For the next two months, it felt like every time Bailey returned from a trip that her family had moved to the hospital. The trips to the hospital came after a bad period of health. At home, Carol would become nonresponsive to conversations, not eat, grow thinner, and have trouble breathing. Yet, with one visit to the hospital her breathing improved, she was responsive, and would eat a pudding. It became a cycle between going from the hospital back to home. The constant moving brought a rollercoaster of emotions. At home, Bailey felt nervous and scared. At the hospital, Bailey relaxed and was happy to have an alert mother. A hospital visit, provided hope that Carol was getting better. Bailey did recognize that there was only a small bit of hope. Someone truly getting better could live at home without aid from so many hospital visits.
The hallways of the hospital have always been familiar. But, while I grew up in these halls, they felt like my second home. These halls brought me joy. Towards the end of Maggie's life, when I walked the hallways I was unhappy. The halls brought fear. Once again, these hallways are giving me fearful feels. Now, I hate that the hospital is like a second home and I know the halls so well. The hospital gives an eerie feel as you walk through it while it hosts an ill loved one. The hospital walk can feel like forever before getting to the room. You never know what you are walking into. How sick is the loved one? After a while, nurses and doctors know you- as the child of the ill parent. It is not a good feeling. The hospital employees are careful with what they say. They do not want to burden you more, while they know the truth about the diagnosis. Everything is in slow motion and you are ignorant without choice. 
                                                                                                               ~Bailey Elizabeth Nelson~ 
At the end of the summer, Carol began to deteriorate. Despite Carol never openly confirmed that her cancer was not disappearing, her physical appearance contradicted her hope. Carol was still hoping that the cancer would disappear, which kept her from confirming any final diagnosis. One evening, while the children were asleep Carol had an attack. Carol could not catch her breath. She was desperately gasping for air, like trying to get air during drowning. Her episode did not wake the children. Matthew and Carol decided to rush to the hospital without informing the children. Scared children woke to an empty house. The first action they took was shouting, "mom and dad!" over and over again. There shouts turned into shrieks. Eventually, they lost their voices. Finally, they called their father. "Children, your mother fell really sick last night. We had to come to the hospital." Matthew kept the conversation short to tend to Carol. Bailey drove Hanes and herself to the hospital. Upon their arrival, they ran into their father's arms and asked, "is everything alright?" Matthew did not reply. He just embraced his children closely to his chest. For the next few days, Carol had to stay at the hospital for observation.
Carol got to return home a week before school started up again. Bailey spent time in her parents' room with her mother. "School is very important; you are going to school. I am not an excuse to miss school. You need the routine in your life." Carol still slurring her words and a bit disoriented. But, she was holding conversations and interacting with visitors. Carol's lengthy visit to the hospital had improved her health. Hanes joined the gathering. "I was just telling your sister that you guys are going to school. No excuses. Your life needs routine. I am going to be here when you get back from school." Carol got tired and closed her eyes to rest. Both kids laid next to her, hoping to gain some comfort. Carol was bringing tears to her children's eyes.
The night before senior year started, Bailey was up writing and worrying.
 At first, one has real hope that the cancer is not deadly. The treatment will shrink the cancer and dissolve the tumors away. The treatment has to work. Despite understanding that cancer kills, one believes that their loved one is the miracle patient. As the treatment begins and the battle continues, one's instincts kick in on comprehending the progression. Cancer patients have their good and bad days. The good days give hope at the beginning. Further into the battle, if there are a few good days and they are inconsistent that hope fades. If the overall improvement is not good, your instincts sometimes can predict the end prognosis before any verifications. Unfortunately, your instincts sometimes know that death is the prognosis. You prepare for the worst news. Since, the prognosis is not confirmed, you still hold a glimpse of hope. This slight hope makes the potential death news into just fear, not just preparing for death. The fear can be controlled. Sadly, your instincts are good even with bad news and they are heightened. It is like a flight or fight reaction.   
                                                                                                               ~Bailey Elizabeth Nelson~ 
Once again, Carol joined dinner from afar, lying on a couch in the adjacent living room. Matthew, Bailey, and Hanes ate dinner and discussed the first day of school. Dinner was somber, which was the regular atmosphere now. When the children talked about school, they directed their words toward Carol and raised their voices. Ever since Carol's absence from dinner, family dinners were rushed. "Kids before you leave, I need to talk to you," Carol whispered. Matthew wheeled next to the couch and kept quiet. Carol sat up to make room for each kid on either side of her. After Bailey and Hanes took their seats, Carol wrapped her arms around her children. Carol took a look at each child, which made her eyes water. Then, she took a quick sigh. "My cancer has spread. The treatments are not shrinking the tumors. So, I have decided to stop treatment." Carol choked on her words. "I do not know how long I have." Immediately, the kids broke into hysterical crying and hyperventilating. Bailey and Hanes hugged Carol's boney body and buried their heads into Carol's sides. Carol daintily squeezed her children. "How long do you have?" Bailey whimpered. Carol explained some statistics about survival rate, but ended by saying, "I do not know how long I have." The room fell silent, only sounds of crying echoed. "There really are no more treatments that can help? Maybe you will live until my graduation." Both whimpering kids were reaching for some hope. After several failed attempts in seizing the crying fits, they were able to catch their breaths and said good night.
Immediately after Bailey and Hanes were alone in their rooms, they began quietly sobbing. For a very long time, both kids lied in their beds pondering. First, they pondered the questions: Why did this happen to them? Did they deserve this? What did they do to deserve this? Then, their minds contemplated a life without their mother and all the milestones Carol would miss. Milestones that would be less rewarding without their mother. Their minds contemplating everything. They had periodic sobs. Both passed out from exhaustion from crying.
Matthew had called his children's school to excuse them from school. The kids spent their day in their rooms. They spent some time rewinding the cancer journey, along with spells of deep sadness and weeping. After school hours, Bailey had a surprise visitor. "Hey," Abel tenderly spoke. In his hand was a stuffed miniature bear. "Hey," Bailey replied with despair. Abel handed the bear over, "Thanks," Bailey grinned. Abel sat on the edge of her bed. "How are you doing?" Abel tried to be soothing with his words. Bailey's lower lip began to quiver, "she is dying." Tears began to roll down her face. Abel paused before saying, "I am so sorry. If there is any I can do for you, tell me." "Thanks. Why is this happening to me?" "I cannot answer that. What are your plans. People will understand if you need to take this school year off." "No, I am coming back to school. Besides, school helps distract me from all this." There was a long pause. "At least, I know what is happening." "Do you need to take time off from the organization? Do you want to make an announcement?" "No. I do not want to burden anyone with my problems." "You would not burden anyone." Abel and Bailey did a bit of small talk. "Well, I just wanted to check on you." "Thanks."
Soon after Carol's devastating news, Bailey found her after school activities taking place at Hospice. When Carol first got hooked up to twenty-four/seven medication, she improved immediately. She was eating a few snacks a day. She was sitting up right and having cognitive discussions with visitors. Unfortunately, the improvement was only temporary. She fell back into being dependent on a breathing mask. Her mind began to be dazed. Her appetite disappeared and she preferred the lying position. At Bailey's visits, she found herself just holding her mother's hands and sobbing at the sight of her. She stopped initiating conversations knowing that her mother would not respond. Bailey just waited for her mother to say a few words. Carol's few words included soothing, tender, wise words. Bailey's fear and confusion of this situation were temporarily eased by her mother's words.
Just a week after her death announcement, Carol passed away. Matthew had been informed by nurses to come visit his wife for one last time. Once again, the children were left alone without any information about their mother. This situation had become frequent, yet never easy. Together, Hanes and Bailey called their father. For the first time during a call with their father, he was talking through tears and sniffles. The kids knew it was the endgame. Before Matthew could even confirm any news, the kids felt a pit in their stomachs. "I…had…to…say…farewell…and…I…love…you…to…mom," Matthew tried to keep leveled headed over the phone. Immediately after Matthew's confirmation, those pitted stomachs turned into chest pains and hysterical crying. As everyone stayed on the phone, together they shared a grieving moment. Everyone was crying. Eventually, the phone was hung up. Bailey's and Hanes's bodies were not exhausted and kept producing tears. Both now needed alone time to process the world's decision to alter their reality.
One of Matthew's colleagues picked up Bailey and Hanes and took them to Hospice. Matthew met his children upon their arrival. Again, as a family they took a moment to mourn. Matthew embraced his kids. The kids sobbed into their father, while he cried with them. Bailey and Hanes said their final farewell and I love you to their peacefully laid mother. For the first time, Bailey was able to gasp for air and had a sense of peace. In public, Bailey tried to stay composed. She was able to do it unless loved ones approached her to have a comforting moment. After a long day of saying goodbye and getting condolences from remaining loved ones, the three Nelsons returned home. The Nelsons moved through the house slowly and with a melancholy atmosphere.
The longest, saddest, and most uncomfortable day that will happen is the day you lose a loved one. Indeed, it is the most upsetting day: Especially, when the devastating news is given. But, there is a sense of peace. The suffering loved one is no longer suffering. You are not worrying or scared for the deceased loved one. Your heavy heart is no longer as heavy. There is no handbook on how to transition from a big family to a smaller family. In general, there is no handbooks for this hard day. The day is overwhelming. The final farewell only takes a short period of the day. Next, in between the mourning is: What is next? Funeral arrangement? Adults organize the funeral. What is next in your life? School? Work? Caring for children? For the first time, a piece of your life is empty and a hole in the heart. There is a lot of unknown and emptiness. Life continues. Time is spent trying to prepare for the future. At some moments, you are not alone and other times you are alone. It does not matter if people are surrounding you. The alone feeling creeps in when you are out-of-sorts and you feel like no one will understand. Sometimes, it is just you not wanting to burden others. Especially, others who are handling the loss, too. The return home…normally, you think nothing of coming home. Home is unchanged and safe. For years, home housed a full family. Now, the family is torn. After losing a loved one, psychologically, home has changed. The missed loved one is felt at home, the house is missing something: A life. The house is bigger and emptier. Home reminds you that you lost the loved one. Now, you have to figure out how to make home, home again. Just as you have to make a family, a family again.
                                                                                                               ~Bailey Elizabeth Nelson~ 
For the first day following Carol's death, the Nelsons stayed home. They were beginning to sort through Carol's things. If anyone saw any of the Nelsons, they came to them. Visitors even provided assistance in cleaning the house. In between cleaning, the Nelson kids had to take moments for themselves. The house cleanse is required to move forward. One of those visitors were Abel. He found Bailey in her room. "Are you hanging in there?" Abel asked. "I am doing okay. I do not think I can cry anymore. Only a bit sad. But, I have too much to do. I need things to do." "You know, you can take some time." "I cannot, I have goals, like graduating on time." "Okay." "We have a lot to do for the organization. People, who need us." Abel was agreeable and supportive. Yet, Bailey could feel his desire to say: Are you okay? Do you need to cry? Do you need to talk about something (loved ones)? Despite the uncomfortable feeling, Bailey ignored the feeling and appreciated his presence.
The funeral was quickly arranged. The Nelsons dressed in black attire for the funeral. While they were dressing, those sad, tearful emotions were coming to the surface. Those extreme heart-wrenching emotions from Carol's death had been suppressed; suppressed in terms of not expressing those emotions. This day was going to be the second longest day for the Nelsons. The funeral was nice and elegant. A nice farewell speech and personal admiration were delivered. Yet, only half of the words were grasped because of the tears and heartache. From the funeral, everyone moved to the wake. Bailey and Hanes kept their composure and stayed in the spotlight. People offered their condolences and a touching story about how extraordinary Carol was. Bailey and Hanes appreciated everyone's words, but still had a pit in their stomachs. Some people's words drew tears from the kids. These celebrations brought mixed feelings.
Funerals are for putting the loved one to rest. A funeral is secretly a closure and conclusion to a lifestyle for the living loved ones. It marks the start line to officially building one's new life. The transition is underway. Before the funeral, there were only ideas and thoughts about the future. Now that the sun has set on the funeral, future is now. Who will take up the deceased loved one's responsibility? How are the responsibilities going to be divided? Single parent status-meeting the means for the children. Children growing up and picking up more responsibilities-cleaning more of the house, doing more errands. Children's dependency shifts from split between two parents to solely on one parent. Psychologically, are feelings in balance? Continue to set goals and chasing goals. Time does not pause. Your goals have a time frame to be achieved in, just like your life has a time limit.
                                                                                                               ~Bailey Elizabeth Nelson~

Bailey's best friend, Maggie,  succumbed to her Cystic Fibrosis, after a long battle.  Maggie unexpectedly gifts Bailey money. Bailey doesn't know what to do with this gift.  Maggie requests that she uses the money to make a difference. Bailey accepts this challenge. She creates a foundation, which helps individuals, who are battling a variety of diseases/conditions. She is truly making a difference, but the strong individuals she meets are making an impact on her.

The melody of the music box soothed me. It distracted me from the thought of school family. And everything I'll
soon come to face once again. Just like every day for years.Before I was born women began to get educated as kids very few acutely went on to college. Going to school was still considered very impolite and not fit for women. It was greatly frowned on. But I managed to
beg my church caregiver to let me go to school so did my good friend Bailey. I've been going since I was a young child now. It was a damned place yes it was. It was mostly boring
and loaded up with lectures and mean guys and few girls. But I can't complain it was interesting to learn the things
I've learned. I'm smarter than most girls in my church. I lived at a church with my best friend Bailey and a few other children. I was an orphan so where all the others here. Most
of us where abandon outside the church.
The music stopped playing and I eyed it begging it to continue with its music. But of course it did not. Sol closed the small thing and set it down. I was in what they called
middle school. I was the second oldest in the church only my besty was a month or two older than me. I stepped my feet on the ruff cold wooden floor. I shared a room with Bailey who was already up and getting dressed.
She was brushing her hair in a panic. I stood and grabbed my brush and went smoothly through my hair witch was
long and a light brown color. I my self had brown round eyes with a thin set of lashes. I am fair skinned and had a few curves but am slim. When I was done with my hair I pick out my dress we had very few dresses since the church was not on the wealthy side. Everyone only has three dresses and a night gown.
One dress was are fancier dress for special cations. Another was a nicer dress to look nice in front of people and the other was not so nice dress meant for hot days. When I was little you had to have a hoop skirt on but over
the years the dresses have gotten a bit thinner. Hoop skirts where mainly used for fancy events. But everything went to your ankles I get why. It's very inappropriate to show the knees or get anywhere close to the knees.
But Bailey did not she always complained about how long the dresses where and that she never got Why knees where
so bad. I remember one time when she was little she cut her dress down to her knees. I found her dancing in the garden like that and gasped at the sight it was almost like she was dancing naked! I tried to stop her at the time we where 7 years of age. She got caught before I could stop her, and she got 9 slashes to the behind. She couldn't sit for weeks and had to stand and do work in school.
I pulled on my dress that is meant for public and cold days. Now we are both 15 years of age we half to become a nun or get married by the time when 18, or we will be on the streets. I don't want either of those. I finish up with my dress and my brush then spray very little
amount of a fresh smelling spray. Halie takes it from me and sprays it on. She's wearing the same dress just different size she's a bit shorter than me. After where ready we rush out the door. Then we rush through the many long halls and down a set of grand stairs.
We make it to the kitchen where one of the kids are cooking. Bailey and I steal a piece of toast. Then we grab a small chalk pad and a pencil (chalk). We rush out the door
in a fast pace. We call a cabi we don't have any money, but we have our ways not to pay. We sit in the horse drawn carriage or the cabi. Bailey taps the roof and says the name of the school. The cabi moves with a pull. We sit in it in silence watching the Scenery pass.
There's multiple men in tail coats some with top hats and canes some without. Few women walking by them selves more women walking with men. Then there are buildings some poorer looking then others. Are school is in the more expensive part of the city. It's weird we somehow got in without paying, so we half to
keep up with everything. The cabi stops with a jerk and Bailey almost falls over. I jump out and so does Bailey. We run into the school with
the cabi driver yelling that we forgot to pay. We make it in with a victory smile. Just then the city cathedrals bells rang witch is how the school marks the schoolday.

“Don’t fret child for not all those who sin go to hell”

She heard the whisper as if it was in her head but it wasn’t it came from her room but when she turned in the light the only thing she could find is was a old empty room with a bed a d a dresser. 

This is a dark themed story focused on a forbid love a grave taboo or the greatest sin. Many secrets lie in these two poor souls fates. Many lies tricks and even deaths. What should come of the forbidden couple that will be something you have to find out...

Tyler:
*Silent scream of horror

Tyler's thoughts:
Top… top… who's top… ?!
It's not like we've discussed it yet…!!!


Ryan:
*Coughs
*Gets up
I'm going to go to the… anywhere but here.
*leans down to Tyler
*Pats Tyler's shoulder
*Whispers
Good luck!
*Walks away

Tyler: *Blushing
*panicked
*nervous smile

Bailey:
*Taps chin
I've been trying to decide all day…
After gathering both your versions of your story of how you two got together…
It sort of seems like Chris is the lead when it comes to your physical relationship…
But for whatever reason I just can't picture you taking it in the a—

Tyler:
*Slaps hand over Bailey's mouth
*Eyes clenched shut and shaking head
Stop! Stop talking!

Bailey:
*Wide eyes

Tyler's thoughts:
If I could pick the perfect job for Bailey it would be gossip columnist.
It's almost like he thrives off of getting information no one else has… 
or should have

Tyler:
*Drops hands
*Looks irritated
We don't know yet…

Bailey:
*Mouth drops
You two haven't… 

Tyler:
*shakes head
*looks embarrassed 

Bailey:
*looks fake surprised
Wow! 
*Back to a playful smirk
But you want to right? 

Tyler:
*Serious look
Yes… 
I don't know how much longer I can hold myself back…

Bailey:
*Tilts head
*Eyebrows raised in curiosity

Tyler:
*Looks up at sky
I keep having these super vivid dreams…
and the other day it was a straight up daydream,
while he was playing the piano…

Bailey:
*Knit brows
I don't understand… 
You want to do it.
He wants to do it.
Why are you holding back?

Tyler:
*pulls knees in
*Wraps arms around knees
*Rests chin on knees
I don't want to pressure him to do anything before he feels ready… 
Especially since it would be his first time…
*Perks up
Wait… 
Did you just say that he wants to?


Bailey:
*Smiles
Well I think we know who the top is now.

Tyler: *Tilts head
*Confused expression
We do? 

Bailey:
You're talking about his comfortability, and making sure he feels ready. 
I think it's pretty obvious how you picture having sex with him. 

Tyler:
*Looks back at the sky
I guess… 
I just don't want him to regret anything like I do about my first time… 

Bailey:
*Lays down on blanket with arms crossed behind head
Ah yes, the Delany debacle…
I don't think Chris is in the same kind of danger you were in Ty. 
He's actually in love with the person...

Tyler:
*Sad eyes

Tyler's thoughts:
That's why I regret it so much? 
Is that why I felt so used by her… 
And why I felt bad for using her…
Because neither of us were actually in love… 

Bailey:
*Grins
Just remember to take it nice and slow…
You don't want to spook him away from your co—

Tyler:
*Slaps hand over Bailey's mouth
You know, everyone from our school thinks that you're the most innocent angel. 
If only they knew the truth.
*Removed hands

Bailey: *Smiles
Ha!
I am the innocent angel my parents want me to be so I can get the scholarships and financial assistance from their church. 
I play my part well don't I?
*Innocence incarnate aura 
Only the college kids I bang and you weirdos know the real me… 
*Smile fades
I don't think anyone else will like the real me… 

Tyler's thoughts:
Bailey's parents are super religious and have a "no dating rule" that Bailey gives the finger to by being in "secret" "relationships" with both men and women… 
He's told me before that his parents have even said that if they catch one of their kids in a relationship before they graduate high school they would kick them out of the house… 

Tyler:
*hand on Bailey's forearm
I think the real you is still pretty likable…

Bailey:
! *Surprised expression
Whoah, careful Ty! 
I might fall in love with you now that I know you're a top!

Tyler: *Shakes hands
*Smiles
You can't do that. I'm taken. 
…
Wait… You're a…

Bailey:
*Tilts head
*Cocky smile
A bottom. 
Heyup! 
Did you think because I like to do girls too I only want to bury my di—

Tyler:
*slaps hand over Bailey's mouth
*Stern face
You have a filthy mouth, you know that?
Someone should put a muzzle on you.

Bailey:
*Raised eyebrow
*Lowers Tyler's hand
Now that could be fun… hehe
*Playful smile
Anyway! 
You never used to be this sensitive to the way I talk…
Are you really that sexually pent up you can't even stand someone talking about your dick?


Tyler:
*Irritated/angry

Bailey:
*Smirks
Well… how about I help you out a little?

Tyler:
Ew… No thanks.

Bailey:
*Shocked
*Offended
You! 
*Smacks Tyler's arm
I was not offering that kind of help! 
I may be promiscuous, but I would never knowingly sleep with someone that is in a relationship.
I just meant that I could clear the cabin of the rest of the crew for the weekend so you two can bang each other in peace! 

Tyler:
*contemplating
Not a bad idea… 
But I don't have any—

Bailey:
*Tosses a condom 
I have some more in my car.
Oh! you'll definitely want lube too…
… do you want flavored? 
Probably not…
You can pay me back with the details later. 
*Get's up to his feet 
*Cheeky smile
… 

Tyler's thoughts:
What character is he trying to be right now? 
The fairy godmother of sex?!

Tyler:
*Nervous chuckle
Thanks.

Christopher, an almost eighteen year old, piano prodigy, finds himself interested in learning a new skill, and decides to recruit someone he trusts and knows is a expert at it, his lifelong best friend, Tyler. 

Christopher: Be my instrument... and instructor? To practice this skill until I am perfect enough... 

Tyler: ... to kiss someone else?!

I don't own the cover photo... If I could draw at all I would make this a comic and not this choppy script. 

This just sort of popped into my head while I was taking a nap and listening to piano music... 

Enjoy!

The scene shows Jack playing video games in a completely disorganised house. Bailey his sister walks in..

"JACK!!! what did you do? mum and dad will be back in 2 hours and the house looks like a dumpster. I left you for one night to go party with my friends and you couldn't maintain the house. By the way, where's Kelvin?"

Jack didn't even bother to reply to her other questions and only replied to the last question..

"I am not really sure but I think he went skate boarding with his friends"

Bailey was surprised..

"but mom and dad were clear his grounded for breaking the kitchen window"

Jack paused to look at her..

"No, I am grounded for breaking the kitchen window"

Bailey was shocked but this time, it was because she found out that she didn't know what was going on in the house that she lives in.

"Then what is Kelvin grounded for?"

Jack who had already faced his game again replied without turning back..

"You forgot? he is grounded for breaking his bathroom window"

After Bailey's curiosity was finally satisfied, she took another look around the house..

"Just wait till mom and dad hear about what you did..." Bailey didn't waste anytime to snap the living room in its messy state. 

Jack finally dropped the video game and looked at her with a full attention. He panicked a little bit before he became calm while giving out a faint smile...

"Sorry little sis. You can't say anything and you are going to help me clean up unless you want mum and dad to find out about you going to a party on a school night and skipped school too and if you are punished, you won't be able to go on that date with Roorryy"

Bailey glared at him

"uhh.. hello you skipped school too and the worst part is that you did so in order to play video games. And for your information, rory and I are just best friends. Besides, he knows that I have a crush on the most popular boy in school. Come on we have to clean up this place and also get Kelvin back all in 1 hour 40 minutes. You go get Kelvin.. be back soon and help me clean up what is left."

Jack didn't have any objections..
"Ok... The operation starts in 5.....4.....3" 

But Bailey didn't him finish.. she turned to him and gave him a look that made him feel like an idiot before going to the storage room to get the broom.

Jack didn't need anyone to tell him that his dramatic effect was stupid...

"or we can just start now. That works too"

He immediately went out of the house and headed towards the populatcy(a gathering place for the so called cool kids).

He asked some of the people there if they had seen Kelvin since he was pretty familiar with most of them. And 4 minutes later, with their help, he found Kelvin.

"Yo..Kelvin! we got to go. We have a code blue 1 and a code blue 2 at the same time."

Jack didn't even need to say anything else when Kelvin stood up with haste..

"Let's go. I can't believe Bailey is home and now mom and dad are coming home soon as well. We have to hurry."

 At least Bailey will not dare hurt me in front of Jack and his parents but who could save him from his parents if not God alone and Kelvin didn't think that God would want to grant him a favour especially after he just disobeyed his parents and Bailey by leaving the house even when he wasn't supposed to do so.

They said goodbye to their friends and left.

Meanwhile, Bailey was already putting finishing touches to the house arrangement when she got a call from their parents that they were near the neighbourhood and will be back in 10 minutes.

Bailey didn't waste time to call Jack, who was already on the porch.

Jack and Kelvin came in and helped Bailey to put away the cleaning tools. Then they each got a book from the shelf  and pretended to be reading.

Five minutes later, their parents car pulled up in the drive way.

The three siblings immediately went out to welcome them. Bailey carried Manny who also went on the trip with their parents and went into the house while trying to hold his hand that was slapping her face. It wasn't too painful but it still hurt a little bit. 

Jack and Kelvin helped carry their parents bags into the house.

Their dad Henk was a doctor and so was their mother. They were among the people that were chosen in their respective hospitals that they work in.. to attend a conference that was meant to bring in the 21st century new way for doctors and take the field to another level.

Arc wasn't in their usual spot this morning as she walked into school. She became so worried and thought he was upset about her kissing him. Or maybe he was just as confused as she was. She searched the field and the jock hangout but didn't find him. She became worried instantly, had she successfully driven Arc away?

"Hey Jules, how goes it?" She turned around to see Bailey smiling at her.

"Hey Bailey. You look great... I mean..uhm
The clothes really looks amazing on you" she smiles shyly and admires Bailey's grey crop hoodie and sweats to match.

"Thanks. You seem bothered. Wanna talk?" Bailey asked and Jules just looked surprised at her. Someone wanted to hear her rant?

"Well, I'm actually looking for a friend. I think I might have done something yesterday. I think he hates me. Wanna know if he's okay"

"Is it that bad? He sure can't be ignoring you. Don't worry, you're too cool for someone to not like you." Bailey smiles

"Thanks" Jules mutters.

"If you want, we could hangout at my place after school. We could play one on one basketball" Bailey offered. Jules wondered why and how Bailey was being nice to her. She was way too nice. Maybe she's a spy. Jules thought.

"That sounds great. I'm in" she said and they both walked into their English class.

Jules could hardly concentrate in English class, she missed Arc. He was supposed to be here with her during English. The kiss meant nothing now that she thought of it. It was just her being very vulnerable then, she and Arc were better off as best friends. She didn't want to ruin it.

Just when she had given up, a dark haired boy walked through the back door, his hair damp and his bag hanging on one side of his hand. 

Arc finally came.

Jules became relieved instantly and was glad Mr Erickson hadn't noticed him sneaking in his class. She turned to him and their gazes met, he looked away instantly and traced something on his book. She wished he would give her a we're-still-cool sign. Jules hated it this way.

"Sure you good?" Bailey whispered and put her palm on Jules'.

"Yeah. Just tired" she said and Bailey nodded.

English class went slower than Jules expected, she hated the unspoken feelings between her and Arc. She wished she could go back in time and undo the kiss. But it had already been done. She couldn't do anything about it now.

"What's your next class?" Bailey interrupts her thoughts about Arc. It was then she realised the two English classes were over. She daydreamed through all of them.

"I think Biology?" She wasn't sure as she glanced through her timetable. She just wanted to hear the bell ring and probably approach Arc. English was the only subject they had together today.

She walked beside Bailey to biology and they both sat at the back throughout the class. She caught Bailey stealing glances at her a few times and just smiled back at her to tell her she was alright. The class went by faster as Bailey whispered some jokes that really lifted her spirit and made her laugh. Maybe socialising a bit wasn't so bad. She was starting to love Bailey's company. 

"Thanks, that was fun" she smiled at Bailey.

"I'm glad you found me fun. Means a lot" she smiled back at Jules.

Just then she noticed Arc by his locker. This was her chance.

"Bailey, I'll meet you in the cafeteria. Wanna get something"

"Sure"

She walked up to Arc unsure of what she was going to say, she knew the words would flow eventually.

"Hey" she looked at her feet and bit her lower lip.

"Hi" she could feel his gaze on her.

"Well, I just wanted to know why you weren't at the usual this morning. I was...uhm...worried" she became scared to speak all of a sudden. All her confidence had disappeared.

"Yeah. I woke up kinda late." 

"About last night. I'm really sorry, I just did that out of context. Don't hate me. Are we still cool?" Her hands trembled as she spoke.

"Jules I don't hate you. I understood you were in your mood yesterday. Let's just put all that crap behind us" he looked at her. She felt glad they talked about it. She stood there and smiled at him then suddenly remembered Bailey.

"Oh my. Arc, I'm hanging out at Bailey's after school. She invited me"

"That's cool. I'll text you" he pulled her into a hug glad that they were cool now. He loved her so much and wasn't ready to just let her go. The kiss was behind them now, they were just being silly yesterday.

"Hey Bailey. I'm sorry I kept you waiting. Had to speak with a friend."

"No problem. I grabbed your lunch. Our ride will be here soon" she gestured for Jules to sit. They enjoyed lunch as Bailey had a lot of funny stories to tell from her childhood. Jules sensed she had a really awesome childhood with parents who cared and all.

"Come on. Let's go" she grabbed Jules' hand and they got into the sweet Bentley that pulled up in front of school.

They drove into the 'Galaxy estate', one of the biggest estates in the part of California where they lived. The rich lived here. The place was mightily fine, with a round fountain at the middle surrounded by different flowers. The houses all looked the same, big, tall and cream coloured. A block must have cost a fortune.

As they pulled up in front of Bailey's, Jules looked astonished. The big, black gates were opened automatically and the driver parked the car just in front of the building.

"It's beautiful" Jules complemented and Bailey just mutters a thank you.

Inside the building was even more magnificent than Jules had imagined, the couches in the living room weren't ordinary, the table in the middle had an ornament made out of pure gold. Everything here just seemed perfect.

"Welcome to my home" Bailey grinned.

"It's beyond lovely" 

"Thanks. You might wanna take off your jacket. Here, I'll keep it for you" Bailey offers to take it off from Jules.

"No no, don't worry. I'll keep it on" she defended rather quickly. She couldn't risk taking it off and exposing her cut. The questions were what she prevented the most. Bailey wondered why she won't take it off, it was 31° outside.

"If you say so. Come on, I'll show you something cool" Bailey said and they both dropped their bag packs and hurriedly went up to Bailey's room.

Her room was quite similar to Jules', with basketball posters everywhere and a few paintings.

"I have signed basketballs, Stephen Curry signed this" Bailey handed a basketball to Jules so she could take a glance of the signature.

"Really cool" Jules knew Bailey didn't have to worry about anything. Her parents got her covered in all areas.

"Let's play downstairs in the court. Next time, bring a swimsuit. We could have fun in the water" she smiled at Jules as they walked down the stairs.

Bailey's home was incredible, Jules hadn't seen anything like this before. The hallways, the curtains, the pool, the cars. Everything spoke class, it was beautiful. And she was quite surprised Bailey wasn't the spoilt rich child and mostly glad she wasn't.

Her basketball court was quite the thing. They both picked a side and started with a friendly match. Bailey joked that Jules should take it easy on her, but Jules thought she was just being extra. The girls played for a while until one of the servants announced that their lunch was ready.

"Come on, you'd like the chili soup" Bailey took her hand and led her into the dining area, the chairs and table were golden, and a particular chair was different, Jules had assumed it belonged to Bailey's dad. It had a Lion's mane at the top. 

The girls sat down next to each other and the servant who told them that lunch was ready served them some chili soup and fried chicken. It tasted amazing.

"I'll come visit you sometime. Where do you stay?" Bailey cut a piece of chicken and tossed it in her mouth.

"4th avenue, the beach side"

"Oh my. We should hang out at the beach sometime."

"Sure, and settle for weak volleyball" sarcasm clear in Jules' tone. And Bailey laughs hysterically at the joke.

"That was pretty hilarious. I like you Jules" Bailey muttered as she took a spoonful of the chili soup.

Jules certainly wasn't used to people saying nice things about her. She was only used to the mockery comments and insults. This was new to her.

"I like you too. You're cool" she felt weird saying back to Bailey. But Jules really did like her. She was always nice to Jules and actually volunteered to listen to her rant. You don't find humans like this. They finished up their meal and packed the dishes to the kitchen.

"It's getting late. How about I come over to your place after practice on Saturday?" Bailey offered. Jules was on the edge of rejecting the offer. She felt Bailey would laugh at her home since it wasn't as classy as this but still, she could give it a try. Arc was the only one who visited her.

"Sure. That'd be cool" 

"My driver would drop you home" 

"No Bailey, I can find my way. Don't wanna stress him"

"My offer. Please. Or you prefer me to call an uber?" 

Jules knew Bailey wouldn't give up on the ride offer. So she just went with the uber offer and got her things ready.

"Bye" Bailey pulled Jules into a tight embrace and Jules faked gasped for air, indicating the hug was too tight.

"Oh I'm sorry, didn't mean to. I'll miss you" 

"Bye Bailey. See you at school" Jules got into the uber. She knew from the way Bailey acted, the girl didn't really have friends. Jules just hoped silently that Bailey wasn't expecting too much from her.

Jules glanced at her screen to check if Arc texted and her wallpaper made her smile when she saw the girls. She really missed Willow and China. They had gone to college so she only saw them once in a while when they were free. She missed her girls and thought about the good times they had.

"I'll stop here" she told the driver and looked for some cash.

"Don't worry. Miss Hall paid" he called out to her from the window.

"Oh okay" she replied and put a reminder in her head to thank Bailey after.

Unlocking the front door, she went in and was surprised to see mama making some food in the kitchen. It was late already and Jules knew mama wouldn't care to ask of her whereabouts.

"Evening mum" she greeted silently and headed for the stairs to her room.

"Dinner would be ready soon" on hearing mama's voice, Jules stopped at her tracks and checked if she was in the right house. Mama was making dinner for them. This was new, very new. Feeling rather uncomfortable, she just nodded and walked up the stairs.

Maybe John was coming and she was gonna force Jules into having dinner with them. 

"This better be good" she whispered to herself and took a brief shower. She suddenly remembered her little note to call Bailey and immediately put a call through.

"Hey, just called to thank you for the ride. I had a lot of fun today, thanks"

"No problem Jules. I'm glad I was able to help. Thanks for coming over, it meant a whole lot" she thanked Jules.

"No problem. I'll see you in school tomorrow" she said and hung up.

Still surprised there was no text or call from Arc, Jules sent him a message stating she was home and asked of his where about. Thankful for no homework, she got back to her painting of Arc while playing some cool jams to fit the mood. Jules thought she was crazy having a mental breakdown and slitting her wrist only to go to school this morning and smile at everyone. She knew she had to always paint a smile on her face everyday, so people think she's okay. The beauty of having a mental illness. She thought.

"Jules, dinner is ready. John and I are waiting for you" she heard mama's voice after a soft knock.

Hearing John's name made her feel sick. This was gonna be another night of torture. She had to have dinner with them to just avoid mama saying hurtful words to her over again. 

"I'll be down in a minute" she muttered dryly. 

Here we go again.

×××××××××××

"Hey" Jules mutters to John when she gets downstairs. This was gonna be a long night.

"How are you? How was school today?" He smiles and makes a move to put his arms on her shoulders. Jules moves and pretends to tidy up the table.

"Fine" she takes a sit and wishes the ground would swallow her. 

"That's good. Hope you get A's at the semester?" He asked and she just nods. Mama throws her a glance and Jules knew if she didn't fake a cheerful conversation with him. Mama would lose it on her.

"Yes I get A's. It's the fun thing about school" she smiles at him and mama passes her a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. Jules' favourite dinner, but no way she can enjoy it with Mr loser being around.

"That's good. Keep it up"

"Thank you sir" disgust filled her instantly. Mama did everything please this man. Jules wondered if mama knew John was married with two kids. She remembered vividly seeing him dropping his kids off and they looked exactly like him. That made her hate him more. 

Was he playing mama like papa did?

Jules quickly finished up her dinner so she could excuse herself from the table. She did the dishes hurriedly and made her way to her room.

"Wouldn't you stay a bit?" John asked.

"No. I ...uhm... Have a lot of homework
They're due tomorrow" she says and climbs the stairs as fast as she can. She ignored and turned on deaf ears when he asked for a goodnight hug. It was disgusting to her, if he was trying to be her father, it would never work.

Arc had finally sent her a message indicating he slept off when he got home and was just waking up. They talked about Jules' visit to Bailey's and exchanged good nights after then. Jules then proceeded to check on Willow and China through a video call.

Once their faces showed on the screens, excitement filled Jules. She hadn't seen them in a long time.

"Oh my God. We literally had a gossip sesh about you today Jules. I've missed you so muchhh" China shouts.

"Awwn" Jules blushes

"Jules, baby. We're coming home soon. College's a bitch" Willow cries through the call.

"Sleep over?" Jules pleads.

"Yesss" the girls scream.

Willow and China were older than Jules and had gone off to college almost nine months ago. They only visited during holidays, considering the distance from Cal U down here was almost a 4 hour drive. They ended the call after a brief girl session and Jules takes out her journal to scribble a few things.

Sitting under the shower for hours won't wash the pain away. 
Slitting the wrist won't make the pain flow out with the blood.
Something stronger to succumb to the pain, I crave.

With that, she thought about having a fun filled night with the girls and drifted off to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

It takes a whole lot of energy to put on a fake smile in a real world. It's uncomfortable.

     Arc wasn't in their usual spot this morning as she walked into school. She became so worried and thought he was upset about her kissing him. Or maybe he was just as confused as she was. She searched the field and the jock hangout but didn't find him. She became worried instantly, had she successfully driven Arc away?


"Hey Kayla, how goes it?" She turned around to see Bailey smiling at her.


"Hey Bailey. You look great... I mean..uhm

The clothes really looks amazing on you" she smiles shyly and admires Bailey's grey crop hoodie and sweats to match.


"Thanks. You seem bothered. Wanna talk?" Bailey asked and Kayla just looked surprised at her. Someone wanted to hear her rant?


"Well, I'm actually looking for a friend. I think I might have done something yesterday. I think he hates me. Wanna know if he's okay"


"Is it that bad? He sure can't be ignoring you. Don't worry, you're too cool for someone to not like you." Bailey smiles


"Thanks" Kayla mutters.


"If you want, we could hangout at my place after school. We could play one on one basketball" Bailey offered. Kayla wondered why and how Bailey was being nice to her. She was way too nice. Maybe she's a spy, Kayla thought.


"That sounds great. I'm in" she said and they both walked into their English class.


Kayla could hardly concentrate in English class, she missed Arc. He was supposed to be here with her during English. The kiss meant nothing now that she thought of it. It was just her being very vulnerable then, she and Arc were better off as best friends. She didn't want to ruin it.


Just when she had given up, a dark haired boy walked through the back door, his hair damp and his bag hanging on one side of his hand. 


Arc finally came.


Kayla became relieved instantly and was glad Mr Erickson hadn't noticed him sneaking in his class. She turned to him and their gazes met, he smiled and he looked away instantly and traced something on his book. She wished he would give her a we're-still-cool sign. Kayla hated it this way.


"Sure you good?" Bailey whispered and put her palm on Kayla'.


"Yeah. Just tired" she said and Bailey nodded.


English class went slower than Kayla expected, she hated the unspoken feelings between her and Arc. She wished she could go back in time and undo the kiss. But it had already been done. She couldn't do anything about it now.


"What's your next class?" Bailey interrupts her thoughts about Arc. It was then she realised the two English classes were over. She daydreamed through all of them.


"I think Biology?" She wasn't sure as she glanced through her timetable. She just wanted to hear the bell ring and probably approach Arc. English was the only subject they had together today.


She walked beside Bailey to biology and they both sat at the back throughout the class. She caught Bailey stealing glances at her a few times and just smiled back at her to tell her she was alright. The class went by faster as Bailey whispered some jokes that really lifted her spirit and made her laugh. Maybe socialising a bit wasn't so bad. She was starting to love Bailey's company. 


"Thanks, that was fun" she smiled at Bailey.


"I'm glad you found me fun. Means a lot" she smiled back at Kayla.


Just then she noticed Arc by his locker. This was her chance.


"Bailey, I'll meet you in the cafeteria. Wanna get something"


"Sure"


She walked up to Arc unsure of what she was going to say, she knew the words would flow eventually.


"Hey" she looked at her feet and bit her lower lip.


"Hi" she could feel his gaze on her.


"Well, I just wanted to know why you weren't at the usual this morning. I was...uhm...worried" she became scared to speak all of a sudden. All her confidence had disappeared.


"Yeah. I woke up kinda late." 


"About last night. I'm really sorry, I just did that out of context. Don't hate me. Are we still cool?" Her hands trembled as she spoke.


"Kayla I don't hate you. I understood you were in your mood yesterday. Let's just put all that crap behind us" he looked at her. "And besides I did pull you back in" 


"Yeah"


"So it's okay" he patted her shoulder. She felt glad they talked about it. She stood there and smiled at him then suddenly remembered Bailey.


"Oh my. Arc, I'm hanging out at Bailey's after school. She invited me"


"That's cool. I'll text you" he pulled her into a hug glad that they were cool now. He loved her so much and wasn't ready to just let her go. The kiss was behind them now, they were just being silly yesterday.


"Hey Bailey. I'm sorry I kept you waiting. Had to speak with a friend."


"No problem. I grabbed your lunch. Our ride will be here soon" she gestured for Kayla to sit. They enjoyed lunch as Bailey had a lot of funny stories to tell from her childhood. Kayla sensed she had a really awesome childhood with parents who cared and all.


"Come on. Let's go" she grabbed Kayla's hand and they got into the sweet Bentley that pulled up in front of school.


They drove into the 'Galaxy estate', one of the biggest estates in the part of California where they lived. The rich lived here. The place was mightily fine, with a round fountain at the middle surrounded by different flowers. The houses all looked the same, big, tall and cream coloured. A block must have cost a fortune.


As they pulled up in front of Bailey's, Kayla looked astonished. The big, black gates were opened automatically and the driver parked the car just in front of the building.


"It's beautiful" Kayla complemented and Bailey just mutters a thank you.


Inside the building was even more magnificent than Kayla had imagined, the couches in the living room weren't ordinary, the table in the middle had an ornament made out of pure gold. Everything here just seemed perfect.


"Welcome to my home" Bailey grinned.


"It's beyond lovely" 


"Thanks. You might wanna take off your jacket. Here, I'll keep it for you" Bailey offers to take it off from Kayla.


"No no, don't worry. I'll keep it on" she defended rather quickly. She couldn't risk taking it off and exposing her cut. The questions were what she prevented the most. Bailey wondered why she won't take it off, it was 31° outside.


"If you say so. Come on, I'll show you something cool" Bailey said and they both dropped their bag packs and hurriedly went up to Bailey's room.


Her room was quite similar to Kayla's, with basketball posters everywhere and a few paintings.


"I have signed basketballs, Stephen Curry signed this" Bailey handed a basketball to Kayla so she could take a glance of the signature.


"Really cool" Kayla knew Bailey didn't have to worry about anything. Her parents got her covered in all areas.


"Let's play downstairs in the court. Next time, bring a swimsuit. We could have fun in the water" she smiled at Kayla as they walked down the stairs.


Bailey's home was incredible, Kayla hadn't seen anything like this before. The hallways, the curtains, the pool, the cars. Everything spoke class, it was beautiful. And she was quite surprised Bailey wasn't the spoilt rich child and mostly glad she wasn't.


Her basketball court was quite the thing. They both picked a side and started with a friendly match. Bailey joked that Kayla should take it easy on her, but Kayla thought she was just being extra. The girls played for a while until one of the servants announced that their lunch was ready.


"Come on, you'd like the chilli soup" Bailey took her hand and led her into the dining area, the chairs and table were golden, and a particular chair was different, Kayla had assumed it belonged to Bailey's dad. It had a Lion's mane at the top. 


The girls sat down next to each other and the servant who told them that lunch was already served them some chilli soup and fried chicken. It tasted amazing.


"I'll come visit you sometime. Where do you stay?" Bailey cut a piece of chicken and tossed it in her mouth.


"4th avenue, the beach side"


"Oh my. We should hang out at the beach sometime."


"Sure, and settle for weak volleyball" sarcasm clear in Kayla's tone. And Bailey laughs hysterically at the joke.


"That was pretty hilarious. I like you Kayla" Bailey muttered as she took a spoonful of the chilli soup.


Kayla certainly wasn't used to people saying nice things about her. She was only used to the mockery comments and insults. This was new to her.


"I like you too. You're cool" she felt weird saying back to Bailey. But Kayla really did like her. She was always nice to Kayla and actually volunteered to listen to her rant. You don't find humans like this. They finished up their meal and packed the dishes to the kitchen.


"It's getting late. How about I come over to your place after practice on Saturday?" Bailey offered. Kayla was on the edge of rejecting the offer. She felt Bailey would laugh at her home since it wasn't as classy as this but still, she could give it a try. Arc was the only one who visited her.


"Sure. That'd be cool" 


"My driver would drop you home" 


"No Bailey, I can find my way. Don't wanna stress him"


"My offer. Please. Or you prefer me to call an uber?" 


Kayla knew Bailey wouldn't give up on the ride offer. So she just went with the uber offer and got her things ready.


"Bye" Bailey pulled Kayla into a tight embrace and Kayla faked gasped for air, indicating the hug was too tight.


"Oh I'm sorry, didn't mean to. I'll miss you" 


"Bye Bailey. See you at school" Kayla got into the uber. She knew from the way Bailey acted, the girl didn't really have friends. Kayla just hoped silently that Bailey wasn't expecting too much from her.


Kayla glanced at her screen to check if Arc texted, she was worried about his whereabouts.


"I'll stop here" she told the driver and looked for some cash.


"Don't worry. Miss Hall paid" he called out to her from the window.


"Oh okay" she replied and put a reminder in her head to thank Bailey after.


Unlocking the front door, she went in and was surprised to see mama making some food in the kitchen. It was late already and Kayla knew mama wouldn't care to ask of her whereabouts.


"Evening mum" she greeted silently and headed for the stairs to her room.


"Dinner would be ready soon" on hearing mama's voice, Kayla stopped at her tracks and checked if she was in the right house. Mama was making dinner for them. This was new, very new. Feeling rather uncomfortable, she just nodded and walked up the stairs.


Maybe John was coming and she was gonna force Kayla into having dinner with them. 


"This better be good" she whispered to herself and took a brief shower. She suddenly remembered her little note to call Bailey and immediately put a call through.


"Hey, just called to thank you for the ride. I had a lot of fun today, thanks"


"No problem Kayla. I'm glad I was able to help. Thanks for coming over, it meant a whole lot" she thanked Kayla.


"No problem. I'll see you in school tomorrow" she said and hung up.


Still surprised there was no text or call from Arc, Kayla sent him a message stating she was home and asked of his where about. Thankful for no homework, she got back to her painting of Arc while playing some cool jams to fit the mood. Kayla thought she was crazy having a mental breakdown and slitting her wrist only to go to school this morning and smile at everyone. She knew she had to always paint a smile on her face everyday, so people think she's okay. The beauty of having a mental illness. She thought.


"Kayla, dinner is ready. John and I are waiting for you" she heard mama's voice after a soft knock.


Hearing John's name made her feel sick. This was gonna be another night of torture. She had to have dinner with them to just avoid mama saying hurtful words to her over again. 


"I'll be down in a minute" she muttered dryly. 


Here we go again.


×××××××××××


"Hey" Kayla mutters to John when she gets downstairs. This was gonna be a long night.


"How are you? How was school today?" He smiles and makes a move to put his arms on her shoulders. Kayla moves and pretends to tidy up the table.


"Fine" she takes a sit and wishes the ground would swallow her. 


"That's good. Hope you get A's at the semester?" He asked and she just nods. Mama throws her a glance and Kayla knew if she didn't fake a cheerful conversation with him. Mama would lose it on her.


"Yes I get A's. It's the fun thing about school" she smiles at him and mama passes her a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. Kayla' favourite dinner, but no way she can enjoy it with Mr loser being around.


"That's good. Keep it up"


"Thank you sir" disgust filled her instantly. Mama did everything please this man. Kayla wondered if mama knew John was married with two kids. She remembered vividly seeing him dropping his kids off and they looked exactly like him. That made her hate him more. 


Was he playing mama like papa did?


Kayla quickly finished up her dinner so she could excuse herself from the table. She did the dishes hurriedly and made her way to her room.


"Wouldn't you stay a bit?" John asked.


"No. I ...uhm... Have a lot of homework

They're due tomorrow" she says and climbs the stairs as fast as she can. She ignored and turned on deaf ears when he asked for a goodnight hug. It was disgusting to her, if he was trying to be her father, it would never work.


Arc had finally sent her a message saying he slept off when he got home and was just waking up. They talked about Kayla's visit to Bailey's and exchanged good nights after then. Kayla continued her unfinished writing and got distracted when her phone rang indicating a call.


Once their faces showed on the screens, excitement filled Kayla. She hadn't seen them in a long time.


"Oh my God. We literally just finished talking about you today Kayla. I've missed you so muchhh" China shouts.


"Awwn" Kayla blushes


"Kayla, baby. We're coming home soon. College's a bitch" Willow cries through the call.


"Sleep over?" Kayla pleads.


"Yesss" the girls scream.


Willow and China were older than Kayla and had gone off to college almost nine months ago. They only visited during holidays, considering the distance from Cal U down here was almost a 4 hour drive. They ended the call after a brief girl session and Kayla takes out her journal to scribble a few things. She wanted to explore a bit, writing was where her strength lied as she could never bring herself to actually talk.

She grabbed her journal and scribbled;

"Sitting under the shower for hours won't wash the pain away. 
Slitting the wrist won't make the pain flow out with the blood.
Something stronger to succumb to the pain, I crave."





Every day, a new piece fell off and it was replaced by false skin to cover it up. Mikayla Anderson has no idea on the topic "life" so she created her own virtual universe where she tends to feel alive even though she was losing her zeal to live. She met Alexander and thought him to be her happy and comfort place. Little did she know

Tayler laid the pendant down on her desk. It looked out of place amongst the modern conveniences of her bedroom. It was silver, with four thick, large, open rings along the top, above six small embedded circles. Although ornate and beautiful, when off the chain, the pendant could easily be mistaken in shape for traditional brass knuckles. 
The shiny, almost luminescent metal she had discovered through research was a unique element called tungsten. What truly set the piece apart, however, was the arc of six smaller circles below the rings, which housed colorful living images.

In the first, flowing strands of blue water; the second, a small flame; another, a mountain top; a howling wolf; a puffy white cloud; and the last, what appeared to be two hands that were cradling a bright, glowing object.

Tayler ran her fingers along the outside rings and hovered them above the six circles, remembering the first time she had seen it. She had almost passed it by, almost not found it.
What would her life have been like without it?

A wave of sadness rushed through her.

The thought of her days without the pendant made her ache. It would be like losing her best friend, her confidant, her strength. But that hadn't happened, and wouldn't happen. She had found it and kept it near ever since. It was amazing to her that two years had transpired since that hot July day when her life changed forever.


*    *    *


Waterville, NY: Two Years Earlier

It was a normal Saturday morning at the Price household. Tayler's dad, much to her mother's protest, had gone to his office to finish another project for work. He worked a lot and seemed very busy to Tayler, but she didn't mind as much as her mom. When he went, he would often take her with him, and she would pass the time at his office on assorted projects, like using the photo copier to preserve images of her various body parts, raiding the candy machines, or just stapling assorted papers at random.

That Saturday, however, Tayler was rebuffed on her request to join her dad. When she had asked the fourth time, she had received the "look" that meant it was time to stop asking altogether. So, as he left, she had wandered into the breakfast nook area to find her brother, Bailey, who was six, and her little sister, Aynsley, who had just turned five, both hovering over cereal bowls filled with dark brown balls floating in milk that had turned chocolate.

Bailey had what appeared to be a dangerous amount of the cereal in his mouth, and Aynsley had the same amount of milk and cereal on the table and floor as she did inside the bowl. Both of them were eerily focused on the small television, which was playing a loud cartoon of a yellow sponge that was singing and dancing with a starfish.

"Watcha doin', boy?" Tayler asked Bailey as she assumed the seat next to him.

"E..." Bailey began to speak but milk and cereal spewed from his mouth onto the table. "Eating seerweal," he said, composing himself.

Tayler had been the first in the house to really understand all the intricacies of "Bailey speak," as she called it. Her mom and dad had a hard time understanding completely, so she was often delegated to interpret. Really, it was simply the process of eliminating most vowels commonly used and adding drawn out Ws to practically every word.

"You're making a mess, is what you're doing," said Tayler, prodding him. "And you're going to get in big trouble."

"Am not," he replied shortly, attention quickly returning to the sponge on the TV, who was now cooking hamburgers on a grill.

Tayler turned to look at Aynsley, who was struggling mightily with the spoon-to-bowl-to-mouth concept. Aynsley looked nothing like Tayler or Bailey. She had long, dark brown hair, tiny features, eyes so dark brown they were practically black, and a very cute button nose. She was the youngest, she was a girl, and she reaped all the rewards and benefits generally bestowed upon any "baby girl" in family hierarchy.

"Here you go, little A," Tayler said, grabbing her spoon, scooping a modest portion of cereal, and feeding it into her mouth. 
Aynsley responded to this turn of feeding events by simply opening her mouth when the spoon neared and closing down once the food was inside. Tayler leaned her head on one hand and continued to feed her little sister with the other, realizing that her one act of kindness had now committed her to serving the whole bowl, spoon by spoon, to her little sister.

The sponge on TV was now being entertained by an octopus playing a clarinet, and Tayler herself had fallen into a deep cartoon daze when her mother's voice broke the trance.

"Okay, kids! Let's get going," she said.      
             
Tayler's mom, Stacey, was standing at the door to the breakfast nook. She was a small lady, with medium-length blonde hair, hazel eyes, and small features that resembled all the children gathered at the kitchen table. Tayler was biased and thought that her mom was the prettiest woman in the world, as most kids do.

"Where are we gowiing?" Bailey asked, pushing his cereal bowl away.

"Just a little drive, kiddo. Tayler, help me get the kids' shoes on."

Tayler let a slight groan escape her as she left her chair and headed toward the back door, where the shoes had last been dislodged and no doubt kicked in different remote locations.

Bailey and Aynsley were beside themselves with the thought of a car ride, albeit without any clue as to where and why they were going.

"Where are we driving to?" she asked over her shoulder. Tayler had long passed the blind trust phase of her life where any trip with her mom and dad outside the house was met with only excitement and no questions. Her spirit had eventually been broken by a "car ride" that traumatically ended with a dentist drilling her teeth.

"I saw in the paper that there are quite a few garage sales on Paddock Street," said her mom. "I just thought that we might go over, park, squeeze the kids in the wagon, and then hit a few."

"What's a gawage sawel?" Bailey asked.

"Ga...r...age sa...l...e," Tayler corrected Bailey. "It's when people put junk out on their front lawn and sell it."

"Oh," responded Bailey, obviously not understanding anything she had just described.

"People will put toys out, Bailey. Toys," Tayler said, strongly emphasizing the hot-button word.

Bailey and Aynsley did not need to hear anymore. They both simultaneously let out screams of joy, embraced each other, separated, and sprinted for the front door.

"Thanks a lot."

Tayler turned to see her mother standing over her with what looked like a cross between a smile and a frown. 
"You better hope someone has old toys out, or we're in trouble," she said, the smile eclipsing the frown altogether.

"Well, at least they're heading for the door."

After the usual shoe battles, last-minute bathroom emergencies, and a front lawn wrestling match, they were in the mini-van and on their way.

Tayler had brought along her purse; at last count, it housed thirty-one dollars and sixty-five cents. She knew the total precisely, due to the fact that the stash was counted nearly every day.

"Can I buy some things, Mom?" she asked from the back seat of the van, over the veritable din of Bailey and Aynsley screaming the alphabet song, something along the lines of, A-B-C-D-E-X-GEEEE-H-I-J-J-LMMMNNOPEEE-Q-R-X-T-UVEEEE-DOUBLE UUUU-X-Y and ZEEE. Bailey had recently taken it upon himself to tutor his younger sister regarding the matter.

"Sure. Did you bring your purse?" Her mom seemed either oblivious to the noise or immune.

"Yup," Tayler answered.

So there it was, the parental Go Sign, the Green Light...Spend away! She settled back in her seat, the horrible alphabet noise not bothering her so much anymore.

They pulled into a parking spot at the corner of Paddock St. and Holcomb Avenue. Tayler knew this because one of her friends from school lived a couple houses down from where they were unloading the kids out of the van and into the wagon.

"Tayler, you can run ahead a little, but just a house or so," her mom said sternly. "I might need your help with the kids. Understand?"

"No prob," Tayler called back, already walking toward the first yard, which appeared to have the entire contents of their house spread across the lawn. She looked up and down the street to see that at least twenty houses had front lawns in a similar condition.

Thirty one dollars was not going to be nearly enough. She might burn through that cash by the second house !

This STORY you are about to read (Six Circles - Journey To Erwen) is about a small town and an even smaller family that lives there and a magical pendant. This small story lives within a large SERIES (The Erwen Chronicles) that is about the end of humanity and what comes after that. 

We could go straight to the exciting apocalypse part, but that’s not much of a story, is it? 

If you do continue, please understand that this tale can only be told as it happened, or will happen. That being the case, it cannot exclude the following elements : magic, artificial intelligence, the 1980s, talking animals, video games, alternate universes, heroes, the 1990s, oppressive governments, awful villains, sports, middle school awkwardness, zombies (well, vampire zombies actually), philosophy, terrorists, the future, first kisses, murder, adventure, and ice cream. 

If you didn't read all twenty of those enticing words, please feel free to continue if you like these four; magic, talking animals, ice cream and video games. Those moving forward on the video games and ice cream will just be in for a few more surprises than the others. 

For everyone else, enjoy Book One of The Erwen Chronicles “Six Circles — Journey To Erwen” 

Note : Changed my mind already, and I think we WILL actually start at the end of it all. Bring on the apocalypse ! 

Sort of......























Still here ??? Wow. ( Congrats ) 

“Six Circles — Journey To Erwen” 
Full Synopsis (Directors/Nerd Cut) 

In the year 2086 an uncurbable laboratory created Ebola Virus (stolen from the Texas Biomedical Institute by right-wing extremists) is weaponized and unleashed upon the world's largest cities in a strategic attack. 

Within six months of the attack, humanity lies on the brink of extinction. 

In an effort to salvage the last remnants of the species, a United Nations effort to advance and finalize the science of Whole Brain Emulation (WBE) is initiated. The technology scans the physical structure of the brain and copies it to digital form. 

Just over a year after the attack, the virus has killed off 90% of the entire world population. The Cenozoic Era of the species ends and the Singularity Age begins as the remaining humans merge with their technology and are uploaded using the WBE technology to a cloud storage system called ERWEN. 


“SIX CIRCLES — JOURNEY TO ERWEN” is the first book of THE ERWEN CHRONICLES

I shivered looking at her expression, she looked so cold and hateful at Mr. Hander. I found nothing wrong with what he said but she did. Mr. Hander didn't pay attention to her cold icy glare that she was giving and continued his speech. He was saying that we had a bunch of potential and that he would put it to good use. We explained our project to him and Lily while glaring at him told him her specialties. The period was over. We all had a period that we got to know each other from that period. I know everyone's personalities. I wrote them down in my notebook.
Lily: is a very happy and sweet girl who considers people's problems and thinks of people when she does things to make sure that she helps people instead of making them uncomfortable. 

Ally: A girl that considers nobody's feelings except for people that benefit her. She is very selfish and is smart because her parents are rich and she has a bunch of private tutors.

Bailey: A loudmouth boy that thinks that he is the best and is always trying to gain the favor of another boy that is popular named Aiden. Very Persistent.  

Aiden: Over inflated ego, Popular, Flirty, Thinks that he is the best because he is the richest kid in the school. 

Elizabeth: Shy, Responsible, girly, inactive, and hates other kids besides me and Lily. 

The relationships with all these kids is really complicated. Ally likes Aiden but Aiden does not feel the same though he flirts with her either way leading Ally to feel that he likes her. Aiden likes Lily but lily does not like anyone but Aiden still feels that he can make lily like him. Bailey likes Ally and Ally always gets annoyed when Bailey tries to talk to her. Elizabeth really does not like anyone and I for one agree with her, I think that besides Lily and Elizabeth everyone is a stuck up brat.

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ARGHHHHHHHHH

EVERY PIECE

Six Circles - Journey To Erwen

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