Jeremiah groans in frustration. But he doesn’t stop.

The abundance of plantas in his home quiver with his current emotion, though not wilting. Yet.

He slows down the video to try to take it in again. But quickly, the words and movements jumble into a mess in his cerebro.

“¡Dios mio!” He mutters.

His hermanita pops her head into his room, that curious glint in her eyes. “Miah? What are you doing?”

She catches a glimpse of his laptop that’s enfrente of him on the bed and can see the video that’s paused.

“My amigo nuevo can’t talk like us. I’m trying to learn,” he answers.

Coming to the side of the cama, she flops onto it, wriggling around to get comfortable. Looking up from her position, now on her back, laying on his legs, she questions, “From vídeos?”

Temporarily abandoning his task, he tickles Este’s sides. She squeals and bats his hands away.

“Well they don’t teach us at escuela, Este.”

Catching her breath, she points out, “Why not ask Liam? Or Zac?”

Just thinking about asking Zac makes him cringe inside. He doesn’t dislike Zac. Jeremiah quite le gusta him. But he can’t seem to get him to embrace him back.

Este rolls around in his bed, wrinkling the sheets as she moves. Somehow at the same time, she looks at him expectedly, waiting for a reply.

“I want to surprise Liam with some sign language. To show that he doesn’t always have to accommodate to our way of communicating,” Jeremiah finally responds.

Her nose scrunches up in a way that their mamá would coo at. “Accommodate?” She sounds out the word like it’s comida she’s never eaten before.

Sometimes, he forgets that his hermana is only siete. She siempre is so bright and wise. “Umm…so he doesn’t have to use our way of talking. We can make the effort to use his,” he explains.

“And Zac doesn’t like me very much. Right now,” he adds.

Pausing like someone used a button on a remote, she’s completely still. It’s like when she’s thinking muy hard than she has to stop any other movement. “If learning is for su hermano, he’ll do it.”

“You think?”

“Sí,” she says, confidence laden in her voice.

“You’re pretty inteligente, hermanita,” he complements, completely and utterly meaning that.

“I know,” she chirps.

Guess it’s time to ask Zac.

Wonder how that will go.

——— (One of my favorite things about Jeremiah is that he’s so unassuming, and I wanted to show how easily he cares for people, specifically Liam in this story. Next will probably be a Bell and Cross scene and then hopefully one in Liam’s perspective and his continuing struggles at school. But that Liam one might take some time because school is super busy right now.)

i want that free feeling like how the trees are breathing the leaves moving left and right how the leaves change in every color so bright red, orange, yellow, green this is what i mean every season they are uniquely different isn’t that so brilliant they can change on what they wanna be and not be judged on how unique they are seen no matter what tree or leaf it is so brief so admire where you are at stay where you are sat for your colors with shine through just be you

Luke’s mouth was burning. He closed his eyes and pressed his palms against his eyes, relishing in the cold darkness for a moment as he leaned his forearms on the steering wheel. Everything felt dark and gloomy. The liquor store was ringing again, and Luke didn’t have the willpower to put it on hold. With a deep sigh of guilt, he started up his car, the rickety old vehicle churning to life, headlights blinking tiredly as it trudged down the road. What would have she said, if she knew she was going back? Probably scold him, knowing her. Luke, you swore that you would quit. You promised yourself. It’s destroying you. If Luke could still see her in front of him, he would chuckle, humorlessly, and say, “You already destroyed me. What more could it possibly do?” It was four years. Today marked four years. Four years ago, the love of his life had walked out on him. Luke swore, hitting the wheel with the palm of his hand. It startled forward, letting out a surprised honk. “Sorry,” he mumbled, leaning forward, black greasy hair falling flat on his pale forehead. The lights were too bright, and everything felt fuzzy and static, the way it always got when he went like…this. His car slowed to a stop, and he looked up, unsure how long he had been driving for. The bar, with its blinding lights and terrible rave songs, was on full blast. For a moment, Luke could lose himself in the lives of all these people, like a hivemind, high off the feeling of being lonely but not alone anymore. He could chug beers until he was so tipsy he would collapse on the pavement and snore the night away. He could lose himself in another life, even if it was just for a night. His stomach rumbled, twinging with pain. What had he last eaten? He couldn’t remember. Getting wasted without getting a few bites in wasn’t good for anyone. He stumbled towards the diner next to the bar. It was small and the sign was ripped. The paint on the door was flaky, but as he walked in he felt a ripple of warmth wash over him. The lighting was dim enough to not be painful, but still glowed softly so he could see. The only sound was the quiet humming of the barista and the funky indie song playing over the little radio. Cautiously, he slid into a booth. The barista didn’t acknowledge him, just continuing to nod and hum along to the beat. She was the sort of girl that Luke would have tried to flirt with. But it was the ungodly hour of one AM, and nobody deserved a sleep-deprived version of him. He slumped back in the booth, the springs creaking under the weight of his back. He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes, the darkness comforting in a way. Nobody tried to approach him, to ask him what was wrong. He was grateful. He had never tried to explain himself to another person. His only friends left were his bar friends. The most they had ever done for him was rig designated driver on nights when he was especially lost in the past. Which…counted something. He looked up at the waitress again. She had started to sway to the song, twirling around the broom with a graceful sort of clumsiness about her. The chunky mushroom choker she was wearing accented her red and black plaid sweater perfectly. Her eyeliner was a soft yellow, like it was made of sugared moonlight. She seemed familiar, like someone he had once known. Maybe, if the night was younger, and they weren’t the only two in the diner, lost in their own little worlds, he would strike up a conversation with her. Learn about her story and where she had gotten that yellow eyeliner. Then, he could take it and become her, dancing alone in a bar with nobody listening, needing nothing but the rhythm. He startled as footsteps echoed closer to him, glancing up to see her next to his table. She had stopped dancing now, looking down at him with a strange sadness. “You look…lonely.” Oh, her voice was one that a songbird would envy. It reminded him of her. Her. She could never be as pretty as the waitress standing in front of him, now. With her dark brown eyes that were a little too bug-eyed, her thin lips, and her wavy hair that curled, refusing to tame itself, around her face. But to him, she was his shooting star, his lantern in the darkness, his little dove. His Madhavi. As he stared up into the waitresses' hazy blue eyes, he found some kind of understanding in them. She smiled, and held out a hand, setting her broom on a nearby booth. “Do you care to dance?” Luke glanced at her hand, and back up at her. He put on a strained smile as he took it. It felt callused and strong, and she pulled him all the way to his feet. He wobbled a little, and she steadied him gently. Her eyes were hypnotizing, pulling him in. Then, they began to dance. Luke had never learned how to dance before, but her soft whispers and gentle nudges were all he needed to get the hang of it. Soon, they were waltzing in harmony, faces close together but eyes stretching different worlds. When they kissed at the end of the night, it was soft and gentle. It didn’t feel like when he kissed Madhavi, that burst of euphoria and joy flooding his system. It felt bittersweet, like a wave of pain washing over him that was quelled with a rising tide of acceptance. “I’m not looking for anything,” she whispered, her warm breath tickling his cheeks. “Neither am I,” he murmured back. His voice didn’t sound or feel like his own, no longer gravelly and destroyed, but soft and smooth. “Would you like to watch the sunrise with me?” He could see her smile. It felt like nothing else. “Of course.” As he was pulled up to the roof, Luke couldn’t help but wonder how else his night could have gone. Usually, Luke’s nights ended in him living someone else’s life. But sitting next to another songbird, eyes reflecting the orange and yellows of the sunset, Luke finally let himself be free.

“No way no how I am not going up there!” I said pointing at the stage where a middle aged woman was singing ‘You Don't Own Me’ by Lesley Gore and not well I might add. “Come on Sare Bear we need a Baby Spice.” Hallie said. “And you love singing.” said Tracy. “Yeah in the shower or in the car along with the Radio but not like in front of people!” I protested. “Oh come on Sarah you have a really good singing voice, just pretend that it’s just the five of us in your bedroom like when we were kids.”Kelsey said. “Except we’re not in my bedroom and there are tons of other people here.” I said. “It’s not that many people and anyway Baby Spice only has like two lines in the song Wannabe and a small solo part in the chorus but we can even skip that if you want to. Come on Sarah please.” Raquel pleads . “You guys I get nervous just having to give presentations in school, if the teacher wants someone to read part of the book out loud in class I pray that they don’t pick me, do you really think that I’m going to get up on that stage and sing?” I inquired but my friends don’t give up easily and started trying the puppy dog look. I cross my arms about to have a stare down with the lot of them. “One song won’t kill you princess and I would absolutely love to hear you sing.” Draya said. I turn to look at her “You’re not helping.” I complain. “Please darling; for me?” she said sticking her bottom lip out in an adorable pout. I let out a groan of annoyance before giving in “Fine I’ll do it.” I say turning to my friends who all let out a happy little cheer as Hallie goes to put in our song request. I look at Draya again “You’re lucky that you’re my girlfriend.” I say going over and sitting in her lap. “I would have to agree with that statement” she said smiling.

When it was our group’s turn my heart started to hammer so hard it felt like it could break a rib and my hands were sweating it would be a miracle if the mic didn’t slip out of my hands and I couldn’t seem to breathe properly so I didn’t know if I would be able to even sing the part that Baby Spice does but when I put the mic to my lips to get ready to attempt to sing I catch Draya looking at me our eyes lock and for some reason I can breathe again, my heart is still hammering in my chest but for a whole different reason and when Baby Spice’s lines come up on the screen I am able to sing them seamlessly. I get through the whole song without a single mistake it was like when I looked at Draya’s eyes every one else in the room disappeared.

I let out a sigh of relief when I came down off the stage and returned to the safety of Draya’s lap. “You did beautifully darling I am proud of you for trying something new.” she says putting her arms around my waist. “Don’t expect me to do that very often I hated having that much attention on me. Fame and fortune? No thank you I am perfectly happy to fade into obscurity!” “Nevertheless I like seeing you come out of your shell my little tortoise.” Draya said with affection. “Think I like the nick names Darling and Princess better.” I grumbled

The boys were sitting at a table near by, piled high with every item on the appetizers menu. Honestly it was gross, boys are gross. They were currently seeing who could eat the most hot wings; winner got bragging rights and didn’t have to pay for the food. It didn’t seem worth it to me. Brian won and then proceeded to attempt to down the entire pitcher of root beer; his mouth must be on fire. “Brain stop that won’t help. Try eating some of the potato munchers with the ranch or maybe even the potato skins.” advised Tracy “Raquel go over to the counter and see if they have any milk or if not then sliced lemons or limes and maybe a cup of ice.” Jeff said. Raquel did as he said returning a little while later carrying a cup full of ice and a small bowl of lemon wedges. Jeff thanked her as he took the cup “Here Brian put one of these lemon wedges on your tongue it should help neutralise the capsaicin by binding with them.” Jeff explained Brain did what Jeff told him to and then proceeded to thank both Jeff and Raquel for their help. I could hear Phil mutter to Forest “He thinks that is bad wait until he has to go to the bathroom” and they both snicker. I shake my head stupid boys. I will never understand why teen boys do the things they do. I remember how last year one of the jocks chugged an entire bottle of hot sauce on a dare and regretted it. I took pity on him buying him a carton of whole milk and a banana the remedy my mom always recommended for relief from spicy foods. He thanked me and sat with me for the rest of the lunch period but we never really talked to each other after that, I don’t even know where I found the courage to talk to him at all but it doesn’t matter as I said nothing came of it.

Currently there were a couple of guys clearly drunk and slurring the words to ‘All Star’ by Smash Mouth the boys were huddled over their table and they seemed to be discussing something then Phil scampered off somewhere. It became obvious what he had done when all four boys took the stage and began to sing the song “I Swear” by John Michael Montgomery. My friends were lapping it up and swooning over it and honestly it was actually incredibly sweet of the boys to sing a love song to them. It’s cliché but it’s not something you see much anymore except in movies mostly rom-coms and when they were done and came down off the stage to sit down at their table their girlfriends sat with them feeding each other food and acting all cutesy with each other. “Would you like something to eat princess? You haven’t eaten since lunch and that was hours ago. I would be happy to go order something for you.” “Sure a BLT with a side of onion rings and a water would be great.” I said removing myself from Draya’s lap so she could get up and go order the food. After a little while came back carrying the food and drink.

I was half way through eating when suddenly Draya was taking the stage. She must have signed up when she went to get the food. She sang the song ‘Wanted’ by Hunter Hayes and it made my heart swell with happiness and love for her. When she she came down from the stage as soon as she was in reach I threw my arms around her and covered every inch of her face with kisses leaving her lips for last “That was so sweet of you angel thank you.” “I am happy you enjoyed it.” My friends got up on stage this time with out me they sang “Me and You” by Kenny Chesney. The boys seemed to love it. As the night went on a feeling began to develop in side me to go up on that stage all by myself and sing a song for Draya which ordinarily I would never in a million years do and truthfully there was a part of me screaming ‘are you crazy you don’t want to go up there you hate being the center of attention’ but another part of me was saying ‘do it come on stop being a tortoise come out of that shell and forget about being the center of attention because the only person’s attention you give a damn about is Draya so do it for her’ that part won out in the end. I stood up “I’ll be right back nature calls.” I lied; I wanted to surprise Draya. I went up to the DJ and told him the song I wanted “Ok you’ll be the last one of the night.” he said. I smiled at him and made my back to Draya trying to ignore the voice in my mind yelling ‘what have I done what was I thinking’

When it was time for me to go up on stage my heart was beating like the wings of a frightened bird, my hands were sweating again and shaking too and my breathing was becoming difficult but when I was standing up on that stage and I looked out and locked eyes with Draya all my nerves evaporated. When the words to ‘every time we touch(slow version)’ came up on the screen I was able to sing it effortlessly. When I finished I let out a sigh of relief again but was smiling. “Darling that was…was…” and then Draya pulled me into a gentle yet passionate kiss. “I didn’t think I did that good.” I said when we broke the kiss. Draya leaned forward and whispered in my ear “No you are far better.” I couldn’t help but to smile and am still smiling as we walk outside. I bid my friends goodbye and then Draya takes me home walking me to the door and giving me a kiss “See you later tonight darling.” I nod and go inside. “I’m home.” I announce. “We’re in the living room sweetie.” Says my mother’s voice. I go to the living room where my mom and dad are watching family feud and I join them. “So how was karaoke night?” my dad asked. “It was good, I actually got up to sing a couple of songs.” “Really?” Says my mom. “Yeah it’s just a couple of songs no biggie.” “I disagree.” said my mom. “Mom don’t make a bigger deal out of this than it is it’s nothing.” “Alright if you say so.” my mother said but I knew that tone she was letting it go for now but would be bringing it up later and it will probably be when I least expect it but I didn’t really care right now. I watch the bonus round with them and then go to bed.

I smile when Draya enters through my bedroom as usual. She crawls into bed with me greeting me with a kiss well actually lots of kisses. I stop kissing for a moment to let out a yawn. “Are you tired princess?” Draya says with an small smirk. “A little.” I admit. “Maybe you should sleep.” “Yeah okay, but it’s my turn to be the little spoon.” “I know come here.” she says talking me into her arms. We lay there for awhile before she speaks again “I was glad to see you come out of your shell today.” “I am glad I came out too.” and I really am. “That I song you sang really was quite nice and you sang it so wonderfully.” Draya said. “I liked the one you sang too…speaking of which do you think you could sing to me to help me fall asleep.” “What would you like to hear?” “Do you know you know the Disney beauty and the beast song?” “I actually do happen to know that song.” “Yeah I think I would like that song.” “Okay.” then she began to sing

“Tale as old as time True as it can be Barely even friends Then somebody bends Unexpectedly.

Just a little change Small to say the least Both a little scared Neither one prepared Beauty and the Beast.

Ever just the same Ever a surprise Ever as before Ever just as sure As the sun will rise.

Tale as old as time Tune as old as song Bittersweet and strange Finding you can change Learning you were wrong.

Certain as the sun Rising in the east Tale as old as time Song as old as rhyme Beauty and the Beast.

Tale as old as time Song as old as rhyme Beauty and the Beast.”

I was lulled to sleep by my beloved Draya’s voice.

THE END story will continue in the story titled Road Trip ( Week In The Country)

Early in the morning,I woke up to a RING RING, RING RING! “AHHHH!” I screamed. My little sister must of turned up the volume on my phone. “ANNABELLE “ I screamed. She hopped into the room. “What’s the matter Rosie?” she replied innocently. ” You turned up the volume on my phone so it was really loud when the alarm went off!” I said really annoyed. ”Hehe“ she laughed nervously seeing how angry I looked. All of a sudden I remembered that it was Annabelle’s birthday and she had done it so I would wake up on time for when she opened her presents. ”Oh I am so sorry Annabelle and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” I said feeling really anxious and sorry. ”It is ok” replied Annabelle “and thank you.” I quickly ran downstairs and all of a sudden realised something, “Oh no!” I exclaimed. I quickly went back upstairs, put on some joggers and a T-shirt and rushed to the toy shop down the road. I found a doll, quickly sprinted back home, went back to my room. Then I found some left over Christmas wrapping paper hidden in the back of the wardrobe. Secretly I sneaked back downstairs, grabbed the tape and scissors, ran back up to my room and wrapped the doll up. But then I came across a problem. How am I going to sneak the present back downstairs and put it with the rest of them without Mum, Dad or Annabelle noticing? Fortunately I then heard Annabelle in mum and dads bedroom giving them a big telling off for not waking up at 5 o’clock in the morning. So I tip toed ninja-style down the stairs and plopped it on top of the pile of presents. “Phew” I sighed.

Five hours later, we were singing happy birthday to Annabelle whilst watching her blow out her candles. But then out of nowhere Annabelle jumped up onto the table, picked up the cake and squashed it right into my face! “What did you do that for?” I shouted at the top of my lungs, feeling so annoyed that I could burst. “Oops” she sniggered. But what I was even more furious about was that my Aunts and Uncles, Mum and Dad and cousins were all laughing at me! So I stormed into my room and slammed the door. BANG!

I was just about to WhatsApp Chloe (my best friend in the whole wide world) to tell her how annoyed I was, when all of a sudden I saw a bright blue light out of my window. I could not believe my eyes! For a second I actually thought that there was an alien in the woods. But then I got back to my senses and realised it could just be a burnt bit of rock or metal that came down from space. Although now saying that out loud it seems as crazy as the alien theory. I quickly messaged Chloe and 5 minutes later she appeared at the door. We decided to go and investigate. (Or in other words Chloe forced me to). I looked around but everyone was so busy partying that they didn’t even notice me leaving. Sooo rude!

Once we left I realised it was going to be a long walk so Chloe and I decided to go on our scooters. Once we got them we were off, scooting as fast as cheetahs. Well it felt like that anyway. We kept on scooting until we saw the blue light quite close to us. It seemed to be coming from the middle of Applewood Woods. Once we got to the edge of the woods we got off our scooters as the floor was very bumpy with roots and twigs. We propped the scooters against a tree and headed in to the woods. We were walking for what seemed like ages until we saw the blue light flash a few trees down. Chloe rushed towards it. “Come on” said Chloe eagerly. “No way am I going near there” I replied, backing away. Out of nowhere she grabs me and starts pulling me along, so I push her away. “Owwww” whined Chloe who then pushed me back. She pushed me so hard that I stumbled over a gigantic rock. Chloe shouts “OMG” “What?” I questioned. Chloe points towards the rock. I looked over and could see the blue light bursting out of the rock! “Ahhh!” I screamed, unable to control myself. All of sudden everything starts spinning and I hear a ringing noise in my ears. Chloe’s voice is muffled and I can’t hear what she’s saying. Then everything goes black…

When I woke up I found that I was in my bed. Everything that happened came flooding back to me. Had it been a dream? I was getting out of bed when I noticed that my hands were all dirty. So were my clothes and when I looked in the mirror I had twigs in my hair! “So it wasn’t a dream!” I exclaimed out loud. I went to go and ask my mum what had happened until I smelled the lovely aroma of bacon. My mouth watered at the thought of delicious crispy bacon. That was when I noticed how hungry I really was. So I started to run downstairs but half way there I tripped. “Ahh” I screamed, closing my eyes and bracing myself for the hard landing. But it never came? I opened my eyes and realise that I was… FLOATING IN MIDAIR!! My Mum came rushing out of the kitchen. “Oh my goodness I didn’t think you’d get your power so soon” she screamed.

“What do you mean” I asked trying to figure how to get down. THUMP! “Owww” I whine. “Well…” started my Mum, your Father and I come from the magical side of the world. You know when you read about all the superheroes in books, well they’re real.” WHAT!!!”I screamed flabbergasted. “Yes dear” my mum replied nervously. “ you’ve kept this from me for 13 years” I shouted, unable to control my anger. My mum came over to me and helped me up. I had completely forgotten that I was lying on the hard surface. She sat me down and started to explain all about the magic world, superheroes, villains and magic powers…

Look out for part two

I love adventure. I'm always up for trying something new, even if it scares me a little. The last time I tried something new was when I went skydiving. I had always wanted to do it, but I was also afraid of it.

When I arrived at the skydiving center, I was a bundle of nerves. The instructor gave me a brief rundown of what to expect, but all I could think about was how high up we would be and how fast we would be falling. As I was getting suited up, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. Once I was in the plane, there was no turning back. As we ascended higher and higher, I could feel the fear creeping in. I kept telling myself that I could do it, but my mind was racing with all the things that could go wrong. When the plane reached the right altitude, my instructor and I moved towards the door, and he signaled for me to jump.

I took a deep breath and leaped out of the plane. The wind rushed past me as I fell towards the earth, and for a moment, all I could do was scream. But then I realized how exhilarating it was to be freefalling through the sky. The adrenaline rush was like nothing I had ever experienced before. As we descended, I could see the ground getting closer and closer. I started to panic a little, but my instructor assured me that everything was under control. When the parachute opened, the sudden deceleration made me feel like my insides had been rearranged. From up in the sky, I could see everything clearly. The world looked so different from up there, and I felt like I had a new perspective on everything. I could see for miles around, and the sensation of gliding through the air was incredibly peaceful.

As we made our descent towards the ground, I could feel the butterflies in my stomach again. But this time, it was a different kind of feeling. It was a feeling of accomplishment, of having faced my fears and come out on top. And as my feet touched the ground, I knew that I had just had one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

Looking back on that day, I realize that trying new things can be scary, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. The sense of accomplishment that comes with facing your fears and stepping out of your comfort zone is like nothing else. And even if the new thing you try doesn't turn out as expected, you'll still learn something new about yourself and the world around you.

As I walked away from the skydiving center, I knew that I would always be looking for new adventures to try. Life is too short to stay in one place, and I want to experience as much of it as I can. Who knows what new things I'll try next, but I know that I'll always be up for the challenge

This story continues from my hunger games prompt - “non-lethal rebellion”

It is too quiet. The birds should be singing by now, the insects buzzing. The sun is already pretty high in the sky, the light finding it’s way though the leaves of my small hide-out. It is just big enough for me to be here, laying flat, but not for me to sit up or move around much. I made it the first day, making sure it blends in with the fallen tree that makes out one side, almost digging under it.

I just woke up, heart beating fast. Something woke me up. I clutch my knife, still in its sheath. I want to take it out, but my hands are locked.

Suddenly the branches are pressed together over my legs. Someone is stepping over me, on me. Did they notice? How could they not? They step down from me, standing still, listening. She has a long dagger in the back of her belt. Then she turns slowly towards me, looking at my hideout. She is tall, in rags and with no emotion on her face. Her eyes locks onto mine. She has me by my jacket, pulling me out. I scream, as she throws me on the ground, and straddles me. Her face opens in a grim smile, revealing her sharpened teeth. A white, cold sensation fills my body, takes over. With a scream that doesn’t seem to be mine, I suddenly have her dagger in my hand, plunging it into her back, her scream melting with mine, then turns to gurgles, as she falls limp, and I let her body fall to the forest floor

I free myself from under her, a ringing in my ears. I hardly notice the canon going off, marking her death. I have never killed before. I hoped I never had to.

The cold, white sensation has not left my body. It is clear what I have to do, that my hideout is no longer safe. I grab her knife from her back, cleaning it on one of her rags, and the quickly gathers my things from the now ruined hideout.

I run until the ringing stops, and I come back into my body. I no longer know where I am - or where any of the other players are. We are 4 left now.

I now realize why it is quiet: the insects and birds have all dropped dead, probably by the same thing that woke me up.

There will be no more hiding and living off the critters I can catch.

Run, kill and be killed are the only options.

Our legislated bodies keeps us running for our lives Outlawed from the beginning, perpetually hunted by the whims of men Values only placed on them, not our contribution to the expansion of humanity’s fate Your names never ours imbued you an unspoken right to use your rage, rape, misogyny as intimidation tools We never consented as the inheritors of your self-inflicted traumas

Enough screams enough Stopped in our tracks by your greed in the age of awareness, a land grab, an implied right to our womb Time has arrived to sanction your penis, your prostrate, cheating, lies and abuses. We’ll prey on your ego, your most fragile possession No more viagra, marriage or slavery to your needs You’ve dictated our spirit, now your balls belong to us. The outlaw must becomes the hunter

I had always avoided crowds and public spaces. Those had me in a state of panic. I went to the occasional bar but that was about it. Nothing too public, nothing too crowded and certainly nothing too dirty. I still can’t explain myself for that time was different and how I got to be in such a situation. A public pool. Me! How? you might ask. I’m asking the same thing over and over.
I still can’t figure out the why or how but there I B was, in the most horrible bathing suit available at the shop, gasping in horror at the filth and the cries and the noise and the crowd. Disgusting. Positively nightmarish. If I went in the water? Of course not! Who do you take me for?

“Is this what you wanted?” Ciel stated as she held her diver’s knife to Kraai’s throat. “For you to kill me?” he responded, the edge of the blade hard against his Adam’s Apple. Ciel leaned in gently lifting Kraai’s head up, every muscle tensing in her arm. “I am guessing you have never taken a life before”, he nearly spat through gritted teeth. Ciel sliced his neck and blood poured immediately, she dropped the knife by her side.

Kraai stood up, took a handkerchief out of his pocket and dabbed at the wound, which had already started to heal. By the time he had finished, it had healed and all that was left was a scar. Ciel knew this would happen, she had played into his hands and he was enjoying it. Putting the handkerchief back in his pocket.

“So many people have tried to kill me” smiling again, “and failing of course” Ciel’s facade remained unbroken. “You don’t rank amongst this people though” he continued. She sheathed the knife, raising an eyebrow. “I know you will get me”, he shrugged “eventually”