Class C Short stories

Short Stories

Mr. Etkin’s

Class C Troubled

By Kennedy johns

It was the first day of school. Well really the first day of the 3rd school leo’d be going to this year. He was excited, his mom said he’d make lots of new friends there, and everything would be okay, as long as he stayed out of trouble. Trouble seems to come natural to him now a days. Why? He never knew. But everywhere Leo turned, trouble followed him. He’d bully kids for no reason. He’s been kicked out of 2 schools already this year. His Mom said that if he got kicked out of one more, then She’d send him to catholic or military school, and Leo couldn’t risk that. So from now on he had to

be an “ Ideal student” whatever that is.

The bus ride was cool. Nobody really rid the bus, which was unusual for him, because past school experiences the bus was always packed with many kids.

Leo usually had to share a seat with someone he didn’t know. Which he found awkward and uncomfortable. He liked that it wasn’t. He’d be able to sit in his own seat, and relax. Maybe even take a quick nap before he got there. But too much was on his mind, so he decided to stay awake and think about things.

Leo wondered if there’d be kids like him. He was often known as troubled. Kids, who didn’t even know his name, nicknamed him “TRB” which is an abbreviation for the word troubled. It made him mad. People would judge him so much, they didn’t even know His first name. I guess because people would judge him, he would judge them, and other people too. People think he’s a big bully, but really, inside he’s just a kid like everyone else, who has different experiences then the next person. “ Who am I telling this to?” Leo never knew. But always wondered. The thoughts inside his head did all the talking. “ All rise, we’re here!

Everyone get in a single file line, no stuff today okay guys?

I’m tired too. Everyone just go about their business and keep your hands and feet to yourself, and carefully exit the

bus”. Leo found this lady hilarious, because there were what? 10 kids on the bus tops? And they were all goody goods. Well at least looked like it.

At first he didn’t notice how big the school was. Intil Leo actually stepped outside. He stood there for at least 2 minuets just to admire the place. Just staring at every single inch of the school, and as he did, he wondered how the heck he ever got into a school like this? It was definitely the most advanced and biggest school he’s ever gone to. As Leo started to walk towards the door he stopped in his tracks, he heard some kids behind him giggling. As they came around him, they looked right at him real fast like and smiled and whispered to each other. He felt like he was some sort of outcast. He wanted to go over to them and say “Ay! What are you looking at?” But remembered what mom had told him. So he kept his thoughts in.

Leo was finally at the doors. They were those glass ones, and since it was sunny out, threw them, he saw his reflection. He looked at himself up and down. He hadn’t realized how long he hasn’t looked in a mirror, and now looking at his appearance, he didn’t like what he saw. His baggy jeans and wrinkled plaid shirt with a pizza stain, and messy undone hair, made him in the mix of looking the part of a thug, and troubled kid in his opinion judging from what

he’s seen. Not that any kid who had trouble has a certain look, but to him this look matched his past, and soon to be future pretty well. He hated knowing he looked like this. He desperately wanted to switch bodies with anybody. It didn’t matter whom, as long as he didn’t have to be himself. “ I WISH YOU COULD JUST DISSAPEAR! I HATE YOU!” Leo screamed that to the top of his lungs, he screamed it so loud he could feel the vibrations in the glass shake. He ran.

Ran faster then he’s ever run before. Why? He didn’t know.

It was his thoughts and feet doing the work.

Leo knew he’d never be able to fit in. Especially with these kids. Where ever he went trouble followed him everywhere. Why would it be different now just because he moved to a new school? He often did that anyways because of his behavior. These kids had a life ahead of them, and he knew he didn’t. He knew they wouldn’t want him there. He was just a different kind. He was the kind that didn’t really belong anywhere besides on the streets. As he thought those depressing sad thoughts he shed some tears, and after those few he started to actually cry. Tears he held in, for months. He finally let them free. As he ran, he bawled.

Leo ran all the way to the dollar store around the block from his house. He just needed a break from everything. He needed to clear his thoughts and mind. As

He walked in, he spied his favorite chocolate bar and swiped it right out of the box on the shelf it was on, and walked to the cashier counter to check it out. As he was checking his item out, the man at the counter looked at him out the corner of his eyes. He sensed that something happened before he came to store by the red puffiness of his eyes, and dry tearstains on his cheeks. “ Uh shouldn’t you be in school kid?” the man asked. Leo responded and said, “ Kids like me aren’t welcome there. So why bother even showing up?” “ Sure you are. Everyone’s welcome at school. No matter how many bad things happen, you keep your head in those books.” “ You don’t understand. I’ve been put down , and hurt for so long. I carry my problems , and mistakes with me , and it shows through out my horrible personality. I’ve believed I’m a nothing for so long that it’s hard to take a single compliment like “ you can do it kid! or Good job kid! I’m stuck with these feelings. And the problems from my past.”

Leo shed another tear.

“Trust me, I do. I was just like you when I was at your age.

Didn’t give a care in the world. Thought I was going nowhere in life, and been put down the most. But if I just

had someone to push me harder, I would have been head of the class. Went off to college and lived out my dreams.

You have someone to push you kid. You need to go back to school, and be confident in yourself, show them what you’re made of. Surprise them. Make them wish they hadn’t doubted you, and feel sorry for ever doing so.”

Leo didn’t really believe what the man had to say. But hey, it was his 3rd time this year going to a new school, he had nothing to lose. So he just nodded his head, and pretended he believed everything the man had to say.

He was often good at faking a smile anyways.

“You really think so?”

“Yes Kid!” The man said with joyment in his eyes.

15 minuets later, Leo got back to school. The man gave him a quick ride, which was nice because it was raining but it was on his job time so he really shouldn’t have.

He dropped Leo off at the front of the steps leading to the glass doors. Upwards towards the steps Leo looked behind to see if the man was still there, he was getting his car ready to drive away, before he did he looked at him and nodded and said, “ You can do it! I believe in you kid” and smiled and drove off. Leo turned around, the rain had stopped and the sun was starting to shine. Once again Leo saw his reflection threw the glass doors. Instead of judging

himself this time, he thought of the bright words the cashier man said again and again inside his head. “ You can do it! I believe in you kid” he just hoped that what he said he meant, and Leo hoped one day he could himself believe it.

It was the first day of the 3rd school he’d be going to this 6th grade year. This time Leo would try his best, and prove to the people who once doubted him that he can turn his life around .He can be just as smart and just as focused as them, just with a little practice to make it perfect.

“Who am I talking to?” He never knew. But this time, his heart, mind, and good actions were finally doing the work.

Prom?

By Zion king

Zendaya walked into school and saw the guy she liked Jake. She liked him but didn’t know he if he liked her back. So she went to her friend’s locker and left a note for walked in she told them that she really liked him. And Miranda said that we had to go to the mall because Jake was going to be

there and we could “ Hey Jake,” said Alex. “ Hey Alex,” said Jake. “ Hey do you know that girl Zendaya?” said Alex very quite. “ Who is that,” said Jake with a confuse look on his face. “ Her over there,” he said while pointing to the water fountain.

“ Oh her yea what is her name again?” said Jake “ ZENDAYA,” he said yelling. “ Yea why?” Jake said. “ Do you think she’s cute?” Alex asked. “ Yea sure why” asked Jake.

“Just asking” said Alex. “ Well ok then” said Jake.

So Alex told Zendaya that Jake didn’t think that she’s cute. She was upset but just because he doesn’t mean your cute doesn’t mean that he didn’t like her. So she went to her locker and when she opened it a note fell. It said: I THINK YOU’RE THE CUTESET GIRL IN SCHOOL.

So she got her friends all in the closet and told them about it. Alex wasn’t saying much it was a little strange.

“Alex are you ok?” she asked.

“I FINE,” he yelled.

“Ok do you know who left the note?” she

asked “NO I REALLY DON’T,” he yelled “Ok don’t get your boxers in a twist,” she said “Well I’m stressed about prom ok?” he asked “PROM OH MY GOD I FORGOT ABOUT PROM,” she said.

“I have a date,” said Jill talking very self-centered.

“Who,” she said “Derek” she said “Well ok then I’m not asking someone, someone should ask me.

Then Alex got this thinking look on his face.

“Ok will you go to prom with me?”

“Wait you asking me?”

“Yes I am,” he said “Yes I will go to prom with you,” she said

The Plan By: Tuan Banh “X=4.223,” said Justin “Mooomm! Can I stop working now?” asked Justin. “Why do I have to work everyday?”

“Because I want you to be ready if your teacher gives you a quiz or a test,” explained Justin’s mom.

“If there was a test or quiz my teacher would tell me,” Said Justin shifting is feet under the desk.

“Can I just go to Josh’s house?” Asked Justin. *** Two days ago Justin received a call from his friend Josh saying that he was home from a vacation and that he could come over anytime now. *** “Mom,” said Justin “He called me two days ago to come over , Two!” exclaimed Justin angrily.

“Please go back to your room and study, “ said Justin’s mom “Fine,” grumbled Justin stomping up the stairs and shutting the door. “How can I convince my mom to let me go to Josh’s house?” asked Justin shuffling around is room.

“I don’t here you working,” intruded Justin’s mom.

“How can you here someone reading in their head?” asked Justin standing against the door.

“Okay, well we’re going to have a party in an hour okay sweetie?”

“Whose coming over?” asked Justin. “ Your cousins” said mom.

“Which ones?” asked Justin.

“Ummmm, Derek , Jack , John , and I think Ryan,” Said Justin’s mom.

“Okay,” Said Justin.

“Well I’m going to go downstairs and getting things ready, okay?” asked mom.

“Okay, is it okay if I play on the PS3 while I wait?” Asked Justin.

“Sure honey,” said mom softly.

“Okay, thanks,” Said Justin walking over to the TV. “Now, where did I leave the controller?” Thought Justin.

Knock, knock.

“I’ll get it mom!” Yelled Justin.

“Thank you sweetie!” Yelled mom back.

“Hey!” Exclaimed a voice.

“Oh, hey Derek!” Yelled Justin excitedly.

“So, what are you doing right now?” asked Derek wiping his shoes on the mat and taking them off.

“Nothing much, playing MW3 waiting for you guys,” Said Justin “But I didn’t turn the PS3 on yet.”

“Can I play?” asked Derek.

“Sure!” Exclaimed Justin “Follow me!”

“Okay,” said Derek following Justin upstairs.

“Okay were here,” said Justin “Can you turn on the PS3?” asked Justin closing the door behind Derek.

“Sure thing,” Said Derek Walking over to the PS3. “Man your room is a mess!”

“Yeah I know,” said Justin “I’ll clean it up later.”

“Sure whatever,” Said Derek “Oh shut up,” Said Justin.

“Here,” Said Justin handing Derek a controller.

“What are we playing, Survival or Multiplayer?” Asked Derek scrolling through the options.

“Doesn’t matter,” Said Justin taking a sip of coca cola.

“Multiplayer then,” Said Derek.

“MAN!” Yelled Derek.

“What?” Asked Justin editing his classes.

“Your rank 70?” Asked Derek “I’m only rank 40!”

Exclaimed Derek scrolling through the classes Justin made.

“Well, because you have to choose the classes that feel right to you,” boasted Justin “But it has to be effective too.”

“But it has to be effecting too,” Mimicked Derek

“Shut up,” Said Justin pushing Derek.

“I’m going with a KSG shotgun, I rush them with it,” Said Justin. “But I add a foregrip to it.”

“But doesn’t that just make it more accurate?” asked Derek curiously.

“Exactly,” Said Justin pointing his finger at Derek.

“Uhh, I don’t follow,” Said Derek.

“Since the KSG is horribly inaccurate, adding the foregrip makes it overpowered,” Said Justin.

“Ahh,” Said Derek.

“Hey, going off topic I’m trying to convince my mom to let me have some free time, can you get your mom or something to help?” Asked Justin.

“Sure, my mom would love to help her favorite nephew!” exclaimed Derek excitedly.

“Thanks.” Sighed Justin.

“Well, back to the game!” Exclaimed Derek excitedly.

“What mode are we playing?” Asked Justin.

“I don’t know Kill Confirmed, or FFA Gungame?” Asked Derek switching game modes quickly.

“Lets go with FFA Gungame I never played it before,” Said Justin rapidly hitting the X button repeatedly.

“Okay okay, you’re going to destroy the controller,” Worried Derek.

“Just wanted to see what kind of games are in FFA Gungame, sorry.” Said Justin.

“There are three types of gun games, there is 3x6 which means you get 6 kills and rank up guns three times, and there is all or nothing which means you start with no ammo and when you kill someone and get scavenger and get ammo and try to get the most kills, and the last one I know of is one in the chamber.” Said Derek trying to catch his breath.

“Justin!” Yelled Justin’s mom “Derek, come down we’re getting ready for dinner!”

“Alright mom be down in a minute!” Yelled Justin back.

“Come on, leave the PS3 on but don’t join a game,” Said Justin heading toward the door.

“Alright,” Said Derek following Justin.

“So, what are you eating?” Asked Derek running down the stairs.

“Anything that is good.” Said Justin hopping off the railing at the end of the stairs.

“I don’t know I might have a hotdog, some chips, and fries,” Said Derek curiously “anything that is good.”

“Hey guys!” shouted Jack, John, and Ryan.

“Hey!” Yelled Derek and Justin at the same time.

“Hey, uncle Mike here?” asked Justin.

“He’ll be here soon we just called him,” Said Jack putting

away his phone.

“Wait, I’ll be right back,” Said Justin running up the stairs.

“Okay.” Said John.

“Where is it?” Thought Justin. “Oh there it is.”

“Back,” Said Justin getting down the stairs.

“What is that?” Asked Jack.

“Shhhhhhh!” Yelled Justin.

“Why?” Asked Jack.

“It’s a project,” Said Justin looking around.

“For?” Asked Jack curiously.

“Its just something to allow me get some free time,” Said Justin.

“Here, let me see it maybe I can help,” Said Jack reaching for the board.

“Fine,” Said Justin handing the board over to Jack.

“Its pretty good, but if you want to convince your mom you have to make the time fair,” Explained Jack.

“Let me see it,” Said John.

“Here,” Said Jack handing the board to John.

“Pretty good, by the way when did you make this?”

Asked John.

“Oh, when I was working I got tired and made it,” Said Justin. “I was going to show my mom later but then she said you guys were coming over,”

“Oh, wow you had enough time to do that?” Asked John.

“Yep,” Said Justin “Fast writer eh?” Said Ryan looking at the board over John’s shoulder.

“Dude, get off of me,” Complained John.

“Okay, chill,” Said Ryan backing up.

“So when were you going to plan to show this to your mom?” Asked Jack giving to board back to Justin.

“Probably after everyone is eating so everybody can agree to let me have some free time,” said Justin “and convince my mom too.”

“Never knew you were that smart,” Said Jack.

“Oh shut up,” said Justin.

“Man your floors are creaky,” Complained John.

“Oh shut up, at least we have a nice house, unlike your dirty apartment,” Said Justin.

“Whatever,” Muttered John.

“Mom, are we eating yet?” Asked Justin.

“Yes!” Shouted mom.

“Time to shine friend,” Smirked Ryan.

“I’ll do it when you guys go home,” Said Justin “Oh no you don’t, I want to see your plan fail,” Teased John.

“Fine,” Complained Justin. “Hey guys!”

“Hi,” Said Justin’s uncles, aunts and his mom.

“I want to show you guys something, it’s just that my mom wont let me have any fun,” Said Justin. “Not to be mean or anything.”

“Justin, its just that I want you to be smart instead of having fun!” Shouted out his mom.

“Come on, let him speak!” Shouted Jack.

“Anyways, I made this chart to show you how I can split up my study days and freetime days,” Explained Justin. “I hope you like it.”

“You think they’ll like it?” Asked John.

“I don’t know,” Said Justin walking over to the counter. “I hope.”

“Hey Justin, we have got your mom to agree to these arrangements,” Said Justin’s uncle.

“Really?” Asked Justin excitedly.

“Yeah!”

“Okay, I’ll go collect my poster board.”

“Thanks for your time,” Said Justin.

“No problem Justin,” Replied uncle Mike.

An hour pasted, and Justin’s family is going home and he was getting ready for bed.

“Justin?” Asked Justin’s mom opening the bathroom

door.

“Yeah?” muffled Justin, his mouth filled with toothpaste.

“Do you know why I push you so hard to work and study?” Asked his mom.

“No why?” Asked Justin spiting out toothpaste.

“It’s because when I was your age I had to work for a living, to get all my money for school, my food everything” Explained mom.

“So I make you work so hard because if you have to do the same thing I did, you would be prepared,” said Justin’s mom sadly.

“Mom, I have you to take care of me until I leave the house,” said Justin “That’s all I could ever ask for.”

“Really?” Asked Justin’s mom wiping up the tears.

“Yes really,” “Why don’t you take the day off of studying tommorow and play all day,” said Justin’s mom “I’d like that, thanks mom.

The Cinnamon Challenge Alexander Stoj

“Ok, you ready?” Nick said very seriously “Yes I am.” Chris replied while opening his eyes real wide, they both laughed. Chris and Nick both called in unison.

“3,2,1!” Chris stuffed the spoon full of cinnamon in his mouth.

Ppppffff. The cinnamon sprayed everywhere. Chris chugged 3 cups of water to get all the cinnamon out.

“That was so embarrassing.” Chris said while cleaning up the cinnamon. He just didn’t want anybody to see that besides Nick. Or else he thought. The reason Chris did the cinnamon challenge was because he watched it on YouTube with Nick.

Chris walked into school. It was just a normal day so far. Until 6th period. Jacob, Katherine, and Hannah walked up to Chris’s locker. They were three of the most popular kids in school. Something must have been wrong, because these three wouldn’t have even looked at Chris, or even talk to him.

“Hey chicken, I guess you couldn’t finish the cinnamon challenge. You are one sad kid, pathetic.” Jacob said while slamming Chris’s locker shut, and giving Chris a punch in the shoulder. He winced, trying not to show pain. Once Chris heard those words he knew Nick must have filmed it. “ Were did you guys see it. “ Chris asked.

“Facebook.” Hannah said, very smirky. Chris ran as fast as he could to Nick’s locker.

“Shut up! You were the one that filmed it!” Chris yelled while trying to catch his breath. “ I don’t know what your talking about Chris?” Nick said.

“Well the how does all these know what happened?” Chris said while pointing to a random person in the hall.” This is sad, I thought you were my friend?!” he yelled while storming off.

About a week went by. Everybody thought Chris got over what Nick did to him.

Chris walked up to Nick’s locker with a plan. Chris said “ Hey, you wanna’ come over today?” Of course he said yes.

Chris heard a knock on his door today, he knew it was him, so he answered it. Nick and Chris went into his kitchen.

“So do you wanna’ do the vinegar challenge?” Chris said “Yea I’ll do it.” Nick replied.

Chris pored the vinegar in the glass (Chris had a hidden camera under some paper towels).

“Ok. 3,2…1!” Chris called out. Nick tried to drink it. He spit it out and started yelling “Aaahhh. Why would someone do this? ” Nick said while

cleaning up the vinegar. Then, right there. Nick bent down and, threw up. It was the funniest thing ever. Chris bent over laughing so hard.

Nick ran to Chris’s locker.

“Why did you do that? Why did you film that, you jerk.“ Nick said very mad and embarrass.

“I…I…I’m-“ Chris tried to say.

“No I’m done, this is ridiculous,” Nick said. Very ticked off.

All day in class Chris couldn’t keep his mind off of Nick.

So the next day Chris walked up to Nick’s locker.

“Ok, look. You can call me a jerk and all that, but can we just still be friends?” Chris said.

“Um, I guess, but promise we wont film anything, or do anything to embarrass each other?” Nick said while lifting and dropping his arms to his hips.

“I promise.” Chris said confidently.

So two months past, Chris and Nick still hang out. But they don’t do anything mean to each other.

THE GIRL

By Philip J. Martinez It was one hot summer day when Malik was walking in the schoolyard when he discovered a wooden ring he cautiously

graded the ring to see if those jerks fan and dan rigged it but to his luck it wasn’t so he put it in his pocket and headed for class.

“MAAAAALIKKKKK” screams Mr.Cerk, “YEEEEEES SIR” replys Malik with his chest pushed out in a rather goffy manner, “Solve this problem” says Mr.C with a grin on his face, all the students gasp they couldn’t belive it Mr.C put one of his “Impossible to solve questions” on the board the stories of people whose brains have blown up because of theses questions people feared for Maliks safty but not Malik he didn’t worry he simply grinned back and said “give me 10 seconeds and ill have the answer”.

Then Mr.C smiled and began to count people starred at Malik as his eyes were running everywere on the board then at exactly 1 malik blearted out the answer 336PIESQUARED everyones eyes and minds explotted Malik had solved the problem and he had broke the impossible lock on Mr.C questions “that’s great that you solved my questions and all but lets how you do on the state test” says Mr.C with his hands on his hips “Don’t worry I got it”says Malik while rubbing his head.

Just then a girl entered the room Maliks eyes widened and his mouth dropped she had the regular school uniform on for females and she had sparkling blue eyes and pink hair with pig tails she may have been some ordinary girl but in Maliks eyes she was a goddess.

“Ahhhhhhhh yes”said Mr.C “class this is our new student Amy Rose”Just then she said hi and sat down right next to Maliks desk “SCORE!” said Malik in his head as she sat down.

The class went on but all through out it Malik couldn’t stop thinking about that ring he tried to forget but he just couldn’t it was so pretty and just at the near of the end of class Mr.C asked her to introduce herself so she stood up and began.

“Hello my name is Amy Rose both my parents are died and I life with my grandmother and before my mothers death” Malik was board out of his mind but he had no problem with staring at her beuuuuuuuuuutiful face he was hooked on her face until she noticed becaue as she was speaking she looked at Malik at the corner of her eye and blushed Malik noticed “oh crap”

He quickly slammed his head down on his table Amy jump from the sound of the noise everyone stared at him for a moment and then she continued Malik began to listen to the story this time and not her face.

Amy continued “before the death of my parents my mother handed me a wooden ring and told me to take care of it and never lose it but unfortunately I lost the ring and cant find it,” Maliks head swung up and Malik puld out the ring and listened to her examine it.

“It was a brown wooden ring with a blue jewl in the middle with my name written on the inside,” Malik was so happy when he heard her describe it Malik had a chance to impress her he took his opportunity next period well tomorrows period which was enginnering he would make the best gift ever. The next day Malik ran to school he was so happy he had the funniest grin on his face when he entered the school that face suddenly became the most shocked face in the world Amy was getting bullied Malik listened “Wow! We offer you to hang out with us and you decline because of some stupied ring,”

Maliks clenches his fist in rage “my mom gave me that ring” “What if I care,”she said with her hands on her hips “you’re the new girl anyway why would I want hang with you,” just then malik screamed “shut up,” the girls turned and looked at him.

They then said “why are you here,” Malik couldn’t think he didn’t want to look like a loser in front of Amy just then his mouth moved he hand no clue what he was doing but he said “I came because I like you a lot and think your cute,” Then the girls face turned bright red and she ran away with her friends chasing after her. Amy also blushed and said “you like her” in kind of a sad Malik blushed as well and said “no no I just couldn’t think of a way to get her to get of your back so my mouth just moved” He said in a laughing voice she then looked as if she was at ease and then said “well that’s good” She said with a happy face Malik was shocked to hear her say that his face was on fire it was so red “I gota go bye,” He then ran. At engineering class there was a project were you had to make a wooden toy this was the perfect opportunity For Malik to impress Amy he could see the entire scene in his

head but this was time to daydream he had to work and he did exactly that. And exactly when the bell rang Malik finished he was so proud he left the classroom with his chest held high then he got to his next class and waited for the day to come to an end his plan was to give Amy the gift at the end of the day. The last bell rang and Malik charged for Amys locker he ran so fast he felt like he was flying as he approached Amys locker the worst possible thing happened the girl that was bullying Amy had tolled her boyfriend about what Malik said and he got Maliks way “ha I heard what you said to my girlfriend,” he said glaring at Malik.

Malik didn’t have time for this time was running out “get out of my way or ill make you move,” Malik responded in a absolutely raged voice “ha what are you going to do,”he said in a smug voice all relaxed position …….Then out of the blue BAMM! “ill do this,” Malik screamed as he punched the guy and that definitely caught Amys attention she jumped because of the sound of that punch it made the scariest snapping noise she then saw Malik standing over the guy kind of out of breath Amy was shacking she was so scared that she began to run to the bus Malik screamed at the top of his lungs

“WAAAAAIT!” she stopped in her tracks then Malik began to run over she began to run again right when she started to move Malik grabbed her arm and began to speak “wait please wait I only punched that guy because he got in my way because I wanted to come over to you tell you that im head over heals in love with you and I don’t know what im saying,” when Amy heard this she stopped wiggling and turned to Malik and said in a shoft voice while blushing “Malik you…..love me” she said while lifting her hand to her mouth Malik replied while sighing in happiness because stopped “yes,” “yes I love you and I have an amazing gift for you to,” he put his hand in his pocket and pulled out the box “here I want you to have this”he said gently she took it and opened it only to find the most amazing thing ever she began to cry Malik then jumped and said “did I do something wrong,”he said with his head held down amy then took the ring and put it on then she jumped into Maliks arms and said “thank you.”

BEING PUT TO THE TEST Mareshah Owens

Jenniffer has always wanted to be friends with Rebeaka, Dana, Alexis and Alicen.

One day at lunch Jenniffer was wearing an outfit that the girls liked. After Jenniffer got her lunch and sat at her lunch table Rebeaka suddenly called Jenniffer over to the lunch table she was sitting at with her friends.

“Jenniffer I totally like love your out fit. Where did you get it from?” Rebeaka asked.

“The mall. Why?” Jenniffer answered as Rebeaka turned her head and looked at Alexis with a nod.

“Well speaking of the mall, we wanted to ask you something,” said Alexis.

“What is it?” Jenniffer replied.

“Well, we were thinking of asking you to go to the mall with us after school on Friday,” Alexis told Jenniffer.

Yeah. What time are we going? Jenniffer said excitedly.

“At five,” Alexis said “You’re meeting us there, right?” Dana asked while eating her salad.

Yeah, of course. At what entrance door? Macy, JC-.

“The main entrance,” Rebeaka said interrupting Jenniffer.

“Ok. Was that it, or was there more you wanted to ask me?

Jenniffer asked while trying to get a quick bite of a French fry.

“No, that was it. You can leave now. So bye,” Rebeaka said giving off a fake smile.

Jenniffer just quickly walked away. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……..

“Hey, Jenniffer. Give me your phone,” Dana demanded while walking in the bathroom.

“I don’t have it with me,” Jenniffer stammered.

“Why don’t you? Oh I know you don’t have one,” Dana told Jenniffer rudely.

“Yes I do I just don’t have it with me, that’s all,” Jenniffer said.

“Well don’t just stand there, go get it,” Dana said gesturing her hand towards the bathroom door.

“Why, what for?” Jenniffer asked.

“Just go get it,” Dana said annoyed.

“Ok,” Jenniffer said walking out the bathroom door.

As Jenniffer walked back through the bathroom door Dana had her hand out saying, “Give it here.”

As Jenniffer handed Dana her phone, she thought, I can’t believe I’m actually in a clique. Rebeaka’s clique to be exact.

“What are you doing?” Jenniffer asked.

“Nothing, I’m done now,” Dana answered as she handed Jenniffer back her phone walking out the door.

When Dana left Jenniffer looked in her phone and she saw that

Dana had put her number in her contacts

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……..

Where Wherer u? r u?

DANA The Themain mainentrance entrance JENNIFFER DANA

Meet Meetu uthere there

K,K,see seeu uthere there JENNIFFER “Hey guys.” “What store are we going in?”

Jenniffer asked.

“I don’t know we can just walk around the mall and look through the store windows,” Alexis said walking in the main entrance door.

“Ok,”Jenniffer said quickly catching up to the girls.

“Let’s go in forever 21,”Jenniffer suggested.

“No. We’re going into HotSpot,” Alicen said walking to the store door and opening it as they all walked in the store.

‘Let’s all go to different skirt racks and see what we like,” Rebeaka said in a demanding tone of voice.

As Jenniffer walked to a skirt rack that no one was at she

thought, I remember when I was watching this movie called Mean Girls a week ago and there is this girl named Regina. Regina reminds me of Rebeaka and they both start with an R in their name and an A at the end of their name. That’s funny and they are both mean, Jenniffer thought laughing in her head. Jenniffer gasped, oh my gosh! Did I really just say that? I can’t believe I said that, Jenniffer covered her mouth with disbelief.

“Hey, get over here,” Rebeaka said loudly as they start walking over towards Rebeaka at a different skirt rack. “So, I was thinking, since I don’t have enough money with me to buy this skirt. So how about we all steal,” Rebeaka told them in a whisper looking at the cashier and the camera in front of them.

I can’t steal that skirt. What if we get caught? I have to think of something that is cool and I must say it quick. I got it!

Jenniffer thought with a quick little smile.

“Yeah, let’s do that that sounds really cool. But is any one thirsty? I’ll go to the food court and get us some diet soda,” while

quickly walking out HotSpot’s door looking behind herself walking past the food court through the nearest malls exit.

“Hi, mom? Yeah, umm can you pick me up from the mall?

Yeah I can wait a bit. Ok, thanks,” Jenniffer said to her mom, looking around her surroundings. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… …….

“Hey, Jenniffer,” Rebeaka called Jenniffer angrily.

“Yeah?” Jenniffer asked as she spun around quickly from being surprised.

“Come here now. We have to talk,” Rebeaka said with attitude and a hand on one hip taping the opposite foot.” You ditched us on Friday at the mall. You said you were going to get us sodas and you never came back I even had Dana text you and she said that she got no response,” Rebeaka said with her arms crossed. ”Are you going to respond or not like you did to Dana?

“I, well, Jenniffer sighed. Ok, you guys wanted to steal those skirts and I didn’t want to. So I, I didn’t want to steal with you guys.

Rebeaka, Dana, Alexis and Alicen’s faces changed like they were thinking “Excuse me?”

“No, no, I didn’t mean it that way,” Jenniffer said shaking her hands and head.” I didn’t want to steal with anyone. Ok?” “Whatever. But listen that was a test, ok. If you won’t steal with us then you can’t hang out with us. It’s your choice.

Which one do you choose? Rebeaka asked with her arms folded.

“You know what, I choose not to hang out with you or be your friend.If I have to be put to a test to be someone’s friend and not just have to be myself then that means they won’t be good friends anyway,” Jenniffer said and just walked away without letting Rebeaka have a word or anybody else.

The Prank By: Madeline Kelly Hannah and Maria were in the lunch line, filling up their trays with the schools ‘great’ spaghetti. They were walking away together, but Maria forgot her spork.

“I’ll be right back,” Maria said, “ Meet you at the table, ok?” Hannah was walking back to the table, and she noticed she was about to pass by Starr’s table. Starr quickly glanced at Hannah and whispered something to her friend.

As Hannah passed by Starr’s table, Starr put out her foot and tripped Hannah! She fell, and noticed that she spilled her lunch on somebody. Her cherries jubilee went into her eye and all she saw was red. She scrambled around for a napkin, and wiped her eye.

She looked up at the victim, and realized it was her crush, Dylan!! She felt her face get hot, and she blushed. She was unable to speak… She mumbled she was really sorry to Dylan and hurried to Maria. Before

Maria could ask what happened, Hannah grabbed her hand, and pulled her into the hallway. They ran to the nearest janitors closet and closed the door.

“What happened?!?” Maria asked, scanning Hannah, looking at all of the stains on her clothes. Hannah explained to her about Starr’s evilness and how she spilled her lunch on Dylan.

You see, Starr has always been mean to Hannah and Maria ever since Maria left Starr in 6th grade to become Hannah’s best friend instead of hers. She and her ‘popular posse’ have always embarrassed them throughout their middle school lives. But now, it’s gone too far. They plan to get REVENGE!!

What they plan to do is get Maria’s younger brothers NERF squirt gun, and fill it up with toothpaste. They’ll ask Hannah’s college brother, (who plans to be a mechanic) to help them rig up the squirt gun inside off Starr’s locker. It would be facing outward and when the locker is opened, it goes off. Let Starr feel the other end of her harassment!! “Lets do it!” exclaimed Hannah.

“Okay, but when?” asked Maria.

“Tomorrow, but let’s finish school today and we’ll get the supplies after. Ok?” “Great!” Hannah and Maria finished that day of school and got the stuff. They chatted on Facebook that night, and decided to go to school earlier the next morning to set it up…

“Won’t a teacher see us?” asked Maria.

“No, we’re ok, nobody’s here this early.” Hannah said. It was 6:30am, and school started at 8am on the dot. But the doors were open because the chess club is in the mornings, and they last long. But they let out at 7:45am, so they had nothing to worry about. “Which one is her locker?” Whispered Maria, her heart pounding.

“It’s number 3434… Pretty easy to remember.”

Said Hannah.

“Ok, I’ve got her locker combo. I had to search everywhere for this thing! It was in my 6th grade ELA binder.”

“Ok, Just unlock it!!” Hannah said impatiently.

Maria and Hannah set up the prank like Hannah’s

brother taught them last night. They walked into to the cafeteria casually when they were done.

Finally the bell rang to go to homeroom. Luckily Hannah and Maria’s homeroom is right next to the locker bay where Starr’s locker is. They waited anxiously at their lockers pretending to shuffle around.

After what seemed like forever, Starr came around the corner, flipping her hair and talking to her clique that trailed not too far behind her.

She walked up to her locker, slowly turning the lock and not getting it the first time. Hannah let out a little wisp of the breath she had been holding for quite awhile. Starr tried again, getting it. Maria heard the click that indicates that the locker is unlocked. Starr immediately opened her locker and started reaching for her lip-gloss. Before she even saw the water gun, it started squirting the toothpaste.

“OMG!! It worked!!!” squealed Hannah.

“It’s fantastic!” yelled Maria. While Hannah and Maria were laughing in the corner, Starr screeched out in pain. Everyone in the hallway quieted down. About

2 minutes later, the nurse was there, seeing what the problem was.

“Her eye!!” someone called out.

“Okay honey, let me check out your eye.” The nurse said softly. As it turns out, her eye was severely injured.

“Oh. My. Gosh. I feel so bad!” exclaimed Maria, as her and Hannah were walking down the hall.

“I know! We have to say something…”

“I don’t know, we could get suspended!”

“Yeah, but at least we wouldn’t have the guilt hanging over us.”

“Okay fine.”

Later that day, Hannah and Maria went to the office. They were well aware of the situation.

“Mrs. Lupica?” the girls said in unison.

“Yes ladies? How can I help you?” asked Mrs. Lupica in her maple sugar sweet voice.

“Well, we kind of wanted to tell you something.”

Maria said warily.

“Well what is it?” Mrs. Lupica said, clearly annoyed.

“We want to tell you that we, uh, sort of did something.” Hannah said shyly.

“Oh girls… What did you do? Go to the bathroom without a pass?” said Mrs. Lupica, looking amused.

“Well, a lot worse than that.” Said Maria slowly.

“Girls, I have a line forming here, cut to the chase.”

“Ok, ok… We did that prank to Starr this morning!” Hannah blurted out.

“Oh my, girls, I’m ashamed of you! This is a serious issue! We’re going to have to bring this up to Mr. Harvey! Please take a seat. I will give him a call.” The girls sat down and waited nervously.

Finally Mr. Harvey came out and he looked more serious than ever. He was the principal of Peecher Prep. Middle school. Whenever you got called down to Mr. Harvey's office, you are in serious trouble.

“Ladies…” Mr. Harvey said waving his hand towards his office. The girls followed him in and sat down in his big-easy chairs. His office was adorned with large picture frames of him and his family.

He seems nice in these pictures, Maria thought, I

wish I could melt into one right now…

“Now, this is a serious thing, ladies. Starr is really hurt!” Both of the girls sighed. “ I’m going to need to call your parents and explain to them what happened. We’ll figure out a punishment, and I will get back to you. For now, you may go back to class.

Come back at the beginning of 10th period.”

“Ok,” Maria said “ See you then” Hannah and Maria walked out and went to 7th period.

When it was 10th period, the girls reluctantly went down to the office and to Mrs. Lupica’s desk.

“Hi, we’re here to…”

“I know why you’re here,” said Mrs. Lupica, cutting Hannah off. “Sit down!” she snapped. Hannah and Maria sat down, sadly, knowing that the word has gotten around.

“Come in girls!!” Mr. Harvey called from the doorway of his office. They sat in the chairs that didn’t feel so welcoming and comfy anymore. “I’ve spoken to your parents and we’ve come up to a decision about your punishment,” he said sternly. “You will both have three weeks of suspension for severally injuring a

student.”

“Three WEEKS?!?!?!” exclaimed Hannah. “I’ll miss cheerleading tryouts!!”

“I’m sorry, but there are bad consequences for bad actions. You may leave now to catch the last few minutes of class.” Hannah jumped out of the chair and stormed out of the room. Maria got up quietly and walked out with her head hung low. By the time Maria got out of the office, the halls were filled with everyone, pouring out of the classrooms. Hannah was out of sight, and all Maria had to do was leave. On her way out she bumped into this girl who was walking really slowly. Maria said sorry but she didn’t think the girl heard her over all of the noise. Maria tapped the girls back and slowly the anonymous girl turned around. Maria was astonished that it was Starr. She had a huge eye bandage on. Starr got a good look at Maria. She looked like she was going to shred her into pieces!! “You. You did this to me. I HATE you!” Starr rampaged.

“I, I, I’m so sorry!!” Maria stuttered. “We were just trying to give you a taste of your own medicine. It

shouldn’t have gone this far, and I’m sincerely sorry.”

“I’m ruined because you were just trying to get even with me? This crossed the line, and I will never forgive you.” Starr said icily. Then Maria pushed past and walked away, feeling crushed.

She took the bus home, and Hannah was sitting on Maria’s front porch, waiting. “Hi?” said Maria, confused.

“Hey, I just had to get out of my house. My mom was bombarding me with why’s and, I taught you better than that’s… I locked myself in my room, jumped out of the window, and came here. Your lucky your parents don’t get home until six!” Hannah exclaimed.

“Yeah, I guess…”

“I cannot believe that we got suspended for three weeks! I’m so mad!! But what we did was right, and there should be no guilt.”

“Well, I really don’t feel mad at all. I feel really guilty!” Maria said shamefully.

“What?!?! How can you feel that way?? She deserved what she got!” Hannah shouted, her temper rising.

“Nobody deserves that! You are a horrible person if you think that somebody deserves pain, and maybe blindness for just saying some mean things!!”

“Well I guess I’m a horrible person then! Because that’s exactly how I feel!!

“Then we’re not friends, because I don’t talk to horrible people.” Maria yelled, standing up.

“Me either!!” Screamed Hannah, marching away.

Maria ran into the empty house, wishing none of this ever happened. She sat on her bed, and sobbed. She has never felt this many feelings mixed together before. Not long after that, she realized she was digging in her purse for her phone. She pressed number 2 on the keypad. That was speed-dial for Starr’s house. She never changed it.

“Hello?” a voice answered. Maria recognized the voice. It was Starr. She sounded as if she’d been crying.

“Starr? It’s Maria. We need to talk…”

“I don’t want to talk to you!” Starr exclaimed. “ Didn’t you hear me in the school?? I will never forgive

you, Maria! Never!”

“I just want to say this. I feel so horrible. Hannah and I are no longer friends, because she thought you deserved what happened. Which is totally not true! I don’t want to be friends with someone like that! I completely understand if you still feel strongly about never forgiving me, but I miss being friends with you. I made a bad choice by leaving you, and I made a bad choice now, by hurting you. I’m really, really sorry.” Said Maria, her eyes filling with tears.

“I forgive you! I never knew you felt that way! It’s really nice to know that you stuck up for me with Hannah… I’m really sorry for all I’ve done in the past. I was just jealous of Hannah, because I wanted to be your best friend. Forgive me?” asked Starr, sounding really sincere.

“Of course.” Said Maria, smiling.

Now at Peecher Prep. Middle, Maria and Starr are best friends again. On the other hand, Hannah turned into the bully at the school. Everyone’s afraid of her. She hangs out with the goth chicks. Starr and Maria will never forget that funny toothpaste incident

that happened when they were in 7th grade.

Bad, then good!

Kiara McNaughton The first day back

to school,

and the same thing

keep on

happing to Diva with

Eric, Don,

Paul the boys that keep

on

messing with her. Diva

is 12 years

old, and she does

everything

that people tell her to

do, but

these boys keep on touching her in inappropriately places in the hall. She is always going to the teachers. They don’t do anything about it because they think she is lying.

One day she got so mad she ran away from home, and stayed at her friend house for like for 2 months. But her mom comes, and gets her, and takes her home. Then her mom says sorry to Diva, but Diva don’t listen, and goes right up stairs. The next day she comes down stairs, and she sees a nice breakfast. Then she goes, and eats it. She goes to school. She is happy, but then there is Eric he comes over, and starts touching her. She says, “stop.” To Eric.

They are in art. The bad thing about it is that she has it with Paul. But Paul likes her, and he wants to go out with her. But Diva does not what to out with him. She kinda likes

him a little bit. Then Paul comes up to her, and touches her butt.

Then she yells at him saying, “STOP!!!!!!!”

Then she gets in trouble.

And she gets ISS just for screaming at Paul that was messing with her. She is real mad.

The next day she meets some girls, and boys. She likes one of the boys. His name is Zack, and he’s liking her to. Then he asks her “ do you what to go out with me.”

She says, “ I have to think about it.”

“Ok.” “I have seeing boys messing with you. Do you what me, and my friends to escort you to class.” He said.

“Ya sure, and about that other question is a yes.” She said.

“Ok love you by.” He said. “ Love you to by.” she said with a happy voice while with moving her hand. But in side she is hurting because .Her mom had just died. But she is putting up with it and she is going to put a good happy face on. “ I know what happen to your mom diva I’m sorry.”

Zack said sighing. His corner of his mouth was down when

he was talking. “ Thank you it’s ok.” She was crying her eyes out while hugging Zack. They are going home, and they say by to each other.

THE END

THE HUGE MESS UP by: Keaun Lardill “Look who finally wants to show up.” Said the meanest, toughest, most hated kid in middle school. They call him Gabe D. D for destroyer or his last name Dougan. He has scraggy blonde hair, pitch black eyes, has a bad tan, and wears tattered up clothes. No one would ever tell him that. Except for Jacob Grace the wanna be popular kid. He has navy blue eyes, wavy brown hair, and likes to wear skinny jeans which are way to baggy for his legs. “It’s wanna be. What are you doing here wanna be. You know not to come over here!” said Gabe with hatred.

“I know your not talking dog breath.” Jacob said all snotty like while perched forward with his face all scrounged up. This all started way at the beginning of the year in fifth grade which was last year. When Gabe and Jacob were friends. They played baseball together and video games. Then one day the boys went from friends to enemies in an instant. As Jacob and Gabe began talking trash to each other all of the

kids leaped out of their chairs, some kids even started to jump off of tables pushing back the teachers on “patrol” or lunch duty screaming and yelling. The kids formed a huge circle around Jacob and Gabe. The kids chanted with their fist high in the air “fight, fight, fight.”

“Juice boxes everywhere!” A near by teacher screeched. The cafeteria was like a coliseum filled with millions of people chanting and screaming fight. So that’s just what Jacob did he swung at Gabe and hit him in his ribs. Jacob thought that he was so cool because of that lucky hit; he turned around to the crowed and started boasting. Once he turned back around he got punched.

Just then Jacob new he got himself in a lot of trouble because

now everyone where

begging literally begging for a fight. Jacob knows that he has a short temper, and a lot of troubles with his mind he needs to just concentrate. Just then before he knew it Gabe threw a two-piece punch to Jacobs face. “Knocked clean in the face dude wow,” said a near by stander high fiving Gabe and fist bumping his friends.

They were all filled with excitement until… The principal came.

Ms. Dragglethorn (the principal) yelled at Gabe, some near bystanders, and Jacob. Until Ms. Dragglethorn saw Jacobs face,

she took him to the nurse they found out later that he had two missing teeth, a nosebleed, and a black eye. As Jacob started to leave he learned not to pick the obvious fight, he knew not to yell, scream, or punch. So why’d he do it? But then he remembered he wasn’t supposed to go to the cafeteria he had lunch detention for hitting Gabe in the face yesterday. And the day before he punched Gabe in the chest and knocked his books out of his hands. Am I really the bully? Jacob started to think. Gabe is actually the kid that’s some how popular. Gabe and Jacob were friends last month until… Jacob walked into the cafeteria and made fun of Gabe then punched him in the face. Gabe got sick of Jacob bullying him so he beat him up. As Jacob thought this over he realized he has no friends because he scares them all away. After spending time in detention, (for the third time this week) he realized he has to think before he acts, and control his actions. STOP BULLYING.

Dumb Crime By: Kathryn Ellsworth

One late evening when Mike was walking home he started thinking about those sneakers he had seen earlier that day in the store window and how much he really wanted them. Then he had also thought about how he had no money to buy them. As he continued walking home he noticed that there were no cars in Mrs. Jones’ driveway. So he cautiously walked around to the back of the house and saw that there was an open window. He took a chair from her patio and used it to climb in.

Once he was in the house, he realized that he was in the kitchen. Mike started quickly looking around for money. He looked in the dining room and then in the living room. After finding nothing Mike decided to go upstairs where he found Mrs. Jones’ bedroom and office. He first looked in her office.

Mike quickly started opening up drawers and looking for money. After 5 minutes of opening every drawer and finding nothing but papers he thought to himself, Maybe I should try another house. When Mike was just about to leave he saw out of the corner of his eye an unopened drawer. He quickly ran over to it and just when he was about to yank it open he noticed that it needed a key. Mike started to think where Mrs. Jones might

hide keys. After thinking of nothing Mike decided to leave and try another house. As he walked back downstairs and through the kitchen he saw a key rack with about 20 keys. He thought to himself one of those must open the drawer! Mike then ran over to the rack and grabbed all of them. Then he ran back upstairs and started trying the lock with all of them. As Mike was getting down to only a few keys left he finally opened the drawer and found exactly what he was looking for, money! As he was grabbing all of the money he didn’t realize that Mrs. Jones was walking into the house.

As Mrs. Jones walked through the door and set down her stuff on the kitchen table she saw that the key rack was knocked over and that all of keys were missing. Then she heard movement upstairs and decided to go check it out. As she quietly and slowly walked up the stairs, she thought to herself, What if it’s someone who has a weapon, and then what do I do? Peeking her head into some of the rooms she started to shake from being so nervous. Then when she looked into the office room she screamed, “AAHHHHHHHHHHHH!” When Mike heard her scream he quickly grabbed as much money as he could and dodged Mrs. Jones as she ran for the phone. Mike ran down the stairs as quickly as he could and ran out the door.

While running away Mike started to think to himself, I

should probably hide so that the police don’t find me. He quickly turned around the block and then hopped over some fences through backyards. When Mike saw an open window he didn’t even think about it if someone was home and just climbed in.

After Mike entered the house he ran over to the couch in the living room and hid between the couch and the wall. When he peeked out the window from behind the couch to see if there was any police driving around, he noticed that Mrs. Jones was outside talking to an officer, Mike quickly realized that this was the same house he had just robbed. As he quietly snuck out the back door a policeman stopped him in his tracks and handcuffed him.

As Mike was let out of juvie he started to think back when he broke into Mrs. Jones’ house, he wondered why he even thought that it was good idea to break into a house and steal money.

The End

Framed!

Kara Fleck

Miranda gripped her lunch box tightly in her right hand as she searched for her best friend Molly. She spotted Molly at a far table sitting next to Justin. It shocked Miranda that they have been dating for so long, 1 whole year it has been. Molly’s past boyfriends have only made the cut for roughly a month. Miranda sat down next to Molly.

“Hey Molly what’s up?” Miranda asked taking a bite of her sandwich.

“Nothing. You?” Molly replied.

“Same,” Miranda said coolly shrugging.

“Hey Miranda,” Justin acknowledged her.

“Hey,” Miranda waved. Molly was extremely popular and Miranda wasn’t so much, Molly got a ton of requests to sit with at another person’s table. Molly stayed with Miranda. Suddenly the bell rang.

“Bye,” Miranda called hurrying to her

locker. She put in her locker combination

and swung it open. A nice folded piece of paper slid out, Miranda pocketed it and kept searching for her binder. An empty can of spray paint fell out of the locker. What is this doing in here?

Miranda thought. She remembered what happened yesterday. She visited the gym to see the new bleachers, when she was finished she went back to her locker. Justin was there. She watched him quickly put in the combination and swing it open. He placed a bottle in there, quietly close it, look both ways, and run away.

Snapping back to reality she put the can on the floor. A teacher behind her widened his eyes at the sight of the can and ran into the main office. Miranda threw the can away. She grabbed her folder and went to class. As soon as she stepped into her classroom door it seemed as she set of an alarm, the speaker clicked on.

“I need Miranda Mel in the office. Now! Thank you,” it clicked off. Miranda’s face turned red hot. Her teacher leaned over her. He shook his tiny head at the door.

“Better get going or I’ll have to take you there,” he threatened.

“I’m not afraid of you,” Miranda whispered so quietly she could barely hear herself.

“What? Speak up!” he shouted at her shaking his finger.

“I’m going,” Miranda said holding her folder tighter to her chest. She dragged her feet down the hallway. She noticed how everything seemed to close around her like a little box. With every

step the box got smaller. She sighed and walked into the office, she had never been in here before. She sat down in a blue chair on command of a secretary. I’m never going to make it out of here! I don’t belong here this is all a mistake, she thought relaxing a bit.

“Miranda?” a big voice echoed through the office.

“She’s here,” the tall, thin, blonde secretary said in a muffled tone. Mr. Frank walked in the room. His huge feet clopped on the thin wood floor making the paperclips spill on the blonde lady’s desk.

“In here Miranda,” he said holding out an arm to another room. The blonde lady franticly picked up the paper clips.

They walked into the room. It had a desk and a small

blue chair. Mr. Frank sat at the desk and Miranda sat in the chair. He rapped his fingers on the desk.

Miranda remembered her last time in the office.

Molly was in here current chair and Miranda was standing.

She told Mr. Frank that Molly didn’t smash his car and that Shane Medan did. Of coarse she was lying.

“So I guess you know why you’re here. Do you?” he asked

shifting his small round glasses.

“No sir,” replied Miranda folding her sweaty hands on her lap.

“You know someone painted our new bleachers. Mr. Chantal said, ‘A can of spray paint fell out of Miranda’s locker.’

Am I wrong so far?”

Who would do such a thing? Miranda asked herself.

Everyone thinks it was me! She thought.

“No, and yes sir. I didn’t paint the bleachers but a can of spray paint did fall out of my locker,” she said in a matter-of-fact tone. She left out the part about the note. She looked down at her shoes.

“I also have a student report that you did it Miranda! Don’t lie to me!” he screamed standing up and pounding his fists on his desk.

“I’m not sir!” Miranda said, in the loudest voice she has ever spoken in.

“Just leave I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said in a barely audible voice. He pointed his finger at the door and hung his head.

Miranda ran out of there, into the bathroom and cried. She washed her hands and face but her eyes and cheeks were still red and splotchy. She unfolded the note. Why did you do it? It read.

Miranda tore it up and slowly walked to her last class.

The bell rang singling the end of school. Everyone sprinted

out like there was a poisonous gas or something. Miranda and Justin were the last ones left in the class.

“Molly’s awful isn’t she?” he asked flipping his long blonde hair.

“You shouldn’t be saying that she is your girlfriend!”

Miranda shouted dropping all her books.

“You know she did it,” he whispered helping her pick up the books.

“You are lying to me, I know it. Molly wouldn’t…………” her voice trailed off.

“I knew Molly was bad but not this bad,” he said.

“Go home! Hooligans,” the teacher shooed them out the door.

The next day at school Justin met Miranda at her locker.

“I can help you clear your name,” he said watching Miranda jump for a folder.

“I don’t want your help! You’re a filthy lying backstabber!” she yelled. He grabbed the folder for her.

“I know you do. You’re a helpless goodie-two-shoes,” he sputtered out trying to defend himself.

“Whatever,” she barked out slamming her locker. “One word to Molly and I’ll,” she made an invisible line across her neck with her finger. He walked away.

During first period the speaker clicked on again.

“Miranda Mel, office,” it clicked off. Justin raised his hand and said he was going to throw up, he was sent to the nurse immediately. He pushed Miranda toward the office until they were in the door.

“Is the boy with you?” Mr. Frank asked bitterly. His elbow was on the thin blonde lady’s desk threatening to knock over her paperclips again. She nodded shyly. They walked into the same room she was in before. Justin stood Miranda sat.

“You the boy…”

“Call me Justin. Sir,” Justin leaned on Miranda’s chair.

“So, Miranda, why did you spray the bleachers? And Justin don’t interrupt me,” his voice bellowed.

“I really didn’t sir, I promise,” Miranda’s small voice cracked and her face was red. She looked at Justin as to signal help.

“Molly did it” Justin said with a pang of pain and regret in his voice. He pulled out an iPod and hit the app, sound record.

“What are you doing…?” Mr. Frank started.

“Shush,” Justin cut him off. A small scratchy sound started playing.

Hi Justin. Hi Molly. I did something again. What? I painted the bleachers to give them a better look. Why? A long pause played on the iPod. Miranda did it. If anyone asks.

A locker slammed.

What was that for?

“Very interesting,” Mr. Frank replied. “Molly Lynn, office,” his voice spoke on the loud speaker. A moment later, cool as ever, Molly appeared in the door.

“Molly 10 weeks suspension for vandalism. You may go,” Mr. Frank said not even looking at her. Justin was gone. Molly’s face turned completely pale and her whole body shook. Miranda knew she never had a punishment this bad before, never suspension. I don’t care about her punishment. Molly framed me.

But, she is my best friend. Miranda thought.

“I helped her,” Miranda stood up getting a boost of courage.

“10 weeks detention for both of you, now GO!” Mr. Frank shouted. They ran out of the office ignoring the blonde lady’s plead to slow down.

“Thanks,” Molly said to Miranda looking down. She never had apologized to anyone before.

“No problem,” Miranda shrugged.

“We cool?” Molly asked scrunching her small freckled nose.

“Sure. Molly why did you frame me?” Miranda asked looking into Molly’s brown eyes.

“I didn’t want to get into trouble again. Half way into the act I regretted doing it,” she shrugged.

“So about our detentions….” Miranda shifted uncomfortably.

“What detentions?” Molly asked sweetly.

“We are going,” Miranda said sternly.

“I know,” Molly sighed. The final bell rang singling to go home.

“Let’s go,” Molly said. They walked of to the start of 10 weeks detention.

Soccer Problems By: Jessica Southerland

Rachel moved from Chicago to a new school and tries out for their school soccer team. She gets accepted!

When she gets there at first she is shy, but becomes friends with everyone on her team…

Except for Allie.

When the team is in the gym after school practicing for their big soccer game Allie sees Rachel on the other side of the gym, kicking the soccer ball between her feet. Allie quietly walks up to Rachel!

“Where did you learn your soccer moves from?,” Allie says in digust. Rachel jumps with surprise, her brown hair bouncing then falling back into place. She didn’t expect anyone to be watching her.

“Why were you watching me?,” Rachel says.

“Because I wanted to, is that a problem with you?, Allie says rudely then walks away. The next day, Thursday, as soon as Rachel gets into school, Allie walks up to her.

“Can I tell you something?,” Allie asks.

“I guess so” Rachel says.

“You suck at soccer,”

“Why do you keep coming over to me and being so mean to me?,” Rachel asks. Allie says that she’s sorry and asks if she could help Rachel with her soccer moves. Rachel thinks for a moment. “Yeah right…” Rachel says no.

When Rachel gets home from school she throws her bag down furiously and runs up the stairs to her room. Rachel flops down onto her bean-bag chair. She starts to think about the conversation that she had with Allie. How Allie is nice to everyone else but her. The way that she had said no to Allie.

Maybe she does need help with her soccer moves for the game coming up…She runs to grab the phone but doesn’t know Allies number. Instead she dials another girl’s number, her name is Caylee. She is one of the members on Rachel’s soccer team.

When Caylee answers, Rachel asks for Allies number. Rachel heard silence as she was finding Allies number. Rachel’s hands are getting sweaty. She looks at her clock, it’s 10:02. Should I hang up now? She thinks to herself.

“Hello?” Caylee says.

“Oh sorry.” Rachel kept thinking for so long that Caylee thought she had hung up. Caylee tells Rachel Allies house phone number: (716)-555-4444 and Rachel hangs up. Now she’s dialing Allies number. It rings once, twice, three times and someone answers. Rachel was hoping that person was Allie.

“Hello?” Rachel could recognize Allies voice.

“Hi,” Rachel says.

“Umm, who is this?,” “This is Rachel,” The phone suddenly clicks off like someone pressed the off button.

Allie hung up on her. Will Rachel ever tell her that she wants help? Rachel gets up and shuts off her light. She crawls into bed, pulls the warm, soft covers over her head and falls asleep.

While she’s getting ready for school in the morning, the phone rings. She picks the phone up and says “Hello?,” “Sorry for hanging up on you last night I lost connection” Allie says. “LIAR, you didn’t lose connection your probably just saying that” Rachel thinks.

“Can you help me with my soccer moves…?,” Rachel dares to ask Allie. She was begging that Allie would say yes. “ Yeah, I can help you. See you later,” Allie says.

“Thanks, bye!,” Rachel was so excited that she throws the phone onto her bed but, it misses and hits the wall instead…

Oops!

When Rachel’s at her locker in school Allie see’s Rachel, grabs her by the wrist and pulls her into the bathroom. Rachel stumbles over her own feet and falls into the door, face-first.

“Thanks for that” Rachel says while laughing.

“Oh sorry I didn’t mean to” Allie replies. They go to the

window and sit on the tile ledge that’s in front of it. “ I’m sorry that I was being so mean to you. I just didn’t think about what I was saying” Allie says sadly while she’s looking at her feet. Then, her head swings up, and eyes suddenly dart back towards Rachel like she wants her to talk.

“It’s okay, I thought that I was bad anyway. I guess I just need help from someone who’s actually good at soccer. That’s why I asked you for help,” Rachel admits. They just stare at the ceiling for a moment. Allie hops off of the window ledge and hugs Rachel!

“Maybe you and the team could come over tomorrow and practice at my house for the soccer game coming up?,” Rachel says out of the random.

“Yeah, I’ll ask my dad.” The bell rings for first period and they walk away.

While the team is at Rachel’s house practicing for the big soccer game, Allie helps Rachel and everyone is excited. Rachel leans over and whispers into Allies ear.

“Thanks for the help, I needed it,” Rachel says.

The next day, the soccer game begins. Rachel can feel the soft grass under her shoes everytime she walks. Caylee passes the ball to Lindsey and she’s running down the court with it.

SWOOSH! She kicks the ball into the other teams net.

“Yayyy!,” Lindsey yells! Their team is the Gaters and the

other team is the Loins. Players from the other team, kick the ball down the field and score into Rachels goal. Some players yell “Booooo”.

Some players yell “Yay!,” Now the score is tied 1-1, whoever makes this last goal wins the game. Everyone on the Gaters (Rachel) team has gotten to kick the soccer-ball except for Allie and Rachel. Of course, the ball gets passed to Allie and she’s running down the field with it! Rachel’s feet are suddenly running to Allie to get the ball, so Allie kicks it to Rachel. Times running out and the crowd is counting down the seconds: “5, 4, 3…,” the crowd shouts. Rachel kicks the ball towards the net, the goalie misses it and falls to the ground with a loud THUMP!!! The ball just hits the net when the time runs out!

“Yay,” Rachel and her whole team scream with excitment!

The whole team runs up to Rachel and Allie. With all of the people between her and Allie, Rachel is litterily shoving people out of her way to find Allie. Rachel screams: “ALLIEEE,” Someone pokes her back, Rachel turns around and see’s Allie.

“Ghezzz you don’t have to yell, I’m right behind you!,” Allie says. Rachel hugs her.

“Thanks again for helping me.” Rachel says.

“Your welcome,” Allie says sarcasticly . They get high fives from everyone on their team. Rachel see’s her parents on the

other side of the soccer field and knows that its time to leave.

“BYEEEEE,” Rachel yells!

“BYEEE!!,” She yells back while waving!

The Bet

By Jacob Stablewski “Hey Joseph come down here,” said Joes mom while typing on her computer. Joe ran down the stairs into the living room.

“Why did you call me down mom? ...”

“I called you down to…”

“Gr,” Joe cut her of with a nasty look on his face. Let me guess, grades,” with a mad sigh “Yep,” said Joe’s mom “Mom not again,” whined Joe wile he shrugged “Yes your math grade is getting horrible and I mean look at this you got a 71 on this test, wait that test was, a month ago why didn’t you tell me this?”

“I don’t know,” said Joe under his breath.

“What did you say?”

“I said I DON’T KNOW,” replied Joe “Well that grade is defiantly going to affect your report card and your average,” said Joe’s mom “I don’t really care if it affects my report card,” said Joe in a nasty tone.

“First of all young man your report card does mater. And second of all speaking of report cards when is that coming in it’s a week late.”

“How should you expect me to know these things?” After that Joe stormed up to his room.

Event 2

After a couple of minutes on his bed staring at his ceiling he started watching TV. Since there was nothing good on he started flipping through the channels he saw these two men shaking hands and that’s when it hit him. “Why don’t I make a bet with my mom?” he questioned himself his head. Once he decided that he was going to make a bet he turned off his TV and headed down stairs. While walking down the stairs he said “Hey mom.”

“What?” replied his mom while typing on her computer?

“I wann’a make a bet with you.”

“What kind’a bet?” his mom asked.

“I say if I get a 99% to 100% on my report card you will stop bugging me, and stop expecting me to know everything. Is it a deal? ” “What’s in it for me?” she questioned.

“Nothing.” Joe said.

“Your on,” said his mom with a confident look on her face.

After that Joe went upstairs to start studding fractions while

his mom was looking at his grades she thinks that she will win the bet.

Event 3 What is the area of a 38 by 108 lawn thought Joe in his head… Aaaaa 38 times 108=aaaaaa, 4103! “Yes I finished my test,” said Joe in a shout whisper. Now he had some time to spare doing his social studies homework so he had free time at his house. 8 minutes later… “ I am going to collect your tests now,” said Mr. Goadairy.

Yes it is almost the end of the period then. School was over and then, home sweet home thought Joe in his head. After math he went to his locker and headed strait to the bus.

Once Joe got home he ran up to his bedroom and started watching TV. “ Home sweet home.” he said to himself.

Event 4 “ I am handing your tests back now,” said Mr. Goadairy “David, July hand back the tests” A minute later Joe got my test back face down. Joe was

shaking with excitement this was his last test he had to take for math then he carefully and slowly flipped his test over and…“Aw come on,” Joe said while he gritted his teeth slightly. “ I got an 89%” with an annoyed look on his face. “ I thought I was going to ace that test.”

“Great” said Joe in a sarcastic voice, “ now I’m going have to tell my mom I lost” “Lost what?” asked Joe’s desk neighbor Jason with a look on his face. “ I lost a bet with my mom,” said Joe. “ Oh those are the worst types of bets to lose,” said Jason. “ I know.” said Joe “now my mom will never stop bugging me about my grades.” “ Hey you two,” pointing his finger at Jason and Joe “ Why can’t you people ever stop talking. Now, I’m trying to teach a lesson here,” said Mr. Goadairy. “ I really hate math,” said Jason “Me too,” replied Joe with a sigh.

Event 5 Joe was just got home from a long day of school. When he was just walking through the door…

“I beat you, I beat you,” said Joe’s mom pointing her fingers back and forth. “ Hey stop rubbing it in,” Joe said“ How did you know?” “ I got your report card,” replied his mom.

“Ok, ok.” said his mom while rolling her eyes. “But you still did ok you almost, I mean you got a 90%.”

“I know, I know I tried my best.” Joe said frowning “How ‘bout we make a deal” “Not another bet.” “ No I said a deal,” Said his mom “How about as long as you keep your grades like this I won’t” “Ok.” “Are you sure you will keep up your grades” “Yes”

Taken By: Jacob Carter It is 3:00 in the afternoon and two girls are at the park sitting on a bench talking about school, grades and some drama.“Oh my gosh I can’t believe she did that” Michelle said waving her arm’s.

“I know right,” Sara said yelling really loud.

“Did you know she got suspended” Michelle said looking up at the sky.

“Dang she got busted big time” Sara said smiling and shaking her head.

When, “screech” a big black van turns into the parking lot then sits there turned off. After a little bit Sara starts to get freaked out and tells Michelle “That she is going to go home”.

Michelle says “okay” and makes a face behind Sara’s back.

When half way down the street Sara yell’s stranger danger and goes and gets help as soon as the guy in the

car hears Sara say that he gets out of the car and start’s running towards Michelle in a black suit black pants and black shoes with rope around his waist and a roll of duck tape around his arm Michelle try’s to run but the guy is to fast and the guy get’s Michelle and cover’s her mouth with duck tape, tie’s her hand’s with rope and her feet with rope and drags her slowly to the car. When Sara and Gary Sara’s neighbor turn the corner Gary see’s what is happening and start’s to run towards the stranger. The stranger turns and see’s Gary and starts to run towards the car. Turn’s the car and speeds down the street. Once the stranger is gone Gary and Sara take the tape off Michelle’s mouth and untie the rope on her hands and feet. Then Sara and Gary ask if Michelle is “okay” Michelle say’s “Yes “and Thank you” Then Michelle and Gary and Sara start walking Michelle home.

Once they get to Michelle’s house and ring the door bell Michelle’s parent’s answer the door Gary say’s hi then tells Michelle’s parent’s what happened once they are done talking

Gary and Sara leave Michelle’s parent’s decide to call the police two days later the police called back and told Michelle’s parent’s that the guy that tried kidnapping their daughter was found and caught his name is Louis and is 32 years old Michelle’s parent’s said “thank you” Then hung up and told Michelle she “could go play but be careful.”

Be Popular or be lame By: Jack Neupert “Get lost dweeb!” shouted Derek.

Derek was one of the cool kids. Kids like him like to pick on people, well like Eric. Eric wasn’t what you say popular, he knew that, but he really just wanted to see what it was like to be popular. He hated almost every one of those popular kids, but they got what any kid in middle school could want. Popularity, people saving his chair, oh how Eric wished people would do that for him.

It was an ordinary day for Eric. He woke up, made breakfast, and waited for the bus outside of his house. When the bus came he didn’t know what to be. “Should I be excited or should I be scared?” Eric kept on saying in his mind. Eric was literally now shaking. He had no clue of what to do when the bus came. “Should I just sit in the middle of the bus? Or should I go

to the back where all the really cool kids sit? “ Eric then boarded the bus. All the kids instantly just started to stare at him. With all the pressure now on him he felt like he could explode. He searched for a seat that was about a little far down from the middle to show he wasn’t a wimp. Immediately he sat down.

“Should I talk to someone?” Eric didn’t know. He found a kid that seemed alright so he started talking to him. “Hey my name is Eric whats yours?” This kid didn’t have a nice looking attitude on him.

“Shut up” The kid said.

“Woah whats with you?” Eric said. The kid was sitting their like he had just frozen. All of a sudden the bus stopped. He was at school.

Now was when Eric got very nervous. “Tick” The doors on the bus opened. As Eric was getting up to leave, the kid from before said in a quite voice “My name is John…” Eric was about to say something, but the kid left.

Eric walked out of the bus almost shaking about what would happen once he stepped into the school. He stepped outside. All he could hear was the voices of the people talking and whispering. It felt weird. Not seeing all the people from his old

school. These new faces, these new peoples, made him feel unsafe. Like he just wasn’t supposed to be here. Inside after you walked in, their was a lady saying “Welcome welcome! Everyone go the the board and see what homeroom you are in!” On the board there was a board with a list Homerooms with the people who were in them under them” Eric shook his head in disbelief. He was in the same homeroom as Zach. Room 103.

Zach was the person who bullied him last year.

“Lets hope he doesn’t remember me…” Eric was saying in his head. Of course, Eric knew Zach wouldn’t forget him. Zach bullied him all day everyday. As walking down to his homeroom, he was dreading thinking of having to deal with Zach at the beginning of each and every school day. All of a sudden he came to a stop. Room 103.

Eric was the first one to walk in.

“Hello and welcome to room 103!” Mr. Groav said. “Hi” Eric murmured. Out of nowhere people started to flood the room. It turned from being quiet and calm to loud and crazy.

“Ok class, go to the wall so I may assign you a seat.

“Awwww” A bunch of kids said.

“Now now, calm down.” Eric got up from his seat and went to the wall. Everybody else did the same. Eric had an urge since the beginning of homeroom to see if a certain someone was here. His eyes skimmed around the room. Not a single trace of Zach. At least he could be safe for now. Mr. Groav started calling peoples names and pointing to their seats. “Eric over their.” Mr. Groav pointed to an empty seat with another empty seat next to it.

“Zach sit over there.” There was a long silence. “Has anyone seen Zach today?” Mr.Groav asked. A few kids nodded. “Ok so absent then.” Eric felt like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders. Then he realized something. Zach wouldn’t be absent everyday. The weight was put back on his shoulders. “Ring ring!” The bell rang. Everyone jumped right out of their chairs and ran out of the class. “No need to run!” Mr.Groav shouted after the kids. “Ok so first period…” Eric opened his planner and looked at his school guide. “So go to room 156.”

Eric murmured. He walked down the hall and kept searching for the room. “Nope.” Eric would say to him self-as he would check the room’s number. Eric

stopped.

“Finally I’m there.” Eric said tiredly.

Once Eric walked in he saw more new people, and even some people from his homeroom. Eric saw a person in his mid 30’s with a white suit on.

“Everybody my name is Mr. Rave. This is as you all know, Math class. First off you will all get to choose your seat.

“Yay!” Everybody shouted. “If you choose a seat that is next to maybe your friend, please be quiet or you will be moved. Understood?” Everybody nodded. “Ok then let the choosing of the seats begin.” Mr. Rave said while laughing. Eric watched as the chaos begun. People who racing around the room to get a room next to their friend.

He then realized that he had to find a seat soon before they were all gone. Eric skimmed his eyes around the room. There was only 1 seat left. Eric slowly walked over to the seat and slumped down in his chair. After that Eric did some multiplication practice. “Ok everybody there is about 1 minute left until lunch begins. Stay in your seat until the bell rings. In the room, it was complete silence.

Some people in the classroom was in a stance, just waiting for the bell to ring so they could run to lunch. “Ring Ring”

There it was. The bell rang and everybody ran out the door. Eric didn’t want to not fit in, so he ran along with the others to lunch.

When Eric arrived to lunch there was a huge line in front of him. After what seemed forever for Eric, he was finally got his lunch. While Eric was walking down the lunch room trying to find his friends from his old schools table, a kid called Eric over to him.

“Hey wanna sit in our table?” Said the kid from the table.

Eric without thinking, said “Sure why not?” The kid from the table pulled up a seat. Eric looked around the lunch room with eyes. He then realized that one of his friends from his old school was calling him over and was pointing to a seat. Eric then felt a feeling of guilt come over him.

“Alright heres the deal” One of the kids said.

“First, if you wanna sit at out table, your gonna have to do some things.” Said the kid.

“Like?” Eric said.

“I don’t know. Maybe spread a rumor? What do you guys think?” Said the kid.“Yea spread a rumor!” A different kid shouted.“Ok then its settled. You have until

tomorrow to spread a rumor about a person called victor.

He sits over there.” One of the kids pointed to a table. Eric couldn’t believe it. That Victor was one of Eric’s friends from Elementary school.

“Sure… i guess I’ll do it.” Eric said nervously.

“What do you mean I guess? You do it or you don’t.” Said one of the kids.

Then the bell rang. Now Eric had a huge choice to make. Be popular or be lame. Eric then couldn’t concentrate on school work, he was too busy thinking of what to do. After that, school went by quick for Eric. After what felt like a second, the bell rang to go home. He was then walking down the hall to his bus. Eric face palmed him self. “I forgot my bus number come on!” Eric screamed. Eric reached down into his backpack and got a piece of paper out. “Good thing mom wrote this for me.”

Eric murmured.

“Bus 263….” Eric said. He walked over to the bus and sat down in a seat. The bus ride didn’t last that long for Eric. After Eric came home his mom asked his about his day.

“How was your day Honey?”

“It was really awesome.” Eric said lying.

“It doesn’t sound like it was awesome. Is anything wrong?” His mom asked.

“No I’m just tired. School is very exhausting.”

Eric wasn’t lying. He was tired of all the work and stuff he had to do.

“Ok sweety, if anything is wrong remember you can always come to me.” Eric’s mom said softly.

“Ok I’m going to take a nap.” Eric said.

Eric walked over to his room and closed the door. After that he slumped down into his bed and went to sleep.

Eric woke up to find his bed a total mess. His blankets were all over the place and his whole room was out of order. “Time to clean my room soon.” Eric said. Eric went over to the toaster and put in a bagel. While waiting for the bagel to be done he made himself some orange juice. After eating breakfast Eric then realized the time. “Its already 8:00! I have to go!” Eric ran to the closet and grabbed his coat and backpack. He ran outside and barely caught the bus. On the bus Eric remembered something that he almost forgot. Today he would have to make a choice. That would effect his whole social life. Sit with the cool kids and be cool, or sit with his old friends and just be plain old lame. Eric went to homeroom and sat down in his desk. “Ring Ring.” The bell rang and it was time for first period. Eric went over to his classroom and sat down.

“Ok everybody today just be doing a packet of addition and subtraction problems.” Mr. Rave said.

Before Eric knew he was on the third page of the packet. “Ok everybody we have only a short period of time before the bell rings! Gather your stuff and get ready.” Said Mr. Rave. Eric went and put the packet into his math folder. He stood up and waited at the door for the bell to ring. “Ring Ring!” The bell rang. Eric now remembered that he had a huge choice to make. Be popular or be lame. It then felt like butterflies were all in his stomach.

As Eric was walking down the hall to lunch he could feel a pool of sweat forming on his head. He felt like he just wanted to just drop to the ground and scream , letting all of his emotions just fly out. Of course doing this would have been embarrassing so he didn’t. Suddenly Eric stopped. This decision was going to affect his whole life. Eric walked into the room and looked at the 2 tables. He saw his old friends waving and calling him over looking like they really wanted him. Then Eric looked at the

popular table. No one was calling him they didn’t even looked like they would care if he didn’t come. Eric walked over to his friends table and sat down. He was glad at the choice he made.

The New Girl Written By: Heba Odeh

“Eww!” shrieked Natalie, the most popular girl in school. “Your clothes are hideous!”

Kelli was so embarrassed and scared.

She felt her palms becoming sweaty. She started to pick on her scab. All she did was stare at her twin sister, Jordan.

Last week, Kelli and Jordan moved to New York City. Kelli was furious that they moved. She lived in Kansas ever since she was born, and now she has to leave because her mom got a job there. The thing she was scared about the most was school. Even in Kansas she didn’t know how to “fit in.” She wasn’t great at making friends.

Kelli was getting ready for her first day of school. She was nervous and didn’t know what to expect. On the way to her new

school she saw someone being mean to another girl. She didn’t know what they were saying.

But she felt sorry for her. What she didn’t know was she was about to be in that girl’s situation.

Kelli walked in looking at all the strange faces. She could feel eyes burning at her as she walked to her locker. She looked at the locker next to her. She saw someone familiar, and then it hit her. It was that person she saw arguing with the other girl. She looked at her locker and saw in pink letters Natalie. Then all of a sudden all her books fell. Natalie starts to laugh. Kelli’s eyes started to burn. She kept her tears in because she didn’t want to be known as the new girl who cried on her first day. Natalie walked up closer to Kelli. Her palms were sweating, she was swallowing hard, and she tried to keep from crying all at the same time.

“OMG, does your mom dress you!” Natalie said.

Kelli’s eyes were steaming red.

“ No one wears these anymore!”

Kelli just wanted to disappear. She wished she never moved. Natalie then walks away, laughing. Not knowing that Kelli was about to do something that she never did before because of her.

Kelli ran all the way home. When she got home all the tears that she was keeping inside of her just came out. She was bawling like crazy. But, she made sure no one heard her so her mom won’t worry. She started to think if she kept dressing the way she is now Natalie might keep bothering and embarrassing her. She had to stop this and she knew exactly how.

She zoomed out of her house and ran to the mall. Then she saw this store filled with girls. She walked inside and suddenly felt embarrassed about the way she looked. Everyone had expensive clothing, jewelry, and make-up. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a stunning dress. She knew if

she wore to school Natalie and her friends wouldn’t bother her anymore. She looked at the price and knew she couldn’t afford it.

It was 150 dollars! So she snatched it and ran. She tried to hide it under her jacket so no one could see. Once, she got home she hid the dress under her bed so Jordan and her mom wouldn’t see the dress.

The next day, Kelli went to school in the dress she took. She saw Natalie walk towards her. “Do you want to sit next to me at lunch.” Natalie said.

“Sure” Kelli said. A smile took over Kelli’s face.

Lunch was boring. Natalie didn’t speak to her once. No one did. All Kelli heard was gossiping. To her surprise, Natalie wanted to walk home with her.

She

walked with her halfway home and then out of nowhere she was pushed into a mud puddle.

She looked over her shoulder and found Natalie laughing. Natalie was faking the whole time. She didn’t really like her.

Kelli walked home and found a

police car outside her house. Her heart started pounding. She knew exactly why they came. They came for her. Because, she took the dress. She started to regret that she ever did it. It wasn’t worth it. Stealing the dress, becoming friends with Natalie, being

pretty. Her grades started to drop

from A’s to D’s because she was so focused on being pretty and being friends with Natalie and she didn’t even like her.

She walked inside not knowing what to except.

“Hi sweetheart,” Mom said.

“Do know anything about a stolen dress,” She said.

“No,” Kelli said. “Well, we have a video tape of someone stealing a dress and we think it’s you,” The officer exclaimed.

“Well, you must have someone else,” Mom said.

“I know my….” mom said. Right before Kelli cut her off.

“I did it” Kelli said. Kelli’s mom looked at her, shocked. Kelli’s mom had to pay back

the dress and a fine for stealing. Kelli was grounded for a whole month. She wasn’t allowed to go anywhere. Not like she had somewhere to go. She didn’t know anyone.

The next day, Kelli walked to school with the worst case of butterflies in her stomach. She didn’t want to face Natalie.

She saw Natalie at her locker. She waited for her to leave. She wasn’t in the mood to be bothered. Finally, she left. Kelli crept closer to her locker when she heard, “Hi!” she looked behind her to see who could be possibly talking to her. There stood before her a short girl with blonde hair and brown eyes.

“My name is Abby, what’s yours,” she said.

“Ummm, Kelli.” Kelli was trying to act calm and not nervous at all. Again, she started to pick on her scab. “I can show you around if you want,” Abby said “Sure” Kelli said. Abby and Kelli became the best of friends. Kelli was still grounded but this was the happiest ever since she moved. Kelli

learned how to ignore Natalie. Now she felt happy to go to school. She looked outside and the sun was shining brighter than ever.

THE

END

True Colors

By Brooke Joerger Spencer couldn’t wait for the bell to ring. Math was boring, all she had learned that day was how to add fractions. Spencer wondered why she needed to learn that. It’s not like you go to the makeup store and you want to buy something and the price is in fractions! She thought angrily.

Spencer was just to excited about lunch, a little bit more than usual. Maybe it was because of all the drama, or because her friend had a new boyfriend. Spencer loved it when people went out, she wanted all the details about their first kiss and second, and so on. She could barley sit still with all the excitement just building up inside her. So as soon as that darn bell rang she booked it out of the classroom door. Of coarse she was the first one.

While Spencer was walking to lunch she met up with all of the usual suspects, ( Madison, Taylor, and Jessica.) “ Did you hear about Hannah, she claims she is going out with Luke!” Taylor

announced to the girls flipping her hair. “ No way, Luke is like the hottest guy in school and Hannah is like the ugliest girl in school!” Madison rudely announced, as she was waving to another friend passing by. “ I’m almost positive Mads, I even saw them kiss outside of school before the busses came on Tuesday.” Taylor said, chewing her gum angrily.

Just as they all approached the lunch room Spencer suddenly stopped in silence, pushing Jessica and Taylor slightly out of the way so everyone could have a clear site of her, especially the particular boy walking by.

“Wow! Who was that?” Jessica asked in shock, Looking like Justin Bieber had just walked by.

“He’s Mine!” Spencer Crudely whispered.

“That’s Joe S, Jess. He’s totally hot, but totally Spencer’s!”

Taylor answered Jessica wishing she could have him.

“So are they like going out?” asked Jessica.

“Well not exactly they’re talking, but if it wasn’t for Spencer Joe would be mine!” Taylor told Jessica, in a highpitched scream, as she slapped her hand down on her thigh. Just then Spencer turned fiercely, “Hold on there hunny, don’t you remember the day that Joe came to our lunch table to talk and flirt with me?” Spencer bragged, standing in confidence, with a cruel and snotty expression on her face.

“You thought he was flirting!” Flew out of Taylor’s big obnoxious mouth.

“Well I’m sorry that were not all miss.”

“Girls! You’ve been standing here for 5 minutes please go sit down!” One of the lunch monitors interrupted.

“Alright, alright where going. Come on girls we can take care of the rest of this business at our table.” Spencer said, fixing her hair as they all walked to their table, like it was a red carpet event.

They all sat down opening there brown paper bags to get a sandwich or cookie, Spencer asked, flipping her hair and flirting with the boys at the table next to them, then turning back to talk to the girls,” So what’s the new gossip on the table girls?” “ Well” Said Madison, “I heard we have a new-” “Hi I’m Mya Sheridan, can I sit here?” Mya asked interrupting Madison.

“No!” Taylor said angrily like she was the boss of the table.

“Hold on Taylor don’t be so mean, my name is Spencer and these are my friends Taylor, Madison, and Jessica.

“Nice too meet you.” Mya said politely.

“That’s nice, but you can’t sit here.” Spencer rudely said.

“Why?” replied Mya. “ Well first your not popular, second your ugly, and no one really knows who you are. So there are many more reasons why

but I wouldn’t want to take all day. Ok so bye now.” Spencer said cruelly as all the girls laughed. As for Mya she just shrugged and walked the other way.

Spencer turned around in shock. As Joe looked at her, looked down at the floor, and shook his head in disappointment.

He was surprised on what Spencer had just said, he didn’t know how cruel she really was. She said “Hi!” but it was already too late he was already gone. Spencer looked around at her friends. “Don’t look at me!” Jessica told her. Spencer got up and ran to the bathroom. Crying in tears.

What Spencer didn’t know was Joe was going to ask her if she wanted to go get some pizza after school. But now that would never happen. But not only was she mean to Mya, she remembered that moment Mya came over to the table and said, hi my name is Mya Sheridan. Sheridan was Joe’s last name.

Accused

By David A. Etkin “I saw you!”

The cashier with the bonnet had come out of nowhere and taken Mike by surprise.

“Go get what you just put back on the shelf!”

“Wh…what are you talking about?” Mike said. His palms immediately moistened and he wiped them on his jean jacket.

“You know what I’m talking about,” she yelled back. Her eyes were darting to Mike’s hands—pockets—eyes. Looking for guilt, looking for evidence.

Mike was thirsty that day. Though he had no money with him, he had entered the corner store out of habit. He had parked his bike at the rack, looped and locked the chain around the front tire, and crossed the parking lot to go in.

It was Saturday, and another unusually warm day for early-spring —the third in a row. 55 degrees in late March felt almost like summer.

Glad to be out of his house after a long Buffalo winter, he had left for a bikeride just after lunch. He pedaled furiously down long country roads, past cows and horses and thawing fields. He slowed down when he entered the sidewalked part of the center of their small town and reacquainted himself

with the old houses. Without thinking, he stopped off and swung on the elementary school playground. He was too big, but the squeenk-squonk of the swing made him feel nostalgic for the long-gone years of kickball and four square and chase at recess.

When he got tired of the swing, he rode slowly by his friends’ houses, hoping they would see him and come hang out. No one did.

Mike grew bored, but didn’t want to go home—his mom liked to put him to work when he was “underfoot”, ordering him to empty the dishwasher or vacuum. Instead Mike raced up and down Maple Street. He worked up a powerful thirst, which brought him to the corner store—a place that was a required stop on any ride through town.

He usually had some change jangling in his pockets, enough to buy some penny candy or a pack of gum. On other days Mike could find cans on the roadside or in the ditches to return for their deposits. It was a little embarrassing, but at five cents a can, it only took five to ten cans to cover the cost of a little treat and make it worth his while.

The bell on the door jingled as he entered and he headed past the front counter. The cashier eyed him as he passed. It was Bonnet Lady, as Mike and his friends called her. She wore a bonnet at all times, making her look Amish. She didn’t fit in, and she gave Mike the creeps. Bonnet Lady’s eyes narrowed and her gaze lingered uncomfortably long. Mike lifted his chin in a quick greeting and shuffled past. What’s up with her? he grumbled in his head.

The candy counter was at the far front corner of the store. Mike’s eyes slid hungrily over the Snickers—Twix—Whatchamacallit—M&Ms. His eyes moved over to the Big League Chew—Bazooka—gum cigars.

Nah. Too thirsty.

The drinks were around the corner and up the side of the store in the cooler.

He walked past the beer and water and yanked open the fourth cooler door. Pepsi—A&W—Squirt— Ooooo, Squirt sounds refreshing, he thought. He could almost taste the sweet citrus running down his throat. He licked his lips and reached in, his hand hovering between the 12 ounce can and the liter bottle. It was a big thirst. The liter won.

He grabbed it by the neck and let the cooler door slam closed behind him.

He made it about halfway up to the register and stopped.

“What the heck am I thinking?” he mumbled imperceptibly. “I don’t have any money. Idiot!”

He trudged back to the cooler and returned the Squirt, stopping long enough to write a swear word on the inside of the door which had fogged up. Heaving a sigh, Mike headed back for the door. He’d have to finish his ride home before quenching his thirst—with water or some other lame liquid. His mom never had anything good. He was passing back past the candy shelf thinking, Maybe I’ll go comb the ditches for some cans and bottles so I can— He heard a door being slammed open behind him. He spun around and saw Bonnet Lady come flying through the cooler room door and into the aisle of the store. Her eyes were bulging.

Her finger pointed at Mike, then back at the cooler door. “Go. Get. It.” Her words sounded like machine gun fire.

“Wh…what are you talking about?”

“You know what I’m talking about!” she returned. “Go back and get that drink. Make sure it’s the same one!”

Mike’s armpits were dripping. Rivulets of sweat were snaking down his sides and dripping into the waist of his jeans. He took a slow step back towards the Squirt door.

“Go on,” insisted Bonnet Lady. “I know what you did.”

He felt his ears glowing crimson with embarrassment and shame as he passed her. They felt hot enough to fry an egg on.

Hang on—What am I so nervous about? he wondered, trying to gain control of his breathing. Is returning a bottle of pop a crime now? His steps grew more confident with that realization.

Bonnet Lady followed him back and was hovering behind him as he pulled the door open. The door fogged up again, revealing the swear he had written just a couple minutes earlier. Mike could feel it taunting him.

He heard a aggravated breath escape Bonnet Lady’s lips near his ear when she saw it. He felt childish.

Mike reached into the case and grabbed the liter of Squirt. The cooler air felt good on his hot ears. He longed for the pop to slosh down his parched throat.

“Are you sure that is the same one?” Bonnet Lady buzzed.

“Yeah,” he muttered turning towards her. He held the bottle at arm’s length as if it was poison.

“Really?” Bonnet Lady bent over and looked deep into the shelf. “Are you lying to me?”

“No! Jeesh!”

“Give it here.” She didn’t wait for it to be handed over, grabbing it instead. She immediately started inspecting the cap, twisting it gently. She squeezed the bottle and tipped it this way and that.

“What…are you looking for?” Mike asked. He was angry, but curiosity clawed at him.

If Bonnet Lady had heard him, she gave no indication. Having thoroughly examined the bottle, the cashier with the bonnet opened up the cooler and rifled through the other bottles.

Finally she straightened up and heaved a heavy sigh. “Sorry. I thought you were the one.”

Mike was taken aback at her change of tone.

“The one who…what?”

“Someone’s been coming into the store, sneaking a drink, then returning it and leaving.” Her eyes looked tired and apologetic. He noticed the gray-streaked hair escaping her bonnet and curling in front of her ears.

There were wrinkles at the corners of her eyes. The cashier seemed to have aged in front of him.

“Who would do that?” Mike wondered aloud. “I just wanted to buy a drink and realized I had no money.”

“OK. I’m sorry.” She sounded defeated. “I thought you were the one because I’ve seen you in here before and it seemed to be on the same days it’s happened. My boss keeps taking the cost of the drinks out of my pay.”

She returned the Squirt for the second time in five minutes.

She looked like she was near tears.

“I need this job. I have a handicapped son to care for.” Mike looked around helplessly as the first tear sprung from her eyes. There was no one

to rescue him. “And someone else has been stealing candy, too. I don’t want to lose my job…” She turned away slightly, trying to compose herself. The cashier took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Again…I’m sorry.”

Mike shifted uncomfortably. “Can I go?”

The cashier turned back to him. “Sure. Of course.”

As Mike turned to go she added, “But hey, if you hear of anyone—“ “I will,” Mike shot back, heading for the door. Heading for freedom.

As he hurried past the check-out counter, he noticed a picture taped to the register. It was the cashier in a bonnet posing with a boy—perhaps seven—who looked to be her son. Their dark hair stood out against the cloudy blue background. The son looked like one of the kids on those fundraiser telethons that always seemed to interrupt his Saturday shows.

He stiff-armed the bar on the door on his way out causing it to fly open. The bells jangled violently. He sucked in a deep breath, shaking his head as he crossed the empty parking to his bike.

Now that he was in the clear, the indignity of the situation caught up with him. “I can’t believe she accused me of that,” he complained aloud through clenched teeth. He dialed the combination on his bike lock. He thought back to Bonnet Lady and her sob story. “What a wench. See if I ever go in her store again. Make me feel guilty. Accuse me of doing something I didn’t do!”

He wrapped the chain around his seat post, hopped on, and took off towards home pedaling like a madman. Swerving across the street to the other side, he turned his head back and yelled, “See if I ever come back to your store again!” The words bounced off the houses and reverberated in the spring air.

But of course he would go back. He would go back and buy a candy bar. He would return some empty cans and buy a pack of baseball cards.

He would go in the store just like he had gone in the store two days before—when he had been thirsty and had grabbed a can of Coke from the cooler, opened it, chugged it down, and buried it five cans back on the shelf.

He would go back to the store just like he’d gone in the weekend before and grabbed a warm can of beer from the middle of a stack at the end of the aisle. He had knocked that back and returned it to its place before grabbing a Snickers bar and a pack of baseball cards and sliding them into his jean jacket’s inner pocket.

Yeah.

He’d be back.