My Poems
BY: Ellis Eckles
This is America By: Ellis Eckles My wearing tennis shoes Pass over the gum spotted sidewalk The edge of the concrete broken by cars This is America The rhythmic rain beats down outside The once hard dusty ground, now mushy mud Humidity reaches the sky This is America Sitting in traffic Dawdling my thumbs and humming Knowing each person around me is going somewhere different This is America Waking up with the sun in my eye The smell of a fresh new day This is beautiful because This is America!
War By: Ellis Eckles
The sad, cold mud squishing between my toes My eyes puffy and red The flow of tears never ending Alone and quiet, I collapse and the mud meets my face My fatigued legs unable to work anymore With the last drop of energy I roll over The stars illuminating beyond the trees A cricket chirps in the distance With one last chirp, the quiet returns Suddenly out of nowhere I remember the unbearable news Of war, death and blood The burning of tears return As daddy rings through my mind
My World By: Ellis Eckles I'm filled with sorrow hope and joy Heartbreaks, tears and love
Far off lands and worlds And a place we call heaven located way up above Sunshine, rain, and wind Fill my many spacey holes The cry of a lone hungry wolf Nourishes the many dry souls My sweet carefree voice Echoes throughout the church Bring the little blue jays To sit upon their church I am so passionate I have been loved for so long For many I am treasured For I am a song
Feather By: Ellis Eckles It was born Sad, Lonely A mere speck in the sky A feather. Swirling down
A gust of wind changes its direction Sinning it over and over Never knowing when it'll stop Falling peacefully Gaining inches towards the earth Never stopping, never hurrying Just a feather It's just a feather It can make no change But yet, It can make a world of difference Looking down, Gaining closer to the Earth A big, bustling city A tiny feather The sidewalk resting within reach The feather's long journey coming to an end Little bit by little bit Landing with millions of others The little feather Coming to an end Finishing like all the rest Only to be alive by memory
My Choice Poems: Haikus By: Ellis Eckles The tree shook with fright Tears fell from the sky A flash broke the dark Color crossed the sky The storm stopped it's mad pounding The rainbow lit up
Lyrical Poem By: Ellis Eckles Tears over flow my eyes My cheeks become drenched I run into my room and slam the door Life isn’t fair I punch my pillow with all of my strength “Womp” I flatten my body on my bed My chest heaves with each breath Suddenly I hear a scratch at the door There is only one thing it could be I open my door and fill my room with light My dog licks away my excess tears
Once again a smile creeps up on me
Acrostic Poem: ELLIS By: Ellis Eckles
Excited Leader Lovely Interesting Silly Extraordinary Calm
Kooky Laugher Ebullient Super
Haiku By: Ellis Eckles Birds fly in the air A refreshing breeze, whoosh whoosh This day is peaceful Jake’s popcorn is stale It faintly tastes like butter I keep eating it… Oh peanut butter, Why do you stick to my teeth? You’re hard to get off By the curb you wait
Surrounded by fumes, you wait Little rock, you wait
Acrostic Poem: OUTSIDE By: Ellis Eckles
Oranges Umbrella Trees Sun Insects Dirt Ellis!
Water By: Ellis Eckles Swimming, gliding Shimmering, dancing Smiling, laughing Fish swim. Growing, ageing Hopping, eating Catching, Digesting Frogs hop. Flowing, rushing Moving, living Jumping, kicking
Water flows.
My Writing
Assignments
BY: Ellis Eckles
Human Euthanasia
I think we should put human euthanasia to a stop. First, life is made for living, not dying. We all have our time in this world; it is not our choice to choose when we leave and when we don’t. Second, human euthanasia is a form of assisted suicide. If you help someone or just let them kill themselves, I think it is murder. Lastly, I think euthanasia is selfish. People love their families, and when a member dies, or kills themselves not only affect their life, it affects their family’s. It is not fair to put your loved ones in that much
grief. Euthanasia should not be accepted. You only get one life, only body, one mind. It is your job to take care of it and to make the most out of it. God put us on this earth for a reason; we might not know what it is yet. It is not my, or your choice to choose when we leave. We have our time; no one knows when his or her natural death is scheduled. It is best to live our lives out with happiness. If you get sick, live the rest of your life with content. Everyone in this world is unique; no one is alike. If you leave this earth, we will never have another you! Human euthanasia is a form of murder. If you let someone kill himself or herself, you are part of the same crime. Get them help or show them a different way they can deal with the pain. I know sometimes people are so depressed they have no idea what to do to help them deal with their pain. We can’t tell them that they are not allowed to die, but we can help them. We can show them compassion and love. Many people worry that if we don’t help those in need now, suicide will become a bigger problem. That’s why we have to help or we will be classified as murderers. You have family, you love them and they love you. Imagine if you no longer are alive, how much grief you would give them. People are selfish to think about their problems and to end their life. Their families count on them. One main part of life is family, if we don’t have that, what do we have? People can get sick, they might be in more pain than we can ever imagine. Why don’t they just spend the last few days with their family? Family means a lot, cherish every moment with them because you never know when will be your last. I think human euthanasia should not be allowed, more or less encouraged. Life is too short to be worrying about disease or depression. It is our job to help those who
struggle with those things. Euthanasia may put an end to people’s misery, but I would be more sad to leave my family and friends before my time is due. Life is short, precious, and full of amazing experiences, make the most out of it as you can.
Emotions By: Ellis Eckles What is happiness? Happiness is family, Or watching TV. Eating thanksgiving dinner Throwing a ball to your dog Dancing to music Growing your very own garden Maybe just sleeping Could it be talking with friends? Or redecorating your room
Trying on new clothes Eating a seaweed packet Making a clay pot Life can be filled with smiles Life can be enjoyable Sometimes life isn’t that great It can be full of crying Tears, disappointment, and lies What is dejection? Is it losing a sports game? Or killing a plant Is it seeing a hobo? Or dropping your ice cream cone Failing your math test Breaking your favorite necklace Stepping on a bug Realizing your shirt doesn’t fit Maybe stubbing your big toe Losing your homework Having a really sad dream Reading a sad book Life can be a big huge pain It can make you feel happy You can feel sadness Sometimes you can get angry Your face gets hot and sweaty What is annoyance? Your sister stealing your clothes Your small brother poking you Or dropping an egg Missing a water balloon Falling on the ice Getting hit by a snowball Forgetting to wash your clothes
Losing a pencil Maybe spilling your water Or falling in mud Also feeling ignored Having someone cheat off you Or chipping a nail You can get angry Or sometimes even happy Or you can feel sad Life can be scary It can make you get goose bumps What can make you scared? Stepping in a red ant’s nest Thinking you still have homework Losing your cell phone Or hearing the door open At night when it’s dark Thinking you are really sick Realizing you are still awake Hearing ghost stories Going through a haunted house Having a nightmare Life can be so confusing It really doesn’t make sense It can make you feel sad Another day you’re happy Then you are just mad You know sometimes I wonder If I will ever realize What life really is. What emotions come with life? All sorts I suppose From happy to sad to mad, To confused, depressed, and scared.
These examples are Some things I think of when I think of feelings Do you have life’s emotions Figured out yet, unlike me? Or do you still feel Things you never felt before? I wonder a lot… Of what other people feel, How they deal with their feelings And how they use them Do you ever think about those things too? If you ever do, You are never out alone… Don’t worry, I feel them too
Move On By: Ellis Eckles Forgiving is love's toughest work, and love's biggest risk. If you twist it into something it was never meant to be, it can make you a doormat or an insufferable manipulator. Forgiving seems almost unnatural. Our sense of fairness tells us people should pay for the wrong they do. But forgiving is love's power to break nature's rule. ~Lewis B. Smedes When you were little were you ever told that when it was raining God was crying? Maybe you have heard whenever it was thundering angels were bowling. Why do
all of these sayings focus around God? Is God the only thing in people’s lives? There is a reality! Our lives have pain, death and hate, not all of the happy stuff that everyone says we will have if we believe in “God.” Well, I guess what I am saying is you can’t believe or trust anyone or anything these days; my life goes to show that. I was born to two parents, my mother and father. My parents were Christians; we went to church every Sunday. We lived in a small apartment in the middle of the city. Our life wasn't glamorous. We were definitely not the richest, but we weren't poor either. My family had love; it was just my mom, my dad, and I. I loved my life; everything was just the way it should be. Nothing was bad; I was not introduced to pain yet. I was happy until the accident happened. My whole world was a blur. Everything I believed in, everything I trusted was crumbling underneath my feet. When I look back on that night, all I can remember is screaming in between each wail. I would not let go of my parent’s bed. I tried to hold on to whatever I could find of them. The police came and explained everything that happened. They got into a huge car crash with a truck and died instantly. “Why did God do this to me?” Why would he let this happen?” “He hates me…” I swore from that moment on, for as long as I shall live, I would never set foot into a church again, and pray another word to God. Finally we are in the present time, here I am. This would be my eighth foster home in six years. I was seven when my parents died. I have kept my promise; God plays no part in my life. It’s me, in this big world, alone. I look out the window to see my foster mom, Jamie, step out of her car and onto the path to the front door. My foster parents right now are Christians, which makes me
feel uncomfortable. They go to church every Sunday while I stay at home. Lately I have heard my “parents” talking, this can only mean one thing, back to the orphanage I go. Later that evening my foster dad, Adam comes up and calls me for dinner. Grudgingly I put my book down and follow him out to the table. As soon as I sit down they both lean towards me and my “dad” tells me that they have something important to ask me. “Here we go” I think. “We were wondering what you thought about us adopting you?” My mind swirls with emotions, anger, sadness, fear, and pain. “It would be a big change for you” he continues, “It would take some time to get used to.” I don’t know what to say, no one has ever taken the time to get to know me like they have, and no one has even thought about adopting me. Suddenly I feel angry, they have no right to be my parents. I will never love them as much as I love my real ones. “No!” I shout. You will never love me as much as my mom and dad did. “No no no no no no NO!” In the morning I wake up. I can feel something inside of me has changed. I feel calmer and sad. Suddenly I understand that they love me. I know I will always love my real mom and dad, but it’s time to move on. It’s time to forgive, forget, and love. At that moment I knew, I found God.
Lost Then Found By: Ellis Eckles
September 13, 2005 Today was the same. The same anger, the same words, and of course the same hot stinging tears. The air is boiling between us; it's a hot sticky mess. I never knew air could boil, but I was proved wrong. Anger hurts, but not as much as the anger between you and the person who is your everything. This anger is the kind that neither person wants to give in or forgive each other for. As the happy times cloud my mind and I feel like I can scream. Even though I'm trying as hard as I can to push them out, they won't budge. The memories run through my mind like a never-stopping movie, the picnics, and runs on the
beach. Suddenly my tears turn on full force and blind my eyes, because yes, here it comes, our wedding.
September 14, 2005 Today I stroll into my office trying not to look hurt and deflated from yesterday. The worse it is at home the more they hate me at work. Even though they never have and probably never will admit their feelings to me, I know deep down they loathe me. On top of that I strongly dislike my job, at Hays Kansas Times. As usual cold stares follow me to my cell, or so-called “office.” After I put my stuff down and sit in my “oh so comfy” chair, whispers bubble around me. I tell myself I don't really care what they think but somewhere inside my broken heart the hurt throbs. Shuffling through the heaps of questions for “Ask Abby” in the newspaper, I spot one from a girl whose name sounded familiar. As I look closer, it comes to me; it’s my ex-best friend.
September 15, 2005 My life sucks.
September 16, 2005 Nothing goes the way I want it to.
September 17, 2005 Did I mention my life sucks?
September 18, 2005 For the past few days I’ve been camping out in a pit of emotions. All the happy and joyous ones were able to escape. I haven’t been able to sleep and I have to force myself to eat. The thing that saves me and has my last fragment of my “smiles” is my little Boston terrier, Harvey. I hate Boston Terriers, but my husband got him for me 13 years ago for our engagement present and unfortunately I couldn’t turn him down. When I get home he wags his tail and never fails to ease my pain. When I took him to the vet a year ago, I was told that he has arthritis. Even though Harvey works around it, he sometimes cries with pain, which brings me rushing to his side to calm him down.
September 19, 2005 My legs are unable to move, my arms are stiff, and my heart is frozen. My lip
trembles at the thought of Harvey. He was fine yesterday; he was just lying in his bed. My knuckles turn white as I grip his leash remembering last night. Everything felt normal, I ate dinner alone as usual and Harvey lay by my feet with a full stomach. I washed my plate and got Harvey’s leash from the closet. Now that I’m remembering he did seem to have more pain in his back left leg. Sometimes he would limp, but he seemed to be doing fine. Anyway we got home and I assisted Harvey up on the bed. I got my pajamas on and laid down. As I remember, it took a long time to settle him down, more than usual. Finally after what felt like forever he fell asleep and so did I. Sometime later in the night I heard this crying, as if someone or something was in excruciating pain. I bolted upright and called Harvey’s name. Usually he would climb up to me, but he was nowhere to be found. Half asleep I stumbled out of my bed and started crawling on my hands and knees calling, Harvey, Harvey where are you? I slowly make my way to his bed and start patting around. Suddenly, I felt a wet fur ball, and an ear piercing “scream” rung through my ears. Harvey, Harvey I cried, he was sweating, shaking, and clearly in pain. Somehow I needed to pick him up and bring him to the vet. Grabbing a blanket from the bed I carefully wrapped it around him and ran out the door with him snuggled up against my chest. Driving down the freeway, I kept looking back to see if he was all right. When we got there everything was a blur. The only thing that I can remember is the vet saying, “I’m very sorry, but we are going to have to put Harvey down. “
September 25, 2005 Today I am going to go to the mall. After almost a week sitting at home surrounded by half-used tissues I think it’s time to get out of the house. Sitting in the car I feel a twinge of pain in my chest. Just as it came, it disappears. As I keep driving more and more of this pain sparks in my chest. When I reach the mall I quickly park and jump out. Taking long strides I make it to the front of the mall, and that’s when it hit. It’s like my chest is on fire, I scream with agony as it feels like it’s ripping apart. People now stop and stare with an expression of fright and surprise. Now I’m screaming with my whole body, and my chest pain is indescribable. “My chest, my chest”, I manage to cough out before I black out with a big “thunk” on the cement.
December 30, 2005
I wake up to a blank room. A small cry escapes my throat as I look around and see flowers everywhere. It feels like I’m in heaven. Suddenly, a woman walks in through the door that I guess I missed during my “room scan.” I try and concentrate, but my mind keeps getting lost in a jumble of memories. “Is this heaven?” I asked her trying to grasp an understanding of where I am. She chuckles and says, “No, this isn’t, but you were close to it a couple of times.” My mind slowly comes out of the fog and I’m able to think a little clearer. “What do you mean?” I ask confused. She answers with a grim look on her face, “You had a heart attack.”
February 14, 2007 I guess you could say I woke up just in time for new years. It turns out I was in a coma for about 3 months after my heart attack. I can remember very little from what happed after I blacked out. The doctors say that I’m really lucky that I survived; many believed that I wouldn’t make it through a day, more or less 3 whole months and a complete recovery! Most people would think that having a heart attack is bad luck, but I believe that it was suppose to happen. It has opened my eyes to what an amazing life I really do have. I have a new puppy, a wonderful (new) job that I really do love, and I have a husband that supports my every move. Even though he and I fight, and say mean things to each other, we love one another. We now have a day that we spend time with each other and talk about our problems. He helped me discover a new job that I wake up to every morning excited for. I help people with their depression and help them find their life-long passion. Last but not least, we both got a new puppy; he is of course a Boston Terrier. I demanded we get a girl this time, and I got to name her Harper.
February 15, 2007 Did I mention I love my life?
Love By: Ellis Eckles
Chapter 1- Kendall Some people call me “the wild one” or “the unpredictable,” but to Erin I’m just Kendall. The little seven year old who got bullied and pushed around. The little girl who had no friends and no one to turn to. The little girl who needed her.
Chapter 2- Kendall I hate my alarm clock. I hate its stupid constant ringing that never stops unless you find the right button. I mean why can’t you just snap your fingers or something and it would
turn off, futuristic movies have that. Anyway, I think the thing I hate most about it is it wakes you up for school. So here I am, still half asleep getting ready for the thing I hate most. The only good part about school is the fact that I get to see Conrad. He is my lover! I think I would die without him; he is my rock and my savior. We have been dating since the eighth grade; I’m in tenth grade, so that’s long for me! He is so sweet and we love each other so much, or at least I love him!!
Chapter 3- Kendall I walk into school with one of my arms in my jacket and my other one out and my feet shuffled into my old orange converse. The bell rang like twenty minutes ago so the halls are deserted, it’s a wonder I haven’t missed more than half my first class. Before I even see him I hear him. His locker room keys jingle with every step he takes. I turn around and we embrace. He smells like apple jolly ranchers, sweat, and cheetos, the smell I’ve come to know and love. He pecks me on the lips and turns to run off, “wait” I say, “what?” he replies. “I love you,” I say with a wink. He gives me a finger heart and runs off. Oh I love that boy!
Chapter 4- Kendall In science I totally fell asleep. The last words I heard were “The Duodenum is located under the…” Do I really care where the duiohkjfelmjhh is located? No. Erin has this idea that we will both go to the same college and be “dormies,” the problem is the college she wants to go to is very strict and only allows the best students with the highest grades. So she is constantly checking on me to make sure I’m getting tiptop grades. “Wakeeee upppp!!” she says poking me. I act as if I can’t hear her. “Come on I know you’re faking,” she knows everything about me. “Uggggggg, can’t you see I’m tired?” She gives me a look. “Fine.” I look at the board once again. “Now can someone tell me where the Duodenum is?” Gosh, school is terrible.
Chapter 5- Erin "No one cares what Duodenum is Mr. Baker!" I thought in my head. Science is the last class of the day and I just wanted to go home. I looked over and saw Kendall falling asleep again. I reached over and slapped her on the head. She whipped her head up, blinking her eyes. "Stay awake, class is almost over." I whispered. She glared at me and laid her head back down. I was about to yell at her when the bell rang, releasing us. Kendall and I both jumped up and the same time and ran out the door.
Chapter 6- Erin I saw him before he saw me. His dark brown shaggy hair blowing in the wind. "Jayden! I yelled and he turned around. He saw me and smiled his crooked smile that I love. He waved and I blew him a kiss. 5 minutes later, practice ended. Kendall and I ran down the bleachers and onto the field. Jayden caught me in his arms and hugged me tight. He looked huge in his shoulder pads and jersey. I reached up and kissed him. His neck was hot and sweaty but it didn't matter. Jayden's the quarterback of the football team and the love of my life. We've been together since the 8th grade and have been inseparable ever since.
I broke away from him and looked up into his bright blue eyes. He smiled down at me and pulled me close again. I buried my face in his chest and took in a deep breath. He smelled like sweat and cinnamon mixed together. I loved it. "Gotta go." He said and jogged of to the locker room. I turned around and saw Conrad and Kendall embracing too. A few seconds later Conrad said something and followed Jayden into the locker room. I walked over to Kendall and together we walked to my car so we could finally head home.
Chapter 7- Kendall "HEY MOMMMMM" I yelled into the apartment. A muffled hello came from the living room. I ran into the little shack we call home. She was passed out on the couch, and she barely managed to say hello. She is a night nurse at the hospital so she starts work at ten o' clock p. m. and leaves work at ten o' clock a.m. Usually when I get home she is fast asleep, today is not an exception. "Hey mom, me and Erin are going to go grab some ice cream, want anything?" "Minttttt chipdjkhfugvb," her words faded into a jumble of words. "Ok love you" I said as I kissed her cheek and turned off Ellen. As I ran out I grabbed my phone, wallet, and I petted Chip, my kitty. Dialing my phone I called Conrad and told him to meet us. Side by side my best friend, Erin, and I walked down the street that we know so well.
Chapter 8- Kendall Erin has always lived in a large house and me in a small apartment. I remember the day she moved in just like it was yesterday. I had always been the only kid on my street. My only friend was the old lady who lived next to us, her name was Snooky. She had a heavy German accent and waddled around her house with old pooh bear slippers. Every day when I would visit her she would have my favorite butterscotch cookies with a glass of milk. Anyway... Erin's house had been empty since before I could remember. The for sale sign became part of the landscape, and I thought it would always remain that way. One day I looked out of my bedroom window and I noticed it was gone. "Mommy!" I shouted. "What?! Is everything ok?!" "Yeah, but come up" I said still watching the window. Suddenly two moving trucks turned the corner and pulled up to the house. I sat there watching for hours, my mom even brought my lunch up to me; it was a grilled cheese sandwich! Then like five hours later I saw her. My best friend. I was too shy to talk to her forever until she saved me from the bully. It's funny because now we have totally switched personalities, I'm the all out party girl, while she is the one who usually who sits in the corner with her boy friend Jayden, but let me tell you when she decides to go on the dance floor, it gets crazy! I honestly don’t know where I would be if I never met her. She has brought me back to life in all of my break ups and failures. Don't get me wrong, I do a lot for her too, but I know no matter what I can always count on her.
Chapter 9- Erin I opened the door of the ice cream place and felt a rush of cold blow in my face. Closing
my eyes, I took a deep breath. Just then, something grabbed me from behind. I yelped and jumped away from them. I heard people laughing behind me and turned around. I was face to face with Jayden and Austin was right behind him, laughing. I glared at Jayden and he pulled me close to him. My annoyance melted almost right away. He let me go and we all ordered ice cream and Kendall got some for her mom. We walked out and Kendall saw a small shop across the street that she wanted to look at. We all walked over and went inside. It was filled with random stuff. Clothes, little toys and figures, fragile vases, etc. It wasn't really my thing but Kendall loved it. She went around the whole shop, touching everything she could. Jayden, Austin and I were waiting by the door, just watching her. A few minutes later she bounded over to us and stood in front of Austin. She smiled sweetly at him and he rolled his eyes. "What do you want?" He asked, reaching into his pocket. "Can I have five dollars?" She asked. Here is the thing about Kendall: She never, ever had enough money. She rarely even had money in general. "Five? Really Kendall?" Austin asked her in a frustrated voice. "Pleeeaaassseee?" Kendall pleaded. "No. Okay, you never have money and you are always asking me for some. You owe me so much already. Go find someone else's money." Kendall turned towards Jayden and I and we backed away, not wanting to get involved. Kendall glared at me and turned back towards Austin. He shook his head. "Why!?" She protested. "Because Kendall! God, just stop okay!" The door slammed as we walked out. Kendall followed him. Jayden took my hand and we ran after them. We saw Austin sitting on a bench and Kendall standing in front of him. She was yelling and he looked angry. I saw Kendall throw her hands up in the air and walked over to us. "What happened?" Jayden asked. "We're done." Kendall answered him. "WHAT!? Over five stupid dollars?" I yelled. "No! It's more than that. There's been a lot of tension between us for a while. It's complicated. But whatever." She said, running her fingers through her hair and taking a deep breath. I saw Austin get up and leave. "I better go." Jayden said and gave me a quick kiss. "Bye" I said as he jogged off towards Austin. I looked at Kendall. She forced a lame smile at me. I took her arm and we walked back to her house.
Chapter 10- Kendall I am so mad. Why couldn't he just give me five stupid dollars?! All I wanted was the little plastic monkey that clapped when you wound it up. I needed it for my knickknack collection. So what if I always borrow money, I just never have some. Well I guess that's not the main reason why I'm mad; we have had some small fights in the last month. The most recent one was about him blowing me off for his friends. I guess you can say we are both high-strung people. Don't get me wrong, we have our "lovey dovey" moments and we love each other very much, or we used to. Now that I think of it, we weren't too bad together. Awwwww I miss him.
Chapter 11- Kendall I needed to get my mind off of Austin for a while. Some time back a friend, who is in college, invited me to a party. All the people will be older than me, but I don't care. I just need to go somewhere to escape. It has only been like two days and I'm suffering. To make it even worse I see him at school every day. Any way, I jump into my old beat up buggie and drive to the house. Before I even turn the corner I hear the music. I pull into the only open spot after someone pulls out. As I start walking to the party I feel relieved
that Austin is finally the least of my worries. I open the door and people practically fall out because the place is so packed. The whole house reeks of sweat and beer. I squeeze my way through the crowd to the back table where the refreshments are. The tables are full of beer and half eaten deserts. Dying of thirst I look around for water, but to my disappointment I see none. Remembering Austin and how he would protect me at a place like this I grab a can of beer and chug it down. Even though I might seem like the girl who does drugs and get pregnant all the time, I'm not. I'm actually a good girl at heart. Expecting to be disgusting by the beer, I am actually surprised; it's not that bad. I think of Austin again, so I grab another beer, and another, and another. Before I knew it I barely could see straight, let alone know what I'm doing. In the hall I spot an adorable guy so I waddle over to him. "Hi," I say, "hello," he responds. I smile, and before I know what over came me I start kissing him, and he starts kissing me back. It gets deeper and deeper until before I knew it I was lying on the bed with him on top of me. I close my eyes and I still see Austin.
Chapter 12- Erin I called Kendall over and over that night and she never answered. I worried about her. She had mentioned some wild college party that she had been invited to and I told her it was a bad idea. I lay on the couch worrying and watching T.V. when my cell phone rang. I practically fell of the couch when I heard it. I recovered and ran into the kitchen where I had left it. I looked at the contact name. Austin. Damn it. I picked up anyways though; maybe he knew something about Kendall. "Hello?" I said. "Hey, do you know where Kendall is? I've been calling her all night long and she hasn't answered. She mentioned something about a party, do you think she went?" He asked. "I don't know Austin, but call me if you hear anything." "Promise." The line went dead and I went back to the couch, taking the phone with me.
Chapter 13- Kendall I got home from the party and I didn’t want to talk to anyone. Erin tried calling my phone like five times but I felt so sick I didn’t want to answer. Honestly looking back on it I don’t know how I managed to get home so drunk. It was about three thirty in the morning when I left. I felt so terrible the only person I wanted to talk to was Austin, and like that would ever happen.
Chapter 14- Erin It was seven thirty in the morning when I heard a knock on my door. I slowly got off the couch and looked out the window. It was Kendall. I flung open the door and hugged her. "I was worried!" I yelled. "Sorry, I went to that party." "What! Kendall..." "I'm sorry." Her eyes looked sad and worried. "What's wrong?" I asked her. "I cheated on Austin. I mean I don't know if it counts as cheating because we were broken up but it was at the party and I was drunk. I feel horrible." I hugged her again and decided not to be mad anymore. This was a crisis. I took her inside and made her tell me everything.
Chapter 15- Erin Two days later everything was back to normal. Kendall and Austin were back together
and there was no more drama. Kendall still felt bad for cheating but I told her to forget about it because I knew it was stressing her out. After all, they were technically broken up and she didn't know what she was doing. I just hoped everything stayed the same for a while.
Chapter 16- Kendall Two days after the party Austin and I got back together. I was so happy, everything felt like it was going to be normal again. The cheating was going to be a thing of the past. Everything was going to work out fine, until… I have been feeling really moody lately. Even the slightest thing might make me frustrated, I don’t know why. I have also been really hungry. I think I might be sick. So I sit in front of the computer puzzled at what it might be. My computer is a dinosaur so it takes forever to load. Usually I go into the other room and eat or something. As it’s loading I grab my ipod and relax listening me and Austin’s song, “Just the Way You Are.” I realized after the song was up the up that the computer had loaded. I scrolled through the different websites, then I got bored and clicked the first one. “OH MY GOD.”
Chapter 17- Kendall I ran as fast as I could over to Erin’s house. I don’t think I even put shoes on, I usually don’t though. I banged on the door as hard as I could and prayed that one of her brother wouldn’t open it, he did. “Hey Barbie” he said, “yeah hey David, I have to talk to Erin urgently.” “Awwww don’t want to spend time with “Davie?” Usually I would play along but I was so stressed out I started sobbing. “Are you ok? Come in, Erin is upstairs.” His gaze followed me as I ran up stairs. I tripped and brused my knee but I don’t care, I just need to get to Erin and every thing will be alright. I know her house like the back of my hand. I know all the hiding places, all the places where we have spilled juce, even all of the knicks in the walls where we have thrown something on it in anger. As I reach her room I wipe the tears off of my eyes and I walk in. I’m standing in the doorway when she looks up. At first I see her look up happy, but soon it changes to worry. She looks at me in my little monkey pajamas, my hair in a messy bun, no shoes, and tears streming down my face. “Whaaa? Are you ok?” Before she can finish I scream out, “IM PREGNANT!!!”
Chapter 18- Erin My stomach dropped to my feet. "What!?! You're totally kidding me right now right?" I yelled at her. David appeared in my doorway. "David! Go away!" I screamed. He put his hands up in surrender and walked away. Kendall started crying again. "I need to take a test first but all the symptoms are there." I grabbed my car keys and threw on my Ugg boots. "Lets go." We ran to the car and jumped in. When we arrived at the store everyone stared at us. Probably because we were both wearing pajamas and our hair looked insane. I ran to the back of the store and picked up the first test box I saw. I grabbed Kendall and hurried to the bathroom. "Shouldn't we buy it first?" Kendall asked, worried. I shook my head. This is so not like me but it was an emergency. 10 minutes later we were staring at a pink plus sign. This was the 2nd one she'd taken. Kendall threw the test across the room and fell to the floor, sobbing. I sat next to her and pulled her into a hug, comforting her,
even though I was just as scared as she was.
Chapter 19- Erin When we got back to my house I handed her my phone. "Whats this for?" she asked. "You need to call Austin. You have to tell him." I told her. "Not over phone. I need to do this in person." I nodded and we piled back in my car. We drove to Austin's house and pulled into the driveway. "C'mon. It's now or never." I said. She took in a shaky breath and opened her door. I watched her walk up to the from door from my car. She knocked twice before Austin answered. I saw his face grow confused as he saw what she was wearing. She started crying again and hugged him. He pushed her away and looked her in the eyes, asking her what was wrong. She must have told him because his eyes got really wide and his mouth fell open. he pointed at himself and she nodded her head. She hugged him again and this time he held her close. A few seconds later she turned and walk back over to the car. Just before she sat down I looked back at Austin. He was sitting on his porch steps with his head in his hands and his shoulders shaking. I sighed and reached over to open the door for Kendall. She sat down and we drove away in complete silence.
Chapter 20- Erin 3 months later Although you couldn't see that Kendall was pregnant, you could definitely tell. She ate everything in sight and threw up half the day. I was right there through everything. I went too all her doctor's appointments and made midnight runs for chocolate ice cream when it was desperately needed. We were sitting in her kitchen at like 12:30 at night eating ice cream sundaes. Kendall laid her spoon down and looked at me. Her expression was sad and scared. "Ken? Whats wrong?" I asked. She wiped a tear from her face looked down. "Kendall?" I asked again. "This isn’t Austin's baby." She blurted. "WHAT?!" I whisper-yelled because her mom was asleep. "I met some guy at that party I went to a while ago. I didn't mean for it happen, it just did. I was super drunk. I didn't think it was his but I'm sure now. I don't know what to do. Austin loves this thing, he supported me through everything so far." She started crying. I was to shocked to say anything. "Please promise me you won't tell him!" She said. "Kendall, what are you going to do when it comes?" "I don't know, just don't tell anyone! Please!" "Ok, ok I won't tell." She sighed in relief. Just then we heard a knock at the door. I ran over to it and looked out the window like I always do before answering the door. It was my brother Jason. He's 18 and thinks he's super cool. I personally like David better. I opened the door anyways though. "Mom says you need to come home. I called but you didn't answer." "One second." I told him and walked back over to Kendall. "Jason's here. I have to go." I told her. She nodded and stood up to hug me. Then Jason and I walked back over across the street.
Chapter 21- Erin The guilt was eating away at me. I couldn't stop thinking about how Kendall and pretended the Austin was the father when really he wasn't He had gotten attached to it and he still doesn't know its his. I was so mad at Kendall for doing this. I needed to tell someone. I picked my phone and slowly dialed Jayden's number. "Hullo?" he said. It sounded like there was something in his mouth. "I need to tell you something." I heard
him swallow. "What's up? Is something wrong." "Yeah, but its not about me." He sighed in relief. "What’s up then?" I took a deep breath. "Austin's not the father." "WHAT!?!?!?!?!" "Yeah I know, its some guy that Kendall met at some stupid party she went too." He took in a deep breath. "Well shouldn't we tell him?" He asked. "I don't know. I don't want Kendall to be mad at me but I don't want Austin to go around thinking its his kid." "I'll tell him. It's the right thing to do." Jayden said. I smiled. "Thanks. I'll talk to you later." "Ok bye, I love you." "I love you too." I replied and hung up the phone.
Chapter 22- Kendall Everything was going to work out. Austin was going to be the father, I was going to be the mother and everything would work out, or so I thought. I walked into school wearing a big bloomery shirt, and I skipped over to where Austin and I meet every morning. I got there really early because I have a surprise for him. I waited, and waited, and waited for him. It was twenty minutes after the first bell rang and he still wasn't there. I was about to leave when I saw him jog up out of the corner of my eye. "Hey, you're late!" He just glared and pointed at me."Austin?" "I’m done with you. I'm done with every lie." "Austin... I....What are you even talking about?!" I caught the glint of a tear in his eye, "I know... I... know... about the baby." That's when I saw it, he really was looking forward to being a father, having his own child, having someone need him, and I had ruined that for him. "What do you mean?" My heart was pounding one hundred miles per minute. "I know I'm not the father." "Butttttt, but you are." "No I'm not, Jayden told me everything." How did he know? Erin. I was so mad at her, if she was standing right in front of me I could of punched her. He turned to walk away, "Austin please, I wanted to tell you, I really did I didn't know how." I couldn't believe I was lying to him even more. "No you didn't, you would keep pretending and pretending and probably never tell me. When it gets born and it looks nothing like me you would just make up another excuse. I can't believe it." I was sobbing, "Please Austin, please, please, you don't know how much I need you. "No, you don't need me, obviously." Just like that, he was gone.
Chapter 23- Kendall I'm going to kill Erin. I'm going to make her wish she had never said anything. I called her like regular and asked her to meet me in my backyard. She had been sick all day so she didn't hear the news. She opened the gate and came bouncing in. "How are you?" he asked smiling. As soon as I looked at her she knew. "We are over." I said through my teeth. "What? Who? Wait no! You don't mean A..U....S.....T....I............N?" Her once smiling happy face turned into a mix of fear and sadness. "I am sooooooooooooooooooooo sorry. The guilt, it was eating me alive." "GUESS HOW IT WAS ON ME!! YOU DON'T THINK I EVER REGRETTED GOING TO THAT PARTY? YOU DON'T THINK I NEVER WISH THAT I DIDN'T DRINK, DO YOU NOT THINK ABOUT IT MAKES ME FEEL?!?!" I exploded at her. I know she had never in all our years together seen me this mad. "I'm so sorry, so sorry" she hung her head and I could tell she was trying not to cry. I knew I could push it more make her feel worse, but I didn't, I was letting her go, soft and smooth. "Leave," I said. She looked at me with tears streaming down her checks about to say something, but I interuppted her. "Leave." And like that my two favorite people, the people I trusted most, and the people I loved more than anything were gone. Gone just like that.
Chapter 24- Erin I knew this would happen, I had just wished it wouldn't. Kendall hated me now. My best friend hated my guts. I knew I had done the right thing, but it felt so wrong. I went over to Jayden's house that night to watch a movie. We were in the middle of School of Rock but I wasn't really paying attention. I guess Jayden noticed because he pulled me close and offered to take me home. I accepted and we got into his car. I ran up to my door and collapsed on my bed, crying. I missed Kendall. I missed our late nights together. I missed telling her everything. I needed her back. She is my true other half.
Chapter 25- Erin 3 months later I haven't talked to Kendall at all since she told me to get out of her life. It's making me really depressed. I know I made a mistake, but I just wish I had my best friend back.
Chapter 26- Erin 3 months later I saw Kendall from my bedroom window this morning. We haven't talked for almost half a year. I can't believe this. We were joined at the hip and now all of it was thrown away, like nothing we ever did or said mattered anymore. I felt horrible. This was the biggest and worst mistake of my life. Anyways, when I saw Kendall, she looked HUGE. It was amazing. The last time I saw her there was almost nothing. I was amazed. I wonder how she had been getting along. I felt horrible and guilty for missing everything.
Chapter 27- Kendall I missed Erin more than anyone could imagine, I needed her. She is my best friend, my soul sister. life just wasn’t the same without her, it never would be. Sometimes I would just watch her window at night hoping she would show up and she would give me our symbol. I saw her once and our eyes connected but I turned away reminded of what she did to me.
Chapter 28- Erin 2 weeks later The call came that night. "Erin?" I heard from the other end. It was super late, almost 3:30 in the morning. "Kendall?" I asked, suddenly wide awake. "Erin. I need your help." I slammed down the phone and ran the stairs, pulling on my boots. I passed by Jason's room and flung open the door. "Erin! What the heck are you doing?" He loudly whispered. "Kendall needs me." I whispered back. "I thought she hated you." I didn't respond and ran out the front door, across the street and flung open Kendall's door, not even knocking. I found her sitting on the couch alone, hugging her huge stomach. "Where's your mom?" I asked. "At her boyfriends. Help me. I think its coming." I wasn't surprised when she said this. I picked up the phone, ready to call an ambulance. "NO!" Kendall yelled at me. '"Stop. I will not go in an ambulance. Drive me." I dropped the phone and picked up her keys. She grabbed so hard on my shoulder as we walked out, I thought I was going to pass out. She lowered herself in the car and I drove away. We
rushed inside and Kendall was whisked away to a delivery room. "DON'T LEAVE ME!" She screamed before passing through the doors. I felt bad but I needed to make some calls first. I called my house to let them know where I was. They were coming and my mom was going to call Kendall's. Then I called Jayden. He was coming too. My last call was Austin. "Austin?" I asked when I heard a distant hello on the other end. "Erin? What the...?" I heard, closer this time. "Kendall is having her baby." I told him. "What? Oh my god, I'm coming right now." He said. I hung up and felt relieved. I told the nurse I was Kendall's sister and was let through the doors to be with Kendall again. Soon after Kendall's mom and my mom joined me in the delivery room.
Chapter 29- Erin The baby was a girl. Her name was Madlyn. Maddy for short. She was beautiful. She looked just like Kendall. Same eyes, same nose, same hair. We all crooned over her for almost and hour until the doctor made my mom and I leave. I left her room in shock. When we got out in the waiting room I yelled, "It's a girl!" Everyone cheered and I threw my arms around Jayden. He gave me a quick kiss before letting me go. I ran over to Jason and David and they pulled me in for a big bear hug. I was about to hug Austin when I saw him walking over to Kendall's room. The nurse stopped him but he told her that he was the father. She said sorry and let him got through. I grinned and turned back to everyone else.
Chapter 30- Kendall Austin walked in and stared at Maddy. I was expecting him to turn around and walk out, but instead he came over to me and crouched next to the bed. “I love you” he said, “and I love our baby girl.” At that moment I knew that everything was going to be alright and that I was loved once again.
Kali Rose Van Dusen By: Ellis Eckles
Kali Rose Van Dusen was born on June 26, 1998. She was born in Cedars Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood. Her mother is Kathleen Louise Blum and her father is Keith W. Van Dusen. She was a tiny baby, only 6 pounds, because she was a twin. Her brother, Jack Henry Van Dusen, is younger by two minutes. As she was growing up she had many adventures, such as breaking her arm when she was four. Kali has had low times, like losing her lifelong dog, but she has also had high times like having a talent show with her friends every summer while they go camping. Her life has been busy since the start. Kali Van Dusen’s family life was like every other. During the day her mom stayed home while her dad went to work. Her father, Keith, worked at a camera shop and once in a while he would take pictures of Kali and display them in the shop. When Kali was about four she and Jack would create imagination games. Her favorite was Indians, they would dress up and run around they yard with pretend bow and arrows. As Kali aged
her life got more complicated, but it evened out with all of her fun times. When Kali was about ten her cat that she had all her life died. Kali’s whole family was terribly sad. Even to this day Kali still has her kitty’s collar hanging up on her bulletin board. Even though she was sad about losing her cat, she looked forward to go camping in the summer. Kali’s whole family goes down to the beach every summer to meet her closest friends. They do a lot of fun things, such as build a fort out of seaweed, and play in the water. Now to go on more serious things, Kali is in the seventh, (almost eighth) grade. She is attending Aveson Global Leadership Academy and her favorite subject science. She hopes to stay at Aveson for high school. Later in life Kali is hoping is planning to go many amazing places. Once she finishes middle school, she wants to continue going to Aveson for high school, to try it out. If it doesn’t work out for her, she has decided to move to Pasadena High School. After she is done with high school, she wants to go to college. She’s not quite sure where yet. Kali does know that she wants to major in movie directing or photography. Her dad inspired both of these careers. Because as I said before, he is a photographer. After college, she will get married, settle down and have a family. Kali Rose Van Dusen is an energetic, funny, creative girl who has a lot planned for her future life. When she was born until she dies, she has an exciting life with many memories and many to look forward to.