The scent of caramel apples and fried butter filled the air. You could almost feel the excitement as people from everywhere, all ages lined up to see the fair’s newest addition: The Circus Act: A Place of Wonders and Curiosity. But that’s not why I was here. My friend, Mae, had told me about a fortune telling machine. I’d never seen one of those before, so I just had to go to see it. I walked around as the coins in the back of my jean pocket clattered, adding on to the ruckus of the fair. I walked around aimlessly for about ten more minutes before I came across the fortune machine that Mae had mentioned. A tan skinned machine genie with black slicked back rubber hair sat inside an old-looking maroon box with a painted on gold frame that was chipping off. I pulled out a coin from my pocket and placed it inside the coin slot. The machine came alive as the genie opened his dark green eyes.

“Came for a fortune, I see.” The genie’s voice cracked as he spoke.

“Yeah, how’d you know?” I asked sarcastically as I rolled my eyes slightly.

“Because, I’ve been expecting you.” Replied the genie. Now, _that had suprised me. But, it was just a machine, it couldn’t hear me, r_ight?

“Here is your fortune,” the genie began, “You will receive an offer you cannot refuse. But, it may just cause you to loseeeeee—“ the genie’s voice deepened and slowed down before it came to a stop. Stupid cheap machinery.

I let out a long sigh and walked away, that was a waste of a quarter. Most of the rides have closed by now, so the only thing left to do was to watch the circus.

The sound of elephants stomping, trumpets blaring, people laughing, and lions roaring filled my ears as I walked inside handing the person behind the counter my ticket. I sat next to a mother in daughter who where enjoying watching the tight rope walkers swing from one rope to another. As the show continued on, a young man carrying a small sack of— what was that?— Coins? Sat next to me.

“Hello,” he said with a smile.

“Hi.”

“I couldn’t help but notice that lovely watch your wearing. It’s quite stunning, really.”

“Thanks.” What did this guy want? My watch? Was he a pickpocket?

“I have an absolutely lovely idea that’s just occurred to me.”

“Awesome.”

“Your watch for my sack of magical beans.”

_Magical beans? This guys mental. _

“That sounds nice and all, but I’m fine with this watch.”

“Yes, like a said lovely watch,” his eyes stayed focused on the watch as he added, “but the beans will grow into a magical bean stalk, where all your dreams can come true.”

“Sure they will…”

This time, the young man looked into my eyes. “I _said trade me that watch. Now.” _

Everything was a blur, but by the time I remembered what had happened the young man was gone and in my left pocket layed a sack of ‘magical beans’. Mom would be furious. She’d been saving money for years just to afford that watch.

I ran out of the fair as fast as my legs whould carry me. I wasn’t too keen on the idea of going home, but after whatever had just happened, I didn’t want to be anywhere near that place. As I turned down the black that led home, I began to drag my legs, terrified of what awaited me there.

About twelve minutes of stalling, I approached the door to my home. Before I even had time to knock— I forgot the house keys at home— my mother opened the door.

“Where have you been? You where susposed to be home over an _hour _ago!” She complained as her bright blue eyes settled on the spot of my wrist where my watch usually was.

“Keely,” mother asked with a hint of sourness creeping into her voice, “where is your watch?!”

I looked down at my feet, fearing to look anywhere else. “I-I-it-boy-he-gone-beans.” I stumbled on my words as my mother sighed.

“What’s wrong? Cat got your tounge! Spit it out, girl!”

I began to cry. “There was a boy and he wanted to trade my watch for beans he said where magical and then he—“ Before I could tell my mother the rest, she cut me off.

“YOU TRADED YOUR WATCH FOR WHAT A STRANGER SAID WHERE MAGICAL BEANS!” Her face turned redder that a tomato. “You’d have to be an absolute fool to believe that!”

“I’m sorry, mum, I didn’t mean to…” my voice dragged out, there was no point in arguing.

“Strait to your room with no supper!” My mother commanded.

I drageged my feet up the stairs feeling slightly sorry for myself, but mostly sorry that I let down my mother and lost her trust. _Stupid beans. Stupid boy. _ __ Once I reached my bedroom, I opened the window and threw the useless beans out.

“Goodbye, beans. Oh, and thanks for ruining my life.” I muttered under my breath as I got under the sheets of my bed. As I closed my eyes to get some sleep, a faint humming sound came from outside. The humming turned into a pound buzzing sound before it became silent. Then, a bright green light flashed from just out side my window.

"Are you actually considering it? Have you gone mad?!" Kalevai threw her hands up in animated motions, pacing around the room. "What other choice do I have?" Cleon rubbed the bridge of his nose, eyes shut, as if even the sunlight was battering him. "Refuse! Cleon, if you go through with this, they'll hang us from the fucking wall!" She slammed her hands on the table, furious. "And if I do refuse? Vasta would end us all in an instant. Forgive me, but I'll take my chances with the people sooner than the Empire." Cleon stared, exhausted, through the huge window. "Sacrea can't afford to lose those soldiers. Hell, Sacrea doesn't even have those soldiers! Selene knows the Empire does. That rat of an ambassador was just trying to scare you." "That's not how these things work. Yuka's never lied to me in all my years knowing her. The Empire is our ally. We need to..." Cleon's words slowed as he realized the fault in them. He couldn't bring himself to finish "Send our starving citizens to die until our own people riot? You'd have to be a fool to believe that! I know you're not a fool, Cleon." "There is nothing I can do!" He raised his voice for the first time. He paused, recovering. Quietly, tiredly, he continued, "The Empire might send us soldiers. To help with the riots. If we prove our loyalty." "You know they won't." Kalevai matched his tone, quieted. "They'll have us killed, either way. You know that request was a death sentence. You know what they meant by it." Cleon stayed silent, closing his eyes again. "Let us die with some dignity. Die with your subjects, not by their hand." "Kalevai." Cleon continued to rub his face. "I need to think on this alone." Kalevai stiffened. "Leave me, please." Kalevai strode to the door, steps echoing through the quiet room. She slammed the door, storming off into the castle hallway. Cleon didn't look up once.

Cult of the cosmos Masturbating in the church bathroom Bleeding onto the safety pins on the tile floor Death by monotony or familiar fear

I want to vomit Empty myself of all the garbage you fed me

My internal organs pink, tinged copper Because poison leaves it’s mark on little girls

I want surgical scalpels between my ribs

I want to appear like my own savior I want to keep you up all night Breaking into abandoned buildings because the key is called “forbidden” I want the hems of my jeans to get caught beneath the wheels of my skateboard I want other dead kids to sing us to sleep Whenever we want I want pomegranate juice on my face And I want to perform an anatomy study on your hands

I want your ribs against mine When I stole the key we didn’t take the time to think I’m tasting green eyes. Your tongue in my mouth before I even lock the door I want our sin to taste holier than any communion supper I’ve only ever fallen asleep unafraid in your embrace I wash your hair and you wash my back The scent of coffee is better with clean clothes and wet hair

“You’d have to be an absolute fool to believe that!” She cried.

“Well I do.” I tell her.

“I ain’t buying it.” She said shaking her head.

“I thought you wouldn’t, but I hoped you would.”

Amy wrinkled her brow at me, she really doesn’t believe me. She’s supposed to be my friend but she doesn’t even believe me, though, to be fair, it does sound rather unlikely.

“It’s true.” I insist.

“Prove it.”

I bite my lip.

“I knew it, you can’t prove it so it isn’t true.”

I can’t prove it because there is so many people around. Amy turns to leave.

“Wait!” I cry, “I’ll prove it but just not here.”

I take her arm and pull her towards the house. We go inside and up to the bedroom, I can’t risk my family seeing.

“Ok, I’ll show you.” I said.

“I’m waiting.”

I close my eyes. I take a deep breath. I shiver as I feel the familiar tingling sensation on my skin. I feel ground appear beneath my hands. I hear Amy gasp.

I open my eyes and see Amy standing open mouthed and wide eyed looking down at me.

“It’s true?” She whispered.

I nod.

“You can shape shift!”

A smile spreads across my face before I transform back.

“It was a bit weird seeing a cat grin.” She laughs, obviously not sure what to say.

“I’m glad I told you.”

She smiles at me.

Once upon a time in a small village, there lived two neighbors named Thomas and Emily. Thomas was a grumpy old man who believed that all people were inherently bad. He thought that everyone was selfish, dishonest, and only out for their own gain. On the other hand, Emily was a kind-hearted woman who firmly believed that everyone had something good inside them, no matter how small.

One day, the village was struck by a terrible storm. The wind howled, rain poured down relentlessly, and lightning flashed across the darkened sky. The storm was so fierce that it caused a massive tree to fall, blocking the only road leading out of the village.

Thomas, being the pessimist that he was, immediately concluded that no one would come to help. He sat in his house, grumbling and cursing the villagers for their apparent lack of concern. “You’d have to be an absolute fool to believe that anyone would come to our aid,” he muttered to himself.

Meanwhile, Emily had a different perspective. She believed that the villagers would come together to help one another during such a crisis. She put on her raincoat, grabbed a flashlight, and ventured out into the storm. Emily knocked on doors, seeking assistance to clear the road. To her surprise, many villagers were willing to help, despite the treacherous weather.

Thomas, watching from his window, couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He thought to himself, “How foolish of them to risk their own safety for the sake of others. They’re just proving my point that people are only looking out for themselves.”

As the villagers worked together, they managed to clear the fallen tree, opening the road once again. Emily returned home, drenched but with a smile on her face. She believed that this act of unity showed that her faith in people’s goodness was justified.

Days passed, and the storm subsided, leaving the village to recover from the damage. Thomas and Emily continued to live side by side, their conflicting beliefs often causing heated arguments. Thomas was convinced that the villagers’ kindness was just a temporary façade, while Emily held onto her belief that people were capable of genuine kindness.

One day, a fire broke out in Thomas’s house. The flames quickly engulfed the building, trapping him inside. Panicked and desperate, Thomas cried for help, but no one seemed to hear him. Just as he was about to give up hope, Emily appeared out of nowhere.

She rushed towards the burning house, ignoring the danger. With incredible bravery, Emily managed to break down the door and pull Thomas to safety. Gasping for air, Thomas looked at Emily in disbelief. “You saved me,” he whispered.

Emily smiled warmly, her eyes filled with compassion. “You see, Thomas, even in the darkest of times, there is always someone willing to help. You’d have to be an absolute fool to believe that everyone is bad.”

In that moment, Thomas realized the error of his ways. He had been blinded by his own pessimism, unable to see the goodness that existed in people. From that day forward, Thomas’s outlook on life changed. He began to see the kindness and compassion that Emily had always believed in, and together, they became the village’s living proof that everyone has something good inside them, no matter how small.

“You’d have to be an absolute fool to believe that!” Jackson shouted.

“Then explain why she messaged me out of the blue. I don’t even know her. But, funny enough, YOU’VE been friends with her on Facebook for months and never mentioned it.” Darla countered.

“She’s just causing trouble for me.”

“Why? What motive would she have?”

Jackson fell silent and Darla had her answer. It wasn’t the first time, but Darla had decided it would be the last. At least while she was involved.

She handed him back the engagement ring she had once longed for. It felt so cheap now.

Jackson set it on the counter and walked away in a huff. Darla heard the sounds of aggravated packing and stepped outside to call her best friend.

“You were right.”

“I’m so sorry, D.” Shay consoled.

“He’s packing now.”

“I’ll bring the margarita mix and some tequila. Order some Mexican from GrubDash.”

Darla snorted and choked back a tear. Thank God for friends. Darla knew Shay would be there to pick up the pieces of the life she planned. Luckily, the only fool was the one she would never have to see after tonight.

(Glowing Tattoos Ch2)

The sound of shuffling on carpet made Kalissi stir. Her head was pounding like she’d been hit by a brick.

“Wait” She thought to herself, carefully opening her eyes to see a medium dog sized robot standing on two feet.

The robot looked like a more advanced version of the little girr robot from invader zim. Two large circular eye socket looking screens and a small robotic looking mouth that was a faint smile.

“Master Zambrilla!” It called out in a gleeful boyish tone. “Your friend’s awakening” He continued, taking a step closer, but Kalissi crawled back away on the bed.

Ultimately a bad decision, her bed was like a foot away from the wall. Due to a corner cat post / play area for Cosmo. An all black tabby cat; with white paws, that she’d saved a year or two ago. Down she went, with a thud as the alien girl stepped in. Giggles filled the room and Kalissi sighed. Then it hit her.

“How did you know?” She said pulling herself back up, with much more struggle than it took to fall.

Which only made the alien girl laugh more. Of course the small robot joined in. With a deep exasperated huff of breath Kalissi laid on her bed. Looking around with a curious glance.

“How did you get in here? Where’s Cosmo and Uncle Jack?” She questioned, as her right arm started to feel sore.

Looking back down at it she gasped. What was once a caramel complexion , had been intertwined with the same fluctuating glowing green tattoos. As her eyes met the alien girls a smile started to form on her full lips.

“I made you like us…. That’s the only way I could protect you from the bridge destruction….” She said back without a trace of malice, with a bright smile.

“How did we survive?”

“Gravitational Control…. I think is what you humans would call it” She sat down on the bed, next to Kalissi. “It’s like a super power??” She said giving her a confused expression.

“So super powered alien girls are invading earth?” Uncle jacks sarcastic voice made Kalissi sit up and at attention.

“We aren’t all what you call female. We have many men amongst our warriors” She smiled. “That’s sort of the problem. My people have never come to a planet that has life…. Our leaders are growing impatient….”

“We’ll that’s good to know. Cool tats.” He said admiring the slowly shifting green colors across her body, then he seen it and his face dropped. “Kalissi….”

“I was on the bridge… headed to school….” She started, standing up as he sunk back into the hallway.

“They said space debris came off the closest ship….” Uncle Jack was horrified and she could see his mind catching up. “That bridge is destroyed…”

“She saved me…”

“You are my new earth friend. Together we can help my mother to make our council listen” Zambrilla smiled.

“So now we are housing a foreign intergalactic girl in our house?” It didn’t sound much like a question, simply a statement.

Instead of answering, Kalissi just nodded. Her uncle just sighed and said nothing else. Which caught her off guard. Usually he always had some witty comments or jokes. So she followed him into the living room.

A large 85 inch thin flat screen television clicked to life and he stood behind the big couch in the middle of the room. Across the bottom of the news screen read “please stay home. Only leave house in emergencies”. Then across the top was “meeting of world leaders”.

“This is going to get bad quick” He mumbled as everyone else piled into the room. “I’m not mad but….” He stopped for a second, contemplating his next words.

“I’d be dead…. If she hadn’t…” Kalissi’s voice cracked and she could feel the heat starting to rise from her core.

“If you wish me to leave. I won’t object…” Zambrilla said without anyone expecting it. “I understand… as part of the royal family in my own society… I get it. If anyone finds out about me…. Or if my people attack….” She stopped herself, looking down at the small robot.

“Your royalty…” Kalissi questioned and looked at the alien girl.

“I am one of five ancient lineages of my people…. Soon I will be married off to the next person taking the throne….” Kalissi could see the conflict in her eyes before it disappeared and a smile returned.

“Where’s that blasted cat?” Kalissi interrupted, looking around the living room.

“The four legged beast is what you call a cat?” Zambrilla looked over with a questioning glance.

“Yes, he’s all black with white paws. Kinda annoying, but cuddly when he wished to be…” Kalissi continued to pop in and out of the other rooms of the small two bedroom apartment, stopping at her uncle’s bedroom door.

“Stop!” Zambrilla shouted and the robots eyes flashed a red as he stepped towards her. “I had to have my servant Ebril put that beast in there”

Now laughter filled the room, except for Ebril and Zambrilla who seemed utterly confused. Kalissi stopped laughing for a second.

“It’s just a house cat. Sure Cosmo is know to be a nipper but he doesn’t even have claws.” Kalissi continued to laugh.

“I’ve seen planets full of those beasts… they are not to be trusted. You’d have to be a fool to believe that it won’t attack.” Zambrilla said in a higher tone, tinged with a bit of fear and frustration.

“I promise you as your only earth friend. He won’t hurt you” Zambrilla locked eyes with Kalissi as she opened the door to the room.

“Meowwff” The grumpy thin feline groaned as he walked out swiftly.

Jumping clear up onto the top of the couch and eyeing down the two alien creatures. Then he rolled up and laid down.

“See no danger” Kalissi smiled and watch her Uncle Jack start rubbing the cats back.

“You humans are strange… keeping a beast like that as a house animal.”

You’d have to be an absolute fool to believe that…a guy who has his very own island near the Caribbean; been visited by just about every celebrity and politician people know, has been sexually trafficking kids and has later died in an apparent suicide on suicide watch

“So you really have nothing to say to ANYTHING I just said to you?” Marissa seethed, waiting for a response from her boyfriend that didn’t come. “Well Matthew?!” He turned his eyes to her for a moment, taking her in lazily from head to toe, then turned his attention back to his phone, where it had been the entirety of their argument. “Is there something you WANT me to say?” He retorted, and Marissa wanted to hospitalize him in that moment. She scoffed instead. “How about an apology..?You cheated on me for the second time, Matthew! The SECOND TIME!” She screeched, to which Matthew didn’t react or respond, and his smug nonchalance just riled her up more. She took a shaky breath with closed eyes to calm her palpitating pulse. Clarity was finally ringing through her mind, and she knew what needed to be done. He looked as though he couldn’t wait to get the conversation over with, and Marissa couldn’t wait to end it for him. “You know what Matthew..?” She said through gritted teeth. “I don’t need this anymore. As a matter of fact, I think this has been a long time coming.” She watched as Matthew’s attention turned back to her, unperturbed, as if he knew what she wanted to say next but didn’t care. She had been wanting to say it for years, since the first time Matt’s infidelity had been brought to her attention. After receiving a text with message receipts between him and another girl, she had wanted to end things right then and there, but his words had softened her heart to his actions, and she had let him back in. But not again… not this time. “You need to leave, Matt…” she said, and though she meant to say it loud and proud, she found the words came out as little more than a whisper. He stared at her with a cynical gaze, then laughed dismissively. “You don’t mean that, M. I’m just going through a tough time right now, okay? But you wouldn’t know, because you haven’t even asked me. You always make things about yourself, and I’m tired of it.” Marissa squinted at him as if he had just claimed the sky was green. Was he serious? She continued, shaking her head in disbelief. “I can’t do this with you anymore. I’m done, Matthew. You need to leave my apartment, now.” Her voice was finally bold like she wanted, and she prepared for him to argue with her. Matthew hesitated, then sucked his teeth and rolled his eyes. Standing to leave, Marissa was surprised but glad that he didn’t put up a fight, and she followed him to the front door, her chest still aching from the betrayal. He turned as he crossed the doorframe, and he looked annoyed rather than heat broken. “You sure about this?” He spat. “I might not come back after this dramatic act you’re putting on. Don’t act like you’re not going to come crawling as soon as my back is turned, Mari.” She swallowed down the urge to sock him in the jaw for the use of her nickname after everything he has done, and instead simply shook her head in disgust. “You’d have to be an absolute fool to believe that!” She sneered, and the hatred in her voice made his peeved expression wither into uneasiness. “I’ll never waste my time on you again. I wish you the worst, Matthew. And don’t come back for your stuff, ‘cause it’ll be in the trash by the time you get here.” With that, she slammed the door in his face, enjoying the expression of regret he wore in the end. She was done being a game to him. To anyone. She promised herself she wouldn’t let anyone ever stomp on her heart again. Her chest was still aching, but confronting Matthew at least left her feeling lighter. She sniffed, and went straight to the kitchen. True to her word, she found a trash bag under the sink, and she started the process of finding and tossing all his possessions inside, where they belonged.

Diary Entry #2 January 2nd, 2023 Day off of school today! Binge time!

My mom made me go shopping with her. I saw that guy again.

He gave me a note this time, still said hi. Still a gentlemen in my eyes.

My mom teased me about him when we were going home.

I didn’t do as much binging as I would have hoped today, but at least I got to see that boy again…