Dreamer

The Secret of the Desert

2011-06-15T20:15:00.001-07:00

“Are you sure this is the right place?” said renowned private investigator, Blanche Carter.

“Yeah, it says so right here…Room 113, Isis Hotel” her assistant Bruce said, waving a paper at her.

“Alright, I believe you, let’s stop wasting day-light and find out why we’re here.”

Together they went inside the rather nice hotel. Its furnishings, while not exactly fancy, were new and contemporary. It looked like an average hotel, that is, except for the large painting above the front desk.

“What in the world...” started Blanche after seeing the artistic monstrosity, a confused look crossing her face.

“It looks like an ancient sword fight between two creepy things?”

“You know Bruce, sometimes I wonder why I hired you…It’s the battle between the ancient Egyptian gods Set and Osiris. The story goes that Set, the evil god of chaos, hacked his brother Osiris to bits and scattered the parts all over the desert.” Blanches said, casting Bruce a wary look.

Bruce shriveled his face in disgust. “They sure don’t teach you that in history class.”

Blanche rolled her eyes. “Well they should, but what I would like to know is why they have picture of that hanging on the wall in a hotel. Oh well, that’s not why we’re here. Off to room 113!”

They made their way to the front desk. A bored-looking man was reading a tabloid. He looked up when he heard them come closer and sighed.

“Welcome to Isis Hotel, can I help you?” he said in a heavy middle-eastern accent.

“Yes, I’m Detective Blanche Carter and this is my assistant Bruce Walker. We’re here to see a Mr. Ausar Massri in room 113. It’s important that we see him immediately.” She said, whipping out a detective badge.

“Who am I to stop you? It’s the last one down this hall.” The clerk said pointing to a well-light hall way.

The hall way seemed to go on forever but finally they reached 113. Blanche sensed something was wrong immediately, the door was cracked open.

“Man, I hope we’re not too late.” Blanche pulled her hand gun out as she opened the door silently.

Bruce got his weapon out as well and followed Blanche into the room.

The hotel room had been completely destroyed. Tables and dressers had been knocked over. Glass had been broken, the sheets ripped, pillows had spewed feathers, and blood dotted the carpet.

“Oh my heavens…Bruce, call the authorities while I secure the place.”

Bruce left wordlessly as Blanche continued to scan the place. She made her way into the bathroom. Compared to the bedroom, it was night and day. The bathroom was spotless. In fact, she noticed that it seemed no one had stayed her at all. The complimentary soap and shampoo were still in their containers and not even a tooth brush had been brought.

“I guess someone hadn’t stayed long. Either that or it was intentional.” She thought.

When she was satisfied that the place was vacant, she started analyzing the room.

“I can’t tell if this has been faked or if there really was a struggle. It’ll be hard to know for sure until that blood can be analyzed.”

A bang at the door put Blanche on her toes. She hesitated and then moved closer to the door. The door opened and in walked 4 FBI members.

“Secure the scene gentlemen!” the tallest, burliest one shouted, and then he turned to Blanche. “Who are you and what are you doing here?!” He stood so close to her that she could smell what he had eaten for lunch.

Blanche would not be intimidated; she looked him in the eye and said: “I am Blanche Carter, Detective. I was hired by Ausar Massri; the man I assume was our victim. It was my assistant who informed you of this misfortune. I’m afraid I was never able to me with my client; our appointment was for 5 minutes ago.”

The FBI agent immediately pulled himself up taller. Blanche was known all over the world for her detective skills. “Sorry, you know how it is, can’t be too trusting. Everyone’s a suspect…get my drift?” He said, eyeing Blanche.

Blanche was extremely attractive with her slim physique and tall stature. She had high cheekbones and startling blue eyes. Her hair, unlike the prediction of her name, was raven colored. It was pulled back in a tight bun, but you could still see that it was glossy and smooth. She was wearing a black form-fitting bomber jacket, dark washed skinny jeans, and black shiny boots. All together, she looked the very picture of a secret agent.

“Yes, I “get your drift”. Now leave me be so I can try and solve this case.”

The agent, though perhaps not the brightest, realized that he was receiving the cold shoulder and went off to examine a blood spot.

“Men” Blanche grumbled with a frustrated sigh.

Bruce sidled up alongside her; “You know boss, you can’t really blame him, women like you aren’t usually doing detective work.”

“Back to work Bruce”

His statement intrigued Blanche; in the 2 years that had worked together she had never analyzed Bruce. She looked over at him. He was still just a kid, not more than 25 years old. He had light brown hair, in sore need of a haircut, and hazel eyes. He was the boy next door, attractive in an innocent way.

“Alright, enough analyzing, time to solve what may be a murder.” She whispered to herself.

“Um, excuse me, Miss. Carter.”

Blanche looked up to see it was the FBI agent again.

“What?” she spit out.

“My team has found something…It seems to be, a human hand.”

Blanche paled but asked “Where?”

“I’ll take you to it. It was discovered under a bloody piece of rug; wrapped in a linen cloth.”

In a corner near the bathroom door was the huddle of agents. One saw them approaching and lifted up what he was holding: a human hand in a plastic evidence bag.

Blanche took the bag and examined the hand somewhat. “Gruesome, it looks like it’s been severed by a sharp object. It was most likely a crime of rage. The question is, where’s the rest of him? Send it to forensics; see if they can identify the victim. Let me know of the results as soon as possible. Aussar Massri could still be alive.”

While Blanche was gifted at detective work, she was not an expert at forensics. She let the squints do their job while she focused on catching the perpetrator.

When the room had been thoroughly searched, Blanche decided it was time to head out. Her first stop was to talk to Auset Massri, Aussar’s wife. The Massri home was 2 hours away in a suburban neighborhood. It was a large home, richly decorated.

Bruce rang the door bell, no one answered. He rang again, still nothing. “Well, it looks like no one’s home.”

Blanche peered in through the glass sides of the front door. “But the lights are all on and there’s a car in the drive way. Let’s just try the door, see if it’s open…”

She reached to turn the door knob, but unbeknownst to her it already was open. “I don’t like the look of this…” She said as she pulled out her hand gun. “Stay behind me Bruce.”

Inside, it was a mess, similar to Aussar’s room, glass was broken and there were scatterings of blood on the white carpet.

“God, please don’t let us be too late. Bruce, you check that side of the house. I’ll cover the kitchen and the back.”

Before she went any further, Blanche pulled out her cell phone and called the FBI.

“This Blanche Carter, I’m requesting back-up. We have another victim. I am over at the Massri home.”

Back-up was on its way so Blanche continued to search for possible evidence, anything to lead her to the possible killer.

That’s when she saw it, a rather large puddle of blood by the edge of the carpet.

“Please don’t let this be what I think it is…” She said, lifting it up.

Underneath was a linen cloth, perhaps identical to the one found at the hotel. In the linen cloth, another human hand.

All of a sudden, the door bell rang.

Blanche startled “Who in the world could that be?”

She placed the hand down, grabbed her gun, and went to get the door. Blanche put the gun in her pocket, just in case it was merely a civilian. No one in the neighborhood need know yet a crime had possibly been committed here.

Bruce had heard the door as well and entered the same time as Blanche.

“What’s going on? Who’s at the door? I didn’t find anything out of the ordinary.”

“How should I know? Look through that window and see if you can spot the person at the door.”

“Alright, alright” Bruce did what he was told. “It looks like a middle-eastern lady.”

The door bell rang again. This time a woman’s voice accompanied it.

“Auset? Are you there?” The woman said.

Blanche carefully opened the door.

The woman looked puzzled. “Excuse me, who are you and why are you in my brother and sister-in-laws’ house?”

“I’m Detective Blanche Carter; this is my assistant Bruce Walker. I’m afraid we came here to talk to Auset Massri but we found the house in this disarray.” She said, showing the woman her badge.

“Are Auset and Aussar okay? My name is Anat, my husband Seth is Aussar’s brother. We live right next door.”

“We don’t know right now. I’m afraid I can’t discuss it with you either. They could be in grave danger though. Do you mind if we ask you some questions?”

“I don’t see why not, if you think it will help them.”

“Yes, the information you have may be vital. We need to wait until the FBI arrive, until then you may relax and try to think of something that may be of use.” Blanche said.

Blanche pulled Bruce aside. “I don’t like her. She was here too fast, she’s too nice. I don’t like this whole business with the hands. It’s repulsive and bloody. I just want to find Auset and Aussar, preferably alive.”

“Whoa Blanche, calm her down. I can understand what you mean. The hand thing is creeping me out too; just don’t lose your head. We need to be nice to Anat so that she will be nice to us. Maybe she can lead us to them. You suspect her, don’t let her catch on.”

“Thanks Bruce, I should know better than this. Why don’t we head over to Anat’s house and search for a potential weapon while we question her? If the criminal is prideful enough they hide it right out in the open.” Blanche was back to her old self, ready and raring to go.

After the FBI team arrived, Bruce and Blanche both approached Anat. Blanche was the first to speak: “Anat, do you mind if we question you at your house?”

Anat’s face paled for a second but she didn’t skip a beat. “No of course not, let’s go now.”

The trio walked next door to Anat’s large home. When they were in Blanche and Bruce were amazed at the vast collection of Egyptian art. The place was richly decorated Mediterranean style.

“Some place you got here huh?” Blanche said.

“Yes, yes, my husband likes to be reminded of his homeland.” Anat said. She moved towards the couch “Shall we sit down?”

The questioning was just about to begin when a man came through the front door. He seemed to be a very unpleasant man, though good-looking. He was also tall and muscular.

“Anat!” he shouted.

“Must be Seth” thought Blanche.

Anat shuddered; you could see she and her husband did not get along.

“I am in here, we have guests.”

This news, instead of making Seth hospitable, made him angrier. He stormed into the room.

“Who are you?” He demanded.

Blanche was not intimidated. “I am Blanche Carter; I am here with the FBI on the case of a possible double homicide. The victims could be your brother and sister-in-law. Now that I think about it…Do you mind if my partner and I have a look around?”

Seth became rather smug then. “Not at all…” He seemed to hiss like a snake.

“Alright, we will then.”

Blanche and Bruce searched the mansion. They didn’t find anything too unusual, in fact the place looked barely lived in. When they reached the last room, Blanche was a little disappointed. Seth seemed like a good candidate for murder.

“I’m getting frustrated…” said Bruce, leaning up against the wall.

Suddenly, as if by magic, a door appeared and swung open in the wall.

“What in the world…Oh my gosh! It’s a secret room!” Bruce said.

“Bruce, stay out here and keep guard. I’m going in.”

She pulled out her gun and slowly went into the secret room. Before she went too far, she got out her phone and let the FBI know she needed back up.

A dark hallway led to a small dingy room. There were blood droplets on the floor.

“Lord, please don’t let me be too late.” She prayed.

There on the ground were two people, a man and a woman. She guessed it was Aussar and Auset. She went over slowly to them. When she reached them to knelt down and felt the man’s pulse. He was still alive, just bloody probably from his cut off hand. Any longer and he would have bled to death. She felt the woman’s pulse and she too was still alive. They were both unconscious. Both were missing their right hands.

The FBI came in like a storm, they apprehended Anat and Seth. Then they rescued Auset and Aussar, airlifting them to the nearest hospital. The paramedics said they were in critical condition but that they should survive.

“So it was the brother and sister-in-law after all? Crazy stuff, hidden rooms…” Bruce said.

“Two murders prevented because of you. Good work kid.” Blanche said to Bruce, nudging his shoulder.

“Thanks boss.” Bruce replied with a smile.

Alazay: Part 2

2011-03-15T20:39:00.001-07:00

Tiny rain drops fell on Alazay’s long red hair. But she was in the middle of a nightmare and didn’t notice. One, two, three wet drops landed on her pale cheek. Her hand brushed them away as she groggily started breaking from her dream world. All of a sudden she awoke with a start. Her chest heaved up and down from her heavy breathing. It had happened again, that dream that haunted her every night. She didn’t remember it all of course but what she did came in sections. First she saw scientists or doctors in white coats. She saw herself in a white cell, she was crying. Then the next scene, this one was all flames. In her dream they licked at her but she felt no pain. The last scene was the most terrifying. It was a man, she knew him, maybe even loved him. At first he would be nice and would stroke her hair and sing to her. His song was sad but she couldn’t understand the words, they were either too soft or in another language. Then all of sudden it changes and the room turns dark, she hears someone scream and goose bumps form on her arms. She becomes very afraid and knows someone is watching her. Then she hears a voice “You rejected me and you will pay. You thought you could get rid of me well think again” in a low other-worldly voice.

Alazay Part 1

2011-01-27T17:21:00.000-08:00

The wind blew, whistling like a tea kettle. The noise was unsettling to Alazay as she crept down the dark hallway. The old house creaked mournfully even under her slight weight. Cobwebs dotted the corners of the crumbling walls. Alazay thought she saw the miniscule eyes of a spider watching her. She tiptoed down the stairs, every creak and wheeze sounding like explosions in the night.
"Wind, oh wind, why must you howl so?" she whispered. Her hand reached the front door knob. Suddenly she felt an icy hand upon her shoulder. She froze as a chilling shiver ran through her body.
"You can't leave" a voice whispered, but the hand released.
Alazay mustered up every ounce of courage she contained. She turned around slowly. Through the moonlight she could make out the pale face of a young boy. He was taller than she and quite skinny. She quessed he could not be more than 16 years old.
The boy spoke:
"I'm sorry if I scared you. You can't leave me here. Please, take me with you."
"I didn't know there were others; how did you get here?"
"Bad luck?"
"Alright, I don't have time for this...let's go."
She opened the door and they walked outside. The wind tore at her dress and once again she felt a shiver. She remembered when she had first been brought to this ghostly old house.
They had found her huddled in an alley way in the city. She had been making a small fire in a trash can and so hadn't seen them coming. They knew things about her, knew she had powers. She tried to fight them off when they attacked her but there had been too many. First she had been brought to a clinical testing center. The memories of that place were painful to remember. Then when they were finished she was sent off to this delapadated house, she supposed for "safe keeping".
"You okay? We'd better go, they might come looking for us" said the boy.
His words broke her trance. She shook her head.
"Yes, I'm fine. Come, I know where to go."
She knew of a cave where they could spend the night. From that cave, where they would go, she did not know. They crept through the dark woods, finally reaching the cave after about 3 hours. She knew there was an actual city somewhere south, maybe 3 miles...

Murder on the grand piano

2011-01-18T15:34:00.000-08:00

Vivian had always known she would be a star someday. The glitz and glamor, the adoration from millions of fans. The only problem was there were others who were more talented one was that wretched man Van Stade. He shouldn't have been a talented man. He was incredibly ugly and came from a low class family. He also was wicked, Vivian suspected him of theft and shady dealings. Everytime he looked at her she grew afraid. His eyes were shifty and his face dark and mysterious. He shouldn't have the glory it should be her!

Vivian Fletchett was not only jealous though she had a reason. Vivian had recently composed a short symphony, it was beautiful and those who heard it were moved with emotion. Her best work and her agent said it could further her career, she could be famous! Before she could have it published though it had been stolen right underneath her nose.

The day of the concert she heard her symphony being played. Startled, she looked to see who it was. It was none other than Gilbert Van Stade! Enraged she ran from the room and started to produce some dastardly plans.

(Now it had been said that Vivian Fletchett was not entirely sane, these next moments may prove the fact.)

She had pulled out the Batrachotoxin, which is a type of poison. Just then her husband Samuel walked in the room. "What? Vivian what are you doing?!" For it had been him who had bought the poison. He himself was fascinated with animals, especially amphibeans. "I'm ending Gibert Van Stade once and for all!" she said, her face revealing her madness. "But, dear! Think of the consquences. Surely you would not do such a wicked thing!" he whispered as he pulled her into her dressing room. Samuel Fletchett was always concerned with his image, always wanting a certain image. Surely this was not a conversation he should be having in public!

"Tell me, Vivian what has driven you to think so abomindably!" he took by the shoulders strongly. "He has stolen my spymphony!" she screamed her eyes filled with rage and unbridled hate. "You can't just kill someone so boldly though! It must be discreet, a crime no one will ever discover." said Samuel as he put up his hand and asked to think. He had never liked that Gilbert Van Stade either but was he willing to risk his neck and perform a murder with his practically insane wife? Samuel had a great mind though and tried to think of a way that not only be sneaky but could go undetected. He decided to use the Batrachotoxin.

"Vivian, listen now. I will tell you what you must do." he said assured that he had thought of the perfect murder.

"When Van Stade is done practicing you must go. Put the poison upon the exact keys he will play. This is a special poison which will evaporate in time. Van Stade will consume the poison and no one will ever be able to find the traces."

Vivian did what she was told and when it was time for the concert to begin she had composed herself and was looking as beautiful as ever. When Gibert Van Stade was found dead after performing she could barely keep her face in a state of mourning. She had finally done it. She had killed Gilbert Van Stade.

Samuel rushed tp find his wife, she was the only weak link in this mastermind plan. "Confound that woman!" he thought for he couldn't see her anywhere. Vivian was in the kitchen. She had remembered that she had not gotten rid of all the poison. There wasn't much left just a drop or two... "I know! I'll just slip some in the flour. Sam'll just bring it home. I'll warn him first so he doesn't eat it, but the police'll never look there!" (You see, not only was Vivian short a few marbles she always wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed. ;)

"Vivian! What in blue blazes are you doing?!" said Samuel as he caught his wife in the kitchen. "Do you not understand what we have just done?! How can you be hungry?" He said his face red from emotion. "Oh you know dear. It's all worked out. I will become the greatest pianist there ever was." said she her voice calm and somewhat dreamy. "Come Vivian we must leave." you could sense the finality in his voice. Vivian grabbed his outstretched arm and they departed from the kitchen.

"Excuse me officer but we must be going. My wife is ill from the events partaken of tonight." said Samuel Fletchett. "Alright sir." said the all too trusting police officer.

When they were seated in the car Samuel spoke first. "Now listen I have reserved us tickets to leave tommorow morning at 9am for Switzerland. You are not to speak to ANYONE until then. Do you understand?"

"Well yes, Sammy." said Vivian soft as a child after he had been reprimanded. They arrived home and started to get ready for bed when there was a knock at the door. Both Fletchetts jumped. "I'll get it yu stay here and don't say a word." his eyes glared at her. Samuel answered the door to find two police officers standing there.

"Samuel and Vivian Fletcher the gig is up. You are hereby charged with the murder of Gilbert Van Stade." said the officer with blonde hair obviously the older of the two.

"Officers I'm afraid you must be joking my wife and I have done nothing of the sort." said Samuel his voice steady.

"I'm afraid not.We have a surmountable amount of evidence against both you and your wife." said the brown haired one.

"Well maybe it wasn't the perfect murder after all." he thought. "Vivian call our lawyer."

sléibhe part 1

2011-01-17T16:33:00.000-08:00

Bill and Maureen gazed out the window at the vast gray mountains before them. A tear rolled down Maureen's cheek as she saw a carriage drive away.She knew that inside the carriage was her mother. Soldiers had come and taken her mother by force into their carriage.Bill and Maureen's mother had saw them coming and made sure her children were hidden in the attic. Their mother had bravely let herself be taken by the soldiers.Bill put his arm around his frail12-year old sister. Bill was 14, almost a man. "Don't cry Maureen, we'll get her back..."
To Be Continued...

WWLBLWNP- Part 5

2011-01-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

“Mom, are you okay in there?” Matt knocked on the door.

He had heard some noises in the bathroom but wasn’t sure he was meant to have heard them. Really all he had heard was “What am I going to do” and a bump.

“Sorry hun, I’m fine.” His mother’s muffled reply came.

“Mom, I’m going to Louie’s house. I’ll see you later. Good luck job searching. I love you Mom; we’ll get through this.”

“Alright son”

“He’s so full of confidence. Too young and naïve to realize what a cold harsh world this is.” She thought.

She dragged herself up and pulled on some professional-looking clothes hanging up in the bathroom. Today marked a new beginning to her. She was starting over.

*Ring* *Vibrate* *Ring*; her cell phone was ringing. Who would be calling her? She picked it up after the 3rd ring.

“Hello?” she said into the speaker.

“Fran, it’s me George. Before you hang up, listen.”

“I’m listening, please be quick.”

“I need you to fly with me to Los Angeles; it’s about our divorce.”

“What? I don’t have the money to do that now. Why would I need to go anyway?!” She said; why was her soon to be ex-husband trying to get her to fly across the states?

“Don’t worry about the cost. I got it covered. Please, it’s really important. We wouldn’t be gone more than 3 days.”

“We better not.” She bit out. “Who’s going to stay with Matt and Rachel?”

“Well, we could take them with us or they could stay at their grandparents.”

“I don’t know George” was all she said as she hung up the phone.

Fran wasn’t sure if she was hurt or angry at what he had done with her. When she had first found out she just went to bed and cried for hours. She didn’t want to lose George as she loved him and still did to this day. Could you forgive someone who betrayed you? Even after she confronted him he still carried on with his affair. No one should blame her for leaving him but they still would. She was sure George would come up with an excuse and probably say she was insane. All her friends would probably listen to him and leave her too.

George hadn’t always been like this though. They had met in college and married after only 6 months of dating. They had really loved each other. Fran wanted to be a teacher and George was going for business. Fran dropped out of college after they married so they could save money. She also got pregnant with Rachel 6 months after they were married. George was always so thoughtful; he would bring her flowers when he knew she had a bad day. He would watch Rachel so she could go out with girlfriends and always let her choose what they watched. But then he began working at Polytech; the company he still worked for. He became obsessed with money and power. He was making lots of money now for the company and for himself. Matt had been 3 when he started acting this way and so he never really knew his father well. Rachel had always been his favorite.

If only she had convinced him not to work at Polytech. Maybe things would be different, but it was too late now.

“Maybe I should go with him…I guess it wouldn’t hurt anything…What do I have to lose anyway?” She thought.

Fran searched on her cell phone for George’s number. Soon the call went through and she heard his voice on the other end. Fran said just a two words. “I’ll come.”

Rachel woke up to the sun on her face.

“I just had a nightmare…weird. Mom and Dad were getting a divorce and then Mom took Matt and left…and Dad had multiple affairs…”

Rachel was disconcerted. Was it a dream or real life? To check, she ran from her room to Matt’s.

“Matty!” she called, using her childhood nickname for him.

She opened the door. The room was completely bare, save for some furniture. Matt usually had posters on the wall of his favorite bands…They were gone and so was the bed’s comforter and sheets.

“Maybe he just doesn’t like those bands anymore and Mom’s washing the sheets.” She thought, trying to persuade herself.

She went over to Matt’s dresser and pulled out a drawer. It was completely empty.

“No…no…NO! It couldn’t have been real! It couldn’t!” Rachel collapsed on her brother’s rug.

“Rachel! What’s wrong?” Her father burst in the room, having heard Rachel’s screams.

“Why did you do that to Mom? Why did you cheat on her?! Tell me!” Rachel was to the point of hysterics.

“Rachel, calm down. You have to keep yourself together!” He said, taking her gently by the shoulders.

Rachel sniffed and wiped her eyes. She glanced up at her father with tearful eyes.

“Why Daddy why?” She whispered, her lip quivering.

Her words were like a slap in the face to George. Slowly he got up and left the room.

Rachel’s words played in his head like a broken record.

“Why Daddy why?”

He pictured all the memories of Rachel and Matt growing up. He had failed them miserably. He didn’t deserve to be called their father. Why didn’t he stop himself? Why had he let himself give into temptation?

The Unexpected Virus Part 2

2010-05-18T11:02:00.001-07:00

He led her into the hospital dining room and helped her get seated. Cloe could not control her sobbing and was cross with herself for being so upset in front of a complete stranger. The boy bought two steaming cups of hot cocoa and placed one cup in front of her. “You didn’t have to do that.” She tried to say but the only word that came out was “Thanks.” She was surprised at how little her voice sounded. “No problem. You look like you can use some sugary goodness. They make the best hot cocoa here.” He said in a way that showed he had eaten in this hospital many times. Cloe wondered if one of his parents was a doctor or maybe he was like her and one of his parents was dying. “I look that bad huh?” Cloe said, suddenly conscious of how she must look. She looked, for the first time, at his face and saw that he was amazingly handsome, like that of a movie star or Greek god. “Oh gosh, why does this guy want anything to do with me?” she thought. “No, you don’t look bad at all. I just thought the way you were acting showed you were in distress or worried about something. You wanna tell me about it?” He said.
“Well, I don’t know you at all. In fact I don’t even know your name.” Cloe said finally realizing that she was with a complete (and gorgeous) stranger who seemed to care about her. “Oh! I’m sorry! That was stupid of me. I should introduce myself then. I’m Mitch Gerber. I’ve seen you a lot here. You always leave when I come.” Mitch said. “I’m Cloe Harper.” She said somewhat hesitantly. “My dad is in the hospital bed next to your mom.” Mitch said. “Oh! I’m sorry to hear that.” Cloe said though her voice was still weak. “I see you here a lot but you never seemed to notice me.” He said. “But I suppose you must have a lot on your mind.” “That’s for sure.” Cloe said then blushed. He had noticed her before!
“Do they know what’s wrong with your mother?” Mitch asked innocently. Cloe started to calm down. Mitch had a soothing effect on here. “No” She said then sniffled. “Here I have a tissue.” Mitch said offering her a tissue. “I need them a lot. My dad is dying from an unknown cause as well.” “Really?! I’m so sorry I know how it feels; but at least you have your mom right?” “Actually my mom died two years ago.” “Are you serious?” She said and then immediately regretted it when she saw the pain on his face. “I’m sorry, of course you’re serious. It’s just my dad died two years ago. It just seemed like a really weird coincidence. You know?” “Wow, at least we met. Anyways wanna tell me something about yourself? I confess that I did know somewhat why you were upset earlier and I don’t blame you.” He said smiling slightly. “Well, alright. Where do I start?” She said and laughed half heartedly.
“I don’t know, the beginning?” Mitch said with a twinkle in his beautiful eyes.
“My parents were both biologists. They would travel everywhere and chart life forms. If you look in some of the scientific journals you can see the many new animals, plants, and insects they discovered.” Cloe says slowly.
“Really?! Mine were too! Maybe our parents know each other.” Mitch said with enthusiasm.
“I don’t know, maybe. Anyways, then I came along and they kept on with their work. I always loved going to different places. Dad took us all over the world. While, they were out cataloging I would sit outside and read. Then when they’d get back we’d sit together and eat and they’d tell me everything. If I were lucky they’d take me with them on their hunts for new species.” She said dreamily, her mind had transported her to a happier time. She also wasn’t quite sure if she believed Mitch when he said his parents were biologists.
“Sounds like you had a happy childhood.” Mitch said thoughtfully.
“Yeah, I did. It was so full of love and adventure. Then my Dad caught a weird disease while we were in India and they couldn’t help him. We were going to transport him to another hospital but he died on the way. My Mom is the only family I’ve got and I don’t know what I’d do without her. I don’t want to be an orphan!” Cloe burst into tears again. When she opened them Mitch had his hand on hers.
“Cloe, I am so sorry. I know how you feel. You feel as if you can’t do this alone. You almost feel like getting angry at your parent for getting sick. Tell me more though. What’s wrong with your Mom?”
Cloe tried not to concentrate on the warmth of his soft hand upon hers, instead she told him some more.

W W L B L W N P Part 4

2010-05-18T11:01:00.001-07:00

Francine Tyler-Owens opened her eyes. She turned over in the bed expecting to see her familiar bedroom.
“Oh yeah; I’m no longer home. Instead I’m in this hole in the wall motel searching for a job.” She thought looking around her. The room was scantily furnished. It had two beds, a nightstand, and a TV. It also was adjoined to a small bathroom. She looked over at her son in the other bed. “It was worth it. My children are worth leaving my husband. I don’t know what I’m going to do but I will get through this.”
Matt Owens woke up and looked at his mom; her face looked haggard from recent events. She was usually a beautiful woman who had been in beauty pageants but now she looked old. Her blonde hair was stringy and she wore no makeup.
Fran felt depressed and hurt. She didn’t feel like doing anything but she had to be strong for her son and daughter. She decided to jump in the shower to start job hunting. Matt was going to be leaving for school soon. She went into the clean but old shower and turned the water on as hot as she dared. The water rushing down on her was like a cleansing waterfall. It wiped away her sorrows and worries and renewed her. But when it was over the nagging thoughts were back:
“What job are you supposed to get? You never even finished college! In 6 months you’ll just come crawling back to George like a whipped dog.” They said.
“No! I won’t! I can do this! I’m strong enough!” She told the voices.
She looked down and realized she had punched the wall as her knuckles were throbbing.
“Oh, what am I going to do?” She said out loud; crumbling to the floor in a heap. “What am I going to do?!”

What would life be like with no parents Part 3

2010-05-18T11:00:00.001-07:00

They reached Chubby’s after 5 minutes of awkward silence. They walked in and a familiar face greeted them. Charice Green had worked at Chubby’s Diner a while, starting when she was just a pimpled high school student. She now worked here while she got her Bachelor’s degree at the local Community College. She dreamed of becoming a business woman and had dreams of ruling the stock market. She recognized both Rachel and her Dad and could see they were both upset today.
“I wonder what could have happened.” She thought. “I’ll treat them extra special tonight; some good greasy food will cheer them up.”
“What can I do for you today folks?” She said cheerily as she got them seated into a worn red leather booth.
“Hi Charice” Said Rachel as she plastered a smile on her face, though at the moment she felt like doing anything but smiling.
“Hi Rach, Mr. Owens, what’ll it be?”
Mr. Owens barely glanced up from his menu. But when he did, he cast a smile Charice’s way.
“I’ll have a hamburger and chocolate milkshake.” Rachel said deciding.
“I’ll have fish and chips and a vanilla milkshake. Thank you.” Said George, he could be very charming when he wanted to be.
“Coming right up, I’ll be back shortly.” She said and then turned to put in the order.
“Dad, what am I supposed to do now? What is life going to be like from now on?” Rachel asked, tears pricking her eyes. She wouldn’t cry though, not in public anyway.
“Well, I guess the judge will decide who you’ll stay with.”
The way he said that sounded so cold to Rachel. It was as if he could care less and was willing to let someone else decide his life.
“Am I that much of a bother?” She said and then noticed a wet tear sliding down the side of her face. Quickly she brushed it away.
“Of course not sweetheart, it’s your mother. She is being… difficult.” He said and took his daughter’s hand to hold. “I’m sorry Hun; this is just the way life is right now.”
“Well, why couldn’t it happen to someone else?” Rachel hated the way she said it, like a pathetic whine. What was she becoming? One little thing and she was crumbling.
“Sometimes life just isn’t fair. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.”
Rachel turned her face away from her father.
“I have to go to the bathroom.” She said, looking for someway to escape the awkwardness.
She got up and made her way to the woman’s room. It was pink and girly with tiled floor and painted stalls. She went into the nearest one. She collapsed on the floor and started sobbing. She sobbed so hard she felt sick to her stomach. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t just her parents pending divorce that broke her up so hard. To Rachel, it seemed like everything was going wrong lately. Her boyfriend, Chet Williams had broken up with her, moving on instead to her “best friend” Michelle Jennings. To everyone in school she was a loser; all her so-called “friends” on the cheerleading squad had abandoned her. She wasn’t doing well with her grades either.
“Why are you doing this to me God?” A voice screamed in her head. “This is too much and too hard! Take it away from me! I just want to go back to normal, where I had two married parents, a loving boyfriend, and lots of friends!”
After a minute or so of heavy tears; Rachel pulled herself up.
“Dad will be wondering where I am. I better calm down.” She thought.
She opened the stall and looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was a mess and big red splotches were forming on her face where tears had streamed down. She took some paper towel and wet it to wash her face. The feeling of cool water on her hot face was soothing. She patted her hair into submission and, when she looked somewhat better, she braced herself to go outside again.
“I just need to suppress my feelings; then I’ll be able to deal.” She thought.
She opened the heavy door and glanced around the dining room, making sure no one she knew was here. When she was comfortable that no one was, she walked back to the booth where her father was waiting.
“Sorry Dad” She said when she reached the booth and sat down on the soft worn cushion.
“That’s alright sweetheart. Your food came while you were out.”
George looked at her and she seemed to be more herself; the Rachel he knew and loved. She was smiling now; which meant she had finally gotten used to the idea of her parents’ divorce, he thought.
“Everything okay Rach?”
“Of course Dad.” Came her response. “This food looks great!” She said and dug in full force.
It was good food like always. Rachel kept a steady conversation going and George did his part. It was pleasant small talk; “How’s school” and all that. There was a pink elephant in the room though, the Owens’ pending divorce. Neither would talk about it; instead wasting breath on nonsense talk.
When they had finished their meal; George figured they should go home. He paid the tip and thanked Charice.
“Come on Rach, let’s go home.” He said.
“Where is home, Dad?” Rachel said, suddenly serious.
“I don’t know Rach, I don’t know.”
The ride home was silent and tense. The air tingled with the words not spoken.
“Where are Mom and Matt? Did they have this same conversation about the divorce? Where would they live from now on?” She had so many questions but no answers.
Her mother and brother Matt had not been home all day. She hadn’t seen them since the morning. Matt was 14 years old and in 8th grade.
“Maybe Mom picked him up from school to talk to him. He always was a Mama’s boy. He’ll definitely want to live with her. I don’t know who I want to live with.” She thought.
“Rachel, we’re home.” Her father said; breaking her thoughts.
Her father opened the front door and they walked inside. On the table was a note. It read:
“George,
I’m leaving. I’m taking Matt with me. Rachel may decide where she lives. Please don’t call or try to contact us.
I’ll see you at court,
Fran”
“What did you do Dad? Why is she so angry?” Rachel asked her father.
“Your mother has issues.” Was all he said
Rachel was exhausted from today’s events. Thankfully it was Friday so she didn’t have to go anywhere tomorrow. She climbed the stairs as fast as she dared and opened the door to her bedroom. It was just as she had left it, bed made and blinds up, save for the envelope on her bed. It said “Rachel” on the front.
“Must be from Mom” she thought. This one read:
“Rachel,
I’m sorry things have to be like this, but know I love you very much. Your father and I have had many problems in our marriage but we did do one thing right: having Matt and you. Nothing will ever change how we feel about you. Please don’t blame yourself sweetheart. Your father cheated on me, repeatedly. I gave him chances after chances but he would not stop. I hope you will want to stay with me but I will try to understand either way. Living with me won’t be easy. Your father could give you many more material things. It’s your choice.
Love,
Mom”
Rachel was shocked. Was this the truth or was she just overreacting? Everything in her life was getting more and more confusing.
Tired and numb; she climbed into her bed and enclosed herself in her Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforter. She would think about it in the morning; what she really needed was a good night’s sleep.

What would like be like with no parents Part 2

2010-05-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock went the clock on the wall. It was as if the house had a heart beat that was being projected through the wall clock.
“I need to get out of here. This house is suffocating me!” thought Rachel Owens.
Her eyes searched for the door. Everything seemed to be turning, her head spinning.
“I have to get out! I have to get out!” The thoughts in her head were screaming.
“Rach, I’m afraid your mother and I are calling it quits. We just don’t feel our marriage is worth saving.” Her father was saying but Rachel didn’t even comprehend what he was mouthing.
“I don’t understand! Get out of my head!” She screamed and ran out the door. “I just need to get out. I need to go for a walk.” She said to no one particular.
“Rachel!” Her father was calling out but Rachel didn’t notice. She just kept going.
Trees passed by her like a blur. She was running now, running at top speed. She ran until her sides hurt; sending a burning sensation as the muscles throbbed.
“What am I doing? I don’t even know where I’m going. Why am I running? So Mom and Dad are getting a divorce. Lots of people do now a days. But aren’t Matt and I enough reason to save a marriage? I don’t know maybe its better this way. All they ever did was yell at each other.” Thoughts were swirling around in her head.
A big red SUV pulled up along side her. Freaked out, she looked over to see the driver. It was her Father. He rolled the window down.
“Rachel, we need to talk. Come on, I’ll take you out to eat.” Her father said calmly.
“Is that your car?” Rachel said as she definitely did not recognize it.
“Yeah, I just bought it today.”
“Celebrating?” She asked sarcastically.
“No, I just needed a new car. Jump in already.” Her dad said, getting a little impatient.
Rachel got in and surveyed the new car.
“Wow, you get a raise or something?” She said when she saw the leather seats and state of the art technology.
“You could say that.” He said.
“Where are we going?”
“Chubby’s”
It was a father-daughter thing they always did when Rachel was upset. It was so easy and comforting to lose yourself in a hamburger and milkshake. Chubby’s had seen her after she had lost her first tooth and when she had had her first crush; among many other experiences.
George Owens looked at his daughter. She was the perfect stereotype of a cheerleader. Blonde, gorgeous, and, usually, so upbeat and happy; she was the family optimist. Something had brought her down though. Lately, she just wasn’t her usual self. She was more moody and didn’t smile as much. George had passed it off as going through puberty but now he wondered if it was something more. What was happening to his perfect family?

What would life be like with no parents? Part 1

2010-05-18T10:57:00.001-07:00

In the small town of Jim Thorpe, PA lives a family. If you saw them you would probably think they were the ideal American family. There was a mom and a dad; they had one girl and one boy. They dressed nice and owned a cozy 3 bedroom house. To other people it would seem they were living the All American Dream. No one would have thought the parents were filing for divorce, the daughter had suicidal thoughts, or that the son was running with the wrong crowd. To the outside world it looked like everything was going just fine.

Warrior Princess: Part 1

2010-03-31T12:28:00.000-07:00

In the land of Pequinia and in the times of Nool there once lived a princess named Jaynia Tanya Ferency. This was a princess like no other. She was bold and strong; she was a warrior princess. Jaynia could defeat any foe. She was braver than the best male warrior and was always up for a challenge. She had just one problem though, Jaynia Tanya Ferency was prideful.
She could go days admiring herself in the mirror. She could spend hours looking at her awards and souvenirs. If anyone dared to say a bad word about her they were promptly banished.

The Unexpected Virus: Part 1

2010-03-31T12:23:00.000-07:00

Cloe opened the heavy glass door of the hospital and stepped inside. She could barely breathe from the rapid emotions twirling in her heart. It was a mix of worry, anxiety, and a deep love for her mother. She tried to remind herself that she had been through this before when her dad had died but she couldn’t bear the pain that thought brought and stopped herself abruptly.
She hurriedly made her way to Room 77 where her mother was. Cloe knocked on the door to make sure her mother was available and received a faint reply from her mother telling her it was alright to come in. Her poor mother had been through so many tests in the past weeks that Cloe did not think there were anymore take. It hurt Cloe to the heart to see her mother like this. She was weak from all the blood samples taken and the many scans she had been through. Her mother hadn’t been very strong after Cloe’s dad had died and now she was barely clinging onto her life.
“Mom?” Cloe said. “How are you feeling?” As she looked upon the figure lying in the sterile hospital bed she couldn’t help but think: “Where is my Mom? Surely this is not what she has come to?” It wasn’t the first time she had seen her mom in the hospital, in fact she visited everyday, but something struck her differently that day and she began to wonder if she might become an orphan soon. It was crushing to think these thoughts but Cloe could do nothing to stop them.
“I’m alright Hun. Please don’t worry yourself over me.” Was the reply Cloe received. “Well, can I get you anything, something to drink or eat?” Whenever Cloe visited she couldn’t help but feel powerless in changing her mom’s situation. The doctors themselves didn’t know what to do! What then could an 18 year old girl do?
“No, that’s sweet of you though. You always were a compassionate little thing. I remember the time you brought home that baby bird with the broken wing. I still can’t believe you were able to nurse it back to health.” Mom answered. “Yeah, I do remember that I was so afraid it wouldn’t make it. It looked so frail when I had it in the shoe box.” Cloe said. “You were always bringing something home. I only stopped you when you started with people!” Mom laughed at the memory but afterward she broke out into a horrible hacking cough. “Mom!” Cloe shouted. Two nurses burst in the room and one told Cloe she should leave while the other tried to stabilize her mother.
Cloe could not hold back the tears as she went to leave the hospital. How could her mother be dying? Why should this happen to her? Hadn’t it been enough that her father had died? She was so upset that she didn’t really notice where she was going and bumped right into a tall young man with dark hair. “I’m sorry.” He said, though it was obvious it was not his fault. Cloe burst into tears. “Why can’t I do anything right?!” She thought. “Excuse me.” She managed to mumble.
“Hey, I don’t mean to pry, but are you okay? Can I help you in anyway?” said the boy with startling blue eyes. “I’m fine.” Cloe said though it was barely audible. “Are you sure? Do you wanna talk about it? I’m a great listener.” Came his reply. “Do you have 2 hours?” Cloe said her voice laced with sarcasm. “I’ve got all the time in the world.” He said.

Once Part 2

2010-02-27T07:49:00.000-08:00

Present:
As we made our way through the crowd I was hurrying to keep up with my sister.
“Come on Mena!” my sister shouted.
“I’m coming Aqua!” I shouted back.
The crowd was so loud I could barely hear her. I looked for my sister and saw she was at least 50 ft ahead of me. It was just like Aqua, she was always so bubbly so bright. She was just a ball of energy. She was the ocean and I was the volcano. I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Pyromena or Mena as my sister calls me. My sister is Aquamarine beautiful and petite at her 4’ 11”. She was like a little doll. She was strong though, stronger than I even knew. At times I felt such jealousy for her; for her beauty for her ease around people. Everyone adored her. People would give her whatever her heart desired and were constantly paying her compliments. They longed to touch her; to take some of that glorious beauty for their own. I am tall and ugly. I am 5’11” and am taller than many of the men in our village. My mother says I will never get a husband. My sister has been getting marriage offers since she was an infant. The only reason she has not been married off yet is that our parents are incredibly greedy. They want the best and biggest amount they can get for her. When I was a child I wondered; why when people are constantly sending us money, do we live so poorly? I found out the reason when I was 6. My father drinks it away. He buys everyone in the tavern drinks upon drinks and not a week later the money has been spent with nothing for our food or clothing. His drinking has made my mother bitter and despise all her children but Aqua. Everyone likes Aqua. Everyone hates me; all but Aqua. I still can’t believe why she still likes me but Aqua says we are in this together she says she would never abandon me. I know she will eventually though. Everyone always does. I have accepted it as my fate. It didn’t always used to be like this. I used to have just as many friends as Aqua. Then we started school and everything changed. Friends I had grown up with since birth abandoned me. They started bullying me. One day when I was coming home from school they took me to an alley and gave me 2 black eyes. My parents were angry when I came home. They didn’t want to pay for a doctor. They sent me to my room with no dinner or breakfast. In school I became the one to blame. If something bad happened or a prank had been pulled I was the one who had done it. When I was 7 I decided to quit school. I couldn’t take the persecution anymore. Aqua still goes to school. She explains to me what they’re learning so I too can become well learned. Aqua tells me I’m the smartest person she knows but I must say I don’t believe her. Sometimes I feel as if her mouth is laced with venomous charm. As if she were a serpent lulling the mouse to sleep in order to prey upon it. Aqua looks extremely harmless but underneath is like a strange and dangerous animal trying to claw its way out. I don’t think I fully understand her, in fact I don’t think I fully understand myself!
During our 12th year things started to get even weirder. I started having strange sensations in my hands and at times if felt as if my own eyes were boring holes through my eyelids. My hands and eyes burned with an everlasting fire. No one understood when I tried to explain. They told me I was being selfish and should stop complaining. They piled on as many chores they could think of and at night I would drop almost dead-like into bed; so exhausted I couldn’t move. That was one of the hardest times of my life. Only Agua would understand. She said she too was having strange feelings in her hands but she felt it all the way to her shoulders and hers was that of a cooling feeling. She said that recently she had some weird things happening. When she walked past a field all of a sudden every plant would start to grow. Even seedlings automatically sprouted up when she was near. Animals would follow her home. She was a magnet for any animal. With me, every time I tried to drink or eat something it would grow hot. I had tried experimenting with this and one time right after it had snowed, I froze some food outside; the moment I picked it back up, immediately, all the snow melted and the food was warm enough to eat. I should Aqua this ability and she marveled. She was so happy someone else was going through these strange occurrences. I was guess I was happy about that too but how happy could I be when all these terrible things were happening. I didn’t understand myself or what was going on inside me.

Avonlea: a Tale of Regatheria Part 1

2010-02-24T13:25:00.000-08:00

Once, a very long time ago.....

A young girl of about 12 loved rabbits. She loved them more than anything. Everywhere she went she took one with her. She was very kind to the rabbits and they all seemed to sense that. They were drawn to her.

The young girl was a princess in the kingdom of Regaltheria*. Her name was Avonlea and she was the
* pronounced Regal - there - ree- a
youngest of six princesses. Most times she was ignored as she was different from them. She wasn't quite as pretty or charming as the others. Avonlea also did not like the things they did. She hated parties and getting dressed up for she longed to be outside. So when they would ignore her she would play with her rabbits who truly seemed to be her only friends.

Avonlea was the only one in all of Regaltheria with brown hair. Everyone saw her as ugly,different. Her mother and father paid her hardly any attention. She was shameful to them. However, Avonlea was not moved, for she had her pets.

Now one day all of the young princess' family went away. In fact, it seemed the whole kingdom had abandoned her. You see, she had been out in the meadow picking clover for her darling little pets. When she arrved back to the castle everyone was gone. Not even a mouse seemed to be left in the castle. There were even no tracks for her to follow.

This distressed the girl for she had a very kind and caring heart. She worried where they could have gone. She could not think of them leaving her on purpose for she was an innocent child. She searched the castle up and downto look for even the slightest clue. If they had left they must have been in a great hurry. There was food uneaten on the table, bath water in the tub, and papers strewn everywhere in her father's office.

Then she found it, a small arrow no bigger than her pointer finger. It was stuck in the side of her father's desk drawer. She then knew that her family had to have been kidnapped! But by whom she didn't know. She did not even know of Regaltheria having any enemies! So she pondered there a while. SUddenly she remembered a story she had been told when she was but a toddler.
The story went like this:

The Fairy queen Part 2: Melodonia

2010-02-24T07:06:00.000-08:00

The story went like this:
A very long time ago, before the fairy queen was queen, she was just a small young family. Her family was very poor. They could hardly even afford the cold mush they had every morning for their only meal. Though they were under such harsh conditions none of the family ever complained. For they knew one day their Melodonia (the queen) would save them from their poverty. Melodonia was the most beautiful in all the fairy lands. She had long blonde hair which was rare for a fairy to have. To add to its rarity it was the palest of blondest, so light it was angelic. Her locks fell upon her shoulders in a cascade of soft curls. Her eyes were of a lavender shade no one had ever seen before and were encircled by long eyelashes. Her wings were the most beautiful part. They were so intricate so shimmery that it seemed she flew on precious gems.
The family knew one day she would be important. Some day she will be great they told themselves while Melodonia grew into adolesence and more captivating every day. Melodonia had no idea that she was so much better looking than the others. Her parents often told her but she thought all parents were like that.
One day when Melodonia was 215, the young fairy prince came through her town. Her parents knew this was their only chance and made sure she would be there when he came through. The day the prince rode through town Melodonia and her parents stood on the side with all the other peasants. The prince at once noticed her for her beauty stood out in the midst of all the plain folk.
The prince, whose name was Phillip immediately became entranced by her beauty. He fell in love with her instantly. He also decided he would stay in this town long enough to make her his bride. Melodonia too wa sunder a trance. She found the prince was such a nice, caring person that she too fell in love. After a whirlwind romance of about a week, Prince Phillip asked her to marry him.
He needed her to travel with himback to his homeland of Sontheria. He was to announce his engagement to his parents. Melodonia agreed immediately only asking that, after they were married, her parents should come live with them. Phillip agreed and they left within a few days to begin their journey. When they reached Sontheria the king and queen liked her instantly, for beauty is quite revered with fairies. The only problem was she had no title. So, the king decided as a wedding present to give her the town of Geophia in order to make her a "Lady".
After a meager two weeks Melodonia and Prince Phillip were married. They soon left to go on a trip to see all of the fairy lands. For before she had come to be wed she had never even been outside her town. They both were beyond happy. But their happiness was short lived. Word came to them slightly after they reached their first destination.
The fairy king was dying! He had been wounded badly from an assasination attempt and now the wound would not heal. Prince Phillip rushed back to the castle with Melodonia, willing his father to live. When he reached the castle they found out they were too late. His father had already died.
The poor Prince, he was utterly heartbroken, not even his newly wedded wife could comfort him. He locked himself in his room, letting nothing in. He died not two weeks after. This left Melodonia all alone. She left, allowing her husband's advisors to rule the kingdom. No one knows quite where she went but she did not appear to the public ever again.
That is until now, 200 years later.

The Fairy Queen Part 1 : Ulmina

2010-02-16T15:23:00.000-08:00

As large brass trumpets sounded, Ulmina weaved through the masses of fairies. Today was the day, the fairy queen was finally appearing! It had been over 200 years since anyone had heard from her. She had gone into deep mourning when the fairy king had died. Rumors had spread that she was dead while other said she had abandoned them. Everyone was curious to see her, in fact it would not be exagerating to say that every fairy in all the lands was here. Ulmina finally got to her destination a place where she would have the perfect view but be tucked out of sight.
Ulmina was a small girl, quite small indeed for a 112 year old fairy.

(You see, Fairies get to be much older than humans. By the time a fairy reaches 200 years she is a young adult. When they reach 400 they are full grown. Fairies can live forever. But anyways back to the story....)

She had been orphaned at 40 when a fire had destroyed her home. She had been covered in burns but she had made it through. She was strong for such a small thing and it showed.
Any minute now and she would see the queen. Ulmina felt she could die from anticipation. She remembered stories her mother had told her of the queen. In fact one stood out to her, it went like this:

Once Part 1

2010-02-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

Prologue:

Once upon a time there was a young girl. She lived with her parents and numerous siblings in a small house on the poor side of town. This girl was very lonesome. Almost all her friends had betrayed her because she was poor and looked plain to them. A day did not go by without them tormenting her. They would pull her hair and pinch her but most times they would just shout insults.
The only friend who had not abandoned her was one of her sisters. Out of 6 girls only her twin was still her friend. The twin sister was the exact opposite of the girl. Her sister had angelic features and was always thought to be a little cherub. She had gorgeous creamy curls which were of the lightest blonde the world had ever seen. She had huge blue eyes the color of the fairest day of May. Her eye lashes were that of a halo surrounding those beautiful irises; long and thick. Everywhere they went people would comment on her outstanding beauty.
The girl had long raven colored hair. It was pin straight but very rich in color. Her eyes were of a strange violet color and when people saw them they said she must be of the devil to have such peculiarly colored eyes. She did however have the same long thick eyelashes as her sister. In contrast to the adoring approval her sister got; this poor girl was met with judging comments everywhere she went. Most people said the devil had fathered her and that she was wicked; but her sister told her not to mind them but the girl found it hard not to.
The girl had been born first with her sister born not 5 minutes after. On the night she was born a huge storm was going on. However; the minute her sister was born the storm stopped and it immediately became sunny and bright. That was the beginning of their incredible existence.

The Female Pirate

2010-02-16T09:57:00.000-08:00

Once, in a land far away, there lived a girl. The girl was a miserable child, for she was but a maidservant for a pious duchess. The duchess was cruel to everyone who was not rich, but she had taken a perticular fancy in tormenting the poor girl for sheer delight. The duchess took special delight in giving her the worst room in the house, it was a small square room with barely no roof except for the pitiful patches someone had tried to put on many years ago. The young girl did not know if she was ever going to be able to escape from this life. Back then once you were trapped in a job you seldom got out. So day to day she would live under such pitiful conditions, hoping, praying, planning for an escape.
But for now let us go back to a time when life was happier for her, back to her childhood. In a small town in Italy, a small baby girl was born. The baby was born to a couple who had waited many years to have children. The couple named her Gina. Gina was born to a rather wealthy family. When they lived in Italy they had a rather comfortable lifestyle. Still, her parents hoped for a better life. Her father thought he could become an even wealthier merchant if he could go to London.
Gina's parents started saving up money to pay the fare for the three of them, and by the time she was 5 they had enough. They left during the fall after her 5th birthday. Then when they were on their trip to London tragedy struck. Their boat was caught in a catastrophic storm. The only survivor was Gina. She was left half dead, bruises covering her arms and legs. She lay floating on a piece of the ship for 3 days, barely concious. On the 4th morning a ship saw her and kindly pulled her aboard. Her rescuer's ship was headed to a small town in England and during the trip all the crew fell in love with the small Italian girl with her head full of black curls. They all took turns nursing her back to health and after three more days she was able to get up & walk around.
Two weeks later when they reached England it was decided that she would live with a kind young widow until they found out more about her. The widow was a very sweet woman and she soon fell in love with Gina too. The widow was a very learned woman and knew many languages and taught Gina English, Chinese, Russian, and Latin. Gina was very happy with her and the widow treated her as one of her own. However, this happiness was short lived. When she was only 9 the widow too to the plague. The widow had left everything to Gina, but since she was not old enough to run the widow's large estate a greedy duke took over.
The wretched duke and his snobbish wife made poor Gina a servant. She had absolutely no luxuries and little food. As if that was not enough, day after day she had to watch her wonderful adoptive mother's money being wasted by these selfish snobs. It was almost too much for her to take. One day when she was 16, she and some other servants went down to the docks to survey a ship that was going to take the duke to London. There she heard the sailors telling magnificent tales of pirates, even girl pirates. Gina was fascinated by these stories. She had always dreamed of such adventure. She wished one day that she too would be a female pirate.
The ride back was a gruelling one. The roads were not paved back then and incredibly bumpy. Though Gina did not seem to notice, her head was in the clouds dreaming of life on the sea. Gina had one close friend at the estate where she lived. Her name was Marie. Marie was the same age as Gina and she worked in the laundry. They saw each other quite often and over the years had become close friends. As soon as Gina got home she tole Marie everything she had heard. Marie who was also fascinated with adventure was anxious to know more too. They decided that someday they would both travel the sea together.
By the time both girls were 18 they found their way to go out to sea. They had talked to several sailors and soon were going to sail with them. They had however kept their gender a secret, disguising themselves as young men looking for adventure. For if they knew they were women they surely would have never helped them! The days went by fast, and before they knew it the day came when it was time to run away. That night the girls took the little they had and stole away to the docks. A kind servant had agreed to help them get there.
Gina & Marie loved being on the ship and since everyone thought they were young boys they were treated as such. They had not been on the ship long before they came upon some real life pirates! The crew did their best to protect themselves but they were outnumbered. Everyone on the ship was either captured or dead. Gina & Marie had both been captured. They were taken aboard the pirate brig and were imprisoned.
The pirates were actually also women disguised as men. Gina & Marie did not realize this until some time after, on the day they were to be killed. At the time neither party knew they were all women. Then when the pirates were just about to be killed, Gina & Marie begged for mercy from the captain. Gina started telling them of how they had gotten on the other ship and a little of her past and then showed that she was a woman. She asked them to have pity on the both of them. The pirates had not interrupted her for her story was much like most of their own.
When Gina finished telling her tale of woe the captain came forward. The captain then showed that she herself was a woman. After that she invited them to be crewmates on the brig. You see, the captain had a similar past herself and knew they would be hardworking. The girls of course took this generous offer. They started as just kitchen helpers which was tiresome work, but they enjoyed every minute of it. The captain had a soft spot for Gina and they became fast friends. Over the next 4 years they looted and pirated all down the coasts, and soon Gina became her first mate. Gina had been one of the most hardworking and she wanted to show just how much she appreciated her.
When Gina was 24 she was made captain. Their former captain had come down with an illness and eventually died. She left everything to her. Now being captain, Gina was one of the most successful female captains, with mountains of gold and many ships. Her crew was made up of 175 women and she never let a man aboard her ship. She traveled far and wide across the world exploring and pirating with her first mate Marie and her all female crew.