Beauty in Tragedy

Life man... what can you do?

2005-02-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

Holy moly, my life has been wicked crazy rollar coaster style. Up down, twists turns, loop-de-loops... I had it all.

Now, it's kind of quiet. I like it quiet. Just me and the writings... and teh school and the depression.

PAXIL

Any thoughts? Suggestions? Concerns? I'm on Paxil, and it's all right so far. Except my Aunt is worried.

Who cares though...

Uuuhhhh... I have crazy wicked apetites... yay.

So, toodles.

Genesis

2005-01-11T17:10:00.000-08:00

Genesis stood behind the bar and poured herself a glass of scotch with a few ice cubes. She looked at the man sitting across from her and gave a wry smile. He quickly looked down at the bar. After a sip from her drink, Genesis leaned forward and whispered, "Boo."

The man winced noticibly. Genesis gave a dry laugh. "Scared Geoff?" When the man didn't answer, Genesis knew her assumption was correct. "You should be." She downed the rest of her drink and without wincing, walked out from behind the bar and pulled a switchblade out of her pocket.

Geoff laughed nervously, "I've got your money, Gen. Don't worry about that." Genesis came to a line painted on teh florr and stood facing the dart board. "I know you have my money, Geoff. You wouldn't be alive if you didn't." She gave a pause before continuing. "I just want to know why it took so long. I told you to have my money two weeks ago. You had plenty of time to get it to me, but there I sat. Day after day... waiting."

She threw the knife and it hit the bullseye of the board. "I hate waiting." Geoff jumped up and started to make a run for it, but was caught by Genesis's right hand goon. A muscled guy named Tony grinned toothlessly at Geoff. "Count the money, Jimmy," Genesis snapped out to a man on her left. Jimmy stepped forward and took an envelope from Geoff.

Genesis walked up to Geoff, her nose almost touching his. "Tsk. Tsk. Running, Geoff?" She traced a scar on his cheek, "That's not your style." Geoff stammered out a response too quiet to be heard. "What?" Genesis asked him with a hint of a smile. Geoff's eyes flickered to the envelope. "Oh," Genesis commented, realization dawning on her. "You don't have all of my money, do you Geoff?"

Geoff opened his mouth, but before he could speak Genesis put her hand over his mouth and said dangerously, "No speaking." She held out her free hand and the money was placed in it. "How much, Jimmy?" Jimmy cleared his throat and told her, "Six." Genesis dropped the cash on the floor.

"You walk inot my bar oweing my six grand and expect to walk out?" Genesis shook her head sadly. Geoff's eyes widen "I can get it Genesis, I swear it. You'll have it tomorrow!" Genesis backhanded Geoff as she spit out at him, "You've said that before."

"Please Gen," he pleaded. Genesis opened her mouth to respond, but the dorr to the bar swung open and two men walked in. "Hey Genesis," the first man sang out. Her eyes went to the men holding Geoff. "Take him to teh back room." The nod and Genesis gives the newcomers a great smile. "What'll it be boys?"

Application

2004-12-27T15:56:00.000-08:00

Here's this application that I filled out for this community or wantnot...

Application

Basics
Name: Jessica
Age: 17
Gender: Female
State: Texas

Say what you think about the following: (at least one line)

Abortion: I think that pro-choice is the way to go. Most people argue Biblical reasons for condemning abortion, but we need to move past the dark ages and into the light.
Eating Disorders: They suck a whole lot. Anorexia is not fun, especially when you lose 60 lbs in three months.
Same Sex marriage: ROCK ON! Hell yeah, I want it legal.
Drugs: Very Bad. Except when given by a doctor and taken at the recommended dosage.
Alcohol: NOT GOOD. What more can I say. It’s bad, and it ruins peoples lives. It makes you do dumb things.
Love: Too complicated for one sentese to cover. The most intese emotion ever experienced.
What would you do if you were a member of the opposite sex?: Pee standing up.

Pick a random subject and write at least two to three reasonably length sentences on it.

Music as an aphrodisiac.

Have you ever been out dancing and you didn’t really like who was next to you all that much but your favorite song came on and BAM! There you were attracted to this person, rubbing yourself all over them and just thrashing to the music… Aphrodisiac. Also, it can become a thousand times more sensual when you have some soft music playing in the back ground.

What’s your fav:
band: Blue October
food: Ice Cream
Drink: Water
word: Kerfloopey
Color: Green
flavor: Strawberry
subject: English
movie: Kissing Jessica Stein
book: A Time for Dancing

what is the first thing that come to mind when you hear:
water: Shower
rain: Swimming
orange: Sunset
sex: Yum
Food: Hungry
pleasure: Yes, please?
holiday: hate ‘em.
blood: vampires
world domination: Bush

Random questions

think of at least 10 adj. that you think describe you: perky, funny, loud, sweet, complicated, bouncy, mellow, creative, kind, loving.
What is the craziest thing you have ever done? I stole a road sign one night with my friends.
What is the stupidest thing you have ever done? Got drunk and slept with my best friend’s boyfriend’s twin sister.

Something Stumbled...

2004-12-25T12:10:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across this when I was clearing my hard drive. It made me laugh...

Dear Muse,

Your attention span is much like that of a gnat. Or, more so like that of a crack baby. You float, or flit more like it, aimlessly from topic to topic, and have I mentioned to you lately that you are such a slut? Seriously, Dearie. I know that girls are pretty, and we do love to make them love us, but that can wait can’t it?

I know you are lonely. I feel it too. I know you want to go and find us something warm to snuggle, but can’t it wait? There is all of this lovely writing we have to be doing right now. You know, that project you have had me working on for a year now. Yes, that one.

You just stopped, Musie. I need you and can’t do this without you. Stop being such a slut. We will find us a pretty girl soonish. College is right around the corner and everything will be all right then. You have my word.

Sincerely,
Jessica

MEMEMEMEME

2004-12-25T11:50:00.000-08:00

Here's a 'MEME'

****

THREE SCREEN NAMES YOU HAVE HAD (OTHER THAN THIS ONE):
1. Texas_girlie
2. witchyxwoman
3. beautifultagedy

THREE THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. I have a very nice butt.
2. I’m extremely perky most of the time.
3. I take charge and control my own fate.

THREE THINGS YOU HATE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. My constant fear of abandonment.
2. The need I have to put everyone before myself.
3. The fact that I escape from unhappy reality too much.

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE:
1. Southern
2. Texan
3. Georgian (person from Georgia)

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:
1. Clowns
2. Girls – they intimidate me at least.
3. Being alone.

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:
1. Music!
2. Friends.
3. Kisses – I’m a needy girl.

THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1. Care bear panties.
2. Warm socks.
3. New pink bra!

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS OR ARTISTS AT THE MOMENT:
1. Alien Ant Farm
2. Le Tigre
3. Vanessa Carlton

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS AT PRESENT:
1. "Who’s to say" by Vanessa Carlton
2. "Broken" by Seether and Amy Lee
3. "Calling You" by Blue October

THREE NEW THINGS YOU WANT TO TRY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS
1. Holding a steady job that pays well.
2. Driving… yeep!
3. Making decisions based on necessity, not entertainment.

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP (Love is a given):
1. Trust.
2. TIME.
3. Sincerity.

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE :
1. My toes are painted silver with green and hot pink polka dots.
2. My best friend has a birthmark in the shape of a Christmas tree on her left butt cheek.
3. I’ve never seen snow.

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX (OR SAME SEX) THAT APPEAL TO YOU:
1. Strawberry Lip Gloss
2. They always smell soooo good…
3. I absolutely melt when I see them ‘bam-pow’ hips.

THREE THINGS YOU JUST CAN'T DO:
1. Pee standing up, it doesn’t work that way!
2. Ski, I yard sale.
3. Math. I’m a words gal.

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:
1. Writing.
2. Dancing.
3. Music – playing it.

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1. Eat some cookie dough.
2. Write on my stuff…
3. Get accepted to Brown University?

THREE CAREERS YOU'RE CONSIDERING:
1. Medical Examiner.
2. Dental Hygienist.
3. Oncologist (cancer doctor).

THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO ON VACATION:
1. Rome.
2. Greece.
3. Egypt.

THREE KID'S NAMES
1. Eden Renee
2. Autumn Greenlee
3. Alai Cortney

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:
1. Find a cure for cancer
2. Get married and have children.
3. Have just one good Christmas.

THREE PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO TAKE THIS QUIZ NOW:
1. The LizMonster!
2. Scary
3. Someone from BLOGEXPLOSION

Happy Christmas Eve

2004-12-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas eve day here in Texas (I'm sure it is the same every where else as well.) and I'm waking up to Bill Collectors calling for my Dad. Ain't Holidays grand?

It's around 9:30 in the AM, and all I want to do is go back to bed.

So, I've never been a Christmas girl. I've always hated it because the things in my past where dark, dank, and loved to torture me around the Holidays. This is the first Christmas that doesn't have the threat of disaster hanging over my head and I'm terrified.

I just know that something bad will happen, I will get a six hour lecture from my Aunt that I don't do SOMETHING right, or how I am just like my mother. Ugh.

But, on a much lighter note, I have a mystery present from THE BOY. He absolutely WILL NOT tell me what it is. I'm dying to know. I guess I'll find out tomorrow... Or tonight! Depends on if my pout is working.

All I have to do is stick out that lower lip and THE BOY falls. It's kind of nice. He treats me like a princess and... We'll see.

Complete different subject: The song by the Killers, 'Somebody Told Me' is great to dance to. *sigh*

It's kind of hard to get into the Christmas spirit around here! I've got so much other going on... Money issues that are so far beyond how are the bills going to get payed next month. And, my Grandmother gave me $200 dollars for Christmas, but I spent it on other people so they would have presents from me. My love life is complicated, to say the least.

Avoiding phone calls is not something I'm proud of, but it's better than hurting someone's feelings. She's a sweet girl, really. Just, not my type. REALLY not my type. And then there's the Cheerleader. Ugh, we won't go there, I'm just a toy to her when we talk. But, hey, every one likes to be played with some times. Then, the kinda-sorta girl. We were kinda-sorta dating. But long distance relationships are hard. And she's been wroking like crazy these last few days - like 15 hour shifts with 5 hours of sleep. Of course, we have THE BOY. As awful as this sounds to my gayness, He's my favorite. I have been friends with this guy since we were like, 7! I tell him everything, because he is my best friend. Has been for YEARS! He makes me warm and comfortable (emotional feeling type warm and comfortable). Which is more than I can say for the others. So, I've got crazyness happening in that department. But the worst thing...

The one I want? Doesn't want me... Yeah. We always want what we can't have, isn't that right? Well, damn. I hate it when cliches are right. She is happily committed to a brat girl who I can't stand, but won't say anything because I'm spineless. So, yuck. Grr. Ugh. And other various noises.

Merry Christmas if I don't get back to the computer tmorrow.

Toodles.

Confessional

2004-12-22T09:46:00.000-08:00

Are you proud?
Do you embrace your guilt?
I bet that makes you feel better,
To mourn the loss you created.
Do you know what won’t leave my mind?
The memory of us lying in the dark, entangled.
Your eyes find mine, and it's all over for me.
I've allowed you to puncture my soul,
But I'd rather die than give you a piece of it.

*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*

We all hurt sometimes. We all bleed a little when the moment comes. A moment of truth – the moment that leaves you breathless with its honesty. Your world might crumble, but in the end it rights itself. The pain you feel when the truth is revealed only lasts as long as it takes for the next lie to present itself to you.

A perfect love
Is perfect lies.

eat your heart out...

2004-12-19T18:21:00.000-08:00

Have you ever just sat in front of your computer screen and the only words that seem to truly WANT to come from your finger tips are 'fuck' and 'you'?

Seriously, that is all I want to type right now. A big ol' FUCK YOU to any and all who want to ruin my life. So, I might be a little different than some. So, I might have a few more kinks in my brian than most. So, I'm a little hard to figure out at first. So WHAT?!

I still breathe. I still have feelings like a normal person. Being gay is just my sexuality, not my PERSONALITY! Who has the right to condemn other the God Almighty? NO ONE! So, FUCK OFF!

I don't condemn others for their choices and/or actions, why should I be condemned for mine? Love, life, it's all realative, right? No one has all teh answers, nor will they ever get all teh answers.

So, to put things in a nutshell - I'm gay, I like it, stop condemning me, and fuck you.

Beautiful Dreamer: Chapter Four Part Two

2004-12-18T14:51:00.000-08:00

OoOo, I feel accomplished! I promised more soon and here it is. More of Chapter Four!

******

Annabel rolls over, her arms raising high over her head as she stretches. Unconsciously, she smiles as her thoughts drift toward what might happen today. She casts a glance at the clock before deciding that a shower is definitely on the list of upcoming activities. She lets out a small groan as she stops stretching and swings her legs out of the warm bed.

After she is through showering and pulling her clothes on, a knock sounds at the door. “Come in,” she calls out, her top more than half way buttoned.

“You look nice today,” Helen’s voice comments from behind Annabel. The woman walks up and helps Annabel fasten her necklace asking, “Do you have plans with someone?”

Annabel shrugs slightly, “Not really, Helen.” She offers the woman a shy smile and tells her, “Thank you.”

Helen nods, “I was just asking because your blouse and skirt are very dressy. I thought maybe Jesse was taking you out for lunch?” The woman tugs at Annabel's green and blue spastic striped, silk, button up shirt that goes well with the ruffled black skirt that comes down about three inches above her knees.

Annabel shakes her head, “No ma’am. I m-might meet my friends and g-go shopping later?” She eyes the woman curiously. “Why?”

Helen shrugs, “No reason.” She turns to leave but pauses at the doorway. “Since you don’t have plans, could you take Hunter with you when you leave? Torii and Kelly just adore him, and won’t mind if he tags along.”

Annabel frowns, “Of course I can t-t-take him. Are you going s-somewhere?” Just then Hunter rushes by the door his toy airplane in his hand. The noise he is making could be described as an engine noise, but it is more loud and annoying than anything else.

“He’s full of energy today, and I just can’t take it anymore,” Helen tells her honestly.

“We’re is D-dad,” Annabel asks her, becoming annoyed once again with her stepmother.

“He flew out this morning for some business in LA.”

Annabel nods, “I’ll take the munchkin, Helen.” She shakes her head and mumbles, “He could have at least told me he was leaving so soon.”

Helen sighs, “He promised to make it up to you, although I don’t know why. You are very ungrateful for everything he does for you.”

Annabel looks at Helen, “I’m n-n-not in the m-mood for this, Helen. We can f-fight some other time.” She brushes past the woman and calls out down the hall, “Hey MONSTER! We’re leaving!”

Hunter comes running up behind her, “Where are we going Annie?” He latches onto her side for a second before breaking off. “I love you.”

Annabel smiles, “I love you, too, kiddo.” She sees that Hunter is wearing a sweater and slacks. She leads him back to his room. “Lets get you into some play clothes, okay?”

Hunter’s blue eyes widen. “Are we going to the park?” When Annabel nods he hugs her again. “Really?” Annabel smiles at him and pulls out an old shirt and jeans.

“Get dressed before I change my mind,” Annabel teases him. While Hunter is changing clothes she calls Riley. “Good Morning,” she says, smiling into her phone.

Riley has been waiting for this call for what seems like an eternity. “Hey, Social! You just now waking up?”

Annabel laughs as she looks at Hunter’s clock. “I wish I could sleep until eleven. I’ve been up for a while, but I called when I was r-r-ready to leave my place.” She pauses before saying, “My plans have changed slightly, though.”

Riley tries to keep the disappointment out of her voice when she replies, “Oh, that’s cool, Social.”

Annabel can still hear the disappointment and it makes her feel weird, but in a good way. “W-would you m-mind if my little brother hung o-out with us today?”

Riley's jaw drops a little, “You mean, you still want to do something?”

Annabel laughs, “Of course! My stepmom just wants a break from Hunter. I thought we could hang out at the park for a while and then, maybe go shopping?”

Riley grins, “Whatever your heart desires, Social. You want to meet at the park, or me to come by and pick you up?”

Annabel sees that Hunter is almost dressed and tells Riley, “We’ll meet you there, okay? Same p-p-place we were l-last time.” She helps Hunter up off the floor and leads him out of the apartment.

Riley grabs her jacket, “I’m already there.” She disconnects and bounces excitedly out of the door calling a hasty goodbye to her aunt. “Be back soon!”

*************

“I can’t meet you at B-Bergdorf’s,” Annabel says into her phone as she watches Hunter go running straight for the slide. “Why,” she repeats. “Because I’m at the part with Hunter.” She shakes her head, “No, I’m not being p-punished. I promised him we’d go. It’s fine, really. We’ll g-go shopping some other time, I promise.” She feels a pair of hand squeeze her side and she jumps, letting out a small squeal. “Eeeh!” She whirls around to see Riley with a very amused look on her face. “No, I’m fine Tor. Just saw a b-b-bug. Yeah, we’ll make plans for tomorrow. Toodles.”

Riley smiles and places a quick kiss on Annabel's cheek, “Hola, Princess.” She doesn’t hear Annabel's blushing response because Hunter runs up and nearly tackles her at the knees.

“You actually came?” He is excited and begins pulling her off to the swings. “Annie gets tired ‘cause she’s sickly, but I bet you can swing with me!”

Annabel smiles as she watches Riley being pulled helplessly. She follows behind them and sighs as Riley sits down in the swing next to Hunter and pushes off. “Remember what I taught you,” Annabel calls out to him and her smile grows as Hunter gets moving all on his own.

“I’m doing it,” he squeals, looking over at Riley. “See? Annie showed me the last time we were here.”

Riley nods, “You’re doing great, little guy.” She flashes a smile at Annabel and mouths, ‘He’s a cutie!’ Annabel grins at her new friend and finds herself sitting in the swing next to Riley. When she doesn’t start swinging, Riley asks, “What’s the matter, Social? Afraid that your skirt will fly up and show off your frilly panties?”

Annabel teases her, “You look at my panties often?”

Riley blushes deeply and stammers, “Um, no. I haven’t been – wait. You were teasing me.”

Annabel nods and tells Riley, “I’m just comfortable sitting here.”

Riley considers that the truth and continues swinging, going higher and higher with each thrust. Hunter slows down and tells the girls, “I’m gonna go play on the jungle gym.”

Annabel calls after him, “Be careful!”

Riley smiles as she watches Annabel sitting next to her. After a minute she asks the blonde, “When you were little did you come to the park a lot?” When Annabel nods Riley continues, “Did you swing?”

Annabel shrugs, “Every little kid swings, right?”

Riley grins, “Something like that.” She pushes extra hard and flies that much higher. “Well, did you ever jump out when you reached the top?”

Annabel shakes her head, “Never. I was too scared.” After a beat, “What about you?”

Riley laughs, “I was scared of nothing when I was younger. I knew that no matter what came along, I could face it and beat it.”

Annabel grins, “I wish I could have been more like that.” She keeps her eyes on Riley, watching the beautiful girl float back and forth in front of her. “Are you still as f-fearless?”

Riley blushes a little and quietly tells Annabel, “No.”

Annabel debates whether or not to push the issue, and her curiosity wins. “What are you scared of?”

Riley shakes looks back at Annabel their eyes meeting briefly. “You.” Annabel's eyes widen as she stares at the girl swinging in front of her.

She whispers too low for Riley to hear, “You scare me, too.”

Riley calls out, “Should I jump?” Without waiting for a response Riley lets go of the swing with her hands and sores into the sky. Annabel jumps up, frightened that Riley will hurt herself. “Be careful,” she yells, too late to stop Riley.

Riley lands on her feet, a little out of breath. She smiles as she turns back to face Annabel. “Swinging is kind of like life, Princess. Sometimes you just have to jump, even if you’re scared. Because, you know that if you stay in that swing for another second you’ll be stuck there… and who wants to be stuck in a swing that isn’t going anywhere?” Riley sighs, mad at her philosophical side for coming out.

Annabel bites her lower lip before whispering, “Can you teach me?” Riley cocks her head at Annabel, unsure of what to say. Annabel continues, “I don’t want to be stuck, Riley. Teach me to jump?”

Riley offers Annabel a winning smile, “I’ll teach you anything you want to learn.”

**********

“Where to now, kid?” Riley reaches over and messes with Hunter’s hair. She smiles at Annabel sitting on Hunter’s other side on the bench before returning her attention to the boy.

He smiles, “I’m not going home?” Riley looks to Annabel who shakes her head and she does the same. “We can do what I want?”

Annabel gives Hunter a small kiss on the top of his head, “We sure can, Hunter.” She looks at Riley and mouths, ‘Thank you.’

Riley shrugs, “I like they guy, what can I say?”

Hunter blushes and asks Riley, “You like me?”

Riley tells him, “I most certainly do.”

The little boy beams and tugs at Annabel's sleeve, “She likes me!”

Annabel laughs at his enthusiasm. “Where are we going?” She looks at her cell phone and announces, “It is nearly 2 o’clock.”

Hunter frowns, “What can we do?” He looks at Riley, “What do you wanna do?”

Riley shrugs, “Whatever you want to do, Bud.” She smiles as the child wrinkles his forehead in thought. “Don’t hurt yourself tryin’ to think,” she tells him, playfully.

He looks up at Annabel and asks, “Is that why your head hurts so much, Annie? ‘Cause you’re thinking too hard?”

Annabel shakes her head, “No, Hunter. I don’t think that’s it.”

He nods, “Okay. Maybe we should ask Uncle Keith about it?”

Annabel smiles, “Next time I go, I’ll be sure to ask him for you.” Riley is lost and casts a questioning glance at Annabel who ignores it. “How about a movie,” the blonde suggests to move the conversation along.

Hunter smiles, “My pick?”

Annabel looks at Riley who nods and tells him, “Go for it, Hunter. I’ll watch whatever you want to watch.” Annabel stands up, tugging Hunter along with her. Riley moves to take the boy’s other hand and tells the two, “I’ll get us a cab.”

“Picture of the happy family,” a Brooklyn voice calls out as they begin departing. Riley turns around and sees a man with a camera pointed their way.

“No thank y--.” Riley starts to protest, but Annabel stopped her.

“We’d love one!” She scooped Hunter up in her arms and moved closer to Riley.

“This guy is just ripping us off,” Riley mutters to Annabel who ignores her.

“Say cheese on three. One. Two. Three.”

A chorus of “Cheese” erupts from Annabel and Hunter.” Riley reluctantly adds, “Cheese.”

The man snaps the picture and within seconds the picture floats out of the camera. Annabel smiles and steps up to him, setting Hunter down. “That’ll be 5 bucks, lady.”

Annabel smiles kindly and hands the man a twenty. “Keep the change, all right?” She takes the photo from him and places a kind hand on his arm. “And thanks.”

“Man,” Riley comments when Annabel returns to her and Hunter. “Why’d you give him a twenty? It’s not even a good picture.”

Annabel shrugs, “He’s just trying to make a living so he can eat, Riley.” She looks down at the picture which has finally developed. “And I think it’s a very good picture.”

Hunter tugs at her arm, “I wanna see!” Annabel hands him the picture and he smiles. “Can I keep it?” Annabel nods and they begin walking to the sidewalk.

Riley is still worried about how naive Annabel seems. “Sometimes you are just too nice, Social. One of these days you’re going to be nice to the wrong person and they’ll take advantage of you.”

Annabel is feeling feisty and asks Riley, “What if I want to be taken advantage of?” Riley raises her eyebrows and is about to respond when Hunter chimes in.

“What does ‘taken advantage of mean’?”

Annabel frowns and tries to explain to him. “Well, it can mean a lot of things, but m-m-mostly it means that when you are nice to s-someone they make you be nice to them and they are mean to you.”

Hunter frowns, “Why would you want someone to be mean to you?”

Annabel sighs, “I didn’t mean it like that, Hunter.”

Riley touches her elbow softly, “How did you mean it?” Annabel shakes her head and tries to send to Riley, ‘Not now!’ Unfortunately her telepathic powers are nonexistent so she settles for hailing them a cab.

************

Perfect Met Poetry

2004-12-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

Well, guys. I'm working heard on the next installment of Beautiful Dreamer - I should have it up before today is over! But in between is a brand spaking new poem I wrote. I like this one best of all. Just 'cause it rhymes. A lot.

Perfect met
With perfect eyes
And saw a love
In perfect guise.
Perfect words
Built perfect ties
A perfect rush
With perfect highs.
Perfect passion
And feelings rise
A perfect spell
To hypnotize.
Perfect youths
Thought it wise
Lost themselves
In perfect sighs.
A perfect danger
Broke perfect guise
A perfect love
Is perfect lies.
A perfect tear
From perfect eyes
Tore an angel
From perfect skies.
A perfect beauty
Does love, despise
For perfect was not
A perfect disguise.
A broken heart
Of perfect size
Found the truth
That perfect dies

Beautiful Dreamer : Chapter Four

2004-12-18T09:13:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry for not updating more on this whole thing... Writing is becoming harder to do with teh Holdiays getting closer. But, I'll try and make up for it, I promise! Enjoy it in all of it's flaws...

Once alone, Annabel thinks about her conversation with Malachi.

‘Those girls are just jealous that Riley has a new girl,’ Mally had said to her.

Annabel had raised her eyebrows in response and asked, ‘Me?’ After Mally had nodded Annabel asked, ‘Like a g-g-girlfriend, g-girl? Because I’m n-n-n-not.’ Her face blushed a deep deep red.

Mally laughed, ‘I don’t suppose titles are all that important, but I see the way she looks at you. Hell, if I had the mind of the boy I am, I’d be all over you like white on rice. But I’m about as gay they get, honey. We have to stick together you know?’

Annabel had blushed even further and she started to protest what Malachi was suggesting about her and Riley but he stopped her, ‘Let’s talk about music…’

Annabel smiles at the memory. Malachi had told her all of Riley’s favorite artists and she found out that the two actually had a lot in common. She lets her thoughts wander around Riley, the beautiful tint of her skin. Riley’s dark hair and soft lips… ‘Wait, how do I know her lips are soft,’ Annabel asks herself during the mini-day dream.

Annabel snaps back to reality as her cell phone rings. “Hello,” She says, answering it quickly.

“Where are you, babe,” Torii’s voice comes across the line, “We’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

Annabel sighs, “I’m in a c-c-cab g-going home.”

Torii relays the message top the others apparently with her and tells Annie, “Change course and meet us for coffee and dinner.”

Annabel commands the cab driver to take her to a new address and she is on her way to meet her friends. Once at the small coffee shop she steadies herself for a long night. She walks into the shop, her mask falling back into place.

“H-hey,” she calls out, greeting her friends cheerfully.

“It’s about time, Annie,” Kelly tells her playfully, “I looked for you after Calculus, but you had disappeared.”

Annabel shrugs, “I, um, h-had to g-get my art s-stuff,” she gestures to her duffel and offers them an innocent smile.

Torii rolls her eyes, “Yeah, and that took you four hours?”

Annabel shook her head, “I decided t-t-to go look for s-some music afterwards. N-needed some t-time to myself.” She sits down with her two best friends, hoping they decide to leave it alone.

“Oh. My. God,” Kelly breathes as she eyes a tall boy with blonde curly hair walking by.

Torii elbows her, “He’s mine, Kel. You have Mikey-boy.” Annabel watches her friend with an amused look on her face. Torii moves from the table and toward the boy. As she follows him Annabel notices him walking toward a girl with a smile on her face.

She whips out her phone and quickly text messages Torii saying, ‘Abort! GF at 2:00!’ Torii reads it and frowns, walking coolly past the couple and toward the bathrooms. When she is out of sight, Kelly giggles happily.

Annabel joins her and when Torii walks out of the bathroom they both point at her. “Brick,” Kelly hollers out for the whole place to hear and Torii walks up to her with a fake smile on her face.

Kelly sighs and takes Torii’s cup, “I’ll get you some more coffee if you wipe that look off your face.” Torii’s face turns instantly natural.

She blows a kiss at Kelly’s retreating form and calls out, “Thanks Doll!” Torii turns to Annabel, “thanks for saving me.”

Annabel shrugs, “Well, you h-hate making a fool of y-yourself.” She picks up Kelly’s drink and takes a small sip, grimacing as she does. “Why do you two drink this stuff?”

Torii laughs quietly, “I know you hate it, Annie.” When she sees Kelly walking back she grins, “I’ll go and get you some water.”

Annabel protests, “I can get it myself, Tor. I’m not helpless, you know?”

Torii waves her down, “I know you aren’t helpless, Annie… but I also know to figure out where you’ve been and who you’ve been with, I need to butter you up some!” She winks and saunters off to the counter. Annabel shakes her head at Torii’s honesty.

Kelly passes Torii and asks, “Where to?” Torii smiles but doesn’t answer, so Kelly must ask Annabel when she sits back down. “And she went where?”

Annabel shrugs, “To get me some water. A-apparently, she w-w-wants to know where I’ve been.” Annabel looks down at her fingernails, picking at the cuticle. “We need to get manicures,” she whispers to Kelly, a tid bit distracted.

Kelly nods in agreement. “What about tomorrow? Finals are done with and we have complete freedom. Your art classes don’t start for another week, Annie.” She offers her blonde friend a big smile, “Unless you have plans with some mysterious boy that you blew us off for after Calculus today.”

Annabel blushes, but laughs loudly, her whole face lighting up. “No, Kel. No boys that I am d-d-ditching you for.”

“Are you sure? I haven’t seen you this smiley in a while.” Kelly nudges Annabel with her foot.

Annabel shakes her head, “N-no guy, I swear it.”

Kelly rolls her eyes, “C’mon. Best friends forever, Annie! Who’s the dish?” Annabel doesn’t respond. “Who were you with,” kelly asks, prodding.

Annabel narrows her eyes, “No guy!” Kelly starts to add something but Annabel tells her, “No more questions. Drop it Kelly.” Kelly wordlessly nods.

Torii shows up right behind Annabel and asks, “We hungry, ladies?” Kelly smiles gratefully.

Annabel nods, “We certainly are.”

***********

“Dammit,” Riley says as she chunks her bag down on the ground. She rips the note off of the door and thrusts it open. “Tia,” she yells out. Her aunt appears in the hallway. “Did Kaye come inside when she stopped by?”

The woman shakes her head, “I didn’t even know she was here, Mate.” Riley nods and crumples the note, grabbing her bag from the doorway and jerking it in. “What is the matter?”

Riley shrugs and mutters, “Nothing Rosa.” She lets her bag fall to the floor as she stalks off to her bedroom.

“Now, don’t you walk away from me like that,” Rosa yells after her. Riley stops in her tracks and waits for Rosa to say something. “What did Kaye say in her note?”

Riley rolls her eyes, “Nothing much. She’s just being cranky at me is all.”

Rosa walks towards Riley offering a compassionate smile, “That still doesn’t answer my question.”

Riley uncrumples the note and tells Rosa, “She wrote: When you decide to come back to our world, give me a call. Until then, have fun playing make-believe.” Riley makes a face and flings the piece of paper across the room angrily.

Rosa’s eyes grow wide, “Playing make-believe? You want to tell me what that means, chica?” She gestures to the couch and Riley sits down.

“It’s absolutely ridiculous is what it is, Tia!” She begins talking with her hands, her emotions animating her. “I just made a new friend from school, and I had brought her to the music store. She was with me and Mally had the CD that I wanted on hold for me and…” Her voice trails off and she looks sheepishly at her aunt. “It might have been a bad idea to bring the Social there but I thinks she’s different from the others.”

Rosa nods, trying to comprehend. “A Social? You tried to bring one of them into our world?”

Riley groans, “Just because she has money doesn’t make her a bad person, Tia! So what if she probably has a thousand Jimmy Choos that cost more than our apartment! So what if she spends her weekends going to benefits that we could never think about going to because the tables cost a thousand dollars! You always told me to not judge a book by it’s cover and while Annabel might look like a Social on the outside she’s not like the others on the inside.”

Rosa frowns as she looks down at her niece. “How is she like?”

Riley smiles, “She’s amazing! She has the cutest little nose and stunning white blonde hair. She is shy and quiet and she paints just as well as I do. We had lunch together after finals today and it was very comfortable.”

Rosa laughs at Riley’s enthusiasm. “Calm down, dear! I’m sure this girl is all that and more, but you really must stop bouncing.” She reaches over and points at Riley’s hand. “She gave you her number?”

Riley beams proudly, “Yes ma’am! We’re going out again tomorrow.”

Rosa nods, “I get to meet her?” When Riley rolls her eyes Rosa continues, “She might not be the type of girl I want you hanging around with Riley. She might be a bad influence if she’s the Social you make her out to be.”

Riley sighs softly, “You’ll love her, Tia.”

**********

It was well after midnight before Annabel got home from dinner with Torii and Kelly. She is just climbing into bed when she feels her phone buzz slightly. She looked down at it wondering who could be sending her a text message so late at night.

‘Call me when you wake up in the morning. Riley.’

Annabel grins as she pushes send twice, her instinct is to call Riley now. When a surprised Latina answers the phone Annabel tells her, “Guess who.”

“Social,” Riley says, a smile evident in her voice. “I didn’t think you would be up.”

Annabel chuckles softly, “I j-just got in from dinner with K-kelly.” She can not help but be glad to talk to Riley.

Riley teases her, “Kelly, huh? She someone.. close to you?”

Annabel doesn’t take the bait and informs Riley, “Kelly has been my best friend since first grade! Torii was there, too, and I’ve been friends with her since we were three.”

Riley thinks for a second and asks, “Torii van Masters and Kelly Worthinghouse?”

Annabel nods, even though Riley can’t see her, then she rolls her eyes and replies, “The very same. Why? Do you know them?” After a beat when Riley hasn’t answered, Annabel tells her, “It’s all right. There is n-n-nothing I haven’t heard about us.”

Riley sighs, “I’ve heard of them, you know? Annie Stevens, Torii van Masters, and Kelly Worthinghouse. You guys are legendary and pretty much loved and hated by the same people.”

Annabel laughs, “I know, right? I’m s-s-sure that I’m e-evil or s-something. I guess that’s why I have s-so many friends.”

Riley quickly tells her, “You have me, don’t you?”

Annabel blushes as she feels a small warmth come across her stomach. “I certainly do.” She tries to hide the yawn coming from her mouth, but is unsuccessful. Her head is starting to hurt her and she realizes that she hasn’t taken her medicine for the night. “It’s past my bedtime, Riley,” she whispers softly, not really wanting to go.

Riley lets out a quiet, mimicking yawn. “Mine, too, Social. Call me when you get up and going. We’ll make some kind of plans, okay?”

Annabel sighs happily, “Sho’ ‘nuff!”

Riley raises her eyebrows, “When did you learn to speak ebonics?”

Annabel teases her, “There are many things you don’t know about me Miss Fernandez.”

“Goodnight, bonita,” Riley tells her. “I look forward to figuring out all your secrets.”

Annabel blushes. She whispers almost inaudible, “Goodnight.” When she has disconnected her vocal cords work again and she continues, “And I look forward to telling you.”

Dancing 'Round

2004-12-16T15:47:00.000-08:00

Thrash you body in time to the music. Never let it fade. The beat is a pulse within your soul, unlike that of your heart, it takes you deeper than you've ever been before. You can't stop moving, the force that drives you takes you along. It's in your veins. Deep within, you can't stop it, you can't get rid of it.

No matter what they say, it's primal. The feelings within are there all the time, lurking just under the skin. In your soul, everywhere. Twirl, twist - feel the beat and let it flow. Always, never ending. You can't stop it. And the best part - you don't want to.

Late Nights, Early Mornings

2004-12-15T20:24:00.000-08:00

It's getting late here and I'm no better off than when this night started. I fear the morning shall come all too soon. Bringing with it the absence of dreams and the harsh light of day that will tear me from my nightly fantasies of a happy life.

Who knows what is going on in my head... Maybe I should just give up the whole gay thing and try for the straight thing. There's a sweet, kind, gentle boy that absolutely worships the ground I walk on and he is my best friend in the entire world. It is not such a step for us to date and eventually get married. I do love him very much.

Life would certainly be easier on the straight side. Small town East Texas doesn't exactly promote homosexuality - even in cute little blonde girls. Plus, finding the right girl is like finding a needle in the haystack. A haystack that is needle resistant. Only a handful of us cutie little lesbians live out here in the country.

Well, that's my thing for tonight. MAybe I'm secretly straight and just to blinded by girls to realize it? Give me a few days and I'll give it atry - if my love life doesn't improve.

Toodles

Epiphany

2004-12-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

There is a time in life when we know some things better than we know others. A time when some things are crystal clear yet others are as murky as can be. Knowledge remains a mystery to most, but a select few can call it their own precious gift. My knowledge is no where near as advanced as it should be and my emotions still run my life, yet I know when to back off.

Some times a friendship just cannot survive when those trying to make it work only restrict the growth. People will suffocate a friendship with fear of abandonment, they will not let it grow and blossom. They will keep it close to their hearts, never to see the light of day.

Knowing when to release the hold is the hardest chore of all. To know when it is time to give up the chase, to stop strangling the person you call your friend, is one of the most challenging parts. My heart reaches out to stop a torment of which I am the only source.

To end a pain, or at least lessen it, I now know what I must do. I will stop strangling a friendship in fear, and I will let it roam freely. In turn, it shall grow anew and, when the timing is right, be spectacular to our sight. I release my hold, I loosen the restraints…. I wish you only the best.

The Apocalypse is Neigh

2004-12-14T09:04:00.000-08:00

The four signs of the Apocalypse have come. The world
is in entropy and cannot sustain itself much longer.

The assassination of fashion mogul Gianni Versace, father of all elegant fashion, in 1997, was the first sign. The second sign of the apocalypse was Anna Nicole Smith; enough said. The third sign that has come into reality was initial accessories. They blew up and everyone had to have one. They are an abomination to the fashion industry and the fashion Gods threw down their anger in flames.

The fourth and final sign that the world is ending, according to the girl by-laws that every true and perfect girl receives at her thirteenth birthday, was the shortage of Jimmy Choos at Bergdorf’s this Christmas.

The world is ending, and all of those owning Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Versace, Gucci, or Prada will be taken from Earth to the Eternal Neiman Marcus in the sky by our messiah, Sarah Jessica Parker.

NO OUTLET

2004-12-11T23:08:00.000-08:00

OH MY GOSH! We sOoOoOoOoOo just stole a highway sign. A 'no outlet' sign. OH MY GOSH! I'm soOoOo going to jail. Me, Lenora, Dane, & O'Riley! We're so going to jail. OH MY GOSH. They do bad things to little girls liek mein jail.

*pouts*

No, it was the most fun I've had in a while. That's all. Lenora is down and we're going to jail.

Love y'all!

Stressed OUT!

2004-12-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

You give and you give - and still they want more. Dragging their nails across your heart that has been bled dry looking for more sustaining liquids. Your heels are bleeding from their journey yet they beg you to walk on. The night is not done, even after all the work is finished. You slave away, putting forth the max effot and they squeeze you tighter, searching for more.

You start to believe it yourself. It is never enough - you are never good enough. You give and you give and it STILL IS NOT ENOUGH! Nothing left to bleed - nothing left to give. Still you try - the gashes on your sides are pinched, cups beneath you catch the droplets. YOu run yourself into the ground - ragged, jerky, spastic motions - unable to control those last few moments of sheer panic when you realize you are about to crash.

Then the silence. Blessed silence, keeping the peace. You close your eyes and go to sleep. Moments where the world has stopped and you are free to rest. But the second your eyes open and a new day has begun the hounding begins again.

It is never enough

Poetry Cornor Vol... ?

2004-12-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

Who knows what volume this is... I sure as heck don't! Anyway, here a few new additions to my folder on word.

Seeing what you are,
Knowing what you could be,
You are beautiful by far.
I wonder: could you ever love me?

Love is love is love.
Someone once said I think.
Nothing as amazingly perfect as love,
So wonderfully flawed and full of kinks.

Feeling the intense flaming fire.
Love’s tale-tell sign,
A burning desire.
I wonder: would you be mine?

I will cherish, like you should be;
For you are beautiful inside and out.
I will love you if you let me;
For you are beautiful without a doubt.

Burning New
Shackled shell,
Bleeding deep.
Drowning quarters.
Awoken pain,
Once thought dead.
Screaming truths,
I hear you.
Dusty pictures,
Bringing wounds resurfaced.
Blackened heart,
Burning new.
Pain spawns pain,
One love for another.
I watch you,
Watching me.
Claim innocence,
Blundering pretense.
Douse the flame,
Turn away.
Calm the waters,
Go to sleep.

A Call to Arms!

2004-12-04T07:45:00.000-08:00

Students Against Cats in Purses

Friday, December 3rd, 2004 a student of Bullard High School in Bullard, Texas brought a small kitten to school with her and kept it in her purse. The students at said high school were disgusted and immediately formed the group Students Against Cats in Purses. (SACP) There were protest signs made with crying cats drawn on them and the words 'pobre gato' written clearly next to SACP. However, the administration did not feel the students had the right to protest animal cruelty and tore the signs down from the walls, stairways, and bathroom stalls.

Also, the Spanish III teacher, Mrs. Hammock, was dubbed 'keeper of the cat' when it was her classroom the poor mistreated animal decided to escape from his prison in the shape of a purse. She will be the butt of many jokes for at least a week, but became the official sponsor for SACP's Bullard division. Laura Hunter, the freshman english teacher, called Mrs. Hammock from the phones on the wall used for classroom to classroom calls, and when the elderly woman answered, Laura meowed at her and hung up.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Hammock is old, and grumpy. She swore up and down that she heard and recognized an innocent students voice meowing at her. Who is this innocent student, you ask? None other than me. While I would love to take credit for such an idea, it was not mine and therefore not worth attending SAC over. Secondary Assignment Centre - where the bad kids go. I am not now, nor have I ever been a bad kid.

Yes, I protested animal cruelty with my peers, is that wrong? The girl brought a cat to school and KEPT IT IN HER PURSE! So, this is my call to arms... Students, adults, moms, dads, grandmothers - UNITE! Students Against Cats in Purses is a worthwhile organization. It will soon become a branch of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and deserves to be recognized.

Morning Y'all

2004-12-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

Ugh. It's early morning here in Texas and a stunning 32 degrees. I feel like I've stepped into a... well a machine that transports you to a climate unlike the one you are used to. I'm tired and a lot is on my mind besides Sci-Fi words.

In explaination, yes, Bianca and Riley fit in with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. They are apart of a game on Greatest Journal called Slay Roswell. It takes characters from Buffy and characters from Roswell and makes a big salad out of 'em. It's a lot of fun.

I've had a lot on my mind recently. Love and what it means and how to get over it. And, do you really want to get over it? Who knows, right? *sigh* For now, I'll just take what comfort I can get, no expectations... Nothing like that. All I know - I'm fuckin' crazy! (tehe - I sid a bad word! *blush*)

I'll try and have more writing up soon. It's stressful here... Very stressful. Toodles

A Taste of Roswell

2004-11-29T17:19:00.000-08:00

Well, this is what I've been writing with Meghan. And this has given me a great idea for a novel (which I will persue at a MUCH later time!). SO, yeah... here it is. Think Britney Spears and Jessica Alba

******Bianca & Riley******

Riley walked into the darkened bar, slammed her bag in a stool and slid into the one next to it. "Rum and coke," she ordered in a nonsense tone, hoping that ID wouldn't be needed.
Bianca smirked at the girl who was now sitting next to her at the bar. She nodded to the bartender, who promptly fixed Riley's drink and sat it in front of her. The blonde smiled sweetly, lazily. "Damien, can I have another Kamikaze please? Thanks, Darlin'."
Riley's gaze immediately went to the face that held the most charming voice she had ever heard in her life. She realized the power this girl, more of a woman, held and raised her drink slightly.
Bianca smiled, raising her glass once Damien had set it in front of her. "Cheers," she said softly, closing her eyes as she let the cool liquid slip past her lips.
Riley smiled to herself and thought, 'And who says Roswell isn't interesting?' Raising one eyebrow she leaned over to reveal tanned cleavage and asked, "What does a girl have to do to dance with you?"
Bianca raised her eyebrow. "Well that depends, Sug. You tryin' to impress some stud, or are you tryin' to pick up on me?"
Riley's face broke into a confidant smile, "I'm just looking to have a good time here in Roswell and right now, you look to be the best thing this town has to offer, Mami." She paused for a second to let her words sink in before she continued with, "If you'd rather sit at the bar alone, be my guest."
"Oh no, it's fine," Bianca said, her charming smile returning. "I'd actually love to dance." She took another sip of her drink, her free hand toying idly with the diamond she wore at her throat.
Choosing to ignore the diamond, Riley quickly unzipped her leather jacket and set it on her bag, revealing a super tight wife beater that showed off her naturally dark skin and ended a full inch before her low rider jeans started. "Well, you just made my night, Bonita."
Bianca nodded, smiling again as she slid off the barstool. She wore a pair of skin-tight black leather pants and a cropped white silk shirt, only the two middle buttons done. She offered her hand to Riley gracefully. "Well, baby, you keep sweet talkin' me like this, and you're definitely gonna make my night." She lowered her gaze for a second, adding, "And if you dance half as well as you talk..."
Riley took the offered hand and quickly showed Bianca she knew what dancing was all about by gracefully dipping her and smiling greatly. When Riley pulled her out of the dip she said, "You were saying, Miss..."
Bianca gave Riley an impressed nod. "Morgan," she finished. "I'm Bianca." She slipped her arms around the girl's neck. "You gonna grace me with your name, Darlin'?" she purred softly.
Riley grinned at her, showing her flawless teeth and said in Bianca's ear, "If you play your cards right." Then the music started and Riley began dancing, her hips moving expertly to the beat enticing Bianca to dance with her.
Bianca matched Riley step for step. She moved her body closer, practically grinding up on the other girl. It was obvious, she had done this before, and knew how to use her body to her advantage.
Riley had never found a dance partner that was her equal, much less better than her. Needless to say she was impressed. When that song ended Riley gave Bianca an appreciative look, "Nice moves."
Bianca smirked. "I know," she said, shrugging slightly. "Not too bad yourself, baby." She leaned in, kissing Riley's cheek softly. "You gonna let me buy you a drink?"
Riley took Bianca's hand and kissed it courtly and said, "I can think of nothing more I'd rather do, Beautiful." After a second's pause she added, "And the name's Riley."
"Well then, Riley. The pleasure's all mine." Bianca bit her lip shyly. "Name your poison."
Riley's mouth curved into a slow grin and she replied, "Water with lemon. I've had my poison for the night." She winked at Bianca as she thought, 'Ay, she's so cute when she bites her lip!'
"If you insist," Bianca replied, turning and ordering two waters with lemon. She handed Riley's to her and nodded. "I take it you're new here in Roswell?"
Riley shrugged casually. She smiled winningly and said coyly "I'm here on business, but I might stay for pleasure."
Bianca traced the rim of her glass with her perfectly manicured nail before glancing up into Riley's eyes. "Pleasure, hmm?" she asked, her voice lowered seductively.
Riley leaned in closer to her and smiled, "You know where I could find some in this town?"
Bianca pursed her lips slightly. "I might... What kinda pleasure you lookin' for?"
Riley laughed softly, "For now, nothing would give me greater pleasure than if you would dance with me again. She held her hand out expectantly.
Bianca slid her hand into Riley's and set her glass down on the bar. "You really are quite the charmer," she said, her smile giving away everything and nothing at the same time.
Riley blushed a little before she told Bianca, "Only when I see someone I know I have to have."
"Oh? You think you've gotta have me, Riley?" Bianca grinned, sliding her arms around the other girl's waist. "You think a girl like me doesn't have someone waitin' for her at home?"
Riley brough her lips to brush against Bianca's ear and whispered huskily, "If there were, you wouldn't be here with me, Mami."
"Oooh, and she's smart too," Bianca purred, tracing her fingertips over the inch of exposed skin on Riley's back.
Riley grinned as she felt Bianca's touch. "Be careful, Beautiful," she told her softly. The music was fast and hard, the beat begging Riley to grind and thrash her body to the sound. Hoping Bianca followed her lead, Riley began to move.
Bianca smirked. Danger was always her favorite game. She closed her eyes, pulling Riley closer to her as she began to move with her.
'Damn," Riley thought, 'This girl can move.' She allowed herself to be pulled closer and even let her body brush against the other woman seductively.
Bianca swayed her hips, her body dripping with sexuality. Inwardly, she was becoming more and more enthralled with Riley, and she tried desperately not to let it show.
When the song ended, Riley felt her body groan. She was reluctant to give up her claim on Bianca. The song that replaced the fast moving beat was something much slower, much more sensual. Without waiting for permission, Riley pulled Bianca to her.
Bianca flattened her palms, sliding her hands up Riley's back until they griped the other girl's shoulders gently. She looked deep into Riley's eyes, biting her lip again.
"Ay," Riley whispered just loud enough for Bianca to hear. She tightened her hold on the other girl, wrapping Bianca in safety.
Bianca released her lip, leaning her head just a little closer to Riley's. Her hands dropped, just long enough to come up and wrap around Riley's neck again.
Riley sighed, angry with herself and stepped away from teh embrace. "I'm going to regret this, Beautiful, but I'm not this kind of girl. I don't just meet a girl in a bar and... That's just not me."
Bianca nodded. "I ain't either. I mean, I could be, but... Daddy's little girl can't be a whore now, can she?" She took Riley's hand gently. "How long are you gonna be in town?"
Before she could stop herself Riley blurted out, "As long as you want me to be."
Bianca couldn't help but grin happily. "Well, seein' as how I live here, that could be a very long time," she whispered.
Riley was able to breathe again, her mouth always caused her to wonder if she went to far. She smiled, "Well, since you live here, Mami, could you tell me how to get to a Motel? And then give me your number so I can take you to lunch tomorrow? Your choice."
"You sure you wanna stay at a Motel, Darlin'? I've got this penthouse apartment... Two bedrooms,and nobody's occupyin' the second room." Bianca stepped back, her tongue running over her lower lip. "Of course, it's up to you, but you're definitely on for lunch tomorrow."
Riley returned to her location slow-dancing with Bianca. "Mmm," she murmured, "You've only known me an hour, beautiful. How do you know I'm safe?"
Bianca's lips formed a slight grin. "The kinda work my Daddy does? You learn how to tell the good ones from the bad ones... Let's just say I've got a feelin' about you..."
Riley purred softly in Bianca's ear, "Well, you'd be right, Mami. I'm about as safe as they come."
Bianca felt an involuntary shiver run down her spine. "I already knew that," she purred back, her lips brushing very softly over Riley's neck.
Riley felt all inhibitions leave her body as she trembled at the touch. She took a deep breath meant to settle her feelings, instead she smelled Bianca's perfume and sunk herself further into desire.
"So, what do ya say, Sugar? You gonna crash with me?" Bianca purred expertly, her eyes closing as she felt herself get lost in the feeling of Riley's soft embrace.
Snapping back to reality Riley shook her head, "I'm not sure that's a good idea, Beautiful. I'm trying to treat you like a lady should be treated and if I were to crash with you..." Riley's words trailed off as she smiled winningly at Bianca. "I might not behave like I should."
Bianca shrugged slowly. "If the feelin's mutual, then does it really matter who's treatin' who like the lady?"
Riley didn't answer Bianca's question, instead she told the blonde, "You have the sexiest accent I have ever heard. I wonder, is it always like this?"
Bianca nodded. "Always," she said huskily. "Everyone back home always wanted to lose it, But I can't help it. I like it too much."
"Don't lose it," Riley told her, "It drives me wild." After a pause, "You want to dance with me some more so I can put that degree from Juliard to use, or are we calling it a night, Beautiful?"
Bianca thought about it for a second. "We could always call it a night, and I could take you back to my place... You hungry?" she asked playfully.
Riley took the bait and told her, "Depends on what you're offering me. If you suggest the right thing, I could be famished."
Bianca nodded. "How do you feel about Italian, expensive wine, and some... quieter, softer music?"
"Anything your heart desires, Beautiful," Riley replied. She smiled, "Just say the words."
Bianca smiled, kissing Riley's cheek before whispering, "Let's get outta here, Darlin'."
Riley laughed and told Bianca, "As you wish." She threw a twenty on the bar and grabbed her stuff. "Lead the way."
Bianca held out her hand for Riley, fishing in her pocket for her car keys. She walked towards her silver Porsche, grinning as she unlocked the doors. "Hope you don't mind ridin' in style?"
Riley's eyes widened as she asked, "What was Daddy's name again?" She felt herself falter a little as she thought, 'Is this girl what she appears to be?'
Bianca leaned over the top of the car. "Gianni Morgan," she answered. "What? So I'm a little spoiled," she teased.
Riley decided to let her instincts take over, "Well, as long as you are used to it, I should keep up the tradition, eh?" She slid into the car, her top riding up another two inches against the leather interior.
Bianca slid into the driver's seat and grinned. "I secretly have this thing for spoilin' other people," she admitted, starting the car
Riley laughed, "I've never been spoiled a day in my life, Mami. I don't expect it to start now." She smirked as the radio came on and a Britney Spear's song came over the speakers.
Bianca looked over at Riley. "Maybe you should get used to it," she purred. "Feel free to change the disc."
Riley held her hands up, "I wouldn't dream of touching your player, Beautiful." She sighed content as she looked over at Miss Bianca Morgan. That winning personality wrapped up in that hot body was just too good to be true. "It seems Roswell has a lot more to offer than I first thought."
Bianca smiled innocently at Riley as she sped towards her apartment complex. "Seems Roswell attracts the hotties."
Riley raised her eyebrow and told Bianca, "Thank you." With a sideways glance she whispers, "You aren't so bad yourself, and what I like most - you know it."
"I only call it like I see it, Sugar," Bianca replied. "I gota tell you, it takes a lot to attract my attention."
Riley grinned mischievously, "And what pray tell, Bianca, must I do to captivate you? And do be honest, I live for a challenge."
Bianca turned into the parking lot of her complex, parking the car. "You've gotta be smart. I don't take anyone's shit, so don't give me any." She traced her fingertip along Riley's jawline. "Treat me like a queen, but don't fall at my feet."
Riley leaned forward and pressed her lips to Bianca's. She gave the girl a quick, yet passionate kiss. "As you wish, your Majesty."
Bianca smiled, pulling Riley close and kissing her again softly. "You'll win me over quickly pullin' stunts like that..."
Riley nibbled Bianca's lip before pulling back. "I plan to," she told Bianca seriously.
Bianca closed her eyes for a second. "Good," she whispered. "Wanna go upstairs?"
Riley grinned wickedly, "Soft music and expensive wine upstairs? Or comfy bed for two upstairs?"
"Both..." Bianca grinned seductively. "If you play your cards right..."
"Mmmm," Riley murmured in her ear, "You sure know what to say to have a girl give you the world." With that said she planted a soft, nibbling kiss on Bianca's neck.
"Years of practice," Bianca said softly. "C'mon." She kissed Riley's lower lip gently, then slid out of the car.
Riley followed obediently, grabbing her stuff from the car and staring at Bianca's ass the whole time. "Is there anything about you that isn't perfect," Riley called out to her.
Bianca shook her head. "Honestly? I don't think so." She laughed.
Riley joined in the laughter, saying quitely to herself, "Ay, I don't see any flaws." When they reached the door, Riley inwardly became nervous. Her palms started to sweat, but that was teh only outward appearence of her sudden nervousness.
Bianca unlocked the door, opening it for Riley. "You okay, Darlin'?" she asked, genuine concern on her face.
Riley gulped, "I'm good, Beautiful. Why wouldn't I be? I've got the most beautiful girl in all of Roswell entertaining me tonight." She smiled charmingly.
Bianca shook her head. "No expectations, baby," she admitted. "Just thought you might want a nice dinner and a warm bed to sleep in."
Riley looked visibly relieved, "A warm bed sounds a sight better than the places I've stayed lately, Bianca. I'm very glad for it, not to mention lucky. You are by far the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen."
Bianca smiled, a very slight blush creeping to her cheeks. "Well, thanks Darlin'." She waited for Riley to walk into the apartment, then closed the door behind them.
"Do you have any idea how adorable you are," Riley asked her, catching the blush. She wanted to smack herself, 'I'm such a flirt,' Riley tells herself mentally ashamed.
Bianca nodded. "Sometimes. I ain't used to gettin' complimented by such beautiful girls though." She smiled, taking Riley's hands into her own.
Without thinking, Riley leaned forward and gave Bianca the sweetest of kisses. "You certainly should be."
Bianca felt the tingle of Riley's lips on her own and closed her eyes. "You should be too," she whispered. "You'll have to forgive me. I'm a little rusty when it comes to flirtin' with girls."
Riley raised her eyebrows, "Hmm, that's not the feeling I got from you, Princess, and I'm very seldom wrong. Why don't we sit and talk for a bit? I'd love to hear your story."
Bianca nodded. "Red or white wine?" she asked, motioning for Riley to sit on the leather couch.
"White," Riley replied, "It's softer." She took a seat on the couch, removing her boots and making herself comfortable.
Bianca smiled, walking into the kitchen, returning a few minutes later with two crystal wine glasses and a bottle of wine. She set the glasses down, pouring Riley's glass first, then her own. She sat down, taking off the stiletto boots she was wearing, and smiled. "Where do you want me to start, Darlin'?"
"Well, Beautiful," Riley said coyly, "You can start of by telling me where you learned to dance like that, and then we'll move to why you decided to take a poor stranger like me home with you."
Bianca nodded, laughing slightly. "Every socialite knows how to dance like that." She took a sip from her wine glass, cupping it gently in her hands. "I took fifteen years of dance too." She looked at Riley gently. "I took you home because you've peaked my intrest."
Riley grinned, "And you kissed me because?" She sipped at her wine politely, not all that interested in it.
"I wanted to," Bianca replied without hesitation.
Clearing her throat Riley asked, "Kiss girls often on a whim?"
Bianca shook her head. "Try never."
Riley nodded, letting that sink in. She set her wine down on the table near teh couch and said, "I'm honored beyond words, then."
Bianca set her glass down and bit her lip again. "Can't quite put my finger on it, but I kinda feel like I'm drawn to you."
Riley moved a little closer to Bianca and told her, "I understand perfectly why I'm drawn to you, Princess."
Bianca raised her eyebrow. "Why's that, Sugar?"
Riley grinned, "Three reasons. One, you are drop dead gorgeous. Two, you have the softest lips I've ever felt. And three, you're a Slayer." ((i assumed))
Bianca's eyes narrowed. "How'd you know that last part?"

Riley immediately backed up, showing Bianca respect. "I know it because I can recognize my kind, Beautiful. How else can you explian the safe feeling you get with me?"
Bianca shook her head. "Okay, so that's one of the senses I haven't quite got down yet..." She looked down. "I'm sorry."
Riley reached out and brought Bianca's face back up saying, "Why are you sorry, Princess?" Riley slowly shook her head, "Nothing to apologize for. I'm the one who should say I'm sorry; I shouldn't have kissed you without permission."
Bianca smiled. "I'm far from bein' your Mistress. Kiss me anytime you want."
Riley complied, her lips softly brushing against those in front of her.
Bianca smiled into the kiss, and she felt herself leaning closer to the other girl.
"Mmm," Riley murmured, "For a straight girl you sure kiss divinely." She pulled Bianca closer to her.
"Nobody said I was straight," Bianca purred, leaning over Riley, kissing her a little harder.
"There I go assuming things," Riley said in between kisses, the added heat from Bianca spicing things up greatly. She slowly pulled back, "I'd still like to know more about this amazing girl I'm kissing."
Bianca smirked. "Start askin'..." She didn't move, and kept kissing Riley.
Riley found it hard to concentrate on being a lady with that beautiful body so close to her. It was possible however and she asked, "How long have you been in Roswell?"
"Two... years..." Bianca replied in between kisses. "Track scholarship..."
"Oh," Riley said, her mouth moving to kiss Bianca's neck wetly. She made her way up her neck and nibbled on Bianca's ear before whsipering, "How long you been a Slayer?"
Bianca's eyes fell closed, her body pressing more fully against the girl's beneath her. "Since that crazy witch did her spell... That's what they tell me."
"Do I sense some bitterness?" Riley reached up and caressed Bianca's face tenderly.
Bianca sighed softly. "It kinda puts a kink in my social life," she admitted.
Riley kissed Bianca's nose softly, "Is that the only reason?"
Bianca crinkled her nose a little. "I was never big on fightin'. I took all the martial arts classes as a kid, but this ain't the same."
Riley nodded slowly and told her sweetly, "I can help you out with the social part."
Bianca leaned down, kissing her lower lip. "Mmm, and how's that?" she asked, kissing along Riley's neck.
Riley gasped slightly before replying, "I could keep you company during the long, lonely nights...... Of patrolling, that is."
Bianca smirked. "Is that all you really want?" she purred into Riley's ear.
"Honestly," Riley asks, her hands lightly running across Bianca's back.
Bianca nodded. "Nothin' but, Darlin'. I want you to always feel like you can be honest with me..."
Riley kissed Bianca softly before telling her, "I'd love nothing more than to ravish you, right now. But I'm a lady, and not in the market for a quick lay. I want to fall in love."
Bianca laughed lightly, a sigh of relief escaping her lips. "Given my past, I think love is one of those dreams we never achieve. But I know what you mean... I ain't lookin' for just anyone either..."
Riley frowned slightly, "Love isn't a dream Princess. Give me time, and I'll show you." She kissed Bianca passionately.
Bianca whimpered softly, letting the passion in the kiss consume her. "I'll give you an eternity," she whispered breathlessly.
Riley let those words wash over her and the feeling in her stomach fluttered out of control. Her kisses became more urgent as her hands sought to meet contact with soft, Bianca flesh.
Bianca pulled back a little. "Can love really be based on lust?" she asked, her voice soft, yet full of desire.
Riley is taken aback. "You think this is simple lust?"
"No," Bianca said, shaking her head. "I think it's so much more... I'm just... nervous is all, Sugar."
"The connection between us, Princess, can't you feel it? Being what we are... We aren't made to love anyone else." Riley offered her a slight grin, "You can be nervous all you want. I'll just have to work hard and show you that it's real. If it's one thing I don't mind it's work."
Bianca laughed. "I'm certainly a challenge," she grinned. "But I'm willin' to learn, if you're willin' to teach."
"I'm always up for a challenge," Riley pronounced. She caressed Bianca's cheek and told her, "And I'll teach you anything you want to learn."
Bianca leaned down, kissing Riley with the tenderest of kisses. "I'll spoil you... Anythin' you want... You'll have..."
Riley shook her head, "The only thing I'll ever need is you by my side."
Bianca blushed, biting her lip. "you're too sweet."
Riley shruged, "I'm honest." She smiled at Bianca, "Is there anything I could ever give you that you don't already have?"
"Materially, no," Bianca admited. "But emotionally, there's a whole void that needs fillin'."
Riley swiftly told her, "And I've got a lot of that to give."
Bianca smiled. "You make me wanna fall," she whispered.
"And when you do I'll be the one to catch you," Riley gently told her in response.
Bianca leaned down and kissed Riley again softly. "We keep this up, we'll never get dinner, and this will move quicker than I think we want it to."
Riley nodded, "I think you are right, Beautiful." She cleared her trhoat and told her, "But I think I'm a little too tired for anything other than a shower and some rest. Hitch-hiking to Roswell from San Antonio will exhaust any girl, even a SLayer."
"San Antonio?" Bianca asked, grinning. "Born and raised Austin girl myself." She sat back, letting Riley up.
Riley grinned, "I thought it was Texan, but I couldn't be sure." She stretched before saying, "I was born in Mexico, but came to Texas after my family died."
Bianca gave Riley a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
Riley's face darkened but she said softly, "Thanks, Princess."
Bianca nodded. "If you ever wanna talk about it..."
Riley shrugged, "Nothing to say." She grinned, "I didn't stay in San Antonio long, though. I got a scholarship to Juliard. The only reason I came back to Texas is one of them stuff British clowns kidnapped me and told me to get my butt to Roswell."
Bianca shook her head. "I'm fuckin' sick of 'em." She smirked. "Why'd they tell you Roswell?"
Riley's eyes widened at the language but she didn't comment. "He said something about being a protection committee for the Witch. Who kno ws what else is going to pop up here," Riley told her, covering a yawn.
"Ahh... Yeah, I got a call yesterday that she was comin' to town." Bianca stood up, offering her hand to Riley. "Let me show you to your room? You'll have your own bathroom."
Riley nodded gratefully, "You are my Angel in disguise." She added coyly, "Even if I have to sleep alone."
Bianca smiled softly. "I keep my door unlocked... If you creep in durin' the night, I promise not to hurt ya."
Riley smirked, "If you're anything like me you keep a stake and a knife by your bed. What if you mistake me for something that goes bump in the night?"
Bianca shook her head. "Nothin' I've ever felt is as soft as your touch. I'd know it was you."
Riley felt her heart plummet into her stomach and she sighed. "You better watch yourself, Princess, or I'll fall in love with you."
Bianca smiled, taking Riley's hand and kissing it softly. "I thought that was the whole point."
Riley laughed, "Oh, yeah. Sometimes I forget these things." She reached out and pulled Bianca into a hug, this simple contact alone more wonderful than anything she had ever felt before in her life.
Bianca hugged Riley back, just holding her, not really wanting to let her go. "Take it one day at a time, Darlin'. If you need pajamas, there's silk ones in the top drawer of that dresser."
Riley laughed, "I would expect anything less from a girl like you, Angel. Thank you, but I brought my clothes with me in my bag. Pajamas have never been my forte, I'm more of a T-shirt and panties kind of girl."
Bianca laughed. "I'll actually haveta wear 'em now," she said, purring just slightly. "Kiddin'. I wear 'em, but they really ain't much, hope you don't mind."
Riley raised her eyebrow, "You actually think I'll mind?"
Bianca shrugged. "Didn't know if it would be too tempting," she grinned.
Riley laughed, "You're a big girl, and as I remember, you're the Queen. Anything you don't want to happen, won't happen."
Bianca nodded. "Gotta admit, it's gonna be hard to resist..."
Riley grinned, "I'll stay in my room, Beautiful." She kissed Bianca's cheek and said, "Sweet Dreams."
Bianca smiled, kissing Riley gently on the lips. "Sweet dreams, Darlin'. Sleep well, and I'll see you in the mornin'?"
Riley nodded, "Sure thing. What time do you get up? I'll try to have breakfast ready. That is, if I can use the kitchen."
Bianca nodded, smiling. "What's mine is yours, Darlin'. Except the car. She's my baby, and it's gonna take me a while to warm her up to you." She grinned. "I'm up at the ass crack of dawn... I usually go runnin'."
Riley nodded, "I don't drive anyway." She smiled and said, "I'm always up before teh sun, too. I just normally stretch instead of running." She cleared her trhoat before asking, "Is running an alone thing for you, or can new girls get an invitation?"
Bianca pretended to think about it. "Well, if you think you can keep up with me..." she trailed off.
Riley shrugged, "If I can't keep up with you I can find my way home."
Bianca smiled. "I'm kiddin'. I'd slow down for ya."
Riley took that in and stated, "You don't seem like the girl who would slow down for just anybody."
"That's because I'm not," Bianca agreed. "You ain't just anybody."
A blush creeped into Riley's dark skin and she mummbled, "That's good."
Bianca laughed. "Scoot, baby, or you'll never get goin' to bed."
"Buenas Noches, Bonita," Riley told her smiling. She turned and entered the room, slinging her bag down on teh floor and beginning to strip.
Bianca shook her head, overwhelmed. She carried the wine glasses and bottle back to the kitchen, cleaning up before getting ready for bed.
Riley crawled into the bed and thought, 'I will shower in teh morning, I'm way to tired now.' The silky sheets were foreign to her, but felt so wonderful. "Mmm," she whispered before closing her eyes and falling almost instantly to sleep.
Bianca slid into bed, a smile creeping across her lips. A smile that stayed with her as she fell asleep peacefully.

The Almighty Has Spoken

2004-11-27T08:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, so - here's the sitch. You shall all travel down the blogger road and read this blog. So it is written, so shall it be. Do not anger the Gods.... Karma's a bitch and all that jazz. http://www.nanunano.blogspot.com/

Kiss my ass BLONDIE

2004-11-24T14:22:00.000-08:00

So, yeah... Wonderful good mood today! I mean, I've been writing and I'm just in a great mood! I made a new blod for my second novel idea today - mysoultotake.blogspot.com It's new and exciting and YAAAY!

And I'm writing with meghan a lot more... Woo, that's good. The whole bianca riley thing we have going on is HOT. I've joined a game and brought Riley from Beautiful Dreamer into it - and she is dating Bianca, meghan's character.

A great picture - think Jessica Alba dating Britney Spears. And if that doesn't work - just think Jessica Alba. I mean, that's enough for me! lol, no. Jessica is not my number one girl anymore.

Well, that's all for now. Beautiful Dreamer should be updated semi-soonish.

Quit My Demons

2004-11-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

talking in circles,
too tired to sleep.
my heart alone,
I'll surely keep.

what is mine is mine,
not yours to burn.
extinguish the flame,
and hope you learn.

quit my demons,
take back the night.
wander aimlessly,
too weak to fight.

hate the world,
bleeding and tears.
empty, broken, lonely,
feed my fears.

blaming you,
blaming me.
quit my demons,
let me be.

Beautiful Dreamer: Chapter Three: Part One

2004-11-20T12:20:00.000-08:00

“Just where do you get off Riley,” Kaye asks angrily. Riley turns to her friends for support. Katie crosses her arms in front of her chest and Jules nods half-heartedly. “That girl hates us. She’s everything we fight against and you bring her here to our place?” Kaye takes a deep breath before starting off again, “I mean, damn girl. I knew you had more sense than that. Now, what is she doing here?”

Riley rolls her eyes, “What are you even talking about, Kaye?” She stares defiantly at the leader of the girls. “I didn’t bring Annabel here to piss you off, even though it did and I don’t know why. She’s cool and I wanted to show her the store, get off me.”

Kaye shakes her head and angrily tells Riley, “She’s not of our world, Rambo! She’s one of THEM. Remember that, Rambo? She’s one of them, those that hurt us. Those that shove us down and rule over us heavy-handed. That girl doesn’t see kids like us when she opens her eyes! Can’t you see that? Or are you too blind by that pretty face and those defined curves?”

Riley cannot believe her ears, “How dare you pull that bullshit on me, Kaye! Do you even hear yourself?” Katie jumps in, “I ask you the same question, Rambo! How long have you known this Social and you’ve already decided to defend her.”

Riley freezes for a second thinking, ‘She’s right… sort of. I just met this girl…’ Her thoughts are interrupted by the sound of Annabel's laugh. A sound that causes her cheeks to blush and her stomach to grow fuzzy feelings. She snaps back to reality saying, “Who died and made it ‘attack Riley day’?”

Kaye quickly tells her, “No one’s attacking you; we’re just concerned that our friend is being a dick and is trying to get herself in trouble.”

Riley is thrown for a loop, ‘I just wanted to buy a damn CD!’ She shakes her head, ‘Man, these guys are acting like idiots. Katie, Kaye… Maybe even Jules.’ She looks to Jules for help, her last resort before she bails on her friends, “Jules, c’mon, babe. You know these guys are freakin’ out over nothing; give the Social a shot, she’s got more going on than you think.”

Jules clears her throat, ”Emily is supposed to stop by, you shouldn’t be here when she does. Take the girl with you.”

Riley reacts like she’s been slapped in the face, “Jules? Is that how it is now? I can’t believe this.” She shakes her head sadly, “Man, you guys talk about them judging us, but have you looked in the mirror lately?”

She moves to walk past the small wall of girls but Kaye stops her, “Why did you come here, Rambo?”

Riley sighs in exasperation, “I just came for a damn CD; that’s all, Kaye. Mally has it on hold for me and I’ll grab it and go.”

Riley brushes past the girls and heads toward the sound of Mally’s voice accompanied by Annabel's less familiar one. “Mal, I’ve been kicked out, could you be a good queer bear and ring up my CD for me?” She smiles thinly at Annabel and tells her loud enough for her friends at the front to hear, “I’m so sorry for this, Social.”

Annabel nods, her eyes wide and innocent, “I’m s-s-sorry to cause trouble.”

Riley shakes her head and grabs Annabel's hand as they walk to the counter, “You aren’t any trouble at all, Beautiful.” Annabel blushes and Riley squeezes her hand before dropping it.

“Why do you c-c-call me that,” Annabel quietly asks as they wait for Malachi to scan the CD.

Riley winks at her, “Because you are.” She hands Malachi a twenty and tells him, “I owe you the change anyway, Mally. Maybe you’ll come by some day?” She grabs her bag from him.

“You girls be careful now,” Mally replies, “I’ll surely come over if you bring this sweet blonde, Rambo. She’s a keeper, no matter what Kaye says.”

Annabel blushes and tells him, “It was n-n-nice to m-meet you.” He grins back at her and Riley softly guides her out of the store.

“We’d better disappear before the claws come back out, Social.” Riley moves to open the door for Annabel, never seeing the semi-Social walking in.

Annabel accidentally bumps her and says, “I’m s-s-s-sorry, excuse m-me.”

The girl scoffs and rolls her eyes, moving swiftly into the store. She stops dead in her tracks when she sees Riley. After a second of staring opened mouthed, “Hey.”

Riley nods, “Hey. I was just leaving, Emily.” She places her hand on the small of Annabel's back and gently pushes the blonde once again out the door. Riley casts one last look over her shoulder before the door swings shut.

**********

“Who the hell was that,” Emily asks Jules who is walking up to her. She shakes her head, “Riley really hanging out with that kind of girl?”

Jules rolls her eyes, “You know it doesn’t matter Emily.” She shakes her head, trying to figure out whose side she is on.

Emily turns to Kaye and asks, “Who was she?”

Kaye replies, “Some Social Riley picked up at school and decided to take on a field trip. No one worth mentioning again.”

Emily laughs bitterly, “I was there, Kaye. I saw how she touched that social, how she looked at her. Don’t play games with me.”

Jules interjects, “As far as we know, there isn’t anything between them.” She pauses before adding, “And my gay-dar didn’t go off.”

Mally laughs loudly from further back, “Honey, then it is very much broken. Annabel is almost as gay as I am!”

Emily raises her eyebrows, “Annabel? The Social has a name?”

Kaye holds her hands up, “Not to my knowledge.”

Emily nods, “Keep it that way.”

All bow down to the queen.

**********

‘What was that all about,’ Annabel thinks to herself as she allows Riley to lead down the street, walking past loads of strange people. Riley angrily brushes past the people around her. Annabel bites her lip, afraid to ask Riley what has got her so upset.

Suddenly Riley turns to face Annabel, “I’m so sorry for that. I didn’t know they would act like that.”

Annabel shakes her head, “D-don’t be s-sorry. I w-wish I didn’t cause trouble.” She lowers her head, embarrassed.

Riley reaches out and caresses Annabel's cheek, “No, Beautiful. No trouble at all.” She takes her hand back and tells Annabel, “Those girls were just being putas, is all.”

Annabel frowns, “I um, I’m not f-familiar w-with S-spanish.” She laughs at Riley’s shocked face.

“What? Did you take something else for your foreign language?” Riley is truly interested.

Annabel nods, “French. It’s h-hard with m-my stutters though.”

Riley speaks before thinking, “Your stutters make you extremely hot.” As soon as the words are out of her mouth Riley’s heart flutters wildly. ‘Did I just say that,’ she thinks.

Annabel's mouth opens slightly as she thinks, ‘Did she just say that?’

For the first time Riley blushes and Annabel is quick to notice it. ‘I want to spend more time with her,’ Annabel thinks unexpectedly. “C-could you t-teach me Spanish?”

Riley looks away from the window and smiles, “I could teach you a lot of things.”

Annabel, feeling brave whispers, “I’d l-love to learn.” For once, she doesn’t immediately hide her face from the Latina, she keeps her gaze true and unwavering.

Riley raises her eyebrows, thinking, ‘Is she hitting on me?’ After a second, ‘God I hope so!’

Annabel looks down at her designer watch and sighs, “I should g-g-get back to my apartment.”

Riley nods, “Of course, Social. I’ll see you around?”

Annabel bites her lip, “How a-about tomorrow? C-c-could I see you tomorrow?”

Riley smiles, “Anything your heart desires.”

Annabel takes a pen from her bag and writes down her cell phone number on Riley's hand saying, “Call me if you w-w-want.”

Riley sees Annabel to her cab, “Oh, I’ll be calling you.” She winks as she closes the door thinking, ‘Holy Potatoes, YES! I so just got her number, I am the smoothest.’

Without reguard for those around her, she does her happy dance.

******

Ranting & Raving, + Crazy in LIKE!

2004-11-18T14:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'll get the heavy out of the way before I do my 'ode to Danielle'. I'm freaking out down here. Life is so damn crazy. Good days and bad days all running together and the bad days turning to make me feel bluer than they should. Slipping from the place of strength. Not making it through the whole way -losing myself where I should not get lost. That is where I am... Saddened by many things, not by all. Hopeful about some.

Danielle... *sigh* Okay, I'm definately in like with this girl. I can't for sure say love yet, no rushing for that place of emotion - take it slow and make sure. But holy shit! I completely got her package today and I about shat my pants!

The CD is so fucking wonderful - there is no other way to describe it! I'll never take it out of my player. Never! Very much in like with this girl.

She makes me do the weird blushy thing when we talk, and I flirt way harder than I have ever flirted before. I can't control my thoughts anymore -it's like... *thud* Danielle takes over the world of Jess's head! And I seriously don't mind in the least.

I'm lovin' this CD! I'm lovin' how she makes me feel. I'm lovin' everything about her. I'm sOoOo in like with this girl. So very much. I can't wait until she get's the stuff I'm going to send her! I'll mail it tomorrow and be sOoOo nervous 'til she gets it!

Ahhh! Crazy in like with this girl, Danielle. And I never want it to stop!

Shameless!

2004-11-16T19:01:00.000-08:00

SoOoOo pathetic! You just have NO idea... I'm spending this entry talking about Danielle again and copying some random sexy stuff she's said!

shes on pluto: but i usually wear the little boys underwear with the pictures on the butt. those are my fav.

shes on pluto: my favorite look for me is the underwearwith a tshirt and pearls.

shes on pluto: who says the new messiah cant be a girl?

shes on pluto: :-[
BtflTrgdy: dang it! why're you blushin' now?
shes on pluto: ergfbngmhjyuhytgf
BtflTrgdy: i don't speak keyboard spaz!

Loo-la-looo... Crap... I think I'm in love.

Danielle

2004-11-14T00:42:00.000-08:00

Okay, so... Not supposed to do this, right? She's a bazillion miles away! Also... Yeah, not good. Way not good. She's funny as hell. I mean, seriously funny. She makesme laugh sOoOo much.

And she's cute. Very very extremely cute. She says the cutest things. And we talk about so many things. Crazy things that make no sense, philosophical things that only we two get. Films, Converse, Audrey Hepburn... We talk about everything. Buffy, being gay, kids, boys, roommates. Everything.

Plus, she's pretty damn hot. And I have no idea! She's just a whole lot of fun. She's smart, too. Way artsy. Artsy is very cute to me. I like artsy. Apparently, I like artsy a lot.

Crushes on girls a bazillion majillion miles away are illegal! They are against the law of Jess! Wa-Bam, the almighty has spoken. So it is written so shall it be.

To quote Danielle:

"Riiiiiight."

Sheesh, I'm even quoting her in this damn thing. Yeesh! I think I've got it bad. Real bad. And no one knows. That's just it.. Haven't said a word about it... Except to her, sort of. I don't even think she knows how much of a crush she's made me have on her.

Argh! Grr! Hu-rump! And she's so cute!

shes on pluto: i was finally normal colored.
shes on pluto: and now its all back.
shes on pluto: jeez.

Oh dear... what have I gotten myself into? Brown eyes, too. If there weren't brown eyes all would be okay! But there are... and all is lost!

The "l" word is taboo for now. I mean, a crush is a crush is a crush. Is it a crush? What are the consequenses if it is not a crush? Why does she have to make me melt whenever she says something? And why is she so damn cute?

*sigh* I've promised her a poem and I have never been more nervous about writing someone a poem in my life! Jeez, what if it sucks? What if she hates it? Oh dear. Better stop that!

Well, that's all for now I guess. She's cute, sweet, funny, and beautiful. *wack* In case you couldn't tell, that was me falling HARD!

Poetry Corner Vol. Two

2004-11-13T23:20:00.000-08:00

Once again, my whoring need to get my stuff out there, no matter how terrible. Here is some stuff... Nearing the end of my collection. Read it, hate it, love it... Whatever.

Feelings

Cold and damp inside.
Feelings are screaming- nothing to hide.
No one in which I can confide.
So I bare it and smile wide.

The elaborate mask I wear,
Will eventually shred and tear.
No one said life was fair,
Is the secret that I bare.

No one knows the real me.
No one knows what to see.
Listening is the magic key,
To learn the secret that surrounds me.

Life is pain.
Life is rain.
Life is never sane.
These feelings of life wax and wane.

Give me a Reason
Things between are growing dim,
The light of love cannot sustain her hue.
Pain, betrayal, mistrust, and fear.
Controlled by fickle things.

Losing sight of all that’s real.
Turning my back, forgetting the past.
About to give up hope.

I long for a connection.
I long for a reason to stay.
Please, I beg of you.

Give me a reason.

A reason to fight.
A reason to try.
A reason to hope.

Give me a reason.

Live the Lie
Wake up and force the mask,
Hide behind the façade of the good girl.
Study hard and play it safe.
Live the lie

Cower and bend to what others say,
Push your thoughts to the back of your mind.
Feelings screaming for a chance, yet you deny them.
Live the lie.

Internal happiness and satisfaction are vastly overrated.
Much better to be the yes-girl;
Doing all in your power to fit in.
Live the lie.

What she is, she is not.
Living the lie until it kills her.
Slowly rotting away her soul,
Damning her to an eternity of suffering and pain.

Live the lie.

Mark of Friendship

Your gentle words, like a beacon
Guide me through my dark.
Your sincerity amazes me –
Leaving upon me it’s mark.

The mark of friendship is light upon my heart.
A kind of friendship I’ve never known –
You are my shining star through the darkest night.
The flame that declares I am not alone.

Thank you, my dearest friend.
I don’t know how I would endure this place without you.
My fancy words mean nothing, but please know this–
Anything you would do for me, I would do and more for you.

She is Aware

She walks in both worlds,
But belongs to neither.

Not of Heaven,
Nor of Earth.

With each passing moment,
She is aware.

When she sees how they act,
How they enjoy life, she is aware.

With every miracle she is witness to,
she is aware.

With every act of kindness and friendship,
she is aware.

Every waking moment she has torments her because,
she is aware.

She is wise beyond her years, only because,
she is aware.

She has seen and felt more than she should, because,
she is aware.

Life is pain and life is hard, and she knows this, because she is aware.

She has been to the moon and back,
and has sailed across heaven’s gate.

She has walked on the cold dead earth,
and swam among the seas.

She has thoughts far beyond the gaseous clouds and molten core.

No one notices. No one sees.
They all go one with their happy lives.

With every passing moment she is aware.
And no one is the wiser.

Beautiful Dreamer: Chapter Two Part Two

2004-11-13T21:49:00.000-08:00

Annabel lightly picks up her fork, bringing the bite of salad to her mouth. Riley watches as Annabel carefully chews and swallows her food, showing off her impeccable table manners. She catches the brunette looking at her and blushes, “Th-thank you for l-lunch,” Annabel whispers shyly.

Riley smiles winningly and tells her, “It’s my pleasure, Social.” She winks playfully as she adds, “I’m just lucky a beautiful girl you said yes to someone like me.”

Annabel blushes even deeper but without missing a beat says, “I can’t think of someone I’d r-rather be eating with.” Off of Riley’s amused look Annabel feels the need to explain herself further by telling the Latina, “I th-think you are a genuinely i-interesting person, R-riley. I’m l-looking forward to kn-knowing you better.”

Riley decides to continue teasing the blonde, “What, and risk losing your elevated status as Empress Annie?”

Annabel's face darkens, as she says quickly, “Don’t call m-me that. I mean, don’t c-call m-m-me Annie.”

Riley raises her hands in a show of helplessness, “Backing away slowly, hands in the air. I, um, I didn’t realize that calling you by your name would upset you as much as it apparently did, Social.” She crooks one eyebrow in thought, ‘This girl is a lot more complicated than I thought.’

Annabel's face softens as she explains, “My name is Annabel. E-everyone calls me Annie; at least, the people who don’t know me call me by th-that nickname. I’m n-not the person they s-see me as. I n-never have been; they j-just see what they want to see in me. ‘Annie’ is who I am to them, not who I am in r–r-reality. Please don’t see me like they do, Riley. I desperately need s-s-someone to see me as I am.”

Riley’s heart pounds in her chest and she can hear her blood rushing in her ears as her train of thought wrecks against a mountain emotions. Without thinking she reaches over and takes Annabel's hand in hers and gives it a little squeeze as she whispers, “I see you how you truly are…” She takes a deep breath debating whether or not to continue. She feels encouraged off of Annabel's now grateful look and adds softly, “And what I see is beautiful.”

Annabel looks into Riley’s eyes, seeing honesty shining through those honey, caramel orbs and lowers her gaze; the contact proves too powerful for the severely shy blonde. Riley does not remove her hold, but rubs her thumb across the back of Annabel's hand. “Th-thank you,” Annabel whispers as she blushes, her face threatening to turn a ghastly shade of tomato red.

The Latina finally removes her hand from Annabel's thinking, ‘This girl must think I’m loco the way I keep coming on to her.’

Annabel's lower lip juts out as Riley’s hand leaves hers but she pulls it back in quickly. She offers Riley a small smile, hoping for one in return. She is not disappointed and her small smile grows, “I, um, y-you have a beautiful s-smile,” she whispers shyly.

Riley raises her eyebrows slightly, ‘Huh, who would have thought it.’ She looks down at her empty plate and the over to Annabel's half-empty but untouched plate and asks, ”Ready to get out of here, Social?”

Annabel slowly nods, “Yeah.” Riley jumps up and offers her arm to Annabel, leading the blonde out of the restaurant.

*********

“Annabel?” Riley calls softly, detecting the astonishment flashing across Annabel's face. The blonde’s eyes widen in wonder and a genuine smile spreads across her face bringing out dimples long hidden from view in her snowy cheeks. Riley’s raises her eyebrow and asks, “What?” Annabel blushes as they continue walking down the crowded street, arms linked. She shakes her head in refusal to answer but Riley prods her, “Why did you look so surprised, Social?”

Annabel finds her voice and replies shyly, “You said my n-n-name.”

Riley’s grin widens as she exclaims playfully, “That’s the reason your face lit up?” Off of Annabel's nod Riley tells her, “Well, I shall have to do that again and again if it makes you smile like that.” Annabel blushes again, turning her face downward so that Riley cannot see the deepened red colour sparking her cheeks.

However, her ploy is unwarranted because Riley has noticed the blush and made a mental note of how cute Annabel is when she blushes. Instead of calling her on it, however, Riley asks, “Where to now Madam? Am I taking you home?” She tightens her hold, ever-so-gently, on Annabel's arm, pulling Annabel's small body up against her own as a huge man waddles past, nearly bowling the tiny girl over.

When Annabel recovers from her near death experience, she does not remove herself from the closeness of Riley, instead she pushes herself a little closer. Riley does not mind, she is glad for the comfort and the physical warmth of the bond. In answer to Riley’s question Annabel shrugs, “I’m u-up for whatever y-you’re up f-for, Riley.” Her smile is small, yet honest.

Riley glances at her watch and sighs. ‘Three hours of hanging out with the Social. Who would have guessed either of us would last this long?’ After another few moments, “Would you like to come with me on some errands I need to run,” Riley asks Annabel casually, expecting the blonde to be ready to her any second now.

Annabel's face lights up at the invitation, “You mean y-you aren’t d-dying to g-get rid of m-me yet?” When Riley shakes her head Annabel smiles yet again, her dimples flashing their sincerity at Riley as loud as trumpets to the Queen.

‘She looks genuinely happy to be spending time with me,’ Riley thinks as she watches the reaction of Annabel's face. Without thinking, she hails a cab saying, “I’ve got the perfect place to show you, Social.”

**************

“D-do you kn-now where we are,” Annabel asks nervously as the taxi turns down yet another seedy street. Her green eyes look wildly around, taking in sights obviously never seen before.

Riley grins, “Yeah, I know where we are, Social. I’m not going to rob you or get you shot; you’re in good hands when you’re with me. Just trust me, all right?” She looks over at Annabel expectantly.

Annabel bites her lower lip for a second before saying shyly, “I d-do.”

Riley asks in return, “You do what?”

“Trust you,” Annabel replies, her pink blush starting to creep up again. She is surprised when she feels Riley’s hand brush against the cotton of her very short school skirt. She jerks her head up to look at Riley, but the brunette is looking out the window, deep in thought. ‘Did she mean to do that,’ Annabel asks herself quietly.

She shakes the thought from her head and begins considering Riley's outfit. “Why is your skirt so long,” Annabel asks suddenly jarring Riley from her thoughts.

Riley looks at Annabel is surprise, “Um, I bought it this length?”

Annabel frowns, “S-sorry. It’s j-just that, we all b-bought our sk-skirts in the s-sixth grade, and they have g-gotten shorter. I j-just wondered why y-yours w-were so long.” She thinks as she is speaking, ‘Stupid! Stupid! Way to go Annabel! Why are you such an idiot?!’

Riley grins, “Well, I’m glad that you all decided not to waste that billions of dollars you guys have on new skirts. It certainly makes for great eye candy.” Annabel's face heats up as she sees Riley’s eyes trail down her legs appreciatively.

‘Why is this so… Nice?’ Annabel sighs as she continues thinking, ‘I’ve had guys check me out before, why is this so different? Why do I like it so much more?’ Annabel shakes her head, ‘No ma’am. This stops right now.’

Riley grins as the cab pulls to a halt, “We’re here Social, don’t be scared.” As she turns to help Annabel out of the taxi, she sees the blonde quickly pay the driver. “I could have paid the fare, Social.”

Annabel shrugs, “It’s n-not a b-big d-deal, Riley. You bought lunch, I paid f-f-for the adventure. F-fair is fair.” She bites her lower lip waiting for a response.

Riley melts and nods saying, “All right, you’ve won this battle Social.” She gestures to a sign saying, ‘Pegasus,’ and asks, “What do you think?”

Feeling playful Annabel asks, “You aren’t going to d-d-drug me and I’ll wake up in a b-bathtub with no kidneys are y-you?” She grins widely to show that she is just teasing and Riley laughs.

“No, it’s a used record store, Social. Everyone has to like music, even a Queen Socialite like you.” She grabs Annabel's hand and leads her into the store.

The tinkling of the bell is the first thing to hit her as she walks through the door. The next thing is the comforting scent. “Mmm,” Annabel murmurs, “Sage and honey.” She already feels at home in thins strange and unusual place. The posters on the wall look to be ancient. Way older than she could imagine rock posters to be.

“Hey Rambo,” a grating voice calls, belonging to one of the most disturbing girls Annabel has ever seen. She lets her mouth drop open a little and she shrinks back as this girl walks up to them. The three rings in her lip are intimidating; as are the two in her nose and all six on her eyebrows. The all over tattoos do not help make her any less scary. “Hey crew,” the girl yells loudly, “Riley’s here!”

A boy with half of his head shaved in a white button up shirt comes our from behind a stack of old records. As he walks closer Annabel can see that he is not nearly as done up the girl, but still frightening. From behind the counter a girl with spiked-up green hair saunters over, bringing with her a twin that has pink hair instead of green.

“Hey guys,” Riley says in greeting, “I was looking-.”

The green-haired girl cuts her off, “Who’s your… friend, Rambo?”

Annabel's eyes widen as she realizes that she is about to brought into this world that she is not sure she wants to be a part of. She feels Riley squeeze her hand softly before dropping it to say, “Guys this is Social.” Riley turns to Annabel and gestures to the pair and says, “That guy right here is Malachi and the girl with red hair is Kaymen, the pink hair is Juliana and the green hair is Katharine. Mally, Kaye, Jules and Katie for short.”

Annabel remembers her manners even in the face of evil, “It’s a p-p-pleasure to meet you all.” She holds her hand out to be shaken and smiles widely.

No one reacts well to this at all. “Riight,” Kaye says, dragging out the vowel sound. She rolls her eyes and turns to Riley, “Where’d you pick this chick up at?”

Riley scoffs loudly, “Shut your mouth, puta, she’s a sight better than you ever thought you were.”

Katie jumps in saying, “What? Now we’re whores? That fancy school has messed with your head, Rambo.” Jules nods her agreement.

Annabel lowers her hand, feeling foolish for offering it. She prays that no one will notice just how bad she is shaking.

Malachi does, however, notice the shakes. He is overcome with a wave of sympathy and holds his hand out speaking gently, “Hey, it’s nice to meet you, Social.” Annabel gladly takes his offered hand, some of her nervousness floating away. He nudges Kaye, “Isn’t it?”

Kaye shakes her head, refusing to cave to the will of the majority, “Whatever.” She looks at Riley, “I can’t believe you, Rambo!” Her eyes narrow angrily at the Latina and she runs a hand through her pixie cut, dark red, nearly black hair. “I mean, what the hell!?”

Malachi grabs Annabel's elbow, “Come with me, dear. I’ll show you some of the best stuff we have here at Pegasus.”

Riley opens her mouth to protest but Annabel smiles gratefully, “That s-s-sounds good.” She bites her lip and quietly tells Riley, “C-come get m-me when you’re ready to g-go?” When she sees Riley’s short, aggravated nod Annabel leaves the doorway with Malachi.

Malachi smiles warmly, “So, Social, do you have a real name?”

Annabel nods shyly and tells him, “Annabel.”

He grins, “Pretty name, dear.” He pauses before saying, “You’ve caused a lot of drama by coming here with Riley.”

Annabel frowns, “I, um, I d-don’t see h-how, Malachi.”

He laughs, “I guess you wouldn’t. Besides, call me Mally, everyone does.” He takes Annabel on a small tour of the store saying, “This is the ten cent tour, for an extra five cents I can show you the spot that the cool kids like to stick their boogers.”

Annabel laughs, glad to have made a friend in this hostile environment. “And for another ten c-cents I can put m-my own booger there?”

Mally laughs with her, “I guess, just don’t let the girls see you, they’d tear you to pieces Annabel.” He points to he left, “The newer stuff goes over here, like CD’s and stuff. The older stuff, like 45’s and your standard LP’s go on this side of the store,” the second part he motions to his right.

Annabel smiles and Mally tells her, “How about I help you find something while the girls up there have their little hissing contest.”

Annabel nods, “I w-would be g-grateful.”

Malachi says warmly, “You are a very nice girl, Annabel. I’m glad Riley brought you, even if the others aren’t.”

Annabel thanks him quietly before asking, “Why is it s-s-such a b-big deal?”

Malachi cocks his eyebrow, “Honey, you don’t know?” When Annabel shakes her head he says, “Oh, well, I’ll tell you while we look for that CD of yours.”

*************

Waiting, Longing, & Desperation

2004-11-13T01:34:00.000-08:00

Don't leave me.

Stay with me always, be here always. Don't leave me; I can't take that kind of sadness. I'm not strong as they tell me I am. I'm not as easygoing as I seem. I have feelings. I have thoughts unkind. I have thoughts unwanted. I have thoughts unwarrented.

Desperation. Obession. Passion. All very strong words. All have deep conotations. Desperately waiting for the day I will lose all I love. Desperately holding on to what I have, longing for that day to never come.

Please, no. I can't do this. I've lost so much and had so little. I feel like my heart is dying in my chest, all tattered and bruised now it's last breath is drawn. I am so very tired. I long for the sleep from which none awaken. I long for peace and rest. I'm desperate for any kind of peace. Quite these thoughts in my head, oh, please!

Mostly, I long for someone to take care of me. I want love, I want peace. I need peace. So, here I am.

Waiting for a love, for that peace.
Longingfor a love, for that peace.
Desperatefor a love, for that peace.

Quote o' the Night

2004-11-09T18:17:00.000-08:00

If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, we have at least to consider the possibility that we have a small aquatic bird of the family anatidae on our hands.

- Douglas Adams

OhMiGosh! How perfect is that?! I'm always yelling at my english teacher about symbolism and how sometimes a chicken is just a chicken.... Maybe I should change it to a 'duck is just a duck.'

Ba-dum-bum! ching

Anyway... So, sometimes, Mrs. Parker, a duck is just a duck.

Stuck on 10064

2004-11-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

It's Tuesday night.... Tuesday November 9th... The second week of NaNoWriMo! Oh my goodness, I'm completely and totally stuck! I'm so frustrated! I'm seriously thinking about just skipping parts and writing the good parts. I know that is cheating, but come december it won't matter much anyway becuase that is EDIT MONTH! Woot!

Quote of the night: shes on pluto: you can be girlie without lipstick.

Dani said that - we were talking about lip gloss and girls tasting better... Whole train of thought there that no one will get... But that had me craking UP!

Back to my self-pity about NaNoWriMo... I suck, I'm scum... Yucky pond water scum. Sewage yucky pond water scum! I should totally unsign up... If that were possible. I mean, it should be.

You know, if I wasn't spending all of my time procrastinating I would most likely get some stuff done... Huh, novel concept, really it is. I'm just such a damn slacker. It's kind of fun most of the time.

Okay, I'm going to try to make this relevent and have some sort of point.... Uuuuummmmmm... Nope, not gonna happen. I'm a slacker and it sucks...

Beautiful Dreamer: Chapter Two

2004-11-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

Twitching under the bright light of the sun that seems to find its way to her face even with the curtains drawn, Riley mumbles incoherently. Her face is a mix of pleasure and innocence as she sleeps through the morning. The covers that surround her are unnecessary, but comforting. Her long dark hair frames her angelic face as her eyes move to the beat of her dream.

Jarring the beautiful girl from her sleep is a matronly voice, “Riley Maria Teresa Fernandez, I want you out of that bed and into a shower in the next five minutes or so help the me, the Virgin won’t be able to save your tan behind!” The loud rapping on her door accents the harshness of the spoken words. Heaving a sigh, Riley swings her lightly browned legs out of her small bed and stands up, her feet meeting with rough carpet and mounds of clothing.

“I’m up,” she hollers, her voice thick with sleep and edging on hoarse. She makes her way to the bathroom off of the bedroom, walking blind. Acting on instinct she makes it through some sort of a morning ritual. When she abandons her room twenty minutes later fully dressed, the woman is standing there, hands on her hips.

“Màte,” the woman says with a hint of reproach present, “Girls like you cannot afford to be late on exam days. The scholarship will expire.” Her face softens and she adds, “Hurry on to school, dear. I know you’ll do fine.”

Riley smiles, “Thank you Tià, have a good day.” With a quick kiss on her Aunt’s cheek, Riley is grabbing her bag and out the door. It’s a twenty-minute walk to St. Peter’s, but she doesn’t mind. The exercise is good for the Latina. On days when the weather is not quite as hot, Riley will run the whole way to the school.

She arrives at the old brick building with barely a few minutes to spare. She hurries through the classic corridors and dashes madly up three flights of stairs and into her class just as the last bell sounds, announcing the beginning of the period.

“You will have exactly one hour and forty-four minutes to complete this exam,” the teacher says in her monotonous drawl, her eyes never lifting from the novel positioned in her hands. Riley helps herself to a copy of the exam, sitting down in the desk nearest to the door. “You may begin,” the teacher tells her students, “And buenas suerte.”

Riley grins, confidant in her capability to pass the Spanish exam. Having grown up among the Latin community her whole life, it would be quite the shame if the girl did not pass it with flying colours.

Not a full hour into the allotted interval, Riley is finished with her exam. Walking over to the teacher she whispers, “I hate to interrupt the book, Ms. Perez, but I’m finished.”

Ms. Perez looks up from her novel and takes Riley’s packet, “I hope it wasn’t too easy for you, senorita Fernandez.” Riley just grins and Ms. Perez sighs, “My class was never challenging for you, senorita. Why did you take it?”

Riley shrugs, “Can I head on down to the art room?” Her big brown eyes turning to pleading puppy dog ones.

Ms. Perez nods, “I don’t see the harm.” With that said, Riley is off, sweeping her things up as she leaves the room. Mutters of restless students behind her do not go unnoticed; she turns and offers the multitude of white students a wide smile saying, “Hasta!”

The death stares she receives are well worth it.

*************

The only place in the big fancy school Riley seems comfortable at is the art room. No weird state-of-the-art equipment in there hindering the learning experience; just normal art supplies.

Each student has his or her own cubby and some of the older, better, art students have their own section of the floor. Riley’s chosen place of work is secluded from the others in a small alcove in the back of the room.

The kids at the school are not her type of people, and she is most definitely not theirs. Two years ago she came here hoping to lead a normal, better life than what she had before, but instead she just blended in with the background.

Even in the art room where she knew she was queen, Riley was still invisible. She could look around at the faces of the other so called ‘art-students’ and wonder how they even passed this class. Art was supposed to be something of beauty that required creativity and yes, even talent. As far as Riley could tell, these kids did not have talent.

The students at St. Peter’s all have rich and famous lives. Each and every one of them was born with a silver spoon attached to their ass, and it drives Riley crazy. There were approximately five scholarship students throughout the academy, and Riley was one of them.

The other four or so spend their days clinging to each other like their world would fall apart if they were alone. Sadly, this makes them an easy target for the snobs and the Socials to pick at. Riley knew it was better to be a loner than to be put forward for torture by associating herself with her fellow poor kids.

It didn’t help that most of the scholarship kids were white either. The minority population of St. Peter’s was also sorely lacking. There might be three or four Hispanics in the system and those were rough and rowdy boys who thought they belonged to a gang. The ‘rich boy talk a lot of trash’ kind of gang. The African-Americans that attend St. Peter’s are what Riley calls Oreo’s; black on the outside, but white on the inside. Their fathers became Stock-Market millionaire’s or the government gave them a break and viola – instant snobs.

There is a fairly high number of Asian students but they like to keep to themselves; outsiders of the culture are rarely allowed in. Not that Riley had ever tried to infiltrate any of the groups at school. She has all she needs to lead a productive life; in her eyes at least.

So, during school, Riley was pretty much a loner. She ate by herself at lunch and when she wasn’t in class, she was in the art room hidden away in her little corner.

********

Riley looks over at the clock and begins packing up her art supplies. She feels the pang of sadness wash over her as she realizes that another school year is gone and that she wouldn’t have any place to paint over the summer.

“Oh, Ry,” a sing-song voice calls out to her from across the room.

Riley’s face lights up as she recognizes the voice of her one friend at school, Miss India Deganassi, art teacher. She turns expectantly and the teacher does not disappoint her. “I have the greatest news for you, Riley,” India tells her.

Riley smiles and asks, “Yeah? Shoot it to me, India.”

India is nearly jumping for joy when she announces, “I got you enrolled in an art program over the summer.”

Riley slowly nods, “Okay, what does this mean? More importantly, how much does it cost?”

India shakes her head, “That’s just it! I got a letter from the university a few weeks ago and it told me to select four of my best students and submit them for review. Two of them were picked; you and another girl, it’s totally free.” India holds out a packet of information and Riley unbelievingly takes it.

“You’re serious?” Riley’s cynical attitude shining through. She raises her eyebrows and India nods. “Gracias,” Riley announces as she hugs her teacher, grateful beyond belief. “I was just thinking about how sad my summer was going to be when I couldn’t paint.”

India grins, “Now you don’t have to worry about it, Honey. Just show that director at NYU what you can do.”

Riley nods, “I’ll do the best I can, India.” She returns to packing up her stuff, and India helps her. After a minute Riley asks, “Who was the other one?”

“Who?” India is distractedly packing brushes in their respective cases.

“You said two of us were picked from St. Peter’s. Who else?” Riley gently reminds the absentminded woman.

India nods, “Ah, I remember. Annie Stevens is the other student.”

Riley shrugs thinking, ‘sounds familiar.’

India continues, “You wouldn’t know her, really. She’s quiet and hardly ever says a word to anyone in my class. She’s never in school and she takes all Advanced Placement classes when she does show up. She’s the queen of those snotty rich kids.”

Riley’s eyebrows shoot up, “She sounds… interesting.” India snorts and Riley asks, “If you don’t like her why did you submit her?”

India shrugs, “It’s not that I don’t like her, I just don’t like everything she stands for. And I submitted her because she is one of the most talented students I have ever seen in my life.” Riley opens her mouth to ask another question but India answers her before it is out, “Yes, Riley, she’s as good as you.”

Riley blushes, embarrassed. She hurriedly finishes packing up all of her stuff. India announces, “I have some final projects to grade. Yours being top on the list, can you see yourself out, Riley?”

Riley smiles, “Sure thing India. I’ll see you around?” India nods and disappears to her office. Once Riley is finished packing up her corner, she stands back and stares at the bare wall and cubby thinking, ‘How depressing. It looks so lonely.’ Fortunately, the bell rings and her alone time with the depressing wall is ended.

Before she leaves the room, however, she wanders into the office to say one last thing to India. “Hey,” she calls out softly, not wanting to startle the teacher, “Can I know what you think of my project?”

India looks up and smiles, “Yeah, I guess I can let you know early.” India stands up and meets Riley at her large abstract painting. “I gave you a 98 for an overall average, Riley.”

Riley is stunned, “A 98? I mean, you never give out anything higher than a ninety India.”

India smiles, “I had two extraordinary students that caused me to break my rules this year.”

Riley grins widely, ”Did you really think it was that good?”

India nods, “On yeah, babe. It moved me and you know I don’t even like abstract art.” Riley beams with self-satisfaction and happiness and India offers, “I’m proud to have you as a student Riley.”

Just then, a knock sounds at the office door and India calls out, “It’s open.” The door slowly opens and Annabel walks in as quiet as she can.

“I’m s-sorry to bother you Miss Deganassi,” Annabel begins. She sees Riley standing there and her face breaks into a smile as she says shyly, “Hello…”

‘Whoa,’ Riley thinks, ‘I didn’t expect the Social to actually show up here at school. Much less in my art room.’ She finds herself returning the smile and feeling a small tug at her heart as she says, “Social!”

Annabel blushes slightly at the nickname but continues smiling. India raises her eyebrows, “Yes, Miss Stevens? I believe you wanted something.”

Annabel nods and tells her, “I j-just w-wanted permission to g-gather my things.”

India waves her hand, “Of course, Annie. You don’t have to ask.”

Annabel blushes again and mumbles, “S-sorry.”

Riley grins at her and asks, “Want some help, Social?”

Annabel bites her lower lip for a second before saying, “I would like that.”

Riley grins, “I can be an excellent helper.”

She turns to leave but India calls her back, “Oh, Annie, wait.” Annabel turns around and India says, “Want to know your final grade?” Annabel nods, her nervousness showing. India waves her over near Riley’s painting and pulls a canvas out from behind another. Riley’s eyes widen as she stares at the picture, the swirls and splotches telling a story.

“Damn,” Riley breathes, “That’s yours Social?”

India answers for Annabel, “Yes, this is hers. One of the best paintings I have ever seen by a student, Annie. I had to give you a 98; I wanted to give you a perfect score, but it might not seem fair to the other students.”

Riley turns to look at Annabel, her eyes roaming thoughtfully. ‘Hmm, maybe the Social has some depth to her after all. She certainly doesn’t lack in beauty, but now it seems she has talent, too. Damn, I’m in trouble.’ She smiles as she notices the blonde meet her eyes.

Annabel blushes deeply when she becomes aware of Riley staring at her, “I should g-g-get m-my things.” India waves her hand in dismissal.

Riley gently loops her arm in Annabel's and says, “Come on, Social, let’s get your stuff.” Annabel opens her mouth to protest but Riley cuts her off saying, “It will go twice as fast with twice as many people.”

In no time at all of Annabel's brushes, pieces of art, and junk in placed in a tote bag and ready to go. Annabel quietly thanks Riley for her help, unsure of where to go next. Riley nods slowly, “Well, I guess I’ll see you around, Social. We’re both taking those classes at NYU, right?”

Annabel's face breaks out of its shy spell and she excitedly asks, “You? Really?”

Riley nods, “The one and only.”

Annabel squeals happily for a second and bursts out, “Yes!” Her arms move seemingly involuntarily into an impromptu, somewhat spastic dance.

Riley cannot help herself, she laughs happily at Annabel's random display of emotion. “Excited much?”

Annabel blushes deeply and mumbles quietly, “S-s-sorry.” She picks up her medium sized duffel bag and before she can embarrass herself further tries to leave the room.

Riley catches her arm and says, “Hey, I thought it was cute.” She offers the blonde a small smile.

Annabel blushes a little, but doesn’t rush off. “Are you h-hungry,” she asks Riley softly.

Riley grins and rubs her stomach saying, “I’m starved.”

Annabel holds her hand out, surprising Riley, and asks, “Would you l-like to go to l-lunch with m-me?”

Riley’s heart beats a little faster as a familiar flutter worms its way across her insides. She takes the hand with a huge smile saying, “I’d completely love that.” She pauses before adding, “That is, if you can be seen with me, Social.”

She begins walking, letting go of Riley’s hand to loop her arm with the other girl’s. Riley feels somewhat saddened at this loss of closeness. Annabel frowns, “Why wouldn’t I be seen with you?”

Riley raises her eyebrows, “I’m a scholarship kid here at St. Peter’s. You treat us like we’re lepers. Fat, smelly lepers.”

Annabel slowly shakes her head, “I don’t. I s-see nothing wrong with getting a scholarship here – if anything, it proves that you deserve it m-more. Half the kids who go here were only admitted because of their m-money.” Annabel sighs, “I hate the politics of our s-society.” Riley smirks causing Annabel to ask, “What?”

Riley responds, “All this from the Queen Bee?” Annabel shoots her a questioning glance as they continue down the abandoned hallway in search of the front door. Riley explains, “Everyone says that you rule them. Annie Stevens, feared sovereign of the Socials.”

Annabel quietly laughs, and Riley can detect a hint of sadness. “Is that what they s-s-say? I’m the queen?” She shakes her head and dramatically states, “Woe is me, how the mighty have fallen.”

Riley starts to question her, but the blonde grabs her hand tightly and rushes off into the nearest open door; which so happens to be a very, very small closet. Slamming the Latina against the wall, Annabel pushes her body as close to Riley’s as possible in order for the door behind her to shut. Riley can feel her pulse quicken and her head swim as she breathes in the smell of Annabel. “Mmm,” she whispers out only to find her mouth met with Annabel's hand.

“Shh,” Annabel tells her sternly, “The p-p-point of hiding is to n-n-not be found.” Riley wordlessly nods as she positions her body to allow Annabel more room, consequently pulling Annabel even closer to her.

Riley smiles as Annabel takes her hand away from her mouth and is overjoyed when the blonde returns the smile. Their faces are merely inches apart and Riley is allowed to study Annabel in earnest; she notices Annabel has a small freckle under her right eyebrow just above the eyelid. Riley subconsciously reaches up to touch it, causing Annabel to draw back. “Sorry,” Riley whispers as she puts her hand back down.

Annabel gnaws on her lower lip, her head cocked in thought.

‘I’d give anything to know what she is thinking,’ Riley thinks as her heart flutters. Riley groans mentally, ‘Here I go, falling for the Social. What is wrong with me? She’s straight, I’m sure of it. This is only leading me… Damn it.” Annabel has let her head rest on Riley's shoulder and Riley stops her train of thought for a split second. Only for that split second though. Soon thoughts and visions of taking Annabel's head in her hands and bringing those rose tinted lips to her own glossy ones danced in her mind.

‘Okay, this is it. No more of this!’ Riley tells herself quickly, ‘This is absurd. No falling for the straight girl.

She takes a deep breath to settle herself and thinks, ‘Damn. Why does she have to smell so good?’ Once again her thoughts are taken over by the kissing monster. ‘Stop that right this instant Riley Maria Teresa Fernandez! No falling for this girl.’

Annabel raises her head and Riley notices for the first time the tears in her eyes. “I’m s-sorry,” Annabel whispers out, “Y-you must think I’m the w-weirdest girl.”

Riley's heart melts as she thinks, ‘Yep, just fell for the girl.’ She clears her throat and asks, “Why are you crying Social? You’re not weird to me.”

Annabel shakes her head in disbelief, “I sh-shoved you into a janitor’s broom closet, Riley. How is that n-not weird?”

Riley tries to come up with an answer but falls short. Instead she says, “Did you have a reason?” When Annabel opens her mouth to explain Riley tells her, “How about you divulge this great piece of information over that lunch we’ve been talking about. My treat since you started crying.”

Annabel begins to protest but Riley places a finger over her lips, “Don’t argue with a Latina, Social. You will never win.” Annabel smiles in surrender and whispers, “The coast is c-clear by now. We c-can go.”

Riley reaches behind Annabel and opens the door saying, “Lead the way, Blondie.”

**********

Jerk

2004-11-09T05:13:00.000-08:00

Jerk

You lie,
Rushing by,
Close your eyes.
Turn away,
Looking blind.

Tell the truth,
Child once was,
Child still are.
Plead you are grown,
Saying things not shown.

Friends proclaimed,
Lovers no more.
Yet friends not whole,
Living the fantastic lie.

Hating you for lies,
Hating you for truths.
Hating you for hating me.
Jerk.

Poetry Corner Vol. One

2004-11-06T17:24:00.000-08:00

This is a special area for me, guys. Poetry is something that everyone can write but not everyone can write well. I happen to believe that I write it well. Poetry is very theraputic and will say a hundred things that you never thought it could say. Poetry is what moves mountains and topples giants. I hope you enjoy reading my poetry as much as I do writing it. This is only volume one, there will be more. Hasta!

All Seeing Eyes

All seeing eyes,
Do you see me?

I lie here,
Begging for you to see me,
For you to save me.

Save me from the dark.

All seeing eyes,
Send me a light, I beg of you.
Some one to guide me, some one to hold me.

All seeing eyes,
I lie here pleading,
Requesting redemption, begging for forgiveness.

Crying out to ease my pain, praying for a release.
The hallowed ground beneath my feet provides no comfort.
Prayers go unanswered, screams go unheard.

Lying in bed they come unbidden,
Thoughts darkened with despair.

Do you see them,
All seeing eyes?

Do you even care?

I lie there, weeping desperately for a moment's peace,
For the relief that stems from dreams.
But sleep would not, could not come.

All seeing eyes,
I am afraid,
I am lost,
I am alone.

All seeing eyes,
Do you see me?

I lie here,
Begging for you to see me,
For you to save me.

Some one save me...

Blackened Tears
Erratic, obscure voices
Whispering thoughts to build my fears.
Accidental encounters and foolish choices
Are the fire behind my blackened tears.

Why must I live like this?
Only to be broken again and again.
To be pulled back in with a tragic kiss.
Giving in to the sin.

I’m using you,
I’m being used.
What are we going to do?
I am so confused.

Love doesn’t feel this way.
It shouldn’t hurt me to be with you.
I shouldn’t hate to listen to what you have to say.
I’m tired, I’m through…

Every time we say good-bye,
The smell of your hair, the taste of your skin,
It lures me in, and I say I love you, but that’s a lie.
I don’t want to do this again.

Enchantment

Like the stars that shine so bright,
We head out in dead of night.
To fight for what we know is right,
And what is good in our sight.

Dancing 'round moonlit trees,
Swirling and twirling like the leaves.
Swaying, jumping, and bending of knees,
Back and forth the pattern weaves.

With our eyes toward the sky,
Upward doth our power fly.
Together our thoughts we cry,
With our energy spent we sigh.

Down shines rays from the sun,
Bringing to an end our fun.
We don't worry because we've won,
But we're sad because we're done.

Take off the mask and lose the disguise.
Tell the truth; no more lies.
Unleash your spirit and open your eyes,
To dance among the old and wise.

Falling for the Girl
Wandering thoughts,
And random sighs.
Excited chills,
And giddy smiles.

Falling for the girl.

Some times things aren't what they seem.
Some times they are.

The sound of your voice,
So melodic and pure,
Sends me over the edge.
Falling swiftly, falling hard.

Falling for the girl.

You treat me like a person,
Not some object to be broken.

Sweet, funny, and desirable.
You get me.
And I think that maybe,
Just maybe,
I'm falling for the girl.

Beautiful Dreamer: Chapter One

2004-11-06T16:20:00.000-08:00

“Annabel Elizabeth Stevens, get up this instant! You’ll be late for your appointment if you don’t,” an irritating voice floats into her dream, interrupting a slow dance with an unseen partner.

Annabel groans and calls out, “I’m awake, Helen.”

A woman in her mid-forties sticks her head in the door and tells her daughter, “The doctor called, and we’ve moved your appointment up half-an-hour.”

Annabel sits up and looks at her clock, growling. Helen looks at the blonde with disdain and tells her, “Now, Annie. It’s not polite to growl,”

Biting her lower lip Annabel nods, “Y-yes, Helen. I’m s-sorry.”

Helen rolls her eyes, “Please, Annie, don’t bite your lip. It’s not very becoming.” Quickly Annabel stops gnawing on her bottom lip and nods,

“Of c-course, Helen. I’m s-sorry.” Helen nods curtly and disappears from the door. Annabel sighs quietly as she moves from her lovely bed, the red satin sheets rustling luxuriously.

She walks sleepily to the bathroom and just as she is about to enter Helen’s voice calls out, “I thought I had asked you to call me Mother, Annie.”

Annabel whirls around, her blonde hair fanning out behind her as she stammers, “Y-yes, you d-did, Hel – Mother. I’m sorry.” Her bright, ice blue eyes open wide and innocent as she stares expectantly at her mother.

“You had better hurry Annie,” Helen says before walking away from the doorway. Heaving a soft sigh Annabel walks into the bathroom, shedding her nightclothes. Quickly removing the pale green, silky pajama bottoms and matching tank top she climbs under the fast running hot water. Groaning unhappily she stands firm, allowing the steamy water to rush over her thin, pale body.

The only time when she is really allowed to be alone with her thoughts, with the warm water calming her, refreshing her, is in the shower. Asking herself tons of questions, “What is going to happen to me? Does anybody even care?”

Before she can even attempt to answer them a loud rapping noise appears at the door and her mother’s voice yells out, “Annie! I said hurry.”

She angrily reaches over and turns the water off saying, “I’ll be out in a s-s-s-second, Helen.”

She hears a short sigh and then Helen saying harshly, “Please, call me mother, Annie.”

Biting her lip she closes her eyes, “I’m s-sorry, mother.”

She can almost see Helen’s facial expression in the back of her mind; her nose wrinkling and a frown appearing on her face as she says, “Annie, don’t bite your lip.”

Annabel rests her head against the glass door of the shower and sighs, “I’m s-s-sorry.” After a few seconds of silence she assumes that Helen has left the doorway and climbs out of the shower, wrapping herself in a hot pink towel. Staring at herself in the mirror she sighs, “I look like hell,” she says quietly to no one in particular.

She wrings her hair out before leaving the bathroom and walking to her closet. “What am I going to wear,” Annabel asks herself out loud, flipping through the many clothes in her large closet. Finally she selects a white sundress and slips it on, enjoying the soft, silky feeling against her almost bare skin. The blonde returns to the bathroom, twisting her hair into a stylish bun. She then applies basic make up before slipping on a pair of white flip-flops and heading out of her room. “I’m leaving, Mother,” Annabel says softly before reaching out and turning the door knob.

“Annie, Jesse called and I told him that you would be meeting him and the others at Barnes and Nobles after your appointment,” Helen’s voice yells from the kitchen.

“D-did you tell him that I had a d-doctor’s appointment,” Annabel nervously asks.

“No, I didn’t Annie. I told him that you had to run a few errands for me. Good luck at the doctor’s,” Helen replies. Nodding Annabel frowns slightly, but she doesn’t leave. “What’s the matter Annabel,” Helen asks faintly concerned.

“W-would you go with m-me to the doctor’s,” Annabel asks shyly looking up at her mother.

Helen frowns, “You know that I have things to do Annie.”

Annabel nods, “Y-yes, I’m sorry. J-just forget I a-asked.”

Rolling her eyes Helen says, “Stop stuttering Annabel. You were raised better than that. I don’t understand where it comes from.”

Nodding, Annabel says, “I’m s-sorry, Mother. It comes out m-more when I’m nervous.”

Helen groans, “Or when you’re provoked, or shy, or upset and just don’t admit it. It happens frequently Annie.”

Sighing Annabel opens the door, “I’m go-going to b-be late.” She walks out without looking back and the door closes quietly behind her.

*********

“Here’s your prescription for the new meds, Annie,” a petite brunette nurse says handing Annabel a small bottle.

Annabel smiles shyly, “Thank y-you Aunt Alice.” She takes the medicine from the woman and slowly climbs off the counter, wincing slightly.

“I know you’re sore, Anna,” Alice says sympathetically.

Annabel winces at the name, but nods and tells her, “Yes.”

Alice smiles, “Have a good two weeks, Annabel. See you around.” She walks out of the room casting one last sympathetic glance at the limping teenager. Annabel sighs and grabs her dress, sliding behind a gray, drab curtain and pulling off the green hospital gown she is wearing.

“Annie,” a loud male voice calls out.

“I’m changing Keith,” Annabel yells from behind the curtain.

“Oh, okay. I’ll wait for you in the lobby,” Keith says a little embarrassed.

Annabel sticks her head out, looking at him and smiling, “Okay, doctor.”

He turns red and leaves the room, shaking his head as he goes. Annabel giggles softly before pulling the silky garment over her head, sighing as the fabric shimmies over her skin. She groans, running a hand lightly over her sore hip and limping out of the small examination room. “Annie,” Keith says warmly, “How are you?”

Annabel raises her eyebrow slightly and says, “Peachy, Uncle Keith, and you?”

Keith sighs, “I’m sorry, Annie. That was a pretty stupid question.” He pulls her into a hug and she contentedly rests her head on the shoulder of her uncle. “How’s your hip,” he quietly whispers.

“Hurts l-like hell,” she replies. He nods and says, “I’ll give you one more pill and then you can leave.” She grins and pulls away from him, “Thanks, doctor.” He nods and disappears for a few minutes.

“How you doin’ Annie,” a voice calls out from the door of the lobby.

She smiles and turns to the door saying, “Kevin. My favorite delivery boy!”

He laughs, “Well, I hope I’m more than just your favorite delivery boy.”

She nods as she hugs the tall, handsome boy, saying, “You’re my favorite everything, cuz.” Keith returns with a glass of water, handing it to Annabel along with a small white pill.

“Hey, son,” he says greeting Kevin. Kevin nods and watches as Annabel swallows the medicine. “Did Alice give you the shots,” Keith asks her.

She slowly shakes her head, “No, Uncle.”

He also hands her a small compartment saying, “I didn’t think so.” She frowns and takes it from him saying, “I’d better get going. H-Helen has me meeting the gang s-soon.”

Kevin rolls his eyes, “How is the queen this morning, dollface?”

Annabel groans, “As r-r-royal as ever, Kevin.” Keith clears his throat and Annabel blushes, ashamed.

“That is my sister-in-law you are talking about,” Keith says quietly. Annabel and Kevin nod wordlessly. Keith breaks into a grin saying, “But she is quite the pain, isn’t she.” Annabel and Kevin laugh, relieved.

“She really is, Uncle Keith,” Annabel says smiling. Keith nods.

“She’s nothing like Aunt Anna,” Kevin says quietly. Annabel frowns, turning her face away from her uncle and cousin.

She sighs quietly, “I sh-should r-really go now.”

Kevin reaches out, grabbing Annabel's arm. “Annie, you’ll get used to her. Eventually,” Keith tells her sweetly.

“It’s b-been ten y-y-years, Keith,” Annabel says shortly.

Kevin sighs, “Your stutter has gotten worse.”

Annabel nods, “I know… I should r-r-r-really g-go n-now.”

Keith nods, “Annie, we’ll see you for dinner sometime this week, right?”

Annabel smiles, “As always.” She hugs Kevin goodbye and waves at Keith saying, “Have a good day.”

Kevin smiles at Annabel, “See you later, cuz.”

*********

Stepping out into the balmy, morning May weather Annabel smoothes down her sundress, her long, honey blonde hair streaming in the warm breeze, and she slips on a pair of chic sunglasses. Whistling sharply and raising her hand high she expertly hails a cab. Three cabs screech to a halt and honk wildly for her attention. She climbs into the nearest one saying, “Barnes & Noble, 112th.”

The cabby grunts a response and slams back into rushing traffic, causing Annabel to grip the door tightly. “G-get me there in one piece, please,” she says timidly.

The cabby looks up at her through the rear-view mirror and says, “Don’t worry, lady.” She sighs, but doesn’t take her hand from the door. After ten minutes of the horrible cab ride, they arrive at Barnes & Noble. The cabby yells at her, “$15.95, lady.”

She thrusts the money into his hand saying, “Keep the change.” She quickly climbs out of the cab and walks towards the doors of the bookstore.

“About time you showed up,” a loud Brooklyn voice yells from down the sidewalk. Annabel turns, smiling at the voice of her best friend.

“I kn-know. Sorry,” she says apologetically.

The gorgeous brunette smiles forgivingly and says, “Don’t worry about it, Annie. I still love you.”

Annabel grins, “Whew. Thank goodness, Torii.”

The two girls hug and Torii says, “I sent the others on to Karen’s, we’d better get a move on.” Annabel motions for a cab, but Torii stops her, “I’ve just spent the last forever inside, cooped up. Karen’s isn’t that far, do you think that we could maybe walk?”

Slowly Annabel nods, “Yeah, I guess.” The two girls set off down the sidewalk, lost against the throng of people. “Where were you,” Torii yells to her.

She shrugs, “Out and about, r-running errands for the queen.”

Torii rolls her eyes, “Does she know that you call her that?”

Annabel shrugs, “I have no clue.”

Torii grins, “All right.” They continue walking for a few minutes and then Annabel stops to take a rest, leaving Torii to walk on without knowing. She stops suddenly looking back and calling out, “Annie?”

Annabel waves, “I’m here, Torii.”

Torii walks back asking, “Why’d you stop?”

Annabel shrugs, “I got tired.” Torii frowns, but doesn’t ask questions. Annabel quickly begins walking again saying, “Sorry, Torii.”

Torii shrugs, “No biggie. We’re almost there.”

Annabel nods, “Okay.” They walk for a few more minutes before finally arriving at Karen’s Deli.

“I told ‘em to save us a seat,” Torii tells her as they enter the classic deli restaurant.

“Good,” Annabel tells her quietly. They wander to their usual spot and both girls sit down without saying a word.

“It’s about time you two showed up, I was getting tired of watching these two make out,” says a boy of about seventeen with rugged good looks and dark shaggy hair, gesturing to a leggy red-head practically on top of a blonde boy with enormous ears.

Annabel rolls her eyes, “You kn-know you liked it.”

Torii laughs, “Oh, you got dissed!”

Jesse’s face freezes for a second before he grins, “You’re lucky that you’re my girlfriend and you can say things like that, Annie.”

Annabel gnaws on her lower lip for a second before saying, “I’m not your girlfriend, Jesse.”

He goes on like she never said anything, “What did you do this morning, Annie?”

Annabel shrugs, “Ran some errands for the queen.”

They nod and the two kissing come up for air, “When did you get here,” asks the girl.

Annabel grins and says, “Just a few s-seconds ago, Kelly.”

Kelly smiles and scoots closer to Annabel pulling her into a hug, “I’ve missed you, blondie! Where have you been?”

Annabel shrugs, “Europe.”

Kelly laughs, “Only you could get away with jetting off to Europe for a month while school is still in session!”

Annabel smiles and Jesse says, “We are going to the movies Friday, Annie.” Her smile fades and she is about to argue but Jesse turns to Mike and says, “Have you seen the new posters from Spencer’s yet?”

Annabel's mouth closes and she turns her attention back to Torii and Kelly. “Where did you go in Europe,” Torii asks her friend.

Annabel replies, “Florence.”

Surprised Kelly says, “You were in Europe for a month and the only place you went was Florence?”

Annabel nods, “I was vis-visiting f-family there.”

Mike nods, “How is Uncle Tony?”

Annabel laughs quietly, almost sadly and says, “He was great, but he asked about the little boy with huge ears that peed on his thousand dollar penny loafers, a lot.”

Mike beams from ear to ear and says gamely, “At least I know how to make a lasting impression. What was it, a million years ago when he came to visit you here?”

Annabel frowns for a second before telling him, “Nearly six years. He came six years after my m-m-mother d-died. I was twelve years old when he came to visit me, on m-my b-b-birthday.”

Mike’s face falls as he realizes how close Annabel's birthday is, “Annie, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.”

Annabel shakes her head and starts to tell Mike that it is all right, but Jesse jumps in, “Mike, it’s no big deal. Annie’s come to terms with it.”

Torii sees fit to change the subject, “So, you’ve come back just in time for exams, Annie.”

Annabel rolls her eyes, “I know, just my l-l-luck, huh?”

Kelly turns to her and says, “It’s been ages since we’ve all three spent the night together, Annie! When are we getting together again?”

Torii groans, “Four.”

Confused Kelly looks at her and asks, “Four?”

Torii explains, “It’s been ages since the four of us spent the night together. You are forgetting Lucy.”

Kelly groans, “Oh, why is she still hanging around?”

Annabel frowns, “She’s Helen’s goddaughter.”

Mike nods, “Oh, yeah. I keep forgetting.”

Jesse grunts, “She’s not that bad.”

Torii rolls her eyes, “Whatever kids. I’m getting a little tired and a lot bored.” She looks at Annabel, “Take me home?” Torii holds her hand out, offering it to the quiet blonde.

Annabel nods and stands up to leave. “You haven’t eaten anything, Annie. Sit back down,” Jesse tells her.

Torii stands up and says, “We’ll get something to eat at my house, Jesse.”

Jesse scoffs, “Sit back down.”

Slowly, Annabel moves to sit back down in her seat and Kelly laughs, “You don’t own her, Jesse. She’s not even your girlfriend,” She stands up and moves to leave with the other girls. “I’ll call you later Mike,” she spits out at him.

They leave the deli and hear Mike turn to Jesse and say, “Thanks man. It’ll take me days to get out of this one!”

*********

“What’s the matter, Annie,” Torii asks concerned. Annabel's closed eyes flutter open as she presses a hand to her temple and looks at her friends.

Kelly’s sympathetic look is too much for Annabel and she sighs, putting on a brave face and says, “It’s nothing, just a tiny headache. It’s almost gone already.” Inside, Annabel is groaning because she knows that this headache is much more than something tiny; the trip to the doctor’s always makes her extremely sick if she doesn’t sleep immediately afterwards.

The girls go on with their conversations; Annabel trying her hardest to add something as much as she can. “I can’t believe finals are already here,” Torii says, her head laying back against the couch.

“I know,” Kelly replies, “I think it’s so unfair to make us take tests over what they failed to teach us during the year.” She reaches out and places a worried hand on Annabel’s knee, “Are you nervous about finals?”

Annabel hears Kelly ask her question through the roar of rushing blood, she smiles a small smile and tells her, “No, th-they should b-be easy.” Kelly clucks her tongue softly and runs her hand over Annabel’s leg.

“Do you need to go home,” Torii asks the blonde, her concern for her friend growing stronger by the moment. Annabel opens her mouth to respond, but its sticky dryness causes some difficulty. All she can manage is a weak nod, that slight movement causing her head to swim.

Her headache becomes too much for her and she tells the other girls that she has to go home, and they walk her to the lobby. She climbs into the cab waiting for her and tells the driver, “Lightwood, 169th and Park.” The cabby grunts and takes off, flying down the traffic jammed streets of New York City. Annabel's headache is nearly blinding by the time she arrives at the building where she lives.

“Miss Stevens,” an old man at the door yells out, seeing the weakened girl stumble from the cab. He walks quickly over and helps her into the building, “What’s the matter, Miss Stevens?”

She groans lightly and says, “My head.”

He nods, “Don’t worry, I’ll get you upstairs.” He leads her to the elevator and slowly helps her lean against the wall. “Do you have the medicine,” he asks sweetly.

She shakes her head, “No, Otis, it’s in the apartment.”

He nods again, “Don’t worry Miss Stevens, we’re almost there.”

She smiles through tears falling freely down her cheeks and says, “You’ve always taken good care of me, Otis.”

He smiles, “You’ve always been my favorite tenant, Miss Stevens.” She sighs as the elevator bell dings and Otis leads her into the hallway, towards her apartment.

They reach the door and Annabel fumbles for her key, “Miss Stevens, let me just ring the doorbell,” Otis tells her. She nods, agreeing that would be easiest.

Helen comes to the door, frowning, “Annie? What on earth are you doing ringing the doorbell?”

Otis explains, “She’s having a headache attack, Mrs. Stevens.”

Helen looks distastefully at the old man and says, “Thank you, Mr. Otis. I’ll take her from here.”

Annabel turns gratefully to the man and whispers, “Thank you.”

He smiles, “Anytime, Miss Stevens.”

He turns and disappears in the elevator, casting one last glance over his shoulder for Annabel. Helen looks down at her and says, “Where is your medication?”

Annabel groans, staggering towards her room, “M-my bathroom.”

Helen walks into the bathroom and grabs four different pill bottles and comes over to the bed asking, “Which one?”

Annabel looks at them and grabs one, “These.”

Helen pops the lid off and pours out three pills, handing then to Annabel. She pops them into her mouth and swallows them dry. “Do you need something else,” Helen asks her.

Annabel sighs and whispers, “I h-h-have to take a sh-shot.”

Helen’s eyes widen, “You want me to give it to you?”

Annabel's eyes open again as she sees the look of horror on Helen’s face and she says, “No. I can do it again in an hour, the pills should have worked by then.” Suddenly, she brings her hand to her mouth and she bolts out of bed and runs to the bathroom, barely making it before she vomits up the lunch she had eaten, along with the pills.

Helen sighs shortly, “Where do I have to stick you?”

Annabel pulls her shirt up and runs her hand across her exposed belly saying, “Here.”

Helen asks, “Where are the shots?” Annabel points to her purse, her hand shaking terribly. “Are you sure that you can’t do it,” Helen asks as she pulls the needle out.

Annabel nods, “My hands are shaking too bad, and I can barely focus on anything.”

Helen nods, placing her hand on Annabel's stomach. She flinches as she sticks the teenager, and administers the medicine. “I’ll let you sleep awhile,” Helen tells Annabel, helping her to her bed. She nods and falls into the silky bed, wanting to fall asleep immediately.

**************

The dryness of Annabel’s mouth does not go unnoticed by the blonde as she wakes to only a dull throbbing in her head. Groaning, she forces her eyes open to focus on the clock next to her bed.

Surprisingly it reads one hour later than when she came home, the headache unbearable. Using what little strength she has in her body she pulls herself out of the bed and makes her way into the larger area of the apartment.

She winces and shields her eyes as the bright lights from the hallway beam at her. She feels a small body rush past her and yell, “Hi Annie!”

She grumbles a greeting and continues her trek to the kitchen. She is still walking when she hears a familiar voice sing out, “My you’ve grown since I saw you last week, Hunter.” Annabel grins widely.

“D-daddy,” she breathes and rushes into the kitchen, forgetting how her body hurts and how sudden movements cause her head to swim. Luckily, her father is there to catch her as the dizzy takes over and all but causes her to faint on the floor.

Luke Stevens helps his elder daughter sit down on the kitchen stool, worried. Once she has regained her composure, he smiles. “You’re awake, Annie, I thought you were going to sleep the whole day away,” the man tells her kindly.

“How long did I sleep?”

Luke looks at his watch, “You’ve been in that bed for over 24 hours now. How are you feeling?”

Annabel smiles softly, “I’ve been better, Daddy.” He nods and she asks, “W-w-when did you get home? I thought you weren’t s-supposed to be back for another week.”

He shrugs, “I missed my family.” He kisses her forehead softly, “Do you feel up to coming to the museum with us?”

Annabel frowns, unsure of what to think. Hunter bounces up and down, “Please feel good, Annie! You promised to come with us when Daddy came home.” Luke smiles and tousles the little boy’s hair.

Annabel smiles down at the excited five-year-old tugging at her pant’s leg. ‘How can you resist some one like that,’ she thinks to herself. Sighing softly she tells Hunter, “Of c-course I feel good enough, kid.” Turning to Luke, Annabel asks, “How much time do I have to get ready?”

Luke chuckles, “As much time as you need.” He nods at the woman standing near the sink and she places a plate in front of Annabel. “Eat something dear, you’ll need strength.”

Annabel makes a face but says, “Thanks Maria.” Her stomach protesting at just the smell of the meal.

The woman smiles and replies in her Spanish accent, “Welcome, Miss Stevens.” Luke frowns and shoots the woman a look. She nods, the smiles disappearing from her face, and walks out of the room.

“I swear, the whole country is being overrun by immigrants.” He shakes his head and turns to Hunter, “We’ll leave your sister to eat, son.” The boy grabs his dad’s hand and rushes out of the room.

Annabel stares down at her plate of food, the smell of the warmed chicken almost making her lose the contents of her stomach. She picks at it with her fork ever so often. She puts a few bites of egg into her mouth, letting them slide down her throat. She whimpers as she feels her stomach tighten and threaten to rebel.

“You throw it away and I do not see you,” a voice says from behind her. Starting at the sudden noise Annabel turns around. Maria smiles, “You not feel good, not eat the breakfast.”

Annabel smiles gratefully, “Thanks, Maria.” She impulsively hugs the woman before dumping the plate into the sink. “You’re a life s-saver.” The woman smiles and sets to work, cleaning up the kitchen after the family. Annabel walks out of the kitchen only to return and whisper, “Has Helen left?”

Maria rolls her eyes, “Mrs. Stevens is gone way abefore you wake up, Miss Stevens.” Annabel smiles and leaves somewhat happy.

**********

“Hey, Annie! Do you see that one? I betcha… a million dollars you could paint it betters,” Hunter says as he excitedly holds his big sister’s hand and points up at Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night.’

Luke grins and tells Hunter, “And where will you get that kind of money?” Hunter thinks for a minute, his little nose wrinkling in thought. Annabel looks at him, eager to hear what his imaginative mind can come up with.

His face lights up as an idea pops into his head. He turns to his father and says, “Daddy, can I borrow a million dollars so Annie will paint me that picture?” Luke’s laughter can be heard down the hallway of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“I’m going to the men’s room. Can you watch him for three minutes, Annabel?” Luke asks, already beginning to walk off.

The two continue looking at the painting. Hunter sighs a little boy sigh, “That sure would look good in my room.”

Annabel smiles, “I’ll paint it for you.”

Hunter pouts, “But I don’t have a million dollars.”

Giggling quietly Annabel swoops the little boy off of his feet and into her arms, “It doesn’t take a m-million dollars for me to paint you s-something, kid.” Hunter lets loose with a peal of kid giggles as his sister swings him trough the air.

Without warning Luke returns and removes the boy from her arms and chastises him, “You know you aren’t supposed to play with your sister like that, Hunter. Your mother and I have told you a thousand times that she is sick.”

Tears form behind his eyes as he nods, sorry that he broke the rules. “Daddy,” Annabel says, placing her hand on Hunter’s shoulder, “I p-p-picked him up, it’s not his f-fault.”

Luke looks at Annabel, “Don’t make excuses for your brother, Annie. He is old enough to know how to behave.” Hunter nods, seriousness in his face. Luke looks at his watch, “I have to go by the office, we stayed here later than I expected we would. You two will have to come with me.”

Hunter makes a face and pouts, “ I don’t want to. The office is boring and we stay there all day.” Silently Annabel agrees with him.

She smiles and asks, “Why don’t you let us go to the park while you go to the office? Hunter will have more fun, and I will get some fresh air.”

Hunter excitedly jumps up and down saying over and over, “The park! The park! The park!” Luke sighs, trying to decide what the best course of action should be.

He looks at his daughter, reads the pleading in her eyes and gives in, “Anything you want, Annie.”

Hunter squeals out in pleasure, “Yay!” Annabel cups her hand over his mouth, as the people in the museum turn to stare at them. She smiles apologetically at them and tells her father, “We’ll be all right.”

He hands them taxi fair and tells Annabel, “If you start feeling badly head home right then, understood?” Annabel nods and Luke turns to Hunter, “You take care of your sister, all right, son?” Hunter proudly nods, glad to be given such a good job.

Luke calls one last thing as his children are climbing into a cab, “Be home before dark.”

Hunter nods emphatically out the window, “Yes, Daddy!”

**********

“Annie,” Hunter’s little voice yells from the swing where he is sitting. When she looks at him he asks, “How do you swing?”

Annabel grins and moves from her spot on a bench not too far from him to sit on the swing beside his. “I’ll show you.” She leans back and he copies her motions. Gently pushing off with her feet, Annabel starts swinging.

Hunter tries to do the same, but his feet can’t quite reach the ground. He grunts with effort and finally succeeds in using his body weight to get the swing going.

Annabel shows him how to use his legs to make him go higher and faster. “Annie, I can swing,” he screams, laughing excitedly. Annabel smiles right along with him. Soon, she is tired and moves from the swing back to her bench, where her sketchpad was left laying.

Picking it back up she turns to a new sheet, wanting to draw Hunter as he discovers how to swing. She folds herself into a lotus position on the seat and begins sketching her little brother. She is so lost in her drawing she doesn’t see him kick out too hard and fall backwards out of the swing.

His piercing cry snaps her out of her artist’s daze, though. She is on her feet and running to him before her brain has fully processed what is going on. “Hunter, are you okay,” she asks, frantic. She picks the boy up in her arms and takes him back to the park bench.

His tears are flowing out of his eyes, but he nods bravely. He holds up his elbow and whimpers, “It hurts.” Annabel’s face melts as she sees the poor boy’s scraped up elbow. She bends her head and kisses it gently before saying, “We’ll take you home and get you doctored up, o-okay?”

He pouts, “Do we hafta go home?” He wipes he tears from his eyes, “I doesn’t hurt anymore. I wanna stay.” Annabel shakes her head.

“It m-might get dirty if we stay, kid. I promise we’ll come back s-some day soon.” She kisses his forehead and starts to stand up.

“I couldn’t help but overhear,” a musical voice says suddenly. “I have Band-Aids with me if you would like one.” Annabel turns to her right to see a beautiful Hispanic girl smiling and offering a box of Band-Aids out to her.

Hunter’s eyes light up as he turns to look at his sister, waiting for her answer. Annabel nods gratefully and takes the box from the girl, “Thank you.”

The girl sits down next to her, “No problem, ‘always be prepared’ is my motto. Well, it may be the Boy Scouts of America’s motto or something, but it works for now.”

Annabel smiles at the humor and introduces herself, “I’m Annabel and this little cutie here is Hunter.” She places the Band-Aid on his arm and kisses it saying, ”You can go play for another thirty m-minutes, okay?”

He jumps down and asks, “Can I go to the sand box?” Annabel nods and off he runs.

“I’m Riley,” the girl says. For the first time Annabel is able to really look at her. She sees dark brown eyes, surrounded by barely dark skin. The girl’s long brown hair falls down her back in slight curls.

Annabel licks her lips, “Nice to m-m-meet you Riley.” She groans inwardly, ‘Stupid stutters!’ Riley just grins and takes Annabel’s offered hand in a soft shake.

“Cute kid,” Riley says looking after Hunter.

Annabel smiles and says, “Thank you.” After a beat, “Do you always carry Band-Aids w-with you?” She looks to the Latina looking girl with expectant eyes.

Riley shrugs, “I guess you were just lucky today.”

Annabel nods, “Hunter would be so disappointed if w-we had to go home.”

Riley laughs, “I imagine.” She waits a minute before asking, “How old is Hunter?”

Annabel smiles, “He’s f-five.” Riley nods, trying to do the math in her head. She thinks, ‘Annabel can’t be more than 19. Yikes!’

Gulping, Riley tells Annabel, “He looks just like you.”

Annabel shakes her head, “No, he looks m-m-more like our step-Mother than anyone.” Those words process in Riley’s mind.

She lets out a sigh of relief and asks Annabel, “He’s your brother?” Annabel shakes her head.

“He’s my half-brother. We share the s-s-same dad.” Riley laughs a little.

“I though he was your son.”

Annabel’s jaw drops open as shock goes through her. She is speechless for a spilt-second; then the laughter starts. Riley joins her in laughing and the two are rolling on the ground with it before the minute is up. After they have calmed down, Annabel sits there thinking, ‘Wow, she has a beautiful laugh.’

Riley sighs, tired from her laughing adventure. “That’s a lot of work,” she says to Annabel.

Annabel nods, “Sure is. My abs are s-s-sore.” Riley agrees with her, rolling her eyes.

“So, d-do you go to school, Riley,” Annabel asks, trying to learn more about the girl who so easily captured her attention.

Riley makes a face, “Yeah. St. Peter’s Academy for girls, after this term I’m a senior.”

Annabel’s face lights up. “That’s where I go. I’ll, um, also be a s-s-senior.”

Riley smiles, the thought of St. Peter’s becoming less painful, “Why haven’t I seen you around?”

Annabel shakes her head, “I don’t know.” She offers, “I’ve been in Europe for a month.”

Riley laughs, “That would explain it. So you’re one of those girls?” Her face losing some of it’s ease at that last question.

Annabel frowns, “What do you m-m-mean, ‘those girls?’ I’m not sure I underst-stand.”

Riley raises her hands saying, “Not trying to offend the pretty girl; I just wanted to know if you belonged to the elite ‘Socials’ at school?”

Annabel winces inwardly as she hears the term ‘socials’. She nods, “Sadly, yes. I’m a ‘social’ and all of my friends are too.” After a beat, “You think I’m pretty?”

Riley looks the blonde in the eye, “You are very pretty.” Annabel’s face heats up a little at Riley’s honesty. Just then Hunter comes running up and Riley asks him, “Isn’t your sister pretty?”

Hunter nods, “She’s the most beautifulest girl in the whole wide world.” He smiles, proud of his answer.

Riley nods, “That’s right.” She looks to see what Annabel's reaction is, hoping for a smile. She is not disappointed in getting what she wants. Annabel’s mouth curves into a small, shy smile.

Hunter hops up on the bench next to Riley and says, “Can I tell you a secret?”

Riley winks slyly, “Of course.”

Hunter leans over and whispers like all five-year-olds do, loud enough for the world to hear, “I’m going to marry her when I grow up.”

Riley nods sincerely and tells him, “What if some one else beats you to it?”

Hunter’s face grows serious as he thinks. “Well,” he says after a minute, “If they beat me, it wasn’t mean to be.” Both Riley and Annabel stare at the little boy, wondering how he got so smart. Annabel is the first to start laughing. She pulls Hunter into her lap and kisses his light brown hair.

Riley whispers, “Kids say the darndest things.”

Hunter crosses his arms in front of his chest and mumbles, “Stop laughing at me.”

Annabel sighs, “We’re not laughing at you buddy.” Annabel notices the sun disappearing behind the trees. She asks him, “Ready to g-go home?”

He shakes his head, “I don’t ever want to go home.”

Annabel looks at him, “Why not?”

He sighs, looking very sad, “Moma will yell at me for getting my clothes dirty.”

Annabel rolls her eyes, “I h-have a plan, okay? We’ll sneak in at h-home and r-run real fast to your r-room and change clothes before she notices.”

Hunter nods, “Okay.” He turns to Riley, “Wanna come?”

Annabel's eyes widen as she tells her little brother, “I’m sure Riley has other things to d-do than come back and play w-with us.” She looks at Riley, surprised to feel a slight tug in her heart that wants the Latina to say yes.

Riley shakes her head, “I can’t come today, Hunter, but I promise you this; I’ll come over soon, sound fair?”

Hunter nods, “Okay, but make it real soon; my sister is lonely.” Annabel blushes as she lifts the boy up and shakes her head in embarrassment. Her face reddens even more when the darker girl’s eyebrows lift playfully.

“Good-bye, Riley. I’ll l-l-look for you at s-school?” Annabel says, her voice stumbling over the words.

Riley smiles, teasing the blonde, “Sure you will, Social.”

Annabel frowns, “I will. M-maybe a-after my Calculus final w-we could get l-lunch?” Her voice taking on a hopeful tone.

Riley grins, “I’d like that Social.” She watches as Annabel carries her little brother to the street and hails a cab. “Note to self,” she says softly, “Always carry Band-Aids.”

NaNoWriMo

2004-11-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

Absolutely the most theraputic thing invented. I mean, WHOA!

National Novel Writer's Month aka NaNoWriMo

This is my first year to participate and I will be submitting my work in progress novel, 'Beautiful Dreamer' It will be available on this site for reading and of course, for feedback.

I'm a feedback whore, I love it.

So, anyone else participating in it? Like to read something I've written? Just drop me a line. Take care and God Bless.

Jessica

Getting To Know ME

2004-11-06T15:17:00.000-08:00

Good AfterNoon, All.

I was asked if I had a website and when I replied, "No," I was treated like I was just about retarded. I mean, EVERYONE has a website, right.

Well, Now I have one.

Here's all about me.

1. Blonde
2. Texan
3. Writer
4. Opnionated
5. Gay
6. Friendly
7. Dork
8. Reader
9. Cute as hell!