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There I was: standing in the in the huge line waiting to go on the giant slide. People pushing and shoving. Me, hugging my dad in fear in spite of what was going to happen. I was going on my first real water slide. Sure I’ve gone on the baby ones, but this time I was going alone on an adult slide. Well, that’s what I called them at the time, I was only 7 years old. “ I want to go home, I want to go home.” I kept repeating in my head.

My arms felt tired, my knees became weak. How would I escape it? “I’ll go first, just encase,” my dad said like nothing was going to happen. He went down. He was yelling and screaming like a little girl having a total temper tantrum brake down! Now I was really scarred!

“You can do this Naty!” my mom said from below holding my little brother. I nodded anxiously hoping that after this I would get a treat. Then WOOSH! I went down the slide. My eyes were shut and my limbs were crossed “It’s all going to be okay” I said over and over behind my little muttered voice. I felt the tingling in my body like if you  were on a roller coaster.

Finally, once all of the drama started it was all over. My dad was in the pool waiting for me like all parents do when your still learning how to swim. I struggled to swim back to him and once I was in his arms I was trembling. “I am so proud of you, you did it!” my father laughed. He carried me back to my mom, she said, “I love my brave little girl, and I am so proud of you!”

My dad said that he would reward me with ice cream! “I did it!” I said with a mouth full of ice cream. “Nana did it!” said Lucas, my little brother. I could picture my little two year old brother and I having the same exact problem ,but then I could see us going down the slide together! Us together having fun together.

I love my family and will always love them as they cheered me on, on that very special day of my life!! But then as we were getting our ice cream something clicked. “Daddy, Mommy! I need to go on that slide again!” I said because little did I know that this was a once in a lifetime thing. I was in Puerto Rico And I would maybe never be coming back! So then we ran as fast as we could to the slide to not be the last ones in the line. This is a day that I’ll never forget!

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As the swirling motion of the ball a few inches away from my face I was saying to myself,‘’If you don't catch this everyone is going to think your a big loser!’’ the leather stitches and the white grip shining off the light in the parking lot light. ‘’I caught it, now it's my’’..... Hold on we're too far into the story let’s rewind to the beginning.

It was a Wednesday, but it was no school because it was a holiday I was in my after school program board out of my mind until Chris said after we get out lets to to the parking lot and play football begin the kid i am i agreed 3:00 o'clock rolled around and it was time for us to go I was worried if my mom said no and  I let everyone down but my mom said yes and just said get home before dark I jumped with joy and repeatedly said I love mom i went to the parking lot chris said i was late and i have to wait until 6:00 so everyone will be ready and go to the parking lot so me and chris went to my house to wait until it was 5:00 o’clock we waited  at one of the people who were going to get to the parking lot we saw them pull up into their driveway and they got out and got a ball and we had to wait for two more people to get there we called and facetimed them so many times we began to lose hope but we stuck in there and waited. When they came we all went to the parking lot together. All in one little group. When we got there we were ready to play football and everyone was hyped for season Six it was my turn to throw ball first.’’ your taking forever’’. Said one of my friends as soon as i got to

The line I am trying to stay strong and throw the ball then my internal thoughts I am saying’’pull yourself together you are a soldier and soldiers always stay strong’’.  I agree with myself and sucked it up ‘’good luck Xavier” Said Emma so  i walked to the line I did my signature stance and planted my feet and cocked my hand back and Feww the ball went  fly in the air i never knowing I can do that but the excitement had to what I had to go catch all ball. After two hours of football and racing we all went to own houses and went to sleep. To myself im say Wow this 6th grade year is going to be a blast and its just the beginning of the year we are going to have one crazy school year.’’

By:Xavier Hartwell

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It won’t go away

Its mouth had sharp teeth and this red liquid in it. Its hair was a weird color it was like a brown with red and orange. The smile on his face that let the liquid droll out and it started to chase me, but I think we need to start from the very beginning.

I just annoyed Deven by repeating his name and knocking on the door you know from Big Bang Theory where Sheldon kept knocking on Penny’s door and said “Penny Penny Penny Penny Penny”  so on and so on. I walked into the man room. It use to be our garage.

“Brandon!” I said with releaf.        “Yay you found me now we can watch a movie.” He said as he pat the seat right next to him.

“Ok!” I said as I jump on the couch. “What movie are we watching?” I asked. “You’ll have to see.” He said as he puts on the movie.

20 minutes later my hand are sweaty my eyes are as wide as they can be.

“Brandon what movie is this?” I asked  with my face on scared puppy mode. “A scary clown movie.” He said with a smirk. “A clown?” I said scared and confused. I looked to my left and saw this crazy CLOWN!! “AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!” I yelled off the top of my lungs. I jumped behind the couch and it appeared right next to me.

“SCARY CLOWN!!!!”  I yelled with my arms raised up in the air.  It was ten o’k at night I’ve tried to hide and run from the clown it just won’t go away. I closed my eyes and thought. “ Go away…...go away……...go away…...GO AWAY!” I slowly opened my eyes like if a tornado was going on and I was going to check if it was over. I opened my eyes and I looked to my right it was not there then I slowly looked to my left and there I saw it. “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” I yelled off the top of lungs. And in this most rapist he said to me “Hey kid, you want a balloon?”

I ran as fast as I can not looking back and I can hear his voice say “Oh you want to play tag why didn’t you tell me.”  Then he started to chase! “NO NO NO NO!!!” I ran as fast as I can. Then I imagined me being locked up in a cage and all these clown around me with these bibs around their neck and licking their top lips. Then i bumped into this thing or person? “Jamie?” this loud noise said as it’s hands were holding my shoulders.  “Please don’t hurt me!” cried. “It’s me daddy.” My dad said.

“There is a clown that keeps following me!” I cried “Don’t worry I’ll protect you.” He said with a soothing voice.

Then I heard footsteps “What happened?” This voice said.

“Why you did you scar your sister?”My dad said hugging me.

“I didn’t mean to.”The voice said again.

“Jamie I’m sorry do you forgive me?”This voice said.

I turned around and said “If we get ice cream Brandon.”

“Ok your it.” Brandon said as he runs to the car.

I chased him to the car then I realized that a brother might scar you but he will always love you.

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In my head I’m thinking why would he… when did she… I can’t believe what

happened. You might not understand it’s Harry Potter business. Something really bad happened in the movie. My cousin Cc was right next to me so I kept calm. Inside I was screaming, and crying like a baby. Even though I was balling my eyes out inside, I still love the movie. We got hungry, so we ordered chinese food for our Harry Potter Chinese Night.

“ I can’t wait until our food gets here, so we can lay in bed eat our food and watch Harry Potter.” I said with excitement. At least it was the summer so we can go to bed late. We finished watching the 5th movie now were watching the 6th movie out of eight. The one were watching was Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince. As we stared at the bright light on the screen. At that moment, my mind raced back to the very first time I watched Harry Potter with my cousin Cc. It was awesome!  She made the first movie feel so interesting. Then, we watched the second movie together. That one is probably my favorite out of all eight. I hated Harry Potter before I  watched it with her.

“ BOOM, BAM!” the sounds of Harry Potter being brave as a lion to defeat the evil Voldemort.

No! I thought to myself. If you don’t watch Harry Potter you won’t understand. We stuffed our faces with chinese food.

“ This is delicious!” I yelled. We watched the movie as like we were in Harry Potter world. In our heads we both wished we were invited to Hogwarts. We watched this movie for three hours straight. It was an amazing movie. We finally finished the whole movie.

“ That was one of the longest movies I’ve ever watched.”  I explained. It was as long as it would take a snail to walk a mile. We wanted to wait for the next movie so we picked up our phones and found this awesome Harry Potter game. Hogwarts Mystery. We made our own characters with our houses. We aren’t in the same houses, Cc is a Hufflepuff and I’m a Gryffindor.

That night, I was as happy as a kid on christmas morning. “This has been the best night of my life.” I shouted with happiness. Cc and I both had fun that night. It was the most Harry Potter themed night I have ever experienced, with chinese food. In my head I thought we should do this every year, like a tradition. I really hope we could do that again.

By: Daniel Kinahan

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My First Dog

I walked out of my room after I finished my homework and went down the hallway. “Jay and Chris come here” My mom called from the other room.

I noticed the big box in her room. As I went to go open it started to move. I had kicked the box and then I heard a loud bark come from the box. I open the box so quickly that I didn't even have time to think. “A puppy” yelled with excitement. I picked up the puppy “ be careful you are going to hurt him!” my brother yelled. I put him down and he kept running back to me as my brother calls him he looked back at him and kept running to me. “I think you found a new best friend, “ My mom said as she was laughing.” I imagined coming home to see my dog and finally have something to do, and someone else to play with. I could picture him in tiny little outfits and costumes on halloween.

We sat down together and thought of name I was quiet for a while  we sat thinking of names for the new dog. As I was sitting there playing with the dog as I thought of a lot of names the name lucky stood out the most. “Lucky” I yelled “We should name him Lucky” I said. He looked up at me with the most happiest face. I could tell that was the perfect name once he looked up at me.

As we we went to walmart with Lucky he fell asleep in the kart but once we got to the dog part of the store he woke up and wanted to play with all the toys. Me and my brother sunk toys into the kart so he can play with them. He looked so happy as he played with his new toys. We bought him toys, a bed and puppy food. He was up all night trying to play and run around nobody was able to sleep so me and lucky went into my room and gave him his toys and his bed. It didn’t  bother me that he was play with his toys because when he got tired he came and sat on my bed. He was so cute and tinny.

As we drove home with Lucky I thought about everything I would have to do for him I was going to have to feed him, walk him,and take him a bath. I thought of how i had to be more reasonable that was going to be very important because I was the main one that was going to have to take care of the dog. I understood that a lot of thing would change from now on.

Jaylynn S.

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“Manny, this is no time for games!”  After that twentieth  time I called him I knew I had no clue where he was. I started thinking rapidly. Is he alive, oh  my god where could he be. Mom is going to kill me. I didn’t want to yell is name out to loud because my mom would hear. “What do I do?” I said to myself, pancing. I started racing up and down streets. But I still couldn't find him. I drifted off, You are grounded for a year. Maybe more! Now go find your brother.

“Makaila, Makaila?”

“Uhh, what??!!” I called out.

“Makaila, calm  down.” Aaliyah said. She placed her hand on my shoulder and said it’s ok. I completely disagreed with her and through her hand off my shoulder. At that point, I felt like she was mad at me. I can't really talk for others, at least that is what my mom said. And apparently in her opinion.. I, a kids opinion there always right at least to me!

Ulna said, “Let’s go!” as she ran across another street. I ran after her because I didn't want to lose someone else. I looked back and seen Aaliyah running up towards faster than you could turn on a light switch. I looked over my left shoulder and seen someone in a all black outfit. I started walking to the right  and told Aaliyah and Ulna let's go look over there.

“Why!?” Ulna questioned.

“There is no time for questions, now let’s go!”  I grabbed there hand walked about two steps to the right. And walked up to the step of my brother friends house.

Ding dong. The doorbell went.  When Aaliyah rang the the doorbell, I peeked over her right shoulder while Ulna peeked over the next. I seen someone approaching the door through the little window. My little brother open the door. I pushed them and hugged him in excitement I just stood there and gave a little wave. Acting like if he just came from long vacation.

I felt like was about to start crying but I held it in. He gave me  hug me and said. “I love you..”
"Love ya too!"

By: Makaila Desire

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Buster

Dogs are beautiful animals. However getting one is hard. My family went months trying to get a dog from a animal shelter, except they had unnecessary paperwork that were not needed. So we went to a different animal shelter. But they needed the same paperwork or google maps showed us a fake location. But, if you look around, they  can be found right under your nose.

My mom made it very clear that we were never going to get another dog, but that would change and it all started on a warm, and sunny october day and it was a regular day in the red brick house of mine. Except for one thing. My mom kept urging my brother sister and I to do some extra cleaning.

“Mom” I complained unhappily “I am tired and hungry, can you please tell us why we are cleaning.” I asked.

“Ummm, your aunt is coming over” she said.

“Ok that would explain a lot.” I said walking away but my knee hurt so much, because i fell early at school.

My mom also tried clean up the huge gruesome cut that nearly covered my knee. But we ran out of bandages.

“Alright, the house looks clean enough, now we got to go pick something up from the store.” she said.

“Do we all have to go” I shouted while pouting. I am not the type of person to go out to the store, but i will always go if it includes me.

“Yes.” She replied inpaintly.

My sister seemed to be the only one as confused as me. She acted as if she did not know what was going on and she gently did know. My brother however, did not seem to care. If he did know why our mom acted the way she was, he had zero intent to tell me.

“If we need something from the store, hopefully it would be bandages or something to eat.” I thought.

And soon enough we were in the gray parking lot of the CVS pharmacy store. It has a lot of supplies that can help you around the house, and fun stuff you can use. While we were there she had me wait in our car. As i waited in the car, the sign that held  CVS, seem to glow. As i stared at the big white glowing letters, I seemed to drifted off... and  think about all the wondrous things we can do like go to an amusement park. Or, we can go to the movies. Also we could go to a zoo or do something fun like those actives. My mom came back to our car, breaking all possible thoughts.

“ Here little boy.” she said and tossed the bandages to the back seat, were i was sitting, anxiously.

“Thank you.” I said eagerly, awaiting to go home. My mom did not respond but soon after I said that we were driving, but we were not driving the right way home.

“ What? Last time I checked home is the other way.” I thought, with the most confused face on. While my thoughts were racing faster than  speed car, my phone started to beep, witch made me lose all my thoughts. A little frustrated, I took my phone out and saw that it was my dad.

“Hey, Jayden” he announced. I swore that I could almost hear the faintest sound of a dog barking.

“So , can you ask your mom how close are you to the special place.” he said. Special place. I did not know about this special place he was speaking about. My phone was on the speaker phone mode. So, my mom answered yes.

“Alright, I’ll talk to you later, by.” he said then hung up. The next few minutes in my car were held in confusion.

“What special place could he be talking about” I kept asking myself.

“It has to be a place i've been before” these thoughts pushed the thoughts of my aunt coming over, witch made me gravely upset.

It was the sound of our car, driving down this unfamiliar with. Then my car slowed down, and that led to us getting out if the car. Our dad stepped out of a white house. He was accompanied by a woman that i never met before.

“Hello” the woman said

“Hey, how are you “ mom called back. At that, my eyes drifted to behind the kind lady. There was a dog with golden hair and it was the cutest thing i ever met. My dad saw my gaze and invited you inside to “discuss” about the dog. While the adults were talking I was staring at the dog. He was so cute.
“His name is, Buster.” i heard them say. Buster, is the perfect name for the small dog. After hearing that, my mind drifted off... again to the point in time where my mom and dad exclaimed that we were only going to visit dogs. But everytime we went the dogs were never there, making me sadder and sadder each and every sunday. I knew better than to see this dog in my house.  The sound of the little dog barking made me break my  invision, just in time for the lady to tell us the price of the small dog. She said he was a dachshund/beagle mix.

“Now the price of this dog is going to be, 400 dollars” she said happily at this point i thought that I was daydreaming and I thought I was going to see a flying donkey next. But then, the unbearable happen. My dad searched and searched for the money. 100. 200. 300. 310. 320. 330. 340. 350. 360.370. 380. Then he stopped. He only had four hundred dollars and that wasn't enough.

“Could you run to the atm” my dad asked my mom  said panic.

“ Its ok” the lady said. It was a miracle.  The lady was going to give to give us the dog for 20 dollars off. This would be the difference between having a new friend and a new companion. This lady gave me a new friend, for 20 dollars off.

Later that night, as i drifted off to sleep, i felt joy and happiness that the day finally came. Where i would have a dog that i would care and love for. Another  companed. A new friend.   And where this dog would will be my dog forever. And that i would comfort him and he would do the same for me. This dog was truly amazing. As i glanced over at him one more time and called his gently, he ran up to my bed and jumped on it. Then he circled the bed and collapsed and fell asleep. His beautiful fur shinned in my eyes.That night, i felt his warm fur brush against my skin, as i drifted off.

By; Jayden F

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The Bow Incident

As everyone starts walking in from outside for lunch. Everyone was hot since the sun was so hot out. I took a seat with my friends and we were talking about a game.

I said this “guy has a bow” and I acted like him but the teachers wear looking at me with a face of you know you did  I knew she was talking about me so did everyone else. I couldn’t talk the only thing I could say was I.. I try to say it was a bow but they didn’t believe me and thought it was a gun. I was thinking will these be my first time going to the office since someone did the same thing.  That… WHAT!!! One yelled at me making me what to blow up in tears. “That wasn’t a gun“I said with my best friends looking at. The teacher said to talk with her and my friends came to defend me but she told them to sit. Then she said “go to the office by myself”. While I was going to the office a teacher saw me and said was I ok? I told her I was fine even though my eyes were very red from tears. So she just started walking same with me.When I got to the office I couldn’t even talk. But the only thing I was doing was freaking out so she called then nurse down to the office to she my heart beat. When she got there she told me to put my thumb on a scanner to see my heart beat and it was 98 per second. Then the principal said she could tell my parents or not. I don’t know if you're a load to do this, but you should call my parents now matter what but I know they won’t be happy about this.  After the office my parents came to talk a with the principal and the two teachers who yelled at me then the teacher found out I wasn't there. So she asked where I was? The class told her and she went right to the office. She sees me looking down and my parents talking to the principal. She told me did you imitate a gun? I told her I didn’t and she believed me since the whole class told her what happened. The teachers told me I didn’t do anything wrong. My parents took me home and when they did they kept telling me I didn’t do anything wrong. You didn’t do anything wrong. You didn’t do anything wrong. These kept going in my head over and over again. I was thinking about tomorrow. Would people think I'm a bad kid or a troublemaker? I was getting so scared. I didn’t now if I was staying home or not. But if I was going to school, I would not have a fun time. I was also thinking of  all the questions people would tell me. Did you get in big trouble? Do you own time for recess? What happen? I would just sit there, don’t know what to say. The only thing I told them was I’m ok. I didn’t get in trouble. Besides that it was a normal day.                 And the teacher said she was sorry about what happened and won’t do it again.

By; Austin G

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I was in the hotel and concerned about my mom

“Where is my mom”?

“Where is everybody” ?

“ Miami is a eerie place” I said in my head. I put on my shoes and grabbed some ice cream and walked out of the hotel.

“MOM”

I screamed nobody answered,” maybe their out on the beach I whispered to myself”. I ran while my ice cream was melting then all of a sudden “SPLAT!” That was my ice cream. As soon I was running my ice cream dropped on the warm sand and I heard a voice who said,

“Throw it in the garbage”  somebody said. when I looked up it was my great grandmother,It was all my family members they were all sitting their on chairs.

“Come join us” my cousin said. I threw away the ice cream and ran to them I was still thinking in my head where is my mom

“Hey guys where is my before I even said the name all they said is they went out. That’s why I didn't see them and everyone was outside on the beach and relaxing I whispered in my head. After I started not to  think  about that and tried have some fun with my family. So I went in the ocean and there was a big wave I was scared and and shaking in fear because I never saw a big wave like that.

“Woahhh!’’ my cousins yelled, I was just standing there shivering when the ocean was coming. In my mind i could think that i was having fun going under the water and letting the big wave come, and floating and not being scared of the big wave. All of my other cousins were trying to float to and do backflips until…

“Sahniyah watch out” I heard a voice, I quickly opened my eyes and tried to run in my head I was like “this was all a flashback”. I didn't have time to run as quickly as I thought because the ocean was kept pulling me back, and SPLASH! The wave hit me going under water, as soon the water was coming and i didn't have much time to run in the ocean.so I closed my eyes and my nose, After when the wave came, I said to myself that wasn’t so bad after all.

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Triple x

Thinking to myself “Xxxtentacion can get himself killed” as I'm looking at a plain ,pastel wall rubbing my palms together. “Rap crareers are getting crazy someone can get killed doing this,this was very, very dangerous”. I'm talking to myself in my head but then I feel Boom!Boom!Boom!

My heart was beating so fast it was like a train zooming by me or someone banging on a drum. The worlds heart was filled with sadness , so it traveled over to me and then i felt sadness too!  However the air began to pollute  anger and frustration , which soonly I was breathing. I just imagine everybody crying and listening to his music. However i get put back to reality.

Boom!Boom!Boom! I felt it again , but this time it was faster. Confusion arrived in my head , and I started to wonder. Meanwhile xxxtentacion music was playing in my headphone ,so my eyes widen ….my jaw just completely drops , so low it was almost touching the floor! At this     time my mind takes me back down memory lane. When I was down memory lane I remembered my brother……... Ding! The noise comes from my phone that is on the table in the kitchen. Boom!Boom!Boom! My heart beat gets faster by the minute ,and as I approach the phone  “xxxtentacion was killed”. So the feelings that i was feeling this whole time meant something. Droplets of water wheelbarrow down my face as im looking. I quickly run to the bathroom , and crys……...Boom!Boom!Boom!

by:Kylah W.

Ending #1-Dialogue

“Hey kylah” my mom whispered

“Hey” i said softly

My mom has never seen me this way So she asked me……..

“Whats wrong “she asked

“Did you hear about xxx ,if you did then you will know “

“What about him”

“He died  a few hours/minutes ago”

“Ohhhh , well dont get sad “

“Well the Boom! In my heart that i was feelings turned sad on me and i began to cry”

“Ok well i leave you alone now”my mom said walking out the room

“bye”

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Losing my tooth… literally

In the center my hand there, my tooth laid. I was ready to stuff it under my pillow and wait for the creature that would take my tooth and leave me money, but that wasn’t the way things would go… I immediately tried to put my hand back on the tooth, but it was too late. It was down the sink drain and there was no telling where it would end up.

My tooth wiggled more than a worm. Just waiting to come out. I wiggled it around a little more… Then it came out, I rushed to the kitchen, got salt & water stirred them around in a cup, and then rinsed it in my mouth like mouthwash. I was very excited. I could put that tooth under my pillow and someone or something would leave money for me. The tooth also had a little bit of blood on it so I  wanted to scrub it off. At that sudden moment, everything would change. I pictured going to sleep, putting my tooth and waking up with an exchange of money. Then I came back to reality where my tooth was out of my mouth and not under a pillow.

I went to the bathroom sink and turned on the water faucet. I put my tooth in the center of my hand without grip. I put the tooth under the water and within seconds… it had vanished. With the water still running, I tried to seize the tooth but it was too late. I had lost the tooth to a sink drain. I was livid. I started to cry I paced in my hallway until  I finally got an idea. I ran to the plunger and started to plunge the sink thinking the tooth would come back up. But, I was only 7. The tooth was lost, and it wouldn’t come back anytime sooner.

This was a disaster. Later that night i got over the incident after watching TV for a few minutes, maybe even hours. ff;,;’f,, my mom finally got home and I told her everything that happened.

“Will the tooth fairy still give me money?” I asked

“Maybe she will” she said.

The next morning I woke up looked under my pillow just in case my mom was right and she was! There was a dollar laying under my pillow.

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Have you ever heard  the saying” listen to your instinct?”  Well if you haven’t that is always the right choice. Your instinct in tough situations, is like your best friend. When you listen you save yourself some worry and trouble. It is always the right choice trust me I’ve learned from experience The shallow end and the deep end looked frightening and thrilling. My heart pounding like a bongo drum.
“BOOM BOOM!” Come on Adriana get in the pool you said that you could swim didn’t you?” Camila said .

“Yes but umm… about that.”

“ Should I , could I would I ? I said to myself.

Yup that's right , I told everyone that I could swim. Of course I really couldn’t .

I sat there for 10 minutes debating if I should go in the deep end with very let's just say bad possibilities and all my friends or go in the shallow end without my friends but I wouldn’t drown. At that moment I didn't know what to do.

I finally decided to go in the deep end, but I knew that the shallow end would have been the best, safer better bet. “FINALLY! Took you long enough!”

I grabbed the red foam pool noodle that looked like someone had eaten it.

I jumped in and grabbed onto the wall then I took my noodle and swam over to all my friends. Then something happened I had felt my pool noodle coming down on the right side. Camila was trying to DROWN me . It worked I was only six years old. My head was under water soon enough.“HELPPPPP” SOMEONE . I shouted underwater but my voice got filled up with water. The lifeguard noticed thankfully and saved me .

“Thank you!!” I said.

I was rescued and safe. I imagined myself being a lifeguard and saving everyone. With that silver whistle shining in the sun. My cool red bathing suit. I saw my rescue tube saving everyone. I was going to be a lifeguard someday.I looked back at Camila and then she stared right into my eyes. I realized then she did not want to be my friend any longer . Even though I just had lost a friend I knew my life was more important than any friend .

By : Adriana S.

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I look out the window and it was misty and cold outside. The house as quiet as a little ant on the ground.  All the lights were off and  so I decided to take a nice walk to the living room and then I see this shadow of a tall man and he was the size of a mountain and then I was terrified and I wanted to cry and now I hate to look at my closet when it night time.

But I still never felt safe that night and I felt like someone was watching me and it was scaring me to try and sleep when I hear footsteps in my hallway were my brothers room is. Now I was not scared anymore I needed to make a chose and fast because I love my brother and I need to help him.

Then the footsteps stopped and that scared me because he was rather at my door or at my brother door. So I walked to my door and opened up my door and heard nothing to the left but to the right there he was standing in front of not my brothers room but my moms room. Then he started to open the door. The door slowly opened then he entered my moms room then I yelled. HEY OVER HERE!!!!!!!!!! I started to run down stairs and hide in the closet were we keep all the cleaning supplies. Then I pass out for a second and I was in my bed sleeping then hear CRAKE CRAKE !!!!! OH NO what do I do I said. Then I popped back in to the problem. Then under the door I could see the shadow of his feet and he stop right in front of the closet and I needed to stay quiet or he would hear me. I was shaking I was so scared to open the door so i stayed were I was until someone woke up.

After hours being in the closet i thought he had to be gone by now so I opened the closet door slowly because my entire body was shaking in fear. Then it became really quiet in the house until I heard CRASH CRASH CRASH!!!!!!!!!!!! I was frozen in place and silent as ant on a flower field. I waited for a second and heard nothing so I went upstairs to see if everything was ok and saw my mom door closed and didn't see the man in the house anywhere else so I open the door fast this time and  screamed GET AWAY FRO---!!!!!!!  in a non controllable voice and  mad face then said MY MOM???? In a very confused voice. I was the happiest kid ever it was my mom holding a sign that said GOT YOU!!!!!

But I was so happy but so confused at the same time. I was the most loser in my family now she got me good but she told me that you did the right thing and im proud of you. After ten minutes i started to talk to my mom and she said “I was testing you and you did fine what are you so scared of”. Then i knew after this very moment my life would be changed forever. Her scaring me is the life changer for me and my brother we both hated this day but in the back of my head i knew i learned something this night.

By Trevor D

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Dorney Park Adventures

The sleek, modern, coach bus cruised to a stop in front of me. Its suspension hissed, lowering the bus to a even height of the concrete sidewalk. The tinted doors sliding open in front of me. My first time going to Dorney Park would be in style.

Before we would leave the property of DASH, Destiny After School Haven, A terrible accident would occur. My closest friend, (Fun fact, our friendship may have never happened if DASH hadn’t been a program.) Cesar Pena, Had been hit by a friend with an ALUMINUM BOTTLE. Do you know how hard one of those are? Plus it was FULL of water.  “HE’S BLEEDING” I yelped.  Our counselor, Mrs. Julie, rushed to his aid. After he stopped bleeding and everything was settled, I promised i’d stay with him for the entire day. I wouldn’t keep that promise. After two hours on the road and half an hour taking pictures and signing in, We were as free as a bird to do whatever we wanted for 8 hours from 10:00 to 5:45 across the 200 acres of rides, food, and games. It was 10:30, and it was showtime! My 6 person squad featured Nasir walker, Jaydan shipley, Cesar Pena, Halili Diggs, Aliyah W, and none other than me, because how else would I tell this story.

Dorney park was split into two sides, Wildwater Kingdom and well, Dorney Park. We all agreed to spend 80% of our time in Wildwater Kingdom. While at Wildwater Kingdom, we spent 90% of our time in the wave pool from about 12:00 to 3:30, because who doesn’t like wave pools? It was 4:00, we had just finished eating and the rest of my group were still in the wave pool. I decided it was time to leave Wildwater Kingdom, but I wouldn’t wade through the water to tell them since I had already changed into my dry clothes. So Halili and I told Aaliyah to tell them we were going to the Dry side / Dorney Park and off we went! But my squad wouldn’t know we left until half an hour later...

There were GIANT rides all over! My mind flash to my first “real” roller coaster in keansburg. I felt the pressure against my face as i went through the loopty-loop. I thought to myself,”This may be the only time I go to Dorney park, Let me make it count.” So I hopped on the biggest rides such as Thunderhawk, Hydra, Thunder Creek Mountain, and Talon. I also rode on some small rides such as Wild Mouse.

By the time I was done with Demon Drop, it was 5:20 and I was unaware that we left at 5:45. I thought we were leaving at 5:30! To add to that, the front entrance was 5 minute walk away and Halili was nowhere to be seen! I was shouting her name, but no response! I assumed she went to the front and started walking there, on my way from leaving Horror Alley, I met up with my other friends, Nigel Castlewood and Jadyn Santiago, who couldn’t find their partners either! So we all walked to the front and sat down at the tree where we were supposed to meet. 5 minutes later, Halili came and yelled at me for leaving her at Horror alley. Turns out, She was at a different exit for the ride! Then the rest of my squad rocked up and yelled at US for leaving THEM! To be honest, it was my fault (plus Aaliyah’s fault  for telling them so late) I left and they went on a wild goose chase trying to find us.

So after we all got settled, we left Dorney Park. I was tired and took a nap. One hour and 55 minutes later I woke up.(Funny Fact, Nasir Walker thought it would be funny and SLEPT next to me in the SAME SEAT while I slept ! ) We were just a block away from the drop off point. Then I turn to Cesar, who is sitting next to me, and He’s passed out! But not from a nap, He’s got a EARTHQUAKE headache. So he’s losing and gaining consciousness. But I had to go home. As I was sitting in the backseat of the vehicle, I thought about the unusual day, hoping the terrible accident that occured would never happen again.

By: Jensen

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A Walk In the Park

The cracked parking lot cement modeled its glare in the stong July sun. The trees danced in the wind that could barely move an ant.  Summer was is on its way. Everyone knew it.  It started to get ‘hotter, flowers were blooming, and our dog’s fur changed from his deep hard winter color. My mom and I and our dog were out on a walk  through the park.  Well we weren't even half way through the parking lot, but it was already more than a walk in the park for my dog. More like a run ,jog ,and skip through the park for him.  We knew he didn't want to go.It was to nice of a day to waste.The only downside was it was steaming hot.

He was  a little bundle of fluff and fur, the size of a soccer ball. But regardless his size he still had a strong pull. My mom knew I couldn't really handle him but she didn't want to hear my complaints. Then out of  the mists  of the dark and gloomy trees came another dog .  I knew it was only a matter of time before he saw it and started to make a fuss about it . I held on the lead with my hardest might. Then he saw the other dog. Bark, bark bark. My Mom and I knew he would ran after the other dog. She knew that I couldn't handle him. She knew that  my dog was crazy and unpredictable. It was already too late.

I watched as the leash extended. Then I felt the pull on the lead. Dropped to my knees I watched as he ran. Dragging the leash with him.  My mom ran after him as I got of the cemente. I was fine with the scratches on my knees. There was only one thought  racing in my head, will he be okay.

I worried in my head. What if we never found him again. I could see it all now. Our little scared pup being snached up by a dog catcher. Being loaded up in a truck full with cats and other rodents. All preying on a defenseless little dog. He would rot away in a dirty old cage.

I stared in despair as my mom chased after him.

The funny part about it was that he ran past the the dog and went to the nearby trees.

“ Rambo stop’’ my mom yelled. Thankfully he was too tired to run farther.. He stopped and lay by the trees, my mom ran over got him. She didn't even looked concerned about the leash she was dragging through the dirt.

“ Come on let's go” she said. I could tell in her voice she sounded relieved. I walked next to her and patted him on the head. Silly dog I thought in my head. I took another look at him and we both stared at each other. I could see that devilish look in his eyes. I knew in his head he was laughing at us.

I leaned onto my mom's shoulder. I watched as my dog  slowly faded into slumber as my mom carried him in her arms. The sun slowly faded away as we walked closer and closer to our house. The darkness of the night merged into the sky. I slowly closed my eyes. My mom pushed a little, signaling me to stop. He stares at me. He eyes looked oblivious to the fact what he done. But I shook my head, silly silly dog.Today was a long day.

Szymon

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I was walking to the Ice Cream shop with my cousin Jaylen, We were talking in the modern asian shop, waiting for about ten minutes. She tells me that she knows who wrote that note. Begging her to tell me she finally did, and once she did, she came in. Slick black hair, and she was the most “loved” girl in the class. This is gonna be a long night!

Earlier that day I was home doing my homework, flipping from page to page, feeling tired from coming out of school till 6pm. It's kinda long but it was the laws in Japan. Flipping to page 346, I find a sticky note saying, Meet me at the Ice Cream shop, and you can bring Jaylen if you want.

“The fudge?” Looking around, frozen in shock. I take a breath and going to Jaylen, she stopped me in my tracks. With her sweet little voice she says,

“Let me guess, somebody sent you a letter?” How did she know about this!? With the same sweet voice of her’s

“Yes, and how do you know, Jay-Jay?” I was using the word she hated to confess.

“Almost every girl in your class likes you, and finally someone likes you for a while.” She smile like if she just defeated every soldier in WWII.

For a while thinking to myself Should I go? Maybe I should go. I asked her if she wanted to come

“Yes!” And with the same sweet voice she always has, she started to run off to her parents, not knowing what she saying she comes up to me

“Were ready to go.” Why does she always like to smile? While dressing up I posted on my Instagram that i’m in Tokyo doing some work. After that, the real story took place.

We made it to the Ice Cream shop, knowing someone was their waiting for us I was thinking Why are there so many girls that like me? Is it because i’m American, or because my Japanese accent that I have?  Thinking about that, Jaylen said “I know who wrote that letter, and even tho i’m in the 5th, I know everyone in 6th.”

I begged her to tell me who wrote that letter, she told me “Yuno.” WHAT!?!?

I was freaking out in my head but on the outside, I was just normal. After she told me, she came in. Everybody likes her, and i’m great friends with her too. I was really confused why she liked me, everyone told me she liked another kid but, I think that was a cover-up.

We talked in there for a few minutes, then Jaylen’s parents called me. Telling them that were on our way. She asked me what I was not expecting to hear, even tho it sounds like I would’ve expected it, I didn’t. “Would you be my boyfriend?” RED ALERT, RED ALERT! What should I say!? Should I say yes? Should I say no? After a big conference meeting with my brain and myself I said, “Yes?” I replied with a question in my voice. Feeling like she didn’t hear my questiony voice, she yelled in what sounded like excitement. I was still talking to her when I started to see a vision of us, together in a room, playing together, having coffee. At one moment I heard “Hello, hello.” I snapped back to reality and seeing Yuno’s young face again. Knowing that she was my girlfriend, things would never be the same.

Going to the airport for my flight back to America, Yuno was their, all sad. “I’m coming here next summer, just remember that.“ She felt much better and returned back to the beautiful city of Tokyo. Returning back home on my flight, thinking about her. I open my laptop and started to create something  for her. I sended it to her, she responded and sended back the same thing, but it was as better as mine. Smiling, I say to myself can't wait to come here again to this beautiful place of Japan. On my flight to NJ, I woke with a notification on my computer. Slowly opening my computer, I see the notification as a pop up, something sweet from Yuno. Of course I saved it in my folder, but as soon as I put it in the folder, we landed back to America.

# data[].attributes.body
I was heading to my room to watch what my brother was doing then I sat down on my bed and I saw my brother playing Fortnite, in my head I was happy and depressed because I wanted to play with him like we used t I wanted to ask him, can I play with you? But, I think that he will say no because he most of the time doesn’t want to play with me.

I asked my brother,” Which kinds of devices you can play Fortnite with?”

He said,” PS4, Pc, mobile, and....”

I Yelled,” You can play Fortnite on pc!”

He said,” Yeah you can.”

I asked,” Can you help me get Fortnite on my pc?”

My brother said,” No.”

I went to the living room and I was upset that he said no to me! I went into my pc, and I am figuring out on my own on how to get Fortnite on my pc. TICK TOCK TICK TOCK. It was taking forever for me to find out to get Fortnite. Then I forgot that I can just watch youtube, but when I typed how to get Fortnite on pc it was useless. I typed Fortnite  in google, and I found a website to how to get Fortnite. I went into the website and I bought it. I was so excited. I went to my room to say something to my brother.

I asked him,” Want to play Fortnite together?”

He said,” Sure, but how are we going to do that?”

I said,” I have Fortnite on my Pc.”

He said,” I wasn't expecting you to get Fortnite in pc I thought it might take you all day to get it.”

I said,” Let's just play Fortnite.”

He said,” Ok.”

Me and my brother played a few matches in Fortnite, and it reminded me of when me, and my brother were playing video games all day in the olden days. My brother didn’t want to play anymore. We didn’t got a victory royale, but it was fun, then I started playing other games. I went to my bed, and at that night I realized that me, and my brother will always play together, and will always have fun together, and nothing is going to change that.

By, Justin V.

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My head blew off with excitement. “I’m gonna get some candy! I’m gonna get some candy!” I chanted like a four year old kid. “ Is there gonna be lollipops ? What about Hershey's, Snickers, Twix, What about Gummy bears?” One million thoughts raced through my mind. My head started to hurt. “My parents did say since we are on vacation we can get whatever we want.” I told myself. In a flash I imagined myself running around a room with a massive bag full of king sized candy swinging back and forth like a swing. I was soon transported back to reality. I couldn’t wait anymore. I wanted to know if this was a dream came true, or if this is a nightmare. As I pushed open the door my mouth dropped. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. A chill soon ran down my spine.

“ Oh my god! I need to take a picture right now!” My weird  sister said while she swung her braids in my face. She took out her iphone and snapped away like a photographer.

“This is really cool” My mom and dad said with gigantic smiles on their face. However I did not think this is cool at all! Stampedes of kids swormed everywhere. The entire room was blazing hot. Also do you know that smell when a football team runs by you after a game. Yeah that thing, well the kids who ran by smelt ten times as bad as that. I tried hiding the disappointment of my face with a fake smile.

I slowly walked around the room and glanced at the floor. “Yuck” I said. “There are massive stains on the carpet.” The stains were really dark and wet. As I tried stepping over and around the staines I looked around on the shelves. All of the candy had its own crystal clear container. A lot of the containers had multiple fingerprints all over it. There were peppermints and other weird looking candy. “ This is old lady candy” I complained. “The last time I checked this was the twenty first century!”

The only thing I saw that looked appetizing at all was the gummy bears. They had all sorts of gummy bears and they were all separated by size and color.  “ Who in the world has this much spare time to fill these titanic containers with gummy bears?”

In my parental vision I saw my favorite candy and it was huge. It wasn’t a normal king size… It was ten times bigger! I walked to being extra careful to not step on the stains. As I was one yard away than the worst thing possible could happen. In a blink of an eye some evil kid came and grabbed it. Then the world seemed to play in slow motion. The clear container crashed down to the carpet just like a meter falling into earth's atmosphere. “ Nooooo… Why does this have to happen to me” I cried aloud.

I stomped away furiously to the gummy bears but there were people in front of me. “Any day now.” I screamed in my head “ It’s not so hard to get stupid gummy bears.” After a decade of me waiting the people in front of me were finally finished. I grabbed a small container of gummy bears and put it into the bag I was given by the employe. I examined it closely because I didn’t want the gummy bears to be dirty. At this point I didn’t want the candy, so I just got a bunch green gummy bears and walked away.

“Are you ready to..” “ Yes” I said before my dad  could finish his thought. We proceeded to the checkout as my mom and sister followed. My dad pulled out his wallet and handed the cashier the money. We all walked out the candy store happily. (Well at least most of us were happy) As we walked down the boardwalk I was in disbelief that this even happened. “I’m not going to forget this ever” I said “hopefully next time the experience will be better.

By: Eric M

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Halilli                                   The Rejection...“Ms. Nicole, I’m confused…”   “What’s wrong?” she asked. “All I ask was that you can try to buy a right enough frame to put my drawing on the wall to represent M.O.C.A like you did with Makalay’s, and somehow I found it inside your garbage right in front of me.”    “I don’t know how it got there…” she lied...…   I was on my way to school in the happiest mood… for some reason. I just had finish making a wonderful drawing for my friend Jasmine. The drawing was a symbol for two games we like; Sister Location and Bendy and the Ink Machine. Yeah I don’t know why, either. “Hey Jasmine!!!” I yelled. She looked down at me with a huge scroll in my hands racing towards her. “Is that it?” She questioned. I unrolled the giant paper into her face. She laugh, so did the others… “You’re not telling me that this is what you came with, right?” I froze into a uncomfortable place. “Oh, no...” I said quietly.   Once the day was done, it was time to go to after care at M.O.C.A. “What if I just hang this up on the wall, like Ms. Nicole did to Makayla’s. I’ll sure to beat that.” I challenged in my head. When Ms. Nicole, Avner, and I went inside, I atmendtently looked at Makalay Brown’s beautiful golden picture frame. Compared to mine on the other hand, I thought it still looked pretty to me. “Excuse me, umm… Ms. Nicole, Is it okay if I could get a picture frame like that?” I pointed to the award winning frame. “Sure, of course!” She answered right away. “I just need to find the right size for it.” I was overfilled with joy as I kept thanking her. Maybe my art wasn’t such useless piece after all… What I had thought.   Months later I’ve been still wondering. The drawing, the frame, the drawing, the frame, the drawing, the frame. Those same words kept sinking. Disappointment beings to grow. “Does she even like it?” I start to worry in my mind. “NO! She has work to do, so just be quiet.”   The next day when I was settling down at M.O.C.A -- “Hey, I --” I froze, How come after MONTHS I’ve been asking to put this on the wall, but it turned out to be garbage?!?! That familiar saying rings in my head. “Ms. Nicole, I’m confused…”   “What’s wrong?” she asked. “All I ask was that you can try to buy a right enough frame to put my drawing on the wall to represent M.O.C.A like you did with Makalay’s. And somehow I found it inside your garbage right in front of me.”    “I don’t know how it got there…” she lied. I looked down in disappointment. My rage starts to turn on… Questions filled in my head. I start to cry a little inside. There it was, the tall scrolled drawing in one of Ms. Nicole’s white, garbage pail sitting right in front of me and her office. “Ms. Nicole--” Nevermind. I quickly nab the drawing out of the garbage. “Halili, what are you doing?!” She demanded.   “Why is my drawing in the garbage?” I asked again uncertined.   “In the garbage? OH! I said I didn’t know that was in there! I probably put it in by mistake.” she answered annoyed....Welp...   Later on that night, I sat down in my mother’s car, feeling unsurprised. That was my last time I ever went back to M.O.C.A. I look at the stupid, huge paper scroll of “Rejection”. But still wondering in my mind; “Nomader whom describe this drawing to be horrible, even with action, no one can take that away... It still looks beautiful to me.”---Ignore the haters---(Disappointment and believing)...M.O.C.A is somehow like an after school program by the way…By: Halili 

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Halilli                                   The Rejection...“Ms. Nicole, I’m confused…”   “What’s wrong?” she asked. “All I ask was that you can try to buy a right enough frame to put my drawing on the wall to represent M.O.C.A like you did with Makalay’s, and somehow I found it inside your garbage right in front of me.”    “I don’t know how it got there…” she lied...…   I was on my way to school in the happiest mood… for some reason. I just had finish making a wonderful drawing for my friend Jasmine. The drawing was a symbol for two games we like; Sister Location and Bendy and the Ink Machine. Yeah I don’t know why, either. “Hey Jasmine!!!” I yelled. She looked down at me with a huge scroll in my hands racing towards her. “Is that it?” She questioned. I unrolled the giant paper into her face. She laugh, so did the others… “You’re not telling me that this is what you came with, right?” I froze into a uncomfortable place. “Oh, no...” I said quietly.   Once the day was done, it was time to go to after care at M.O.C.A. “What if I just hang this up on the wall, like Ms. Nicole did to Makayla’s. I’ll sure to beat that.” I challenged in my head. When Ms. Nicole, Avner, and I went inside, I atmendtently looked at Makalay Brown’s beautiful golden picture frame. Compared to mine on the other hand, I thought it still looked pretty to me. “Excuse me, umm… Ms. Nicole, Is it okay if I could get a picture frame like that?” I pointed to the award winning frame. “Sure, of course!” She answered right away. “I just need to find the right size for it.” I was overfilled with joy as I kept thanking her. Maybe my art wasn’t such useless piece after all… What I had thought.   Months later I’ve been still wondering. The drawing, the frame, the drawing, the frame, the drawing, the frame. Those same words kept sinking. Disappointment beings to grow. “Does she even like it?” I start to worry in my mind. “NO! She has work to do, so just be quiet.”   The next day when I was settling down at M.O.C.A -- “Hey, I --” I froze, How come after MONTHS I’ve been asking to put this on the wall, but it turned out to be garbage?!?! That familiar saying rings in my head. “Ms. Nicole, I’m confused…”   “What’s wrong?” she asked. “All I ask was that you can try to buy a right enough frame to put my drawing on the wall to represent M.O.C.A like you did with Makalay’s. And somehow I found it inside your garbage right in front of me.”    “I don’t know how it got there…” she lied. I looked down in disappointment. My rage starts to turn on… Questions filled in my head. I start to cry a little inside. There it was, the tall scrolled drawing in one of Ms. Nicole’s white, garbage pail sitting right in front of me and her office. “Ms. Nicole--” Nevermind. I quickly nab the drawing out of the garbage. “Halili, what are you doing?!” She demanded.   “Why is my drawing in the garbage?” I asked again uncertined.   “In the garbage? OH! I said I didn’t know that was in there! I probably put it in by mistake.” she answered annoyed....Welp...   Later on that night, I sat down in my mother’s car, feeling unsurprised. That was my last time I ever went back to M.O.C.A. I look at the stupid, huge paper scroll of “Rejection”. But still wondering in my mind; “Nomader whom describe this drawing to be horrible, even with action, no one can take that away... It still looks beautiful to me.”---Ignore the haters---(Disappointment and believing)...M.O.C.A is somehow like an after school program by the way…By: Halili 

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Tornado Failure

As I was just going to go into the swing, *BEEP, BEEP, BEEP.* My phone went. I didn't like the sound of that… I slowly took my phone out of my pink hoodie, I tightened my eyes, not knowing what I was about to read. And there it was, it was the moment of truth. I slowly opened my eyes and I was shocked. So scared that my eyes went wide as my phone dropped into the wet grass. I was frozen.  Never knowing this could ever happen. It was true. A tornado was coming. The scarier thing is, my parents weren’t by my side. They had left to go to church. And the bad thing is, they have exactly NO IDEA, that this disaster was coming towards us.

It was 7:45  in the evening.  My sister Sarahy and I were at Rahway Park. I didn’t  believe it at first because, it was fine weather to me. I was a bit confused.. Until, my sister came up to me and said, “Did you get the warning?” I stood there. Not knowing what to say. She was wearing a blue pastel hoodie. Now, you may be wondering, “Why are you so scared all for a warning that might not even happen?” ( I was only seven years old when this had happened. So, I may be overreacting in some parts of the story. ) Anyways, I was frozen solid. Not being able to move. “Um..” she said. I just nodded and said, “Can we go home?” My brothers were back at home. Probably just playing video games. However, that wasn’t the case. They called us and said, “DID YOU GET THE WARNING?” Those words were just getting stuck in my head. I wondered if my parents have got it. Oh, of course they didn’t because they always leave their phones at home.

As we were walking home, I felt a tiny drop of water fall in my head. I got this feeling inside me, a feeling that, we weren’t safe.. I just kept thinking “Is this the end? As I stopped walking, all of a sudden, I pictured our graves. Standing there with flowers. In the green, wet grass.  “Hello?” my sister said. I came back to reality. Scared that my prediction was right. *BAM* A thunderstorm started to form, quickly. I was so scared that I asked my sister, “Can you hurry it up?” She started to laugh. I on the other hand didn’t think this was a laughing matter. So I said,“Oh, you think this is funny?” Then I folded my arms.  She stopped and continued to walk, but this time even faster. I had to run to catch up to her. We were only a block away from home. However, I ran out of positivity. At this point I kept coming back to our graves, that was the breaking point for me. Then I heard  thunder and lighting. I couldn’t handle it anymore. I ran as my sister said, “Hey! Wait up.”

We were very close to the house. It was so close that it looked like if we were there already.  A light peach house standing, I didn’t picture it would be looking like that anytime soon, because once the tornado hits, were done. We went up the stairs ringed the doorbell, but no answer. “Oh! I just remembered I had the keys dad gave me.” My sister laughed out. She opened the door. However, once she did, it stopped raining. The thunder ended. The lighting ended. Was that it? Or, was it just going to stop, then get as stronger as it the warning said? I just hoped for the best.  We walked into the house, went up the stairs, opened the other door and all of a sudden..

“Happy April fools!!” all of my family members said. My mind drifted and reminded me of last year. I started to become a year younger.  Feeling 6. Confused on whether to laugh,cry,scream, or get angry when they did this sorta thing to me before. How did I not see this coming? It felt like putting a puzzle together. I felt even more confused than before. Asking questions,I came back to reality to ask them anxiously these questions. “Wait, what? No way! That's impossible!  Why would you do this to me?? I forgot it was April Fools Day! A fake warning?!” How? I kept asking.  “Well, when we were at the park,  I had your phone, and then I might of downloaded an app that give fake warnings about, anything…" My sister Sarahy, smiled and giggled. I gave her a face. I had fury in my eyes, think how did I let myself believe this prank. My face began to go red. I need a way to get them back!!  Turns out, that no tornado was coming after all! I thought to myself, “Is it all over?” “How can I get them back!?” I had all these questions in my head. I squeezed my hands and sat down at the couch. I smiled and realized, I am very lucky to have a family like mine. Watch out Sarahy, it’s not over yet!

By:  Isabel L

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Sing or Retreat?

Singing is the final act of healing and forgiveness. When you are wounded you withdraw. When the wounds begin to heal, you have the strength to sing again- Kara Johnstad

Do you know that facial expression that people show when they're like, I told you this a million times kinda thing? Well, that's what my best friend looked at me and did.

“Jaiyden, just BELIEVE in yourself. If you make it ,congrats! If you don’t , which you will,just keep on trying to get better and better at your singing. Then, by the time you tryout again, maybe you'll get a part next time.” Danny told me pleased. My hands started  to shake. Like I got electrocuted or something. Was this a sign of nervousness or excitement? I couldn't tell.
“Danny? Now’s not the time for some sentiment! Just tell me am I gonna make it or not! I need to know before I embarrass myself in front of everyone!” If I'm being honest, I'm one of those kids who needs an answer. Like right NOW, like at this moment kinda thing. ! I don't like surprises that's for sure. I just need to know where,when,why, and how were gonna do something. But those lifetime movies must've gotten me paranoid.

“I haven't heard you sing before.” he replied. Now, it felt like there was a green void inside of me, eating a lot in me. My singing, my vocals, my everything, gone.  And I caused it all. Questioning whether I'm good enough when I knew deep down inside Everyone is good in their own way. I might not be good as everyone else, but that's because I'm NOT everyone else. “I'm signing up.” I replied with a smile on my face. “I'm gonna do my best too!¨

Three Weeks Later:

¨Oh no! What was I thinking?¨ I thought to myself. ¨This was a terrible idea! I knew I shouldn't've have done this!¨ I guess I must've been freaking out on the outside too.

¨Pull yourself together!¨ Danny told me. Then I was breathing in and out rapidly. I started to hyperventilate. Now looking back, I made a COMPLETE fool of myself. But at that moment I didn't care. EVERYONE would've known me as the kid who can't make it into chorus because I can't sing.

¨How do you expect me to NOT hyperventilate during this manipulative task that may change my existence perpetually and can consistently arise at anytime!¨ (I use substantial words when I'm nervous. It's demented I know! There I go with the large words again!)

¨First of all, what does perpetually mean?¨ he asks curiously.

¨Really Danny? You're going to turn my life crisis into a teaching moment!? Don't be egocentric!¨ He put up his hands in defense. It took awhile, but I started to breathe freely again. Even though I was pacing, it still felt like a relief. Then I looked at Danny. He was showing all his teeth, sort of like a school picture, surprisingly it was comforting and reassuring. And at that moment, I had realized, that everything was gonna be alright. No matter how hard I try, not everything’s gonna go how I want it to. Failing is apart of life, and failing also helps us get back up again. That's what makes us human, I guess.

“You're gonna rock this audition. We can always try practicing at your house or mine. Time or place. I'll be there.” His smile faded away though. And he was turning pale. I was confused for the moment.

He smiled at me, it was soothing yet comfortable. Danny turned me over to my right. I slowly started and started  to hyperventilate again. Thinking, am I good enough?  Was it just a dream, and was it gonna stay as that? As I tried to get answers, nothing came to mind. Blank. I had an answer ,though.It was at the tip of my tongue. It was dreadful knowing that I had an answer but couldn't process it fully. Then it sorta faded away. Going, going , gone.

My whole future depended on this moment. If I didn't make it, I might fade away along with my answers. Then I came back to reality.

"Are you ready for this Jaiyden?" Then I smiled back.

"Ready as I'll ever be." Little did I know, this would change my life forever.

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The Truth

The bright yellow frame stood on the table, inside the frame there was a picture of my father.  As I look at the photo I see the circular table it stands on. Around the table little twinkle lights shined bright filling the room of light. Through all the shiny lights the photo will draw your attention.  “ Was my father nice? I only know  a little about him. “When will I learn what happened?”  My thought got interrupted by my mother yelling “ Jamie voy a la cocina porque se va quemar la sopa.” “ Ok.” I shouted as she entered the kitchen.

I couldn't stop staring at the photo and wondering what had happened to my father. I mean for as long as I can remember my mom never really talked about him, she just told me that he sadly passed away. I wanted to ask her what happened,but every time I  was going to ask her I felt like it would make her sad to tell me so I never asked. But I knew my mom is tough. She had to raise three daughters by herself and worked. And I knew that wasn't easy especially with me being very picky about everything. But I just had to ask her!

I slowly walked in the kitchen, my hand sweaty as I entered the kitchen. I walked to the stove worried what she was going to tell me.   “ Ay mi spantes Jamie” my mom said “ Oh sorry. Uhh ..ma ..que paso con mi ..papa? I whispered  She sighed and said ¨Mira ahorita eres muy pequeña para saber. Pero vamos a las mesa porque te quiero decir algo. We slowly walked to dining room.  Once we were sitting , it felt like ages before my mother let a single word out of her mouth. ¨ Mira the diego esto tu padre desea  un problema con su corazón. She said in a sad voice I just sat there waiting for more. I started to think “ Is that it? There needs to be more. Why is she taking forever to continue. Is she going to continue?.  “ Pero ay mas?” I managed to say  “Si pero eres muy pequeña un dia de digo todo.” “ Ok mom” is all I could say.  She walked out the dining room. I didn't know what to do. But I felt like something about me changed that day. And know I know what changed. I always felt scared and nervous when I asked about my father but know I felt calm to ask.

By: Jamie L.