Creative Writing

Kelly Nguyen 6th period final monologue

2008-01-02T19:36:00.000-05:00

Marie is having a hard time dealing with her environment because she had lost a baby. She loses her faith and is stuck in denial that her son is gone.

Marie: Mia wake up, wake up. My stomach is feeling kind of funny for some reason.
What? NO! I didn't do anything wrong. Why would you ask me if I was smoking or drinking? I just woke up and my stomach is hurting the hell out of me. (Pause) Look down for what? What in the (Pause)..Damn where did all this blood come from? Yea call mike to come. Tell him we're going to the Temple hospital on broad street. The baby bag is on top of my dresser hurry up and grab it. The hospital is right there on broad street. My insurance card is in my purse. I was feeling quite fine for a moment doctor but for some reason tonight my stomach was turning and out of nowhere when I told my sister to wake up my stomach started bleeding.What's going on? Why is everyone looking so pity? NO! NO! NO! NO! THIS CAN'T BE TRUE! YOU'RE ALL LYING TO ME. Why Lord? Why? Why my baby? No Mike, What the hell is wrong with you? Everything isn't all right we just lost out baby and you sitting here acting like as if nothing happened?!?! I understand . Don't apologize. I understand it's hard for you too but it's harder for me. Babe you just can't simply feel what I feel because that baby grew inside of me. Yea, tell the doctor I'm ready for the procedure. I want to be awake when you take the baby out. No, I didn't feel any pain only the deep heartache that's left inside of me. I felt like as if my heart was stolen out of my own hands. There it was my breath and seven months of care laying there in front of my eyes lifeless. I can't believe my little angel was gone. If only you could've seen how happy I was ready to be a mommy. Despite the fact that I'm young but so what? When I first found out I was going to be a mother, I was so excited. I called all my friends and they told me they was going to support me all the way. Through out my seven and a half months of carrying you I felt you punching, kicking, growing and all of your emotions inside of me. Throughout these couple months you brought me joy and happiness especially finding out that you were a boy. Ever since that moment when the doctors came in with their faces down with frowns, my life has been turned upside down. They told me some of the features you had. Green eyes, dark brown hair, and light skin with a birth mark on your arm. When I heard that I knew right then and there I was going to name you "Angel." No matter what you'll always be my little boy and I love you.

Augustus Johnson/ Final Monologue/"Scared"

2008-01-02T18:27:00.000-05:00

Travis Rodriguez is 27 years old and about to face one of the scariest places in the world…JAIL! He’s a single father with a 9 year old son named zahair Rodriguez. Travis was with the drug dealing business and now its payback!

“Scared” {my teen monologue, male}-talking to his two best friends…
Travis :{ Pacing the floor} what do you mean it’s gonna be ok. It aint gone be ok {Beat} 7 years in a cell! {Beat} Man please…im not gone make it…all I know is the streets and drugs. I mean look at me {Holding his hands up} I got a forty in my hand and ah gun in the other…like always {Beat} Man I was raised in the streets.

You know you could always catch me down north…around 33rd and diamond with the steel on my waist at all times…and yall know I could rumble but it aint bout that KNOW MORE!{Yelling} Man…{Beat} in that prison im nothing but a little youngin…moving weight and got caught and now im in here. Do yall know what dem big boys will do to me…I mean… im not even a big guy…its guys in there that’s like 6’5, 240 and got life and don’t care bout nothing! {With tears rolling down his face}

But the thing is…I wonder who snitched on me out of yall two {with a curious look on his face}… (Beat) Because…yall were the only ones who knew where my stash was and now because yall two im going to JAIL! {Yelling} I should kill yall {Beat} But its cool {With a smirk on his face} Because everything that goes up must come down and everything that happen is gonna come around {Beat}…because if I was you guys I wouldn’t play me or your life! {Beat} Because I’ll stretch yall out… and take you out of this world like ya momma brought you in!

Victoria Lewis-Davis 6th Period Monologue

2007-12-18T17:52:00.000-05:00

Jamie just recently found out that she was pregnant and started to yell at her boyfriend.

Jamie: I hate you! Why did I let you do this to me? (Pacing) I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. I am just so stress and worry. I am so scared. I don’t know what I’m gonna do. I’m so stupid. I should have gone with my better judgment, instead going with my heart. (Takes deep breath) What are my friends gonna think of me. They gonna give me a hard time I just know they are I don’t want to hear their mouths. You know what forget about them. What about my mom, what is she gonna say? What is she gonna do? What am I gonna do? (Beat) Why would you even say that to me? You know how I feel bout abortions. You know what I don’t think going to be so bad, since I got you to help me. (Beat) What do you mean you ain’t gonna help? (Beat) I’m not getting an abortion. You is actin like I wanted this to happen to me, cause I didn’t. This isn’t all my fault. You helped with the process, and I think its only right that you help with the responsibility. You know what, I don’t even want or need your help. Get out of my face. Get out of my room. You bastard!

NASHAI [MONOLOUGE]

2007-12-18T09:52:00.000-05:00

Nashai Catlett

EXPOSITION: It’s 8:30 and Champainge just got finished washing the dishes.

She heads off to the middle room to check up on her two kids, but sees they’re

already sleeping. She’s lonely and sad and decides to talk to her children while

they’re sleep.

Champainge: [sits in between the two twin beds] You know, I remember the first time I found out I was having twins. [shakes her head] I’m not gonna even lie…. I was mad as hell. I was thinking to myself, Derrick done got me knocked up, again! How am I, Champainge, little high school drop out Champainge, finna take care of a child. Two of yall at dat. [chuckles] I still think that sometimes though. Yalls daddy ain’t give’n me no money, nada. [flicks her hand] But dat is not a surprise. Ever sense I met him he was a loser. [makes a L with her hand] BIG LOSER! I can’t stand him. But it’s okay boops. I can do bad all by myself. Paine, Paine is just fine. Mommy is doin great. I know I have to do illegal jobs sometimes, but anything for my babies.[gets up and rubs her kid head] I love yall and that’s real rap.[laughs] Oh, no… did I wake you. Go back to sleep.sshh. no, go back to sleep, no, mommy was just talking to herself . Ummm…ahem a what? Oh you heard me huh? Well sometimes people have to do bad things. Me..? Mommy gotta sell drugs. You know in school when the teachers tell you not to smoke certain things and how it’s bad. That’s what I sell to people how want it. I know, I know…it’s bad. But if you wanna eat and have nice toys, then mommy gotta make sacrifices. Not it’s not permanent, it’s temporary. That means it’s not forever. Just go back to sleep. Well talk in the morning. Goodnight.

Randy Shuler 6th Period

2007-12-18T09:47:00.000-05:00

Jim, an ambitious and competative 16 year old boy is in the 11th grade. He's talking with his coach and his two friends John and

Terrence in the gym about the big track meet that he was going to run it.

Jim: (Trying to catch his breath after running) Yo coach, (Pause) coach. The track meet is still on Thursday right? (Coach shakes

his head) Ok cool, I can't wait I never lost a race yet and i'm not planning on losing this race ima win it. (Coach smiles and

shakes his head yes) i'm telling you that track meet is going to be easy coach. (Jim runs over to his friends John and Terrence)

Yall know ima win that race right? Yall think its funny but im really going to win that race no joke. Yeah, just answer this who is

faster than me? John? You must be crazy he is super slow he couldn't even run two blocks. I'm serious that track meet is going

be easy.

Jose Ruiz's Monologue

2007-12-17T23:52:00.000-05:00

Exposition- Michael is a eighth grade student at the Lab school who is serious about his work. Well Michael is always getting himself into disputes with other students because he always insults the other student’s intelligence correct them when they get something wrong before they could correct themselves. Well one day Michael just did it again, but this time it was with Josh, the biggest bully in school. Just before Josh could correct his mistake, Michael did because of that Josh felt embarrassed so he got up and mugged him in front of the class. Michael not knowing what to do got up and ask to leave the room to calm down for a second.

Michael- Damn! I got one month left to be at this school and I go do something like this and of all people, Josh the toughest boy at school. If I don’t think of a plan and fast I’m going to look like the biggest punk in school. Nobody is going to ever forget this. When people think back about their eighth grade year they are going to remember me as the kid who got chumped off by Josh. Unless, I stay away from all the other students that witnessed what happened today. No that won’t work the news would all over the school by the end of next period. Or I could go in there and apologize so I won’t have a problem with Josh anymore. Both of those ways I’m still going to walk away from here looking like the biggest punk in school. But there is one thing I can do to not make myself look like a punk. I could go in there and walk up to Josh without any questions and punch him in the face. I know I can’t beat him, but before he gets a chance to react the teacher would be there to stop the fight and I get to walk and fix the situation without looking like a punk.(pause) All what the hell? I only have couple more weeks then I’m off to high school anyway.

Dina Pin, 6th period ; Monolouge.

2007-12-17T21:05:00.000-05:00

Choices.

Aaliyah have a choice to make. Her parents just recently split up and she is force to decide who she wants to live with. Aaliyah and he best friend are in her room talking about Aaliyah's decision.

Aaliyah: Jamie, help me out here. I don't know what to do. I'm scared I might make the wrong choice. Why did they have to split up in the first place. The divorce was already hard on me, now they're making me choose?! I just don't want to hurt my parents feeling on what I decide on... Maybe I won't just choose at all ! (pause) Yes, thats right ! I won't pick who I want to live with. I don't have to live with my dad nor my mom. I'm almost eightteen anyways and instead of living with any of them. I could just live with my aunt for awhile. Besides my mom already have my sister and my dad got my brother... they don't need me. (pause) They won't approve of this decision but its better for all of us. I just don't feel like seeing them argue about dumb things anymore. I made up my mind and if my parents don't approve then they just will learn to acceptt it !

"Suprise, Suprise"

2007-12-17T20:56:00.000-05:00

Cassandra Thomas

“Surprise, Surprise”

Crystal being a single hard working parent with high expectations of her only child Crystal is fuming after she comes from work and finds her daughter Tanya smoking weed at the dining room table with a few of her friends during school hours.
Crystal: (Shock when she enters her home)
What the hell is going on here? Tanya I know you and your little friends (points to Tanya and friends) are not smoking weed in my house especially during school hours (raises her voice) I come home from work tired as hell (throws her hands up in the air) after a long day at work and I got to deal with this. See I caught you off guard because I’m home a little early today well surprise (jumps at Tanya wide eyed) and as for your little friends I will be contacting each of yall parents (points to each girl) I can’t believe you. Did you do this because of your friends are doing it? Because I damn sure did not raise you to be like this? Sneaking, and cutting school. This is so un-like you. I dare you Tanya I go to work busting my ass everyday to make sure we live comfortable and give you everything that you need and want. And you can’t even do what you got to do. I don’t ask much from you but for you to go to school and stay on top of your grades. So now you sorry. Tanya just don’t allow this to happen again I know that it was probably curiosity that made you do such a thing which is understandable because I was your age once but when you begin smoking it’s hard to stop and you don’t want that for yourself. (Take a deep breath)Tanya I’m mad right now but I’m more disappointed you understand? Okay now send your girl friends home. Now don’t think because I calmed down that your off the hook because your lucky to be breathing. So you will be on a strict punishment until further notice.

Charnice Barrett*Monologue

2007-12-17T20:41:00.000-05:00

Keyshia's older cousin died last week and she is just feling the effects, she's standing at his grave.

Damn, its 2004 and my cousin just died, Im eleven years old and my best friend is gone. I want to cry (pause) but i cant, he would never aprove of me droping a tear. Its hard (starts to pace the floor with tears forming in her eyes). I wish i never recieved that phone call, I wish I never turned on the television (stops). I never realized how cruel and powerful this world is. (points to grave) you are truly lucky Id rather be there then here anyday. (begins to smile and wipes tears from her eyes) I saw your mom the other day, she's not doing to well. Its hard to explain to you how much your missed. Rest in Peace Big Charlie stay true to yourself (walks away).

Sharnise Dozier 6th period Final Draft

2007-12-17T09:55:00.000-05:00

~Cemoni’s going through a problem, her mom leaves and doesn’t come back until four days later. She talks to her and see that she will never change so she leaves to live with her dad.

Mom can you come home today I want to talk to you? Oh you’re around the corner, that’s even better. You want to know what’s wrong just wait until you get in here! (Wait, mom enters) Mom you always leave and never come back until four days later. I have school! I have a life and I can’t live it. I want to go to school so I can become someone in life, But no! I have to stay home and wait with the baby and hope you will come home soon. But what about me? You always talk about what you do for us and how miserable you are because of us. Well maybe you shouldn’t of had us, but you did so take care of your responsibility. See that’s what I mean you have no sympathy, look how you talk around your baby. Don’t wipe my tears I’m not done yet. Why do you stay out so much? What do you do that so important that you have to leave us here everyday without feeding and taking care of us? (Pause) Oh mom pleases, save it. You know there’s no point of talking to you, I’m done. I’m going to my dads I’ve told him all about this and I think its only fair if I go and take my baby sister too. Mom I’m going! I already have my bags packed and my sisters. My dad is on the way. It doesn’t matter your never here anyway. (Dad enters) Oh thank god you’re here dad. Here I come I’m getting my stuff. Mom don’t look at me like that I’m going! Yes I am! All right well see. Get off my bag. Dad its cool I got it. Why are you watching me leave? I’m not coming back. You don’t want us anyway.

Lache Brown 2nd period Monologue

2007-12-17T08:44:00.000-05:00

Neveah and her two best friends Antoniette and Shay have been friends since their childhood. Theyy all went to the same school until they got in High School. Antoniette is the only one who has changed while in high school, and she did something that could betray their friendship. Neveah finds out and she is now very upset.

Neveah: How could you do this to us Antoniette? We have been best friends since we were old enough to even know what friends are. It’s always been B.S. 4life. We are supposed to be Blood Sisters. I mean me, you, and Shay have been through hel and back again. Where ever one was there was always the other two close behind. Then you go and do something like this. Talking to David behind Shay’s back knowing that David is the love of her life. Her first and you didn’t even take that in to consideration. Now did you? (Sighs and then starts tapping her right foot) I’m still tripping though. Why after all this time. I cant even imagine what else you went and did behind our backs. It just seems like since we all got in high school and you started talking to them chicken heads at ENS., you changed. You of all people. The oldest of us at that. Look Toni, I don’t know what else to tell you except go see Shay and tell her whats up. I’ll holla at you later, keep your head up Toni, and don’t do nothing stupid It’s always gone be B.S.4 life.

Kiara Cofer Monologue

2007-12-17T08:40:00.000-05:00

Sable is a very beautiful girl but a little insecure at times. She's is in college and goes to Bloomsburg University. She has herself a new boyfriend, but she feels a change in her relationship and now she feelsbetrayed by her boyfriend and soon to find out her bestfriend too....

My insecurities gave passed me, left me and came back. I was lonely before you cam in my life and I thought you changed that. For a while you did.... and now your acting up. You aren't the person that you were when I met you. You've changed... You used to be so nice, took me where ever I needed to go and now....(pause) I cant even think of a word to describe you. You been giving Shantae more attention than you giving me, Me and you haven't done any thing in about a month so what you sleeping with her? You are? (Pacing the floor tears began running down her face.) How could you? My bestfriend? WHy? Why me? I've never done any thing to you or her for this type of treatment. I know she has always been jealous of me, but never did I think she would scoop that low. You know what I don't need you or her. You don't want me to leave? F**k you!! I'm through, finish what you started with her. You don't want to? Oh please by boy!

Maribel Moreno 6th period/ Monogue

2007-12-16T21:09:00.000-05:00

Christina; A smart young girl, who’s with her mom in the living room, worry on what or how her mom is going to react to what she has to say.

Christina: (putting her school bag on the sofa) Mommy I don’t know how to say this to you. I just hope that you don’t get mad at me, I mean…. (Pause) Okay this is what really happen, I was going to my class when my friend said she had my notes taken away. But my test was about to begin, so I couldn’t of gotten my notes for my test. (Nervous) I didn’t fell like I needed to study the night before because I was going to have me notes. (Pause) But since I didn’t get them back before my test I. …..I….fell my test. Mommy it’s true it’s was not like I new it was going to happen. (Angry) After all no one is perfect in this world! I mean you’re not that kind of perfect women. (Claim) So please try to understand me please. Mommy I’m sorry, is just that I was worry on what you were going to react about me felling my test. So please forgive me….

DRAFT/AUGUSTUS JOHNSON/MONOLOGUE

2007-12-16T20:17:00.000-05:00

MONOLOGUE

Travis Rodriguez is 27 years old and about to face one of the scariest place in the world…JAIL! He’s a single father with a 9 year old son named zahair Rodriguez. Travis was with the drug dealing business and now its payback!

“Alone”{my teen monologue, male}-talking to his two best friends…
Travis :{ pacing the floor} what do you mean it’s gonna be ok. It aint gone be ok {beat} 7 years in a cell! {beat} Man please…im not gone make it…all I know is the streets and drugs. I mean look at me {holding his hands up} I got a forty in my hand and ah gun in the other…like always {beat} Man I was raised in the streets.

You know you could always catch me down north…around 33rd and diamond with the steel on my waist at all times…and yall know I could rumble but it aint bout that KNOW MORE!{yelling} Man…{beat} in that prison im nothing but a little youngin…moving weight and got caught and now im in here. Do yall know what dem big boys will do to me…I mean… im not even a big guy…its guys in there that’s like 6’5, 240 and got life and don’t care bout nothing! {with tears rolling down his face}

But the thing is…I wonder who snitched on me out of yall two {with a curious look on his face}… {beat} Because…yall were the only ones who knew where my stash was and now because yall two im going to JAIL! {yelling} I should kill yall {beat} But its cool {with a smirk on his face} Because everything that goes up must come down and everything that happen is gonna come around {beat}…because if I was you guys I wouldn’t play me or your life!{beat} Because I’ll stretch yall out… and take you out of this world like ya momma brought you in!

Dan Chiev 6th Period Monolouge

2007-12-16T19:57:00.000-05:00

"Be A Team Player"

Coach calls Micheal Jones, the star player, in his office thirty minutes before the game. Coach wants to tell Micheal about his problems on being a team player, hoping that Micheal learns something for the next few weeks of his senior season and for his college career.

Micheal: Alright coach I'm coming. So what is it that you would like to talk about? What!? Me? Coach, without me there would be no team! The other 10 guys around me don't do crap! I score all the points, I sell all the tickets! Without me, this program would have no championships! What? I'm all set for college. I'm a five star player with many colleges without any help from them or you!(leaves the room) Damn. Coach is right. I do need my teammates. Hey Coach! I noticed when i was out there I noticed that my quarterback has to throw the ball to me. I noticed that when I carry the ball my teammates are my blockers. Coach you are right, I do need my teammates to play this game. I would of never gotten any of those scholarship offers without you guys. Thanks coach.

Sheree Page, 6th period, Monologue

2007-12-16T19:08:00.000-05:00

Killer Boyfriend
*Be careful on who you trust.*

A detective walks in and tells Sasha her boyfriend is a former murderer. What?! I don’t believe you! Bob? No! He would never lie to me. I trust him with all my heart. I don’t even know you! How you gonna come up in my house and start tellin’ me all this bologna. Get out! Sasha pushes detective, detective tells her something. I don’t care if you sue me for assault, I want you out of my house! Now you got ’till 10 before I start gettin’ physical up in here! 1...2...3... yeah, you better had. Detective puts a small card on her table, and leaves. I can’t believe this. Sasha calls Bob. Bob, umm… can I ask you a question, and you promise to tell me the truth? Pause. Umm… are you a … I mean… did you ever… Bob cuts her off. Dinner tonight. Umm…sure. But, why don’t you want me to tell anyone? Hello? Pause. Take my order? Oh. She started picking up other signals so she hung up and called the detective. Hi, it’s Sasha. I don’t know why I’m saying this but, *sighs* oh my goodness. I think your right. I’m really sorry for yelling. I don’t know why, but something inside me isn’t right. He invited me to dinner tonight and told me not to tell a soul. Long pause. All right, so you want me to go to his house tonight and act like nothing’s wrong. Pause. But what if he does something to me before the cops get a change to react? Pause. Highly trained professionals, you sure? Okay, I’ll do it. That night, Sasha arrives at Bob’s house and rings the door bell. She waits and waits and he doesn’t answer. The door is unlocked so she opens the door and walks in. It’s dark so she pulls out her phone to see. Bob, you okay? What happened in here? Bob where are…….. Bob stabs her right in the heart.

Jasmone` Townes.2Nd- MONOlOGUE

2007-12-16T16:29:00.000-05:00

Sophia is a young college student. She has been talking to a boy she likes for a while and she's fed up with being just friends. He's throwing mixed feelings towards her and she's confused on what to do next. As she walks into his dorm, he notices her confused facial expression and asks her what is wrong.

Sophia: You know your the most confusing boy I know. We have been talking since we've got to college in August and now its the middle of December. And what's crazy is, I still don't know how you feel ... yeah, yeah, you show how you care sometimes, but that isn't enough ... at first I thought it was because your not used to having a girlfriend, being the fact that you only had one serious relationship .. but the broad was a lame ... i figured I could do better. When we're by ourselves, I'm all yours ... but as soon as we hit classes, we're strangers. I'm tired of us acting like we're just friends around everyone else ... what are you trying to hide??? You tell your close friends about how you want me ... but then when it comes down to it, your scared to wife me. I chill with you when your sick ... I'm the only one that gave you shit on your birthday ... pshhh, I go out of my way for you dawg ! [Pause] I just don't understand ... yeah ... go ahead ... say what you always say ... "I don't wanna lose you" ... "I'm not letting you go so easy" ... "I wanna see you" ... "We can't stop talking" ... blah, blah, blah ... you keep spittin ya game saying how you don't wanna lose me ... but slowly I'm drifting away ... you only want what you can't have and when I start to go, that's when you want to fight hard for what you think is leaving you. [Pause] Look ... I wanna hold on but its hard when you don't have nothing to look forward to ... just give me something ... and I'll wait for you.

Kevin Forge Final Draft (Monologue)

2007-12-16T16:24:00.000-05:00

Dominic goes to Penn State where he maintains good grades and everything. He have lots of friends and a girlfriend. He feels as though hes life cant get any better, but it just got worst when he realized that his sister Lucy got killed in a car crash back in his hometown of Tampa Bay, FL

DOMINIC: (Phone rings) Hello. O hi mom, how you doing? Thats good. So what made you call so early in the morning? You just wanted to check on me. Why i'm doing okay though thanks for asking. And how is the family doing? Why are you crying mom? Was it something i said? (Worried) I'm sorry if i said something wrong to you. Mom, just tell me why are you crying? You got something to tell me. Well just say it then. Wait what happen mom. Stop playing its not funny. Your not playing? It can't be true. Lucy couldn't of died. It's...... that's not right. Please tell me your joking mom. Just please tell me. (Pause) Mom, i'm so sorry to hear that. She still had her whole life ahead of her. I just wish i could say good bye one last time. Mom why did it had to been her. Why it couldn't be me instead. Well....... okay mom i'll see you at her funeral. Just promise to me that you and dad will be careful okay. Alright i guess i'll just see you later then. Take care. Bye

~ASMIRA.L.TULL~ 6period

2007-12-14T18:12:00.000-05:00

Why Am I Living In This World
(Teen Monologue, Female) sad, touching, and angry

EXPOSTION: LASHAWN, after her aunt died she always wondered why she is livening in this world. Sitting in her room thinking of how life has changed, why, and what the meaning of life is

LASHAWN: (Pacing the floor) come in mom, I have a question for you. Why am I living in this world what’s the point. I mean look every time there is someone that is very close to me they always end up dieing or getting hurt.( slam her self on the chair) and I never gets to see them again,(pause) maybe if I (point to her self) wasn’t born they would still be living in this world. I wish I was never born(pause) it wasn’t meant for me to be in this world, it wasn’t meant for you to have me I hate you, I hate me, and I hate this world. I wish I could die.

“Things Are Always What They Seem” Touching

2007-12-14T16:44:00.000-05:00

Anabel Genao
Period 2

Cheyenne is caught up in a bad lifestyle because she just wants her mother’s love and attention. She can’t decide whether she should just voice her pain to her mother or just keep doing what she does forcing attention. It’s 2 a.m. and she’s just getting home and she’s in her bedroom contemplating to herself/ to audience.

Cheyenne: Things aren’t always what they seem. It’s 2 a.m. and I’m just coming home. My mother is in her room asleep. She thinks her perfect daughter has been in bed for hours. She doesn’t see my faults. I try so hard to get her attention but it never works. She never sees. It all happened when we moved and she got a new boyfriend. I got new friends. Bad friends, the type of friends my mother would never approve of if she saw. (Sigh) She never sees. My counselor at school is the only person I can really talk to. She tells me I just need to learn to communicate with my mother, that I need to talk to her, that I should tell her how I feel! That sounds so easy doesn’t it? It isn’t, I’m scared she isn’t going to love me anymore if she knows all of the things I’ve done. I wish I could just clean up my act but whenever I’m feeling lonely the only thing for me are my “friends.” Ha, if you can even call them friends. (Shakes head) I know they probably only hang with me because I’m their ride when they’re drunk. I just came back from my boyfriend’s house. How can I share things like this with my mother? She can either be really upset or she may not care at all. But I hide it from her, so I must hide it from her because she will care… (Movement is heard outside of room. Turns head.) It sounds like she’s awake. Maybe I should just go tell her everything… (Door opens, mother comes in.) Mom, we need to talk…

Shaniqua Rudd - Final Monologue

2007-12-14T08:11:00.000-05:00

Tia has just came in from the library. Once again she notices another bottle of detergent missing from her closet. Her roomate Kathy has been continously taking her things. Tia is fed up. Shortly after, Katrthy enters the room.

Tia: Kathy (walking toward her), did you use my detergent? You know what detergent I am talking about...(sighs) Kathy I know you used it, theres no need to lie...Well if you know you used it all why didn't you buy another bottle?...Just because we're roomates doesn't mean we share things that you didn't buy. Hold up, now you have the nerve to get mad at me! You always take my things and never reinburst me! Do you think money grows on trees...I pay for this! Not you. First my noodles. Then my pack of water. Then you took my deodorant, and if that isn't a violation of health, than I dont know what is, now I am tired of this! I don't care what you think, you're going to pay for everything you took from me. This just isn't working out...I'm going to have to get my own room because this is getting out of hand. (Points in Kathys face) Kathy, you better calm down, because you don't know me at all! I am not one of your tea cup party friends from Michigan I will KICK YOUR ASS!...Threat? It's a promise, Call it what you want. Just know if you don't give me some money for my things you took by the end of this week, you'll be running out of here with flip flops and a comb.

Monologue by Chinique Alburg

2007-12-14T08:09:00.000-05:00

Shantel is a freshman at a university in Pennsylvania. She has had a history of using guys to get what she wants and is now confronted by the new guys and the guys from her past along with one of the guys' girlfriend, whom she gets into an altercation with.

Shantel: I cant believe they had the nerve to step to me like that. HUH..who do they think they is?? And Shawn had the nerve to bring that stuck up tramp Alicia along like she was tough.I cant believe that ho got mad at me when her man was the one cheating, and she swung....boy I'll tell you these girls dont know how to act when it comes to men...stupid ass. Now we fought, she got trashed and it's over with. All for what? For him to do it all over again with someone else. But I'm the one that has to transfer to another school. As for them other weaklings I dont even know what to say about them, half of them were from 10th grade and they still remember that. I forgot half of their names. My mom is gonna be so pissed. I dont feel the least bit sorry for what I have done. This just makes me want to do it all over again... but on the real this does need to stop, I just dont know how to, Maybe I'll just go talk to my girl LeeLee, she always knows what to do.But what if she doesn't?? Man this is crazy.

Star Boyd(monologue)

2007-12-13T20:33:00.000-05:00

Star-Aisha Boyd
Creative writing

Kelly opens her locker and notices a note from her boyfriend James. She unfolds the note and began to read it. The note says that he is leaving her for her best friend Iris.

Kelly: What is this? Is he serious? Do he really think I’m going to let him leave me? No, We have been through too much for him to leave me. And for Iris, she is some best friend, I mean every time we went through she’ll always be the one to say he aint nothing, and how I could do so much better. Butter huh, She only did that so he’ll be easy for her to get. But guess what? She got another thing coming if she think I’m gonna give him up that easy. She gonna have to fight me for him. Yeah fight me, she think I’m gonna let her off easy, Oh she must don’t know me. It’s crazy how I get this note now and me and her have the same class next period. And the bell ring, here goes twelve rounds.

Nelson Hollerway Period 2 Monologue

2007-12-13T19:50:00.000-05:00

Aj is in last period contemplating what he is going to do if his final report card isn't what he needs to get into the college of his dreams. He's talking to a friend of his that has already been accepted to an Ivy League school. Aj doesn't have the test scores he should have so has to get perfect grades so he can get a 4.0.

Ayo man if I don't get all A's ma dreams are down the drain. I don't get in to Harvard ma parents are gonna think of me as a failure. Ma second choice school will be an embarrassment to my parents they won't even wanna to tell their friends that im goin to college. Did u get into Princeton nigga? (Pause) Word, well at least I'll know someone at a good school that should count for somethin if I don't get in. I aint even thinkin bout what its gonna be like if I get excepted cuz I don't wanna suffer the agony of dissappointment. All four of this highschool this highschool b.s. for nuthin imma be so mad. Ma pop told me that if I dont get into Harvard I should just get a job at McDonald's and I aint workin there. I ain't workin at no fast food restaurant that be drawlin. I just wanna get out dis damn class so I can go see ma report card and know what's with this college stuff. I need to just get it over with. Aight well that's the bell so I'm out so I can check it out. Imma hit you up if I got excepted.

Shana Earley

2007-12-13T19:35:00.001-05:00

Shana Earley December 13, 2007
Creative Writing Period 2

Monologue

This is about a girl named Joyce who has just moved to Los Angeles from New York to live with her aunt Linda. She has to start a new school and make new friends. The story opens in a high school cafeteria. A girl comes over sits next to Joyce and tells her a secret.

Joyce: “She said what about me? How could she? I thought that me and her were supposed to be friends. When I first got here to Hasbrook high she was the one to show me the ropes. She introduced me to the IN crowd, she showed me how to get to all my classes, and she even helped me get that stupid locker of mine open on my first day here. The first time that I heard the Rumor about me was from a girl named Brenda. I was so shocked. It never even crossed my mind that she was the one who started the rumor about my mother being a drug addict and my father being a notorious drug lord. When I told her about the rumor she hugged me and told me that everything would be ok as if she wasn’t the one to start the rumor to begin with hmm. I can’t believe her. (pause) No wait yes I can. She told me a lot of crazy things about other people in our school. I should have known better. If she was gonna talk about them what makes me so special. Lesson learned. I’m hurt but ill get through it. I’ve been through worse shit then this.”

Julius Lewis (Monologue)

2007-12-13T17:54:00.000-05:00

Shawn is upset because he lost everything. He was doing good. He had a job, house, and a car until one day everything he had, he lost. Now shawn is talking to his best friend John about his problem.

Shawn: What the hell am i gonna do John. I had everything. I had a job, car and house. Now all of it is gone. It's like one day it was there and now it isn't. I talked to my boss and asked him for my job back. He said it was time to let me go. I asked my boss what did i do wrong, he said the job he gave me was too much for me. I had that job for 3 years and never had a problem. With me not having a job i had to take my car back to the dealership. All those payments i made on that car, this is some bullshit. The goverenment is gonna but my house up for sale, so i have to be out in a week. I don't know where i'm gonna stay until i get back on my feet. What? I can't stay at your crib, that will be to much to ask. Are you sure? I guess that's what friends are for.

Sumayah Jeter New Post (Monologue)

2007-12-13T10:08:00.000-05:00

Sumayah Jeter
December 13, 2007
Creative Writing
Leo 6th period
I Hold Pain in my Heart

Candace Johnson is a loving girl. She is has to deal with the problems with the sport she loves; basketball and with her father being an abusive drug user. Candace is in the living room fussing at her father about his usage of illegal drugs.

Candace: Look at all this nice furniture! (Pointing at the around the house). Just look at! Devon spent most of his teenage years fixing up the house, after mom died (yelling in his face and stomping across the room). He worked very hard for us and all you do is think about yourself! He was the only one man enough to take care of us. You don’t do shit for my brother and I. All you do is sit in that damn crack house and get high. You are nothing but a damn junky! You need to take care of your responsibilities and be the man that you call yourself! Oh, so you think you’re a man? You do right, well then buy me some boots, or clothes! Exactly! You don’t have any money! Let me guess why! Maybe because you spent it all on drugs! You are an idiot! An idiot with no money, job, or a car! I hate you with a passion and you make me sick to my stomach! Dad (pause) I wish you well with your life in the future. Since you want to get high all day and not take care of your children, cool. One last thing, the basketball team has been coming along great. I also have been MVP for the past two years. All the things you haven’t taught me, will make me become a better person than you ever was or will be. (Tears began rolling down her cheeks and dad is half way out the door). Thanks dad (voice creaks, pause).Thanks.

Dina Pin, 6th period ; Final Draft

2007-12-09T13:19:00.000-05:00

"I live to wanting to die"

I life as any ordinary smart teenage girl. I go to school, get straight A's, and hang out with my friends after school everyday and have a loving boyfriend. I seem perfectly fine on how I describe myself but no one knows what I go through inside my house. I express my feelings only to my true friends, but sometimes it feels like they don't care and only use me for my school work. My names is Sandy Johnson, I’m 14 years old and live in the urban part of Philadelphia.

I listen to my mom all the time and baby sat my siblings daily. I was never aloud out on the weekends. I was stuck in the house while my mom was out partying, getting drunk, and get into fist fights with other women. On the other hand my step-dad was never home either; he would also party and get drunk. They would come home very late at night and start getting loud and put all their anger out on me. I always wonder what I deserve to get this but never found the answer.

It was one in the morning and my mom came rushing in my room and grabbed me out of my bed. In a quick thought I knew she was drunk, but I didn't fight back because I was too scared to do anything. This wasn't the first time I experienced something like this, I gone through it many times. My mom started hitting me forcefully with her bear hands. It was so painful, uncomfortable and torturing. It had hurt so much I just couldn’t take the pressure no more so I decide to fight back. “Stop!” I yelled, but nothing stopped her, the expression of her face had an angrier look and she hit me harder. She was my mother so I couldn't do nothing, after she was done she told me to take care of my younger sister who wasn't even one years old yet. I obey her so she wouldn't get angrier at me.

I cried all night until the sun came out. School was about to start in an hour or so but I wanted to get out the house fast. Leaving out the door my mom stopped me and told me to stay home. I knew what she was planning to do and I couldn't let this happen again. So I went upstairs as if going to my room, but I jumped out the window from the upstairs of a two-story house to the backyard. I escaped safely into the alleyway to get to in front of the house. As soon as I got out, I ran to my cousin house that lives 4 blocks away from me.

I knocked on the door of my Cousin Amanda's house and my aunt opened the door, I asked for Amanda but my aunt told she was in the shower. My aunt gave me this confused look and asks why I was crying and I told her that my mom hit me. I left before she can ask me anything else. I went to go get my best friend like I always do every morning before I head off to school. As soon as she saw me she knew right away something was up. My eyes were so puffy and red, that instantly you can tell I was crying all night long.

We decided to cut school because I knew right there on I couldn't go to school like this. So we went somewhere to talk about what happen. I told her everything, and as I was she started to cry herself. We didn't know what to do, and the only thing that went through my mind was to tell someone about this. So my friend and I went to school and go talk to our school counselor. I knew it was wrong to tell on my mom, but I just had to do it. I can't go on any longer living unpeacfully. My counselor insist on reporting about the abuse, so the child services can come in and talk to me about if I want to move out and live with one of other relatives.

While in the principal office waiting for child services to come in, my friend and I looked outside into the school yard where the other kids were having recess. I looked at my friends, teasing each other and looking so happy and it felt as if I didn't exist to them, like I was a nobody. I felted so depressed like why did it have to happen to me I didn't do anything to deserve this treatment. A little while later child service came to discussed with me about my mom and other things going on. The meeting lasted awhile and as the time past it was time to go home. They suggested me to go home and pack my stuff and move in with my aunt. I did as what they told me and somewhat I knew I was doing the wrong thing but I had to for the sake of my life.

I went to my house with my cousins to get my stuff; my mom didn't say anything to me. She ignored me like I was nothing, it hurt but I couldn't do anything about it. I gathered up my stuff and left without a goodbye. One night my aunt told me to go home and watch my siblings while my mom goes to a wedding. I didn't want to go so instead of going there I went to the movies with my friends. After the movies, I got into deep trouble with my older cousin; he yelled at me and drove me back to my aunt's house. In my mind all I thought about is when was my life going to be over, so I can be done and stop dealing with life.

A couple of months pass by, eventually I moved back in with my family. Its not really the same as before since my mom doesn't care about me anymore. I still go through a difficult life everyday and still get upset my mom ignores me all the time. I go out everyday and come home late just to avoid her. Every morning when I wake up all I think about is not waking up. I hate dealing with life now, I lost all my true friends just beause of how selfish and ignorant I became. Just one day, I wish I knew I had a reason to actually why I have to live any longer...

Nelson Hollerway

2007-12-07T20:42:00.000-05:00

“Good mornin’ DJ,” said James.
“What’s up youngin’ you gonna be late for school you betta hurry up,” replied DJ.
“Aight DJ Imma hurry up,” James muttered back.
James lived alone with no one but his mother and sister. His mother had been raising him and his sister for a long time by herself and she was raising her two children with a lot of success.
“Wake up, Jaz, wake up!!” yelled James at his younger sister.
“I’m up stop James I’m up, Imma tell mommy…”
“No you not she ain’t here!”
“Shut up I’m awake.” Jaz was only six but she thought she was grown with enough attitude to kill ya. So James woke up his sister and continued to get ready for school wondering where his mother was. James was used to her not being home all the time but she always saw him before he went to school. James was in the second grade and his sister was in kindergarten.
“DJ where’s my mom?” asked Jaz.
“She ain’t here you midget, just get ready for school so you don’t miss da bus okay,” DJ answered with aggravation he didn’t want to be bothered by Diane’s kids. Diane was out late the night before and she came home and got into an argument with her boyfriend. The argument got heated as Diane’s boyfriend DJ was in a bad mood because he didn’t have any hash.
Well James got him and his sister ready for school and they got outside with just enough time to run for the bus out of there “middle class” housing development, they lived in the projects, the best they’d ever seen anyway. James ran out the door with a paco jeans jump suit and his sister was as cute as could be when they left the house. She was wearing a pair of jeans and shirt with her favorite person all over them. The Barbi clothes and bookbag she had was sporting was a perfect reflection of her young attitude. She was spoiled but just as much as James was.
After a seemingly normal friday in school Jaz and James waited in their bus lines to get on the school bus and go home. Most of the time if their mom wasn’t home to see them off to school she would pick them up from school right off the bus. No one could tell her she couldn’t stop the bus to get her kids off the bus, shit they were her kids. Both Jaz and James knew she was probably going to come get them but strangely she didn’t. As young as the two kids were they thought nothing of her not showing up. James walked his little sister up to the front door of their project building and rung the door bell. No one from their apartment buzzed them in, James buzzed it again. Still no reply, so Jaz and James both rang the bell for one of their friend’s houses. Just as the pair walked into the building the police pulled up and ran into the main hallway right passed the kids. The kids followed behind them slowly as the cops happened to be running down their hall. “James, James! Come here. Jaz,” yelled their Aunty. Their mother’s only sister had come over to them and told them that when they went into the apartment, to run to their rooms and pack their bags because their mom told her to pick them up for the weekend. The kids did exactly as she said.
They didn’t go to her house often, but when they did, they had fun. They were excited. “Aunty, ma mom at ya house?” asked James
“No, she’s not J but you’ll talk to her soon okay?” Aunty didn’t want to lie to him, but she had to. James nodded and said okay. James was a momma’s boy, but not in the “in love with his mom” way, but his mom was his dog. He and his mom had a lot of fun together, playing videogames and play fighting. His sister and his mom always went out together so it was like his mom’s way of making quality time with her son. “I wanna talk to ma mom now!” said Jaz. Her Aunty told her she would talk to her tonight or tomorrow. Aunty didn’t really know when they would talk to their mom. James and Jaz asked about their mom every time they had an unoccupied second.
Early one morning before school James flipped on the TV and his Aunty always told him not to turn on the TV but he did anyway. On the screen, what he saw changed his life for ever, he saw on the screen that his mom was a missing person and that they had a suspect in custody for the possible murder of his mom Diane. The anchorman read, “Next today a missing woman, Diane Fosse, from Maple Shade , New Jersey has today been announced dead after 45 days on the missing person list for our area. Police have a suspect in custody for the murder of New Jersey mother of two, a little boy and girl, ages seven and six now living with their Aunt of Mt. Holly. James wasn’t the only person in his family watching the news at that time in the morning, his aunt was to and she new he was watching it when she came into the living room to drive him to school.
James didn’t go to school that day or any day for the next week neither did his sister. James was so shocked he had no reaction and perhaps everything he had gone through in his life he couldn’t cry because his anger was too large. He sat quiet and spoke a word to no one. Jaz was an innocent little girl and she knew what death was but she didn’t completely understand. She cried and cried in her Aunty’s arms for hours at her shrink’s office. James sat in the same chair everyday for two months, same time everyday, and didn’t speak one word. James didn’t react to anything he didn’t talk for months. He was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and the shrink thought he was dangerous to himself and everyone around him because at any minute could just explode and do anything even though he was only seven. James sat and colored and painted for almost a year without saying anything. One day his psychiatrist just stopped talking to him and he reacted.
“What the f(BEEP)k is your problem you got tired of pissin’ me off with your b(BEEP)l s(BEEP)t questions huh??”
“NO I am not going to talk to you because you don’t talk to me…You’ve sat in my office for eleven months wasting my paper, paint, pens, markers and all of my pencils and I am tired of it.”
“Well, I’ll tell you what I’m tired of! I’m tired of all the people walking around like they know how I feel! All of the adults telling me that I should talk about how I feel and that everything will be ok! It’s not gonna be!! It never will be!! I hate you and all the other mean people who don’t know my mom and pretend that they care!!! You wanna see wasting?? Huh??” James began to run around the room trashing all of the art supplies. He was so angry. The suppressed rage was slowly defusing. The young boy had reached his breaking point. He grabbed scissors and violently approached the shrink. The fear in her eyes almost overshadowed the argents in her face, trying to act as if the child’s act of pain had no effect on her own heart. She knew what she was asking for when she yelled at him in his most fragile state. James was no longer James. He had transformed into the demons that had plagued his mind throughout the last couple of months. The shrink, who was a few moments ago, the object of his frustration, was now just an innocent caught in an inner feud of a young boy who didn’t know what to make of the recent changes in his life.
The once young confused boy had mentally turned into a misguided teen in a matter of seconds, and he was about to make the biggest mistake of his life. The scissors in his hand was the only thing that stood between him and the woman. The sharp metal point slowly pierced her stomach and cut through her flesh. She tried to scream but the shock from the past five seconds stole her sound. James stared at her as she slowly started to bleed heavier. The shrink was stunned with fright. She couldn’t move. She could only look at him with regret that she couldn’t do more to help. Now that it was her life at stake, her shallow selfishness allowed her to care about his wellbeing. Eyes that were glassy now were dry and dull. James paced around the room before leaving. He walked out of the room without thinking anything of what had happened. James had a new state of mind now. His whole destiny had just taken a new path making sure that he would never be the same.

NASHAI FINAL DRAFT

2007-12-07T10:00:00.001-05:00

Lupe
nashai

It was the first day of high school, and Lupe was so ready. “I am so ready”, Lupe thought to himself. High school’s going to be decent,” Lupe kept telling himself constantly. “A fresh start from middle school.” But that was just a thought. And as soon as he started to have a disappointing attitude, as months went by the kids started treating him like an outsider. “Look at the fat weirdo,” Someone would shout and then the whole crowd around him would start to laugh uproariously.
See Lupe wasn’t like most of the kids. He was really fat and he wore these big glasses. You know, like the ones your grandma probably wore back in the day that made her eyes look really small. He was short, but yet he always these khaki high waters that come past his belly button. A polo button up shirt would always be tucked into his khakis and he was kind of weird. He was really quiet. And not a pretty girl in the back of the room quiet, a suspicious quiet. From time to time you would catch him talking to hismself or twitching. It was kind of sad, but instead of helping him out like nice people, the kids teased him like their mean selves. He felt like an outsider and this would be a daily routine for Lupe. Getting picked on and going to class would be-basically apart of his day. But there is so much a person can take.
So one Sunday Lupe was on his step with his friend Norman. And they’re on their chill, laid back and Lupe comes out of nowhere and says, “Yo Norman, you know you like one of my best friends right?” Norman looks at Lupe in a weird balled-up face and hesitantly says, “Yea.”
“So just take care of my mom and sister man, I love’em to death.”
Norman is silent and doesn’t say anything.
“You hear me dawg!”
“Y-Yea , I hear you man, but why you say dat like you going somewhere?”
Lupe gets teary-eyed and just flags his hand at Norman and , “Whatever man, just forget it I’ll holla atchu tomorrow.” And leaves Norman sitting on the step looking stupid.
It’s Monday morning and he wakes up to get ready for school. While he’s walking to his dad’s room, he smiles, and then begins to laugh. Lope thought if you can’t stop them, what else can you do. “They wanna play wit me,” he says, “I got’em.” He goes under his dad’s mattress and pulls out his dad’s shiny, silver pistol. It was small and he could see his self through the clean metal. He looks at the reflection of his self and grins. Lupe walks to school with a huge smirk on his face. “What are you smiling at, you fat weirdo, thinking about food?” “You really wanna see?” Lupe says . “Yea,” the boy says, kind of shocked that Lupe spoke back. Lupe slowly goes in his pants and pulls out the pistol. The boy looks at the gun and starts yelling, “Oh my- And before he could finish his sentence Lupe shoots him. BAM! Before you knew it he starts targeting his victims who made his school year hell. Kweli, BAM! Clifford, BAM! And a lot more others. Know. He was done. There was just one more person-himself. See Lupe knew what he did, and he knew the consequences. So with not even a second though he puts his dad’s pistol to his head, prays to God and apologizes for what he id and BAM!

Sumayah Jeter 6th period FINAL DRAFT

2007-12-07T09:57:00.001-05:00

Sumayah Jeter
November 16, 2007
Creative Writing
Leo 6th period
"It’s Just a Dream"
The trees were swaying back and forth, the winds whispered; the dark night sky was the nightmare of four scared children. It was a cold winter night and the only thing James, Mike, Tonya and Tinichia realized was they are in a dark, spooky, scary big house. Whoever lived here played a trick on them. The doors are locked spooky noises of screams danced around the house. Loud footsteps are arriving closer and closer and closer! Their hearts are racing 3,000 miles per minute.
That evening around 6:00pm, James asked his mother if he can have a sleepover with his friends; Tonya, Mike, and Tinichia. James was your average jock. He played football. He is built like a pitbull. Tinichia was about 5'5, long hair and is very prissy. Tonya is dark skin, with medium length hair and she is very intelligent. She resembles Velma off of Scooby Doo. Mike is about 6'1 he plays basketball and he is cocky. Many of his friends say he looks and plays like Andre Miller from the NBA team, Philadelphia Seventy-Sixer’s. The four friends range between the ages of 14-16. James mother agrees with his idea about the sleepover. She also thinks it might be fun. James calls his friends and they asked their mother's. They said that the can attend the sleepover. Mike arrived around 7:35pm. Then about twenty minutes later Tinichia and Tonya came together. They played almost every board game; Candyland, Sorry, Operation, Trouble, and Perfection. After having all that fun, they grew bored. So they made prank phone calls to houses around the neighborhood. One phone call was to a pizza shop. They ordered four large pizzas, and sixty Buffalo wings, four cheese steaks and two salads. The pizza they ordered was for James’s neighbor. The children hated this lady with a passion. Their relationship was like cat and dog, red and green apples, a balloon and needle. They just don’t mix, at all. When the delivery guy arrived with the food, the lady was leaving out. So he stops her and they began arguing about who's going to pay for the food. The children laughed while looking out the window.
“I want to go down there to mess with old man invisible” said Mike. That is what the friends called him since they never seen him yet and they have been living on that block for about a million years.
“We should. He always messes with us.” James replied.
“Now you know you lying because we don’t know who lives there. You make me sick. You always say stuff that doesn’t make any sense. Shut dummy.” Tonya said.
“You are right we don’t. I’m not any dummy. You can’t call me dumb especially not if your mom inn the same class as me,” said James.
This one house always attracts negative energy. This house was a few houses down the street, from James’s. The four friends always wondered why it looked like that. It was dark, and scary. So they decided to throw rocks at it, to see if anyone would come out to stop them. Tension strikes them like a king cobra, when they step on the sidewalk.
While standing in front of the creepy house, this was only the beginning of a nightmare. While throwing rocks at the door, they noticed suspicious movement and screams. Hearing these voices made them want to go in the house.
When they finally got into the house, everything seemed normal. Well at least up until the doors locked, the windows slammed shut, and then the lights went out. The sound of spooky voices whispered in the night. BAANNNNNGGGGG! CRASH! CRASH! CLICK! CLICK! These sounds began to form a series, one after the other then another. About two minutes later, the lights flicked on and two flashlights fell out of the ceiling. James, saw a note on the left side of the room. This particular note instantly became a trap. But little did they know the house was a maze. The first step they must take to get out was to find a way across the razor sharp, needles that lied on the right and left side of the walls. Theses needles were knives that can be used to cut open a human heart. Noticing these needles the four friend’s hearts began popping out of their chest. The sound of their hearts echoed and did not seize. After passing through the first level, the four friends began to wonder about the difficulty about the next level. When they reached the second level they realized that it wasn’t as bad as the first one. Now that they have reached the third level, they seemed very tired. Then all of sudden it began to get very hot. It was like 900 degrees. Their sweat began to form oceans. Since Tonya had asthma, it was hard for her to breathe so she had to stay behind. James decided to stay with her so she wouldn't be alone.
"Go on without us. We will be okay." Tonya said.
"James and Tonya don't worry we will be back with help." Mike replied.
"Okay. Please hurry. I don't know how much longer she can last." James responded with a weak, soft voice that says that he is in great distress and pain.
Mike and Tinichia finally reached the end of their troubled situation. Then out of nowhere this heavy set man pops out and congratulates them.
"Our friends didn't make it. Can you help them us. Please?” Mike said.
"Sorry but I have no way of doing that!" The man responded.
"So, what does u mean?" Tinichia said.
"You heard me. We are all going to die if we don't.................................." The man voice faded.
"8...7...6...5...4...3...2....." The clock ticks.
BOOOOOOMMMM!!!!! Sounds of glass shattered. Bright red and orange flames rose up into the sky. The smoke is a puffy teddy bear. It puffed up and faded away as it moved father up in the night. Everything went wrong. Something that was only supposed to be a joke came out to be the death of five innocent people.
James is awakened from a loud thump form his dog falling down the steps. It sounded like an earthquake. His clothes, sheets, and bed were covered in sweat. James lied in a queen size pond. What he thought to be realistic was only a dream.

FRIENDS ARE FOREVER FINAL DRAFT

2007-12-07T08:45:00.001-05:00

Chinique Alburg
Creative Writing
2nd Period

“Girl I met this fine old head today.” Keisha said to Tasha, her best friend since she was two. “Girl you a mess, I told you bout messin’ wit these grown ass men.” Tasha was the level-headed one of the two. Tasha was tall, dark skinned with long hair. All of the older guys could not resist Keisha and Tasha, they were very developed at the age of 16 and 17, Tasha being the older one. “I don’t care this one got a decent car wit sum bangin rims, and did I mention dat he’s paid?” replied an ecstatic Keisha. Now Keisha was light skinned, short and thick. “Ok so he got money. Do you honestly think that your gonna be the only one getting sum of dat money and the only one ridin in the passenger side of his oh so fly ride?” retorted a now irritated Tasha. Keisha was her best friend,that's true but the one thing that got on Tasha’s last nerve about her was her addiction to the streets, fast money and older men. “ Grl im not worried bout this man, he jus got money and that’s all that I want.” Keisha hated when Tasha tried to tell her what to do. She felt as though she knew what she was doing.

Now Tasha had her share of older men, but there was one that really opened her eyes to what they really want. His name was Tawain, he was 25 and she was only 14. Tawain was caramel complexion with hazel eyes that made all the young girls fall for whatever he said. At first Tasha was playing hard to get because she saw how Tawain was with all the other girls and although she was too head over heels for him, was not about to let him see that. “Yo’ ma whats your name?” Tawain said in a low baritone voice as he drove in his new X5 BMW.

“Tasha, and what’s yours?” she replied to the sexy caramel brother in the fly ride. “Wain, ma so can I take you out?” “Ion even know you” Tasha said sarcastically.
“You can get to know me?” he replied with a smile so bright and beautiful even Tasha had to smile. “So is that a yes?” he asked “yea I guess” Tasha gave in. “Aight Miss Tasha, Can I get your number so I can call you?” “Naw but I can take yours.” “Dats even better, 267- 459-8757.” “K sexy Ima call you.” Tasha replied and walked off. That was about a year ago. They dated for a short while until Tasha found out that she wasn’t the only one he was trying to take out.

“Girl he got a fly BMW, it’s so decent!” Keisha said to her friend, “he took me out the other night and we went to Red Lobster and he said I could have whatever I wanted, and boy did I get everything.” “What’s his name?” Tasha asked suspiciously. Keisha then got quiet because she knew that she gave herself away and didn’t mean for the conversation to get that far. “Huh?” Keisha was trying to think of how to get out of this mess that she had just created. “You heard me don’t play deaf?” Tasha was now growing angry. Keisha knew that Tasha had messed with him not too long ago and she knew all about what he had done to her. She was supposed to be her best friend; best friends don’t do things like this. “It’s Tawain, but I really didn’t mean to be all in your face with it, you weren’t supposed to find out it was him.” Keisha replied in a low tone. “WHAT!” Tasha was now enraged, “I CANT BELIEVE THAT YOU WOULD COME OUT YOUR MOUTH AND SAY SUMTHING LIKE DAT, YOU KNOW WHAT...GET OUT AND DON’T BRING YOUR ASS BACK AROUND MY HOUSE. I DON’T EVEN WANNA SEE YOUR ASS ON THE STREET!” Tasha was furious and hurt. “But Tasha” Tasha cut her right off. “NO I DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT KEISHA,” fumed Tasha, “YOU WERE MY GIRL HOW COULD YOU?? MATTER OF FACT I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHY I ASKED YOU THAT, YOU SHIESTY AND SCANDALOUS.” “Tasha I’m sorry.” said Keisha in an almost audible voice.

Tasha was really hurt by what Keisha had done and had vowed to never forgive her no matter how close they had once been. Tasha had saw keisha in passing but she acted as though she did not know that she was there. Keisha tried to reach out to Tasha but the damage was already done. “TASHA, GET DOWN HERE GIRL!” yelled Tasha’s mother Pam. Pam was 34 and Tasha and Keisha sometimes viewed her as just a friend. She still had a petite figure and looked flawless, but could get mean when men got in the way of two friends. “What the hell is going on with you and Keisha?” she said angrily, “I can’t believe you let a man get between the two of you? A man that is too damn old any way?” Pam continued shaking her head at her daughter’s stupidity. “But momma she knew how I felt bout him, how could she do something like this to me?” replied Tasha with tears in her eyes. “It’s life baby and we learn to get over these things, she is your friend and I know that she never meant to hurt you; you know how she gets when she sees a nice car and a little bit of money,” she turned to get a now crying Tasha a tissue, “ this is Keisha that we are talking about.” “I know mom.” Said Tasha “Now I want you to call her right now and apologize to her and just hear her out, after that you are on your own.” “Thanks momma.” Tasha said as she hugged her mother.

Tasha then went to call Keisha, she really didn’t want to but she knew her mom was only helping her and wasn’t going to give her the wrong advice; she never did. “Yea Keish it’s me Tasha.” “Tasha just let me explain, you know that I that I get a little out of control when money and cars are involved,” Keisha said, “at first I didn’t know that was him, he wouldn’t tell me his name but he knew mine; we were at a party and it was dark.” “That’s not what I called you for; momma told me to call you and make amends. I just can’t believe that you would do this to me, but that’s not the point we are better than this and I’m sorry for the way I acted; you my girl for life.” Tasha said as the tears began to roll down her face again. “I promise I will never do it again, it’s over between me and him; I would never hurt you like that again.” Replied, a now too crying, Keisha.

“ I still don’t trust you around men, that’s why you will not meet my new boyfriend until I feel as though you can be trusted.” Tasha said in between sniffles.
“What’s that supposed to mean Tasha.” Said a now angry and offended Keisha. “Jus what I said Keisha, its gonna be a while before you can be trusted again but I know that friends are forever.”

Pulled Over By Julius Lewis Final Draft

2007-12-07T08:39:00.000-05:00

“Hello.” “Where you at Woody?” “18th and Morris, I’ll be there in about 2 minutes.” “Ok.” Woody hangs up the phone and before he knew it he hears an officer “Pull over to the right,” said the officer over the loud speaker. So woody pulls over. “Can I see your license and proof of insurance?” asked the officer. I don’t have a license but I have a learner’s permit, but I do have my insurance. Woody said. “What your name son?” asked the officer? “Jamal but my friends call me Woody.” “Ok Jamal.” Said the officer. (When the officer said Woody’s real name Woody knew that the officer didn’t want to be his friend.) “Just sit tight and I will be right back with all your information,” said the officer. Woody was a little nervous, he had a gun in the car and he thought the officer was calling for back up or maybe a tow truck to take his car with the gun in it.
Woody had got the craziest thought in his head to drive off and maybe he could get away. First he called his girl and said that he will be there in about 15 minutes because he left something at home. Woody thought that maybe he could lose the cop in traffic then run to his girl house. The cop had got out his car and started to walk back to Woody’s car. As soon as the cop had got near Woody’s back window of his car he drove off. The cop had ran to his car and chased after Woody. Woody must have been going about 85 miles per hour because he was losing the cop in traffic. So the cop called in the license plate and described the car. About 4 minutes later other cop cars started to chase Woody. Woody started to get nervous as he seen the cop cars behind him then other cops was trying to cut him off. Woody was coming up on crossing some train tracks and a train was coming. Woody had got a thought in his head that maybe he could cross the train tracks before the train comes and the cops would be stuck on the other side.

So that’s what he tried to do. He started to go about 100 miles an hour trying to beat the train. Woody beat the train by _ of a second. Woody had looked in the rear view mirror to see if any cops had made it pass and he didn’t see any. Before you knew a cop had came out of nowhere and hit him and flipped his car right over. Woody was ok just bleeding a little. Woody had got up in hand cuffs to see what cop had hit him. He could not believe it was the same cop that had stopped him. The cop searched the car and found the gun. As the cop was putting Woody in the car the cop said, “All I was going to do was give you your information back, and tell you to slow it down and have a nice day.”

Melinda Gibson Per 2 FINAL

2007-12-07T06:34:00.000-05:00

Damn...

"Bye!" Niyah says in a harsh tone, hanging up her Sidekick.
"Who was that?" Meenz asks her.
"Ty dumbass, tawkin’ bout some him and his squad bout to come up hurr"
"Why he always finna’ start?"
"I don't know but something finna happen by the end of the night"
"Let's just watch the game" Meenz’ says to the group. The second half of the game had just began, Life's Menaces, home squad, was up by 10. The game was over within the next 45 minutes. Home won by 24 points. Everyone was escorted outside by security; no one could stay in the building, even if they were waiting for someone. As the girls approached the doors to exit they spotted Ty and his boys waiting in the parking lot, as promised.
"Oh my God, this boy needs to stop" says Niyah as they continue on.
"Mom Dukes told you he was crazy" Meenz replied. Niyah and Meenz were twins, but Niyah was older by a couple minutes. They were known for they country accents, dress game, and their hands. When you seen one, you seen the other. Some say they were "locked at the hips". Although they came off as the types that you'd think were loud mouthed they weren't, they kept to themselves and their friends, but when they felt intimidated or disrespected, they were sure to set their competition back in their “places”, whether it be just by talking or if they had to "throw on the gloves".
"Let me go tawk to this boy for a minute see what they finna do" says Niyah.
"Aiight, we gon' wait up here for Buttah to come out" Meenz says back, referring to Day, Cedez', and herself.
"Aiight, I be back then" Niyah said as she walked down the steps and toward Ty. Shortly after Buttah and the rest of the ball squad came out. Buttah was Meenz’s dude; he played point for the team. They’d been together for a while and didn’t plan on parting anytime soon. Far as everyone else was concerned they were married and no one dared trying to break them up. Buttah was one of the team's star players and when in the game he couldn’t be stopped. Recruiters came from all over watching the games. After everyone greeted each other they all headed down to where Niyah, Ty, and the rest were located in the lot. Just as they approached the group Ty let out a loud shout towards someone exiting the building. It was Redz. Redz and Ty were having some problems for about a year now after Redz tried to talk to Niyah, when he and Niyah had broken up for a while. Redz didn’t see exactly what he’d done wrong, besides he and Niyah had talked before and they both established that there were feelings still there. Redz wasn’t into fighting and Ty knew it, so he used that against him every chance he got. What Ty didn’t know was that Redz had “hands” and had previously been sent away for engaging in a fight and almost killing one of his mom’s previous boyfriends. Ty and Redz had been friends before but ever since that day their friendship had become fairly distant, but when things came down to it Ty would fight for Redz any day, and vice versa, he just hadn’t got over the situation yet. Just as everyone was getting in the cars, they heard shouting coming from the other side of the lot. Some dude from the other ball squad was starting with Redz. Without any hesitation Ty hopped out the car and ran towards them, with Buttah following quickly behind. By the time they arrived, the dude had pulled out a shank from the inside of his jacket. Ty ran up on him and snuck him from the back and Buttah followed up, by the time they had stopped there was blood everywhere and he laid coughing blood and groaning in the middle of the street. Ty looked around for Redz and spotted him leaning on his car close by. He instantly ran over to check on him and found that he had been stabbed in his right side and was covered with blood.
“Yo help me!!” Ty screamed to the others. They rushed over and put Redz in the back seat of his car. Niyah sat in the back trying to stop the blood as Ty jumped in the driver’s seat and started the car. Buttah rushed back to Ty’s car where Meenz', Day, and Cedez’ had been waiting, observing what had just taken place and had millions of questions. Ignoring them, Buttah started the car and waited for Ty to pull off so he could trail them. Ty wasted no time getting Redz to the hospital and wouldn’t leave his side. The hospital guards had to intervene in order for Ty to give in and wait in the waiting room. During the wait Ty couldn’t stay still and paced continuously until the doctor who attended to Redz came back out to speak with them. Ty could tell by the doctor’s expression there was bad news ahead.
“I’m sorry” was all the doctor said. Ty stared at him cluelessly.
“Excuse me, what are you trying to say?” Niyah, covered in blood, asked sadly, asking everyone’s question at once.
“Tramaine Hall passed ten minutes ago in surgery.” He replied sympathetically. Ty collapsed in a chair facing toward the window and hung his head toward the shiny hospital floor. He looked around the floor aimlessly as though searching for unspoken answers. He pushed away all attempts of comforting and remained in that semi-unconscious state for the next couple days. The funeral arrangements had been made for that next weekend. Since that day Ty hadn’t spoken too much and often stayed to himself, staring out of the window most of the days. The day of the funeral he tried his best to hold in his tears but by the time the burial was over the pain had become overwhelming and the tears just came flowing out uncontrollably. He remained at the burial site until the graveyard closing and wept over the grave. Before leaving he made a promise.
“I’m going to get him back for this lil’ brotha, I’m going to get him back….”

Murder at DuPoint High (Final Draft)

2007-12-07T00:26:00.000-05:00

Anabel Genao
Period 2
“You’re all staying after school again today!” Mr. Thompson shouted to his remedial English class. He was never taken seriously because of his old age. A plump seventy-five year old man with a comb over as his permanent hairstyle and Bill Cosby inspired sweaters wasn’t exactly a person the students could look up to. A number of them rolled their eyes and Mr. Thompson waved around his yardstick causing the flab of skin hanging from his arm to swing. Yolanda, a Hispanic girl with bright red hair and a fiery attitude, let the disgust show on her face and loudly made throw up noises to the rest of the class’s entertainment.

As Mr. Thompson raised his yardstick the sound of the bell for dismissal began ringing. Mr. Thompson placed himself in front of the door preventing any students from exiting. He cracked the door open with a vicious smile on his face and let out five students leaving four remaining, including Yolanda. Pedro, Yolanda’s twin brother, made a dive for the door but Mr. Thompson slammed it shut and turned on them with a victorious smile. “You all didn’t actually think I’d let my best students leave with out serving their detentions, did you?” He leaned in towards them with an innocent expression and the smell of his breath made Pedro step back towards Yolanda and the other two. Yolanda fanned the air trying to get the smell away. Mr. Thompson’s innocent smile turned into a vicious one in the blink of an eye and he let out a brunt remark, “Good, because you’re all staying here until five thirty!” Mr. Thompson let out an evil laugh more similar to that of Woody Woodpecker. The students started to scream their protests until Mr. Thompson’s laugh got louder and louder…

Jude stopped painting and looked up at Jayden. “Did you hear that?” She let her prop lay against the side of the stage and stood all the way up to look around the big empty auditorium. She looked at Jayden. They had stayed behind after the rest of the drama club to finish painting props. She and Jayden had been going out for a year and spent practically all of their time together. She hadn’t really wanted to stay but Jayden acted like it was no big deal so she stayed.

Jayden continued painting and shrugged. “It’s probably just Mr. Thompson’s class. He has someone staying for detention every day.” Jude nodded her head in agreement and propped down to finish painting her prop. She just couldn’t shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen….

Yolanda tapped her pen loudly on her desk while Pedro wildly looked around for a way to escape near the windows. Hakim, the other boy in the class, didn’t say much of anything. He sat with his hands in his book bag probably texting somebody, he did that mostly everyday. He had caramel colored skin and long hair that was styled in braids, and he always wore designer clothes but never spoke much. He always scored the highest on everything so no one could understand why he was in remedial English.

Loren, the other girl, was pretty loud herself, much like Yolanda, but she and Yolanda hated each other. They could never get along and she was spending much of the detention just staring at her. Loren was a skinny Caucasian girl with a bad fake tan, hair extensions for her blonde hair, and fake designer clothes. Everything on her was either fake or plastic. She envied Yolanda for getting more attention from boys and she hated that Pedro would never go out with her. She sucked her teeth at Yolanda who was tapping her pen loudly.

Mr. Thompson looked up and then down in his coffee cup. He stood up from his chair slowly and looked out at the practically empty classroom. “I need to go get some more coffee.” He shook his cup towards them as he spoke and tilted his head to the side with squinted eyes. He had a very accusatory look on his face at them. “I could send one of you but I don’t trust any of you. Liars and cheats, that’s what you all are,” Pedro continued glancing for an exit while Yolanda sighed very heavily over Mr. Thompson’s last word.

“Hakim ain’t do nothing wrong. You can send him,” said Loren with a smug sound in her voice. Hakim looked up at the sound of his name. Loren sat one desk in front of him and she turned around placing her arm on the desk in back of her. She slid it down so her fingers were touching Hakim’s desk. “Or we could just go together.” She had a hint of lust in her voice and for the first time Hakim showed emotion. He gave her a disgusted look and quickly moved a desk back. Yolanda bust out laughing.

Mr. Thompson let out an amused laugh. “Ms. Spears, keep your hormones in check please. None of you failures are going to go get my coffee. I’m going myself.” Pedro looked up with a smile. It would be the perfect opportunity to escape. Mr. Thompson looked right in his direction. “I’m locking the door behind me so none of you will be able to leave. So don’t even try out.” He walked to the door laughing evilly and quickly slammed it behind him. Pedro ran to try and put something in the door to prevent it from locking all the way, but it was too late. Mr. Thompson had already locked it…

Jude packed up her paint. “Jayden, I’m all done painting mine. I want to go. A practically empty school is freaking me out.” She crossed her arms and shivered from the slight breeze she felt.

Jayden was kneeling on one knee working on his prop, he looked up at her. “Don’t be a nut. You act like I won’t protect you if anything happens.” He had a point there; she wasn’t exactly scared when she was with him. He was captain of the basketball team and a pretty tall fit guy. It was funny for her to see him painting a prop now. It wasn’t his thing but she didn’t want to join drama club alone.

“Yeah, I guess you…” Jude stopped speaking from a loud shout and shriek she heard. She looked at Jayden with horror in her eyes. He dropped his paint brush and looked at her in shock…

Pedro and Hakim had run to the door after hearing the noise. Something was happening to Mr. Thompson and there was no way out of the room. Yolanda was trying to work the windows while Loren yelled at the boys to work faster. Hakim and Pedro were kicking and slamming against the door trying to break it down. Pedro slammed into the door when he heard one last shriek and a loud thud. They all stopped moving and looked at each other in fear. Loren ran to the door and started banging on it. “MR. THOMPSON?!! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!” Pedro grabbed her away from the door and covered her mouth.

“You idiot, there could be a psycho murderer out there! We got to get out of here!” Yolanda had exclaimed she could barely move from fear. She felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up.

Loren laid on the ground and peered under the bottom crack of the door. She jumped up screaming wildly. Pedro ran towards her again. “What is it now?!” He shook her slightly to try and calm her down.

“It….It’s Mr. Thompson!!! HE’S DEAD!! I saw….his….his…his dead eye looking at me!!!” She let out another deafening shriek and Pedro let go of her slowly. They were all terrified now. There was a murderer outside the door and they were locked in. Worst part was Mr. Thompson had the only key to the room. It was only minutes before the murderer could come in and finish them all off.

They heard an eerie extremely loud screeching noise and noticed it was coming from the door. It sounded as if the point of a knife was being scratched against it. Loren let out a small shriek and ran to the back of the classroom; she hid under a small desk. Pedro ran to Yolanda and they desperately started trying to open one of the rusted windows. Hakim walked to Mr. Thompson’s desk and ripped off the machete type cutter off the paper cutter. He stood a few feet from the door with his weapon in hand. Loren was letting out desperately loud shrieks now as the noise got louder…louder…and…The noise suddenly stopped and they heard loud footsteps coming from outside the room…

Jayden held tightly onto Jude’s hand as they walked down the hall towards Mr. Thompson’s classroom. When they heard the noises they ran to find a way out but all the doors had been chained and they didn’t know what to do. They were terrified and they knew they had to find Mr. Thompson to help. They made it closer and noticed someone lying there in a pool of blood. Jude let out a scream and Jayden ran to see if Mr. Thompson was alive. It was too late. He was brutally stabbed. Jude covered her mouth and eyes. Jayden looked around in shock.

They jumped at the sound of banging from inside the classroom. “Help! We’re locked in, get us out of here!” Jayden knew it was Loren who was yelling. “Mr. Thompson has the key! It’s in his pocket, get it and let us out!” Jayden searched Mr. Thompson’s pockets and found the key. He quickly unlocked the classroom. Loren came busting out and jumped on Jayden right over Mr. Thompson’s body. Jude hugged Yolanda and glared at Loren…

An hour had passed and they were still searching for a way out but they all felt safer that they were a larger group now. “I think we should split up,” said Loren confidently.

Pedro spoke up first, “Nah, of course you think that! You’re white and white people always be the last ones living in horror movies! If we split up you and Jude live and we all die.” Hakim and Yolanda laughed. Loren sucked her teeth. It had been over an hour and they couldn’t find a way out and all of the phones were dead. They weren’t even scared anymore because they found no murderer. They continued walking on until they found a door with what looked like a weak chain.

Hakim, Jayden, and Pedro were working on the chains of door. “I need to go the bathroom!” Loren crossed her legs and did a little dance she thought was cute. Yolanda rolled her eyes.

“Well, you going by yourself,” said Yolanda slightly annoyed. Jude was trying to get cell phone reception unsuccessfully. Loren shrugged and hurried down the hallway.

About fifteen minutes later Hakim had managed to get the door open. They all started screaming in joy until they heard much louder screaming coming from all the way at the end of the hallway; it was the sound of Loren. Yolanda continued to run out of the school. “If she’s dead it’s her own fault! Ain’t nobody make her go to the bathroom. I’m getting out of here!” Pedro looked at Yolanda and then at the rest of the group. Jayden and Hakim were already running towards the bathroom. He ran in after them. Yolanda let out an annoyed sigh and stayed near the doors to wait for Pedro. Jude stayed near Yolanda terrified.

Hakim ran into the bathroom first and found Loren stabbed, much like Mr. Thompson, in one of the stalls. Her hand was slightly in the toilet and her head rested against it. Jayden covered his mouth from the scene in horror and ran back out to the girls. Hakim was staring blankly at Loren’s body. Pedro pulled on his arm and yanked him out. They all ran back to the girls and ran as much as their life depended on it…

The school janitor made his way out of the stall next to Loren’s, whistling. He picked up her cell phone out of the toilet and looked down at the text she never got to send:

“Hakim, I’ve had enough fun for one night. You can be the big hero and unlock the door. We need to get out of here. I ain’t paying Janitor Joe his money for killing Mr. Thompson. He…”

He stashed the phone in his pocket and walked out of the bathroom still whistling.

Maribel Moreno 6th period final draft

2007-12-06T23:06:00.000-05:00

The Notes
“Hi, what are you doing are you asleep yet Athena?” I Athena. “No Menel, I’m not sleeping yet, why, did you want anything? No it’s just that I’m really nervous for tomorrow’s event, The fact that Axel is going to be there, and watching me perform I just wish that I didn’t get this much nervous, because its not really helping me at all. “What do you think about it, Athena?” But Athena did not answer me, she had fallen asleep. In that night I could not sleep and so many thoughts came to my mind, and even my conductor’s face show in my dream. Then around 3 in the morning I finally fell asleep.
In the morning my sister, Athena, was taking to my mom about me having trouble sleeping that night. “Why do you think she’s acting this way?” My mom asked worriedly. When I heard that I wanted the floor to just open up and to eat me, I know my sister was going to tell my mom not just that I was nervous because of the fact that I was going to be performing in front of a lot of people, but also because Axel was going to be there, My mom was going to find out that I like Axel. When Athena was about to tell my mom the reason why I was so nervous the door bell rang. It was my friend Armand. I was so happy when I saw him, because that meant that it was time for us to go to school. I pulled my sister and ran out the house. “What’s going on, Menel. Is everything okay?” asked Armand. I told him what was going on. I mean after all he already knew that I had a big crush for Axel, the “FOOTBALL PLAYER.” And well almost everyone in school new about it! But back to my topic, I told Armand what my sister was about to say to my mom. “Are you serious?” Armand with his mouth looking like he was about to drop it exclaim. I said, “Yes I’m serious!”
We got to school I felt better, but I felt even better when I got inside the music room and stared to warm up. I love playing my clarinet; it always helps me feel so calm. Also that same day I had to meet with all the band kids, “The all city band”. Every time that I knew that I had to meet them and do rehearsals with the entire band, I got so excited. We took the school bus to get to Meham Middle school, where we all got together to show what we could do best! But to my surprise when we were all seated they gave us another piece of music.” Why are these people giving us another piece of music when the concert is in two weeks and we are only going to meet one more time as a whole? “I asked the girl next to me with a big surprise. “ I don’t know but this piece looks very hard and especially if we have to memorize it!” said the girl. I got really worried about it. What I didn’t realize was that I was the only one with that paper at the time. So my teacher said that I was going to be the only one playing that piece in the clarinet section, and that’s how my problem began!
I thought I was able to do it, so I accepted. I did my best to learn it but it was just too hard! So when I practice I got use to playing but looking at the notes. So when I went back for rehearsals the next week, the conductor asked me if I could play the piece of music. “Yes”, I said, but I thought I could just look at the notes while playing it. Of curse that was not going to work for her, so she asked if I could get of stage. I was so sad because I thought she was going to kick me of the show. But all she said to me was that I was going to pretend like I was playing the actual instrument. Because after all I did know the music, just not by hard!
So finally the big day came and, I wasn’t nervous any more and I did what I had to do. I was really happy about it. And Axel brought me flowers! I felt very confident while doing it and when the show ended everyone clapped with satisfaction. To my surprise I saw Axel with a whole bunch of flowers!” They’re probable for someone prettier than me. “I thought. He walked past me and grabbed my waist and said. “They’re for you beautiful.” I felt my cheeks blush so hard! What I am sure of is that my nightmare turned into the best day of my life!

Jose Ruiz BMX Final Draft

2007-12-06T21:48:00.000-05:00

A couple years back, in my old neighborhood, there were two boys, Anthony and Jojo. They were the closest friends I have seen in my life. They knew each other like the back of their hands. They were always with each other and they were both interested in the same things. Their friendship was great, and nothing could destroy that, well that’s what people thought.
Jojo was a little taller than Anthony and always gave him advice as if he was his little brother. He was a good student and always worked hard for what he wanted. Anthony was the bad one of the two and still got what ever he asked for. He was a bad student that cared more about being funny than doing what he had to do to pass in class. Outside of school he is cool depending on who he is with. The way he acts is determined by the people he is with at the moment.
Well, it all started when Jojo spotted a BMX rider on his bike. The bike was black with chrome wheels and a small seat that was lowered all the way down so it can stay out of his way while he was doing tricks. The man was in his young and was pretty good at BMX. After watching the guy pass by doing some tricks it made Jojo think about BMX. When Jojo saw the bike he said to Anthony, “I’m gonna get myself one of those bikes” but Anthony did not believe him because for one of those BMX bikes it cost around $500 or more.
After that day Jojo began saving up what ever change or money he got, but about a week later Anthony’s cousin gave him a BMX bike. As soon as he got his bike he went straight to Jojo’s house to show off his new bike. Anthony started saying how cool his bike was and how Jojo would never get a bike like his. After Jojo saw Anthony’s new bike he was jealous so he felt like he had to hurry and get a BMX bike for himself. So that same day, he found someone that was selling a Haro for cheap, and he went home and gathered the little money he had saved up and went and bought it. Jojo got his knew bike so he wasn’t as jealous anymore even though his bike wasn’t as nice.
After Anthony and Jojo got their bikes, they were riding everyday non stop. One day Jojo asked Anthony, “Why did we want these bikes so bad if we don’t know how to do any tricks”? Anthony thought about it and then he said “Well let’s learn some tricks!” Well they started trying BMX tricks every day. They started practicing their bunny hops by hopping on curbs and other little things. They practiced everyday and Anthony was always hopping curbs and other things while Jojo couldn’t really get off the ground. He would always get jealous and get mad because Anthony was always rubbing it in his face and was always saying “You suck and you’ll never be as good as me”. Jojo got upset but that didn’t stop him from practicing every day.
Like one time When Anthony and Jojo were riding they found some cones so they decided to set them up so they could jump over them. Jojo went first and he didn’t even get his back wheel off the ground which made him fall off the bike. Anthony was watching the whole time but he didn’t bother to help him up or ask him if he was alright all he did was point and laugh in his face called him names like loser and screw up. Jojo didn’t take too bad because Anthony would always laugh and call him bad names whenever he fell or didn’t do something right.

Jojo began practicing all the time, even when he wasn’t with Anthony. He would drive around on his bike to different places looking for things like benches and steps he could use to do tricks. The more he practiced the better he got until the next time he saw Anthony. Then Anthony saw a change in his riding. Anthony then felt threatened because he wasn’t better anymore, he was equal. They both could do the same things just as good as one another. Jojo kept practicing whenever he could.
He then was not afraid to do much instead of letting fear get to him; he would always say to himself “What’s the worst that can happen?” He would grind ledges and rails without even thinking and if he fell he would get up and try it again. On the other hand, Anthony was afraid to do everything, even the smallest ledges. That is what made Jojo better because in BMX you can’t be afraid to take a fall and Anthony was always afraid and this stopped him from trying everything Jojo tried. Anthony always said “I know I’m not ready for that yet” and he would always do the same old things they would at the same old places since when they first started riding BMX. Even though Anthony knew Jojo was now better than him, he still tried to tell everybody, including himself that he was better than Jojo.
No matter what new trick Jojo did in front of Anthony he still wouldn’t admit that he wasn’t as good as Jojo until one day when Jojo spotted this one flight of steps in Penns Landing. It was the perfect set up. It was wide and was clear from anything that could mess him up. He was afraid at first but he knew that spot was the perfect place to pull off a tail whip 360 over the steps. So he sat and thought about it for a while and Anthony said “just come on you know you can’t do it, whats the point of standing here looking at steps you’re not gonna do anything on?” like he would always say. So Jojo thought for a couple more seconds then he finally did it. A tail whip 360 over 12 steps and landed perfectly on his bike. As soon as he landed the first thing he did was look at Anthony’s face and waited to see what he was going to say but Anthony didn’t say a word. After Jojo pulled that trick it didn’t matter to him if Anthony admit he wasn’t as good or not because Jojo proved that he was better.
After that Anthony and Jojo stop being friends because Jojo finally realized how horrible of a friend he was. Even though Jojo didn’t have anybody to ride with he loved the sport and so he kept riding. He eventually went pro and became a great pro BMX rider. After every event and at every interview when they asked him for any advice he would always say “Never let anyone tell you, you can’t do something” and walk away humbly.

APARTMENT CRiSiS [(FiNiAl DRAFT)]- Jasmone` Townes[(2ndPeriod)]

2007-12-06T21:45:00.000-05:00

In the city of Philadelphia, there lived a young woman named Maria. Maria is 20 years old and gave birth to her daughter Hailey at the age of 18. When Maria discovered she was pregnant the summer after she graduated high school, her mother disowned her, kicked Maria out of the house, and left Maria to live on her own. She moved in with her boyfriend, Michael, for a while so she could get a job and save money for her own place. When Maria turned 19 years old, she had a 6 month year old baby girl and moved in her new apartment.

Maria couldn’t be any happier. She lived on her own and was working while taking care of her baby girl. But one day, the happiness came to a holt. One weekend, Maria was on her way taking Hailey to Michael’s house. Michael was Hailey’s father, so the normal routine was to watch her every weekend while Maria worked. On her way to the house, Maria had a bad feeling about something, but couldn’t figure out what it was. As she arrived at the house, she lifted Hailey in her arms and walked inside. To her surprise, she found Michael cheating on her with another woman. As Maria ran over towards the bed, the girl, half dressed, leaped to her feet and ran for the door. As Maria tried to follow her, Michael grabbed her by the arm. “Maria! What are you doing here?” he said. “What do you mean Michael?! What? Did you forget again about Hailey?” sitting the baby down. “No, but I--” “Whatever yo! All I want to know is who was that whore that just ran out of your bed? You’re my boyfriend Michael. Matter of fact, your more than that, your my baby’s father! How could you do something like this to me?” He tried to explain herself but it was no use. Maria was hysterical and she didn’t know what to do next. “Michael I hate you! I never want to see you again! Yeah you can come see your daughter, but it’s no more US! You destroyed everything we had. I hope your happy.” She grabbed Hailey and quickly ran out of the house, hoping to never return there again. Maria was devastated. She thought things couldn’t get any worse.

One night, when Maria and Hailey was sound asleep in their apartment, Maria was awakened by an alarm. Maria thought it was the sound of the alarm clock waking her up in the morning for work, so she slammed her hand on the snooze button and fell back to sleep. About 10 minutes later, Maria awakened by the banging of someone at her door. As she slowly got out of bed, she smelled a sent of burning wood coming from the hallway. When she walked closer to the door, she heard someone yelling her name, telling her to come quick. As Maria open the door, she was greeted by a fog of smoke and a terrified neighbor from across the hall. “Maria! What took you so long? The building’s on fire! Grab Hailey and get out of here now!” she said. Maria couldn’t believe it. She immediately ran into her room and grabbed her sleeping daughter. She turned around, grabbed her phone, her money, a blanket out of the crib, and dashed out into the hallway.

As Maria continued down the hall, she saw nothing but smoke at the stairwell. She took the blanket and covered Hailey’s face, took a deep breath, and ran quickly down the steps. Maria only lived on the second floor so it was a pretty easy escape. When Maria got to the lobby, she saw people from the other side of the building also running to get out. The smoke looked even blacker on that side of the building than her side. She ran outside and across the street where others where standing around looking up at the building. Fire trucks swarmed around the corner and in front of the building. They were yelling for people to move down the block and out dangerous areas. Maria sat on the steps with Hailey wrapped up in the blanket and waited for an answer. They sat and watched the firemen put out the fire. The fire spread and destroyed the entire apartment. Everything Maria had was gone.

The police and ambulance came to tend to people who were hurt and had nowhere to go. They escorted everyone to the Red Cross close by so people could rest there until they found a place to stay. As they arrived, everyone was told to go inside two rooms and settle down for the night. It was hectic. Everyone was bunched together like a pack of animals. When it came time to sleep, they had cotts for everyone. Maria didn’t like this at all. There were people lying side by side, and some more than one on each cott. Maria was fed up with all the madness and didn’t want her and Hailey around it. She took Hailey and her things and headed to the front desk. Maria walked up to the receptionist and told her she wanted to leave. She explained to her that no one was to leave until they found somewhere to go. Maria had 3 people in her mind; her mother, her best friend, and her cheating boyfriend. She told the lady she had a place to stay, took her belongings and left. Even if she wasn’t too sure about where to stay that night, she knew she didn’t want to stay at the Red Cross any longer.

Walking out of the Red Cross, Maria picked up her phone and called her mother. She wasn’t sure if her mother was still mad at her from getting pregnant and having a baby about 2 years ago, but it was worth a try. She explained to her mother about everything that happened on that horrible night. “Oh, so you think you can come to me when you have no one else, huh? What about your boyfriend?” she said, “You were so quick so go to his house when you got pregnant. You thought you were grown then. Well, now you are grown, Maria. I don’t have anything to do with you and your troubles. Go run to his house like you did last time.” Click. She spoke her harsh words and hung up the phone with out taking a breath. Maria sat on the cold, cement steps outside the Red Cross and cried her eyes out with Hailey in her arms. Out of all people she thought her mother would be there for her. She had to come up with Plan B. She thought of calling her best friend, Marla, but then she remembered the controlling boyfriend she had. Maria never liked him. They always used to argue about how he treated Marla. Marla of course would be on his side and Maria would be the losing defendant. Maria called her, but her boyfriend answered the phone and they got into an argument about Maria staying for a while. Marla insisted to her boyfriend to give Maria some money for a motel, but her boyfriend refused. Maria knew she had no hope.

Last but not least, Maria gave in and called Michael. She intended on never speaking to him again but she had no other choice. Without hesitation, he told her that he was on his way to pick her up from the Red Cross and to stay there. As she waited on the dark corner with her baby, two older guys came up to Maria trying to get her purse. With Hailey in her hands, Maria pulled and pulled on her purse but didn’t want to risk her life and especially her daughters. She fell to the ground, while the thieves ran off with all she had. When Michael pulled up in the car, Maria ran to the car hysterical. She told Michael what happened and he was furious. He wanted to go look for the guys who attacked her but Maria insisted not to. She had already gone through enough for the night and she just wanted to sleep. When they arrived home, Maria put Hailey to bed and fell asleep next to her without a word.

The next morning, Michael gave Maria money to go get things she needed from the store. Walking to the store, Maria thought about everything that happened that night. She was just glad to be alive. While Maria was standing in line, she found a lottery ticket at her feet. She picked it up wondering who it belonged to but it was no one in sight. As she was walking back to the house, Maria took a penny and scratched off the plays. To her surprise, the ticket read, “$1,000,000 WINNER!” Maria stopped in her tracks. She couldn’t believe after all that happened she won 1,000,000 dollars. She quickly ran home and told Michael the news. As she explained to him what happened, he couldn’t believe his ears. He was happy that everything was finally turning around for her.

Later on that day, Michael took Maria to cash her prize. He insisted Maria not give him any money for the help he gave her, but Maria couldn’t refuse. Despite him cheating on her, after all, he was Hailey’s father and he has done so much for them unlike everyone else. Michael did everything in his power to get back with Maria again, but she couldn’t forget what he has done to her. She appreciated all his help but didn’t want to put herself in the situation of getting hurt again. Although they never got back together, Maria and Michael remained good friends. He helped her get a new apartment and stayed by her side the entire time. Maria helped her best friend Marla get out of her controlling relationship, and never spoke to her mother again. From then on, Maria appreciated life more than she ever did and was thankful for what she had. She and her daughter survived that fire and that was more than she could ever ask for.

Brandon Carter THE SET

2007-12-06T21:32:00.001-05:00

The Set was a gang. They were four unruly kids from the mean streets of Philadelphia. They were from a section of Philly called Up Town. As they would say, that’s were it go down at. The gang members were Ice Pick, Ray-Ray, Screw Driver, and Waffle. Waffle was the leader.
Whatever Waffle wanted the Set to do, they did it. They were notorious for selling all types of narcotics. They were like Rite Aid or CVS. They had any prescription drug a person wanted. They even had glaucoma medicine, if you know what I mean. They had the same routine everyday. They would go outside, bust traps for a few hours, and then go back in the house. All of them graduated high school except Screw Driver. He dropped out. He thought that he could not make money in school.
One day, while they were chilling on the stoop, Waffle said angrily, “Yo, this shit is borin. All we do is sit on the same stoop, bustin traps, and smoking weed. We have to make things interesting.” Then Ray-Ray asked, “What are we gonna do?” Ice Pick said, “I know, let’s rob somebody. No better yet, let’s rob a store.” Waffle said, “Aight, bet. I’m gon get the burners, Screw, you get the masks and gloves. We all gon wear black one-piece Dickies and black skullys. It’s goin down Friday. That sounds good?” The rest said yes. Screw Driver wasn’t really down with the plan, but he just went along with the crowd.
Friday night, it was on. They all met at Ice Pick’s crib, because his mom was out playing bingo. They all got ready and made a plan. Screw Driver finally said, “Yo, I’m not ready for this. I can’t do it.” Waffle said, “You gon do it and if you don’t, you’re out the squad, and we gon trash you all the time.” Screw Driver thought care fully and said he was in. Once they got the plan, they all jumped in the car and headed to MAMA LEE’S FOOD MARKET. They parked a block away from the store. They came around the corner swiftly. They were watching out for the cops (rollers as they called them). As soon as they saw the coast was clear, they put their masks on and did what they went there for.
Mama Lee didn’t know what to do. She had her store in that neighborhood for twenty years and was never robbed until that night. They didn’t just take the cash, they took the whole register. When they were on their way out the store, some guy tried to knock the register out of Ice Pick’s hands. That was a bad idea, because Waffle already was thinking that he would shoot anyone who would get in his way. Waffle shot the guy. The guy died.
The next day, the cops were investigating the crime scene. Witnesses said that it was four black males, all around the same height. The cops started to look for the perpetrators. The more the boys saw cops, the more scared they were. One day Ray-Ray and Waffle started arguing. Ray-Ray said, “Why did you shoot him in the head?” “Because, he was trying to take the register!”, Waffle yelled back. “But you didn’t have to kill him. You could’ve popped him in the leg, nigga.”, Ice Pick said. Ray-Ray and Screw Driver agreed. Waffle became angry. “Oh it’s like that? All ya niggas is against me? Now that the cops is lookin for us, ya not ridin? Forget ya then. I’m telling ya like this, if the cops start questioning us, I’m gon tell on ya before ya tell on me.”
Some local snitches and old ladies from around the Set’s way pointed the cops in the Set’s direction. One by one, the cops kicked in their doors to get the gang members. They were all in different questioning rooms. They all were getting threats from cops, that they would never see their families again if they didn’t tell who did it. They said they had witnesses. They said they had them on video. They said they had a lot of stuff they didn’t have. All they had was witnesses who were shopping at the time of the robbery. Then Ice Pick, Ray-Ray, and Screw Driver thought of what Waffle said.

All the boys told on Waffle. Waffle said that Ice Pick did it. The boys were taken to court. All the boys gave their testimony. The witnesses did too. With the testimony of all involved, including the witnesses, Waffle was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The other boys were sentenced to prison for twenty years each for armed robbery. Ray-Ray and Screw Driver came home after doing five years, for good behavior. Ice Pick did all his time and became apart of the Scared Straight program. Waffle was murdered in a prison yard fight. He took a guy named Bubba’s commissary. Bubba stabbed Waffle with a sharpened toothbrush.

THE END

Final Draft - Shaniqua Rudd 2nd Period

2007-12-06T20:38:00.000-05:00

Where I wanna Be

“Now Asia, you need to decide. Remember that your family is behind you, no matter what decision you make, but you wouldn’t want to be the one to end your family legacy.” Those were the words of my mother. We were having our daily family dinner when my mother and I started to discuss my future. It was February of 2008 and my family was already cracking down on me about college matters. My name is Asia Johnson I’m a senior at Central Valley High School. I come from a wealthy family in a small town in Georgia. My father is the owner of a popular law firm in College Park and my mother works beside him. You see, my family is thought very highly of, so it is in their best interest that I become just as successful. I maintain a 3.8 GPA and take college courses outside of school. I am salutatorian and captain of the Cheerleading squad. I am also a member of the Honors Society, The Young National Black Lawyers Association, and a member of the Young Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. I know it sounds like a lot, but it is easy to maintain when you know there are consequences if you don’t keep up with these kinds of things. But, let me give you a brief history of my parents. My father attended Morehouse College and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice, then went on to complete Law School at Harvard. My father was a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi fraternity, so that put him in an easy position to land his job at the firm, alongside with his college degree. My mother attended Spellman University and also graduated with a Bachelors Degree in law, but she completed law school at Howard University. She was also a member of a Greek family, the AKA’s. Now, you would probably better understand why it is important for me to become the epitome of a Johnson.

In the fall, I completed my undergraduate applications for Hampton University, Howard University, Florida A&M, Clark Atlanta, and Spellman University. Because I applied early action, I received most of my acceptance notifications around December. I was accepted to all and received a great number of scholarships. All of the universities I applied to gave me something good to offer. But of course, I was only left with one choice. My mother was putting a lot of pressure on me to attend Spellman, but that was not where I wanted to be. After my mother said that to me at the dinner table, I couldn’t sleep at all that night. The next morning, I headed off to school on the usual 7:10 neighborhood cheese bus. I always sat in the seat on the right side, third row, next to the window. The first 5 rows were taken by mostly all girls including my two best friends Ashley and Stacy. “Did you remember that this weekend was the college trip?” said Ashley. “Who could forget? We are going to have a blast I can’t wait to even step foot on a college campus!” replied Stacy, anxiously. But for some reason, I wasn’t that excited. Ashley noticed my facial expression. “What’s wrong Asia, aren’t you excited?” “It’s not as exciting when you know your parents are deciding everything for you” I replied. “Aww come on! You can’t let them get you down. College is going to be the most important part of your life. They cannot decide for you! You’re coming on this trip and you’re going to have fun!” exclaimed Stacy. You see, Stacy was the outgoing one. If she wanted something, she wouldn’t let anyone stand in her way. She was the one who got me through every obstacle I ever had to face by myself. “You’re right girl. We’re going to go to this tour and have fun”. Friday morning came and everyone had to meet at the front lawn of our school. We were going to be touring for a whole week, visiting different schools. As we boarded the bus, I knew this trip was going to be something to remember forever.

Everyone loaded the bus with the look of excitement on their faces. After Stacy gave me words of comfort, I didn’t feel so bad about going on the trip after all. Our counselor boarded the bus with tons of paperwork in her hand. “Okay seniors, this is going to be a long ride so please try to respect the adults on the bus. No cursing, you may eat but throw your trash away in your own bags! Keep the volume low and please no profanity. This is going to be a long drive to Virginia.” I was excited about the trip but dreaded the long drive. Ashley, who was sitting in front of me, turned around and sighed. “You guys, this is going to be our last year together. I can’t believe this all came so fast”. “I know, pretty soon we’re going to have to be in the real world alone”, I replied. “In a way...I am scared to face things alone. But I have been told what to do all my life and I am ready to make my own decisions.” “Well how come you never talked to your parents about what you want to do. You always discuss things with us, but do your parents know how you feel?” questioned Ashley. I couldn’t even find the right words to answer her. I simply replied “I just don’t have the courage to.”

Everyone on the bus was doing anything to keep themselves occupied. Some of the guys were debating on which rappers were better than others and the hottest video vixens. Some girls were discussing what they brought on the trip to wear. Then most others were talking about the latest gossip at our school. Hours passed and we took a pit stop in Carolina. Everyone went to eat, used the restroom and say outside. Shortly after that we were back on the bus and everyone was sleep including the counselor. Finally I awoke to the sounds of various voices, and I wondered what everyone was so excited about. I looked out the window and seen the signs “HAMPTON UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS”. This was the first time I had ever visited a college campus besides the campuses the mother took me to see. It was a good feel to finally get away from hot Georgia. Once everyone loaded off the bus and dragged their luggage on the sidewalk. Everyone who walked around the campus looked so diverse. Everyone dressed different, had different hairstyles, and sounded different. First we toured the different buildings. For every different major, there was a huge building that held the classes for that particular major. The Business building contained wall street journal headers across the walls. There were stocks running across the screens. In the cafeteria there were sandwiches called “The Marketing Special” and drinks called the “Finance Fingle”. In the arts department there were pictures of famous dancers such as Alvin Ailey and Michael Jackson, and famous postings of writings from authors such as Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, and Toni Morrison. Next we headed across campus to the student center. The student center looked like a huge living room where all the kids sat and ate and watched TV. There were about 40 students on the couch watching reruns of Stomp the Yard on On Demand. Some students had books in their hands while others had finger foods pointing out scenes from the movie as if they never saw it before. Following that we went into the bookstore and everyone brought Hampton hoodies and shirts. I brought a small shirt that said “Hampton Girl”, but put it in Ashley’s bag to keep until we got to school on Monday.

Later on during the campus tour, we visited the Greek House of Hampton University. The sororities and fraternities were performing a special segment just for us. I stared at the walls with all Greek lettering and pictures of each Greek department. It was now time for the show to begin. First up were the Que Dogs. I was surprised that most of the guys, who usually have short attention span, were into the steps. They were all very precise with their barks and active movements. It made you want to jump on the stage and join along. The crowd was going wild. Following the Que Dogs was a performance by the Delta Sigma Thetas. The stage was all black and flashed with red lights. Soon you heard the screams of the fellow Deltas in the crowd. This was the first time I ever seen a sorority do a show, besides the AKA’s. The girls on the stage yelled with all their heart their Greek history. Their swift movements and color coordination’s were together. I couldn’t help but stare at the expression on all the girls faces. They looked like an actual sisterhood. They smiled at each other and gave each other a nod as if to say “ok...ready” when starting a new step. They were new, they were hip, and they were everything I wanted to be. After the show, I went up to one of the girls and greeted myself. “Hi, my name is Asia Johnson. I’m visiting this weekend and I really enjoyed your show.” “Hey how are you? Are you enjoying yourself? We put together this show just for you guys. If you want, I can tell you more about our sorority?” replied the girl. I looked to Ashley and Ashley gave me the thumbs up. “By the way my name is Maya” replied the young Delta. Maya took me along with her to greet some more of the other sisters of the sorority and explained to me the things that they do and the process of pledging. I never found myself so wrapped up and interested in something like this before. From here on out, I knew I wanted to be a Delta. I never got to see what was out there, but then I knew my heart was at Hampton.

The whole ride back I couldn’t get my mind off of Hampton. When I got home, I reported what I learned about Hampton to my mother. “That was a nice trip, but you know you are not going!” “But why not?” “Because I said so Asia!! You are not to go against the family and become something you know nothing about!” “But Mom!” I exclaimed. “But nothing, now go upstairs and get ready for school tomorrow”. I cried myself to sleep all that night. I couldn’t believe that my mom wouldn’t let me get a say in my future. For the next couple of weeks I did things on my own. I used the little bit of money I saved from fundraising to pay for housing to Hampton. I sent the check from my school counselor so my parents wouldn’t know. Weeks went by and I kept everything a secret from my mother. I stopped going to my sorority get together, but continued to strive in school. About 4 weeks later I got a confirmation letter in the mail with my undergraduate information regarding my position as a student. Apparently, my mother saw the letter before I did and was furious that I chose the school to go to without her. “Asia what the hell is this?” she started angrily. “What do you mean” I answered. She interrupted me. “You know what I don’t want to hear it; you don’t know what u have gotten yourself into. I tell you one thing your definitely on border line. I called your coach today; I hear u haven’t been going to sorority practice lately?” “Mom I’m just not interested in being an AKA. I only did it because you wanted me to. When I visit Hampton I seen the Deltas perform and” “Deltas? So you quit just to plan to go to Hampton and stomp around for some whore sorority? you know what Asia I am calling the office of admissions and ending this right now” “Mom you cannot do that!” I said with tears in my eyes. “Oh yes I can. I have the authority to do so, being the person that I am and you damn sure must have forgotten I am your mother”. “Let me tell you something, if you think your going to live in this house and make decisions behind my back and betray me you got another thing coming little girl. I won’t allow my daughter to ship off and go to Virginia to turn into some sleezbag stepping for a group with no respect”. After my mother recited her argument I couldn’t even look her in her face. I couldn’t control my cries as I wept trying to speak at the same time. “Mom how could you say those things to me? I just wanted to make my own choice.” “Asia, I am so disappointed in you. I only wanted the best for you and this is how you go about things.” I couldn’t understand why she was so angry. My mother has never talked to me in that tone, nor said those kinds of things to me. I was hurt. I went to go talk to my father. “Asia, I think there is something that you need to know.” I knew I had to sit down for this one. I sat down and my father explained to me that Hampton was my mother’s dream school, but she didn’t get in. She was very disappointed and couldn’t understand why she wasn’t accepted. Now everything became clear to me.

Later that night I knocked on my mother’s door. “Mom may I come in?” “Yes. Asia”. “Mom, daddy told me about what happened to you with Hampton.” My mom’s face looked furious. “But wait mom before you get mad I just want you to know I am very sorry for your past. I know it hurt you very bad, but you can’t decide where I am going just because you had a bad experience. I want to go to college and know that what ever happens is because I made the decision. I don’t want to go on to college wondering what would’ve or could’ve happened.” My mother sighed with a tear down her face. “Asia”, she said, “I just wanted you to go where I went and follow in my footsteps. I was so proud of myself that I became successful at Spellman, that I wanted to show Hampton what they missed out on for not accepting me.” I could tell that this was a topic that my mother didn’t often speak of. My mother and I talked all night about everything we’ve been missing out on and what I wanted to do when I got older. After that night, my mother listened to what I had to say and supported me in all my decisions. By the time graduation came my mom was flaunting around my full scholarship to Hampton to all of her friends. I graduated with honors and my AKA flag. After my mother and I talked, I decided I was going to finish what I started. This is what made my mother and I as close as we are today. Of course I followed the Johnson family tuition, graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice. On May 13th 2012, I walked down the isle with my degree in my hand waving it around. Except this time, I was wearing the proud colors of red and white on my cap and gown.

Victoria Lewis-Davis 6th Period Final Draft

2007-12-06T19:45:00.000-05:00

A Friendship's End

Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes used to be very goods friends. Their friendship ended though in 1930 because of a play they were suppose to write together. I was there when it happened. Let me tell you how it all started.

It was Friday evening and the Cotton Club packed as it always is on a Friday night. Ella Fitzgerald was performing that night. Zora and I had just entered the club. Langston had been waiting for her arrival, he didn’t know I was coming. When saw her he rushed over to her, so he could greet her, and showed her to the table. He seemed to not even notice me. I just sat at a table near by. I close enough to hear every word. “Zora, I’m so glad you could make it,” he said as they sat down. “Yeah, but I can’t stay to long. What is it you needed to ask me,” she replied. “Well I was wondering if you’d like to write a play with me.” “Of course I’d love to. Let’s get together at your house Monday to talk about the details,” Zora said. “Sure, at six o’clock,” Langston cheerfully. “Yeah, see ya soon,” Zora said as she began to walk away. Langston sat there and watched as she walked off. Then I followed her out.

Monday seemed to come rather quickly. Zora decided she wanted me to come along with her again, to help out. I wasn’t one to say no to a friend, so me and her went to his house. She knew he wouldn’t mind. Zora knocked on the door and he opened it with a huge smile on his face. “Come on in. Ya’ll right on time,” he said as he showed us in. “You must be Gladys? I’ve heard so much about you,” he asked as he gave me a hug as though we was family. “Sit.” We sat down started to talk about ideas. Every idea that we came up with, someone didn’t like it. We just sat there for hours shooting each other’s ideas down. Finally, we decided to call it a quits for that day, and reschedule. This time it was at Zora’s house on Saturday.

When Saturday arrived, Langston was two hours late. When he came he hand a piece of paper to Zora. Zora asked, “What is this?” “It’s the plot for the story,” he said as though he was in a hurry. Then she said, “While ain’t you gonna stay and help with the rest?” “What more help do you need?” “What you mean? All this is, is the setting and conflict. I’m gonna need help with the characters, resolution, and details,” she replied. “You got Gladys,” he said and walked off. When she came back, she looked pissed. I asked, “What happened?” “He gave me a piece of paper and left,” she replied. “What you mean?” “It has an idea for the setting and conflict,” she replied. “This is tons of help,” she mumbled under her breath, and she said some other words, that I ain’t gonna mention. We then started on the rest. Personally, I believed that it helped.

For the next few days, me and Zora tried reaching Langston, but had no luck. We decided to just write it ourselves. I asked as we were finishing the story up, “Are you gonna give Langston credit?” “NO! Why would I do that, he barely does any of the work,” she yells. I have never seen her so upset before. So I just decided to shut up, before she started to get upset with me. I had a feeling that something bad was gonna happen, and I was right. I was glad it wasn’t something too bad.

About a week after we finished I bumped into Langston. “Hey, how’s the play coming along?” “Good. We are all done,” I replied. “Look I think you should stop by Zora’s house to talk to her about the play.” “Why?” he questioned, knowing that something was going on. “Just go,” I said. “But why,” he continued to ask. Annoyed, I said, “Stop asking questions and do as I say.” He replied, “Alright, I’ll go. See ya.” Then he walked away.

He dropped by the next day. I was really hoping that I wouldn’t be there when he came over, but I ain’t have no such luck. When Zora opened the door and saw that it was him, she immediately asked, “What are you doing here?” “Gladys said that I should come over and ask about the play,” he replied. “Oh did she? I wonder why the is?” she said as she look at me. “Me too. I was hoping you could answer that,” he said now more curious. “I’ll just let you see a copy of the play,” she said as she handed it to him. The first thing to come out his mouth after reading was, “Where’s my name?” “Well, it ain’t on it, as you can see,” she said. “Well, why ain’t it?” he yelled at her. “Cause you ain’t help,” she yelled back and slammed the door in his face. He pushed the door open and stomped inside. “I did help,” he said still angry. “Two sentences out of over thirty pages, yeah huge help. And how you just gonna barge into my house like that,” she replied. “Just as I did. Now I want my name on this story.” “You don’t always get what you want,” she replied. Langston had no more to say, not wanting say anything he might regret. He vowed that their friendship was over and turned away. I sat there confused because I didn’t understand how they let that ruin their friendship.

Dan Chiev 6th Period Final Draft

2007-12-06T19:25:00.001-05:00

I Am Man

I’m alone. I’m the only one alive. I do the same thing everyday. In the morning I hunt and gather items I need for my apartment, then at night I bored up the apartment and survive. It all started five years ago. I was a former military scientist creating a vaccine for the current bird flu epidemic occurring in east Asia. I was first injected with the experimental vaccine for multiple reasons. The vaccine was successful. I was exposed to the bird flu and everything was alright. We were ready to distribute the vaccine.

After 3 months of the initial vaccine distribution, we were getting reports of horrible side effects of the vaccine. But these side effects would only occur at night. We would of like to immediately stopped the distribution of the vaccine and we did. But the victims who were injected with the vaccine could also spread this. It was a virus, and it was an outbreak. They turned into cannibals. The people who took the vaccine turned into cannibals. The cannibals turned their victims into cannibals. It soon spread to the whole world. They were nocturnal, only coming out at night. They were superiorly stronger than the average man and fast as a cheetah. There skin was a rugged dark gray and none of them had any hair. They all had long fangs with dark red eyes. They all looked identical to one another. There only weakness is the light.

At day, they would hide anywhere they can avoid the light. They would hide in dark abandoned building and even under the ground. Every night they would be outside my fortified apartment and try to enter. I hear their screams, their fights with one another. They want me, want me dead. They would love that. Five years of killing them, wouldn’t they want a shot with me?

Now I’m the only one left without the virus. I’m immune, somehow I’m immune. Maybe it was that prototype vaccine that I took. We did make minor changes before we began distribution. I thought that vaccine would help out the world, but instead it did the opposite.

I’m alone after 5 years after the virus outbreak. I live in this empty city filled with animals, trees, and empty streets. My apartment is a bunker basically; sand bags on the window, metal doors, and spotlights for those creatures. I don’t know how I managed to survive all this time. Maybe its because my dog, Max, is still with me. Or maybe I just can’ stand the fact on being like one of them.

March 18: 7 AM

Max and I are ready to leave the house. Last night was brutal, we didn’t know if we were able to survive or not. I was able to kill a few of them. Their bodies were destroyed by the bright morning sun.

March 18: 11 AM

Max and I just caught a big deer. I shot it with my M4. Kind of gruesome isn’t it? I still don’t know why the animals chose to live in the city, but that just gives us more food. Even without the cannibals coming out at day time, it is still dangerous. There are many animals hunting at this time. It doesn’t hurt to keep Max by my side.

March 18: 4 PM

I just had a vigorous 5 hour workout. I'm just willing to do anything to make the time pass by. Its almost time. Better give Max a bath first.

March 18: 6 PM

Arrrgh. Its time. I just boarded up the windows, recharged the spotlights, and locked the doors. I hate this part of the day.

March 19: 6 AM

It's over. For 12 hours I tried to survive. They pierced the front door, but luckily I shined the spotlight on them. That did enough to scare most of them away. One did manage to climb up onto the roof but luckily the stupidity of it forgot that the roof is lined with metal spikes and it was stuck there till morning. I survived, but tomorrow I'll just do the exact same thing.

2007-12-06T19:25:00.000-05:00

Kevin Forge 12-06-07 FINAL DRAFT

2007-12-06T17:42:00.000-05:00

I’m Just A Kid

It was like the end of December when it all happened. Where all my friends and family were having fun, but of course I am the only one who have to suffer. While all my friends get brand new clothing and cool toys, for Christmas, while I just get crappy hand me downs and old stuff . Well I guess that’s how life started for me in a small house in Louisville, Kentucky, living with a brother, a sister, and two parents who feel like I do not even exist. My name is Archie and here is my story……..

It was like two days away till Christmas and I knew what I was going to get this year; another crappy gifts from my parents and nothing from my siblings even though they have a job to afford a months worth of food. However, my sister Jill gets me really pissed off. She’s like fifteen and she gets what ever she wants. It feels like the world revolves around her. Next my older brother Austin, he can be a good person though, but he is a real pain. It’s surprising because I’m the only kid I know that doesn’t want to have a Christmas this year. Nevertheless, when it comes, I just hang around with the family, but it is as if the family does not want to hang around me. Anyway, of there actions I have been feeling very depressed lately and I am still a little kid. The only thing that could solve my problems is to runaway.

As I plan to runaway I think about the consequence I might face. Leaving my family and living alone. I said to myself, “how am I going to eat, sleep, and how am I going to take a shower.” But I had a motive, it may have been childish, but it was worth it. My motive was to go to the biggest toy store there is, and live in it. My plan my have been crazy, but it was my dream. I wanted to have all the brand new toys there is, and nobody could share, touch, and play with my brand new toys. The good thing about it is that when every body is gone, I could play all night long. The next day comes, and I told my parents where’s the biggest toy store located at. My mom replied the big apple of course in New York, New York. Then I said, isn’t that where Uncle Charlie lives. My mom said yes, you’re exactly right. The next day rolls by and I realized that I needed some money to get anywhere. So when I had the chance, I go to the bank with my mom and try to remember what buttons she press because I was planning to take her credit card. Also from the recent years, I have notice when she go shopping she always say something like “put it on my card” or something like that. Furthermore, for me to get from Louisville, Kentucky to New York, New York it was either on a plane, car, or train. We do not live far from a train station; in addition I remember that once my family and I went to go see Uncle Charlie in New York. That made me think that I rather go on a train since I had more experience on a train rather on a car or plane. As I plan my escape on a day when everybody was either at work or shopping, I figure that it was the perfect time for me to take action. The next morning comes, and knew it was the day. So before anyone was awake, I rushed to take moms’ credit card. Like around nine o’ clock, I stated to eat my last breakfast with my family. And that really made me happy that day. When I got out the shower, everybody had already left. So I toke one of my dads suit cases and I put the most important things I needed like clothes, deodorant, toothbrush, and lotion. As a got to the train station, I looked up on a bored and realized that my train was not going to leave until fifteen minutes from now. So I rushed to pay an attendant and then boarded on the train. I was relief until I have realized I might not ever see my relatives again. I don’t know why but, I would be worried because on another day I would be ecstatic to find out that I would never see my siblings again. So as I think I said to myself that I would just stay at my Uncle Charlie’s house. But I knew so little about how to get there. The loud speaker came on and announced that we were a couple minutes away from Grand Central Station. Luckily from my research I knew that I had to get off here. After what felt like a fifty hour ride I knew that it was worth it. I got my entire luggage and made sure that I got off first of how I really couldn’t afford to get left behind. As I see so many bright yellow taxies out side I just randomly chose one. I told an old mean looking guy, who looked like the Grinch, to take me to Toys “R” Us. As he takes his time in the congested freeways and streets, my eyes where glued to the window of how I nevered seen so many people, buildings, and cars in my life.

As we stop at my destination, I swiped my credit card and went along. I ran, rolling the heaviest luggage ever, to see the toy store and explored the inside. As I got into the building I looked as if I died and went to heaven. First, I said to myself that I needed to hide my luggage somewhere safe. And then next thing you knew it I saw a door that said janitors closet. I knew that it was the perfect place to hide my luggage. After I store my luggage there I rushed to play with toys, video games, and I rushed to go on a big Ferris wheel that went threw the whole toy store. In the middle of my game playing I thought to my self that my family doesn’t even think I’m gone yet. But deep down I think I still miss them. After that I went to play more games for nobody could tell me when to stop playing. I told my self that if this store is great I can’t imagine the rest of the stores in the city. So I left Toys “R” Us to explore the rest of the city. I saw the biggest McDonalds there is. It was like three stories tall. After all, I had nothing to eat since breakfast. So I got a number one which was the best sandwich, fries, and drink, I had in my lifetime. Next, I saw an arcade and that’s what really surprised me. As I played for three hours straight, I realized that I knew this was the best place to be. Then, I remembered that I had to go back to the toy store before it closes. As I dip and dodge my way through Manhattan, I didn’t remember where it was. After seeing the great and almighty McDonalds I knew my way from there. As I ran to the door it was around ten o’ clock and the doors was sealed shut. I started to burst out crying for I had no home. When that happen, I regretted every moment of this experience. I ran to the nearest pay phone and tried to call my parents but no answer. I guess I was in this world alone.

I called 911, for it was my last choice, and told them what happen. They told me to stay put and we would come and pick you up. I stood there for five minutes, and a cop cat pulls up. Momentarily, a fat and even fatter police man both got out the car." Did you call us talking about you runing away or something." I answer with a pleaded voice "yes are you going to help me get back home with my family." The police man said, "I cant make a deal, but I will try my hardest. You have to cooperate with us though or nothing would be accomplish." I said in a worried voice "I'll try my hardest." As we get to the police station they asked me varies of questions, like where you from, how did you get here, do you know your parents number, and more stuff like that. After answering those questions they told me that I had a place to stay for the night. In addition, they said that we would try to contact your parents. In the meanwhile you should get some rest. As I watched them make calls after calls I got tired and dozed off.
The next morning comes by and as I woke up all I saw was my beloved, caring, and all so sweet family. As I hugged them as tight as I could I wished that I would never let them go. They told me a million times that I missed me and why did you go and all. I told my mom that I tried to call her like ten times but no answer. Then my mom said that she was to busy looking for me. Then I finally answered the question of why I ran away. I replied because I always get crappy gifts and you guys never recognized me. Then my mom said is this all about the gifts. I was like no no no. The gifts are symbols of what I think how you treat me. While my mom started to cry and kept saying sorry and sorry my dad came over and started to talk to me. He was like I promise that your mom and I would treat you better for know on. I replied that’s all I asked for. As my family and I started to walk back to the train station I told my parents that if I was in trouble. My dad said as long as your safe and protected you’ll never be in trouble.

Kiara Cofer

2007-12-06T13:45:00.002-05:00

The Heartbreaks of love
Final draft
We have been together for a while now but recently he left me for her. I have been seeing them around all smiles and no frowns, but I don’t understand why I am the one that has to suffer? What have I done to deserve this type of treatment? I mean he hasn’t done any thing to me besides flaunt her around like she is a golden prize. But I am the one who has to see it. I used to be his number one I am the one that had his heart. I showed him how to love and now he’s showing some one else what I taught him. My name is Deja and this is my story.

I grew up in a house full of women no male testosterone. I was the youngest of my mother’s three daughters and very spoiled. I am usually the one that gets every thing that I want and more then what I ask for. My father has been in and out of jail since I was five years old and I am now eighteen. Not a good look right? He’s in there for the usual drug related reasons. I just don’t understand why the feds insist on knocking a black mans hustle. All he was trying to do was support his family. Unlike other men, in or out of jail my dad was a good father and a great asset to our family. He showed us right from wrong and he loved us unconditionally so that we would never have to look for any man to fill the position in which he lacked. But some times I do wish he were home so that he could help me with my boy problems and the insecurities that I have. My father always told me that I was pretty and to be confident and to never let anyone get the best of me but lately I failed to do so. I mean I am beautiful and have always been beautiful but situations like the one that I am in made me just wonder am I really beautiful?

Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of Kiar and his new fling Sianni; it just really gets under my skin to see him with her. Yeah she’s a pretty girl you know the very common mixed female. She was half black and half Indian. Caramel skin, hazel eyes, long thick jet black hair I mean she is beautiful but what can she do for him that I already haven’t done? I’m beautiful, I’m talented, what else does he want? I have long curly thick brown hair, I’m 5’5 thick in the hips, nice full pink lips, light skinned with grey eyes, in fact I believe that I have better qualities than her, so what does he see? I may seem a little jealous but what is a girl to do when she really loves some one. I invested all of my time into him; I have no friends because of him. I believe that I deserve more then what he is dishing out to me. But I guess that’s what I get for being the best girlfriend that I can be.

“Hey Kiar, I see you gone front now cause you got yourself a new little mutt.” I said to Kiar as him and Sianni began to walk pass me as if I wasn’t even there.
“Mutt! Girl you just mad cause I got what you want and what you aint gone get back. At least I know how to hold on to mines you thirsty trick.” Sianni said to me nastily.
When she said that I was furious I don’t know what came over me I just lashed out. Next thing I knew Sianni and I was rolling around on the ground. She was pulling my hair while I was beating her face in. Just like your average ghetto girl I whopped her a** but that didn’t make Kiar want to take me back.

“Deja why did you do that?” He said to me, furious that his old girlfriend had just beaten up his new one.
“She called me out of my name Kiar and all you can think of is her?”
“Deja you started it, you came up to us and if I can recall you did call her a mutt.” I was just standing there stuck with nothing to say.

I must’ve forgot that Kiar is the type of nigga that only thinks about himself. Why wouldn’t he, he’s gorgeous light skinned with ocean blue eyes, curly hair. He stands about 6’2 football player with the body to match. He’s well accomplished, has a job, and his own apartmen. Man I hate that I love him.

Later on that night I called Kiar to apologize for my actions But like an average nigga he said, “Don’t worry about it Deja maybe you can just come over my house a little later so we can talk about it.” So me being me I didn’t have a doubt in my mind about going. I arrived at his house around 8:00 pm. Once I got there we chilled for a little while then he began to play in my hair and kiss me on my neck. Being curious I asked him, “Kiar why must you d this to me? Why do you treat me as if nothing that I do is good enough for you? I was the best girlfriend that I could be and you gave me you’re a** to kiss. I tried so hard to make you happy, to give you what you needed and deserved and you repay me by flashing your new girlfriend around like I never existed .Why?”
“Deja you know I would never do any thing to hurt you.”
“So Kiar you just think that you have done no wrong? Like you are just picture perfect? Well news flash Kiar you aren’t and neither am I and I don’t try to be but I do give my all when ever it’s needed but I guess you don’t even care huh?” Deja I love you and you know that. “
“So why are you with her?” I asked.
“Maybe I wanted to see if what we had was real.”
“Well is it Kiar?” He turned his head. “Is it Kiar? Answer me. Now is not the time for the games. To you this is just a little phase in life but this is my heart you’re playing with.”
Kiar then looked me in my eyes and said, “I mean at this point Deja I honestly don’t know. I guess that’s a question that I will never know the answer to.”
“So why am I hear then? Don’t you have a girlfriend or since I beat her up you don’t want to see her until she looks back to normal?”
“Deja don’t go there.”
“Don’t go there? What do you mean don’t go there? You have a girlfriend but you asked me to come see you tonight. But you saying don’t go there. Even though I don’t like her and she may have stolen my boyfriend, my heart, my love, the man I’ve been with for four years, the person that brought me from a little girl to a woman I will not allow you to do her the way you did t me.” Hysterical and confused on what to do I just got up and began to leave.
“Deja don’t walk away like that. I don’t want you to hate me.”
“Kiar you did this to yourself.” With tears in my eyes I walked out of his apartment. Not knowing what tomorrow may lead to.

With that thought in my mind in a poem I wrote to him…

It only took one phrase for you to say that made my eye light up like they used to always. Then it took only one thought of us together as one to make me change my mind, as I realized everyday that we are not meant for each other. It took many years for this thought to come about but it took another female for me to realize the truth. I’ve always allowed you back into my heart with no harm, no questions, and no reasons. Just you with open arms. It’s sad that I have to let you go but I’m happy that I’ve found my self. I saw the present without you in it. I saw the past that left me with tears cried all the time. But I’ve finally seen a future of happiness that I’ve built for my self. Honesty lies in a place beneath us and my eyes have been open to new surroundings. My life used to revolve around you. I used to not be able to see myself without you. I used to need you in a way that I needed no one else. But now that’s all beyond me I am a women beyond all measures a beauty that made it in life through love of all others and the intelligence in every area. You think you made me nut I made myself. You know you lied to me but you made me stronger. You wish you still had me and I’m glad I found a way. But one thing is for sure without experiencing you in my life I wouldn’t be the goddess I am today.

It has been years since I have seen Kiar. I’ve heard that he and Sianni are still together hopefully he treats her right. I mean I’ve grown over time and I have learned that she has done nothing to me. She didn’t take my boyfriend out of spite he went to her. I mean you like who you like and that’s it. All I asked for him to do was to love and respect me and he could do neither and with that I learned a valuable lesson. Never go beyond, always meet them half way because if you do they will take advantage of it. Like I said before name is Deja and this is my story.

2007-12-06T13:45:00.001-05:00

Lamont Johnson
Creative writing
THINGS ARE NOT WHAT THEY ALWAYS SEEM
“ Shana , screams Erics name as he fall’s off the subway platform”. After, being pushed, by his best friend John. It all start off like every other Saturday, Eric got up in the morning walked the dog and when he came back in he called John. Every Saturday they would go to the park and play basketball for about three hours. When Eric got off the phone, with john telling him to meet him in the park, so he could bust his ass in ball. He went up to his room to put on his ball shorts and sneakers and was on his way to the park. When he got there John was already there shooting around while they were playing they were taking. John asked Eric what else he was going to do later that day. Eric told him he was planning to take Shana to the movies to see ATL because she wanted to see it. John asked Eric did Shana have any cute friend that she could bring so he could go. After John asked the question Eric was taking in the back of his head he’s lucky he is my boy. Eric said I ask her and see what she says and then I tell you. Eric looked at his watch and noticed they been at park for four hours and that it was 4 o clock. So he told John he was going to go home and hop in the shower and call Shana and ask her about a friend. When Eric got home he did what he said he was going to do for John and his girl said that she had a friend that was looking for a new friend to talk to. So Eric and Shana, talked on the phone about the stuff they usually talk about like about their relationship and problems at home. Shana was a great person but you could never imagine that knowing about what went on at her house. Her father was on drugs and use to beat her mother for drug money. By the time they stop talking it was almost time for them to go. So Shana told Eric to get ready and that she loved him and could not wait to see him. So they hung up and Eric called John and told him to get dressed and to come and meet him at his house and told him that the girls were going to meet them there. John got to Eric’s house so fast he didn’t even finish getting dressed. When they got the movies the girls were already there with the tickets for the movie. John could not stop smiling at Shana friend who name was Lisa, but for some reason she was not smiling back. So they went to the theater were their movie was showing and all sat next to each other. The movie started and pretty soon the movie theater filled with laughter. Shana and Eric didn’t waste any time and were all over each other. As John looked he was taking to his self saying my turn referring to Lisa. As soon as he looked at her she knew what it was hitting for and told him not to even play his self. So he just turned but around in his sit and finished watching the movie and that when his attitude started. When the movie was over they all got up and left. When they got outside Eric walked ahead of the girls so he could talk to John the more Eric talked the more mad John got but Eric had no idea. When they got to the subway John started to walk faster and Eric grabbed him and John pulled away. So Eric stopped and wait for the girls to catch up and when they did Eric asked Shana friend what happened. She said nothing happened that’s what wrong he try to kiss me and I played him. So Eric thinking he knows John so well runs up to him and puts his arm around him. Not knowing that words he was about to say would be his last. When Eric said your mad because you couldn’t get a kiss form Lisa. John grabbed Eric arm that was around his him and throw Eric on the tracks in the path of the train. All you could hear after that is Shana screaming Eric’s name and Shana’s friend crying. When the cops came John was still there and all he kept saying was “He thought he was better than me”. The whole time Eric thought him and John were best friends when in reality John was only Eric’s friend because he wanted to be Eric. But when he realized he could ever be Eric he went off the deep end and killed him. John was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his so called, “Best friend”.

Lache Brown Edited Draft 2nd Period

2007-12-05T23:11:00.000-05:00

I Don't Want To Be Like My Momma

“Mom what are you doing today?” I asked my mom. “Oh you know baby the usual” said my mom. “But I thought you and my new daddy were taking me to school today.” I replied. “I m sorry, but something came up and I’ll see you when I get back Okay Daejah,” was the last I ever heard from my mom." Alright mom." I said as I headed out the door for school. I am 13 years old and an only child who has a mother that is on drugs. She brings home different men every night whom she tells me is my father . We live in a small house on Sheldon Street. . Every day I have a new daddy. My mother would always leave the house to go to get high, but this time, instead of going to school, I followed her. She went to this alley with the man she told me was my father on Tuesday. He pulled out a little clear plastic bag filled with Crack, and handed it to my mother. She sat on a near by crate, pulled out a piece of paper, emptied the contents of the bag onto the paper and sniffed it all up into both of her nostrils. Watching my mother degrade herself like that just tore me up me inside. Then a little blue car pulled up and she hopped in and disappeared. So I turned around and continued my way to school.
While at school all I could think about was what I witnessed my mother doing and what she would say about it when I got home. I was anxiously waiting for the last bell to ring so I could hurry home. I began to count down the seconds in my head, five,four,three,two,one,Ding,Ding. Yes time to leave. I waisted no time getting home. It took me 8 minutes exactly when it would usually take 12 minutes. When I walked through the door my mother wasn't there. So I waited and waited until it was 8oclock. Then I began to get hungry so I decided to fix myself a cup of noodles while I waited for my mom. Usually she would make sure that she was there before I got home but this time she wasn't. I ate my noodles and fell asleep on the couch still waiting for my mother to return home. When I woke up it was 7:00 am and time for me to get ready for school. When I was in the shower it dawned on me that I would never see my mother again. I began to cry my eyes out because I didn't know what to do. I kept thinking how would I survive without a mother or a father. Should I go to the police and tell them about my mothers addiction and now she's missing, and that she has a stash of Crack upstairs under her bed. I just didn't know what to do. I thought about how every night I would pray that my mother would stop using drugs and get better, but it just wasn't working. So I cleaned myself up and finished getting ready for school. I went to school that day very sad. I was in class thinking did she take an overdose, did the man in the blue car kidnap her, and is she okay. Today school went by fast and before I knew it I was back at home lying on the couch in tears. Then all of a sudden there was a knock at the door.

“Who is it?” I asked as I walked to the door. “Is your mother home?” the man said. “No, she hasn't been here for 2 days now,” I said as I opened the door,. “Why who wants to know?” “Its Nasir” said the man. “Has my momma invited you over here to get high?” “No, but we did get High together on a regular, hey can I use you bathroom?” “Okay but only because you know my mother.” I said as I let him in and showed him to the bathroom. When he returned he asked me how old am I as he was pulling a bag of crack out of his pocket. By being used to my mother doing crack in front of me, it didn't really bother me that Nasir was about to get high. “I'm 14 why?” “I was just wondering if you did crack like your mom.” “No I don't and for your information I wouldn't want to be like my mom. I feel bad for what she is doing with her life but no one has ever tried to help her because she's a crack head.” i said as I began to get upset. I turned to watch the TV when Nasir pinned me down to the chair and tried to kiss me. I liked the attention but i knew what he was doing was wrong and I pushed him away. He then went for my pants but I wasn't putting up without a fight. When he finally gave up I was shaking and scared because I didn't know what he would try next. “Why are you scared I know I'm not the first man that came in here for your mother and tried to rape you!” said Nasir “I thought you were into the same things your mother is into.” “Well I'm not and no man has ever tried to rape me.” Then Nair began walking towards me saying “Oh yeah not until today” and he tried to force my pants down again. I began crying and said “Look I'm not ready to have sex and I never want to be like my mother especially if this is what she does but I do have a stash of crack upstairs under my mothers bed. You can have it if you promise to leave me alone and never come back.” Nasir didn't even say a word he was up the steps in a hurry and then darted out of the door saying “I will be back.” It is dark outside and its time for me to go to bed because I have school in the morning. I cried myself to sleep because i was scared of what just happened and I just couldn't believe that I really wasn't going to be able to see my mother ever again. On my way to school the next morning I watched my surroundings because i was scared that Nasir would try to get me. I walked as fast as I could. When I arrived at school and i went into homeroom the teacher said that the counselor wants to see me. I was scared because i didn't know if she had found out about me staying by myself or about Nasir or even about my mother being a crack head. I went to see the counselor. When I got to her office she said “Come in Daejah, have a seat.” I said “Ms.Aniyah may I ask why am I here?” “Yes. My brother Nasir told me that you were living at home by yourself and that your mother has a drug addiction and she has disappeared, is this true?” I began to cry and said “Yes Ms. Aniyah it is true but did your brother also tell you what he did to me?” “No, he didn't, did he hurt you?” “Not bad but he tried to rape me and he told me that he would be back for me” “Oh he did so has anyone else been by the house and how long has your mother been gone?” “3 days and no nobody else has came by.” “ Okay I want you to go to class and after school i want you to wait for me.” “Okay but why am I waiting for you?” “Because you are coming to live with me.” “Thank you Ms.Aniyah, i don't know how long it would be before i run out of cup of noodles.” I went back to class and felt a little relieved the rest of that day. After school Ms.Aniyah took me by my house to get my clothes and things and to lock up the house. My stay with Ms.Aniyah was fun,loving and caring. She cared for me as if I was her own daughter. I guess she felt bad for me. She motivated me to stay focused and to keep going in the right direction so that I wouldn't end up like my momma. It is because of Ms.Aniyah that I went on to college and got my degree as a social worker. Since then I have helped Nasir stop using drugs and clean himself up. Now he works for SEPTA. Ms.Aniyah also helped me locate my mom but when i spoke two words to her she said “daughter, i don't have any kids” and i just walked away. She look terrible and there was nothing i could do to help. She didn't even remember me. But thats okay, I am proud of my self because I didn't turn out like my crack head momma.

Star-Aisha Boyd Period#2 final Draft

2007-12-05T21:10:00.000-05:00

Star-Aisha Boyd
Creative Writing
Period #2

A Dance To Victory

He stretched his body leaving every muscle visible to the audience. He sided and
glided across the stage, while making everyone sit at the edge of his or her seats. He danced to the music as if the song was made just for him. He seemed to dance with
emotions letting his body do all the talking. The song ends and everyone jumps to
there feet applauding his wonderful abilities. James rushed off the stage with a smile
on his face. He was so excited, he has been working on his solo for months. Once he reached behind the stage, his friends who are also apart of the Elvin Elle’ dance group, applauded him for his great solo. They all began to tell him how good of a dancer he is and how his parents should be proud of him.

When James heard one of his friends say that he begin to sadden. James is a twenty-four years old man and is very handsome. He is about five feet eight inches tall, weighing hundred and eighty pounds. But when someone even mentions his parents, he becomes sadden. James never knew whom his father. He was always told as a child that his father died, but he believes people just told him that because they didn’t know who is father was. He was forced to move out of his mother’s house at the age of twelve because of her addiction to drugs. She always reminded him how much money he was costing her and how she could use that money to get high. James left because he couldn’t take anymore of the abuse and continued living with other family members.

James has always felt bad for his mother and she never even seemed to care about him. During all the hard times he had to face, James found his escape through dancing. Dancing to James was like therapy. He would dance every time he heard music. After talking with his friends, James thought about last year when he saw his mother and how she didn’t look to well. He promised himself the he would never give up on her and that he would do anything to help get her together. When the show finally ended James rushed over to his mother’s South Philly row house home to see how she was doing. Once he reached his mother house, James was hesitating. He wasn’t sure if he should go inside.

He was scared to see how she would look. He didn’t want to catch her looking worse then she have, but he finally gathered the strength to go inside. He slowly opens the door, while yelling for his mother. She quickly runs to the door wondering who was calling her. When she finally realized it was he, She started to frown. Ignoring his mother reaction, James extended his arms to give her a hug. She walks slowly towards him allowing him to hug her. James was so happy that she didn’t look worse.

“Hey momma”, James said, “what you been up to?”
She looked at him as if he was trying to be smart and says, “The sky”
Noticing her attitude toward him James say “ Hey have a seat.”
She sits down next to him, while not even attempting to look into his face. He begins to tell her what a great night he had and how all the people were appraising him. She quickly cuts him off and asks for five dollars so she can get a hit. James was so discussed, He couldn’t believe what his mother just asked him.

James frowned at her and says “all you care about is drugs. I will never give up on you even if I feel you have given up on yourself.”
He walks over to his mother and gently gives her a kiss on the check. Fighting back her words, James mother look straight into James eyes, a started to cry. James rubbed her back and walked out of the house.

On his way home, James received a call from his mom, Saying that she know she wasn’t there much when was a child but she need him. She said the she want to check herself in a rehab. And that her doctor told her last week, She have destroyed her about way to much and if she stop what she is doing now she might have five months left. James told her that he would do all that he could to make sure she is okay. A week later James mother was staying in a well-kept rehab in New York. He wanted his mother to get so far away from that life style that he moved her to New York. He continued his dancing career and was doing better than ever. James was at a video shoot for the song Unfaithful by singer Rihanna; when he received a call from the rehab his mother was staying in. He quickly rushed to the phone wondering was his mother okay.

The lady on the other end of the Phone apologized to him and said that his mom will not be making it out of rehab and that she died that morning. After getting off the Phone, James thought about all the good times they have recently had. He was proud to know that he never gave up on her and she didn’t give up on herself. He continued his dancing career and dedicates every dance to his mom. James no longer dances to music, he dances to victory.

SHARNISE DOZIER FINAL DRAFT 6TH PERIOD

2007-12-05T14:34:00.000-05:00

Sharnise Dozier
November 15, 07
Creative Writing

The New Baby

In my room reading my book ”Down & Dirty,” Kayla’s on the phone and Mercedes’ is in her room. Mom calls up, “Brook, Kayla, Mercedes, come down, I need to talk to you guys.” I say, “she don’t want nothing.” Kayla says, “No come on she said it’s important!” I get up, take off my school uniform and slip on my pajamas, run down steps and flop on the couch. “Mom what? I’m trying to read my book,” I said. “Wait till Mercedes get down here it’s important!” Mercedes running down the steps singing, “There’s never a right time to say goodbye.” “Woo mom Chris Brown is so sexy.” “Sit down Mercedes I have to tell you guys something,” mom said. Everyone became quiet. I yelled, “Mom what?” Mom says, “Well I just wanted to tell you that you will be having a sister or brother on the way.” I say “Wow and who’s pregnant?” Mom says “Me!” Mercedes yell, “No I’m six years old I want to be the youngest mom you cant do that.” She runs in her room and slams her door. I just sat there because I remember us having this talk a long time ago and we all agreed for mom not to have another baby, I guess that’s why Mercedes went off. But I wasn’t sure so I knew that I was bound to go talk to her. Mom yells, “Natroy, go talk to your daughter she’s going crazy.” “No this is cool just don’t put the baby on me ill be ok.” Mom says, “So what do you have to say Kayla?” She says, “well!” then zooms off into my room, slams the door, jumps on the bed, puts her head down and starts to cry. Me the only one still downstairs, Mom standing there with a stale look on her face just sits down and thinks. I asked, “Are you ok?” She said, “yeah!! Ill be fine, just go upstairs and check on your sister Mercedes and your cousin Kayla.” First I go to Mercedes room to see what’s wrong but dads in there, so I go to my room to check on Kayla. Kayla was lying on my blanket and I usually don’t let anyone lay on it but since she was upset I just left it alone. I said, “What wrong?” First she just flagged me and said, “Go away.” Then I asked her again, She lifted her head up and said, “If she has a baby she won’t have room for me and she will put me out!” “What?” I yelled, “Why in the world would you think that?” “Well she will need room for the baby,” She said. “She won’t put you out she will just put the baby in her room,” I said. “Your only ten why would she put you out,” I said. “Look Kayla mom loves you and Mercedes if she has a baby or not,” I said. After that I went out for air. For the next couple of months Mercedes and Kayla become ok with the fact that mom is having a baby. They actually fight over who gets to hold the baby first, even though I will be the first to hold her.

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

When The Baby Comes

“The baby’s home,” I yelled. Kayla ran down the steps and said, “Wa-wa! Let me see her?” I was holding her first so Kayla and Mercedes had nothing to fight about. Mercedes yell, “Why did she hold the baby first.” I say shut up you will get her. Awe she looks just like you Mercedes,” I said. Mercedes says, “Can I see her?” I passed her on over. After the baby came everybody was happy Mercedes actually wont let no one hold her and Kayla comes home from school and the first thing she does is pick her up knowing Mercedes will snap. I on the other hand watch the baby every time mom goes out. We all love the new baby, “Mercala Brook Condell,” and all are one happy family.

Kelly Nguyen Final Draft 6th period

2007-12-05T14:28:00.000-05:00

Holding the key to a promise.

Ever since I was ten years old, I've been living a complete hell hole. My parents never wanted me they blamed me for making their life miserable. my name is Marie Mendez. I’ve been repeating this life as a nightmare over and over again. This live is a living hell without dying. All I ever wanted to be was a mommy or daddy's girl, but none of that is coming true. Ever since I was little, I saw life from a different perspective, so now I got to do me.

It was just the night when my father came home, drunk as usual. He walked in yelling, cussing at me and my mom, smashing things, and slamming her against walls. I tried to stop him by saying, "Daddy no what are you doing? Stop it daddy, stop it, please!" But he just threw me aside and said I was nothing to him but trash blood. I ran over to my mom and said, "Mommy are you okay? I love you mommy." She looked at me with a grin on her face, for the first time she looked at me right in my eyes and for that one moment I felt so special, but she crushed my feelings by saying "Bitch, can't you see the miserable life you gave me? I hate you trick!" There it was, tears dripped down my face, and it felt like as if she cut ma vain but with no knife. As much as she hates me, I love her to death. As I was crying she threw me out the house as if I was a ball. I stood on my porch, and touched the door and said, "I love you mommy and daddy." Slowly I walked to my grandmother’s house. She opened the door to comfort me and took me in.

the next morning, it was my eleventh birthday. My grandmother woke me up and said, "It's your birthday baby girl, rise and shine." I felt like I had the world on my shoulders because my grandmother really loved me, she really did. She gotten me the baby doll I had always wanted. I cried as she gave it to me. This was my first toy; I can't believe it my very own first present. I looked up at my grandma and said, "Mom mom, are my mommy and daddy coming?" As Tears fell down her cheek, I wiped it and she said, “Baby, They'll be here." I smiled and started playing with my doll. Out of the blue, there was a knock on the door asking for Leilani Mendez, who was my grandmother. It was a police officer, saying how my mother had died, because my father had shot her in the head 5 times. I saw my grandma broke down into tears, as if they flooded her. I ran over to the big brown door where my grandmother collapsed. I asked her, "Grand momma what's wrong? She held my face and said, “Sweetie, nothing is wrong just go back inside the room." So I walked back into the living room and turned on the TV to watch it. She came over and touched my face and looked at me as if someone just ripped her heart out. My grandma's face that was a tan complection, gorgeous green eyes, red lips as a strawberry, had suddenly didn't seem realistic anymore. Her face turned pale. She looked at me and said, “My how pretty you've become dear, you look just exactly like your mother." I smiled and said, “Really grandmother? Really? "She replied, “Yes babygirl."I asked her,"G-Mother when is my mom coming?" She cried again, I don't understand why she keeps crying. She told me “Your mom is on a vacation sweetie, she’s on a vacation" I looked down to the ground. I knew my mommy didn't love me, I just knew she didn't. Later that evening, I haven't said one word throughout the whole evening. When it was dinner time I barely touched my food so walked I went up to go to my room and slept.

A week later, my grandma woke me up around nine a.m. She dressed me in a white dress while she was dressed in black. She walked me out to her car and I asked, “Where are we going grandma? I'm so tired, can we please go back home? “She said, “Sweetie, I apologize for not telling you earlier but your mother, she died. We're going to go see her at the funeral today. My heart, how the heartache was killing me, I started yelling, kicking, and swearing. I said to her, “Grandma! Why my mommy? Why? Why? I know my mom didn't want me but that's the only mom I got! Grandma Why?” She cried as I smashed my head against the door. She got in the car and started driving. I sat there in a deep depression. I thought to myself, Why my mother? God if I had never wanted my mommy harm in any way, why did you take her last breath? Was it because that she hated me that bad that she wanted to die? If it is, Can I kill myself to make my mommy come back and love me? My grandma parked the car. She took me out and I asked her, “Grandma was it because she hated me so she wanted to die? She instantly said, “Sweetie your a blessing, don't fill your head up with all that nonsense." As we walked in the funeral home, I saw a casket, in it was my mother. I ran up and tried to wake her up. "Mommy, mommy, mommy, I need you so bad why did you leave me mommy? I loved you so much. Even though you never one told me you loved me." I kept shaking her hand to see if she was going to wake up. Maybe this was just a nightmare, but my grandma pulled me away and thats when I knew it was real. She kept trying to keep me seated but I kept yelling, “Let me go! I want to be with my mommy, I want to be with my mommy!" There I looked at her again she was cold and white. Her hand was as hard as a rock. My grandma put a seat beside the casket so I could sit next to her. As other people walked by to see her, I sat there with my head next to hers on the pillow and I was holding on to her hand, praying to god I was going to kill the nigga that did this to my mom.

It was time to burry my mom. I never pictured this day. There it was my mother, her body in a casket, rolled down the aisle, in a white casket with gold edges. I went up to say one last good bye, I threw a rose down, and swore, “Mommy don't worry I'm going to get the bitch that did this to you, you have my world, but until then rest in paradise mommy, rest in paradise. The lowered her down and my tear dripped onto her casket. When it was time to leave, I sat in the car quietly. When we went home I sat there the whole day looking at my mom's picture. My was she beautiful. She had long brown silky hair, eyebrows thin and shaped bright hazel eyes, and precious red lips. Now her body is white, cold, and nearly gone. When my grandma called me into eat, I walked into the kitchen, and I saw my uncles Jonathon, Tuto, Miguel, Peedi and My two aunts Erica and Nalani. We sat at the table quietly. I smashed my plate onto the ground and ran into my room then slammed the door. My grandma was going to come after me but my uncle Peedi said,"Ma, Let her be she needs her time alone."

Four years has passed and I'm now fifteen. I still stay with my grandma. I have all my mom features now. Everything on me is exactly what my mother had. "Marie Come down stairs and eat!" My grandmother said. I walked into the room and sat down on the chair. Finally I asked my grandmother, “How did my mom die?" she said, “Well now that I think that your old enough to know, your father shot her in the head 5 times." I sat there shocked. “Are you Fu**ing serious?" I yelled out. This shit can't be true I thought to myself. No man not ma pops. He has been completely out of my life since I was ten. I loved him but not nearly as much as the woman who gave birth to me. I couldn't hold on to my word for my mom anymore. It was my dad who had done it, I can't kill my pops. I walked out into the living room and sat on the sofa. I found myself in amazement. Wow my dad, my blood, my flesh, killed my own blood and flesh. How am I supposed to handle this? I told my grandma I was going to be back in a couple minutes I was going out for fresh air. My dad is locked up anyway so what possibly can I do to get back at him for my mom? I guess I just got to let this go.

If my mom was living to see the life I live. I hustle these streets to keep money in my pocket. I'm also an honor student in school and have a boyfriend who loves me more then the world itself. Whatever I do I know I could just look up the sky and see my mom. I'm probably crazy for loving a woman who hated me, But that's my mom at least she treated me better then my dad. He raped me when I was six and I'm going to wait till he gets out so I can get even with him. Kill the girl he with now because he supposedly 'loves her'. My step mom name is Aiiyana Santiago. She got four kids by my dad. I'd be damn if I accepted them as my brothers and sisters. Everyone knows my father; he was the biggest hustler out here in North Philly. I also live in North Philly which we now call BADLANDS. Everyone knows I'm Mark Cintron's daughter. My boyfriend, Dion Colon, hated whoever called me Mark's daughter because he knew how I felt about my father. Dion was always supporting my decisions with what I do. I walked back home and came inside the house. I walked strait into my room and sat there with my head against the chair. Thinking about life as it surpasses my eyes. I opened my eyes to realize my problems. Because of all the pain I had in my life as a kid, From time to time I sit here in depression. That's why in the streets I’m hardcore, can't no one knock me down anymore. I took ma pain out by fighting chicks. I kept my school and social life apart from each other as much as I can. Because that can cause conflicts between everything.

The next morning, Dion and I went to my mom's grave yard. We bought her yellow roses. Her favorite. I sat there thinking about how my father had treated her and that just got me energized to get ready and trash him. My boyfriend tried to calm me down and said, “Baby calm down there isn't any need to be like this, we came here to see your mom”. I shook my head and said,"Yeah, you’re right." After I prayed to my mom I looked up and said,” Even if it is daddy, don't worry mom, I got this I'm going to get him for you, I love you." As we walked away from her grave I smirked and thought he just don't know what he has in store for him, Just wait until he get out of jail, Its going to be a wrap. I'm going to get revenge back for me and my mom.

Sheron Gardner "A New Town" 6perod

2007-12-05T14:27:00.001-05:00

Sheron Gardner
Creative Writing
October 15,2007

A New Town

One day there was a girl named Morgan and she lived in Brooklyn, New York with her family. One day Morgan and her friends Page and Caitlin went to the movies to see American Gangster. Her friend Page was a very conceited and had a bad attitude, and her other friend Caitlin was a very shy and nice girl and they have been friends since they where three years old. When she went home her mother and father sat her down and said “sweetheart we have some great news for you were moving down south”. Morgan’s mouth dropped and tears began to run down her face as she said, “How could you do this to me you know I love living here” Morgan ran upstairs and called Page then Page called Caitlin and when Morgan told them they were sad and Caitlin begin to cry but Morgan said, “Don’t cry we will always be best friends and we will always keep in touch”. As Morgan was cleaning her room out she found a picture of her, Page, and Caitlin when they where three years old and she began to cry. The whole way down to her new hometown she had an attitude and didn’t say a word to her parents.

When they arrived to their new home town it was very hot and humid. There house was so different from her old house it was smaller. While they were unpacking there things Morgan saw a big mouse and after that she began to cry and said “I want to go back to New York”. That night she slept with her parents. The next morning she got up and got dress for her first day at her new school. When she got there she went inside her class and everyone turned around and looked her up and down as she sat in her seat. That hold day all she was thinking about were Page and Caitlin at lunch a few of her classmates came over and introduced themselfs. One of their name was Cashsha A.K.A Cash-Money and she was the nice one, another was Hollywood, which was her real name she was very loud and last was Keylolo she was very ghetto and would say anything out her mouth. They came over a said “hey would you like to sit with use for lunch” and Morgan said “yes I will be happy to set with you guys at lunch”. As the days went on they became her best friends

When Morgan was walking home she got a call on her cell phone saying “Morgan this is mom hurry home I have a surprise for you” after Morgan got that call she ran home and when she opened her home door Page and Caitlin was sitting right there. They ran to each other and they hugged each other. Morgan said, “How did you guys get down here” they replied, “ When you were at school your mom came and got use. After that Morgan said come one guys I want you to met my friends, when they went outside Cashsha, Hollywood and Key Lolo was setting right there. Morgan introduced them and Page with her smart mouth she said “what kind of name is Key Lolo” and Key Lolo replied “it’s my name do you have a problem with my name cause I love it” Page replied “ I don’t have a problem with your name, I have a problem with you” Key Lolo said “ girl I will wipe the floor with you” Morgan jumped in it and said “ guys please it my birthday don’t do this because you all are my friends and Page if you have a problem with Key Lolo you have a problem with me and Key Lolo if you have a problem with Page you have a problem with me and that goes for the rest of you so do I make myself clear” and they all replied Yeah. After that there was know more problems between them and they all became best friends. After that day Page and Caitlin lifted to return back to Brooklyn, New York and Page and Caitlin would come visit her every other weekend.

The End

final copy shelly aka michelle-amber baxter

2007-12-05T14:27:00.000-05:00

I’m so happy were friends again cause with out yall

My life was hard. Not being able to call and say

what’s up or conversate in the halls at school, man

dat was killing me softly. Oh was up my name Payton

let me tell u some things about me I’m 14 and I’m

in the 9th grade my school is in the Bronx I go to

Christopher Brown high school. One day a few

friends and I was at Shellski Park. Me and the girl Sassshay (we call her

sassy) was arguing because she said that she went

all these wonderful places so I said u always lying

so we began to argue we was about to fight when my

boyfriend Brandon came up and said chill and I left

wit him.I told him what happen and he said you need

to cool that out for I get my feelings hurt. After

that I started saying all this stuff about sassy

like how she can’t fight and how they on welfare

and how she is the biggest fraud I know. I know I

should not have said those things to anyone cause

it might get out, but I was mad so I said it. The

next day at school everything was fine I was

cussing out the teachers as usual and saying hi to

every one I know when I spoke to sassy and she aint

say nothing back.

so I let it go and said forget her. After school we

was all chilling outside talking then sassy asked

Erin , Jordan , Chris , Brandon , Marquise , and

Trevor if they wanted to go to studio 93 so I was

thinking why she aint ask me so I said maybe she

gone ask me later ,so we keep laughing and she say

so yall going and Trevor says I don’t know if I

want to don’t the cops be out there cause of fights

and stuff and I don’t want to get in no trouble so

they said all u a punk u never do nothing fun so he

say ard I’ll go . We laugh. I say I’m wearing my

cut up jeans my A&F shirt wit my raspberry ice

creams what u wearing sassy. I don’t remember

inviting u she said so I say well I thought u was

gone ask

me later why would I do that we aint cool no more

why not u was talking bout me to Jordan I aint say

nothing to Jordan about you. well she told me u said dat i'm poor and im on welfare. You lucky I

don’t beat u up right now but like u cant fight. I

can beat you. That’s the same thing you said in the

3rd grade and I still tore you up in the sandbox

remember. I was little then my hands is crazy now

you should ask about me . That’s when Brandon came

over and said lets go I don’t want this girl to get

beat up .Then Chris was like now u know ya jawn

cant fight. she could beat you and so can I chris

said .Doubt it. That’s when we all walked away.

later on at studio 93 sassy was dancing with my

boyfriend so I started dancing with Chris and she

came over all loud in my face so just 2pieced her

she stood there

probably thinking no this high yellow heffa didn’t

just hit me then she just hit me and we started

fighting. The cops were called and we were taking

to the police station I aint remember nothing she

hit me so hard. So I went t school the next day and

kids are like yo why was yall fighting on youtube .

youtube I said that fight on there . I was sitting

in my 5th period science class when the counselor

called me on the loud speaker on the double. I

said this got to have something to do with the

fight. So I got in there and sassy was in there so

the counselor said what is the problem. I said

sassy is a fraud and she sweet and I don’t like

that about her and she said she was jealous of

Brandon and me so we did some steps to work out are

problems. we apologized to each other and we

friends again now me, sassy, Brandon, and Chris I’m

so happy I got all my friends back.

Payton Strawberry

Briana Poteat Final Draft 6th period

2007-12-05T14:23:00.000-05:00

What I Call Life

Boom,boom,boom Ahhhhhh! Nay-Nay, Day-Day, Poodie, come on run get the baby, Motherf*****,get out my f****ing house now!my mother screamed as me and my brothers and sisters headed out the door crying;crying because their scared, sad and alone.The only one they can depend on is me Shaquetta Johnson. I’m ten years old and I live with my 2 brothers and 2 sisters and one on the way I don’t know why we don’t need it she doesn’t take care of the ones she has now. We live in a rathole on a ghetto neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland. We never had a father or seen him, in fact I wouldn’t say I had a mother neither, she was here in spirit not person. She was on dem drugs bad everyone called her Runny because she would run for and run drugs all through her body in the craziest ways. She also was a prostitute who owed everyone in the neighborhood money and because of this we have to live in fear everyday thinking someones gon kill my mom or maybe us. But I didn’t want to believe it at all I knew is that we loved her so much and if something happened to her my brother and sisters would be hurt. Basically I take care of everyone because I’m the oldest and most mature but it not easy I’m not able to be a child instead I have to play the role of a mother and this is what I call my life.
It all started, well every since I could remember she was like this I have never seen her any other way. She constantly lies about where she is going but she always said the store the older I got the more I understood and knew she wasn’t going to the store.It started with me then along came all the others all by different men and I don’t think she knows who the fathers are she just a whore to me. Christmas would come and she wouldn’t get us nothing she would just always say “you better be glad you live to see another year so go upstairs and pray to your lord”. At the time I didn’t know how to pray but somehow I learned and knows he answers prayers. So I hoping God answers my prayers to this thing I call life.
I am now 9 years old and struggling to surive I am faced with many challenges everyday but the most one I am worried about happening is my mother dieing and my siblings being heartbroken. Today is December 21, which is currently the first day of Winter, which also means that this is when all the trouble and hardship comes. My mom struggles to pay the bills because of it being so cold. She borrows money from everyone and never pays them back.We digged in the trash cans looking for food sometimes when my mom spent our money on drugs.
The day I thought would never happen came the death of my mother the day was March 31, a cold winter day.At first we were in school trying to learn anyway when the teacher got a phone "Hello good afternoon Ms. Brown's class",Hi yes I calling to tell u about one of your students named Shaquetta Johnson,"yes" Hmmm!She has an early dismissal,she was told to come straight home, with her brothers and sisters,Okay Thank u,Have a nice day.The teacher hung up the phone and told me the message.I got up and left in shock that this day had finally came I didnt think it would be this soon.I didnt tell my brothers and sisters I just told them to come on dont worry about it.We got home and seen everything from the blood,the destruction and my mother I didnt have to tell them what happened they were mad at me because I didnt tell them.Everyone asked question but the question everyone asked is HOW DID SHEW DIE?After everything settled down we got put in a foster home and my mother got cremated.My brothers and sisters now realize how much I did for them and because of this they consider my their mom but the youngest one call me mom.Only I know the truth of how my mom died.The truth is a man who she has owed money to for the longest time finally got tired of it and Broke in our house, raped my mom and then shoot her because she refused to come get me out of school so he can rape me, I would of never thought she would have done something like that that for me but you never know the truth until a person dies.I found this out when I had to show up trail about the case and while at the trail he confessed the holy truth and nothing but the truth, when I found this out I was shocked and completely hated his guts.He got sentenced 50 to life, no bail,or parole just sit and rot.I am now 16 and still in contact with my sisters and brothers and I realized that in life we go throught things and at the same time we are being taught something and learn from these mistakes there you have it My Life by Shaquetta Johnson.R.I.P. MOM I LOVE U!

Sheree Page 6th Period FINAL DRAFT

2007-12-05T14:15:00.001-05:00

Lost Locked

One Dark and gloomy Friday morning the electricity went out in Anne Frank Middle School. . So everyone got out of school early except for two people, Cherri and me, Shayne. It was dark and cold inside and no way out. Let me tell you what happened.....
BOOM! Everyone jumped. “The storm’s getting really bad,” our teacher Mrs. Smith said. “I’m surprised the trees didn’t fall!” Mrs. Smith was our 7th grade reading teacher with broken glasses at the tip of her pointy nose and a bad taste of fashion. She had on green capris with a purple shirt and white stripes in it. She had on a shawl with dark colors and it looked like it was hand made Cherri looked at her outfit in a nasty way, stuck her tongue out and pointed at it. “Cherri!” I said, “Don’t make fun of her. It ain’t her fault she can’t dress!” Then Cherri replied, “She ain’t only bad in fashion but she blind too. That’s probably why it looks like she got dressed in the dark.” We both laughed. The lights started to flicker. “You should be use to the dark James. There’s no electricity in a trashcan” William said. These class clowns have been best friends since the third grade.
It was suppose to be a tornado coming so the school district told us to go home early. “Every get up push your chairs in, come on lets go” the teacher said in a shaky voice. She was the most scared person in the room, and she was the teacher. “Is a tornado coming?” William asked. “No, your mom is,” replied James. “Well we all know your house is gonna be the first to go cause you live in a trashcan and what not,” William said. “Don’t be jealous,” James said with a straight face.
Everyone quickly made their way out of the room. As soon as we all got to the front door, I realized something. “Aww, I left my jacket in the classroom” Then I looked up at Cherri with a puppy dog face. “That’s messed up,” Cherri said. “Bye.” “Cherri, your money is in it.” “To the classroom!” So we both raced to the classroom, thank goodness the door was unlocked. I ran quickly to my desk and, as soon as I touched my jacket, it went as black night. “AHH!” Cherri screamed in horror. “What!” I asked her hoping nothing happened to her. “Nothing, I just felt like doing that.” As we walked down the dark hallway side by side, we heard a thud. BOOM! “What was that?” Cherri whispered. “I don’t know. Let me get my cell phone out for light.” “Try calling someone.” “I’m not getting any service.” Then the phone cut off. “Aww I forgot to charge it” We stood there for a moment. “Oh yeah,” Cherri said. “I forgot I have on a glow in the dark shirt under this sweater. Hehe” “Only you,” I said. Cherri and I walked closely together as her shirt glowed dully. Then I tripped over something. It sounded hard. “What is it?” Cherri asked. “It’s a….a knife.” I dropped it on the floor. We walked a little more and saw dark red writing on the wall. It read, “I’m gonna get you.” Cherri and I started shaking. “Let’s go,” I ordered.
When we finally reached the front door, it was locked. “Come on let’s go out through the back door.” We quietly tip toed to the back door. Then we tripped over something else and fell to the floor. “Ahh! Oh my goodness! Oh crap! Oh crap! Oh crap!” Cherri yelled. It was a dead body! We screamed and yelled all the way to the back door finding or way through the dark. All these thoughts were going through my head. Who was that? Why was she here? Where’d she come from? Who was the killer?! Then we both bumped into two people. I couldn’t believe who it was. It was William and James! “Ha, ha, ha you should have heard you guys.” William barley said because he was laughing so hard. “What was that?” Cherri yelled. “You mean the doll I got from the Halloween store?” James said. “I never took it out of my locker. “How’d yall get stuck in here?” I asked them. “James had to go to the bathroom. “Okay? You got a cell phone on you?” I asked. “I do,” William said. “I already called the cops. They told me to wait at the back door. Did you know you don’t get good service in here?” “Wait, wait,” Cherri said cutting William off. “So, you’re the ones who scared me to death with the fake writing on the wall?” “What you talkin’ bout?” James said. “The writings….on the wall….in the dark red that said ‘I’m gonna get you’. It kinda looked like blood.” “Naw, we ain’t do that.” James replied. “Then who did?” I said.
BANG! The cops bashed through the door. “Come on everybody the tornado’s coming!” the cop said. We all tried out best to get to the police car while we struggled against the wind. It was like being on a lifesaver in water. You try to go a certain way but it pulls you the way it wants you to go. We finally reached the police car and it took it to my house which was safe and a few blocks away. After the cop car called Cherri, James, And William’s parents to tell them they were safe, we started to talk about the incident that happen in school. It was all so weird. William and James said the dummy they scared us with was a guy. Cherri and I swore we saw a girl. The hallway we saw the writing on, well William and James didn’t even go near that hall. They couldn’t of had brought a knife to school because of the metal detectors. It was all so strange.
That Monday was a beautiful day. Everyone was talking about Friday and what they saw on the news. A girl that goes to this school was murdered. No one knows why but the police said at the crime scene they found two clues. They found a dark colored shawl and broken glasses.

Like Father Like Son Rewrite

2007-12-04T19:41:00.001-05:00

Shana Earley December 4, 2007
Creative Writing Period 2

Like Father Like Son

Driving down the highway Kevin Jr. starts to reflect on his relation ship with his father. He mumbles to himself aloud “I have to do this. We can’t go on like this”. He remembers the argument that he and his father ad about what college he should attend after high school. “I want to go to a historically black college” Kevin jr. screams to his father. “Well who’s going to pay for you to go to a historically black college? You’re going to go where ever my money sends you. You’re so selfish. I just that you would at least try and listen to something I say.” Even though my Kevin eventually gave in and let his son go to the college of his choice, Kevin jr. was still not satisfied. He still gave his father the silent treatment for weeks for no reason at all.
Kevin jr. walks into the ballroom and greets everyone except for his father. Hs father Kevin leans over to his wife and whispers “Who invited him”. That is when I thought that it was going to be another one of those crazy nights
All of my family gathered on a hot summer evening to celebrate Kevin’s fiftieth birthday. Family and friends traveled from all over to make my father’s birthday even more enjoyable. Everyone arrived with beautiful gifts in which they set on the table beside my father. Kevin jr. walks past and puts a gift on the table without saying a word. When Kevin saw his son put a gift on the table he leaned over to his wife and said “It’s probably a bomb in that box”.
The party began with a program that my mother had put together. The program was filled with poems, songs, and speeches all dedicated to my father. Everyone was given a copy of the program so that they could follow along. When everyone turned the page they saw a speech labeled “To My Father”, and Kevin was applaud when he saw that his son was the one who wrote it. My mother smiled at the reaction that she knew he would give. Kevin jr. stood up to approach the front of the room. He then grabbed the microphone, took a deep breathe and began to speak.
“Hi everyone, how ya’ll doing. I hope that everyone is enjoying themselves”. He looked to the sky and then to my father as he continued. “I’m just going to get straight to the point by saying that I and my father have had a lot of problems in the past.” The room became completely silent. “My father and I have different views on life. He’s the old school and I’m the new. But one day I realized that us being born in different times is the only difference between me and my father. I am just like my father and that causes us to clash sometimes” My mother looked over at my father who was now in a daze. Kevin jr. continued by saying “I look up to my father because of his strength and wisdom. Life is too short for him and I to continuously fight like children. On my journey to become a man I would rather learn from my father and maybe, just maybe, I will become at least half the man he has grown to be”.
The room was still silent as Kevin stood up from the table to go and stand next to Junior and shake his hand. The room was now filled with applause and cheering. The photographer ran over to take a picture of both men. In this picture they are both wearing white suits that made them look even more identical. The photographer snapped the picture just as a tear rolled down my Kevin’s right eye.

The mountain of no return

2007-12-03T19:47:00.000-05:00

Cassandra Thomas
The mountain of no return
(Final Draft)

Come on, come on, Keisha and Saniyah let’s go! My sister and I rushed and grabbed our luggage excitedly both reaching for the same bag. Keisha and Saniyah said at the same time “your always doing that” in unison they both said “see”. Being though Keisha and Saniyah were twins they would often do or say the same thing. My mother began to yell once again “If yall two don’t come on then yall will be left”. When we heard our mother call a second time we raced down the steps because we knew that it was finally time to go. When Keisha and I got outside I could not help but feel like I had forgot something. That’s when it hit me, and I thought to my self, Spike. Spike is the name of my dog. He is not that big nor is he that small. He is all brown and has pretty brown eyes. Spike is very friendly and happens to be my best friend. Which is why I felt the need to bring him on all of our family vacations. Now normally my parents would not allow me to bring Spike on any family vacations, but this time I refused to let them say no, so I begged and pleaded until they finally gave in. When I returned back outside with spike in my hands I noticed that my parents had already put the luggage in the car and were just waiting on me. I got in the car full of excitement because I enjoy going on family vacations. This trip was a little different from the rest because this time we were going camping. This was my first time going camping so I was anxious. That is probably why they allowed Spike to come this time. The ride to “The mountain of no return” seemed a bit long. The name of the mountain alone kind of gave me the creeps and every time someone said the name of the mountain I would get a bad feeling in my stomach. I shook the thought because I was still excited. When we finally arrived there my family and I immediately began to put up our sleeping tents. My parents shared a tent while Keisha, Spike, and I shared a tent. We were all pretty much exhausted from the drive so after putting out tents up we decided to go to sleep and wake up early tomorrow to begin our first camping adventure together. The next morning we woke up at eight o’ clock and made something to eat. Making something to eat where we were at was different because everything we made to eat was made by us holding it over fire; therefore there was not a variety of things for us to eat. We repeatedly ate Marshmallows, fish, hot chocolate, fish, hotdogs, and junk food that bought for the trip. After eating some fish I decided to take Spike for a little walk, but I was so busy looking around and talking to Spike that I did not realize that I walked a little further then planned. I looked back and noticed that I did not realize where I was. When I looked ahead two large lions and a huge black bear greeted me. My heart dropped to my feet when I noticed the vicious animals. At that moment the words “The mountain of no return” instantly came to head. At the very moment I knew that I would never return. I knew that I should have went with my gut feeling. The black bear was the first to start his attack. He looked at me with his devious eyes, “what are you doing in our turf?” With my hands trembling I replied I was just walking my dog, I did not mean any harm. The two loins answered in unison “ well offense token”. The animals began to close in on me. That’s when Spike hopped out my arms and jumped to my defense. He took his first claw at the bear and from there on I knew that the worst was about to take place. I knew that me and little Spike could not take the three vicious animals. When the bear clawed back at Spike I knew that my assumption was correct. Blood began to shed and fear took over my body. I looked over and saw a huge tree branch. I ran over a got the tree branch so that I could use it against the two lions. I began swinging the tree branch as quick as I can considering all the weight on the branch. Suddenly I realized that Spike and I were not fighting alone. I looked and saw Keisha and my two parents swinging there own little weapons that they must have found. Keisha had a metal weapon that I could not make out, my mother had a huge rock, and my father had two large tree branches. My father helped me fight off the two lions while my mother, Keisha, and Spike fought of the bear. My mother hit the bear over the head so many times that I lost count. I noticed that the bear was down and could tell that the bear was not getting back up because he was not breathing. So Spike, Keisha, and my mother came and joined my father and I. The two lions were putting up a good fight. My mother began to choke one of the lions with all of her might forcing the lion to fall to the ground. We were all swinging our weapons with much force. You could hear our weapons hitting the lion and in matter of time we sent the lion crashing to the ground. We were exhausted after the battle. We all hugged, happy that we were all okay. I could not help but wonder how they knew where to find me so I asked. “ How did yall know where to find me”? Keisha answered because my twin senses kicked in like they always do and I knew that you were in harm. I told mommy and daddy and we rushed to save you. Thank you I replied with tear in my eyes. At that point I was very happy and for the first time I appreciated the fact that I was a twin. This family trip will be one that I will always remember and a place that I will never return back to. Keisha and I said at the same time “We are out of here as soon as we reach our tents and grab our luggage”. Just then two large tigers interrupted our thoughts. My family and I all looked at the two hungry looking tigers in disbelief….

Augustus Johnson/ when things go wrong/FINAL DRAFT

2007-12-03T17:51:00.001-05:00

You ever had a day when it seems like everything is going right… then suddenly goes wrong well that’s what happen to me on july,9.2006. I was having the best day of my life with him at the fantastic shopping mall downtown in Miami. He had just got his paycheck so that meant that we were going to shop till we drop at our favorite mall. We were buying things out of every store like sneakers our favorite, then clothes, shoes, basketball jerseys, video games for me and dress suits for him. We were having the most fun we had in a long time so we were going to make it last forever.

Then the time had almost come for us to leave but before we left we had to eat our favorite food in the whole wide world… pizza! Umm the smell of pizza can open our nose no matter how far it was. The sent of the smell was like a magnet to our nostrils. Our favorite was pepperoni. The taste of pepperoni on our taste buds could never taste better when that cheese and that hot and spicy pepperoni pizza hit our tongues.

The whole time while eating we had a conversation on all the things we bought and how we couldn’t wait till we got home to check them out. When we were finally done eating it just that time for the fun to be over and call it a day. While leaving the mall all I could do was say thanks and this was the best time ever to him until he finally told me no problem, no problem, i'm glad you a nice time and you know will do it again sometime. When we got to the car we put all our bags in the trunk and got in. Soon as I got in the car I put in our favorite old school cd the temptations and we listened to that until we were almost home. Then I suddenly had a feeling to listen to another cd. Then looking through the cd’s I found the one I wanted to listen to and just as I was putting it in that’s when it happen…

He slammed the breaks as hard as he could but there is nothing you can do when a car is getting chased by the cops and going ninety in the rain and coming full force towards you. He turned the car right but then we started sliding straight towards the car and all I could say was dad!!!
Keep your head down!
He yelled.

That’s when I went into the air bag and he went through the win shield landing face first on the concrete smashing his face leaving his funeral a closed cascade. Cuts, scares, bruises, and life long marks on my face and body that will never go away but it’s ok though I’ve learned my lesson of pain and heartache. Now that’s was just round one of my life line that I beat lets see if I can take on round two.

Happy Birthday Rachel!! By Charnice Barrett 6th Period Final Draft

2007-12-03T06:39:00.000-05:00

**Inspired By A True Story**

“Happy Birthday Rachel!” that was the sound of my whole class screaming to me. It was December 5 2001 and I Rachel Marie Joseph was turning eleven I couldn’t believe I was finally eleven. I was ready to enjoy my day but something happened that day that made me wish I could have stayed in school.

When I went home my block was on lock down apparently someone was shot several times in the face nobody could recognize this lost soul. I entered my row home on the corner of 9th and Somerset there I saw my father sitting on the couch so drunk he was nearly unconscious. “Isn’t it my birthday” I thought to myself “ I should be the one having the party”. My father was always like this it made no difference if it was my birthday or Jesus’ he laid in that same spot curled up in a ball as if to say he was safe from all the misery the world brought. The only time I ever really seen him active was when well… I don’t really like talking about the other problems my father contained. You see me and my 2 other sisters weren’t the wealthiest children in the world we lost our mother to an unknown cause of cancer 2 years ago I was only 9 so I didn’t understand it. Daddy started this “PROBLEM” with my older sister Kerrienne and when she finally realized that what he was doing was wrong she tried to turn him in but it didn’t urn out the way we expected. Kerrienne ended up being sent to a group home. I was hoping today would be different but I guess it wasn’t.

5 minutes after my father noticed I was home he started yelling at me for no reason so I just went into my room where I thought everything was going to be okay. I waited until I heard all the ruckus outside my door began to die down and then I stuck my head out the door “Dad” I whispered “are you”— I was cut off by the weight that was forced in my direction. My dad pushed me in my room and threw me on my bed. I started kicking and screaming trying to pull away from him but I couldn’t his grip was strong. I wanted to cry but I knew it wouldn’t make the situation better only cause more conflict. He began to strip me of not only my clothes, but also my dignity I again tried to pull away from him but his hold was even stronger. “Why me daddy?” I asked tears streaming down my face. “Shut up hoe” he replied, “ you give it to them little nasty boys in the streets” and then he thrust himself inside of me, I let out I dieing yell.

This continued for about 3 weeks until I was unable to take it anymore.I didn't tell anyone about it for fear of being teased or judged. At age eleven I had seen many things little ones shouldn’t know. I waited until the sun tucked itself beneath the quilt of the horizon before my journey took action. I quickly packed my things and tiptoed quietly into the living room where my father was in a deep drunken sleep. I made sure to be very quiet in making my way out the door. When I left I headed towards the avenue. “hey momma” strange men from alley ways called out to me I was afraid but I couldn't let them know that would only give them a chance to take my weakness for granted.As I began to think where da hell was I goin' I had never thought I'd make it this far so i didn't plan beyond here.There I was eleven years old wandering the streets at nearly midnight. I overheard the sounds of two men speaking. One was tall and built like Debo from Friday he was threatening the other man "Nigga you keep comin' up short imma have to do something you gon regret" The other man was standing there with his eyes stuck on the other mans right hand."Ard man I got chu I dont kno whats been going on with me lately",then he walked away.

I started to cross the street to remove myself from that side and when I stepped out to cross I heard a schreeching noise and when I turned around... BOOM!! I was hit,I was down and I wasn't getting up.I cried, boy did I cry not only because of the injury done to my right leg but because I was afraid that my father would find out, only God knew what I was in for. I fell asleep and when I awoke their was a strangely dressed women standing above me. She sat down and explained to me that I was hit by a dunk driver and that she would be taken me to a new home. One where I might be seperated from my family."What, why? cant I just stay with my grandmother or someone" I cried out."We're sorry Rachel we have no record of you having any surviving family members."Surviving? I asked, What do you mean surviving where's my little sister?" "Im sorry Rachel, she replied but your house was burnt down by some drug dealers looking for your dad but he stepped out to get some air leaving your little sister alone to suffer" I started immediately filling with tears.She told me that my father was found to be the murderer of John Ulysses Grant, the man killed on my birthday, I wasnt suprised. I heard that name before my father never spoke very nicely of him. My leg was amputated and I was sent to a Group home. Being here was an amazing experience I love all of you from the bottom of my heart. "awwwwwww Rach" my new brothers and sisters replied. "That story was..... was....ummm something" Tonya said with tears in her eyes.

Its been nearly 7 years since this incident and i still remember every detail I loved my father but it seemed he didn't love me enough to know when to draw the line....

The End

2007-11-29T14:35:00.001-05:00

1.The story takes place at one place it takes place in school the get put out the house are on the street
2.Their mom is on drugs and they don’t get anything for Christmas and other holidays.
3.The central character faces having to take care of her little sisters and brothers and she cannot have a child life like she wanted. Her mom is on drugs and now she and her sister and brother is on the street.
4. The story is not done yet.
5. There is no ending yet.
6. I cant because she is not finish yet.
7.First is the main and she is a little girl who has to take care of her sisters and brothers and she is only 9. Then there is her mom she is a crack head and does not take care of her kids. Then there’s the sister and brother and they are homeless
8.I can’t really suggest anything because the story is not done yet.
9. The main character is loving but alone and cannot enjoy her life.
10. The main character is not loved by her mom and needs to be acknowledged for her intensions to take care of her siblings.
11. The story is not finished yet.

{{sharnise dozier}}

THE SHOWDOWN AT THE PLAYGROUND

2007-11-28T14:32:00.000-05:00

November 28, 2007 ````` Kyle Sanders
Creative Writing
The Show Down at the Playground!

“This is our park!” yelled a gang of small black kids. “No it is not!” Screamed the funny looking Asians kids, “This playground belong to use, we been here since……since…… since I don’t know, but we was here before yall was. Screaming little Tonyeta Ikea in a fierce voice, No! We always been here cried out little Ken Sue. The two side were heated and ready to fight, but Little Tonyeta Ikea said, “No, we should handle this type of problem by having fun and winning at the same time” explained Tonyeta.

The first challenge was to see who could swing the highest. Little Ken Sue decided that she would take the challenge and represent for her team and little Tonyeta Ikea said she would take the challenge and represent for her team. They both Tonyeta Ikea and Little Ken Sue was pump and ready, they had sparks flying when they jump on the set of swings and waited for Ken Sue cousin Baby Jackie aka B.J. to say go. On your mark, get set……………..GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They was off kicking they feet into the air, it look like Ken Sue was the highest, but Tonyeta Ikea just had more leg power and overcame little Ken Sue in the challenge.

The next show down was the pull-up test, the pull-up test was a piece of cake thought little Ken Sue. It was flaming hot outside and was made it very hotter was the groups of kids yelling and jumping around. The two girls was under the monkey bars getting ready to pull for they’re life. Once again B.J. who was Ken Sue little brother came out and ON YOUR MARK……….GET SET……….GO! AND THAT WAS IT THE TWO WAS BACK AT IT TRYING TO BEAT EACH OTHER. Tonyeta Ikea didn’t have upper body strength like Ken Sue, which gave Ken Sue the upper hand and leaving Tonyeta Ikea in the dust. Believe it or not, but I was almost wrong Tonyeta Ikea almost beat Ken Sue. Ken Sue did 15 pull-ups and Tonyeta had done 13 pull-ups surprisingly because she got tired at 5.

The last Showdown was indeed the hardest showdown so for help both Ken Sue and Tonyeta Ikea was given a partner of they’re choice Ken Sue picks B.J. and Tonyeta Ikea got her little brother Kareem Abdul. “So want again it on; let get it poppin” said an older kid who was watching. ON YOUR MARK GET SET GO! Little Ken Sue went running up the sliding board like a ninja I guess she must have been watching them karate movies Little Tonyeta Ikea and her brother grabbed Ken Sue legs and drags her off the sliding board. B.G, tripped Kareem making Kareem hit is face on the metal sliding board leaving him hurt, everything got quiet leaving everybody speechless even the old men playing chess. Next thing you know it was a all out war, until the older kid who was watching scream out and said “LOOK AT YA’LL FIGHTING OVER A PARK, A PARK THAT DOSEN’T EVEN BELONG TO YA’LL.” He paused then he went on saying, “how dumb it was fighting each other when we should be playing with each other. Everybody agree and decided that it was dumb to fight over something so petite; and that how the showdown at the playground ended.

briana poteat period6 DRAFT

2007-11-28T14:01:00.000-05:00

What I Call Life

Boom,boom,boom Ahhhhhh! Nay-Nay, Day-Day, Poodie, come on run get the baby, Motherf*****,get out my f****ing house now!my mother screamed as me and my brothers and sisters headed out the door crying;crying because their scared, sad and alone.The only one they can depend on is me Shaquetta Johnson. I’m ten years old and I live with my 2 brothers and 2 sisters and one on the way I don’t know why we don’t need it she doesn’t take care of the ones she has now. We live in a rathole on a ghetto neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland. We never had a father or seen him, in fact I wouldn’t say I had a mother neither, she was here in spirit not person. She was on dem drugs bad everyone called her Runny because she would run for and run drugs all through her body in the craziest ways. She also was a prostitute who owed everyone in the neighborhood money and because of this we have to live in fear everyday thinking someones gon kill my mom or maybe us. But I didn’t want to believe it at all I knew is that we loved her so much and if something happened to her my brother and sisters would be hurt. Basically I take care of everyone because I’m the oldest and most mature but it not easy I’m not able to be a child instead I have to play the role of a mother and this is what I call my life.
It all started, well every since I could remember she was like this I have never seen her any other way. She constantly lies about where she is going but she always said the store the older I got the more I understood and knew she wasn’t going to the store.It started with me then along came all the others all by different men and I don’t think she knows who the fathers are she just a whore to me. Christmas would come and she wouldn’t get us nothing she would just always say “you better be glad you live to see another year so go upstairs and pray to your lord”. At the time I didn’t know how to pray but somehow I learned and knows he answers prayers. So I hoping God answers my prayers to this thing I call life.
I am now 9 years old and struggling to surive I am faced with many challenges everyday but the most one I am worried about happening is my mother dieing and my siblings being heartbroken. Today is December 21, which is currently the first day of Winter, which also means that this is when all the trouble and hardship comes. My mom struggles to pay the bills because of it being so cold. She borrows money from everyone and never pays them back.We digged in the trash cans looking for food sometimes when my mom spent our money on drugs.
The day I thought would never happen came the death of my mother the day was March 31, a cold winter day.At first we were in school trying to learn anyway when the teacher got a phone "Hello good afternoon Ms. Brown's class",Hi yes I calling to tell u about one of your students named Shaquetta Johnson,"yes" Hmmm!She has an early dismissal,she was told to come straight home, with her brothers and sisters,Okay Thank u,Have a nice day.The teacher hung up the phone and told me the message.I got up and left in shock that this day had finally came I didnt think it would be this soon.I didnt tell my brothers and sisters I just told them to come on dont worry about it.We got home and seen everything from the blood,the destruction and my mother I didnt have to tell them what happened they were mad at me because I didnt tell them.Everyone asked question but the question everyone asked is HOW DID SHEW DIE?After everything settled down we got put in a foster home and my mother got cremated.My brothers and sisters now realize how much I did for them and because of this they consider my their mom but the youngest one call me mom.Only I know the truth of how my mom died.The truth is a man who she has owed money to for the longest time finally got tired of it and Broke in our house, raped my mom and then shoot her because she refused to come get me out of school so he can rape me, I would of never thought she would have done something like that that for me but you never know the truth until a person dies.I am now 16 and still in contact with my sisters and brothers and I realized that in life we go throught things and at the same time we are being taught something and learn from these mistakes there you have it My Life by Shaquetta Johnson.R.I.P. MOM I LOVE U!

Kevin Forge 6th period

2007-11-28T13:58:00.001-05:00

I’m Just A Kid

It was like the end of December when it all happened. Where all my friends and family were having fun, but of course I am the only one who have to suffer. While all my friends get brand new clothing and cool toys, for Christmas, while I just get crappy hand me downs and old stuff . Well I guess that’s how life started for me in a small house in Louisville, Kentucky, living with a brother, a sister, and two parents who feel like I do not even exist. My name is Archie and here is my story……..

It was like two days away till Christmas and I knew what I was going to get this year; another crappy gifts from my parents and nothing from my siblings even though they have a job to afford a months worth of food. However, my sister Jill gets me really pissed off. She’s like fifteen and she gets what ever she wants. It feels like the world revolves around her. Next my older brother Austin, he can be a good person though, but he is a real pain. It’s surprising because I’m the only kid I know that doesn’t want to have a Christmas this year. Nevertheless, when it comes, I just hang around with the family, but it is as if the family does not want to hang around me. Anyway, of there actions I have been feeling very depressed lately and I am still a little kid. The only thing that could solve my problems is to runaway.

As I plan to runaway I think about the consequence I might face. Leaving my family and living alone. I said to myself, “how am I going to eat, sleep, and how am I going to take a shower.” But I had a motive, it may have been childish, but it was worth it. My motive was to go to the biggest toy store there is, and live in it. My plan my have been crazy, but it was my dream. I wanted to have all the brand new toys there is, and nobody could share, touch, and play with my brand new toys. The good thing about it is that when every body is gone, I could play all night long. The next day comes, and I told my parents where’s the biggest toy store located at. My mom replied the big apple of course in New York, New York. Then I said, isn’t that where Uncle Charlie lives. My mom said yes, you’re exactly right. The next day rolls by and I realized that I needed some money to get anywhere. So when I had the chance, I go to the bank with my mom and try to remember what buttons she press because I was planning to take her credit card. Also from the recent years, I have notice when she go shopping she always say something like “put it on my card” or something like that. Furthermore, for me to get from Louisville, Kentucky to New York, New York it was either on a plane, car, or train. We do not live far from a train station; in addition I remember that once my family and I went to go see Uncle Charlie in New York. That made me think that I rather go on a train since I had more experience on a train rather on a car or plane. As I plan my escape on a day when everybody was either at work or shopping, I figure that it was the perfect time for me to take action. The next morning comes, and knew it was the day. So before anyone was awake, I rushed to take moms’ credit card. Like around nine o’ clock, I stated to eat my last breakfast with my family. And that really made me happy that day. When I got out the shower, everybody had already left. So I toke one of my dads suit cases and I put the most important things I needed like clothes, deodorant, toothbrush, and lotion. As a got to the train station, I looked up on a bored and realized that my train was not going to leave until fifteen minutes from now. So I rushed to pay an attendant and then boarded on the train. I was relief until I have realized I might not ever see my relatives again. I don’t know why but, I would be worried because on another day I would be ecstatic to find out that I would never see my siblings again. So as I think I said to myself that I would just stay at my Uncle Charlie’s house. But I knew so little about how to get there. The loud speaker came on and announced that we were a couple minutes away from Grand Central Station. Luckily from my research I knew that I had to get off here. After what felt like a fifty hour ride I knew that it was worth it. I got my entire luggage and made sure that I got off first of how I really couldn’t afford to get left behind. As I see so many bright yellow taxies out side I just randomly chose one. I told an old mean looking guy, who looked like the Grinch, to take me to Toys “R” Us. As he takes his time in the congested freeways and streets, my eyes where glued to the window of how I nevered seen so many people, buildings, and cars in my life.

As we stop at my destination, I swiped my credit card and went along. I ran, rolling the heaviest luggage ever, to see the toy store and explored the inside. As I got into the building I looked as if I died and went to heaven. First, I said to myself that I needed to hide my luggage somewhere safe. And then next thing you knew it I saw a door that said janitors closet. I knew that it was the perfect place to hide my luggage. After I store my luggage there I rushed to play with toys, video games, and I rushed to go on a big Ferris wheel that went threw the whole toy store. In the middle of my game playing I thought to my self that my family doesn’t even think I’m gone yet. But deep down I think I still miss them. After that I went to play more games for nobody could tell me when to stop playing. I told my self that if this store is great I can’t imagine the rest of the stores in the city. So I left Toys “R” Us to explore the rest of the city. I saw the biggest McDonalds there is. It was like three stories tall. After all, I had nothing to eat since breakfast. So I got a number one which was the best sandwich, fries, and drink, I had in my lifetime. Next, I saw an arcade and that’s what really surprised me. As I played for three hours straight, I realized that I knew this was the best place to be. Then, I remembered that I had to go back to the toy store before it closes. As I dip and dodge my way through Manhattan, I didn’t remember where it was. After seeing the great and almighty McDonalds I knew my way from there. As I ran to the door it was around ten o’ clock and the doors was sealed shut. I started to burst out crying for I had no home. When that happen, I regretted every moment of this experience. I ran to the nearest pay phone and tried to call my parents but no answer. I guess I was in this world alone.

I called 911, for it was my last choice, and told them what happen. They told me to stay put and we would come and pick you up. I stood there for five minutes and a cop car came and toke me in. As we get to the police station they asked me varies of questions, like where you from, how did you get here, do you know your parents number, and more stuff like that. After answering those questions they told me that I had a place to stay for the night. In addition, they said that we would try to contact your parents. In the meanwhile you should get some rest. As I watched them make calls after calls I got tired and dozed off.
The next morning comes by and as I woke up all I saw was my beloved, caring, and all so sweet family. As I hugged them as tight as I could I wished that I would never let them go. They told me a million times that I missed me and why did you go and all. I told my mom that I tried to call her like ten times but no answer. Then my mom said that she was to busy looking for me. Then I finally answered the question of why I ran away. I replied because I always get crappy gifts and you guys never recognized me. Then my mom said is this all about the gifts. I was like no no no. The gifts are symbols of what I think how you treat me. While my mom started to cry and kept saying sorry and sorry my dad came over and started to talk to me. He was like I promise that your mom and I would treat you better for know on. I replied that’s all I asked for. As my family and I started to walk back to the train station I told my parents that if I was in trouble. My dad said as long as your safe and protected you’ll never be in trouble.

Lost N Found Final Copy

2007-11-28T11:21:00.000-05:00

Chardae Jenkins

Lost N Found
Final Copy
She stood in the bathroom, barely tall enough to see herself in the mirror. While looking into the mirror she started to brush her long wavy hair into a ponytail. Today was the day she turned eight years old. Marissa couldn’t wait until this day and now it was finally here. She waited impatiently for the remainder of her friends and family to arrive to her house. Marissa and her mother were ready. The food was already packed as well as their belongings. When her friends and family arrived about fifteen minutes later they were all ready to go. There were about three cars filled of children, each car containing two adults. The ride there took about an hour and fifteen minutes. “We are finally here”, yelled Marissa. “I can’t wait to ride all the rides,” screamed Marissa’s best friend Tina. “Okay were going to split up” Marissa’s mom said, “six children in a group”. Once they were arranged into groups, the children were ready to have fun. They entered the amusement park nothing but smiles upon their faces. First they took a picture, and now they were ready to ride the rides. They decided to ride the wet rides first and the dry rides last, then they would play games. Once in line, they waited impatiently while the line moved extra slow due to Dorney Park being so extra crowded. Not wanting to wait Marissa took it upon herself to try and pass her way closer to the front of the line. While doing so she lost contact with her group. Marissa didn’t think much of it because she thought “ I’ll just meet them at the exit when the ride is over.” Once the ride was over she waited to see her friends and mom. A half an hour passed by and she still hadn’t seen them. Now she started to panic. “Where are they?” she cried out loud. She walked around the park for what seemed like an hour and still didn’t see anyone she came to the park with. Now she was becoming angry, scared, and frustrated, and she was only eight years old, this was becoming very scary. She thought she saw her group front of her she yelled “Mom!” the lady turned around and to her surprise it wasn’t her mother. Marissa searched everywhere the ladies bathroom, food stands and still hadn’t seen her mother. Soon she started to ask people had they seen a woman who fit her mother’s description, everyone she asked replied no. She continued to look for her mother and friends for about twenty more minutes. Finally she heard a women cry out “Marissa” and at last she was relived.

2007-11-28T11:12:00.001-05:00

Exposition
1.This story takes place in school
2.nothing really did not happened.

Conflict and Climax
1.The problems that the central character face was not knowing what happened before the police arrived at their house, also James sister Tina face the same thing.
2. When I learned how the problem was worked was at the end of the story.

Denouement
1.When James found out that DJ killed his mother he was upset and crushed as he held his and cried.
2. The beginning can be more grabbing towards the reader.

Characterization
1.James, Tina, the grandmother, and DJ...I would describe their roles ok...but could be more better about their characters
2.The story tells us that James is a very nice boy who is shy and lives in his own world.
3. I really don’t learn much indirect about the character.
4. Making the story more detail. I also believe you should add more drama in the story in the beginning like talk about the story then introduce the reader about james

2007-11-28T11:12:00.000-05:00

Augustus Johnson/ when things go wrong

2007-11-26T21:38:00.000-05:00

*New Post By Nelson Hollerway** Revised Rough Draft

2007-11-26T19:00:00.000-05:00

“Good mornin’ DJ,” said James.
“What’s up youngin’ you gonna be late for school you betta hurry up,” replied DJ.
“Aight DJ Imma hurry up,” James muttered back.
James lived alone with no one but his mother and sister. His mother had been raising him and his sister for a long time by herself and she was raising her two children with a lot of success.
“Wake up, Jaz, wake up!!” yelled James at his younger sister.
“I’m up stop James I’m up, Imma tell mommy…”
“No you not she ain’t here!”
“Shut up I’m awake.” Jaz was only six but she thought she was grown with enough attitude to kill ya. So James woke up his sister and continued to get ready for school wondering where his mother was. James was used to her not being home all the time but she always saw him before he went to school. James was in the second grade and his sister was in kindergarten.
“DJ where’s my mom?” asked Jaz.
“She ain’t here you midget, just get ready for school so you don’t miss da bus okay,” DJ answered with aggravation he didn’t want to be bothered by Diane’s kids. Diane was out late the night before and she came home and got into an argument with her boyfriend. The argument got heated as Diane’s boyfriend DJ was in a bad mood because he didn’t have any hash.
Well James got him and his sister ready for school and they got outside with just enough time to run for the bus out of there “middle class” housing development, they lived in the projects, they best they’d ever seen anyway. James ran out the door with a paco jeans jump suit and his sister was as cute as could be when they left the house. She was wearing a pair of jeans and shirt with her favorite person all over them. The Barbi clothes and bookbag she had was sporting was a perfect reflection of her young attitude. She was spoiled but just as much as James was.
After a seemingly normal friday in school Jaz and James waited in their bus lines to get on the school bus and go home. Most of the time if their mom wasn’t home to see them off to school she would pick them up from school right off the bus. No one could tell her she couldn’t stop the bus to get her kids off the bus, shit they were her kids. Both Jaz and James knew she was probably going to come get them but strangely she didn’t. As young as the two kids were they thought nothing of her not showing up. James walked his little sister up to the front door of their project building and rung the door bell. No one from their apartment buzzed them in, James buzzed it again. Still no reply, so Jaz and James both rang the bell for one of their friend’s houses. Just as the pair walked into the building the police pulled up and ran into the main hallway right passed the kids. The kids followed behind them slowly as the cops happened to be running down their hall. “James, James! Come here. Jaz,” yelled their Aunty. Their mother’s only sister had come over to them and told them that when they went into the apart to run to their rooms and pack their bags because their mom told her to pick them up for the weekend. The kids did exactly as she said.
They didn’t go her house often but when they did they had fun. They were excited. “Aunty ma mom at ya house?” asked James
“No she’s not J but you’ll talk to her soon okay.” Aunty didn’t want to lie to him but she had to. James nodded and said okay. James was a momma’s boy but not in the “in love with his mom” way but his mom was his dog. He and his mom had a lot of fun together, playing videogames and play fighting. His sister and his mom always went out together so it was like his mom’s was of making quality time with her son. “I wanna talk to ma mom now!” said Jaz. Her Aunty told her she would talk to her tonight or tomorrow. Aunty didn’t really know when they would talk to their mom. James and Jaz asked about their mom every time they had an unoccupied second. Early one morning before school James flipped on the TV and his Aunty always told him not to turn on the TV but he did anyway. On the screen, what he saw changed his life for ever, he saw on the screen that his mom was a missing person and that they had a suspect in custody for the possible murder of his mom Diane. The anchorman read, “Next today a missing woman, Diane Fosse, from Maple Shade, New Jersey has today been announced dead after 45 days on the missing person list for our area. Police have a suspect in custody for the murder of New Jersey mother of two, a little boy and girl, ages seven and six now living with their Aunt of Mt. Holly. James wasn’t the only person in his family watching the news at that time in the morning, his aunt was to and she new he was watching it when she came into the living room to drive him to school.
James didn’t go to school that day or any day for the next week neither did his sister. James was so shocked he had no reaction and perhaps everything he had gone through in his life he couldn’t cry because his anger was too large. He sat quiet and spoke a word to no one. Jaz was an innocent little girl and she knew what death was but she didn’t completely understand. She cried and cried in her Aunty’s arms for hours at her shrink’s office. James sat in the same chair everyday for two months, same time everyday, and didn’t speak one word. James didn’t react to anything he didn’t talk for months. He was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and the shrink thought he was dangerous to himself and everyone around him because at any minute could just explode and do anything even though he was only seven. James sat and colored and painted for almost a year without saying anything. One day his psychiatrist just stopped talking to him and he reacted.
“What the f(BEEP)k is your problem you got tired of pissin’ me off with your b(BEEP)l s(BEEP)t questions huh??”
“NO I am not going to talk to you because you don’t talk to me…You’ve sat in my office for eleven months wasting my paper, paint, pens , markers and all of my pencils and I am tired of it.”
“O well f(BEEP)k you then, Bye,” said James. James left the office and killed his little sister and Aunty and grew to be the most notorious serial killer of the world.

~ASMIRA.L.TULL~ 6 PERIOD

2007-11-26T13:58:00.001-05:00

One after noon on a hot sunning day in atl there was these 6 kids named king, sholeah, tiheed, meosha, Bruce, and Brittany. They thought that they would go outside to enjoy the day. So while they were outside Bruce said “ don’t ya’ll want to play hiding go seek.”
Then they all said “ yeah sholeah your it” sholeah said “that’s not fear how I always gotta be it when we play why can’t king be it.” So then everyone was like ok cry baby you don’t have to be it tiheed is going to be it. While they were playing everything was going fine everybody was soooo excited and having a wonderful time.
The next thing you know Brittany comes running down the street saying that some crazy man is chasing her. So we all are looking but we still don’t see anybody chasing her, nobody is even in sight. Then we ask her “why are you playing you should not play like that because that kind of thing is not the kind of thing that you play about”
After she stop crying and listening to what we were saying she say “I’m not lying that man was really chasing me, at first he was in his car then he got out an started following me, I started walking faster and then started running an then he started running after me an that’s when I came here to tell ya’ll.”
Then the next thing you no a big giant greenish van came around the corner. She started screaming and crying again saying there he is and now he got more men with him he gone get us.
All we no is when she said that we thought she was going crazy until they got out that car and started to run after us. King was like ya’ll stay there if ya’ll want but I’m running. King, sholeah, and Bruce were the first peoples to start running. They are still running they here meosha, tiheed, and Brittany scaring help help help ya’ll they got us they got us, but run cause they coming for go get help. As they are still running not knowing where they to. We turn the corner an the men a right there. We try to run away but they caught us. The men throw us in the back of the truck with the others. All we saying what’s going happen to us, what do they want with us.
Then a couple of hours go past and Bruce and Brittany mom calls

michelle baxter

2007-11-26T13:58:00.000-05:00

I’m so happy were friends again cause with out yall

My life was hard. Not being able to call and say

what’s up or conversate in the halls at schoolman

dat was killing me softly. Oh was up my name Payton

let me tell u some things about me I’m 14 and I’m

in the 9th grade my school is in the Bronx I go to

Christopher Brown high school. One day a few

friends and I was at Shellski Park. Me and the girl Sassshay (we call her

sassy) was arguing because she said that she went

all these wonderful places so I said u always lying

so we began to argue we was about to fight when my

boyfriend Brandon came up and said chill and I left

wit him I told him what happen and he said you need

to cool that out for I get my feelings hurt. After

that I started saying all this stuff about sassy

like how she can’t fight and how they on welfare

and how she is the biggest fraud I know. I know I

should not have said those things to anyone cause

it might get out but I was mad so I said it. The

next day at school everything was fine I was cussing

out as usual and saying hi to every one I know

when I spoke to sassy and she aint say nothing back

so I let it go and said forget her. After school we

was all chilling outside talking then sassy said

Erin , Jordan , Chris , Brandon , Marquise , and

Trevor if they wanted to go to studio 93 so I was

thinking why she aint ask me so I said maybe she

gone ask me later so we keep laughing and she say

so yall going and Trevor says I don’t know if I

want to don’t the cops be out there cause of fights

and stuff and I don’t want to get in no trouble so

they say all u a punk u never do nothing fun so he

say ard I’ll go . We laugh. I say I’m wearing my

cut up jeans my A&F shirt wit my raspberry ice

creams what u wearing sassy I don’t remember

inviting u so I say well I thought u was gone ask

me later why would I do that we aint cool no more

why not u was talking bout me to Jordan I aint say

nothing to Jordan about you well she told me u said

dat i'm poor and im on welfare. You lucky I don’t

beat u up right now but like u cant fight. I can

beat you. That’s the same thing you said in the 3rd grade and I still tore you up in the sandbox

remember. I was little then my hands is crazy now

you should ask about me . That’s when Brandon came

over and said lets go I don’t want this girl to get

beat up .Then Chris was like now u know ya jawn

cant fight she could beat you and so can I .Doubt

it. That’s when we all walked away later on at

studio 93 sassy was dancing with my boyfriend so I

started dancing with Chris and she came over all

loud in my face so just 2pieced her she stood there

probably thinking no this high yellow heffa didn’t

just hit me then she just hit me and we started

fighting. The cops were called and we were taking

to the police station I aint remember nothing she

hit me so hard. So I went t school the next day and

kids are like yo why was yall fighting on youtube .

youtube I said that fight on there . I was sitting

in my 5th period science class when the counselor

called me on the loud speaker on the double. I

said this got to have something to do with the

fight. So I got in there and sassy was in there so the counselor what is the problem. I said sassy is

a fraud and she sweet and I don’t like that about

her and she said she was jealous of Brandon and me

so we did some steps to work out are problems. we

apologized to each other and we friends again now

me, sassy, Brandon, and Chris I’m so I got all my

friends back.

Payton Strawberry

Diamond Rosario,Period 6

2007-11-25T23:31:00.000-05:00

DEAD END
"Oh,no.Here she go again",said Amber to her best friend Lisa.Amber and Lisa were watching America's Next Top Model on a twelve inch screen in Amber's small bedroom."Why she gotta do dat?Now she know she gon get...",Amber stopped."Did you hear a door slam?",asked Amber. "No,why?",replied Lisa."Just come downstairs with me".Lisa cautiously followed her down the steps.Before Amber reached the last step, she stopped as if frozen in shock.Standing in the middle of the living room,looking through her purse was Amber's mom Danielle. Danielle turned toward Lisa and Amber with her face full of confusion."Amber,what's wrong.You look like you just seen a ghost.""It's just that...I'm kinda surprised you're home early",said Amber still hit by shock."What do you mean?",asked Danielle still confused."Well ,you usually are out till three in the morning with 'friends'".Amber and her mother knew what she meant about "friends".See,a while back Danielle has been doing speed,crack,weed and every other drug out there.She has been going out meeting up with her drug buddies and shooting, snorting,and inhaling things into her body.Now she has no job and the bills are way past due."Amber,I told you once and I'm gon tell you again.Don't worry about where I've been and what I been doing.It's none of your business.I take care of this family,not you"! Amber felt as if someone has shot a bullet through her soul."It is my business.It's not my fault you're hooked on drugs and you can't even buy food to support your family.I'm the one knocking on neighbors doors at night just ta get some cold leftovers that we have to split"!Danielle stormed across the room and smacked Amber in her face.Tears streamed down Amber's face as she looked at her mother with an angry look on her face.She turned toward the stairs and ran up towards her room while Lisa followed after her.

When Lisa finally caught up with her,Amber was laying face down on her pillow,crying her eyes out."Ay Amber.Why you always on ya mom case?Lately you've been starting a lot of arguments and you're always the one getting hurt",said Lisa."I don't need another critic,okay.I got enough problems as it is"."Amber,I understand that but-you are not the only one with problems.My life ain't perfect as you think it is.I have no mother, my sister's three months pregnant ,she still don't know the father ,and doesn't know whether she should keep it or not"."That's not the point.You say you understand,but you haven't been through the problems I have experienced.Maybe I shouldn't be wasting my breath right now.You'll never get it",said Amber."Maybe I'm just wasting my time trying to comfort you.I gotta get home anyway.Good luck feeling sorry for yaself and ya crackheaded mom!".Lisa grabbed her bag and slammed the door.

The next day at Charles R.Drew Elementary,in Amber's eighth grade homeroom,Amber sat in her seat quietly, isolating herself from the entire classroom."Amber may I please have a chat with you?",asked her teacher,Ms.Jones.Amber slowly got out of her seat and went towards her teacher's desk."What did I do this time Ms.Jones?",asked Amber ,sounding annoyed."Amber,I just recieved a note ,which I was told,that you will be leaving soon"."Ms.Jones,I know this is your way of getting me back.I'm sorry I cracked on you two days ago.We both know that nobody wears penny loafers anymore.And you had ta know somebody was gon say something",said Amber feeling positive that this surely was a prank."Amber,I'm serious.Just read it yourself.I think it's important".Amber walked back to her seat quickly,hoping no one she knows has died.When she finally reached her seat,she tore open the envelope as if her life depended on it.Scanning the letter,Amber face changed expressions."No!This has to be a joke"!Amber had a feeling someone close to her had something to do with the letter.But who?Amber quickly turned around towards Lisa who was in the back chatting with a couple of girls."You"!Lisa stopped talking and turned around,recognizing Amber's voice.Amber who was still looking at Lisa,repeated herself."You"!"Me what?",asked Lisa."You are the reason why I got to leave home and go stay with a bunch of strangers"!Lisa responded,"What are you talking bout?I haven't told anyone anything and why would I do a thing like that?I could never seperate a child and mother just because I got angry at them".Now the whole class was listening in on the conversation."Then who else could it be?",asked Amber."I don't know.Maybe your mom called child services herself cause she knew she needed help",said Lisa."My mom wouldn't do dat to me.Would she"? The more Amber thought about it.The sooner she found out.Her mom did call child services.

On Friday ,while Amber was packing up ,she took one more glance at the picture of her and her mom before going downstairs to say goodbye.She grabbed her last bag and met her mom near the front door.She gave her mom a hug and took the picture out of her bag."Mom-don't forget me".She hugged again and walked out to the car where a woman was waiting.When the car drove off Amber wanted to cry.But she didn't.She wanted to be strong.Strong for her and her mother.

Randy Shuler 6th Period

2007-11-21T14:37:00.000-05:00

Randy Shuler
11/21/07
Period 6
Mr. Mullen
The Hat

There was a boy from North Philly and his

name was Paul. He loved music and his favorite rapper

was Lil Wayne. Lil Wayne throws his hat to Paul at the

concert and when he put it on he feels like the

greatest rapper alive.

“Can I go to the Lil Wayne concert with

John and Jermaine mom this is the last day he’s in

Philly?” said Paul. “Yeah, you can go but why he’s

ugly and he can’t even rap,” said Paul’s mom. “But

please mom,” said Paul “fine I still say he’s ugly and

he can’t rap, we’ll get the tickets tomorrow,” said

Paul’s mom. “YES, YES, YES thank you mom, thank you

mom, thank you mom,” said Paul.

It was the next day and Paul and his

friends got the last three tickets. After they got

their tickets they ran to the stage, they had third

row seats. “These tickets are the best,” said Jermaine

“I know were really close,” said Paul. Then all the

lights went off and everyone started screaming like

someone was trying to kill them. All you could hear

was AWWWWWWW and WEEZY. Then Lil Wayne came out

sitting on a throne then he jump up and started to

rap. The concert was hot then the last song came on,

when Lil Wayne sat back on the throne he put on a

fitted golden Washington Nationals. Paul wanted that

hat, that’s all he was looking at.” Yall see that

hat,” said Paul “WHAT,” said Jermaine “I SAID, YOU SEE

THAT HAT,” yelled Paul. “YEAH IT’S OK,” yelled

Jermaine. When the song was over Lil Wayne threw the

hat into the crowd and it landed perfectly on Paul’s

head. “Oh my god,” screamed Paul then he fainted for

the rest of the concert. When Paul woke up he thought

he was dreaming then he felt his head and the hat was

still there. “ It wasn’t a dream,” said Paul “Nope its

real, how you feel you just fainted out in the middle

of the concert ” said John “forget that, I still got

the hat,” said Paul. All the way home Paul was

bragging on how he got the hat. Paul loved that hat he

eat with his hat, sleep with his hat, he even took

showers with his hat.

It was Monday, and it was ten minutes left of

school. Paul started going on about the hat. “Lil

Wayne gave me this hat at the concert,” said Paul

“No he didn’t, stop lying,” said Maurice. Maurice

and Paul hated each other they would always

competed with each other to see who had the best

stuff. “Yes he did,” said Paul “let me see it

then,” said Maurice. As soon as Paul gave the hat

to Maurice, Maurice snatched the hat and ran.

Maurice hopped over two desks to get to the door.

“What in the world,” said Mrs. Fisher. Paul ran

after Him through the halls, “hey come back,”

said Paul. Maurice was running faster than

lighting and Maurice bust threw the front doors

and then Paul gave up and just looked up at the

sky like he wanted to scream his head off. “Not my

hat,” said Paul. Paul never saw Maurice again he

must of transfered schools because we never saw

him again. Paul never been the same after that day

he lost his favorite hat.

2007-11-21T09:12:00.000-05:00

Cassandra Thomas

Come on, come on, Keisha and Saniyah let’s go! My sister and I rushed and grabbed our luggage excitedly when we heard our mother call because we knew that it was finally time to go. When Keisha and I got outside I could not help but feel like I had for got something. That’s when it hit me, and I thought to my self, Spike. Spike is the name of my dog. He is not that big nor is he that small. He is all brown and has pretty brown eyes. Spike is very friendly and happens to be my best friend. Which is why I felt the need to bring him on all of our family vacations. Now normally my parents would not allow me to bring Spike on any family vacations, but this time I refused to let them say no, so I begged and pleaded until they finally gave in. When I returned back outside with spike in my hands I noticed that my parents had already put the luggage in the car and were just waiting on me. I got in the car full of excitement because I enjoy going on family trips. This trip was a little different from the rest because this time we were going camping. Which my parents say is more like a trip than a vacation. That is probably why they allowed Spike to come this time. The ride to where ever we were going was a bit long, but not as long as our vacations. When we finally arrived there my family and I immediately began to put up our sleeping tents. My parents shared a tent while Keisha, Spike, and I shared a tent. We were all pretty much exhausted from the drive so after putting out tents up we decided to go to sleep and wake up early tomorrow to begin our first camping adventure together. The next morning we woke up at eight o’ clock and made something to eat. Making something to eat where we were at was different because everything we made to eat was made by us holding it over fire; therefore there was not a variety of things for us to eat. After eating I decided to take Spike for a little walk, but I was so busy looking around and talking to Spike that I did not realize that I walked a little further then planned. I looked back and noticed that I did not realize where I was. When I looked ahead two large lions and a huge black bear greeted me. My heart dropped to my feet when I noticed the vicious animals. The black bear was the first to start his attack. He looked at me with his devious eyes, “what are you doing in our turf?” With my hands trembling I replied I was just walking my dog, I did not mean any harm. The two loins answered in unison “ well offense token”. The animals began to close in on me. That’s when Spike hopped out my arms and jumped to my defense. He took his first claw at the bear and from there on I knew that the worst was about to take place. I knew that my and little Spike could not take the three vicious animals. When the bear clawed back at Spike I knew that my assumption was correct. I looked over and saw a huge tree branch. I ran over a got the tree branch so that I could use it against the two lions. I began swing the tree branch as quick as I can considering all the weight on the branch. Suddenly I realized that Spike and I were not fighting alone. I looked and saw Keisha and my two parents swinging there own little weapons that they must have found. My father helped me fight off the two lions while my mother, Keisha, and Spike fought of the bear. I noticed that the bear was down and could tell that the bear was not getting back up because he was not breathing. So Spike, Keisha, and my mother came and joined my father and I. The two lions were putting up a good fight. My mother began to choke one of the lions with all of her might forcing the lion to fall to the ground. We were all swinging our weapons with much force. You could hear our weapons hitting the lion and in matter of time we sent the lion crashing to the ground. We were exhausted after the battle. We all hugged, happy that we were all okay. I could not help but wonder how they knew where to find me so I asked. “ How did yall know where to find me”? Keisha answered because my twin senses kicked in and I knew that you were in harm. I told mommy and daddy and we rushed to save you. Thank you I replied with tear in my eyes. At that point I was very happy and for the first time I appreciated the fact that I was a twin. This family trip will be one that I will always remember. Two large tigers interrupted my thoughts. My family and I all looked at the two hungry looking tigers and almost fainted….

Happy Birthday Rachel!! By Charnice Barrett 6th Period

2007-11-20T21:13:00.000-05:00

“Happy Birthday Rachel!” that was the sound of my whole class screaming to me. It was December 5 2001 and I Rachel Marie Joseph was turning eleven I couldn’t believe I was finally eleven. Something happened that day that made me wish I could have stayed in school that whole day.

When I went home my block was on lock down apparently someone was shot several times in the face nobody could recognize this lost soul. I entered my row home on the corner of 9th and Somerset there I saw my father sitting on the couch so drunk he was nearly unconscious. “Isn’t it my birthday” I thought to myself “ I should be the one having the party”. My father was always like this it made no difference if it was my birthday or Jesus’ he laid in that same spot curled up in a ball as if to say he was safe from all the misery the world brought. The only time I ever really seen him active was when well… I don’t really like talking about the other problems my father contained. You see me and my 2 other sisters weren’t the wealthiest children in the world we lost our mother to an unknown cause of cancer 2 years ago I was only 9 so I didn’t understand it. Daddy started this “PROBLEM” with my older sister Kerrienne and when she finally realized that what he was doing was wrong she tried to turn him in but it didn’t urn out the way we expected. Kerrienne ended up being sent to a group home. I was hoping today would be different but I guess it wasn’t.

5 minutes after my father noticed I was home he started yelling at me for no reason so I just went into my room where I thought everything was going to be okay. I waited until I heard all the ruckus outside my door began to die down and then I stuck my head out the door “Dad” I whispered “are you”— I was cut off by the weight that was forced in my direction. My dad pushed me in my room and threw me on my bed. I started kicking and screaming trying to pull away from him but I couldn’t his grip was strong. I wanted to cry but I knew it wouldn’t make the situation better only cause more conflict. He began to strip me of not only my clothes, but also my dignity I again tried to pull away from him but his hold was even stronger. “Why me daddy?” I asked tears streaming down my face. “Shut up hoe” he replied, “ you give it to them little nasty boys in the streets” and then he thrust himself inside of me, I let out I dieing yell.

This continued for about 3 weeks until I was unable to take it anymore.I didn't tell anyone about it for fear of being teased or judged. At age eleven I had seen many things little ones shouldn’t know. I waited until the sun tucked itself beneath the quilt of the horizon before my journey took action. I quickly packed my things and tiptoed quietly into the living room where my father was in a deep drunken sleep. I made sure to be very quiet in making my way out the door. When I left I headed towards the avenue. “hey momma” strange men from alley ways called out to me I was afraid but I couldn't let them know that would only give them a chance to take my weakness for granted.As I began to think where da hell was I goin' I had never thought I'd make it this far so i didn't plan beyond here.There I was eleven years old wandering the streets at nearly midnight. I overheard the sounds of two men speaking. One was tall and built like Debo from Friday he was threatening the other man "Nigga you keep comin' up short imma have to do something you gon regret" The other man was standing there with his eyes stuck on the other mans right hand."Ard man I got chu I dont kno whats been going on with me lately",then he walked away.

I started to cross the street to remove myself from that side and when I stepped out to cross I heard a schreeching noise and when I turned around... BOOM!! I was hit,I was down and I wasn't getting up.I cried, boy did I cry not only because of the injury done to my right leg but because I was afraid that my father would find out, only God knew what I was in for. I fell asleep and when I awoke their was a strangely dressed women standing above me. She sat down and explained to me that she would be taken me to a new home one where I might be seperated from my family. She told me that my father was found to be the murderer of John Ulysses Grant, the man killed on my birthday, I wasnt suprised. I heard that name before my father never spoke very nicely of him. My leg was decapitated and I was sent to a Group home. Being here was an amazing experience I love all of you from the bottom of my heart. "awwwwwww Rach" my new brothers and sisters replied. "That story was..... was....ummm something" Tonya said with tears in her eyes.

Its been nearly 7 years since this incident and i still remember every detail I loved my father but it seemed he didn;t love me enough to know when to draw the line....

The End

Sheree Page, 6th period

2007-11-20T17:19:00.000-05:00

Lost Locked

One Dark and gloomy Friday morning the school’s electricity went out. So everyone got out of school early except for two people, Cherri and me, Shayne. It was dark and cold inside and no way out.
BOOM! Every one jumped. “The storm’s getting really bad,” our teacher Mrs. Smith said. “I’m surprised the trees didn’t fall!” Mrs. Smith was our reading teacher with broken glasses at the tip of her pointy nose and a bad taste of fashion. She had on green capris with a purple shirt and white stripes in it. She had on a shawl with dark colors and it looked like it was hand made Cherri looked at her outfit in a nasty way, stuck her tongue out and pointed at it. “Cherri!” I said, “Don’t make fun of her. It ain’t her fault she can’t dress!” Then Cherri replied, “She ain’t only bad in fashion but she blind too. That’s probably why it looks like she got dressed in the dark.” We both laughed. The lights started to flicker. “You should be use to the dark James. There’s no electricity in a trashcan” William said. These class clowns have been best friends since the third grade.
It was suppose to be a tornado coming so the school district told us to go home early. “Every get up p…push your chairs in, come on lets go” the teacher said in a shaky voice. She was the most scared person in the room, and she was the teacher. “Is a tornado coming?” William asked. “No, your mom is,” replied James. “Well we all know your house is gonna be the first to go cause you live in a trashcan and what not,” William said. “Don’t be jealous,” James said with a straight face.
Everyone quickly made their way out of the room. As soon as we all got to the front door, I realized something. “Aww, I left my jacket in the classroom” Then I looked up at Cherri with a puppy dog face. “That’s messed up,” Cherri said. “Bye.” “Cherri, your moneys in it.” “To the classroom!” So we both raced to the classroom, thank goodness the door was unlocked. I ran quickly to my desk and, as soon as I touched my jacket, it went as black night. “AHH!” Cherri screamed in horror. “What!” I asked her hoping nothing happened to her. “Nothing, I just felt like doing that.” As we walked down the dark hallway side by side, we heard a thud. BOOM! “What was that?” Cherri whispered. “I don’t know. Let me get my cell phone out for light.” “Try calling someone.” “I’m not getting any service.” Then the phone cut off. “Aww I forgot to charge it” We stood there for a moment. “Oh yeah,” Cherri said. “I forgot I have on a glow in the dark shirt under this sweater. Hehe” “Only you,” I said. Cherri and I walked closely together as her shirt glowed dully. Then I tripped over something. It sounded hard. “What is it?” Cherri asked. “It’s a….a knife.” I dropped it on the floor. We walked a little more and saw dark red writing on the wall. It read, “I’m gonna get you.” Cherri and I started shaking. “Let’s go,” I ordered.
When we finally reached the front door, it was locked. “Come on let’s go out through the back door.” We quietly tip toed to the back door. Then we tripped over something else and fell to the floor. “Ahh! Oh my goodness! Oh crap! Oh crap! Oh crap!” Cherri yelled. It was a dead body! We screamed and yelled all the way to the back door finding or way through the dark. All these thoughts were going through my head. Who was that? Why was she here? Where’d she come from? Who was the killer?! Then we both bumped into two people. I couldn’t believe who it was. It was William and James! “Ha, ha, ha you should have heard you guys.” William barley said because he was laughing so hard. “What was that?” Cherri yelled. “You mean the doll I got from the Halloween store?” James said. “I never took it out of my locker. “How’d yall get stuck in here?” I asked them. “James had to go to the bathroom. “Okay? You got a cell phone on you?” I asked. “I do,” William said. “I already called the cops. They told me to wait at the back door. Did you know you don’t get good service in here?” “Wait, wait,” Cherri said cutting William off. “So, you’re the ones who scared me to death with the fake writing on the wall?” “What you talkin’ bout?” James said. “The writings….on the wall….in the dark red that said ‘I’m gonna get you’. It kinda looked like blood.” “Naw, we ain’t do that.” James replied. “Then who did?” I said.
BANG! The cops bashed through the door. “Come on everybody the tornado’s coming!” the cop said. We all tried out best to get to the police car while we struggled against the wind. It was like being on a lifesaver in water. You try to go a certain way but it pulls you the way it wants you to go. We finally reached the police car and it took it to my house which was safe and a few blocks away. After the cop car called Cherri, James, And William’s parents to tell them they were safe, we started to talk about the incident that happen in school. It was alls o weird. William and James said the dummy they scared us with was a guy. Cherri and I swore we saw a girl. The hallway we saw the writing on, well William and James didn’t even go near that hall. They couldn’t of had brought a knife to school because of the metal detectors. It was all so strange.
That Monday was a beautiful day. Everyone was talking about Friday and what they saw on the news. A girl that goes to this school was murdered. No one knows why but the police said at the crime scene they found two clues. They found a dark colored shawl and broken glasses.

ATTENTION PEER RESPONSE ACTIVITY* DUE THURSDAY, NOV. 29TH*

2007-11-20T10:49:00.000-05:00

BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REVISION BY EXAMINING THE STRUCTURE OF YOUR STORY. THE FOLLOWING PEER RESPONSE ACTIVITY CAN HELP YOU ANALYZE AND RESPOND TO A STORY'S PLOT. HAVE EACH PERSON IN YOUR GROUP RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN YOUR "COMMENTS" SECTION.

EXPOSITION
1. WHEN/WHERE DOES THIS STORY TAKE PLACE?
2. WHAT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE?

CONFLICT AND CLIMAX
1. WHAT PROBLEMS DOES THE CENTRAL CHARACTER FACE?
2. WHEN DO YOU LEARN HOW THE PROBLEM IS WORKED OUT?

DENOUEMENT
1. HOW DOES THE STORY END?
2. SUGGEST AN EXTRA SCENE TO STRENGTHEN THE PLOT.

CHARACTERIZATION
1. WHO ARE THE CHARACTERS INVOLVED IN THE STORY? HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THEIR ROLES?
2. DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: WHAT DOES THE AUTHOR TELL US "DIRECTLY" ABOUT THE PROTAGONIST (MAIN CHARACTER) FROM HIS OR HER PHYSICAL APPEARANCE AND PERSONALITY?
3. INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: WHAT DO WE LEARN "INDIRECTLY" ABOUT THE PROTAGONIST FROM WHAT HE OR SHE SAYS (DOES)? WHAT DO WE LEARN ABOUT THE PROTAGONIST FROM WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT HIM OR HER?
4. SUGGEST AN ADDED DETAIL TO STRENGTHEN THE DESCRIPTION OF ONE MAJOR OR MINOR CHARACTER.

By Kiara Cofer, Creative Writing 2nd Period

2007-11-20T10:45:00.000-05:00

The Heartbreaks of love....
Kiara Cofer
We have been together for a while now but recently he left me for her. I have been seeing them around all smiles and no frowns, but I don’t understand why I am the one that has to suffer? What have I done to deserve this type of treatment? I mean he hasn’t done any thing to me besides flaunt her around like she is a golden prize. But I am the one who has to see it. I used to be his number one I am the one that had his heart. I showed him how to love and now he’ s showing some one else what I taught him. My name is Deja and this is my story.

I grew up in a house full of women no male testosterone. I was the youngest of my mother’s three daughters and very spoiled. I am usually the one that gets every thing that I want and more then what I ask for. My father has been in and out of jail since I was five years old and I am now eighteen. Not a good look right? He’s in there for the usual drug related reasons. I just don’t understand why the feds insist on knocking a black mans hustle. All he was trying to do was support his family. Unlike other men, in or out of jail my dad was a good father and a great asset to our family. He showed us right from wrong and he loved us unconditionally so that we would never have to look for any man to fill the position in which he lacked. But some times I do wish he were home so that he could help me with my boy problems and the insecurities that I have. I mean I am beautiful and have always been beautiful but situations like the one that I am in made me just wonder am I really beautiful?

Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of Kiar and his new fling Sianni; it just really gets under my skin to see him with her. Yeah she’s a pretty girl you know the average mixed female. She was half black and half Indian. Caramel skin, hazel eyes, long thick jet black hair I mean she is beautiful but what can she do for him that I already haven’t done? I invested all of my time into him; I have no friends because of him. I believe that I deserve more then what he is dishing out to me. But I guess that’ s what I get for being the best girlfriend that I can be.

“Hey Kiar, I see you gone front now cause you got yourself a new little mutt.” I said to Kiar as him and Sianni began to walk pass me as if I wasn’t even there. “Mutt! Girl you just mad cause I got what you want and what you aint gone get back. At least I know how to hold on to mines you thirsty trick.” Sianni said to me nastily. When she said that I was furious I don’t know what came over me I just lashed out. Next thing I knew Sianni and I was rolling around on the ground. She was pulling my hair while I was beating her face in. Just like your average ghetto girl I whopped her a** but that didn’t make Kiar want to take me back. “Deja why did you do that?” He said to me, furious that his old girlfriend had just beaten up his new one. “She called me out of my name Kiar and all you can think of is her?” “Deja you started it, you came up to us and if I can recall you did call her a mutt.” I was just standing there stuck with nothing to say.

Later on that night I called Kiar to apologize for my actions But like an average nigga he said, “Don’t worry about it Deja maybe you can just come over my house a little later so we can talk about it.” So me being me I didn’t have a doubt in my mind about going. I arrived at his house around 8:00 pm. Once I got there we chilled for a little while then he began to play in my hair and kiss me on my neck. Being curious I asked him, “Kiar why must you d this to me? Why do you treat me as if nothing that I do is good enough for you? I was the best girlfriend that I could be and you gave me you’re a** to kiss. I tried so hard to make you happy, to give you what you needed and deserved and you repay me by flashing your new girlfriend around like I never existed .Why?” “Deja you know I would never do any thing to hurt you.” “So Kiar you just think that you have done no wrong? Like you are just picture perfect? Well news flash Kiar you aren’t and neither am I and I don’t try to be but I do give my all when ever it’s needed but I guess you don’t even care huh?” Deja I love you and you know that. “ “So why are you with her?” I asked. “Maybe I wanted to see if what we had was real.” “Well is it Kiar?” He turned his head. “Is it Kiar? Answer me. Now is not the time for the games. To you this is just a little phase in life but this is my heart you’re playing with.” Kiar then looked me in my eyes and said, “I mean at this point Deja I honestly don’t know. I guess that’s a question that I will never know the answer to.” “So why am I hear then? Don’t you have a girlfriend or since I beat her up you don’t want to see her until she looks back to normal?” “Deja don’t go there.” “Don’t go there? What do you mean don’t go there? You have a girlfriend but you asked me to come see you tonight. But you saying don’t go there. Even though I don’t like her and she may have stolen my boyfriend, my heart, my love, the man I’ve been with for four years, the person that brought me from a little girl to a woman I will not allow you to do her the way you did.” Hysterical and confused on what to do I just got up and began to leave. “Deja don’t walk away like that. I don’t want you to hate me.” “Kiar you did this to yourself.” With tears in my eyes I walked out of his apartment. Not knowing what tomorrow may lead to.

With that thought in my mind in a poem I wrote to him…

It only took one phrase for you to say that made my eye light up like they used to always. Then it took only one thought of us together as one to make me change my mind, as I realized everyday that we are not meant for each other. It took many years for this thought to come about but it took another female for me to realize the truth. I’ve always allowed you back into my heart with no harm, no questions, and no reasons. Just you with open arms. It’s sad that I have to let you go but I’m happy that I’ve found my self. I saw the present without you in it. I saw the past that left me with tears cried all the time. But I’ve finally seen a future of happiness that I’ve built for my self. Honesty lies in a place beneath us and my eyes have been open to new surroundings. My life used to revolve around you. I used to not be able to see myself without you. I used to need you in a way that I needed no one else. But now that’s all beyond me I am a women beyond all measures a beauty that made it in life through love of all others and the intelligence in every area. You think you made me nut I made myself. You know you lied to me but you made me stronger. You wish you still had me and I’m glad I found a way. But one thing is for sure without experiencing you in my life I wouldn’t be the goddess I am today.

It has been years since I have seen Kiar. I’ve heard that he and Sianni are still together hopefully he treats her right. I mean I’ve grown over time and I have learned that she has done nothing to me. She didn’t take my boyfriend out of spite he went to her. I mean you like who you like and that’s it. All I asked for him to do was to love and respect me and he could do neither and with that I learned a valuable lesson. Never go beyond, always meet them half way because if you do they will take advantage of it. Like I said before name is Deja and this is my story.

Maribel Moreno 6th period

2007-11-19T22:56:00.000-05:00

The Notes
“Hi, what are you doing are you asleep yet Athena?” ask Menel. “No Menel I’m not sleeping yet, why, did you want anything? No it’s just that I’m really nervous for tomorrow’s event and the fact that Axel is going to be there, and just watching me perform I just wish that I didn’t get this much nervous, because its not really helping me. What do you think about it, Athena? But Athena did not answer me, she had falling asleep. In that night I could not sleep and so many thoughts came to my mine, and even my conductor’s face show in my dream. Then around 3 in the morning I finally felt asleep.
In the morning my sister Athena was taking to my mom about me having trouble sleeping that night. “Why do you think she’s acting this way? My mom asked warily. When I heard that I wanted the floor to just open up and to eat me, because my sister was going to tell my mom not just that I was nervous because of the fact that I was going to be performing in front of a lot of people, but also because Axel was going to be there, and so my mom was going to find out that I like Axel. So just when Athena was about to tell my mom the reason why I was so nervous the door bell rang, it was my friend Armand. I was so happy when I saw him, because that meant that it was time for us to go to school. So I pull my sister and ran out the house. “What’s going on, Menel is everything okay?” asked Armand. I told him what was going on. I mean after all he already knew that I had a big crush for Axel, the “FOOTBALL PLAYER.” And well almost everyone in school new about it! But back to my topic, I told Armand what my sister was about to say to my mom. “Are you cereous?” Armand with a mouth looking like he was about to drop it exclaim. I said, “Yes I’m cereous!” But once we got to school I felt better, but I felt even better when I got inside the music room and stared to warm up. I love playing my clarinet; it always helps me feel so calm.
Also that same day I had to meet with all the band kids, “The all city band”. Every time that I knew that I had to meet them and do rehearsals with the entire band, I got so excited. We took the school bus to get to Meham Middle school, where we all got together to show what we could do best! But to my surprise when we were all seated they gave us another piece of music.” Why are these people giving us another piece of music when the concert is in two weeks and we are only going to meet one more time as a whole? “I asked the girl next to me with a big surprise. “ I don’t know but this piece looks very hard and especially if we have to memorize it!” said the girl. I got really worried about it. What I didn’t realize was that I was the only one with that paper at the time. So my teacher said that I was going to be the only one playing that piece in the clarinet section, and that’s how my problem began!
I thought I was able to do it, so I accepted. I did my best to learn it but it was just too hard! So when I practice I got use to playing but looking at the notes. So when I went back for rehearsals the next week, the conductor asked me if I could play the piece of music. “Yes”, I said, but I thought I could just look at the notes while playing it. Of curse that was not going to work for her, so she asked if I could get of stage. I was so sad because I thought she was going to kick me of the show. But all she said to me was that I was going to pretend like I was playing the actual instrument. Because after all I did know the music, just not by hard!
So finally the big day came and, I wasn’t nervous any more and I did what I had to do. I was really happy about it. And Axel brought me flowers!

APARTMENT CRiSiS- Jasmone` Townes[(2ndPeriod)]

2007-11-19T22:51:00.000-05:00

In the city of Philadelphia, there lived a young woman named Maria. Maria is 20 years old and gave birth to her daughter Hailey at the age of 18. When Maria discovered she was pregnant the summer after she graduated high school, her mother disowned her, kicked Maria out of the house, and left Maria to live on her own. She moved in with her boyfriend, Michael, for a while so she could get a job and save money for her own place. When Maria turned 19 years old, she had a 6 month year old baby girl and moved in her new apartment.

Maria couldn’t be any happier. She lived on her own and was working while taking care of her baby girl. But one day, the happiness came to a holt. One weekend, she was on her way taking Hailey to Michael’s house. Michael was Hailey’s father, so the normal routine was to watch her every weekend while Maria worked. On her way to the house, Maria had a bad feeling about something, but couldn’t figure out what it was. As she arrived at the house, she lifted Hailey in her arms and walked inside. To her surprise, she found Michael cheating on her with another woman. She grabbed her things and quickly ran out of the house, hoping to never return there again. Maria was devastated. She thought things couldn’t get any worse.

One night, when Maria and Hailey was sound asleep in their apartment, Maria was awakened by an alarm. Maria thought it was the sound of the alarm clock waking her up in the morning for work, so she slammed her hand on the snooze button and fell back to sleep. About 10 minutes later, Maria awakened by the banging of someone at her door. As she slowly got out of bed, she smelled a sent of burning wood coming from the hallway. When she walked closer to the door, she heard someone yelling her name, telling her to come quick. As Maria open the door, she was greeted by a fog of smoke and a terrified neighbor from across the hall. “Maria! What took you so long? The building’s on fire! Grab Hailey and get out of here now!” she said. Maria couldn’t believe it. She immediately ran into her room and grabbed her sleeping daughter. She turned around, grabbed her phone, her money, a blanket out of the crib, and dashed out into the hallway.

As Maria walked down the hall, she saw nothing but smoke at the stairwell. She took the blanket and covered Hailey’s face, took a deep breath, and ran quickly down the steps. Maria only lived on the second floor so it was a pretty easy escape. When Maria got to the lobby, she saw people from the other side of the building also running to get out. The smoke looked even blacker on that side then her side. She ran outside and across the street where others where standing around looking up at the building. Fire trucks swarmed around the corner and in front of the building. They were yelling for people to move down the block and out dangerous areas. Maria sat on the steps with Hailey wrapped up in the blanket and waited for an answer. They sat and watched the firemen put out the fire. The fire spread and destroyed the entire apartment. Everything Maria had was gone.

The police and ambulance came to tend to people who were hurt and had nowhere to go. The escorted everyone to the Red Cross close by so people could stay there until they found a place to stay. As they arrived, everyone was told to go inside a 2 rooms and settle down for the night. It was hectic. Everyone was bunched together like a pack of animals. When it came time to sleep, they had cotts for everyone. Maria didn’t like this at all. She took Hailey and her things and headed to the front desk. Maria walked up to the receptionist at the front and told her she wanted to leave. She explained to her that no one was to leave until they found somewhere to go. Maria had 3 people in her mind; her mother, her best friend, and her cheating boyfriend. She told the lady she had a place to stay, took her belongings and left. Even if she wasn’t too sure about where to stay that night, she knew she didn’t want to stay at the Red Cross any longer.

Walking out of the Red Cross, Maria picked up her phone and called her mother. She wasn’t sure if her mother was still mad at her from getting pregnant and having a baby about 2 years ago, but it was worth a try. She explained to her mother about everything that happened on that horrible night. “Oh, so you think you can come to me when you have no one else, huh? What about your boyfriend?” she said, “You were so quick so go to his house when you got pregnant. You thought you were grown then. Well, now you are grown, Maria. I don’t have anything to do with you and your troubles. Go run to his house like you did last time.” Click. She spoke her harsh words and hung up the phone with out taking a breath. Maria sat on the cold, cement steps outside the Red Cross and cried her eyes out with Hailey in her arms. Out of all people she thought her mother would be there for her. She had to come up with Plan B. She thought of calling her best friend, Marla, but then she remembered the controlling boyfriend. Maria never liked him. They always used to argue about how he treated Marla. Marla of course would be on his side and Maria would be the losing defendant. Maria called her, but her boyfriend answered the phone and they got into an argument about Maria staying for a while. Marla insisted to her boyfriend to give Maria some money for a motel, but her boyfriend refused. Maria knew she had no hope.

Last but not least, Maria gave in and called her boyfriend. She intended on never speaking to him again but she had no other choice. He told her that he was on his way to pick her up from the Red Cross and to stay there. As she waited on the dark corner with her baby, two older guys came up to Maria trying to get her purse. With Hailey in her hands, Maria pulled and pulled on her purse but didn’t want to risk her life and especially her daughters. She fell to the ground, while the thieves ran off with all she had. When Michael pulled up in the car, Maria ran to the car hysterical. She told Michael what happened and he was furious. He wanted to go look for the guys who attacked her but Maria insisted not to. She had already gone through enough for the night and she just wanted to sleep. When they arrived home, Maria put Hailey to bed and fell asleep next to her without a word.

The next morning, Michael gave Maria money to go get things she wanted from the store. While Maria was standing in line, she found a lottery ticket at her feet. She picked it up wondering who it belonged to but it was no one in sight. As she was walking back to the house, Maria took a penny and scratched off the plays. To her surprise, the ticket read, “$1,000,000 WINNER!” Maria stopped in her tracks. She couldn’t believe after all that happened she won 1,000,000 dollars. She quickly ran home to tell Michael. As she explained to him what happened, he couldn’t believe his ears. He was happy that everything was finally turning around for her.

Later on that day, Michael took Maria to cash her prize. He insisted Maria not give him any money for the help he gave her, but Maria couldn’t refuse. After all, he was Hailey’s father and he has done so much for them unlike everyone else. Maria and Michael never got back together, but they remained good friends. He helped her get a new apartment and stayed by her side. Maria helped her best friend Marla get out of her controlling relationship, and never spoke to her mother again. From then on, Maria’s life was the best she ever asked for.

Melinda Gibson 2nd Period

2007-11-19T22:34:00.000-05:00

Damn...

When Cedez' and Day arrived at the game it was already half time. "Life's Menaces", which was their home squad, was balling against "Da Generals" tonight. Upon entry into the Rec. Center they converted from a quiet calm surrounding into one of loudness and intense chaos. Crowds were gathered around the court, bleachers were full, and the ball squads were warming up for the next half.
"Damn, I wish we had come on time" Day says to Cedez’ as they found their way into the crowd.
"Yeah me too, we should've called your mom and just bought Mir and Zay with us. They would've had fun” Cedez’ replied.
"Yeah but you know how she is "that environment is not suitable for my grandchildren; they're way too young” says Day, mimicking her mom.
"Yeah true. Let’s go find Meenz and Niyah, they called me earlier asking when we were coming."
"Aiight I'm going to call them to see where they at, it's too crowded."

[Phone]
Ring...Ring...
"Yeah where ya’ll at? This game nice as hell, everybody and they moms is here” says Meenz yelling into the phone, over the noise in the gym.
"Yeah we see, but yeah we just came in, where ya'll at?” Cedez’ asks barely able to hear.
"O aiight I'm gon come get you and tell Niyah to watch the spot"
"Aiight yo." Cedez’ replies before ending the call.
[Hangs up]

A few seconds later they could see Meenz little ass squeezing through the crowd and coming towards them.
"Damn man, these people ain’t got no manners, I must said excuse me like a thousand times and I ain’t finna’ say it no mo" Meenz’ says, finally having made her way through the crowd.
"If you don’t calm your lil’ country ass down" Day says laughing.
"Shut up, but yeah come on fo' I have to beat somebody ass tonight" Meenz replies smiling.
"Whatever, come on." Meenz holds Day's hand, as does Cedez’, not trying to get separated and leads them to their spot in the bleachers. When they got there they saw Niyah on her cell phone as usual.
"Bye!" Niyah says in a harsh tone, hanging up her Sidekick.
"Who was that?" Meenz asks her.
"Ty dumbass, tawkin’ bout some him and his squad bout to come up here"
"Why he always finna’ start?"
"I don't know but something finna happen by the end of the night"
"Let's just watch the game" Meenz’ says to the group. The second half had just began, Life's Menaces were up by 10. The game was over within the next 45 minutes. Home won by 24 points. Everyone was escorted outside by security; no one could stay in the building, even if they were waiting for someone. As the girls approached the doors to exit they spotted Ty and his boys waiting in the parking lot, as promised.
"Oh my God, this boy needs to stop" says Niyah as they continue on.
"Mom Dukes told you he was crazy" Meenz replied. Niyah and Meenz were twins, but Niyah was older by a couple minutes. They were known for they country accents, dress game, and their hands. When you seen one, you seen the other. Some say they were "locked at the hips". Although they came off as the types that you'd think were loud mouthed they weren't, they kept to themselves and their friends, but when they felt intimidated or disrespected, they were sure to set their competition back in their “places”, whether it be just by talking or if they had to "throw on the gloves".
"Let me go tawk to this boy for a minute see what they finna do" says Niyah.
"Aiight, we gon' wait up here for Buttah and them to come out" Meenz says back.
"Aiight, I be back then" Niyah said as she walked down the steps and toward Ty. Shortly after Buttah, Reese, Cam and the rest of the ball squad come out. Buttah was Meenz’s dude; he played point for the team. They’d been together for a while and didn’t plan on parting anytime soon. Far as everyone else was concerned they were married and no one dared trying to break them up. Reese was Cedez’ younger brother, but only by a year, and Cam was Day’s little brother, they played as Buttah’s right hand boys. They all were star players, not necessarily needing one another, but when all three were in the game they couldn’t be stopped. Recruiters came from all over watching the games. After everyone greeted each other they all headed down to where Niyah, Ty, and the rest were located in the lot. Just as they approached the group Ty let out a loud shout towards someone exiting the building. It was Redz. Redz and Ty were having some problems for about a year now after Redz tried to talk to Niyah, when he and Niyah had broken up for a while. Redz didn’t see exactly what he’d done wrong, besides he and Niyah had talked before and they both established that there were feelings still there. Redz wasn’t into fighting and Ty knew it, so he used that against him every chance he got. What Ty didn’t know was that Redz had “hands” and had previously been sent away for engaging in a fight and almost killing one of his mom’s previous boyfriends. Ty and Redz had been friends before but ever since that day their friendship had become fairly distant, but when things came down to it Ty would fight for Redz any day, and vice versa, he just hadn’t got over the situation yet. Just as everyone was getting in the cars, they heard shouting coming from the other side of the lot. Some dude from the other ball squad was starting with Redz. Without any hesitation Ty hopped out the car and ran towards them, Buttah, Cam, and Reese followed quickly behind him. By the time they arrived, the dude had pulled out a shank from the inside of his jacket. Ty ran up on him and snuck him from the back and the others followed up, by the time they had stopped there was blood everywhere and he laid coughing blood and groaning in the middle of the street. Ty looked around for Redz and spotted him leaning on his car close by. He instantly ran over to check on him and found that he had been stabbed in his right side and was covered with blood.
“Yo help me!!” Ty screamed to the others. They rushed over and put Redz in the back seat of his car. Cam sat in the back trying to stop the blood as Ty jumped in the driver’s seat and started the car. Reese rushed back to Ty’s car where the twins, Day, and Cedez’ had been waiting, observing what had just taken place and had millions of questions. Ignoring them Reese started the car and waited for Ty to pull off so he could trail them. Ty wasted no time getting Redz to the hospital and wouldn’t leave his side. The hospital guards had to intervene in order for Ty to give in and wait in the waiting room. During the wait Ty couldn’t stay still and paced continuously until the doctor who attended to Redz came back out to speak with them. Ty could tell by the doctor’s expression there was bad news ahead.
“I’m sorry” was all the doctor said. Ty stared at him cluelessly.
“Excuse me, what are you trying to say?” Niyah asked sadly, asking everyone’s question at once.
“Tramaine Hall passed ten minutes ago in surgery.” He replied sympathetically. Ty collapsed in a chair facing toward the window and hung his head toward the shiny hospital floor. He looked around the floor aimlessly as though searching for unspoken answers. He pushed away all attempts of comforting and remained in that semi-unconscious state for the next couple days. The funeral arrangements had been made for that next weekend. Since that day Ty hadn’t spoken too much and often stayed to himself, staring out of the window most of the days. The day of the funeral he tried his best to hold in his tears but by the time the burial was over the pain had become overwhelming and the tears just came flowing out uncontrollably. He remained at the burial site until the graveyard closing and wept over the grave. Before leaving he made a promise.
“I’m going to get him back for this lil’ brotha, I’m going to get him back….”

This Is Where I Wanna Be - Shaniqua Rudd 2nd Period

2007-11-19T21:58:00.000-05:00

Shaniqua Rudd
2nd Period
Creative Writing

“Now Asia, you need to decide. Remember that your family is behind you, no matter what decision you make, but you wouldn’t want to be the one to end your family legacy.” Those were the words of my mother. We were having our daily family dinner when my mother and I started to discuss my future. It was February of 2008 and my family was already cracking down on me about college matters. My name is Asia Johnson I’m a senior at Central Valley High School. I come from a wealthy family in a small town in Georgia. My father is the owner of a popular law firm in College Park and my mother works beside him. You see, my family is thought very highly of, so it is in their best interest that I become just as successful. I maintain a 3.8 GPA and take college courses outside of school. I am salutatorian and captain of the Cheerleading squad. I am also a member of the Honors Society, The Young National Black Lawyers Association, and a member of the Young Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. I know it sounds like a lot, but it is easy to maintain when you know there are consequences if you don’t keep up with these kinds of things. But, let me give you a brief history of my parents. My father attended Morehouse College and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice, then went on to complete Law School at Harvard. My father was a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi fraternity, so that put him in an easy position to land his job at the firm, alongside with his college degree. My mother attended Spellman University and also graduated with a Bachelors Degree in law, but she completed law school at Howard University. She was also a member of a Greek family, the AKA’s. Now, you would probably better understand why it is important for me to become the epitome of a Johnson.

In the fall, I completed my undergraduate applications for Hampton University, Howard University, Florida A&M, Clark Atlanta, and Spellman University. Because I applied early action, I received most of my acceptance notifications around December. I was accepted to all and received a great number of scholarships. All of the universities I applied to gave me something good to offer. But of course, I was only left with one choice. My mother was putting a lot of pressure on me to attend Spellman, but that was not where I wanted to be. After my mother said that to me at the dinner table, I couldn’t sleep at all that night. The next morning, I headed off to school on the usual 7:10 neighborhood cheese bus. I always sat in the seat on the right side, third row, next to the window. The first 5 rows were taken by mostly all girls including my two best friends Ashley and Stacy. “Did you remember that this weekend was the college trip?” said Ashley. “Who could forget? We are going to have a blast I can’t wait to even step foot on a college campus!” replied Stacy, anxiously. But for some reason, I wasn’t that excited. Ashley noticed my facial expression. “What’s wrong Asia, aren’t you excited?” “It’s not as exciting when you know your parents are deciding everything for you” I replied. “Aww come on! You can’t let them get you down. College is going to be the most important part of your life. They cannot decide for you! You’re coming on this trip and you’re going to have fun!” exclaimed Stacy. You see, Stacy was the outgoing one. If she wanted something, she wouldn’t let anyone stand in her way. She was the one who got me through every obstacle I ever had to face by myself. “You’re right girl. We’re going to go to this tour and have fun”. Friday morning came and everyone had to meet at the front lawn of our school. We were going to be touring for a whole week, visiting different schools. As we boarded the bus, I knew this trip was going to be something to remember forever.

Everyone loaded the bus with the look of excitement on their faces. After Stacy gave me words of comfort, I didn’t feel so bad about going on the trip after all. Our counselor boarded the bus with tons of paperwork in her hand. “Okay seniors, this is going to be a long ride so please try to respect the adults on the bus. No cursing, you may eat but throw your trash away in your own bags! Keep the volume low and please no profanity. This is going to be a long drive to Virginia.” I was excited about the trip but dreaded the long drive. Ashley, who was sitting in front of me, turned around and sighed. “You guys, this is going to be our last year together. I can’t believe this all came so fast”. “I know, pretty soon we’re going to have to be in the real world alone”, I replied. “In a way...I am scared to face things alone. But I have been told what to do all my life and I am ready to make my own decisions.” “Well how come you never talked to your parents about what you want to do. You always discuss things with us, but do your parents know how you feel?” questioned Ashley. I couldn’t even find the right words to answer her. I simply replied “I just don’t have the courage to.”

Everyone on the bus was doing anything to keep themselves occupied. Some of the guys were debating on which rappers were better than others and the hottest video vixens. Some girls were discussing what they brought on the trip to wear. Then most others were talking about the latest gossip at our school. Hours passed and we took a pit stop in Carolina. Everyone went to eat, used the restroom and say outside. Shortly after that we were back on the bus and everyone was sleep including the counselor. Finally I awoke to the sounds of various voices, and I wondered what everyone was so excited about. I looked out the window and seen the signs “HAMPTON UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS”. This was the first time I had ever visited a college campus besides the campuses the mother took me to see. It was a good feel to finally get away from hot Georgia. Once everyone loaded off the bus and dragged their luggage on the sidewalk. Everyone who walked around the campus looked so diverse. Everyone dressed different, had different hairstyles, and sounded different.

Later on during the campus tour, we visited the Greek House of Hampton University. The sororities and fraternities were performing a special segment just for us. I stared at the walls with all Greek lettering and pictures of each Greek department. It was now time for the show to begin. First up were the Que Dogs. I was surprised that most of the guys, who usually have short attention span, were into the steps. They were all very precise with their barks and active movements. It made you want to jump on the stage and join along. The crowd was going wild. Following the Que Dogs was a performance by the Delta Sigma Thetas. The stage was all black and flashed with red lights. Soon you heard the screams of the fellow Deltas in the crowd. This was the first time I ever seen a sorority do a show, besides the AKA’s. The girls on the stage yelled with all their heart their Greek history. Their swift movements and color coordination’s were together. I couldn’t help but stare at the expression on all the girls faces. They looked like an actual sisterhood. They smiled at each other and gave each other a nod as if to say “ok...ready” when starting a new step. They were new, they were hip, and they were everything I wanted to be. After the show, I went up to one of the girls and greeted myself. “Hi, my name is Asia Johnson. I’m visiting this weekend and I really enjoyed your show.” “Hey how are you? Are you enjoying yourself? We put together this show just for you guys. If you want, I can tell you more about our sorority?” replied the girl. I looked to Ashley and Ashley gave me the thumbs up. “By the way my name is Maya” replied the young Delta. Maya took me along with her to greet some more of the other sisters of the sorority and explained to me the things that they do and the process of pledging. I never found myself so wrapped up and interested in something like this before. From here on out, I knew I wanted to be a Delta. I never got to see what was out there, but then I knew my heart was at Hampton.

The whole ride back I couldn’t get my mind off of Hampton. When I got home, I reported what I learned about Hampton to my mother. “That was a nice trip, but you know you are not going!” “But why not?” “Because I said so Asia!! You are not to go against the family and become something you know nothing about!” “But Mom!” I exclaimed. “But nothing, now go upstairs and get ready for school tomorrow”. I cried myself to sleep all that night. I couldn’t believe that my mom wouldn’t let me get a say in my future. For the next couple of weeks I did things on my own. I used the little bit of money I saved from fundraising to pay for housing to Hampton. I sent the check from my school counselor so my parents wouldn’t know. Weeks went by and I kept everything a secret from my mother. I stopped going to my sorority get together, but continued to strive in school. About 4 weeks later I got a confirmation letter in the mail with my undergraduate information regarding my position as a student. My mother was furious and she couldn’t believe I chose the school to go to without her. “Asia, I am so disappointed in you. I only wanted the best for you and this is how you go about things.” I couldn’t understand why she was so angry. I went to go talk to my father. “Asia, I think there is something that you need to know.” I knew I had to sit down for this one. I sat down and my father explained to me that Hampton was my mother’s dream school, but she didn’t get in. She was very disappointed and couldn’t understand why she wasn’t accepted. Now everything became clear to me.

Later that night I knocked on my mother’s door. “Mom may I come in?” “Yes. Asia”. “Mom, daddy told me about what happened to you with Hampton.” My mom’s face looked furious. “But wait mom before you get mad I just want you to know I am very sorry for your past. I know it hurt you very bad, but you can’t decide where I am going just because you had a bad experience. I want to go to college and know that what ever happens is because I made the decision. I don’t want to go on to college wondering what would’ve or could’ve happened.” My mother sighed with a tear down her face. “Asia”, she said, “I just wanted you to go where I went and follow in my footsteps. I was so proud of myself that I became successful at Spellman, that I wanted to show Hampton what they missed out on for not accepting me.” I could tell that this was a topic that my mother didn’t often speak of. My mother and I talked all night about everything we’ve been missing out on and what I wanted to do when I got older. After that night, my mother listened to what I had to say and supported me in all my decisions. By the time graduation came my mom was flaunting around my full scholarship to Hampton to all of her friends. I graduated with honors and my AKA flag. After my mother and I talked, I decided I was going to finish what I started. This is what made my mother and I as close as we are today. Of course I followed the Johnson family tuition, graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice. On May 13th 2012, I walked down the isle with my degree in my hand waving it around. Except this time, I was wearing the proud colors of red and white on my cap and gown.

TRAPPED OBSESSION - Tanya Murray 2nd period

2007-11-19T21:31:00.000-05:00

TRAPPED OBSESSION
In the town of Shawville, there lived a football coach named Mr. Dolph, Mr. Dolph coaches at Abercrombie High School’s football team for the past ten years. For five years, the football team has been undefeated. Everybody in Shawville supports them as well as their cheerleaders. The cheerleaders are very popular and hype up every game. The cheerleaders at Abercrombie High are undefeated as well as the football team. There has been many times where the cheerleaders would win championships from competing with other High Schools. They are well known for their excellence and outstanding cheers.

Mr. Dolph is a very determined football coach who mentors the students well. Some students like Mr. Dolph and think he’s ok but mean at times. But a year ago Mr. Dolph’s daughter Aaliyah passed away from a car accident. Many people say that Aaliyah was drinking while driving but as of now the police still investigate Aaliyah’s death.
Aaliyah’s best friend, Destiny is captain of the cheerleading team. Destiny’s very popular and silly, But less silly and more humble since Aaliyah’s death.

“Drop and give me twenty! Seniors!” Mr. Dolph shouted. “1..2.. 3..” the football team yells. “Championships is next month and you all know what we have do” Mr. Dolph shouted. A week before spring break the football team and the cheerleaders practice on the football field together, preparing for the championships. “Alright ladies one more time” Destiny shouted. “Abercrombie! High!, Were! The! Best!, We! Aint! Got! No! Stress!. The cheerleaders shouted repeatedly.

When the cheerleaders were practicing , Mr. Dolph walked over to Destiny trying to get her attention to say hi, but she was to busy cheering. Mr. Dolph has a habit of
being friendly to her, but sometimes he can be to friendly. For instance, one day at practice Destiny was teaching a new girl a cheer. Mr. Dolph came over and put his hand on her hip, and said “good job Des” and walked away. She looked at him, rolled her eyes and said “thanks” but the truth is, Mr. Dolph has a deep passionate obsession over Destiny. Before Aaliyah’s death, there has been many times were Aaliyah would run to Destiny’s house because her dad would try to beat her. Aaliyah would cry herself to sleep in Destiny’s arms until the next morning.

When practice is over the cheerleaders usually go hang out and have fun, but this night was different. “Hey Des you want to grab something to eat” Tyrell said. “Sure” Destiny said smiling. Tyrell and Destiny been friends since freshman year but never went out with each other. But now their seniors, and both feel they should be more than friends. “Ok well I’ll pick you up at six o’clock” Tyrell said. “ok don’t be late Rell I know you” Destiny said smiling and laughing. Mr. Dolph over hears Tyrell and Destiny’s conversation and doesn’t like what he heard. As Tyrell gets into his car and drives off. Mr. Dolph follows him. When Tyrell gets out the car Mr. Dolph runs up behind him, and hits him with a bat. Tyrell fall to the ground and was knocked out unconscious for a very long time. Mr. Dolph left a note saying “she don’t want you” Then speeded off.

“Hello. can I speak to Tyrell” Destiny says ready to curse him out. “hello”
“Um yea what happened this time Rell” “Yo I was getting out my car, and somebody came out of nowhere. Someone hit me on my head, I was knocked out unconscious. My mom came outside because she heard a speeding car drive off. Next thing you know she found me on the ground. But I’m ok, my head still hurts a little though. Oh yea and they left a note saying she don’t want you, Whatever that means” Rell saying laughing. “Oh my gosh I’m glad your ok, and that’s not funny Rell, you need to be serious right now” Destiny said. “I know but its so funny” “Pshhh..bye Rell I’ll see you tomorrow I’m bout to go to bed. Destiny said laughing and shacking her head.

“Bye mom I’m leaving” Alright Des have a good day. As Destiny walked to the bus stop listing to her ipod. She looks over to her right and see Mr. Dolph pull up beside her. “Hey Des want a ride” No I’m ok” Destiny said. “you sure” yes I’m sure. “come on get it” No! go ahead. Destiny said with a little bit of angry in her voice. “I don’t think your mother raised you like that Des” Mr. Dolph said. Mr. Dolph started yelling and threading Destiny, she was so scared that Mr. Dolph was acting like a maniac, but not surprised because Aaliyah told her that her dad was crazy. The bus pulled up and Destiny ran on the bus as fast as she could.

When Destiny got off the bus she immediately ran to her friends, and told them everything. “Are you ok Des” yea I’m ok. She said nervously. “He must be obsessed with you like he was with Aaliyah” Mirrah said. “Huh, what do you mean” “Des nobody told you” Kara said surprised. “told me what” Destiny said with a confused expression on her face. “Des Aaliyah’s (car accident) said Mirrah quietly. “Oh yea she was drinking and driving” No she wasn’t. “Yea she did die from a car accident, but she was trying to get away from her dad, because he was trying to rape her” Mirrah said. “she ran a red light that’s how she got in a accident, but her dad was the true reason” Kara said. Destiny was silent for a while thinking and wondering should she tell her mom, teachers or even the police. But what only came to her mind was that , she was in a trapped obsession.

By: Tanya Murray

Murder at DuPoint High

2007-11-19T21:28:00.001-05:00

Period 2
Anabel Genao

“You’re all staying after school again today!” Mr. Thompson shouted to his remedial English class. He was never taken seriously because of his old age. A plump seventy-five year old man with a comb over as his permanent hairstyle and Bill Cosby inspired sweaters wasn’t exactly a person the students could look up to. A number of them rolled their eyes and Mr. Thompson waved around his yardstick causing the flab of skin hanging from his arm to swing. Yolanda, a Hispanic girl with bright red hair and a fiery attitude, let the disgust show on her face and loudly made throw up noises to the rest of the class’s entertainment.

As Mr. Thompson raised his yardstick the sound of the bell for dismissal began ringing. Mr. Thompson placed himself in front of the door preventing any students from exiting. He cracked the door open with a vicious smile on his face and let out five students leaving four remaining, including Yolanda. Pedro, Yolanda’s brother, made a dive for the door but Mr. Thompson slammed it shut and turned on them with a victorious smile. “You all didn’t actually think I’d let my best students leave with out serving their detentions, did you?” He leaned in towards them with an innocent expression and the smell of his breath made Pedro step back towards Yolanda and the other two. Yolanda fanned the air trying to get the smell away. Mr. Thompson’s innocent smile turned into a vicious one in the blink of an eye and he let out a brunt remark, “Good, because you’re all staying here until eight o’clock!” Mr. Thompson let out an evil laugh similar to that of Woody Woodpecker. The students started to scream their protests until Mr. Thompson’s laugh got louder and louder…

Jude stopped painting and looked up at Jayden. “Did you hear that?” She let her prop lay against the side of the stage and stood all the way up to look around the big empty auditorium. She looked at Jayden. They had stayed behind after the rest of the drama club to finish painting props. She and Jayden had been going out for a year and spent practically all of their time together. She hadn’t really wanted to stay but Jayden acted like it was no big deal so she stayed.

Jayden continued painting and shrugged. “It’s probably just Mr. Thompson’s class. He has someone staying for detention every day.” Jude nodded her head in agreement and propped down to finish painting her prop. She just couldn’t shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen….

Yolanda tapped her pen loudly on her desk while Pedro wildly looked around for a way to escape near the windows. Hakim, the other boy in the class, didn’t say much of anything. He sat with his hands in his book bag probably texting somebody, he did that mostly everyday. He had caramel colored skin and long hair that was styled in braids, and he always wore designer clothes but never spoke much. He always scored the highest on everything so no one could understand why he was in remedial English.

Loren, the other girl, was pretty loud herself, much like Yolanda, but she and Yolanda hated each other. They could never get along and she was spending much of the detention just staring at her. Loren was a skinny Caucasian girl with a bad fake tan, hair extensions for her blonde hair, and fake designer clothes. Everything on her was either fake or plastic. She envied Yolanda for getting more attention from boys and she hated that Pedro would never go out with her. She sucked her teeth at Yolanda who was tapping her pen loudly.

Mr. Thompson looked up and then down in his coffee cup. He stood up from his chair slowly and looked out at the practically empty classroom. “I need to go get some more coffee.” He shook his cup towards them as he spoke and tilted his head to the side with squinted eyes. He had a very accusatory look on his face at them. “I could send one of you but I don’t trust any of you. Liars and cheats, that’s what you all are,” Pedro continued glancing for an exit while Yolanda sighed very heavily over Mr. Thompson’s last word.

“Hakim ain’t do nothing wrong. You can send him,” said Loren with a smug sound in her voice. Hakim looked up at the sound of his name. Loren sat one desk in front of him and she turned around placing her arm on the desk in back of her. She slid it down so her fingers were touching Hakim’s desk. “Or we could just go together.” She had a hint of lust in her voice and for the first time Hakim showed emotion. He gave her a disgusted look and quickly moved a desk back. Yolanda bust out laughing.

Mr. Thompson let out an amused laugh. “Ms. Spears, keep your hormones in check please. None of you failures are going to go get my coffee. I’m going myself.” Pedro looked up with a smile. It would be the perfect opportunity to escape. Mr. Thompson looked right in his direction. “I’m locking the door behind me so none of you will be able to leave. So don’t even try out.” He walked to the door laughing evilly and quickly slammed it behind him. Pedro ran to try and put something in the door to prevent it from locking all the way, but it was too late. Mr. Thompson had already locked it…

Jude packed up her paint. “Jayden, I’m all done painting mine. I want to go. A practically empty school is freaking me out.” She crossed her arms and shivered from the slight breeze she felt.

Jayden was kneeling on one knee working on his prop, he looked up at her. “Don’t be a nut. You act like I won’t protect you if anything happens.” He had a point there; she wasn’t exactly scared when she was with him. He was captain of the basketball team and a pretty tall fit guy. It was funny for her to see him painting a prop now. It wasn’t his thing but she didn’t want to join drama club alone.

“Yeah, I guess you…” Jude stopped speaking from a loud shout and shriek she heard. She looked at Jayden with horror in her eyes. He dropped his paint brush and looked at her in shock…

Pedro and Hakim had run to the door after hearing the noise. Something was happening to Mr. Thompson and there was no way out of the room. Yolanda was trying to work the windows while Loren yelled at the boys to work faster. Hakim and Pedro were kicking and slamming against the door trying to break it down. Pedro slammed into the door when he heard one last shriek and a loud thud. They all stopped moving and looked at each other in fear. Loren ran to the door and started banging on it. “MR. THOMPSON?!! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!” Pedro grabbed her away from the door and covered her mouth.

“You idiot, there could be a psycho murderer out there! We got to get out of here!” Yolanda had exclaimed she could barely move from fear. She felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up.

Loren laid on the ground and peered under the bottom crack of the door. She jumped up screaming wildly. Pedro ran towards her again. “What is it now?!” He shook her slightly to try and calm her down.

“It….It’s Mr. Thompson!!! HE’S DEAD!! I saw….his….his…his dead eye looking at me!!!” She let out another deafening shriek and Pedro let go of her slowly. They were all terrified now. There was a murderer outside the door and they were locked in. Worst part was Mr. Thompson had the only key to the room. It was only minutes before the murderer could come in and finish them all off.

They heard an eerie extremely loud screeching noise and noticed it was coming from the door. It sounded as if the point of a knife was being scratched against it. Loren let out a small shriek and ran to the back of the classroom; she hid under a small desk. Pedro ran to Yolanda and they desperately started trying to open one of the rusted windows. Hakim walked to Mr. Thompson’s desk and ripped off the machete type cutter off the paper cutter. He stood a few feet from the door with his weapon in hand. Loren was letting out desperately loud shrieks now as the noise got louder…louder…and…The noise suddenly stopped and they heard loud talking coming from outside the room…

Jayden held tightly onto Jude’s hand as they walked down the hall towards Mr. Thompson’s classroom. When they heard the noises they ran to find a way out but all the doors had been chained and they didn’t know what to do. They were terrified and they knew they had to find Mr. Thompson to help. They made it closer and noticed someone lying there in a pool of blood. Jude let out a scream and Jayden ran to see if Mr. Thompson was alive. It was too late. He was brutally stabbed. Jude covered her mouth and eyes. Jayden looked around in shock.

They jumped at the sound of banging from inside the classroom. “Help! We’re locked in, get us out of here!” Jayden knew it was Loren who was yelling. “Mr. Thompson has the key! It’s in his pocket, get it and let us out!” Jayden searched Mr. Thompson’s pockets and found the key. He quickly unlocked the classroom. Loren came busting out and jumped on Jayden right over Mr. Thompson’s body. Jude hugged Yolanda and glared at Loren…

An hour had passed and they were still searching for a way out but they all felt safer that they were a larger group now. “I think we should split up,” said Loren confidently.

Pedro spoke up first, “Nah, of course you think that! You’re white and white people always be the last ones living in horror movies! If we split up you and Jude live and we all die.” Hakim and Yolanda laughed. Loren sucked her teeth. It had been over an hour and they couldn’t find a way out and all of the phones were dead. They weren’t even scared anymore because they found no murderer. They continued walking on until they found a door with what looked like a weak chain.

Hakim, Jayden, and Pedro were working on the chains of door. “I need to go the bathroom!” Loren crossed her legs and did a little dance she thought was cute. Yolanda rolled her eyes.

“Well, you going by yourself,” said Yolanda slightly annoyed. Jude was trying to get cell phone reception unsuccessfully. Loren shrugged and hurried down the hallway.

About fifteen minutes later Hakim had managed to get the door opened. They all started screaming in joy until they hear much louder screaming come from all the way at the end of the hallway; it was the sound of Loren. Yolanda continued to run out of the school. “If she’s dead it’s her own fault! Ain’t nobody make her go to the bathroom. I’m getting out of here!” Pedro looked at Yolanda and the rest of the group. Jayden and Hakim were already running towards the bathroom. He ran in after them. Yolanda let out an annoyed sigh and stayed near the doors to wait for Pedro. Jude stayed near Yolanda terrified.

Hakim ran into the bathroom first and found Loren stabbed, much like Mr. Thompson, in one of the stalls. Her hand was slightly in the toilet and her head rested against it. Jayden covered his mouth from the scene in horror and ran back out to the girls. Hakim was staring blankly in terror at Loren’s body. Pedro pulled on his arm and yanked him out. They all ran back to the girls and ran as much as their life depended on it…

The school janitor made his way out of the stall next to Loren’s, whistling. He picked up her cell phone out of the toilet and looked down at the text she never got to send:

“Hakim, I’ve had enough fun for one night. You can be the big hero and unlock the door. We need to get out of here. I ain’t paying Janitor Joe his money for killing Mr. Thompson. He…”

He stashed the phone in his pocket and walked out of the bathroom still whistling.

FRIENDS ARE FOREVER {edited rough draft}

2007-11-19T19:52:00.000-05:00

Chinique Alburg
Creative Writing
2nd Period

“Girl I met this fine old head today.” Keisha said to Tasha, her best friend since she was two. “Girl you a mess, I told you bout messin’ wit these grown ass men.” Tasha was the level-headed one of the two. Tasha was tall, dark skinned with long hair. All of the older guys could not resist Keisha and Tasha, they were very developed at the age of 16 and 17, Tasha being the older one. “I don’t care this one got a decent car wit sum bangin rims, and did I mention dat he’s paid?” replied an ecstatic Keisha. Now Keisha was light skinned, short and thick. “Ok so he got money. Do you honestly think that your gonna be the only one getting sum of dat money and the only one ridin in the passenger side of his oh so fly ride?” retorted a now irritated Tasha. Keisha was her best friend,that's true but the one thing that got on Tasha’s last nerve about her was her addiction to the streets, fast money and older men.

Now Tasha had her share of older men, but there was one that really opened her eyes to what they really want. His name was Tawain, he was 25 and she was only 14. He was the flyest man in Philly. He was tall and sported a low cut with deep waves. Now Tawain was caramel complexion with hazel eyes that made all the young girls fall for whatever he said. At first Tasha was playing hard to get because she saw how Tawain was with all the other girls and although she was too head over heels for him, was not about to let him see that. “Yo’ ma whats your name?” Tawain said in a low baritone voice as he drove in his new X5 BMW.

“Tasha, and what’s yours?” she replied to the sexy caramel brother in the fly ride. “Wain, ma so can I take you out?” “Ion even know you” Tasha said sarcastically.
“You can get to know me?” he replied with a smile so bright and beautiful even Tasha had to smile. “So is that a yes?” he asked “yea I guess” Tasha gave in. “Aight Miss Tasha, Can I get your number so I can call you?” “Naw but I can take yours.” “Dats even better, 267- 459-8757.” “K sexy Ima call you.” Tasha replied and walked off. That was about a year ago. They dated for a short while until Tasha found out that she wasn’t the only one he was trying to take out.

“Girl he got a fly BMW, it’s so decent!” Keisha said to her friend. “What’s his name?” Tasha asked suspiciously. Keisha then got quiet because she knew that she gave herself away and didn’t mean for the conversation to get that far. “Huh?” Keisha was trying to think of how to get out of this mess that she had just created. “You heard me don’t play deaf?” Tasha was now growing angry. Keisha knew that Tasha had messed with him not too long ago and she knew all about what he had done to her. She was supposed to be her best friend; best friends don’t do things like this. “It’s Tawain, but I really didn’t mean to be all in your face with it, you weren’t supposed to find out it was him.” Keisha replied in a low tone. “WHAT!” Tasha was now enraged, “I CANT BELIEVE THAT YOU WOULD COME OUT YOUR MOUTH AND SAY SUMTHING LIKE DAT, YOU KNOW WHAT...GET OUT AND DON’T BRING YOUR ASS BACK AROUND MY HOUSE. I DON’T EVEN WANNA SEE YOUR ASS ON THE STREET!” Tasha was furious and hurt. “But Tasha” Tasha cut her right off. “NO I DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT KEISHA,” fumed Tasha, “YOU WERE MY GIRL HOW COULD YOU?? MATTER OF FACT I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHY I ASKED YOU THAT, YOU SHIESTY AND SCANDALOUS.” “Tasha I’m sorry.” said Keisha in an almost audible voice.

Tasha was really hurt by what Keisha had done and had vowed to never forgive her no matter how close they had once been. Tasha had saw keisha in passing but she acted as though she did not know that she was there. Keisha tried to reach out to Tasha but the damage was already done. “TASHA, GET DOWN HERE GIRL!” yelled Tasha’s mother Pam. Pam was 34 and Tasha and Keisha sometimes viewed her as just a friend. She still had a petite figure and looked flawless, but could get mean when men got in the way of two friends. “What the hell is going on with you and Keisha?” she said angrily, “I can’t believe you let a man get between the two of you? A man that is too damn old any way?” Pam continued shaking her head at her daughter’s stupidity. “But momma she knew how I felt bout him, how could she do something like this to me?” replied Tasha with tears in her eyes. “It’s life baby and we learn to get over these things, she is your friend and I know that she never meant to hurt you; you know how she gets when she sees a nice car and a little bit of money,” she turned to get a now crying Tasha a tissue, “ this is Keisha that we are talking about.” “I know mom.” Said Tasha “Now I want you to call her right now and apologize to her and just hear her out, after that you are on your own.” “Thanks momma.” Tasha said as she hugged her mother.

Tasha then went to call Keisha, she really didn’t want to but she knew her mom was only helping her and wasn’t going to give her the wrong advice; she never did. “Yea Keish it’s me Tasha.” “Tasha just let me explain, you know that I that I get a little out of control when money and cars are involved,” Keisha said, “at first I didn’t know that was him, he wouldn’t tell me his name but he knew mine; we were at a party and it was dark.” “That’s not what I called you for; momma told me to call you and make amends. I just can’t believe that you would do this to me, but that’s not the point we are better than this and I’m sorry for the way I acted; you my girl for life.” Tasha said as the tears began to roll down her face again. “I promise I will never do it again, it’s over between me and him; I would never hurt you like that again.” Replied, a now too crying, Keisha.

Tasha went on to graduate from the 12th grade and went to Neumann College with a full scholarship. She and Keisha are still best friends and are closer than ever. Keisha too plans to attend Neumann College the following year. As far as Tawain goes, he is still destroying best friend relationships with young girl, but this is one that he had failed to do so.

FRIENDS ARE FOREVER

2007-11-19T19:34:00.000-05:00

Chinique Alburg
Creative Writing
2nd Period

“Girl I met this fine old head today.” Keisha said to Tasha, her best friend since she was two. “Girl you a mess, I told you bout messin’ wit these grown ass men.” Tahsa was the level-headed one of the two. Tasha was tall, dark skinned with long hair. All of the older guys could not resist Keisha and Tasha, they were very developed at the age of 16 and 17, Tasha being the older one. “I don’t care this one got a decent car wit sum bangin rims, and did I mention dat he’s paid?” replied an ecstatic Keisha. Now Keisha was light skinned, short and thick. “Ok so he got money. Do you honestly think that your gonna be the only one getting sum of dat money and the only one ridin in the passenger side of his oh so fly ride?” retorted a now irritated Tasha. Keisha was her best friend, true but the one thing that got on Tasha’s last nerve about her was her addiction to the streets, fast money and older men.

Now Tasha had her share of older men, but it one that really opened her eyes to what they really want. His name was Tawain, he was 25 and she was only 14. He was the flyest man in Philly. He was tall with a low cut with deep waves. Now Tawain was caramel complexion with hazel eyes that made all the young girls subject to whatever he said. At first Tasha was playing hard to get because she saw how Tawain was with all the other girls and although she was too head over heels for him, she was not about to let him see that. “Yo’ ma whats your name?” Tawain said in a low baritone voice as he drove in his new X5 BMW.

“Tasha, and what’s yours?” she replied to the sexy caramel brother in the fly ride. “Wain, ma so can I take you out?” “Ion even know you” Tasha said sarcastically.
“You can get to know me?” he replied with a smile so bright and beautiful even Tasha had to smile. “So is that a yes?” he asked “yea I guess” Tasha gave in. “Aight Miss Tasha, Can I get your number so I can call you?” “Naw but I can take yours.” “Dats even better, 267- 459-8757.” “K sexy Ima call you.” Tasha replied and walked off. That was about a year ago. They dated for a short while until Tasha found out that she wasn’t the only one he was trying to take out.

“Girl he got a fly BMW, it’s so decent!” Keisha said to her friend. “What’s his name?” Tasha asked suspiciously. Keisha then got quiet because she knew that she gave herself away and didn’t mean for the conversation to get that far. “Huh?” Keisha was trying to think of how to get out of this mess that she had just created. “You head me don’t play deaf?” Tasha was now growing angry. Keisha knew that Tasha had messed with him not too long ago and she knew all about what he had done to her. She was supposed to be her best friend; best friends don’t do things like this. “It’s Tawain, but I really didn’t mean to be all in your face with it, you weren’t supposed to find out it was him.” Keisha replied in a low tone. “WHAT!” Tasha was now enraged, “I CANT BELIEVE THAT YOU WOULD COME OUT YOUR MOUTH AND SAY SUMTHING LIKE DAT, YOU KNOW WHAT….GET OUT AND DON’T BRING YOUR ASS BACK AROUNG MY HOUSE. I DON’T EVEN WANNA SEE YOUR ASS ON THE STREET!” Tasha was furious and hurt. “But Tasha” Tasha cut her right off. “NO I DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT KEISHA,” fumed Tasha, “YOU WERE MY GIRL HOW COULD YOU?? MATTER OF FACT I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHY I ASKED YOU THAT, YOU SHIESTY AND SCANDALOUS.” “Tasha I’m sorry.” said Tasha in an almost audible voice.

Tasha was really hurt by what Keisha had done and had vowed to never forgive her no matter how close they had once been. Tasha had saw keisha in passing but she acted as though she did not know that she was there. Keisha tried to reach out to Tasha but the damage was already done. “TASHA, GET DOWN HERE GIRL!” yelled Tasha’s mother Pam. Pam was 34 and Tasha and Keisha sometimes viewed her as just a friend. She still had a petite figure and looked flawless, but could get mean when men got in the way of two friends. “What the hell is going on with you and Keisha?” she said angrily, “I can’t believe you let a man get between the two of you? A man that is too damn old any way?” Pam continued shaking her head at her daughter’s stupidity. “But momma she knew how I felt bout him, how could she do something like this to me?” replied Tasha with tears in her eyes. “It’s life baby and we learn to get over these things, she is your friend and I know that she never meant to hurt you; you know how she gets when she sees a nice car and a little bit of money,” she turned to get a now crying Tasha a tissue, “ this is Keisha that we are talking about.” “I know mom.” Said Tasha “Now I want you to call her right now and apologize to her and just hear her out, after that you are on your own.” “Thanks momma.” Tasha said as she hugged her mother.

Tasha then went to call Keisha, she really didn’t want to but she knew her mom was only helping her and wasn’t going to give her the wrong advice; she never did. “Yea Keish it’s me Tasha.” “Tasha just let me explain, you know that I that I get a little out of control when money and cars are involved,” Keisha said, “at first I didn’t know that was him, he wouldn’t tell me his name but he knew mine; we were at a party and it was dark.” “That’s not what I called you for; momma told me to call you and make amends. I just can’t believe that you would do this to me, but that’s not the point we are better than this and I’m sorry for the way I acted; you my girl for life.” Tasha said as the tears began to roll down her face again. “I promise I will never do it again, it’s over between me and him; I would never hurt you like that again.” Replied, a now too crying, Keisha.

Tasha went on to graduate from the 12th grade and went to Neumann College with a full scholarship. She and Keisha are still best friends and are closer than ever. Keisha too plans to attend Neumann College the following year. As far as Tawain goes, he is still destroying best friend relationships with young girl, but this is one that he had failed to do so.

Dina Pin, 6th period ; Rough Draft

2007-11-19T19:33:00.000-05:00

I live life as any ordinary smart teenage girl. I go to school, get straight A's, hang out with my friends after school everyday and have a loving boyfriend. I seem perfectly fine on how I describe myself but no one knows what I go through inside my house. I express my feelings only to my true friends, but sometimes it feels like they don't care and only use me for my school work. My names is Sandy Johnson, I’m 14 years old and graduating middle school this June.

I listen to my mom all the time and baby sat my siblings daily. I was never aloud out on the weekends. I was stuck in the house while my mom was out partying, getting drunk, and get into fist fights with other women. On the other hand my step-dad was never home either, he would also party and get drunk. They would come home very late at night and start getting loud and put all their anger out on me. I always wonder what I deserve to get this but never found the answer.

It was one in the morning and my mom came rushing in my room and grabbed me out of my bed. In a quick thought I knew she was drunk, but I didn't fight back because I was too scared to do anything. This wasn't the first time I experienced something like this, I gone through it many times. My mom started hitting me forcefully with her bear hands. "Stop!", I yelled, but nothing stopped her and she hit me harder. She was my mother so I couldn't do nothing, after she was done she told me to take care of my younger sister who wasn't even one years old yet. I obey her so she wouldn't get more angry at me.

I cried all night until the sun came out. School was about to start in an hour or so but I wanted to get out the house fast. Leaving out the door my mom stopped me and told me to stay home. I knew what she was planning to do and I couldn't let this happen again. So I went upstairs as if going to my room, but I jumped out the window from the upstairs to the backyard. I escaped safely into the alleyway to get to in front of the house. As soon as I got out, I ran to my cousin house who lives 4 blocks away from me.

I knocked on the door of my cousin Amanda's house and my aunt opened the door, I asked for Amanda but my aunt told she was in the shower. My aunt ask why was I crying and I told her that my mom hit me and I left to go get my friend who lives the next block up. I knocked on her door as soon as I got there. She opened the door and right away she knew something was up. My eyes were so puffy and red, that instantly you can tell I was crying all night long.

We decided to cut school but I knew right there on I couldn't go school like this. So we went somewhere to talk about what happen. I told her everything, and as I was she started to cry herself. We didn't know what to do, and the only thing that went through my mind was to tell someone about this. So my friend and I went to school and go talk to our school counselor. I knew it was wrong to tell on my mom, but I just had to do it. My counselor insist on reporting about the abuse, so the people can come in and talk to me about if I want to move out and live with one of other relatives.

While in the principal office waiting for the people to come in, my friend and I looked outside into the school yard where the other kids were having recess. I looked at my friends, teasing each other and looking so happy and it felt as if I didn't exist to them, like I was a nobody. A little while later the people came to discussed with me about mymy mom and other things going out. The meeting lasted awhile and as the time past it was time to go home. They suggested me to go home and pack my stuff and move in with my aunt. I did as what they told me and somewhat I knew I was doing the wrong thing but I had to for the sake of my life.

I went to my house with my cousins to get my stuff, my mom didn't say nothing to me. She ignored me like I was nothing, it hurt but I couldn't do anything about it. I gathered up my stuff and left without a goodbye. One night my aunt told me to go home and watch my siblings while my mom go to a wedding. I didn't want to go so instead of going there I went to the movies with my friends. After the movies, I got into deep trouble with my older cousin, he yelled at me and drove me back to my aunt's house. In my mind all I thought about is when was my life going to be over, so I can be done and stop dealing with life.

A couple of months pass by, eventually I moved back in with my family. Its not really the same anymore since my mom doesn't care about me anymore. I still go through a difficult life everyday and still upset my mom ignores me all the time. I go out everyday and come home late just to avoid her. I don't know what to do, but just deal with it until I turn eighteen years old and I could finally disappear from this depressing place.

Nelson Hollerway Period 2 Rough Draft

2007-11-19T19:16:00.000-05:00

Nelson Hollerway
Creative Writing
Period 2
“Good morning DJ,” said James. James was a spry young fellow, only six; he lived in his own world even though his mother was around almost every minute of every day. His mother loved and she was the best mother any kid could ever ask for. “What’s up youngin’ you gonna be late for school you better hurry up,” replied DJ who was up all night. DJ was James’ mom’s boyfriend. James’ parents weren’t married but they were separated because they didn’t see eye to eye with just about everything. DJ was 19, he dropped out of high school but he had a GED. “Okay DJ I’ll hurry up…where’s my mom?” James asked.
“She got up early this morning and went out somewhere, she said she had to make a run,” DJ told James. James’ little sister was only in preschool so she didn’t have to get up in the morning because she had afternoon class. James’ sister’s name was Tina; James woke her up and left to go to school. James went to school and what he thought was just another day in his life turned into the first day of month of mystery. When James came back from school he buzzed the project-building buzzer to his apartment. No one buzzed him in so he went to buzz a friend of his apartment so he could get in but that didn’t work either. James sat in front of his apartment for ten minutes. The low sound of police car sirens gradually became louder and before he knew it the car had sped up to his building, the “C” building. A squad car and his grandmother’s red grand prix pulled up in front of him. His grand mother ran out of the car and grabbed James the police escorted James and his Grandmother to James’ apartment. When James entered the apartment his grandmother told him to pack his little suitcase up with as much clothes as possible. He was also told to do the same for his little sister. DJ his mom’s boyfriend was being questioned on James’ mom’s where bouts. “Officer I’ve just told a thousand times she went out this morning and never came!” mutter DJ in between sobs. “Did you see her go to her car? Was she picked up by someone?”
“I don’t know officer, I felt her get out of bed and that was it,” DJ looked just as worried as James and his grandmother when he answered the officer’s last question. DJ was questioned several more times by the police. James and his sister Tina stayed with their grandmother for about a month. Young James and his sister had saved things for their mother in special boxes so they could give her something special when came back to them. They had gone back to their apartment a bunch of times and brought more and more of their stuff to their grandmother’s house. The children had never thought about how long their mother was gone; it was something that seemed unimportant to them as days went on. One day the kids went to see a counselor. They thought she was just a babysitter and she would watch them and write things about what they said and how they acted.
James went to see his babysitter almost everyday. She went from a weird white woman who talked proper and funny to him to like a good friend. One day she broke his heart with the worst news she good ever deliver to him. She told him that his mother wasn’t coming back. She told him that the love of his heart, his mother, the only one he would ever have was dead. She was killed and they knew who did it. DJ, James’ mom’s boyfriend had written a confession that he was the murderer. When James found out that DJ had killed his mother James was so upset and crushed mentally that he sat in shock. He held his younger sister as she cried

Star-Aisha Boyd Period#2

2007-11-19T18:27:00.000-05:00

Star-Aisha Boyd
Creative Writing
Period #2

A Dance To Victory

He stretches his body leaving every muscle visible to the audience. He slides and

glides across the stage, while making everyone sit at the edge of there seats. He

dances to the music as if the song was made just for him. He seems to dance with

emotion letting his body do all the talking. The song ends and everyone jumps to

there feet applauding his wonderful abilities. James rush off the stage with a smile

on his face. He is so excited. Once he reaches behind the stage, his friends who are

also apart of the Elvin Elle’ dance group, applause him for his great solo.

James felt so high that not even the absents of his mother could bring him down.

Because of his mother’s abused to drugs, James was forced to leave home at the age

of thirteen. During all the hard times he had to face, James found his escape

through dancing. After the show, James rushed over to his mother’s South Philly

row house home, to tell his mother what he have just accomplished. Once he

reached his mother home, James was hesitating. He wasn’t sure if he should go

inside.

He finally gathered the strength to go inside. He slowly opens the door, while yelling

for his mother. She quickly runs to the door wondering who was calling her. When

she finally realized it was he, She started to frown. Ignoring his mother reaction,

James extended his arms to give her a hug. She walks slowly towards him allowing

him to hug her. James was so excited that he didn’t even allow that to bother him.

He begins to tell her what a great night he had and how all the people were

appraising him. She quickly cuts him off and asks for five dollars so she can get a

hit. James was so discussed. He couldn’t believe what his mother just asked him.

James frowned at her and walked out of the house.

On his way home, James received a call from Ms. Kelly Washington. She told him

that when he left some big time producers was asking for him. She also said that

they want him to call then with thin a week. James called the next day and with

thin a month he was future in over fifteen videos, some being: Rihanna, Unfaithful;

Rihanna, SOS; Beyonce, Naughty Girl; and many more. Once he reached a high

level of success, James took one more offered to rescue his mother. He went back to

the South Philly row house. And this time, James was in for a surprise. He opened

the door and his mother was there with her bags packed. She told him that she

checked into a rehabilitation office and the she was going to do right. He then told

her that if she complete all the step and really keep clean, that he would buy her a

house. Since than he James and his mother are doing well and they are both living

in a house located in New York.

Star-Aisha Boyd Period#2

2007-11-19T18:22:00.000-05:00

Star-Aisha Boyd
Creative Writing
Period #2

A Dancing To Victory

He stretches his body leaving every muscle visible to the audience. He slides and

glides across the stage, while making everyone sit at the edge of there seats. He

dances to the music as if the song was made just for him. He seems to dance with

emotion letting his body do all the talking. The song ends and everyone jumps to

there feet applauding his wonderful abilities. James rush off the stage with a smile

on his face. He is so excited. Once he reaches behind the stage, his friends who are

also apart of the Elvin Elle’ dance group, applause him for his great solo.

James felt so high that not even the absents of his mother could bring him down.

Because of his mother’s abused to drugs, James was forced to leave home at the age

of thirteen. During all the hard times he had to face, James found his escape

through dancing. After the show, James rushed over to his mother’s South Philly

row house home, to tell his mother what he have just accomplished. Once he

reached his mother home, James was hesitating. He wasn’t sure if he should go

inside.

He finally gathered the strength to go inside. He slowly opens the door, while yelling

for his mother. She quickly runs to the door wondering who was calling her. When

she finally realized it was he, She started to frown. Ignoring his mother reaction,

James extended his arms to give her a hug. She walks slowly towards him allowing

him to hug her. James was so excited that he didn’t even allow that to bother him.

He begins to tell her what a great night he had and how all the people were

appraising him. She quickly cuts him off and asks for five dollars so she can get a

hit. James was so discussed. He couldn’t believe what his mother just asked him.

James frowned at her and walked out of the house.

On his way home, James received a call from Ms. Kelly Washington. She told him

that when he left some big time producers was asking for him. She also said that

they want him to call then with thin a week. James called the next day and with

thin a month he was future in over fifteen videos, some being: Rihanna, Unfaithful;

Rihanna, SOS; Beyonce, Naughty Girl; and many more. Once he reached a high

level of success, James took one more offered to rescue his mother. He went back to

the South Philly row house. And this time, James was in for a surprise. He opened

the door and his mother was there with her bags packed. She told him that she

checked into a rehabilitation office and the she was going to do right. He then told

her that if she complete all the step and really keep clean, that he would buy her a

house. Since than he James and his mother are doing well and they are both living

in a house located in New York.

Creative Writing

Kelly Nguyen 6th period final monologue

Augustus Johnson/ Final Monologue/"Scared"

Victoria Lewis-Davis 6th Period Monologue

NASHAI [MONOLOUGE]

Randy Shuler 6th Period

Jose Ruiz's Monologue

Dina Pin, 6th period ; Monolouge.

"Suprise, Suprise"

Charnice Barrett*Monologue

Sharnise Dozier 6th period Final Draft

Lache Brown 2nd period Monologue

Kiara Cofer Monologue

Maribel Moreno 6th period/ Monogue

DRAFT/AUGUSTUS JOHNSON/MONOLOGUE

Dan Chiev 6th Period Monolouge

Sheree Page, 6th period, Monologue

Jasmone` Townes.2Nd- MONOlOGUE

Kevin Forge Final Draft (Monologue)

~*ASMIRA.L.TULL*~ 6period

“Things Are Always What They Seem” *Touching*

Shaniqua Rudd - Final Monologue

Monologue by Chinique Alburg

Star Boyd(monologue)

Nelson Hollerway Period 2 Monologue

Shana Earley

Julius Lewis (Monologue)

Sumayah Jeter New Post (Monologue)

Dina Pin, 6th period ; Final Draft

Nelson Hollerway

NASHAI FINAL DRAFT

Sumayah Jeter 6th period FINAL DRAFT

FRIENDS ARE FOREVER FINAL DRAFT

Pulled Over By Julius Lewis Final Draft

Melinda Gibson Per 2 FINAL

Murder at DuPoint High (Final Draft)

Maribel Moreno 6th period final draft

Jose Ruiz BMX Final Draft

APARTMENT CRiSiS [(FiNiAl DRAFT)]- Jasmone` Townes[(2ndPeriod)]

Brandon Carter THE SET

Final Draft - Shaniqua Rudd 2nd Period

Victoria Lewis-Davis 6th Period Final Draft

Dan Chiev 6th Period Final Draft

Kevin Forge 12-06-07 FINAL DRAFT

Kiara Cofer

Lache Brown Edited Draft 2nd Period

Star-Aisha Boyd Period#2 final Draft

SHARNISE DOZIER FINAL DRAFT 6TH PERIOD

Kelly Nguyen Final Draft 6th period

Sheron Gardner "A New Town" 6perod

final copy shelly aka michelle-amber baxter

Briana Poteat Final Draft 6th period

Sheree Page 6th Period FINAL DRAFT

Like Father Like Son ***Rewrite***

The mountain of no return

Augustus Johnson/ when things go wrong/FINAL DRAFT

Happy Birthday Rachel!! By Charnice Barrett 6th Period Final Draft

THE SHOWDOWN AT THE PLAYGROUND

briana poteat period6 DRAFT

Kevin Forge 6th period

Lost N Found Final Copy

Augustus Johnson/ when things go wrong

***New Post By Nelson Hollerway**** Revised Rough Draft

~*ASMIRA.L.TULL*~ 6 PERIOD

michelle baxter

Diamond Rosario,Period 6

Randy Shuler 6th Period

Happy Birthday Rachel!! By Charnice Barrett 6th Period

Sheree Page, 6th period

***ATTENTION*** PEER RESPONSE ACTIVITY*** DUE THURSDAY, NOV. 29TH***

By Kiara Cofer, Creative Writing 2nd Period

Maribel Moreno 6th period

APARTMENT CRiSiS- Jasmone` Townes[(2ndPeriod)]

Melinda Gibson 2nd Period

This Is Where I Wanna Be - Shaniqua Rudd 2nd Period

TRAPPED OBSESSION - Tanya Murray 2nd period

Murder at DuPoint High

FRIENDS ARE FOREVER {edited rough draft}

FRIENDS ARE FOREVER

Dina Pin, 6th period ; Rough Draft

~ASMIRA.L.TULL~ 6period

“Things Are Always What They Seem” Touching

Like Father Like Son Rewrite

*New Post By Nelson Hollerway** Revised Rough Draft

~ASMIRA.L.TULL~ 6 PERIOD

ATTENTION PEER RESPONSE ACTIVITY* DUE THURSDAY, NOV. 29TH*