5 of my favorite sites for writing found on our discussion board...
writerscafe.org
http://www.coffeehouseforwriters.com/groups.html
http://fictionfactor.com/
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/new_noveller_allows_people_to_post
http://www.minnetonkareview.com/
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
A Hero in Her Eyes
It was homeroom, I was sitting with three of my best friends listening to them gossip about all the new drama going around our seventh grade class. I always listened but never said much. The latest drama they discussed such as, “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe Joey said yes and is now going out with Mandy” and “Is she really wearing that, ew!” was never really my thing. I began zoning my ever so popular posy out when I noticed a girl sitting alone at a table in the corner of the classroom. She had long strangling brown hair, was skinny and seemed shy. I had seen her before wondering the halls but never knew her name. I had also never seen her talk or be around anyone before. I made eye contact with her and she quickly looked away and down into her notebook. Homeroom was time to get your homework done but in reality, it was time to talk with friends and hang out.
I immediately was drawn to this girl in the corner. My heart almost hurt for her. She was lonely, I could tell. Marcie, one of my good friends sitting at our table noticed this girl in the corner almost at the same time I did. “Oh my gosh, what a loner.” She said to us girls while smirking towards the corner of the classroom. “I would hate to be a loser with no friends.” The other girls laughed, I let out a forced smile, trying to hide the fact that I hated how mean and shallow my friends could be. I couldn’t wait until the bell rang and it was time to leave homeroom for fifth period.
The next day I rushed into homeroom just as my teacher began taking attendance. I barely made it on time, but avoided a tardy. I glanced over and noticed the girl in the same spot, reading in her notebook again. My friends were already blabbing about the latest news and gossip. I felt that feeling in my heart that went down to my stomach again as I glanced over yet again towards her direction. I quickly grabbed my backpack, stood up and walked over to the girl in the corner. “Hi, my name is Sarah. Would you like to come over and sit by my friends and I?” I asked her. She shook her heard no and seeming to be very nervous, not even looking up at me to respond. “Okay, well would you mind if I sat here with you this afternoon?” This time she looked up and had a huge smile across her face showing two very deep dimples on each cheek.
Now, I’m no hero, but in this moment I know I made a difference and made her day. My friends were less than thrilled, but from this moment on I continued sitting with the lonely girl in the corner, also known as Lacey.
I immediately was drawn to this girl in the corner. My heart almost hurt for her. She was lonely, I could tell. Marcie, one of my good friends sitting at our table noticed this girl in the corner almost at the same time I did. “Oh my gosh, what a loner.” She said to us girls while smirking towards the corner of the classroom. “I would hate to be a loser with no friends.” The other girls laughed, I let out a forced smile, trying to hide the fact that I hated how mean and shallow my friends could be. I couldn’t wait until the bell rang and it was time to leave homeroom for fifth period.
The next day I rushed into homeroom just as my teacher began taking attendance. I barely made it on time, but avoided a tardy. I glanced over and noticed the girl in the same spot, reading in her notebook again. My friends were already blabbing about the latest news and gossip. I felt that feeling in my heart that went down to my stomach again as I glanced over yet again towards her direction. I quickly grabbed my backpack, stood up and walked over to the girl in the corner. “Hi, my name is Sarah. Would you like to come over and sit by my friends and I?” I asked her. She shook her heard no and seeming to be very nervous, not even looking up at me to respond. “Okay, well would you mind if I sat here with you this afternoon?” This time she looked up and had a huge smile across her face showing two very deep dimples on each cheek.
Now, I’m no hero, but in this moment I know I made a difference and made her day. My friends were less than thrilled, but from this moment on I continued sitting with the lonely girl in the corner, also known as Lacey.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
One Last Time (MSF-Bear at the Door)
“Bob, grab my hand! Now goddamnit grab my hand!”
Bob looked up at Gail, hopelessness filling his icy blue eyes. He had become weak from holding onto the ice, grasping as firmly as he could to the side for his life.
Ice fishing was something Bob loved to do; Gail on the other hand could care less about this hobby of her husbands. 46 years together and she still refused to hold a rode and attempt to catch a fish. She hated everything about ice fishing, the bate, the waiting, the cold. She hated it but she loved Bob so much for the past seven years every Sunday during the winter months she went up north with him to go ice fishing. She usually just sat there in the freezing cold bundled up from head to toe waiting for the words, “Okay honey, we can go now.” Those words were music to her ears. This day however, this day she would not get to hear those words.
It was beginning to warm up while still being extremely cold, this early March but Bob still insisted he had to go ice fishing just one last time this year. Against her better judgment Gail agreed, “One more time, then were going somewhere warm.” He agreed and packed up the old Chevy with his rod, bate and folding chairs. Once on the middle of the lake nothing seemed wrong. Gail and Bob had been sitting there for over an hour, caught one fish and begun talking about the vacation to a warm island Gail had been planning during this long winter month ice fishing with Bob. In the middle of her description of the all-inclusive resort the first crack sounded.
“Bob honey, let’s go I think I heard a crack, the sun has been up for a couple hours now the ice could be too thin. We are the only ones out on this stupid lake right now, maybe we should call it a year and go in.”
“Oh Gail you worry too much. Just let me catch one more, it is the last time for a few months you know?”
“Yes I know,” she added a “thank goodness” under her breathe but made sure Bob could not hear that part.
Only moments later the cracking became obvious to both Bob and Gail. A look of worry flashed over both of their faces, they both lifted up off their chairs in an attempt to hurry to the shore. Bob was slightly overweight, and the thinning ice could not hold him. The ice broke open and Bob slide into the icy lake. As the water hit it was like thousands of needles pricking him, nearly numbing him instantly. He looked at his wife, panic all over her beautiful snow-white face. He tried to life himself out but it was no use. Bob was not as young as he used to be, just turned 64-years old last January and he knew he would not be able to get out.
“Bob, grab my hand! Now goddamnit grab my hand!”
Bob looked up at Gail, hopelessness filling his icy blue eyes. He had become weak from holding onto the ice, grasping as firmly as he could to the side. He knew what he needed to do. He did not want his wife, his love, and his life to fall in by standing to close to him reaching for him. If the ice shattered and she fell in they would both lose this battle. He looked at her and mouthed, “I love you” then let go.
Bob looked up at Gail, hopelessness filling his icy blue eyes. He had become weak from holding onto the ice, grasping as firmly as he could to the side for his life.
Ice fishing was something Bob loved to do; Gail on the other hand could care less about this hobby of her husbands. 46 years together and she still refused to hold a rode and attempt to catch a fish. She hated everything about ice fishing, the bate, the waiting, the cold. She hated it but she loved Bob so much for the past seven years every Sunday during the winter months she went up north with him to go ice fishing. She usually just sat there in the freezing cold bundled up from head to toe waiting for the words, “Okay honey, we can go now.” Those words were music to her ears. This day however, this day she would not get to hear those words.
It was beginning to warm up while still being extremely cold, this early March but Bob still insisted he had to go ice fishing just one last time this year. Against her better judgment Gail agreed, “One more time, then were going somewhere warm.” He agreed and packed up the old Chevy with his rod, bate and folding chairs. Once on the middle of the lake nothing seemed wrong. Gail and Bob had been sitting there for over an hour, caught one fish and begun talking about the vacation to a warm island Gail had been planning during this long winter month ice fishing with Bob. In the middle of her description of the all-inclusive resort the first crack sounded.
“Bob honey, let’s go I think I heard a crack, the sun has been up for a couple hours now the ice could be too thin. We are the only ones out on this stupid lake right now, maybe we should call it a year and go in.”
“Oh Gail you worry too much. Just let me catch one more, it is the last time for a few months you know?”
“Yes I know,” she added a “thank goodness” under her breathe but made sure Bob could not hear that part.
Only moments later the cracking became obvious to both Bob and Gail. A look of worry flashed over both of their faces, they both lifted up off their chairs in an attempt to hurry to the shore. Bob was slightly overweight, and the thinning ice could not hold him. The ice broke open and Bob slide into the icy lake. As the water hit it was like thousands of needles pricking him, nearly numbing him instantly. He looked at his wife, panic all over her beautiful snow-white face. He tried to life himself out but it was no use. Bob was not as young as he used to be, just turned 64-years old last January and he knew he would not be able to get out.
“Bob, grab my hand! Now goddamnit grab my hand!”
Bob looked up at Gail, hopelessness filling his icy blue eyes. He had become weak from holding onto the ice, grasping as firmly as he could to the side. He knew what he needed to do. He did not want his wife, his love, and his life to fall in by standing to close to him reaching for him. If the ice shattered and she fell in they would both lose this battle. He looked at her and mouthed, “I love you” then let go.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Leaving (MSF Journey)
Timmy was one of thousands throughout the United States going through this grueling cycle. He knew the drill; the phone rang, he was asked to pack up what little belongings he had, and not even 30-minutes later was put in the back of a car off to some new home. He had already moved four times since he turned seven last June. It was a Wednesday afternoon, not past 1:00pm when that damn phone rang. Julie Combs, his current foster mother answered the phone and looked directly at Timmy as he ate a PB&J sandwich at the counter. He knew it; he did not even have to be told. He set his half-eaten sandwich down and slowly moseyed into the room he had been living in for only two months.
Packing didn’t take long. He threw a couple striped t-shirts into a warn-down red backpack, grabbed his toothbrush and headed back towards the kitchen. By this time the other four children living at Miss. Julie’s were already outside playing kickball. Timmy would not be able to play today, or anymore with these kids. That’s to bad too because he really liked these kids. Not even ten minutes later the doorbell rang, Miss Julie kissed Timmy on the forehead and said, “Be good hunny, I hope to see you soon.” Timmy nodded and walked out the front door with a man in a brown suit. Those words that Miss Julie said, well they all said that to him as he left and he never saw or spoke to any of his foster parent’s again. He knew he would not see Miss. Julie again.
The car ride was long, the man in the brown suit kept trying to have small talk with Timmy but he just ignored him and looked out the window as the scenery changed from a friendly neighborhood to a busy city. As he watched all the cars zoom by which seemed like faster than the speed of light, he remember, he remembered why he was constantly taking these journeys to new places. Not even a year ago a bunch of policeman broke into his home. His mom began crying blurting out a bunch of words, not taking her eyes off Timmy. He knew she had done something, something wrong. They took her away from him; he has not seen her since. The boys in the first foster home he was in would always say, “Was your mom a crack head or something? Yeah, she probably was that’s why you’re here! Crack baby, crack baby!” Timmy hated that first house.
Before he knew it the city zooming by went back to suburban and they stopped at a little yellow house. Timmy held tight to his bag and stepped out of the car. You’d think he would be used to this by now, but he wasn’t. He hated this part. The unknown. Would he like his foster parents? Would the other children be mean like at that first house? How long would he be here? Would they like him? Would he be good enough? He wandered up the four short steps to the front porch, took a deep breath and watched as the man in the brown suit rang the doorbell. He held his breath in anticipation as the door opened wide.
Packing didn’t take long. He threw a couple striped t-shirts into a warn-down red backpack, grabbed his toothbrush and headed back towards the kitchen. By this time the other four children living at Miss. Julie’s were already outside playing kickball. Timmy would not be able to play today, or anymore with these kids. That’s to bad too because he really liked these kids. Not even ten minutes later the doorbell rang, Miss Julie kissed Timmy on the forehead and said, “Be good hunny, I hope to see you soon.” Timmy nodded and walked out the front door with a man in a brown suit. Those words that Miss Julie said, well they all said that to him as he left and he never saw or spoke to any of his foster parent’s again. He knew he would not see Miss. Julie again.
The car ride was long, the man in the brown suit kept trying to have small talk with Timmy but he just ignored him and looked out the window as the scenery changed from a friendly neighborhood to a busy city. As he watched all the cars zoom by which seemed like faster than the speed of light, he remember, he remembered why he was constantly taking these journeys to new places. Not even a year ago a bunch of policeman broke into his home. His mom began crying blurting out a bunch of words, not taking her eyes off Timmy. He knew she had done something, something wrong. They took her away from him; he has not seen her since. The boys in the first foster home he was in would always say, “Was your mom a crack head or something? Yeah, she probably was that’s why you’re here! Crack baby, crack baby!” Timmy hated that first house.
Before he knew it the city zooming by went back to suburban and they stopped at a little yellow house. Timmy held tight to his bag and stepped out of the car. You’d think he would be used to this by now, but he wasn’t. He hated this part. The unknown. Would he like his foster parents? Would the other children be mean like at that first house? How long would he be here? Would they like him? Would he be good enough? He wandered up the four short steps to the front porch, took a deep breath and watched as the man in the brown suit rang the doorbell. He held his breath in anticipation as the door opened wide.
Loveland Falls (Map-Activity/Setting Practice)
Crystal was frolicking in the woods, not a care in the world. She had loved exploring her entire life. While wondering in Loveland Falls she heard what she had been hoping she would hear, a stream not only 50 feet away. As she reached the stream she slid her foot out of her leather sandal and trickled her toes in the icy cold stream. There were big oak trees all around, with birds of all kinds singing throughout the sky. Frogs were hoping from rock to rock, attempting to cross this slow moving stream.
She suddenly noticed a deer on the other end of the stream stopping for a drink. There was a mother and her calf close to her side. The calf noticed her gaze almost instantly and without knowing for sure, Crystal could have sworn she saw him smile at her. Bees buzzed around a nearby bushel of daisies basking in a ray of sunlight that the massive oak trees were not blocking. Crystal lay down on the grass letting some sunlight hit her face. She shut her eyes and could focus now only on the singing birds and croaking toads and fresh, floral air that whipped through his lungs. The grass was soft, moist to the touch. In this moment she was so relaxed, with not a worry in the world.
She suddenly noticed a deer on the other end of the stream stopping for a drink. There was a mother and her calf close to her side. The calf noticed her gaze almost instantly and without knowing for sure, Crystal could have sworn she saw him smile at her. Bees buzzed around a nearby bushel of daisies basking in a ray of sunlight that the massive oak trees were not blocking. Crystal lay down on the grass letting some sunlight hit her face. She shut her eyes and could focus now only on the singing birds and croaking toads and fresh, floral air that whipped through his lungs. The grass was soft, moist to the touch. In this moment she was so relaxed, with not a worry in the world.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
A Day in the Life
The smell lingers into my room from under my door. That smell is what helps get me out of bed on Sunday mornings. Not only does the smell wake me up, but the six other screaming children are always a guaranteed alarm clock as well. I roll out of bed, opened the door and as always, the chaos begins. My five other brothers and sisters consume most of our small kitchen. My mother is cooking bacon, screaming here and there about being burned by the flying grease that pops and splatters in any direction. She has Louie, my youngest brother, in her arms and is pointing a spatula at Kim and Sarah yelling at them to stop fighting. Jared, my 9-year-old brother is the only one who is ever calm. He is sitting at the table reading a mystery novel, clearly trying to zone out all the commotion. I can’t blame him for at least trying. As for me, well my mom depends on me too much for me to ever get away with reading at a time like this. I’m the oldest so she expects me to help out a lot, without complaining. This can be very difficult at times but being a single mom is hard enough, especially while running this zoo every day, so I don’t mind.
I help her get the scrambled eggs onto eight separate paper plates with a slice of bacon and a piece of toast on each one. We all take a seat around our over-sized table and take the hands of the people on either side of us. This is the only semi-quiet part of the entire breakfast. As my mom is saying a quick prayer, Sarah pinches Kim halfway through and Kim lets out a blood-curdling scream. Great, so much for a moment of peace and quiet. After yelling at Sarah about not pinching her sister for a good two minutes, my mom finally lets out a large sigh in an attempt to eat her breakfast. That sigh was shortly followed by, “Oh no, Cooper!” Cooper is my two-year old brother; he just spilt Sarah’s juice. I quickly grab a wet rag and clean it up. I don’t think we have ever gone through an entire meal without at least one spill. And although the chaos seems unbearable at times, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I help her get the scrambled eggs onto eight separate paper plates with a slice of bacon and a piece of toast on each one. We all take a seat around our over-sized table and take the hands of the people on either side of us. This is the only semi-quiet part of the entire breakfast. As my mom is saying a quick prayer, Sarah pinches Kim halfway through and Kim lets out a blood-curdling scream. Great, so much for a moment of peace and quiet. After yelling at Sarah about not pinching her sister for a good two minutes, my mom finally lets out a large sigh in an attempt to eat her breakfast. That sigh was shortly followed by, “Oh no, Cooper!” Cooper is my two-year old brother; he just spilt Sarah’s juice. I quickly grab a wet rag and clean it up. I don’t think we have ever gone through an entire meal without at least one spill. And although the chaos seems unbearable at times, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Birth of a Story in an Hour or Less
Part I: The Voice
A: I can’t believe you would do this to me.
B: I’m so sorry Julie. I wish I could take it back but…
A: No, you’re right you can’t. I gave you everything. Why? How?
B: I don’t know, it didn’t mean anything I swear!
A: How could you have sex with her and not even think of me! I hate you!
B: Please stop…stop. I want you. You are the one I love. It was a mistake. It will never happen again. Please give me a second chance. I’ll show you it will not happen again.
A: How could I ever trust you again? You cheated on me-you cheated on us. You and that slut deserve each other.
B: I messed up once Jules. I know I messed up big. I’m taking full responsibility for that. I need you. You are all I want…all I have ever needed. Please don’t throw it all away.
A: Me? Me not throw it all away? YOU threw it all away when you hooked up with that slut! Don’t you dare try to put this around on me. I did nothing accept love you for three years. I gave you everything. I would have given you the rest of my life. YOU are throwing us away, not me.
B: You’re right, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. Jules, I don’t know what to say to make you want to stay with me.
A: Honestly, I don’t think there is anything you can say. I hope that whore was worth it.
B: Please don’t.
A: You make me sick.
B: I know I make myself sick.
A: Remember that day when we were lying in the back of your truck looking at the stars? Do you remember what you said to me that night almost three years ago?
B: Of course I do. I told you I loved you and I would love you forever.
A: Then why? Why? How could you?
B: I do and will love you forever.
A: No, because if you really loved me you would not have done this to me. You would have not needed to be with someone else. I would have been enough for you, forever. Just like you promised. But I wasn’t and I’m not.
B: You are. You know you are. I messed up Julie. Not that it is any excuse, because its not, but I was drunk and I wasn’t thinking straight. It happened yes, but I regret it with all of my soul and it’s killing me to see you like this because of something I have done.
A: Well good. I hope you do feel bad.
B: You have no idea.
A: No, you have no idea.
B: You’re right, I don’t.
A: Yeah because I would have never done this to you, ever!
B: I know.
A: And even if I ever did want to be with you again, my family and friends will hate you almost as much as I do right now when they find out. They would never accept you into their lives again because of this.
B: I have thought of that as well. It would take a lot to rebuild their trust as well as yours but I am willing to try.
A: I just can’t believe this. I will always ask myself why. Why some random whore you met at a college party? Why such a meaningless person. I feel like you deliberately tried to hurt me.
B: You know I would never do that Jules.
A: I don’t know…
B: Do you still love me?
A: Yes…
B: Can you give me another chance?
A: …no.
Part II: Your Character’s Place in the World
These two characters are outside of Julie’s house standing on the sidewalk beside a black truck parked in the street. It’s almost midnight so it is dark outside, only the streetlights giving off some light down Julie’s street and throughout the neighborhood. It is September so by nightfall it starts getting cooler. Tonight is especially cool due to a light breeze that hits ever so often. Julie’s house is small but comfortable looking. It is a light blue color with white shutters and a big white front door. There are a few skinny trees scattered throughout the front yard. All the neighbors have gone to bed. Only Julie’s front light to her house is on.
Part III: Who are You?
Describe your character physically, from head to toe.
This character in about 5’7 with blonde curly hair. She is slender and has a warm smile. She is only17 years old so is very youthful. She is comfortably dressed in jeans and a gray loose sweatshirt. She has light make-up on but her tears have washed a lot of it away.
What relationships are important to your character? Why?
One relationship that was very important to her was the relationship she had with her boyfriend of almost three years. She met him when she was only fourteen. This is important to her because he was her first love and best friend. He was the one she could tell anything to and she put a lot of love and trust into him.
What does your character do? Profession? Pleasure?
Julie is still in high school. She loves to sing and dance. She does not have a job yet, her parents want her to focus on school right now and worry about a job later. She loves to enjoy life and live in the moment.
What is your character most afraid of?
My character is most afraid of losing those close to her. She lost her Father suddenly and unexpectedly when she was only thirteen so she has a fear of losing the people she cares most about.
What does your character want?
My character wants to be happy. She wants love. She wants a good future. But most of all she wants to move on.
Part IV: Making a Scene
Scene I—Before the Conversation
Julie is so in love with Jason. He is everything she has every wanted in a guy. It’s 2:30pm and they are meeting in the cafeteria after their last class to drive home together. They do this every day when school gets out. They meet each other with a kiss and walk out of the school hand-in-hand. Julie has just turned fifteen. Jason is two years older, a senor in high school. They have been together for a little over three months. They celebrate each month they have been together and give each other little gifts on the 13th of every month. As the walk out of the school they stop to talk to a couple mutual friends. There is a football game coming up this weekend and Jason is the star quarterback. He is very popular among all the entire school. All the guys wish they were him and all the girls wish they were with him. But he is with Julie, and he has never seemed happier. He opens the passenger door to his black Ford truck for Julie and she hops in. He then shuts the door and gets in through the other side. They kiss again and he starts the truck and drives out of the parking lot. After school they always go to Julies house for a snack and to just hang out and spend time together. Julie’s Mom always makes them a snack. She loves Jason. Although it has only been three months into their relationship, its like Jason is already a part of the family. They finish their snack of cheese and crackers and head downstairs to watch a movie. Julie is curled up in Jason’s arms tight. They share a few more kisses and tell each other how much they love one another. They have never been so in love.
Scene 2—During the Conversation
It’s the middle of the night. It’s cold out due to a brisk breeze in the air. Silence is cutting like a knife. Julie and Jason are standing next to his black ford truck. The same truck he had taken her to school in during high school. The same truck they were in the first time he told her he loved her and wanted to be with her forever. The same truck they shared love in, told each other secrets and even once argued in. Those arguments were petty and ended quickly with an, “I’m so sorry, I love you.” This time, this argument would not end like those. The tension was unbearable. Julie can’t stop crying. Jason is breaking down at the sight of her. She went from standing next to him to sitting on the sideway unable to stop shaking. She just heard the news. He told her. It was killing him to hold this from her for weeks. He cheated. As he told her she screamed. She was screaming out of pain, anger and because that was the only emotion that came out. Then shortly after the tears began. Those tears would not stop for hours. The wind against her face made the warms tears become cold against her cheeks. Jason kept trying to touch her, to hold her, but she wouldn’t let him. She did not want him near her, yet at the same time she was terrified at the thought of him being away from her. She was torn. He could see it. She was falling apart right there by that damn truck.
Scene 3—After the Conversation
Julie hates thinking. She hates wondering. She said no, she doesn’t regret that decision. She knew deep down she would never trust him again. She couldn’t allow him back in at the risk of him hurting her again. It’s been five months since that night outside her house, next to his truck. She thinks about him all the time. She feels alone. So alone. The anger is still there, lingering. The anger has not left but sadness has taken up most of her feelings. She wonders about him, his life now. He’s still in college, going out drinking. She hates the thought of him with another girl. She shouldn’t care, but she can’t help it. It consumes her mind all day and all night. The thought of another girls kissing him and touching him. In her mind, he is still hers. But he is not. He is free, she freed him. She sometimes begins hating herself for letting him go but then she remembers the pain. That pain he caused her. She knows she should never blame herself because it was his decision. She knows he is happy again. He probably has moved on which kills her. She has not even begun moving on. She hurts for him all the time. Her friends and family keep telling her it will get better in time. She wants to know when. Five months later and nothing has changed. She is losing hope. She is afraid; afraid she will continue loving him forever, just as she had once promised him.
A: I can’t believe you would do this to me.
B: I’m so sorry Julie. I wish I could take it back but…
A: No, you’re right you can’t. I gave you everything. Why? How?
B: I don’t know, it didn’t mean anything I swear!
A: How could you have sex with her and not even think of me! I hate you!
B: Please stop…stop. I want you. You are the one I love. It was a mistake. It will never happen again. Please give me a second chance. I’ll show you it will not happen again.
A: How could I ever trust you again? You cheated on me-you cheated on us. You and that slut deserve each other.
B: I messed up once Jules. I know I messed up big. I’m taking full responsibility for that. I need you. You are all I want…all I have ever needed. Please don’t throw it all away.
A: Me? Me not throw it all away? YOU threw it all away when you hooked up with that slut! Don’t you dare try to put this around on me. I did nothing accept love you for three years. I gave you everything. I would have given you the rest of my life. YOU are throwing us away, not me.
B: You’re right, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. Jules, I don’t know what to say to make you want to stay with me.
A: Honestly, I don’t think there is anything you can say. I hope that whore was worth it.
B: Please don’t.
A: You make me sick.
B: I know I make myself sick.
A: Remember that day when we were lying in the back of your truck looking at the stars? Do you remember what you said to me that night almost three years ago?
B: Of course I do. I told you I loved you and I would love you forever.
A: Then why? Why? How could you?
B: I do and will love you forever.
A: No, because if you really loved me you would not have done this to me. You would have not needed to be with someone else. I would have been enough for you, forever. Just like you promised. But I wasn’t and I’m not.
B: You are. You know you are. I messed up Julie. Not that it is any excuse, because its not, but I was drunk and I wasn’t thinking straight. It happened yes, but I regret it with all of my soul and it’s killing me to see you like this because of something I have done.
A: Well good. I hope you do feel bad.
B: You have no idea.
A: No, you have no idea.
B: You’re right, I don’t.
A: Yeah because I would have never done this to you, ever!
B: I know.
A: And even if I ever did want to be with you again, my family and friends will hate you almost as much as I do right now when they find out. They would never accept you into their lives again because of this.
B: I have thought of that as well. It would take a lot to rebuild their trust as well as yours but I am willing to try.
A: I just can’t believe this. I will always ask myself why. Why some random whore you met at a college party? Why such a meaningless person. I feel like you deliberately tried to hurt me.
B: You know I would never do that Jules.
A: I don’t know…
B: Do you still love me?
A: Yes…
B: Can you give me another chance?
A: …no.
Part II: Your Character’s Place in the World
These two characters are outside of Julie’s house standing on the sidewalk beside a black truck parked in the street. It’s almost midnight so it is dark outside, only the streetlights giving off some light down Julie’s street and throughout the neighborhood. It is September so by nightfall it starts getting cooler. Tonight is especially cool due to a light breeze that hits ever so often. Julie’s house is small but comfortable looking. It is a light blue color with white shutters and a big white front door. There are a few skinny trees scattered throughout the front yard. All the neighbors have gone to bed. Only Julie’s front light to her house is on.
Part III: Who are You?
Describe your character physically, from head to toe.
This character in about 5’7 with blonde curly hair. She is slender and has a warm smile. She is only17 years old so is very youthful. She is comfortably dressed in jeans and a gray loose sweatshirt. She has light make-up on but her tears have washed a lot of it away.
What relationships are important to your character? Why?
One relationship that was very important to her was the relationship she had with her boyfriend of almost three years. She met him when she was only fourteen. This is important to her because he was her first love and best friend. He was the one she could tell anything to and she put a lot of love and trust into him.
What does your character do? Profession? Pleasure?
Julie is still in high school. She loves to sing and dance. She does not have a job yet, her parents want her to focus on school right now and worry about a job later. She loves to enjoy life and live in the moment.
What is your character most afraid of?
My character is most afraid of losing those close to her. She lost her Father suddenly and unexpectedly when she was only thirteen so she has a fear of losing the people she cares most about.
What does your character want?
My character wants to be happy. She wants love. She wants a good future. But most of all she wants to move on.
Part IV: Making a Scene
Scene I—Before the Conversation
Julie is so in love with Jason. He is everything she has every wanted in a guy. It’s 2:30pm and they are meeting in the cafeteria after their last class to drive home together. They do this every day when school gets out. They meet each other with a kiss and walk out of the school hand-in-hand. Julie has just turned fifteen. Jason is two years older, a senor in high school. They have been together for a little over three months. They celebrate each month they have been together and give each other little gifts on the 13th of every month. As the walk out of the school they stop to talk to a couple mutual friends. There is a football game coming up this weekend and Jason is the star quarterback. He is very popular among all the entire school. All the guys wish they were him and all the girls wish they were with him. But he is with Julie, and he has never seemed happier. He opens the passenger door to his black Ford truck for Julie and she hops in. He then shuts the door and gets in through the other side. They kiss again and he starts the truck and drives out of the parking lot. After school they always go to Julies house for a snack and to just hang out and spend time together. Julie’s Mom always makes them a snack. She loves Jason. Although it has only been three months into their relationship, its like Jason is already a part of the family. They finish their snack of cheese and crackers and head downstairs to watch a movie. Julie is curled up in Jason’s arms tight. They share a few more kisses and tell each other how much they love one another. They have never been so in love.
Scene 2—During the Conversation
It’s the middle of the night. It’s cold out due to a brisk breeze in the air. Silence is cutting like a knife. Julie and Jason are standing next to his black ford truck. The same truck he had taken her to school in during high school. The same truck they were in the first time he told her he loved her and wanted to be with her forever. The same truck they shared love in, told each other secrets and even once argued in. Those arguments were petty and ended quickly with an, “I’m so sorry, I love you.” This time, this argument would not end like those. The tension was unbearable. Julie can’t stop crying. Jason is breaking down at the sight of her. She went from standing next to him to sitting on the sideway unable to stop shaking. She just heard the news. He told her. It was killing him to hold this from her for weeks. He cheated. As he told her she screamed. She was screaming out of pain, anger and because that was the only emotion that came out. Then shortly after the tears began. Those tears would not stop for hours. The wind against her face made the warms tears become cold against her cheeks. Jason kept trying to touch her, to hold her, but she wouldn’t let him. She did not want him near her, yet at the same time she was terrified at the thought of him being away from her. She was torn. He could see it. She was falling apart right there by that damn truck.
Scene 3—After the Conversation
Julie hates thinking. She hates wondering. She said no, she doesn’t regret that decision. She knew deep down she would never trust him again. She couldn’t allow him back in at the risk of him hurting her again. It’s been five months since that night outside her house, next to his truck. She thinks about him all the time. She feels alone. So alone. The anger is still there, lingering. The anger has not left but sadness has taken up most of her feelings. She wonders about him, his life now. He’s still in college, going out drinking. She hates the thought of him with another girl. She shouldn’t care, but she can’t help it. It consumes her mind all day and all night. The thought of another girls kissing him and touching him. In her mind, he is still hers. But he is not. He is free, she freed him. She sometimes begins hating herself for letting him go but then she remembers the pain. That pain he caused her. She knows she should never blame herself because it was his decision. She knows he is happy again. He probably has moved on which kills her. She has not even begun moving on. She hurts for him all the time. Her friends and family keep telling her it will get better in time. She wants to know when. Five months later and nothing has changed. She is losing hope. She is afraid; afraid she will continue loving him forever, just as she had once promised him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)