"The Burning City" by Lauren

Inspired by: Hollywood Undead

I’ve heard the words of another say in the most calm voice, like the ocean before a storm, “ Let’s watch this city burn from the skyline on top of the world, till there’s nothing left of her,” but has it been burning for too long now. Crime, poverty and politics are the wood logs waiting to be lit by the uncaring people of this world. We all contribute to the ceremonial burning, for our own reasons and others just out of utter revenge. What we don’t realize until after the world catches a flame is nothing good will come of this fire. We hope for a better world to bloom like the morning glory, but the only thing we see in the morning is more chaos and hurt. We all run to stop it, but it is obviously too late. We cannot stop others’ minds or views, for their fire inside of their hearts is still hateful, vengeful and selfish. How do we stop the horrid massacre? We “watch this city burn” and hope we all survive others’ mistakes and wonder about those we have hurt. All we have is prayer and hope that someone will save us from our selves; someone everyone will listen to and someone that not only can, but WILL change their minds. I like to think that someone is me, but the truth is I am not quite ready to let go of my little fire. Call me a hypocrite, go ahead, but at least I can admit it unlike the rest of us who simply ignore the hatred and violence outside our doors. I will not go on pretending not to care about this never ending war. Now, let’s stop looking at this gorgeous fire and find a way to put it out. It may take years and maybe even lifetimes, but that is ok. As long as it happens in the future, that is all I ask for. I do not wish to look down from the sky and see what I saw on, what some people call, hell. I want to see peace and blue-green features because orange was never my favorite color anyway.

"Red and Black Roses: Vignette 1" by Lauren

(Fourth grader)
Lulu and Leland met when Lulu was in fourth grade at a birthday party for her cousin. Leland was her cousin’s friend. He was tall, medium brown hair and brown eyes. He had a smile brighter than sunshine and he seemed to really love life. They all played cards and made a rainy day seem so sunny. They laughed and had fun and it was the greatest day she had had in a long time. When Lulu left, she didn’t know that she would have a friend in Leland. (As a seventh grader)
Three years older, Lulu has cared for her grandfather since she was nine years old. She has won her first real prize for a pro-life picture she drew and learned of her writing abilities. Her grandfather Hugh, who she had grown so close to, had died. She prayed several nights that he would live through Christmas, but she knew that was too much to ask for. One October morning, the dark, cold air was filled with the brilliant moonlight. It seemed as though nothing could disturb this quiet night. Then the phone rings…it was a message she had wished to send back, but she couldn’t. She heard mumbled voices of hopelessness and put her head back down on her pillow. She slept till morning so she could take care of her mourning mother. She woke up to utter silence besides what she already knew. She had to go to school to tell everyone she wouldn’t be at school the next day. At the wake, she sees the man she has loved for so long… the man she helped and grew up for because she was forced too. This wasn’t the same man though. They tried to make him look as normal as possible, but he was never white and cold.
During the summer, everyone thought it was a good idea for her to go to Lincoln for a new perspective on life. She spent the week with family and they had fun, but it wasn’t the same. Then the sunshine reappeared and moved the clouds away from her that night. Leland said hi to her. She was so amazed that he remembered her name that she finally realized he was on crutches. You would’ve never had guessed by his bright smile though. Leland had sat down by her and asked her how she was like they had been friends for years. The panic attacks of dying had gone away like a summer bird in the Fall. Did he really cure her though? Maybe, but right now she didn’t care. She was happy again and that’s all that mattered.
When she had to leave, she was scared. She didn’t think she would ever see him again. She didn’t want her past thoughts to become actions making her a ghost and not knowing if he may have felt the same way. He didn’t know this, but he was the only thing keeping her alive and that scared her. She hated not being in control of her own life
(Eighth grade year)
Lulu’s getting confirmed this year and she doesn’t even care. She doesn’t have much faith and doubts God a lot. It seems He has abandoned her. Her mom and her went shopping for her special day when she got a call from her cousin. She had told Lulu that Leland was coming to her confirmation. She was so happy that she could barley breathe. Maybe God hasn’t abandoned her completely. After the ceremony, her whole family went out to eat. When she entered the restaurant, everyone clapped for her, but she only saw Leland. He had told her something no one had ever told her… I’m proud of you. Lulu didn’t believe how much her life had turned around. She was truly happy. She looked at her grandfathers wedding ring on her finger and smiled to herself. The only question in her head was, Could Leland be my Guardian Angel sent by my grandpa?
(Freshman year)
Lulu made it to her Freshman year. It was hard at first in choosing schools because she couldn’t ask anyone their opinion without them being biased. She was being watched over by her guardian angel, though. Lulu’s friend Marie and her sisters took her underneath their wings though. None of them knew that she had actually hurt herself. She was too afraid to tell them. She was afraid they would judge her, but she knew she would never do it again because it wasn’t worth it. She wondered if she’ll ever get the courage to tell Leland though. She tried to stay away from him, but it was too hard. He had helped her through a lot of hard times and he made all the pain go away. (Sophomore year)
Lulu hadn’t talked to Leland for nine months and she finally got to see him at her cousin‘s graduation. There were rumors going around that he was going to the seminary. When she confronted him calmly about it, he said he was going. He acted so sad when he said it though. He further explained he was going to find himself… that maybe God would call him to the priest hood. He wanted a family, but he needed to do this. Lulu’s eyes filled with tears, but she waited till he left the room. She ran outside to the swings and let the tears fall down her cheeks. She was scared, again, that she would loose him this time, for good. The last thing he said to her was, “ Goodbye, and Be good.”
…Leland had left to the seminary without even saying goodbye to Lulu. Would they ever end up together or would they just restart their lives from here?

"Red and Black Roses: Vignette 2" by Lauren

　　
　(Middle of Sophomore Year)
It has been almost eight months since Leland has contacted Lulu. On Thanksgiving day, she received a message from him saying Happy Thanksgiving and that he was doing okay. She asked him how he liked the seminary, but there was no reply. Her family didn’t see through her sad eyes even though they thought they knew everything. The holidays weren’t the same without him there. All she could think about was when she could see him again. She was scared because her house had finally sold, but she hasn’t told him yet. Would he be able to find her now?
(Junior Year)
No word from him for over a year. It had never been this long before. She turned to writing sappy love poems about him. She even did something she swore she would never do…she cried over him. She knew she needed to get herself together. Her cousins wedding was coming up so she decided to ask someone to be her date.
(April 14, 2012)
Lulu helped her cousin, Sarah, get ready for her big day, and then she went over to the boys cabin to help the guys tie their ties. She had kept herself abnormally busy, trying to forget Leland. So far it had worked. After she was done doing her part, she went to get ready and get to the church. She had asked a guy named Alex to come with her to the wedding. After the ceremony, they all went to the reception. It was your usual family gathering: loud, lots of food and laughter. Everyone seemed to love Alex and Lulu was thankful for that. They decided to get on the dance floor and have some fun. After a few songs, Justin(the bridegroom) asked Alex if he could have a dance with Lulu. While they danced, Justin proceeded to tell Lulu something she didn’t want to hear. She didn’t exactly seem to mind it thought. She looked up from Justin and saw the sunshine smile she knew and loved. She had never smiled so big in a very long time. She ran over and gave Leland a big hug. She introduced him to Alex and his smile suddenly fell off his face. He said hello and walked away. Around midnight, Lulu went outside, as she always did in the mountains, and walked to the river. She saw Leland on the rock she and him sat on their last trip to Colorado. They sat there all night and talked about everything he had missed. He finally said he was sorry for not being there for her. They stopped talking for awhile to admire the stars they haven’t seen in so long. Out of the blue, he told her he loved her. She said it back and never felt so happy. They went back to their separate cabins and before Lulu knew it, it was morning. She went to the boys’ cabin to go see Leland. When she asked the guys where he was they said he had to leave for Air Force Training.
(A long trail of tears later)
Lulu graduated and went off to college. Her boyfriend Alex went with her. When they arrived, he proposed to her and they decided that after they graduated, they would get married. Word spread like wild fire and everyone was excited except for two people: Justin and Matt(her cousin). They knew she still loved Leland, but she told them she couldn’t love a ghost. Four years went by and she started her wedding plans.
(The Wedding)
She looked out to all of her family and friends, but didn’t see him. The priest said the final blessings and it was done. Lulu was kissed by her new husband. She looked out to the cheering crowd, but saw one lonely face. Her sunshine was finally covered by a dreary cloud. She let Leland walk out of the church and go on with his life.
She had her dream house, dream job and soon had a child. She felt so empty still even though she had a baby inside her. She always told herself she would rather be poor and happy than rich and without Leland. She went to get an ultrasound at the Air base. When she was in the waiting room, Leland had walked in. They did not speak, but he stared at her growing belly. After her appointment, her was gone until she went into the healing garden. She almost turned around, but he begged her to let him explain. He always talked with the women whose husbands had died or whose boyfriends didn’t stick around. She never knew he worked in the same area as her husband. He asked if he could feel the son he wished was his. Lulu shook her head and that’s all it took. Her son kicked when he gently touched her stomach. He smiled and asked his name. Lulu hesitated because she thought Leland would leave her life forever. Once again, he knew her silence as the answer. He wished her well and said goodbye yet again. He always said it, but never meant it. Would this time be different?

"Red and Black Roses: Vignette 3" by Laruen

Vignette 3　
Lulu has not seen Leland for three years. Things were going fine until a letter came in the mail. She had no idea a piece of paper could tear her family apart. When her husband came home, he brought his best friend over for dinner. She heard the front door open and two familiar voices. She thought she was dreaming though. Alex and his friend walked into the kitchen. She turned around and saw Alex and Leland with serious faces. Alex told Lulu to sit down. Alex was being drafted. He showed he the paper and then his will. It said that if he were to die, that Leland was to take care of Lulu and baby Leland. Lulu got up, walked upstairs and slammed her bedroom door. She loved Alex and he took her in and was there for her when Leland wasn’t. If Alex died…what would she do? Is this a sick miracle or a prank from the Heavens?
(The Goodbye)
Lulu and baby Leland went to the airport with all the other soon-to-be-widows. Leland is dressed in his cadet uniform while Alex is in his camouflage. She never let go of Alex’s hand until the last possible moment. Lulu and baby Leland got into the car when Lulu finally broke down. She bawled and screamed to God asking why her. Leland opened the door, pulled her out and hugged her. After she was a little more calm, he drove them home. He left her alone until Alex was suppose to come back and they would go from there.
(8 months later)
Alex came home, but not with the rest of the soldiers. She looked everywhere for him. She thanked God for all the soldiers she knew that were still alive. Then she saw Leland standing with two other soldiers. His face was overwhelmed with gray. Lulu walked over to them like a ghost. Leland hugged her tight, but she shoved him away. She yelled in the other two soldiers faces who had no pity on their faces. Leland contained her until she drowned in her tears. Their deal was final, but she wished that she could have some more time with her husband.
(The Deal)
The deal was this: Leland would marry Lulu after they buried Alex. They would raise baby Leland to think his father was Leland. When he was old enough, they would tell him of his dad, the hero. Even though her life was now complete, she was still empty. She hated herself because she was being so selfish. She later became happier and she got her dream to grow old with Leland. God definitely works in mysterious ways. He gave her everything she asked for and that’s why you have to be careful what you ask for.

"La Tristesse" Par Jordan Boucher

Je vis chaque jour dans le noir

Comme la lune qui s’élève

Comme les étoiles qui brillent

Comme la pleine lune

Comme la tristesse du soir

Comme l’ombre de ma personnalité

Et le grand noir de l’espace

Maintenant de jour en jour

Le soleil commence à prendre forme

Et mes larmes ne coulent plus

Comme l’eau, je peux l’économiser

Pour la prochaine tristesse de mon coeur

Sadness

By Jordan Boucher

I live everyday in the dark

Like the moon goes up

Like the stars shinning

Like the sadness of the night

Like the shadow of my personality

And the big dark of the space

Now from day to day

The sun starts to take shape

And my tears don’t flow no more

Like water, I can save it

For the next sadness of my heart

“Warm Reunion” by Allison Lee

Outside, I lie waiting.
Why can’t I open this dumb thing?

My ears have started to shout
Lips begging in a pout.

            Father Christmas howls a laugh at my back; sending my limp hair in all directions, catching onto my dry lips and my wrinkled coat.
One-two, One-two. My hand crumples together against the wood.

A small creak, a faint light.
Finally, someone has spotted me in their sight.

Stumble inside; motivated by the first breath of warm air.
Shed my coat without a care.

Exhale with relief, panic shoed away.
I decided forever I shall stay.

            As my eyes recoup, it is no mirage to deceive me.
That old acquaintance shyly peeks around the corner.
The beautiful red, the easy nature; makes me wonder how it felt.

Run, and seize my old pal.
Wrapped around me, that embracive gal.

Warm and gentle to the touch;
My blanket: irreplaceable lush.

"Faith of Six Million" by Mark Mendick

                                                                                            

                                                                                              

Yelling,

banging at

the door. On to

the cool, rough, concrete

we fell. Houses set ablaze, windows

broken, glass strewn about like the pieces of

a once perfect puzzle of life. Not for theft, not for murder.

Herded like cattle, we were savagely forced onto

train cars. Our destination as mysterious as

the universe. Marching, gunfire, hard,

grueling labor. Six million of

us, together on a small

notch in the timeline.

Bound together

as one in

faith.

"Early Crush" by Abby Pane

Jude Jefferson. Jude is fifteen, he goes to Averson High, a school for aspiring musicians, and boy is he cute. Jude is the boy I’ve been crushin on for two years now. We met in seventh grade when he moved in next door and came to my middle school, and we met by complete accident. At the time he had short hair, and was still rather had a young boy look to him, but he was still good looking. Anyways, the day we met he was wearing a striped sweater (the stripes were purple and black) and light grey skinny jeans with dunks. Yes, I still remember the exact outfit he was wearing, call me crazy. Anyways, we were walking down the hall, as we passed by each other our elbows hit and well… he turned to me, said sorry, and kept walking. Turns out later that day we had math together, AND sat right next to each other. We got to know each other and still are friends, just friends.

These days though Jude has definitely changed, appearance and personality. His hair is much longer, shaggy blondish brown hair, and he has facial hair. His voice, well its much deeper and a bit scratchy, and his confidence, well, he’s got a lot of it. He still wears the tight skinny jeans and sweaters, but he looks more like a musician then a skater boy.

Jude has played the guitar since he was eleven years old. He practices everyday from five to six, and the only reason why I know that is because we’re neighbors and I go over to his house and listen sometimes. To get into Averson High you have to have a lot of talent, and he does. All those years of practice have definitely paid off. If he cut his hair and shaved every so often you would notice that he looks exactly like his mother. He has dimples, and her blue eyes, plus, his hair is the exact same color as hers. Not gonna lie, it would be kinda weird if he didn’t have facial hair, it would be like lookin at a short hair version of Mrs. Jefferson. Basically, I plan to marry Jude Jefferson, and whether he likes it or not, we’re getting married, no doubt in my mind. I can picture the wedding now, white dress, white roses, white chairs, white everything! Hmmm, someday I WILL marry Jude Jefferson.

Okay, I know I sound extremely creepy, but seriously, you don’t know Jude like I do. Jude is this kind, easy going kid. I mean he would do anything for anyone. He seems like this hardcore rocker kid, but he has a soft side to him. Like the other day for example, he has a little sister, she’s five years old and at time’s she can be totally annoying, and the other day when we were sitting on the porch she came outside and she really wanted to have a tea party with us, we told her maybe later, she said okay, but you could totally tell she was sad and I knew he saw it to. I ignored it, but he didn’t. So he stood up and told her we would. We ended up playing tea party for two hours, but she was so happy it didn’t even matter. See, and that’s just one example of his nice side, I could tell a million other stories just like that. Like stopping to give money to a homeless women, working at the homeless shelter ever Wednesday night, taking his little sister Christmas shopping, tons of examples of him and his huge heart!

Now I don’t know any girl who would not fall in love with a guy like that. I may seem creepy, but come on now, you know you want to marry him. Jude is sixteen, I’m fifteen ( just turned it) and it’s perfect. He’s older and taller than me! Plus, he smells really good… now that may sound creepy, but I sure don’t want to date a guy who stinks, its gross and might I add embarrassing. Plus, if you hang around someone who smells a lot, you start to smell. He showers everyday and wears cologne. He never brushes his hair, but he doesn’t need to, it looks better unbrushed anyways. Oh, I almost forgot, he has extremely white teeth! White teeth say a lot, for one it means that he takes care of himself ( good hygiene) and also, it just looks better, it makes him look tanner and fresher and more fun to look at when he smiles! Yes, I know what you’re thinking, total creep, girl with no life, but honestly, its Jude Jefferson, how can you not fall in love?

"Jude Jefferson & Aj Jacobson" by Abby Pane

Jude Jefferson. Well, Jude currently lives in California, busy promoting his band, “Burn.” Last time I wrote, I was talking about how in love I am with Jude. Well, things have changed. I still am crazily in love with him, but right before he left, he broke the news to me. He said, “Look Aj, I know how you feel about me, but right now, I just can’t have a girlfriend. Its not you, it’s the band. I mean I’m going to be all the way in California, and a girlfriend, I just don’t have the time. I’m really sorry.” I was absolutely heart broken! I still cannot believe it, but what can I do? Exactly, I can move to California.

Aj Jacobson. Okay, so I told you about how much she feels for me, and how she wants to be more then friends, and how I just don’t, right? Well I broke the news to her. I told he straight up how it is. She was really upset, but at least I didn’t lead her on… Anyways, these days I’m living in California, like I was planning last time I wrote. It’s awesome, and I am SO glad I don’t have a girlfriend back at home holding me back. My band is doing great, and there are tons of awesome girls here who are into rock, something Aj hated. So as bad as I feel about telling her how I feel, I know I did the right thing. Besides, she’ll live. While I’ve been living out here though, I met this girl, Elle. She is a big rock music follower, and she loves my band. She’s really cool. So, after a few dates, we decided to be together as a couple. I haven’t told my family about her, yet, but I’m flying home for Thanksgiving, and she is coming with. I will tell Aj then to. Besides, I’m sure she’s moved on by now.

So I plan to move to California next semester, and I just heard that Jude is coming home for Thanksgiving. I already called some colleges in California, and filled out some college applications. Jude lives in Los Angeles, so I plan to go to a college close by. Plus, I don’t have to live on campus, I can live where ever. As long as I’m by Jude, I’m fine.

Thanksgiving is two days away, and my flight leaves tonight at 8pm. I’m filled with nerves and excitement about introducing my family to Elle. I’m most nervous about introducing her to my little sister, Jade. Jade is nine, but she sure knows how to have an opinion. She is not afraid to say what she is thinking aloud. You would think a nine year old wouldn’t be intimidating, and to me she’s not, but to someone who she doesn’t know and doesn’t WANT  to know, she is. My mom loves meeting new people and especially friends of her children, but I’ve never introduced a girlfriend to her. I told Elle she has nothing to be nervous about, but I was lying, she has everything to be nervous about.

I decided it would be best not to tell Jude about my California plans, rather surprise him when I move there. My mother is an only child and both of her parents passed away when I was a child, and my dad’s side of the family lives in Florida, so we don’t have any family here to celebrate Thanksgiving with. Jude’s whole family lives in New York. After they moved here, our families became very close. Thanksgiving, when Jude was a freshman and I was in eighth grade, Jude’s oven wasn’t working and Mrs. Jefferson asked to borrow ours. Our moms had such a great time cooking that my mom invited them to stay for dinner. After that, every Thanksgiving our family’s switch off houses to share a Thanksgiving meal together. This year Thanksgiving is at Jude’s family home, Jude will be home, giving me something to be even more thankful for.

Every year Aj’s family and my family spend Thanksgiving together. This year, Thanksgiving is at my house, and that means Aj will be there as well as the rest of her family, (her parents) and mine. So that will be the time that I will introduce Aj to Elle. Luckily, my family will have a day to get used to her. Since Lynwood is such a small town, there are no hotels or motels. The closest one is thirty minutes away, meaning, Elle will be staying at my house… Giving her absolutely no where and no time to escape by her, this makes me even more nervous. Our plane lands around midnight tonight, so we are staying at a hotel in Omaha, about an hour away from Lynwood, and taking a rental car to Lynwood.  I’m sure your thinking, well if your so nervous and you’ve never introduced a girlfriend to your parents, then why do it? My answer to this is, I’m in love with her, and I plan to marry her that is why I am doing this.

It’s the day before Thanksgiving. Jude is supposed to come home today and I can’t wait! I think I am going to go over there today to say hi and tell him how much I missed him, but I have to have a reason for going over there other than the fact that I missed him so much and am so happy that he is here. I barely could sleep last night and its only eleven am. He is supposed to be here around one thirty or two, so I have a little while. I’m so excited to see him! I cannot even begin to explain how excited I am. But I need to breath. Calm down Aj, you’ve got a lot of time before you see him at last. Just have to keep breathing, that’s all.

So we landed at midnight last night. I am exhausted. I’m so nervous, plus, I hate sleeping at hotels, I don’t know why, I just do, so I didn’t get much sleep at all. We are on our way to Lynwood, and although I am excited to see my family, I can’t get rid of these nerves! I just am so afraid my family won’t like her, and I don’t know why, I mean she is a great girl, so why am I so nervous? Whoa, I gotta shake this, I’m thirty minutes away, and I got time before I see them. Just gotta keep breathing and think positive.

It’s one thirty and I can hardly wait for his car to pull into the driveway. My mom is making me run to the store with her… right as we’re pulling out, Jude is pulling in. But wait, who is in the passenger seat? Is that a girl! OH MY GOSH! It’s a girl! I cannot believe this, I just cant believe it. He probably is just trying to make me jealous, that’s all. Just playing the jealousy game, no worries.

Well, it’s five at night and me and Elle just finished eating with my family, who loves her! Especially Jade. Elle loves them to, and I know that this Thanksgiving is going to be great. I hope Aj has moved on, because I don’t feel like dealing with that drama.

It’s Thanksgiving Day and we’re just getting ready to go over to Jude’s house. After really thinking about it, I know Jude is just trying to make me jealous so I’m going to go along with it. Anyways, I’m still moving to California next semester and I cannot wait! “Aj, let’s go!” Oops, I have to go, I’ll fill you in later!

After Aj got here, I could tell she still hadn’t moved on, but there was nothing I could do. So I watched football with the guys and ate dinner with everyone, but there was a slight tension in the room that I just couldn’t ignore. So after dinner, it was my year to do dishes and her year to dry, I took the time to talk to her about everything. I started by asking how she was doing, if there was a special guy out there, blah blah blah. After a little bit of small talk I broke the news to her that I thought Elle was the one, and I really think she should move on to, but she didn’t take it so well, actually not well at all. She looked at me with hurt in her eyes, set down the dish she was drying and walked out. I called her parents later that night just to check in on her, I could hear her in the background tellin them what to say, and the hurt was obvious, I could hear it in her voice. I feel bad, but I’m in love with Elle, that’s all there is to it. So if she hasn’t moved on yet, that’s her issue, not mine. Aj Jacobson, well I don’t know what she is to me anymore, friend? I don’t think she wants that, peaceful family friend, maybe.

So after dinner it was my year to dry and Jude’s year to do dishes, and things were going well. We were really getting along, having lots of small talk and I thought he was seeing me as more of a girlfriend, not of a friend, but I tend to be wrong, and boy was I wrong this time. He told me how he thinks Elle is the one and feels like I should move on because he doesn’t ever see us together. So I put down my dish I was drying, looked him hard in the eyes, and walked out. I was so depressed and I don’t know if I’m going to be able to move on, part of me says its time, but an even smaller part of me tells me to keep trying, never give up. I just don’t know anymore, I guess things don’t always work out the way you plan… Jude Jefferson, friend? Not really… next door neighbor? Yes. People change, and our relationship will never be the same. He’ll change his mind, someday. Maybe not today, maybe in a year, possibly even twenty years from now, we’ll find out, I guess.

Aj Jacobson: Hopelessly in love