on. She was leaning over a manger filled with hay and smiling at it. Never before had I seen my mistress this joyous. My curiosity overcame me and I walked over to the manger. Inside was an infant, beaming with light. I stood in awe at the babe. I felt like I was going to burst with happiness. 

And it all came from the newborn child.

I hope at this time of year that all of you will be thinking about Christ and His love for us, and that you can not only feel the joy of Christmas, but share it.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
-Jemison Stripes

Someday

Here's a poem that Anna inspired me to write! ;)

Someday
By Jemison Stripes 12-19-12

Someday I’ll be famous

Someday I’m sure

Someday I’ll be traveling the world

No longer a tour.

I’ll be cruising through the Caribbeans

Standing face to face with the Sphinx.

Harvesting cacao beans with the Ghanians

Discovering exciting links.

I’ll see the Eiffel tower

And the Mona Lisa, too.

I’ll eat chocolate every hour

In Switzerland with you.

In Hungary I’ll celebrate Szent Mikolas Day,

I’ll visit temple ruins in Greece.

In a local Fijian village I’ll stay,

Sailing through the warm breeze.

I’ll climb to the top of Angel Falls

See the cherry blossoms in Japan.

I’ll walk along the Great China Wall

Yes, that is a very great plan!

There are so many places that I’d like to be

Traveling the world, no longer a tour.

Someday, maybe, maybe just maybe

I’ll be famous, I’ll wait no more.

But for now, I think that you’ll agree

I’m fine where I am, with my family at home.

Life’s not all about me, me, me,

But about sharing, and caring; it ought to be known.

So someday I’ll be famous,

Someday I am sure.

Someday I’ll be traveling the world,

But for now I’ll enjoy my life here.

Enjoy!

-Jemison Stripes

Random person story

Here's part one of the story I've been writing using the Random Person writing prompt!


The first time I saw him, he was just--there. Though his long, dark hair covered his eyes, I could sense him staring at me, watching my every move. Something about him had seemed different. 
I had been so interested in him that I failed to notice a vehicle swerve dangerously towards me. Too late, I found myself on the cement in extreme pain. Shock surged through me and I blacked out.
Even during that intense moment, I saw him. Blurry visions of him filled my dreams. His face haunted me. I didn't know who he was, or where he came from; little did I know that I would soon come to find that out.

------------

Waking up was the worst part. I found myself lying in a hospital bed in excruciating pain. I could hardly endure it, but I forced my eyes open. Had I been capable of it, I would have jumped out of bed and screamed. But all I could muster was a wimpy gasp at what I saw.
The young man stood before me, his hair still long, but brushed neatly aside. His soft grey eyes revealed distress and concern. He must have sensed fear amidst my misery, for he spoke, his voice clear and gentle.
"It's okay, I won't harm you."
I was able to muster the strength to speak, my voice sounding something like a sick goat.
"Who are you?"
Every word hurt, like a tornado ripping through a city, only I was the city.
"A friend," was his response.
A friend? I don't even know his name! How can I trust him? I thought. Again, he must have understood my fear, for he spoke, this time anxiously.
"Please, you have to believe me!"
His next words came differently, as though I had thought them, but they weren't my thoughts... They were... His.
"You are in grave danger, Aphria! Twice now your enemies have tried to take your life. I have been able to keep you from major harm, but this time they went too far. They know where you are, and they are seeking right this moment to destroy your life--permanently."
What was he talking about? My name was NOT Aphria, and I didn't have any enemies that I knew of. Well, unless you counted the girl at my work that I accidentally spilled orange soda on, but that was an accident! She had been mad, but not angry enough to threaten my life...
My thoughts continued to wander, fretfully searching for answers. I wanted to speak so badly, but I could no longer. It was just too agonizing. Instead, he just started talking--or thinking--again.
"Trust in me just this once and I will help you to better understand. I can heal you if you'll allow me. I know you don't remember me, but I know you. You and I used to be great friends,"
I sensed regret in his features.
"But that was the past. Please allow me to help you. Maybe we could become friends again, and we could get..."
At this he trailed off, embarrassed.
"I know it is hard for you to believe, but I can help you. I really can. Let me heal you."
I hesitated. There was no way that he could heal me of this injury, and he was already speaking nonsense. But he sounded so sincere that I decided to let him try. After all, I was in a lot of pain.
"Okay," I whispered.
The young man breathed a sigh of relief. "Give me your hand."
I slowly extended my hand to him. His hand clasped mine and I found myself relaxing. Something about this seemed so familiar, so natural. Then, his hand started to glow. My eyes widened as the glowing went from his hand to my injuries and the pain gradually faded away.
I yanked my hand away from his grip.
"How did you... I mean, you... I have to get home!"
I started to get up, struggling with the IV and the other cords around me. I didn't know how he did it, how he healed me, but this was beginning to freak me out. I had to get home, back to my regular life. Away from him.
"No, wait!" The young man said. "I can't let you leave like this. The hospital still thinks you're...you know..." he gestured to the bed that I had just abandoned, cords and medical devices scattered all over. "And I can't allow you leave yet. Your enemies are all over right now! You'd get killed the instant you set foot outside the hospital doors!"
I ignored him and started searching for my clothes. 
"The nurse had your clothes taken away. They were in pretty bad shape after what happened to you. Here, take this." He held out a tote bag full of clothing. I stared at him suspiciously, then snatched the bag and ran to the restroom, locking the door behind me. 
I started to examine the clothing. A faded black double-breasted coat, over the knee brown boots, snug denim jeans, a maroon shirt...oddly enough, all were sized to fit me perfectly. Wow, I thought, This guy has really great taste!
No...What was I thinking? Snap out of it, Shae! He was just some creep who I saw on the street. He could have stolen the clothing, for all I knew!
After dressing, I went to the sink and washed my face. I didn't feel any different, but my face looked pale and worn out. A white scar across my right cheek proved that I had been in an accident. If only I had some makeup to hide it...
"Oh, no," the young man's muffled voice came from behind the door. "Aphria, we have to get out of here! Now!"
I jerked open the door, upset that he was ordering me around. 
"My name is not Aphria!" I started for the exit, but he ran ahead and blocked me. 
"You can't go out that way. They'll see you!"
"I don't care who sees me, I'm going home!" I tried to shove him aside, but he stood firm. "What is your problem? Not even a minute ago you were urging me to leave, and now you're telling me I can't?!" 
He set his jaw. "You can't go out...that way. Three of your enemies are just down the hall, and they're about to discover where you are. If you step out of this room, you're history, and I can't let that happen to you."
I scanned the room for another escape route. The only thing I could find was a window. "And how do you expect me to leave?"
"Isn't it obvious?" He folded his arms and nodded to the window.
Just a single glance out and I knew he was insane. "Whoa, whoa, whoa...There is NO WAY I am going out there! We're at least fifty feet up! Do you think I'm supposed to miraculously survive a fall from this high?"
"What have they done to you?" He muttered angrily.
Suddenly, there came a knock at the door. "Sir, there are a few family members here who would like to see Shae. Would you mind if they visited for a few minutes?"
"Just a moment, please," the young man said. "Aphria, you have to trust me. Let's get out of here while we have the chance!" He walked over to the window and opened it. "Hurry!"
"Sir, is there a problem?" 
"Go!" He urged, then grabbed my hand and practically threw me out the window. I screamed and clutched at the window ledge, my feet dangling. I struggled to find a foothold. I was losing my strength. Any minute now I would fall to my death. My hands slipped off the ledge...and suddenly I was caught by a strong grip. The young man had saved my life!
"Grab onto the rope," he said with frustration. "And don't let go!"
Instantly, I clung to the rope that had suddenly appeared in front of me, holding it so tense my knuckles turned white. I shut my eyes as I swung from it, feeling queasy. 
After several more minutes, I felt my feet touch something solid.
"It's okay, you can open your eyes now."
As I opened my eyes, relief flooded through me. I was standing on the sidewalk bordering the hospital, safe from harm. But that didn't last long, for I heard men shouting from above and behind me and the young man urged me to keep going. "We have to get away from here! Come on!"
I had no other option then to follow.

------------

Enjoy!

-Jemison Stripes

Add-On Story

Hi everyone! Here's another story! :)
Megan, Tova and I have been writing it for the Layton Vanguard newspaper. Enjoy!



Add-On Story Part I
By Jemison Stripes

As I raced down the village streets, I caught glimpses of young children, and sometimes families, clothed in tattered rags. The poor were treated cruelly here. Someday, I dreamed that that would come to an end. But not now.
Right now I had to find a way to escape a group of Gaston’s ruffians.
That Gaston never gives up! I thought disgustedly as I glanced back to see his ruffians gaining on me.
A week earlier Gaston had asked me to be his wife. When I refused, he decided to try to charm me into marrying him. For many days, he filled my home with roses, love letters, and other supposedly “romantic” things that his arrogant self could contrive. Of course, none of it worked. Gaston is probably the most disgraceful, revolting and vain man I know. Never in my life would I be seen with that man. Just the thought of it sickened me!
For some atrocious reason he had his mind set on marrying me. After my fifth refusal, he finally decided to stop asking me.
At the time I was thinking, What a relief!  But the relief didn't last long.
Gaston decided that if he couldn't charm me into marriage, he would try a different tactic. He would force me to wed him!
So that’s how I ended up in my current situation, and at the same time, I found myself surrounded.



Add-On Story part II
By Dassia Ingalls (Megan)

...I found myself surrounded by life-size gingerbread men! What? I thought, Well that's unexpected! 
Gaston broke through the ring surrounding me. "Run, run, as fast as you can, but you'll be caught by my gingerbread men!" He laughed as two of the biggest gingerbread men seized my arms and tied them behind my back. 
"Let me go!" I shouted. 
"And why would I do that?" Gaston sneered. "Besides, you won't get away." 
He paused, then yelled, "Take her to the tower!" 
The gingerbread men marched me though the street. I looked around, desperately searching for someone to help. No one looked surprised to see us. One girl, dozens of gingerbread men, and Gaston, leading this strange caravan. Not a single person even looked our way. 
When we got to the tower I looked up... up... up. The only opening I saw was a long, narrow window. Below the window was a very, VERY long ladder. 
"Up you go!" Gaston said. I stuck my tongue out at him.
"You're a feisty one,” he said. “You'll have to learn some respect!” 
The gingerbread men started to chant, "Up you go! Up you go!" 
Up I go, I thought, as I started up the ladder.


Add-On Story part III
By Kate Wynstelle 

As I was climbing up the rope ladder to the tower, I wondered what my life would be like, all alone. When I was half way up, I felt a tug on the ladder, and looked down. A gingerbread man was coming up after me! I scrambled to get to the top, not knowing why I was so scared. After tumbling through the window, I waited. The gingerbread man’s hand raised up--it held a knife. I gasped. The knife came down, and cut the rope ladder. The gingerbread man fell, and I sighed in relief.
“So you’re up here, too,” a voice behind me said. I whirled, and stared. There was another girl in here, and her hair! So long and golden! 
“I’m Rapunzel,” she said, “What’s your name?” 
“Gretel,” I responded, deciding to be truthful, “Why are you up here?”
“Same as you. Men who can’t get their loves to marry them dump the girls in this tower to change their minds.”
“Oh.”
Rapunzel and I enjoyed each other’s company, and had a good time together. But every day, she’d get mysterious, and ask me to get under the bed covers. I’d hear voices, and wonder what was going on.
This went on for a few weeks, during which time I just got more and more curious--who was out there?
Finally, one night, it was too much.
I got out of the bed, and looked towards where the voices were coming from.
I couldn't believe what I saw! Rapunzel was standing there, face to face with someone I’d never expected to see again.


Add-On Story Part IV
By Jemison Stripes

"Jack?!"
There he was, the only best friend I had, the same mischievous twinkle in his eyes. We had much in common, which is probably why we got along. Both of us had grown up in poverty, living on what meager food our parents could provide. His dad had left him when he was born; my mom had passed away when I was six. And both of us had miraculously discovered an unending amount of wealth at the biggest time of need. 
All I could do was stare in wonder at him. 
Two years ago, Jack and I were wandering the woods together when he came across a giant beanstalk. With an excited grin, he started to climb. "Ten minutes," he had told me, "Wait for me ten minutes and I'll be right back."
Well, I listened to him. I started to pace after the ten minutes were up. Finally, after waiting with anticipation for an entire hour, I gave up and walked back home dejectedly. 
I never saw him again. 
Until now. Jack was staring at me with an awkward grin, as though embarrassed to see me.
"Oh, hey there, uh, Gretel..." He habitually brushed his hand through his short, spiky red hair, refusing to look me in the eyes. 
My words came out harsher than I intended. "Ten minutes? You told me ten minutes! What happened to you?! I endured two years of thinking you were dead!" I paused from the shock of it all. "And now you're...you're alive!"
"Yeah, I'm alive. Look, I'm sorry about the ten minutes thing...my trip turned out a lot longer then I expected. I would have told you sooner, but, I just..."
Before he could finish, Rapunzel interrupted. "I know this is a happy reunion and all, but I have to break it up. If Jack's found up here, we'll be in serious trouble."
My, how fate was attempting to destroy my life, for the instant Rapunzel spoke those words, a voice from outside the window came. "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair."

To be continued...


P.S. Megan, it's your turn to write the next part to the Add-On Story! Have fun! 

Without the First Amendment!

What it might have felt like without the first amendment in the Bill of Rights

By Jemison Stripes 10/11/12

Autumn of 1845

"Savannah, wake up."

Groggily, seventeen-year-old Savannah sat up and pushed the warm quilt off her legs. She shivered as the morning air wrapped her in a cold embrace. Goose flesh pricked her arms as she tugged on her red dress and apron. 

She carefully stepped over her five sleeping brothers and tiptoed to her patiently waiting older brother, James. Then she quietly put on her boots and then walked out the door with her brother. 

It was just past midnight by the time they slipped out of the house and down the street to the designated meeting-place. A few months ago, they had met a Mormon missionary. He had been proclaiming the gospel and Savannah, curious, had asked him for the strange book he had been claiming was the word of God. She had tried to share it with her family, but only James was interested in it. So they read it together when their father wasn't there and received a true testimony of the Savior. Only a few weeks later, they were baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Over the months, they had gone to church meetings. Because of discrimination towards the Mormon church, the gatherings were held in secret. Tonight was one of those assemblies. 

The meeting was brief, but had a good message to it about eternal families. Savannah left it feeling uplifted and happy. "Th-that was a good m-meeting," she whispered to James as they walked home. 

"Yeah, it's too bad dad wasn't there. I know he would have liked it."

"It made me think of m-m-mother."

James hesitated and looked away. Their mother and infant sister had been killed after a traumatic river crossing due to extreme fevers. It still hurt him to think about it. 

Savannah had been there the entire time, living the moment of intense cold when the wagon tipped over, dumping the three of them into the icy water. She was the only girl in her family who survived the accident. But since then, she had struggled with a stutter--something that no one could find a solution to. 

"We'll see th-them again, James. D-d-don't worry," Savannah said hopefully. 

"I miss them, Savannah."

"I d-do, too."

For many minutes, they walked in silence, the light shuffle of their feet scraping against the ground the only sound to be heard.

Suddenly James stopped and looked around. 

"Did you hear that?"

"Hear wh-what?"

They both stopped.

"Listen. I hear footsteps."

Savannah paused, but heard only a light rustle of the wind blowing through the trees. Then, gradually, she heard them, too. Brisk footsteps and voices...angry voices.

"Savannah, they've found us! Run home, now! I'll catch up."

Terrified, Savannah just stood there, unsure of what to do.

The mob was getting closer, so near that they could hear the burning of their torches.

"Wh-what about y-y-you?"

"Just go!"

Savannah turned and ran, tears stinging her eyes. She could hear behind her the clamor of the angry mob as they yelled vulgar words about Mormons, and tar and feathers. The way Mormons worshiped wasn't accepted. There was only one religion, and it was forced upon the people. She tried to shut out the words, but they kept on running through her head. A sudden shout of pain made her stop in her tracks. That was her brother's cry, she knew it! She couldn't stand it any longer and turned, running back in the direction of the mob. By this point, the mob had pulled out the tar and feathers. They were nearly to the point of torturing her brother, and only because he was found with the Mormons! 

Savannah stopped, nearly running into the mob. 

"L-leave my b-b-brother alone!" She yelled angrily, eyes afire.

So startled were the men that a girl had just tried to stop them, that they all went silent and stared at her, eyes wide.

Please, Lord, she pleaded silently. Soften their hearts. Help us to get home safely.

Finally, some of the men chuckled. Many of them laughed off her comment and spoke.

"That there girlie thinks she's so tough! Ha! Bet she ain't hurt no fly!"

"Less teach 'em both a lesson! Help the little lady to know she ain't gonna do nuttin' to stop us."

The men who spoke started toward Savannah with dirty looks in their eyes. Terrified, she shut her eyes, but stood her ground. No matter what happened, she would stand with her brother to the end!

Suddenly Savannah heard a strong voice demand that the men stop right where they were. 

She cautiously opened her eyes to find fear flick into the men's eyes for a split second. They backed away from her.

"You're surrounded!" A boyish voice to her left spoke.

"Listen to what we say, or we'll shoot," a gruff voice said from somewhere near the mobsters.

"Leave the young man and the girl where they are. Go back home where you belong. If you attempt anything, you will be shot."

With those last words, the entire mob turned and walked off, bewildered.

Still startled, Savannah said a silent prayer of thanks to the Lord for helping her to survive the mob attack. She rushed to her brother's side where he laid. He had suffered a blow to the head, but nothing severe enough to kill. 

"Who was th-that?" Savannah asked, stunned as she helped him to his feet.

As if in answer to her question, a man walked into view, followed by five boys varying from ages eight to fifteen. Instantly, Savannah knew who it was. Her father had awoken in the middle of the night, feeling restless. He realized that James and Savannah were missing as he got up. Then he heard the mob's cries. He grabbed his rifle and woke the boys, handing the two older boys extra rifles. Following the sounds of the mob, they discovered James and Savannah and made a plan to get rid of the angry men.

"Father, you were truly the answer to my prayer!" Savannah exclaimed, embracing her father. James' eyes widened after Savannah spoke. Not once did she stutter, and her words came out perfect and clear.

That night, more than one prayer had been answered.

  

This is a story I wrote for a Vanguard Leadership Academy master class. We were discussing the Ten Amendments, and one of the inspirements was to write a story about what it might have been like without a certain amendment (or all of them).

Enjoy!

-Jemison Stripes