CHHS's Literary Magazine
By Ali Fahim, '19
Life’s endeavor never fails to run out of requests. The fruits of desirable truths loom just out of reach. Are we better off believing what the ignorance suggests? Voices echoing turbulently in the air of uninvited guests. Droning waves drowning wealthily at the beach. Life’s endeavor never fails to run out of requests. The appetite appoints their necessities to arrests. It's strange what things desire makes foolish people outreach. Are we better off believing what the ignorance suggests? The length of regret’s tunnel puts many to rests. Lost in the fire a result of internal speech. Life’s endeavor never fails to run out of requests. The salubrious wisdom a consequence of many tests. Understanding that not all lessons can you teach. Life’s endeavor never fails to run out of requests. Are we better off believing what the ignorance suggests? By Megan Zelasky, '19
Tap, tap, tap, hummingbird knocking Beak on rib cage drilling out Nobody is talking Cold and empty holes lie mocking Poked through skin they scream doubt Tap, tap, tap, hummingbird knocking Angry fears surrounding and flocking Inside a tempest rising along its route Nobody is talking Bone cracks with noise thundering and shocking A scream or a cry or the echo of a shout Tap, tap, tap, hummingbird knocking Bloody feathers clinging to a skeleton walking red water spills as the bird loses its bout Nobody is talking Birds in the trees watch a lone ship undocking Perched like sentries sent to scout Tap, tap, tap, hummingbirds knocking Nobody is talking By Alyssa Portanova, '19
The sky fades to a pink hue Colors are shown against the early sparrow’s wing As he spread his petite feathers and flew A gentle breeze blew Against the soft babbling of a spring The sky fades to a pink hue The grass is damp from morning dew The faded wind chimes ring As he spread his petite feathers and flew The sun now shows through The moonlight nothing but a sliver of string The sky fades to a pink hue Now, it is his cue To wake up and sing As he spread his petite feathers and flew The owls withdrew With the sun arising The sky fades to a pink hue As he spread his petite feathers and flew By Melissa Cornwell, '19
When she went away She left me alone And I thought she would stay That fateful doomsday As my face turned to stone She went away Left no sign of foul play But she cannot atone And I thought she would stay I waited by the doorway If only I’d known She went away I never thought she was one to betray But pictures were broken, faults overblown And I thought she would stay I sit and my memories begin to decay An empty life, a lonely throne She went away And I thought she would stay. By Zoe McMillian
1.5 million years ago was when the first Israelites was located in Egypt, Africa. Living as the chosen, obeying their Almighty, and obtaining their heavy duties of religion. Many fleeing to Israel which is closer to the home of their Almighty to expand their knowledge of the religion, and increase their chances in Faith. As known, many were inventors, and engineers creating some of the world’s best inventions in the B.C era. Given optimism comes with great fortune, many took advantage of their abilities, and talents to travel much farther than any human on earth would at that time. 12 representatives from each Israelite tribe set a mission to explore outstanding continents such as Europe, Asia, Australia, North, and South America introducing new innovations, structuring a new way of life, and a new economy for those who they came across. Launching the ideas of mathematics, science, parachutes, the Vitruvian man, and architecture to these unrecognized people. The representatives never expect the mission to be easy, but the challenge is what they lived for the most. Teaching them the basics, and relating it to their everyday lives. These new creations proposed different values, and morals onto these unknown people, giving them the purpose of life, and reasons to do right by every species on earth, especially their women. Though, everyone got along so competition was very limited, which made those want to master the new ideas, everyone was allowed to do so, women, men, and even children. “If we could stay longer, and learn from you it would our honor, though we continue to have families back in Africa, and our mission is complete, with what we brought to you, we hope it can bring you greatness and prosperity, thank you for taking us in, and treating us like a big sister or brother.” Announced the representative of Asher. As a woman you were treated with a different type of respect, like a Queen. The respectful thing was never to talk back, but to show you are listening, understand, and that you care, because the women were always right. Many of the Europeans found it odd to put the women first, and for them to know as much as they did. As they were packing their belongings, preparing to live Europe, a fair skin European man who was as tall as tree, John, approached one of his representatives from the tribe Naphtali. “Well, I wanted to thank you especially for showing me things that my people and I would’ve never thought of, nor imagined that could existed on such a monotonous world, Thank you Arjana” he credited Arjana, and her people for their blessings, and good doings. Every women was fairly tall, Arjana was one of them, she had the smoothest skin that felt like that butter, and the most amazing undertone that almost resembled copper. She was far from timid, and knew she was the most brilliant in the world, everything she said was knowledgeable which made her secure and dominant just like the women who raised her. “The pleasure is mine, now take advantage, and use it for good” she replied continuing to pack her things. “Oh I will chosen one, and I would love to learn more you” “ I am not your mama, I am not your brain, go explore on your own, I must return back home.” She snapped towards John, assuming that he is not grateful for what she have done. “Well, take me with you, home.” He slipped in with a soft tone. Arjana was shocked, and frozen, she didn’t know what to think about taking a European back to her home, and she didn’t know what the others would think. It never crossed her mind to receive anything from her rightful doing, nor did she expect anything back. “You want me to train you like a monkey on my back in my country?” Arjana had no children, and didn't plan on caring for any, bringing him to her country could change her life drastically, but she was always willing to help when in need. Arjana spoke to her associates to discuss what the European John asked. ¨He could ruin our treasures, our discoveries that have yet been exposed¨ yelled a representative from Reuben. ¨ You want to care for something that you didn't give life?¨ exclaimed a representative from Judah ¨ Do what you think is best Arjana.. ¨ answered one from Gad. A day did not pass where the question didn’t cross Arjanas mind. The next day it was time for the Israelites to return home. Loading their belongings on to the aircraft, Arjana was trying her best not to look back, and to get on the aircraft before the European John had spotted her. As soon as he seen her she was entering the aircraft, Arjana didn’t pay attention until the aircraft was taking off. That’s when the guilty hit her. Returning back to her country felt rejuvenating, she never felt any better to be back home. Since they have been gone the men of the family along with friends have been planning festivals, and reunions for the returning ones. The entire continent of Africa was partying day, and night. Even though, there was a rarely a dull moment, Arjana couldn’t forget the fact that one her students requested to learn more, and she rejected him. A month passed since Arjana, her sisters, and brothers explored Europe. Arjana knew how to fly a aircraft, and read a compass so traveling would be easy for her. She was worried about caring for someone, and how the others would see him. His fair skin was irrelevant Arjana knew many lighter than him, but his approach, actions, and behavior would not blend in with Arjana’s culture. After a deep thought she finally decided that this is a opportunity that will impact the world in beneficial ways. She would be wrong to turn it down, the next day Arjana was on her plane on the way to Europe. The journey was long, but she didn’t give up. Landing in the area she knew from her previous trip, not too far off was John’s region, or where she thought he would be. “Hey you!” shouted a man several feet behind Arjana. Arjana didn’t realize the guy that was speaking to her, and if he was, she would not have answer back. “Aye girl!” he shouted again. Arjana began to get annoyed, only because she was not use to a man shouting at her without the use of her name, not giving him the time of day and continuing her search for John. The guy moved swiftly towards Arjana, she felt the heat generating off someone else body. As she turned around the guy was raising his arm to tap her shoulder to attempting to get her attention. Arjana seen the guy’s actions because of the shadow that was sealed on the ground. She grabbed his arm that he was raising, and twisted it so she was behind him, with his back facing her. “My name is Arjana, and you will speak to me with respect.” She whispered in his ear tossing him to the ground like a piece of trash. When he fell she realized that guy looked more familiar than ever. “Stand to your feet” “You came back I see.” As he got up and turned her direction, they both realized they found just what they were looking for. “John?” “Yes, I am the European John you were looking right?” “Well, you were my student right? And didn’t your mama tell you not to sneak behind people, it’s rude and you’ll end up hurt” “Nothing a man can’t handle” “And what do they handle exactly.” Arjana and John were caught in the moment, as months passed the Israelites discovered many new things. However, Arjana wanted to know how John and his people was progressing. “I don’t have much time to be here, this is just a quick pick up stop” Arjana stated. Everyone wears a mask, and acts accordingly. Arjana didn’t know much about John, except that he wanted to learn more the innovations her people were creating. “With the time that you have, teach me more, show me how you got here.” “I will see what I can do, my aircraft is this way, I’ll show you singe curieux”. As they were walking towards Arjana’s aircraft, John was creating a lot of attention causing everyone in the area to follow them to the invention. Everyone was stunned, seeing a object that could take you from here to there in the air, as if you could fly like a bird. As the Europeans were getting closer and closer, John began to get ahead of himself. “People! People! You can see but cannot touch! Step away from my invention!” He shouted out to the people. Arjana was confused was he taking her credit? Or was he just as excited as them. “John, if you want to come with me we must go now.” Arjana insisted. “My assistant will give a tour with the starting price of 20!” John shouted promoting Arjana’s aircraft that he had no clue how to work. The price was outrageous to Arjana especially because it was something she would’ve done for free, but that is besides the point. Arjana felt used in ways she never experienced before, she felt unvalued as people in crowd were pushing, and shoving her to get closer to her aircraft. John was taking up everyone money for a tour of the aircraft. “Everyone must take a step away so we can get started. Now I must call my test monkey to show you how my invention works.” Insulting Arjana to the European crowd. As Arjana walked closer her rage grew. “Test monkey?!” John was taking her credit in a blink of eye, and turning into the devil. Arjana had to play along because her intuition was telling her that this wouldn’t end well. “Yes, monkey go aboard and show them my invention” he demanded “I don’t know who you think you are, but I’ll give you a show” Arjana whispered to John. Arjana snapped away from John and sashayed towards the aircraft. As she got up the stairs she noticed many following, but her intentions now were not to bring any colonizers to her country. Reaching the last step she turned facing the crowd and slammed the door closed, switching the knob to lock as quick as she could. “Test Monkey! Test Monkey!” She heard the crowd shout as she scurried to the dashboard. Flipping the switches to On, starting the engine. BOOM BANG BOOM “Arjana! Arjana! Open the door now! Take me with you! John shouted and banged at the door. “I want to learn more.” She heard him whisper in the peak hole of the door lock. Arjana fell for his soft words the first time, but the disrespect showed her a different John. As the engine was firing up she seen many Europeans fleeing off in fear, but one stood right in front, staring into her eyes with worry. Arjana pressed on the gas presuming to fly off, she never regretted coming back. Yet, it opened her eyes she seen the real vs. good, and the advantages that she has. “There’s no place like home” By Wendy Eldred, '21
Roosevelt High School didn’t look very exciting. The building was just a big brick rectangle with wings added on sloppily on either side. The front doors were at the top of a very tall, very steep set of stairs. I was already dreading having to walk up, them every day. I paused at the bottom of the stairs and looked around for an easier way to get in. None presented themselves. Oh, well. Might as well get it over with. I began the climb. Pushing open one of the doors, I stared inside. The main hallway was completely full of people. It didn’t look like there was any room to move. I slowly started backing away. I was about to turn and run when a loud voice interrupted me. “Well, don’t just stand there. Go inside,” someone said. I turned and saw a tall, thin girl with long brown hair. I stared at her. “Go,” she said again, making a shoo-ing motion with her hands. I took a deep breath and walked in. Once I was inside, it didn’t seem as crowded. Of course, I still didn’t know where to go. I decided to ask the girl who had told me to go in. I looked around and saw her talking to a group of people near a fake palm tree. “Um, excuse me,” I said. She looked at me but didn’t say anything. “Where–do you know where the principal’s office is?” “Hallway to your left, first door on the right,” she said and turned back to her friends. Well, that wasn’t exactly the warm welcome I’d been hoping for, but at least I knew where to go. I followed the girl’s directions found a door labeled “Principal Maria Hedge.” I knocked and someone said, “Come in.” A tiny woman sat at a desk in the middle of the room. “Hello,” she said. “How can I help you?” “Um, I’m Isobel Clare. I’m, uh, well, I’m new here.” “Ah, yes, of course,” she said, walking around her desk to stand in front of me. “It’s very nice to meet you, Isobel. I am Principal Hedge, and I am very excited to welcome you to our school.” I tried to smile. She riffled through the papers on her desk and handed me a bright pink piece of paper. I looked at and saw that it was my schedule. A quick glance told me that my classes all seemed not too bad. “Now, let’s begin your tour. As you can see, this is my office. We’ll look at the classrooms next.” I followed her out of her office and down the long hallway. Hopefully, I wouldn’t get too lost. Half an hour later, I was sitting in English with twenty-odd other sophomores, all staring at me when they thought I wouldn’t notice, which was making it very hard to concentrate. The professor was excitedly explaining the metaphors in a poem. He had taken about thirty seconds to introduce me to the class and hadn’t even told me where to sit before jumping straight into his presentation. Luckily, I’d found an empty seat in the middle of the left row. I would have preferred the back, but it wasn’t the worst seat. As I tried to focus on the teacher, someone poked my arm with a pencil. I looked to my right and saw a pretty, dark-haired girl leaning into the aisle to talk to me. I leaned over slightly as well. “I’m Allison,” she whispered. “You’re new, right?” I nodded. “You understand anything that’s going on?” “A bit.” “Me neither,” Allison said. “Professor Martin is the worst teacher in the whole school. Listen, you should totally sit with me and my friends at lunch. We are totally open to newcomers, so you shouldn’t feel the least bit intimidated.” She smiled widely and went back to doodling on her paper. I went back to my work, but I was so excited about having someone to become friends with that I wasn’t listening to Professor Martin at all. I had no idea that it would so easy to find someone to hang out with here. When the bell rang a moment later, startling me, Allison bolted out of her chair and practically sprinted for the door. I packed my things much more slowly than she had and left the class, staring at my schedule. Where in the world was classroom A123? The next two classes were boring, except for when someone pulled the fire alarm during World History and we all evacuated to the football field. While we waited for the all clear, I struck up a conversation with my classmate, Leanne. “So, where are you from?” she asked me. “New York.” “Oh my gosh, that’s so amazing!” she exclaimed. “Did you ever see anyone famous?” “A couple,” I said. “Once, I met Gordon Ramsay.” “No way!” she said. “Oh, that’s so cool. My sister loves his show. I’ll have to tell her my friend met him. Oh, also,” she went on. “If you don’t have anyone to sit with, you could sit with me and my friends. No pressure, though.” “Thanks,” I said, but I knew I was going to sit with Allison. Just then, the all-clear was called, and we traipsed back inside. A short ten minutes later, it was lunch. Finding the cafeteria was much easier than finding any of my classes; all I had to do was follow the huge crowd pressing towards it. Apparently Roosevelt High did not allow students to go off-campus for lunch, or even to eat anywhere other than the cafeteria, so it was packed. I spotted Allison as soon as I walked in. She smiled and waved me over. I saw Leanne looking at me as I walked towards them and I felt a tiny bit guilty about rejecting her offer, but Allison and her friends seemed really cool and nice, and I really wanted to be friends with them. “Hey, Isobel!” Allison greeted me. “Everyone, this is Isobel. She’s new, so be nice to her.” They all smiled and introduced themselves to me. There were so many of them I couldn’t keep track of their names. It seemed I had arrived in the middle of a discussion about leg warmers. “They keep your legs warm and that’s all that matters,” one girl, I think her name was Katy, said. “Eww, no!” everyone else exclaimed. “They look so ugly,” Allison said. “It doesn’t matter if your legs are warm, it’s a hideous fashion choice. I mean, look at Carly.” We all looked across the cafeteria at a girl wearing bright pink leg warmers. “She looks horrible,” several others agreed. “What do you think, Isobel?” Allison asked me. “Pro-leg warmers or against.” “Mmm, I guess against,” I said. I made a mental note to put my own leg warmers in the far depths of my closet. Lunch was over sooner than I would have liked. Allison offered to show me to my next class, even though she might be late to hers. “I never miss a chance to show up late to chemistry,” she told me. “Here we are.” Here was my Chemistry classroom. I hesitated, then thanked Allison and went in. She waved to me through the window in the door as I introduced myself to the teacher. My first day, and not only did I make new friends, but I was friends with someone as awesome as Allison. The next day, Allison wasn’t in English. She texted me to tell me she was skipping and I should join her, but I decided to stay and try to catch up with the rest of the class. My morning classes were a blur as I waited to go to lunch and see her and the rest. When it was finally lunch time, I hurried into the cafeteria with a spring in my step. I saw that all of Allison’s friends were helping Katy with her homework. Smiling, I started towards them. A shout stopped me. Katy leaped up from the table and tried to grab the paper but another girl grabbed it first. “You don’t want this, do you Katy?” she taunted. “You’re too stupid to understand it.” “I’m not,” Katy said, her voice quivering like she was about to cry. I froze. I wanted to do something, but I didn’t know what to do. Before I could do anything, someone else ran over and shoved one of the girls. “Do you want to give her her homework and leave her alone, or do you want me to knock your teeth down your throat?” I realized it was Leanne, from my World History class. “Oh, shove off, Leanne.” Leanne bared her teeth and shoved her again. She grabbed the homework and escorted a now-sobbing Katy away. I watched her console her and send her on her way, and made up my mind that that was who I wanted to be friends with. Leanne looked up when I sat down in an empty seat at her table. I took a deep breath, then smiled and introduced myself to the rest of them. “I’m Isobel,” I said. “Nice to meet you.” A few of them just stared at me, like Who is this girl? but some of them smiled back. “Isobel, hi,” Leanne said warmly. “I’m glad you joined us.” To the rest of them, she added, “Isobel’s in my World History class and I invited her to sit with us if that’s cool with you guys.” They all nodded, and I was filled with relief. “It’s nice to meet you, Isobel,” said a girl to my left. We shook hands. “‘Sup,” said someone else. “I’m Ben.” He grinned and I smiled back. The rest of lunch we talked about how our days were going, what tests we were dreading, and funny things that had happened to us. They were so accepting, and even though I had just met them, I felt like I could really be myself. I know I made the right choice of who to sit with. By Stella Roth, '19
Life’s a bitch, and so is karma. They’re the type of people who only text you when they need something, and talk about you behind your back. Not exactly the type of entity you want to associate yourself with. However so many people love them, worship them even. It’s almost sad. In a world filled with humans, gods, and spirits, these weaklings still follow the shiniest entities. I see through it all, and refuse to pretend I don’t. I generally avoid the entities, as most of them are full of themselves and think humans should live below them, not equal to them. There is one though, one entity who is a total sweetheart. Commonly misunderstood, and pushed aside. She’s quiet. She generally stays outside of the swing of things, because that’s where she is told to go. Her name is Death, and she’s my best friend. You might think that in a world where Life, Death, and humans coexist, humans would be immortal. That’s not quite how it works. Life and Death aren’t actually immortal either. Just like how our parents have us, and we continue the family lineage, until they pass and we take their place continuing the cycle. The “higher up entities” are born into being, and take over the position when their “higher ups” die. It is not as much of a family structure like we have, rather a boss and apprentice relationship. For Death, it’s no different. She didn’t choose her path, she just follows it. In so many overlooked ways, she is the most valuable entity we have. Death isn’t malicious. At times, she acts out of her own will, deciding who would be better as a reincarnation, and sending their spirit to Life in the hopes he will assign them a better narrative. At times, she is simply following assignments. There is a ruler of all entities, a God of sorts. Their job is to oversee our world and decide what the next steps are. When people die is one of those. So Death gets an assignment, and follows it through. She does her best to make it painless, and give some warning so they can get their affairs in order. Sometimes she is instructed not to do so. Usually this applies to a child being endangered, a person being prepared to reincarnate, or if they are being sent to Hell. Turns out Hell is real, but you only go if you have seriously messed up. Otherwise you are sent to the reincarnation cycle, hopefully into a new life where you would learn from your past mistakes in your last life. Death hates sending people to hell. It pains her, and she usually winds up locked in her room crying for a few days after. Death loves to see the best in people and when she has to send them away, she knows they have run out of second chances. I’ll never forget the day that challenged Death more than she had ever been. I was with her when she received an email from her boss. I saw her facial expression change as she read it, going from worry to fear and ending on distraught. “Who did they assign you?” I asked. “Is it someone we know?” Those are always the hardest for her, when she has to take someone we know. Even though she can usually guarantee they are moving on to a better life, she knows they will no longer be a part of our current lives. Death didn’t respond to me, she just continued staring at the assignment, shaking in fear. I went to take her phone and read what it said, but she jumped up before I got close. “Dude what’s up? Whoever it is, it’ll be ok. I’m here for you. Just tell me what it says?” I was beginning to get nervous too. Death never kept secrets from me, so this must be something really bad. Slowly, she hands me her phone. The assignment is formatted the same as always, and I see that this person is being sent to reincarnate. Usually Death doesn’t react like this unless they are being sent to hell. My heart race quickens, as an overwhelming fear of dread overtakes me. I see the name, in bold letters: Olivia Bloom The phone falls from my hands, and my legs give out. “I can’t do it Liv, I can’t take you.” Death says with tears in her eyes. We had never talked much about what would happen when it was my time. We thought we wouldn’t have to worry about that for years, that we had a long future ahead of us. But there it was, her next assignment: me. “I won’t do it Liv, they can’t make me do it.” Death sobbed. “You’re my best friend they can’t make me do it.” Words were not an option for me, I felt in shock. Once Death got an assignment, she had to complete it. That was just how things worked. “I’ll talk to my boss, this must be a mistake…” Death rambled on, coming up with every possible way this could be wrong. I couldn’t understand it. I was too young to be selected because of my age. My family life wasn’t perfect, my mom had left before I could even remember her, but it was far from bad enough for me to get selected. I had never committed any crimes. This couldn’t be happening. “I just called my boss, they said they want to talk to you.” With my inner turmoil, I hadn’t even noticed Death handing me the phone. Still silent, I shakily grab the phone. “Olivia, it’s me.” The Ruler of Entities didn’t actually have a name, but it was clear that was who I was speaking to. “You need to convince Death to take you. We have much bigger plans in store for you, Olivia. Don’t let a silly thing like friendship get in the way.” Finally finding my voice, I responded. “What do you mean? Why me?” “Olivia, this is your mother.” The ruler responded. “It’s time for you to come with me and fulfill your destiny. You were always my successor, and it’s time you came up here and learned what that means.” Tears filled my eyes. “Mom?” I turned away from Death and whispered, unsure of what I expected the response to be. “Yes Olivia, it’s me. I would come down and get you myself, but that’s not how things work. You’ll understand when you get here. Now convince Death to take you. I need you up here with me.” My world was falling apart, yet a whole new one was being created for me just as quickly. “Why now?” I asked. “Before I do it, I need to know why now.” I heard a sigh on the other end of the line. “Olivia, I’m dying. It wasn’t supposed to happen this fast, but it is. I need you to be ready to take over. Without a Ruler in place, Life will try to take over, and the balance of our world will be destroyed. You are the only one that can stop this from happening.” “I knew life was a bitch.” I hear a laugh at the other end of the line and realized I said my thought out loud. “So I just need to convince Death to take me and then I’ll be with you?” “It’s as simple as that Olivia. Come and take hold of your future.” I hung up the phone and turned around. I realized I had been walking away from my friend while I was caught up in conversation. I walk back to her and she looks at me with tears in her eyes. “So what did they say? It was all a mistake right? I can’t lose you Liv, I can’t.” I take a deep breath, and turn to look my best friend in the eye. “It’s not an accident. You have to take me. The Ruler is my mother, and I have to fulfill my destiny. I’m sorry, but this is goodbye.” Death begins to shake again, crumbling to the floor. “This is going to be the hardest thing I will ever do. If you want me to take you, I will.” Her voice quakes. “But if you are going to become the Ruler, promise me one day we'll be together again.” I nod my head in agreement, my voice gone again. I know we'll be together again somehow. With that, Death hugs me, and I hold her tightly in return. Then, she begins to float, and takes me with her. The best part about Death is she makes it peaceful. I close my eyes, as I prepare to face my future. By Matt Eberst, '19
I laid on my bed staring up at the fan. I had just woken up in a pool of sweat, not really processing the details of the horrific nightmare that I had just experienced. I sat up and looked around my room to make sure that I was no longer in the dream, and once I was sure I got up, unplugged my phone, and plopped back down on my bed. I had received a text from one of my best friends, Marcus, it read: Whoa crazy night last night dude! Marcus and I have known each other ever since first grade, when I accidentally spilled my apple juice all over him and he repaid me by throwing an apple slice at me; ever since then we’ve done almost everything together. I don't even remember what happened to be honest, I texted back. The last thing that I could remember from last night was that we went to some party. I don’t know where, why, or how I even got home. As I waited for him to text back, I got up and decided to go eat something. I left my bedroom and started to walk out into the hallway. I expected my mother to be right there with a scowl on her face waiting to reprimand me for being out so late, but I began to regain my senses a second later. I belatedly remembered that she was away for a business trip and would be gone for the next two weeks. When I walked down the first two flights of stairs, I couldn't help but feel a presence of something watching me. “Maybe I’m just going crazy from last night,” I mumbled to myself. As I reached the first floor I felt my phone vibrate. I reached into my pocket and took it out of my pocket, I almost lost my grip on it from how quick I went for it. To my dismay, it was just a weather notification. I turned off the television that was still on for some reason. I rubbed my weary eyes. It’s too dark in the house. I went over to the kitchen and reached for the light switch. The lights didn’t turn on so I tried again. Nothing. This kitchen is busted. “Maybe the batteries ran out,” I said to myself. I opened the refrigerator door and pulled out the milk and got out the cereal out of the cabinet and went to go sit on the couch. As I sat down, my head began to throb and I almost dropped my bowl of cereal. I shakily placed the bowl of cereal onto the coffee table, cringing at small puddles of spilt milk. I stood back up, clutching my head in pain. Bro, how do you even not remember? My phone vibrated and that is the text Marcus had sent me, but I could not respond; I was in too much pain. I quickly thought to myself that maybe if I went outside and got some fresh air my head would get better. I stumbled outside of the house. It was a cold November morning and it smelled strongly of winter. A breeze came by and it feel even colder. I rubbed my head as I sat down on the couch on my porch. After a moment, I quickly pulled out my phone to respond back to Marcus. No I dont, all I remember is waking up and feeling terrible. I just had the biggest headache of my life. I texted. Maybe my nightmare has something to do with why I couldn't remember anything. Could it have been that bad that it caused my to not remember anything? I had hoped not, as details slowly came back of the dream that I had last night. It involved several of my friends, including Marcus and in it we all died a tragic death each getting picked off one by one by an invisible force. I was the last one to die, but that is when I woke up, right before I could see what my fate was. Marcus, on the other hand, was the first to go he had gone out to the edge of the island, that the dream had taken place, and has he stood on the pier somehow he had been pushed into the edge of the water, but none of us knew until we found him. After we found him we pulled him to shore and quickly drug him to the car and after that the dream goes back to another person. Anyways, that's what I could remember from the dream - I had the same dream a couple of years ago, but I had forgotten all about it until now and this time it seemed for vivid more real and yet I couldn't stop but feel a little scared. I would image you would feel that way, Marcus replied. You hit your head pretty hard when you fell of the dock. What dock? I replied. I had no knowledge of me going to a dock let alone anywhere last night. It was like my memory had been erase. Last night we went to the lake with our friends remember? There were 10 of us that went, it was a party. I picked you up around 7 once your parents left for the night and we headed on over. Midway through we were all dancing and just chilling and you slipped and hit your head on the dock and we had to drag you back to the car and take you home. You wouldn't wake up, so we just left you in your bed. Didn't you check the note on your table. I began to walk upstairs to read the note that I had somehow missed; I walked into my room and looked on the table but there was nothing there, but on the floor there was a yellow piece of paper that read: Bro you got knocked out we dropped you off at your house. Recover Soon! I quickly texted Marcus back and told him that the note had fallen on the ground. As he texted me back the details began to come back and as it did I put two and two together. That is why I had the dream about the island and why it seemed more vivid, but it all happened; except for the killings, which I was glad. By Gabriela Warner, '19
Aphrodite had been watching her for almost a year now: the girl with the soft smile. She had noticed her on her brief visit on Earth. She found a magnificent tree to sit under on some college campus in the middle of a big city and decided that was where she wanted to go most. She sat how she always did around mortals, trying her best to look effortlessly beautiful. Men and women alike turned heads to watch her, as if their eyes refused to look away. She loved the attention. She liked spending time on Earth away from all the other gods; the constant bickering got annoying fast. She spent most of her time with Artemis, who rarely got in between petty fights. But even Artemis needed time away, leaving Aphrodite to sit on Earth. She sat under the big tree and basked in the attention of people walking to class. Men blew wolf whistles her way and she wondered if mortal women found it as uncomfortable as she did. She was able to ignore it the second someone else looked at her as if she were the sun. Everyone looked and she loved it. But when she saw a girl with headphones in her ears not even pass a glance, she grew confused. It almost made her angry. How could someone refuse to look at her beauty? From then on she went down to Earth almost every week, intentionally trying to run into the girl to get her to look at Aphrodite, but to no avail. She’d always mutter a quiet apology before rushing off to wherever. It took about two months before Aphrodite finally said something. She saw her sitting on her phone on a bench by the big tree where Aphrodite once sat. This time she sat right next to the girl. “Hello,” she said with a smile. “My name is Aphrodite. And you are?” The girl, startled, looked at Aphrodite for the first time. “Marisol,” she muttered before looking back at her phone. It seemed that she was certain to not look in Aphrodite’s eyes. “What are you looking at?” Aphrodite tried again. “Everytime I see you around campus you have your head down looking at your phone.” Marisol looked up again. “You’ve seen me around campus?” she asked. Aphrodite nodded. She never really liked to pry around mortals, but Marisol seemed so closed off she felt like she couldn’t resist. It took a little longer staring before Aphrodite could tell what Marisol’s heart was like. “You’re in love with someone, aren’t you?” Aphrodite asked. “You’re waiting for a text, I suppose?” Marisol looked at her with big eyes. “How did you-” “Let’s just say I didn’t get the name Aphrodite for nothing,” she interrupted. “How about this: I’ll help you out. Who’s the lucky guy? Or girl? I don’t judge.” Marisol started to gather her things. “I’m sorry; I don’t think I can do this. I have to get to my next class.” Like that, she was off. It had been a game of cat and mouse for several weeks; of Aphrodite popping out of nowhere, waiting for Marisol outside of class, hanging out around her dorm, or finding her in the courtyard. And every time Marisol would rush off, put in earbuds, and try to drown her out. Aphrodite didn’t quit. Upon further digging, she found that Marisol needed all the help she could get. She had been pining over some guy named Nicholas she met her freshman year of high school, and somehow the two managed to become best friends. They ended up at the same university, and yet Marisol had no plan of telling him. She would rather never, if asked. Aphrodite couldn’t let it go. There was something about Marisol that was so pitiful that she felt as if it was her duty to set them up. She felt the need to see her happy. Weeks turned into months before finally Marisol gave in. “But only so you’ll stop following me like a lunatic,” she insisted. Nevertheless, Aphrodite was glad. She grabbed Marisol by the hands before pulling her in for a hug that lingered just a little too long. She set a plan into motion, hyping Marisol up to finally telling Nicholas. Marisol went along with it reluctantly. She let Aphrodite meet him, to which Aphrodite was a little too excited. “You must be Nicholas!” she said with a big smile. She went to grab for his hand to shake vigorously. “Marisol has spoken so much about you. Well, that’s a bit of a lie. I had to pry it out of her.” “Aphrodite,” Marisol interjected with an elbow into her side. Nicholas smiled. “Aphrodite? Like the Greek goddess?” “Something like that,” she replied. Aphrodite had dragged to two of them to a movie promptly after. She sat Marisol in the middle and leaned over to whisper tips in her ear. “Lean your head against his shoulder.” Marisol would always swat in Aphrodite’s direction in reaction to them. Time went by. Aphrodite would drag the two of them somewhere and try her best at matchmaking. She tried to let it happen on its own rather than push too hard. She didn’t want to pry into their heart too much. But one day she couldn’t help it. Aphrodite had grown to like the two of them, and found herself spending most of her time with them. They were sitting under the big tree that Aphrodite liked in the middle of campus when Marisol stood up to go to the bathroom. Aphrodite turned to Nicholas with a smile and decided she couldn’t hold back anymore. “What do you think about Marisol?” she asked. He turned to her. “What do you mean?” “Well, all I can say is a little birdy told me that Marisol might like someone.” “Really?” his smile grew. “That’s amazing! She deserves to be in a relationship!” “How do you feel about it?” Aphrodite pried. “Of course I’m happy for her!” Aphrodite couldn’t resist. Mortals were never outright about their feelings, and she could tell he was hiding something. She dug around his heart and found her answer. “Oh…” she stammered. “You… like someone else…” He could feel his heart stop. “How do you-” “You like me?” she interrupted. “But this whole time I’ve been trying to get you with Marisol. I was trying to help Marisol.” She stopped. “Oh my gods, Marisol.” When she turned she found Marisol standing a few feet away. She didn’t have to pry through her heart to know she was mad. After all the time Aphrodite spent with her, she could read her ever indifferent face like a book. She felt a tug inside her as she saw Marisol start to walk away. She saw Nicholas run after her, but she couldn’t seem to move. She sat watching them vanished in the distance. It was months before Aphrodite went back to Earth after that. Marisol’s stone face replayed in her mind kept her from going back. She couldn’t figure out why Marisol had such an effect on her, but she did. Artemis noticed Aphrodite moping. “Is it the mortal you’ve been stalking?” she asked. “I just can’t shake this feeling that I betrayed her,” Aphrodite replied. “This whole time I was trying to help her, and I made the guy she fell for fall for me. How could I have been so stupid?” Aphrodite groaned. “When I was with Marisol, I forgot about being a goddess. I was just another person in her eyes. I forgot that other people didn’t see me the same way. I should have known Nicholas would fall for me. Mortals can’t resist me.” Artemis rolled her eyes. “Well, goddess of love and beauty,” she muttered. “Have you ever thought that maybe - just maybe - you could be in love with this girl?” Aphrodite blinked. “What?” “Look, I’m no goddess of love, but you seem pretty in love to me.” “I-” Aphrodite stammered. “I love Marisol?” As if saying it out loud made something click, she felt the familiar tug at her heart: wanting. “I think you need to go find this girl and tell her how you feel,” Artemis said pulling Aphrodite out of her thoughts. Aphrodite gave her a quick smile before vanishing. She appeared outside of Marisol’s dorm room and knocked on the door. When Marisol opened the door, Aphrodite felt the sadness radiating off her. “Where have you been?” Marisol asked. Aphrodite was taken aback. “I was giving you room,” she replied. “I know you were hurt.” Marisol sighed. “I wasn’t hurt because Nicholas said he liked you.” “You weren’t?” “No… I was hurt that Nicholas said he liked you.” Aphrodite shook her head. “I’m not following.” “I like you.” “But you-” “I got over him months ago. But I went along with it because I got to spend more time with you.” Aphrodite couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Usually Marisol was so closed off, but hearing her say she liked Aphrodite felt like a fever dream. She told herself she wasn’t going to pry into Marisol’s heart again after that day, but she needed to know if she was telling the truth. “You like me,” she breathed out. Marisol smiled softly. “Yeah, I do.” “That’s wonderful news,” Aphrodite said. “I guess everyone really does fall for me.” Marisol laughed. “I can always take it back.” “No! It’s too late. We’re together now. I’m not leaving you anymore.” Aphrodite wrapped her arms around her and rested her head on her shoulder. At the moment she didn’t care about her past mortal loves who eventually died. Because as long as people like Marisol existed, she would fall in love with them every time. |
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