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BPD8- Inside Out

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Inside Out

Lauren Turner

Bang! Crash! All of a sudden Cassidy’s world was turned upside down.

  When Cassidy awoke a pain ripped through her side.  She could hear beeping and see white walls everywhere.  She asked a woman where she was and the woman answered her.  “Don’t you know that you are in the hospital?”  Cassidy was shocked. She wondered countless times why she was in the hospital.  Suddenly, it all came back to her.  She was on her porch knitting when out of nowhere she felt a pain rip through her side and she knew that she had been shot, and she fell to the ground.  Her sister that she was living with saw her on the ground and she called 911.  The doctor at the hospital had determined that it was a gun shot. Strangely enough, the doctor had determined that it was a 410 shell that she had been shot with because 410’s are not usually what you would shoot people with if you were intending to purposely hurt them. Cassidy side wasn’t the only thing that hurt however, her head was pounding.  She felt her head and realized she had had stiches.

 Her sister, Morgan, came in and told her that when she had fallen off the chair she had badly cut her head on a rock.  Fortunately, the bullet hadn’t damaged any organs, but Morgan told Cassidy that she would have to be on bed rest for 6 weeks to let the wound and stitches heal. Cassidy was heartbroken. She loved her job as a waitress and to be on bed rest for 6 weeks was almost unbearable for her to hear. Suddenly, she remembered one of her favorite Bible verses. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

Cassidy decided that she would be grateful and glad that she wasn’t hurt any worse.  She knew that the 6 weeks would be hard but she knew that God would help her get through it.  She made up her mind that she would be at peace with the whole situation.  Morgan told her that she could go home in two days, so that the doctors could run some more tests before they released her. 

There was a police officer that was put on the case of finding out who had shot her and why.

The police officer’s name was John Mayfield and he was actually a friend of Cassidy’s.  Two days later, when Cassidy got home there was a note in her mailbox that read.

I’m so sorry for any damage that was done.  I didn’t realize that there was anybody on the porch when I shot the gun.  I did not intend to hurt anything and I am extremely sorry.

Greg Mason, 910-808-4509

Cassidy was shocked when she saw the letter that was in the mailbox. She immediately called John to let him know that it was an accident and that she had found the person responsible for the accident, and she gave him the phone number that was on the note.  Deputy Mayfield called Mr. Mason at the number that was on the note and asked him why he was shooting a 410 in front of a house.  Greg explained that he was practicing shooting while moving and he didn’t realize that there was a house much less someone sitting on the front porch when he was shooting.  He said that he didn’t realize it had hit someone until the ambulances started showing up. He said that he was too scared and shy to admit that he was actually the cause, so he waited until everyone had left and he had put a note in the mailbox.

                John Mayfield came to the house one day not long after the accident and told Cassidy that he believed that Greg Mason was really telling the truth.  Because Morgan was working and Cassidy was on bed rest on of the ladies at their church set up a meal schedule.  Somehow Greg Mason found the schedule and he signed up to bring a meal the first night possible. He showed up with a delicious dinner consisting of chicken enchiladas, chocolate chip cookies, banana nut bread, green beans, and sweet tea.  He once again sincerely apologized for the accident.  Morgan and Cassidy gratefully thanked him and invited him to stay for dinner so they could get to know him. He accepted.

                After Greg left that night Morgan and Cassidy played a rousing game of Clue and even under the influence of painkillers Cassidy won and they retired for the night. When Cassidy awoke the next morning Morgan was gone but she helped herself to two slices of banana nut bread and decided to start a new book.  Cassidy loved reading.  After she read ten chapters, she turned on the TV to see what was on. She was delighted to find that The Price is Right was on.  Cassidy loved The Price is Right, she loved guessing the games and seeing if she could win any.  The rest of the day she found interesting things to do until Morgan got home. Once Morgan got home they ate dinner and played a few games.

                Six weeks later, Cassidy was very excited that she could get out of bed more and she wasn’t on complete bed rest. The doctor said that he didn’t want her to go back to work for two or three more weeks until her body had a complete chance to heal itself.  Cassidy didn’t care since she was off bed rest she could drive around and visit neighbors and such.  Her first day off bed rest was a Saturday so she decided to do some baking.  Other than reading and her job, baking was one of Cassidy’s favorite things to do.  She made blueberry, lemon poppy seed, and cinnamon streusel muffins.  She also made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.  She decided that she would take an assortment along with a thank-you note to everyone that had brought them dinner while she was recovering. She made a list of everyone who had brought them meals and then she put together the assortments and attached the thank-you notes.  She spent the rest of her Saturday delivering the goodies.

                On Sunday, she was so excited to go to church for the first time in many weeks.  Everyone at church was equally glad to see her. The sermon was ironically on healing and how God works through our circumstances to heal us both physically and spiritually.  Cassidy realized that her accident had really brought her closer to God through the whole situation, and how she really did need the down time to ponder and concentrate on God and what He had been speaking to her about.  One of the verses that really hit hard was Jeremiah 30:27, for I will restore health to you, and I will heal you of your wounds, said the LORD.  She realized that she had both physical and spiritual wounds, and that through her accident God had worked on restoring both the physical wounds and the spiritual wounds.

             Five months after the accident Cassidy was completely restored from her physical wounds and she could really see God working on restoring her spiritual wounds. She learned so much about God during those six weeks on bed rest and she now knew that without a doubt that the accident had been orchestrated by God so that she could draw closer to him. After the accident so many people commented on how they had seen God in her or how they had seen God work through her.  She learned that God changes you from the inside out.

BPD7- The First Encounter

The First Encounter

Elisabeth Sullivan

“Do it, Julia,”

Julia heard Shannon’s impatient mutter distantly. She was starting to feel light-headed. This was crazy; why was she feeling this way? As she backed away from the hole the faintness left her. Now it wasn’t just weird, it was scary.

“No way,” she finally answered. “Nothing could induce me to go in there. What if there are wild animals living in there?”

"Oh, don’t worry, Julia.” Reagan replied innocently. “If you get killed by a little stray kitten, we will definitely call the police.”

Shannon burst into bouts of mean laughter while Julia’s eyes stung with unshed tears. They were the closest thing to friends that she had ever had.

She hesitated, searching for another excuse. “But I still have my prom dress on and peg heels,” she said lamely.

Shannon snorted in cynicism. “Julia, seriously? Your dress won’t get dirty if you’re just looking and you can take off your shoes since you’re so worried about it.”

Sighing, Julia looked back at the doorway. She had run out of excuses. As she glanced inside, she saw something like a little light on the smooth, shiny floor. She felt an inexplicable impulse to touch the light. It was just so beautiful. Like a star that had just fallen from the heavens.

She reached out.

She hesitated.

She touched it.

“What is taking you so long?” complained Reagan loudly.

Julia’s blue dress was still visible, but the rest of her was inside the door. When no answer came, they became more wary of the brick doorway that held their ‘friend’ inside.

“Julia, what’s in there? Come out and tell us!” cried Shannon with a mixture of suspicion and impatience.

There was a sound of great cracking and Julia’s screams left them both in horror.

“We killed her, Reagan. We’ve gone and killed her.”

Julia heard her own terrified screams echo off the smooth, carven walls that were swiftly passing her by. She was falling… and she didn’t think she would ever be able to stop. The air in the seemingly infinite hole she had fallen in was starting to get thicker and harder to breathe. She was afraid. Afraid she would hyperventilate… afraid she would crash into the ground that she had to hit eventually… afraid she would never be able to get back up to where she had come from.

Afraid she would die.

Now it was as if the air had been sucked out of the cave-like hole; only vast space and emptiness. Her lungs burned and her head felt like it would explode. She wondered for one brief instant whether there were books in heaven before she lost all consciousness.

~

Julia blinked her eyes weakly. There were tree branches above her, swaying faintly in the gentle breeze. It felt like she was lying against something hard. She craned her neck the tiniest bit to see what it was and to her unexplainable surprise, it was the tree trunk that held the tree branches up. It seemed strange and unnatural, but it was probably just her fancy.

Slowly sitting up, she scrutinized her surroundings more thoroughly. The sky was exceptionally blue and the sun was at its highest point, so she figured it was around noon-time. She was sitting in the midst of a grassy meadow with a few massive oak or maple trees scattered around. It appeared as if she was the only one living in this seemingly empty region.

She decided that she was too tired to stay awake; and anyway, there was no point in staying awake anyway when there’s nothing to do and no one to talk to.

She woke up to see a pair of great eyes glaring into hers, just millimeters from her instantly terrified face. She did what any sensible, normal person would do.

She screamed her loudest while flailing her arms and beating at the giant red face in front of her.

To her great relief and embarrassment, the oversized butterfly that had been resting on her nose flew off in a great hurry to get away from this loud and obnoxious predator. Julia thought sheepishly to herself that the circles on his lovely red wings didn’t look like eyes much at all and he was actually the most beautiful butterfly she had ever seen, despite his comical size. She looked up just to see a fuming face glaring at her and a hand slapped roughly against her mouth.

“Are you a complete idiot?” the girl hissed through clenched teeth. Obviously, she was not very happy about something; Julia could only guess what.

Shaking her head fiercely, she tried to tell the strange girl that she was not an idiot and that she would very much like to know why she would think such a thing.

"You just screamed loud enough to wake the dead! There are enemies everywhere!” she whispered, visibly worried and irritated.

“Mhmmf, mfhhm mhmff-”

The girl took her hand off of Julia’s mouth hastily.

“Well, how was I supposed to know that? How do I know you’re not an enemy?” Julia inquired reasonably while wiping off her face. That girl had something sticky on her fingers and Julia did not appreciate having honey or whatever it was plastered all over her face.

The girl sighed regretfully and raked her slender fingers through her jet-black hair. Her fingers were no longer sticky because she had wiped all of the residue on Julia’s face.

“Of course, I forgot the Prophecy.” She muttered, now looking as though she were angrier with herself than with Julia.

“Uh, what prophecy?”

She continued as though she hadn’t heard the interruption. “They will want to know. I’ll have to get into contact with them soon.”

“Uh, who are ‘they’?”

“Hmmm, when did they say they would be at the Poilinke?” she went on anxiously.

Julia had had enough. This was ridiculous! “This conversation is feeling very one-sided!” OK, she had the girl’s attention. “Who are you, who are the ‘they’ you were talking about, what ‘prophecy’ were you talking about and for Pete’s sake, what the heck was on your hands?!”

“Few people know my real name, and those who do don’t call me by it.”

Oh, real helpful, thought Julia sarcastically. Seriously, this girl did not have to be so mysterious and dramatic about everything.

“’They’ are the Dravindar, which is basically a group I’m in. Don’t have time to tell you more than that right now. The Prophecy…” she hesitated, trying to find the words. “There’s this Prophecy and the Dravindar have to fulfill it with the help of an Earthling. I guess that sums it up.”

As Julia began to ask another question, she added, "Oh, and you probably don’t want to know what was on my hands.”

Grimacing with mixed disgust and curiosity, Julia was at a loss for words. Then she remembered. “Well, since you won’t tell me your real name, what should I call you?”

“I am known as Starlet. I am not known for my gentle nature. Hope that helped.”

After that, Julia was determined to think up a clever rejoinder.

“I am known as Julia. I am not an idiot. Hope that helped.”

Starlet looked at her quizzically. “I did not ask for your name.”

Julia blew her breathe out, annoyed. “Whatever.” Then a thought returned.

“Wait, what did you mean by ‘Earthling’?”

The simple question seemed to confuse Starlet. “I mean someone who has come from Earth. Everybody knows that.”

“But…” Julia paused. That had to mean…

“If you’re puzzled by the whole ‘earth’ thing-” she abruptly stopped, as though she were listening for enemies foot treads. “You’re not on Earth anymore. You’re in Caliganoer now, girl.”

BPD6- God is Number One, Friends Are Next

God is Number One, Friends Are Next

T.W. Wright

   “Trisha,” I nudged her.

   “Shhh,” She kept her eyes on the preacher.

   I rolled my eyes and kept thinking about what we would do that afternoon. Maybe we could play a game? Wii? Paint our nails? Something like that?

   “Trisha,” I tried again.

   “Maggie, I’m trying to listen.” She scribbled words into her polka dotted notebook.

   “Fine,” I mumbled.

   I sat through the rest of the service thinking of things we would do—if she could come over.

   Finally the service was over and I jumped to my feet.

   “Ok, Maggie, what were you dying to tell me all throughout church?” Trisha propped one hand on her hip.

   I grinned, “Could you come over this afternoon? Then we’d bring you up for tonight.”

   “Let me ask my aunt, but you know Aunt Rose.” Trisha patted my shoulder.

   “Yes,” I whispered under of my breath.

   Trisha was back moments later with a smile on her face, “Aunt Rose agreed immediately. But I’ll need some clothes to borrow—would that be ok?”

   My brow furrowed, “Do you think you’ll fit into my clothes?”

   Trisha quirked an eyebrow at me, “Of course I will.”

   “Ok, great, let me ask my mom.” I squeezed her arm before turning on my heel.

   I looked around the church, where was my mom? I tiptoed and searched the people even harder. There. There she was with the triplets at the front of the church

   I squeezed through all of the people in the sanctuary until I was finally by her side, the triplets jumped all over me.

   “Maggie! We learned about five thousand people and two loaves and five fish.” Gertrude grinned.

   “Trude, it was two fishes and five loaves.” Kaitlin folded her arms.

   “That’s great guys,” I wasn’t listening to them, I didn’t even care.

   “I thought it was really cool,” Jacob smiled.

   Whatever. I finally went around the trio and tugged on Mom’s sleeve while she talked to Pastor Bentley.

   Mom held up a silencing finger. I folded my arms and just stared up at her.

   After what seemed like forever, Mom turned to me and propped both hands on her hips, “Maggie, what do you need?”

   “Can Trisha come over? Her aunt Rose already said it was ok with her,” I wish I could do cartoon eyes.

   Mom patted my shoulder, “Sure,”

   I pumped a fist.

   “Can I invite Katie over?”

   “What about Fiona?”

   Gertrude and Kaitlin started with their whining all over again. Such seven year olds. Ugh.

   I stole a glance at my brother, he just stuffed his hands in his pants and rolled his eyes at his sisters.

   Weaving through the chattering crowd again, I finally reached Trisha.

   “Trisha,” I was out of breath.

   She held up a hand while she talked to her friend, Lily I think?

   “So, like, Trisha, you totally have to read it, it is so a to die for book,” Lily brushed her bangs out of her eyes.

   “Oh, yes, I’ll get it A.S.A.P.” Trisha winked.

   “I see you, like, have someone that totally wants to talk to you.” Lily winked at me, “So, I’ll, like, see you tonight, girlie.”

   “Bye, Lily.” Trisha waved. “Ok, so, Maggie, what’d she say?”

   “She said you could come over.” I grinned.

  

   No longer hungry, Trisha and I thumped up the stairs to my room. Once inside, I shut the door and locked it.

   Trisha looked around with a smile, “You painted the walls since the last time I was here.”

   I looked around, my nose pinched up, “Really? It’s been that long since you were here? I got them painted the aqua color three or four weeks ago.”

   She nodded and continued to look around my room. Her eyes landed on the book Mom had bought me yesterday, The Tutor’s Daughter.

   “Ohmygosh,” Trisha covered her chest with her hand, “this is The Tutor’s Daughter? No way,”

   I rested my hands on my hips with a roll of my eyes, “Would you like to borrow it?”

   “Really, would you let me?” Trisha looked up at me, longing to touch the book.

   “Of course,” I threw myself on the nearest chair.

   “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, Maggie!” Trisha squealed.

   She immediately picked up the book and started reading.

   I started telling her about all of the latest items in my mom’s clothes store. I talked on and on about the shoes and denim jackets, but all I got out of Trisha was a ‘mmm,’ or an ‘awesome,’.

   It was getting irritating.

   I tried to draw her attention away from the book, but I couldn’t, it was simply impossible. But I tried all afternoon anyway.

  Such a relief came when Mom called from the bottom of the stairs, “Girls, time to get ready to go!” Trisha would have to put down the book now.

   But, she didn’t. She walked through my house with that book glued to her hand and nose.

   Now, I was getting really irritated.

   “Trisha, do you want me to hold the book for you while you put on your shoes?” And burn it. I added to myself.

   “No, that’s fine, girlie, I’ve got flats today.” Trisha tossed a smile. I tried the same.

   There was absolutely no way I would be able to lure my friend away from the book I was letting her borrow. I might as well have told her to go with Lily to her house all afternoon where they would’ve had at least some conversation.

   “Come on girls, the studies start in twenty minutes,” Mom walked towards us trying to get her earrings on with one high heel on and the other lopsided next to me.

   “Ok,” I pulled my boots on and trudged down the hall after Mom.

   “Hey baby,” Mom grinned at me.

   “Trisha’s ignored me for the entire afternoon.” I folded my arms.

   “Hmmp, that’s not like the usual Trisha, what’s up with her?”

   “That book you bought me yesterday. That’s what’s up. She’s been reading it all afternoon. She’s said like one whole sentence the entire time.”

   “Well, you should’ve just read something too.” Mom shrugged, “Sometimes people do that without realizing that it hurts.”

   “Thanks a lot, Mom,” I mumbled.

   I trudged back down the hall and into the living room. The triplets sat perfectly on the couch, until I walked in.

   “Maggie, do I look the best?”

   “No, Gertrude, I look the best!”

   “Girls,”

   My big brother Bill was also sitting on the couch, but paid attention only to his iPhone.

   I passed him, “Hey Bill,”

   Didn’t even reply, what a brother.

   I went back to the place where I had last seen Trisha, she was still there. With that book still stuck to her nose, I swear she was about a third of the way through already.

   I sat next to her on the floor, “Hey,”

   She put the book down. A miracle.

   Trisha held up a hand before I started talking, “Maggie, I noticed how you were during church today.”
   I fidgeted, “What do you mean?”

   “I mean that I could tell you weren’t paying attention to anything the pastor was saying, or what we were singing, or that you gave anything to the offering. Girl, I could tell you weren’t even listening to the missionaries that were there today.”

   Whoa, now I felt so bad, if my best friend could notice something like that, wouldn’t someone else be able to as well?

   “I wanted to show you what Jesus may feel like. So I became you, and you became Jesus. Do you know what I’m getting at?” Trisha settled her hand on my shoulder.

   I felt so bad, “Oh gosh, Trisha, I’ve never felt worse! I totally see what you’re saying. Thank you so much for explaining. And from now on I’ll do much better.”

   Trisha hugged me and I hugged her even tighter than she did me.

  

   April 21, 2014

   Trisha taught me what it’s like to know God, but not listen to Him or pay attention to those doing His work.

   I’m really sorry, God. Help me to praise you from now on. Help me to stop thinking about things during church and think only of You.

BPD5- A Pebble's Journey- My Journey

A Pebble’s Journey – My Journey

A short story by Natasha Lim

            I sat along the side of the gravel road in front of my house, waiting and thinking. Excitement and fear fought for a place in my heart. I blinked hard, and struggled to control my emotions. Scuffing the ground with my ankle-high boots, I saw something sparkle. Curios, I leaned over and picked up a strangely shiny pebble. Picking the pebble from the ground, I turned the smooth, cool stone over in my hands. This pebble has probably been here for a long time, like me, I’ve been here… Forever. I sighed. Then again, this pebble may have been all over the world before landing here. If adventure calls it, it’ll go. I stared at the stone, wondering what to do with it. Finally, I decided to keep the pebble and slipped it into my skirt pocket.

Pulling my cream-colored coat tightly around me, I bowed my head, closed my eyes and breathed in the Canadian afternoon air. Opening my eyes, I watched the leaves scuttle and chased each other around my feet. Crisp bronze leaves swirled in the autumn wind. Mesmerized by the rich color of the leaves, I failed to hear the sound of a car until it rolled into view. I sucked my breath in sharply as the car slowed to a stop. Gingerly, I stepped in and pulled my suitcase onto my lap. I looked up the driveway and at my small and simple house, the house that I had lived in since I was born. It used to be cheery, bright, and noisy, but now, everyone has embarked on their own separate journeys and left me behind. Both my parents had passed away, and my three older brothers each live in a different part of the globe.

Slamming the door, I bit my lip. Gently, the car rolled forward. I closed my eyes and rested my head on the window, letting it cool my skin. I was on my way to Paris. I, Ashlynn Greye, the most insecure, timid, and lonely person on the face of the earth, was going to Paris on my own.

An hour later, I stood in front of the check-in counter, worriedly fiddling with my bracelet. Smiling as she looked at me, the lady at the counter took my passport. She had shiny white teeth and bright red lips. I watched them the entire time she spoke.

“Paris is a beautiful place.” She said, her red lips shaping the words perfectly.

I nodded dumbly, mesmerized.

“Are you going with anyone?”

I shook my head, wishing she would stop talking to me and just hand my passport back.

“Here’s your passport and enjoy your trip.”

I turned and barely took a step when she called to me, “Try the macaroons there, they are delicious.”

Turning back, I smiled and nodded my head awkwardly. I have only eaten a macaroon once before. Recalling the taste of the buttery and light confectionery, I missed its characteristic subtle hint of almond flavor as well as its crisp outer shell and moist chewy innards. Slowly, I made my way to the departure hall. Noise and voices and lights and smells encompassed me. For years, I lived alone, only making contact with the world for a couple of hours every day to work as a cashier at the nearby gas station. Airports and noisy places constituted part of my distant memory. Sounds from the cafés and check-in counters swirled around me and filled me, rising and falling like music from an orchestra. Drowning in all these sounds, I nearly bumped into someone. I missed the person, but tripped over his luggage. My suitcase hit the floor, and a loud crack resonated throughout the room. Heads turned and eyes explored my face. Flustered, I sped off, clutching my suitcase to my chest, face burning with embarrassment.

Panting, I arrived at the departure hall. Still hugging my suitcase, I handed my passport to the immigration officer. He had thick eyebrows, really thick eyebrows. Before I realized it, my eyes were glued to them. He smiled, his eyebrows softening.

“You’re early, there’s no need to rush.” Looking from me to my passport, he asked, “Ashlynn Greye?” His eyebrows went up. I nodded.

“Have you ever been to Paris?”

I shook my head.

“You’ve seen the Eiffel Tower, I presume?” He raised one eyebrow.

I tore my eyes away from his brows and nodded.

He returned my passport, and I took one last look at his eyebrows before scurrying into the waiting room.

In the waiting room, I examined my suitcase. Interestingly, it held together despite the crack. Laying my suitcase on my lap, I scanned my surroundings. Unconsciously, I twisted my hands. Then I gasped and panic gripped me. My bracelet, the one my mother gave me before she left, had disappeared! Look what you’ve done! I scolded myself, If you have not decided to come on this stupid trip, you would not have lost Mom’s bracelet. Fool! I scanned at the floor and checked the sleeves of my coat to ensure it did not catch onto anything. While I searched, I repeatedly chided myself. My panic grew, until I felt the pebble in my pocket. I pulled it out and turned it over in my trembling hands, remembering the resolution I made earlier that day. At the same time, someone announced that passengers could begin to board the plane. People slowly flowed towards the doors that led to the plane. As I looked gathering crowd of people, I bit my lip. Slowly, I put one foot in front of the other and started toward the doors.

Ten minutes later, I sat in the plane. Under me, the seat felt sleek and silky. Running my hand over the black leather, I enjoyed its velvety smoothness. As I held on to the pebble, a sense peacefulness washed over me like a warm, soothing wave. Sleep claimed me minutes after the takeoff. I awoke halfway through the journey, and throughout the rest of it I observed people and dreamed about Paris. Before she died, my mother confessed to me she had always wanted to go to Paris but never got to. Feeling an obligation to fulfill her desire, I vowed to visit Paris. Miles up in the air, it comforted me to think Mother would approve of this.

Seven hours later, the plane jerked, lurched, and slowed. I had landed safely in Paris. Looking out my window, I realized it was late and raining. As I neared the doors of the plane, a cool blast of damp air hit me in the face, tugging at strands of my chestnut brown hair. As I stepped off the plane, my body tingled with excitement. Confidently, I strolled through immigration and toward the taxi stand. Minutes later, I walked into a huge hotel. Its grandeur and splendor completely stole my breath. All the excitement and tension had completely sapped me of all my energy and when I got to my room, I fell into bed and slept, dreaming of wonderful times I would spend in Paris.

Days passed in a blur. For all 22 years of my life, I have never felt so alive. I ate, toured, slept with a smile on my face. Pictures of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre Dame de Paris, and other Paris attractions filled my camera. Every one of those pictures had a little pebble in it.

Finally, the last day of my holiday arrived. I toyed with the pebble as I walked down one of Paris’s most beautiful streets. Suddenly, it slipped and clattered to the ground. It began to roll away. Running behind it, I heaved a sigh of relief as it stopped rolling. As I picked the pebble up, I realized I stood in front of a café. Pastel pink, lime green, and bold purple macaroons filled the display. My mouth watered as the smell of freshly baked macaroons filled my nostrils; it’s delicately sweet and fruity floral fragrance beckoning me to buy them.

“Welcome!” A voice broke the silence. A young man with dark brown hair stood behind the counter. I found myself looking at the deepest, most beautiful pair of hazel brown eyes.

“Um, hi. I want to buy some macaroons.” I said awkwardly.

“Wait, aren’t you… that girl …?” He asked squinting at me.

“What?” I managed before he rushed off into the back of the shop.

“Is this yours?” Something dangled from his fingers.

“My bracelet! Where’d you find it?” I grabbed it. As I held it in my hands, relief and joy bubbled from within me.

“You trip over my luggage in Montreal.” He explained. “Wow! I didn’t expect to see you here.” he added as he ran a hand through his hair.

I realized something different about the bracelet’s chain. Originally thick and old-fashioned, the chain had transformed into something delicate and pretty.

He saw my expression and quickly said, “Oh yeah, I changed the chain. It snapped. I hope you like. Nothing missing, I hope.”

I counted the beads, “No, nothing.” I replied. “Thanks.”

 “So, are you buying anything?”

“Of course!” I smiled.

After spending a couple minutes deciding, I picked out a boxful of macaroons. I handed him the money and skipped off. As the door closed, I heard him say something but I ignored it. You see, I gave him a tip, a special, small, smooth, round tip.

BPD4- The Impossible Choice

*You all will be voting for your favorite stories at the end of the contest*

The Impossible Choice

By Kaira Anne

 An empty boat.

An empty heart.

Can I ever find them? I stepped carefully, staring at the boat just to my right floating aimlessly in the murky water. Was this the boat my parents had taken so long ago? When they entered this forest never to return? What terrible thing could make people vanish, leaving no trace of the King and Queen of Aridna? Questions raced through my mind, a kilometer a second, but the quiet serene forest whispered.

"Nothing to fear. Nothing to fear. Take in the beauty. Nothing to fear."

"Help!" A panicked scream rang though the quietness, making the forest atmosphere seem cold and foreboding. I ran through the forest, not stopping to make sure I moved noiselessly. No one was in sight. I searched the ground frantically, looking for any signs that might give me a clue, but the forest whispered it had all been a dream.

 “Nothing to fear. Nothing to fear. Take in the beauty. Nothing to fear.”

A hand reached for me, grabbing my arms, roughly pinning me down. I screamed, but two men came into view, their rugged faces all too familiar. So this is what happened to everyone in the forest. The voice had been a trap.

 He drew a knife, holding it to my back, I staggered forwards as the other man pushed me. “You know what we want with you.”

 I stared up at him defiantly, refusing to back down. “You've taken my parents, you've ravaged the kingdom. What more can you take that I care about?”

“Maybe your parents aren't dead.” he said, and I started. “Maybe they're right over there,” my eyes followed his pointing finger.

“Mom? Dad?” I struggled against the men holding me down, trying to run to them.

“Even!” Mom called, but it wasn't joyous. It was a warning. I screamed as I saw the chains binding her and Dad, and the knife a man I hadn't noticed before held at their throats.

“Get us into the castle, Princess, and your parents will live.”

I couldn't let these people into the castle. I couldn't betray my country. I glanced over at my parents. My mom wept, and my father shook his head.

I couldn't finally find my parents—only to have them killed.

Logically, it should be easy. Don't give him what he wants.

But it wasn't that easy. It never was that easy.

I can't choose, I can't betray either one, I turned towards him, agonized, “Free my parents, and I will show you into the castle.”

“You can't do that,” cried my father.
My captor laughed, “We can't let them go free until the kingdom is firmly under my control.”

“How can I trust you?” I asked.

“Think about it logically. Letting the royal family go will make us look good. Other than that, you'll need to trust us.” he turned towards one of the other men. “Tie her up, we'll go tomorrow 

I nod—hoping desperately that he'll live long enough to see my plan;  but it would be too dangerous to say it now. Maybe, just maybe, I could save both.

I had to warn the castle, but my captors watched me too closely for me to be able to try anything.

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

I stood on the hill overlooking the castle. I still hadn't managed to get word to the castle, and now it was nearly too late.

The weight of a kingdom still rested on my choice.

And I still didn't know what to do.

I couldn't settle for saving my parents, and not for simply the kingdom.

My captors lead me towards the castle, stopping in the small town in which it is situated.

“Where is this secret entrance you speak of. We need to hurry.” said the leader.

“What's the hurry,” I asked, “The castle isn't going anywhere.”

I couldn't put it off much longer, but I try for more time. “I know roughly, but it will take me a few minutes to find it. We should wait until the cover of nightfall.”

They know I'm stalling, but don't say anything.

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

I walked around the castle for half an hour, and my captors started to get impatient.

I beckoned them over, I'd need to take the risk of letting them in the castle.

“You find it?” asked one of my captors.

I nodded, “Come on,” 

I led them through winding tunnels through the dungeons, walking into one of the cells.

They hesitated, but followed me.

I groped along the wall, pretending to look for a secret door into the main castle, “Just a minute, I think it's in the next cell over.”

The next cell was occupied, so I motioned them into the third cell. All but one went into the cell, the last one watching me, as if guessing what I was up to.

I had no choice but to enter the cell.

“Look along the back wall—there won't be much of a clue as to where the door is, just a crack.” All the men were examining the wall for a non-existent secret door. I ran out of the cell and slammed the door, locking it with the key hidden just beneath the floor tile, as all the castle keys were.

“Stop!” the leader screamed at me, pulling on the bars, but I just kept running.

I ran as quickly as possible back to the forest, where my parents were.

“Mom, Dad,” I whispered, “I trapped them, I came back to get you.”

My father whispered back, “Run!” I stayed put—then I saw the man standing guard besides him, turning around at the sound of my voice.

“Go, please.” my mother said.

I ran into the forest, and crouched behind a large outcrop of rocks. I heard the sounds of searchers scuffling in the bushes near me, but I stayed silent. I'd learned that much in my years of searching for my parents.

Eventually they seemed to give up—evidently thinking I hadn't been there after all.

I crawled back to the clearing, to the large oak my parents had been tied to. I froze—someone was with them.

“...now that we've got the castle and the princess,” I overheard the end of a deep, husky man's sentence.

I crept to where I could see better. My father, despite his chains, struggled to shield my mother. I knew that man. I'd run into him once before, and I could never forget. He cared for no one. No one but his family. They'd been starving, so I'd been told, and he began his hunt for power and wealth to feed them.

We were both on different sides, but fighting for the same thing. For our family.

He drew back his sword, and I realized to late what he was doing.

My mother screamed, but only for a moment. He wiped the bloody sword on the grass and walked away, leaving only two blood stained bodies next to the tree.

I collapsed into quiet sobs.

Everything I'd wanted had come to nothing. After all these years of searching, I'd found them, only to lose them again. 

I stood, choking down sobs; I'd still be hunted, I needed to get back to the castle.