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
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Final Draft - Shaniqua Rudd 2nd Period
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.
“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
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.
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
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.
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.
Kevin Forge 12-06-07 FINAL DRAFT
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.
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
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.
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.
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”.
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”.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Lache Brown Edited Draft 2nd Period
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.
“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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Like Father Like Son ***Rewrite***
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.
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.
Monday, December 3, 2007
The mountain of no return
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….
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….
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