"Oxygen" and "Shadowplay" Poems by Max Doran

Oxygen

                                   The seed grew into a tree and created greener roofs.

 Before it got destroyed from a buzz, hack, crash, 

   to build new housing, don’t they get it, 

       I am the one who filters your air 

        and enables you to breathe I

         give the shade from the hot

          and dry. So respect the 

           needs for the animals

             that make a home

                    out of me.

                    I am their

                       home.     

                                                                           - by Max Doran  

Shadowplay

A light brighter at darker times

you hear a howl and look up

at the trees surrounding you  

see a shadow looking at you 

and behind its darkness 

light that shines across

the moon and comes 

upon you.  

• By Max Doran

“Dreams” by Macon Workman

A person walks up to the front door of house 159, holds up an axe,  swings, and then steps in.

Conner wakes up out of breath to the same dream he has almost every night. He looks around, gets out of bed and walks downstairs. The clock reads 3:45 AM. He looks at the front door - no sign of anyone.

“What’s  wrong with me?” Conner whispers to himself then slips back into bed. Conner wakes up again to his alarm clock going off. Again, he steps out of bed, and then his nose catches the smell of waffles wafting through the air. Conner leaps down the stairs, scarfs down his waffles then heads to his friend Marcus’s house. He passes an old abandoned house on the way, house 1313 where two kids went missing. People say to never move into the Deer Run neighborhood because of it, and it’s kind of a weird name because there’s never any deer around the development. On the walk he remembers the house in his dream, number 159. Why does that sound familiar? And then he remembers that it's Marcus's house!

Caution tape is wrapped around the outside of Marcus’s house. He then looks at the front door. There’s a giant crack in it. It looks like something an axe would do. Police come out carrying a board covered in sheets. They place the board in an ambulance. Conner realizes that those were people under those sheets! Conner rushes over to a police officer and asks, “What happened?!”

“Someone broke in last night, and there were no survivors,” the cop replies. Conner feels tears stream over his face. “Oh, was that your friend's house? Um, I’m sorry buddy.” Then the cop just walks away. 

A week later, Conner’s attending the funeral for Marcus’s family. No one who's lived here had remembered such a sad scene since some dude named Kyler died about 10 years ago. The only good thing to come of this tragedy is that Conner hasn’t had his terrifying dream about house 159 since Marcus’s death.

That night, Conner has a dream of the same guy holding an axe. He wakes up and decides to go back to bed because this always happens. Then somehow he goes to the same place in his dream. The stranger walks inside. Conner realizes that the house is his house! His mind goes straight to Marcus. He tries to wake up but he can’t really. He hits himself.  “Wake up, wake up!” he shouts in the dream. But the image starts to fade, and there’s no reason to try any harder because Conner’s not going to wake up. This is the last thought Conner has before it goes black.  Then nothing.

"Drown" by Nora Poole

Have you ever had a dream that would repeat itself? In particular nightmares. I have had one. And that is drowning. It starts weird. You are in a cave underwater. You are with your mom and a scientist. You are finding an answer to this mystery. You are scuba diving. You are having a lot of fun. You start feeling dizzy. You look at your air tank and are about out of air. Your mom and the scientist are also running out of air. But you are miles below the surface. You are scared. You want to get to the surface. You start to cry, which only makes breathing harder. You hug your mom, not wanting to end it this way. Then you see the world go black. You wake up.

"Red" by Samantha Lozinski

“Red”

Red like a red carpet.

Like red rose’s in a bouquet. 

Like the fire burning in your soul about what you are passionate about.

Like the fall leaves falling from the beautiful sunset above you.

Image Source: https://wallpaperboat.com/red-aesthetic-wallpapers

"The Unordinary Events" by Madison Mikita

Footsteps pounded in my ears as the herd thundered up the steps. Shoulders shoved, hands gliding past the railing. I looked down at my dirty red converse as they made their way to the top of the steps. I looked up at the sea of heads bobbing up and down as they pushed and shoved their way to the buses. My eyes landed on the yellow school bus, parked several feet away from where I was standing. I separated from the crowd and ran over to the open doors. I threw my legs on top of the giant silver steps and looked up to see that the driver was different. I leaned out and checked the bus number. Still bus number eight as usual. I eyed the driver, he seemed old, wispy white hair stuck out under his black beanie and he had sunglasses covering his eyes. 

He was wearing only black but I couldn’t see what he was wearing exactly before he shouted, “Move along, missy.” His voice was low and deep. I jumped as I obeyed him and squeezed through the seats. I looked up and found that there were only a few kids on the bus. One was in the front seat directly behind the driver, his ankles were crossed and his frizzy brown hair was all I could see of his head. He clutched a book in between his legs. He looked up at me and for a moment I could see his big brown eyes before they snapped back to the book. I continued to shuffle to the back of the bus. 

“Hurry up.” The driver called. I quickly shuffled to the back seat and flung myself onto the seat on my right. I glanced over at the person sitting in the seat across from me. The girl has short frizzy blonde hair and army print boots with black shoelaces tied in a messy knot. She wore a black cardigan sweater that covered all of her hands except for a fragment of her fingers that were fidgeting with her ripped leggings. Her boots were pressed on the back of the seat in front of her while she hugged her knees to her chest. The girl tilted her head but did not say anything, just stared down at her leggings and ignored me. I peeked up over the seat, my fingers grasped the leather. I saw that two girls were two seats away from me. I could only see that one had dark brown hair and a rainbow cat ear headband and the other had light brown hair. They were whispering with each other but were so quiet I couldn’t hear a word that came out of their mouths. There was only one other person on the bus other than the whispering girls, cardigan girl, and frizzy hair boy and she was sitting in the twenty-first seat all alone. She had light brown hair, almost like a caramel color, tied back in a ponytail. She wore a baggy sage green sweatshirt and jean shorts. Her tan legs were stretched out on the seat, her phone was in her hands, and she was leaning back against her backpack that was parallel to the window. She looked weirdly familiar, as if I had seen her in the hallways. But that was it, the bus wasn’t buzzing with conversation, no one was crushed up against the window, practically no one spoke. It was empty and dull. I gazed past cardigan girl’s legs and out the window at people who were waiting for their bus and talking, smiling, hanging out with their friends while I was here stuck with a few strangers. But something weird was going on, kids were walking up to our bus but then the bus driver would say something and they would turn away. Why was this bus only reserved for us? Plus I had never seen any of these kids on this bus. I drew my eyes away from the window and onto the girl in the black cardigan.  

“Hi, is this your normal bus?” I asked the girl. She stopped fidgeting and looked at me. I could finally see her face clearly, she had greyish green eyes and a few freckles scattered around her round face. 

“No, the assistant principal said that I will be going on this bus today.” She said. Her expression didn’t change when she talked to me. I expected her to go back to messing around with the loose strings of her leggings but she just stared at me. I looked around the bus and then looked back at her, she was still looking at me as if waiting for me to say something. 

“My name is Haley.” I said while smiling. 

“Cynthia.” She replied casually. I nodded and looked at the ground. 

“Isn’t it weird that there is such a small amount of people on this bus?” I asked. Cynthia shrugged.

“It’s obvious that the school only wants a few people going to the place that the bus driver is taking us.” She said. The girl with the sage green sweatshirt leaned out to look at Cynthia.

“The bus driver drives us home, they are paid to do that.” She sneered. At once it clicked. This was Bri Anderson, the girl who supposedly thought she was better than everyone. The girl everyone somehow knew.  

“Well I have a feeling something dark is going on.” Cynthia said mysteriously. Suddenly she perked up.

“Did anyone else hear that?” She asked, her eyes were wide.

“No, because you’re insane.” Bri snapped at Cynthia. Cynthia relaxed as if Bri had not just insulted her and sat back against the seat. 

Just then a series of footsteps pounded on the steps. The assistant principal popped up and ducked into the bus. He mumbled something to the two boys behind him. They popped up and scooted down the aisle. One had black hair that was swooped over to one side. He was tall, his skin was the color of chocolate and he had a goofy grin on his face. I had seen him around the school, his name was EJ, and just like Bri, everyone knew him. He slid into the seat in front of Bri.

“Hey.” He said with a smirk. Bri took one look at him and narrowed her eyes. 

The second boy had messy brown hair and thick, black, rectangular glasses. He wore a navy blue sweatshirt and grey pants, he paused before sliding into an empty seat a few seats away from me. Then the assistant principal shuffled down the aisle to the two whispering girls.

“Olivia come with me.” The assistant principal said as he motioned for one of the girls to follow him.

The girls glanced at each other and then back at the assistant principal, “Sir I am going over to her house tonight.” The girl with the light brown hair said. 

The assistant principal frowned, “No your not, come with me.” The girl glanced helplessly at her friend and then stood up and followed the assistant principal out. Then they were gone.

Suddenly the bus jolted to life and the doors had clasped shut. 

“Wait why are we moving? There should be more people on this bus!” Bri shouted at the bus driver but he kept going. 

“Can you not hear me old man!” Bri yelled.

“I can hear you just fine you little brat.” The bus driver yelled back as we drove out of the parking lot. The bus driver picked up a radio and mumbled something into it. There were no buses in front of us and the buses behind us were still. The radio crackled to life again as words stumbled out of it. Before the person on the other side of the radio could finish the bus driver interrupted loudly.

“It would be stupid to stick to the stinkin’ plan for god’s sake. I’ll run ‘em out.” Then the bus driver pulled the radio out of the system and threw it on the floor. 

“That’ll shut ya up.” The bus driver shouted angrily. Then he looked up and made a sharp turn. 

Everyone screamed. I tumbled down to the aisle as Cynthia slammed against the window. Bri grabbed the back of her seat and pulled herself towards it. The girl with dark brown hair stood up and wobbled over to the seat in front of me. 

“This is crazy!” She exclaimed, but weirdly delighted. I fumbled back onto my seat, “Yep.” I replied. 

“I’m Leah!” The girl said while smiling. 

“I’m Haley.” I said back. 

Suddenly the expression on Leah’s face changed drastically. Her eyes went cold as she stared behind me. 

“Is it just me or is that white van chasing us.” She said as she continued to stare out the back window.

I glanced at Cynthia who was looking between me and Leah, then turned my head around. Leah was right, there was a white van right on our heels.

"The Amethyst Butterfly" by Audrey Brush and Wynter Lee

The Amethyst Butterfly

Chapter 1

This forest was all Raven had ever known. 

She stood at a clearing of oak trees, surrounded by a cool swirling breeze. Raven looked at the pile of neatly chopped wood. Her long dark hair swirled in the wind as she took a deep breath in. Her knuckles were white as she held onto the axe, ready to split into the next chunk of wood. She started to lift the axe and paused. Her breath became hard and quick as she swung the axe into a nearby tree. 

A murder of crows cawed from a gnarled gray branch. It seemed as if they were laughing at her. Raven ignored them and proceeded to cut the wood without even thinking about what she was doing. Her hands moved swiftly and that left her mind free to get lost in thought. 

Firewood was Raven’s least favorite chore. Yet she also enjoyed it, in some sense. She liked taking long walks in the woods, lost in thought, fantasizing about a world beyond. She would sometimes reread one of the few books her father had owned. Despite his small library, he loved to read, as did Raven. Yet her mother did not approve. She called the books made-up stories. 

Raven jolted upright. Mother will be furious if I’m home after dark again. She quickly scooped up the wood, and placed it in her leather pack. She slung it over her shoulder and was dismayed by it’s lightness. Raven’s mother did not like using their extra firewood, but it seemed they would have to tonight. 

Again. 

Raven trotted through the familiar oak trees. The sky was the orange and yellow of a sunset in paintings. Raven admired it. It usually rained or was overcast in the forest. Sunlight was...kind of a novelty. She looked up and saw a Ruby Throated Hummingbird settling into its nest. She gazed at it. It was incredibly rare to see a hummingbird in the forest. She had only seen a hummingbird one other time. She was not any older than seven at the time, and had been exploring the forest. That had been one of the few times Mother had explored the forest with her. 

She continued on through the forest. Raven knew the layout of the forest pretty well, and it didn’t usually scare her to be out at night. Yet this night felt different somehow. 

Raven shivered and walked faster. Soon, she had arrived at the small cabin in the woods, where Raven and her mother lived. 

Some would call it dilapidated, yet Raven only called it home. 

She walked up the sagging log stairs of the front porch and pushed the heavy oak door handle. It creaked and opened, revealing a cozy living room, smelling of a strange mixture of jam and mold. 

Raven’s mother came out of the kitchen, walking into the living room. Her auburn hair looked slightly tangled, and she held a mixing bowl, seemingly used to make jam. 

“Why are you home so late, Raven?” Mother asked. Raven was shocked by her tone. It was warmer than she had expected.

“Sorry. I couldn't find the good kind of wood as easily.” Raven slung off her backpack onto the floor. “I hope this is enough.” 

Mother picked up the large backpack and looked scornfully at the wood. But when she spoke, her face changed. “It’s OK, Raven. We might need to use the extra, but I’m just glad you are home.” She hugged Raven, which Raven found strange. Mother usually just kept to herself. Raven hugged her back. 

“You’ll never guess what I saw!” Raven broke away and walked towards the kitchen. 

“A hummingbird. It was absolutely beautiful.” 

“That’s nice.” Mother was back to being distant. Raven sighed again, and looked away. 

“Do you want some jam?” Her mother asked, changing the subject. “I’m going to start making dinner now.” 

“Sure. Thanks.” Said Raven as she put some on a plate and walked towards the stairs. “I’m going to try to draw the hummingbird. I’ll show you when I’m done.” Raven grabbed a lit candle from the table as she walked towards the stairs. 

“Didn’t you do your other chores?” Raven’s mother asked skeptically.
“I’ll do them tomorrow,” Raven said without turning around. 

She walked upstairs and pushed open her bedroom door. The room was kind of messy, but it was comfortable and warm. Raven sat down at her desk and pulled out her sketchbook. She hesitated, and pulled out one of her father’s books- a bird guide. She flipped through the pages of such familiar birds she saw every day, and marveled at ones she had never seen- brightly colored and strange looking. Mother said that those birds were imaginary. Father told her they were real and lived elsewhere. Raven wanted to believe they were real-yet questioned herself. 

She tried to copy a picture from the book, and tried to add the features she remembered of the small delicate hummingbird. Yet something was off about the drawing, but she couldn’t quite grasp onto the reason why. She slowly closed her notebook and walked to the large window that laid near her bed. She could only see the darkness of the woods. 

Dinner is probably ready. I should go downstairs now. I wonder what mother made today. 

As she reached for the door handle, she heard a loud noise come from the window. She jolted her head around just in time to see it open, letting a cold wind inside. Perplexed, she reached for one of the candles on her desk, and moved towards the window to close it. Just as she did so, the burning flame in the candle went out. As did the fire in her fireplace. Lit only by moonlight, the room was almost pitch black.

 It took a second for Raven to realize that she wasn’t alone. In the dim light, Raven looked up and was startled to see an unusual-looking owl sitting on her desk, right on her notebook. The owl was white and had steely grey eyes. Raven had never seen a snowy owl before. Her father had said they lived elsewhere, and her mother had said they didn’t exist. Either way, this owl looked nothing like the snowy owl in her book. 

Perhaps a Northern Spotted Owl? No, those weren’t white like this. 

The strange owl glowed, with silver sparkling eyes, catching the moonlight. The owl's wings rose up as it slowly walked towards Raven. The confusion Raven had felt evaporated. She was mystified by this strange new arrival. Raven felt as if she had known the owl her whole life. All she could do was just watch.

 She felt as though nothing was more natural than the owl being right there, just like a painting on the wall. So natural it seems forgotten, yet without it- the room feels entirely different. 

 She tentatively reached her hand out to the owl. It tilted it’s head at her quizzically and leaned it’s yellow beak towards her hand, as a timid--yet friendly dog does. 

 Just as they were about to touch, it disappeared into thin air, leaving not a trace of anything. She was left there standing in her room with the dying embers in the fireplace and a cold feeling of loss in her heart.

Chapter 2 

Raven laid down in her bed, still tense. Why did that happen? Was I hallucinating? I should probably tell my mother that there was an owl in my bedroom…

Yet she decided the owl had no malice. 

“Nothing worth disturbing Mother about.” Raven muttered to herself. 

Raven rolled and turned in her bed for a few minutes, contemplating the strange situation at hand until Mother opened the door and stepped inside. 

“Raven, it’s dinner time. Time to go downstairs.” 

Raven nodded and slumped out of bed and followed Mother downstairs to their wooden dining table. 

Per usual, Raven sat at one end of the table and Mother sat at the other. Raven examined her plate and internally groaned.

 Wild mushroom and salmon stew for the millionth day in a row. Hooray... Raven thought glumly. Raven picked at her food, reluctantly eating the mushrooms yet avoiding the salmon. She and her mother ate in silence. She felt that she should talk to Mother about what had happened with the owl. But at the same time, it felt strangely personal, like what happened was between Raven and the owl. Her mother broke the silence. “Tomorrow I’m going to make my strawberry jam recipe. Can you get the strawberries and blueberries tomorrow morning?” 

“Sure, mother.” Raven sighed. 

“Please eat some of the salmon.” Mother raised an eyebrow. 

“Fine.” Raven tentatively bit into one of the pale chunks. 

“Is something bothering you, Raven? You seem more distant than usual.” Mother looked across the table at Raven. Raven bit into another piece. 

I’m not the one who’s usually distant.

“I’m just tired. I’m going to go to bed.” Raven forced down one more forkful and got up to go to bed. Mother did not object, so Raven trekked up the steps and started to open the door. 

Raven hoped that the owl was perched somewhere in her room. But when she opened the door, her face fell in disappointment. The owl had not come back. 

That was silly. Why would I want to see the owl? I just felt like it understood me. 

Chapter 3. 

When she awoke, Raven sat up, her head pounding. Her thoughts were running fast and she felt overwhelmed. She just sat there, looking out the window across from her bed. The bright sun was just above the horizon.

Raven finally got out of her bed. She went over to her mirror and brushed her dark silky hair. The humidity inside the cabin had made it slightly curly. Raven tried to smooth it out, unsuccessfully. She examined herself, met with a girl of 15 with a sprinkling of freckles and tiger’s eyes. 

Why am I so fascinated with this owl? Animals have gotten into the cabin before.

A few years prior, Raven had found a raccoon in the dining room. She had scared it as much as it scared her. Another time, they saw a bear on the front porch. Living in the woods, surrounded by all kinds of wildlife, it was a miracle an owl hadn’t come in sooner. Yet this felt different. She felt that it was meant to be here. Like she belonged more with the strange owl than in the worn down cabin she had lived in all her life. 

These thoughts are ridiculous. I need to do my chores now.

Raven glanced over at the notebook the owl had landed on. In retrospect, the memory seemed so unreal. It could have all been a strange dream.

Raven grabbed the wooden door handle and swung her door open. Mother’s bedroom door was closed, so Raven assumed she was asleep. She tip-toed down the stairs and put on her leather backpack. She went to the kitchen and picked up a large basket for collecting berries, as well as a foldable fishing rod that had once belonged to Father. She put them all in her backpack and dragged herself out of the door.

The bright morning sun made her squint. She held her hand up high in the air to shade herself. She trudged through the thicket and took the familiar path through the woods. Raven considered the strange owl once more, but tried to dispel it from her mind. There were always strange looking animals in the woods. There was a stream not too far away from their house. Many berry bushes sat near it, ready to be harvested. When she was younger, her and Mother would often take this path to collect berries. They would collect strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Raven was lost in thought and memories when she stumbled upon the clearing. Despite the dreary weather, the fruit was abundant. 

She plucked a blueberry and plopped it into her mouth. She chewed on the sweet and sour sensation. She kept picking for a while until the basket was full

“Ok. time to go home...” Raven muttered dryly. 

She sauntered back to the cabin, to drop the berries off. Raven slowly opened the door and walked to the kitchen, without taking her boots off. 

“Mother?” Raven called, “Im home-”

Mother came through the doorway. 

“Good morning, Raven.” She said, holding her hand out for the basket. Mother looked at Raven’s boots and scowled, but said nothing. 

Raven passed it to her. “Morning.” 

“I’m going to make more jam. Can you do the rest of your chores?” 

“Yes mother.” 

Without another word, Raven ambled out the door, and ran down the stairs of the front porch. She slung her backpack back over her shoulder and trotted through a path. 

A scraggly crow flew down and perched on a low branch. It cawed loudly at her. 

Raven stopped and sighed. “What do you want?” 

The crow tilted its head and cawed again, louder this time. 

Raven started to walk away; quite annoyed, but the crow flapped onto a branch closer to her. It flew from one tree to the next as it continued to caw at her. It felt like it was trying to warn her...

“Shush, you annoying rat.” Raven spat indignantly. She waved her hand towards the crow, trying to scare it away. But it didn’t budge. The crow flapped its wings violently, cawing louder. It’s black eyes seemed to look directly at her. 

A shiver ran up Raven’s spine as she turned away. She walked faster down the path, and this time the crow didn’t follow. 

The rest of that day was a blur. Raven was so preoccupied that she barely even noticed that she had caught 4 fish, and the sun was starting to set. 

She wrapped the fish in a tarp that was in her backpack, and carried them back to the cabin. Raven stepped onto the front porch, and slowly reached for the door knob. A wisp of cold air blew in her face. She froze as she heard a noise that crept behind her. She set the fish down and did a double take.

Raven heard something crunching in the leaves again, closer this time. She jumped as a glowing deer ran into her view. It looked at her, and Raven’s breath shortened as she tentatively watched it.

 Raven had hunted many deer before, but this one was different. Something about it seemed familiar. She couldn't quite place it. Just as Raven and the deer locked eyes, she figured it out. 

It looks just like the owl...it has that unearthly glow. 

Raven took a step forward as a twig snapped in half under her feet. The deer looked startled, and seemed to dissolve as it started to run away.

Just like the owl. 

Was this another dream? 

Chapter 4

Raven woke up and looked around. She could hear rain pounding on the window, and the sounds of drops leaking through the roof.  She got up and sighed. She took a degraded wooden bucket that sat at the corner of her room, and put it under the leaking. 

Raven trotted downstairs, and looked at what lay on the table. 

Burnt salmon sat on a tin pan in the middle of the table.  On the side, there was a bowl of berries. Her mother walked in with two mugs of cold apple juice. She gently placed one of them near Raven’s plate.

They both sat down and arranged everything onto their plates. As always, Raven sat at one end of the table, and Mother sat at the other. Raven quickly stuffed a couple of berries into her mouth. They ate in silence for a few minutes, until Mother broke the silence. 

“How did you sleep?” Mother asked, nibbling a blackberry. 

Raven muffled, “Pretty good,” 

Raven knew this was a lie. She had been up almost all night, drawing the deer and the owl. They fascinated her. Yet she felt unable to tell Mother about what happened. And when she had finally found sleep, her dreams were clouded with strange animals. 

“Remember to do your chores today.” Mother spooned out some berries onto her plate. “We’ve had this discussion before.”

Ravan swallowed, “Sorry Mother. I wasn’t feeling well.” 

Her mother crossed her arms, “Stop with the excuses. Make sure to do them.” 

Raven looked out the window. Grey clouds covered the sun and she could hear the rain pounding against the roof. A couple of buckets had been placed around the kitchen. There was a continuous dripping sound from them, like a clock ticking.  

“Yes, Mother. I’ll make sure to do them” Raven twirled her long silky hair. 

Painful silence fell upon them, and Raven stared at her plate intently. 

“I've been noticing something, quite strange...” Raven She could feel the tension build up in the air.

“What do you mean Raven?”

Raven looked down, “I don't… know-”

“Raven, are you ok?’’ Her mother tilted her head to the side in concern. 

“Tell me the truth mother-” Raven’s heart was racing. She never stood up for herself like this.

“Don’t speak to me like that. If you're going to act crazy, go up to your room.” 

Anger filled Raven’s chest, “NO! You're not listening to me, you never have and never will.” Raven stood up breathing hard, “You know exactly what I’m talking about.” 

Mothers face darkened as she gripened her fists. A clash of thunder echoed in the dime room. Raven’s heart dropped and she stepped back in fear. 

“Raven, wait!” Her mother yelled in shock, but Raven had already run out of the door.

When Father was still with them, he would always tell them stories of all his adventures. He would tell them there were other people out there. That there was a whole world out there. That they just couldn't get there. But Mother would always end the conversations with her usual attitude.

“That’s a lie,” Mother would say. In the end, Father knew there was no way of winning that argument, so he would drop it. Raven would just agree. It felt like the woods stretched forever. But deep inside she felt like there was something else. 

The heavy rain poured over her. She ran cluelessly, unable to see. She could slightly hear the distant sound of her name being called and the sound of thunder ringing in her ears. After a couple of minutes she stopped to catch her breath. She wrapped her arms around herself as she shivered. She slowly walked around trees and bushes wondering what to do next. 

After just a few minutes, she spotted a large rock laying on the ground.   There was a big opening, where she could easily squeeze herself underneath it. There was a hollowed out area for her to rest. She relaxed herself under it to shelter herself from the cold rain. Mother never believes me. Mother never helps. Mother never listens to what I have to say.  Raven was furious, but then again she was right. They had to work together in order to survive.

She opened her eyes and crawled out from underneath the rock. The sky had turned to the lavender of night. Raven looked around shocked by how quickly it got dark. 

Raven took in her dark surroundings. 

Her heart started pounding. She had never stayed out this late before. Adrenaline filled her body, and she broke into a run, pushing the weeds out of her way. They tore open her arms and legs, but she kept running. Suddenly, she tripped over a rock and collapsed. She laid on the leavy undergrowth, breathing heavily. 

She started to get up and then paused. 

Raven then realized that she was not in solitude that night. 

Chapter 4

Raven sat up and stared at a beautiful grey wolf with haunting blue eyes. The wolf stared at her, only a few yards away. It stepped forward tentatively, and Raven leapt to her feet. It laid down again, eyes never taken off her. Wolves were rare in this forest. They mostly kept to themselves and their pack, not bothering her. Yet this one watched her, unblinkingly. Raven knew she was being stupid, but she stood her ground. 

The wolf put its ears back. Raven could not tell if it was in a submissive way or aggression. She took a step back, and a twig snapped under her foot.   

When she opened her eyes again, everything felt cold around her. “Where am I? ” She silently wondered. The sky was pitch black and it looked like the forest, but it seemed different. The wolf was standing in front of her; exactly where it was before. However, it looked different. It still had intense blue eyes, but its fur was pure white. It showed no sign of aggression, just as it had before. It was laying down leisurely, yet watching her intently. 

Raven looked around at her new surroundings. The trees glowed, reflecting the black ground. She couldn't tell if it was dirt or stone. It seemed to be obsidian. She walked back slowly. The wolf stood back up and growled. Raven stopped. The wolf sat back down and stared at her curiously. 

“What's happening? Can I go back home?” She asked the wolf tentatively. 

The wolf got back up and started walking away from Raven.

 “Wait!” Raven said.

Raven took a deep breath and followed the wolf through the dark forest. The further they walked away the colder it got.

“Umm, where are we going?” Raven asked, hearing her breath shake. 

Looking at the strange structure she was in, as well as the mystical wolf, she realized that this was the place from her dad’s stories. He would tell her all of his adventures when she was younger. Her mother swore it wasn’t real, but it was. The spirit world. She regarded the lavender mist covering the black trees. Her father had told her that the spirit world was kept in balance by an Amethyst Butterfly. She had laughed at his stories at the time, yet now it seemed very believable. 

Raven jumped when a bird screeched. She looked up just in time to see a white owl gracefully land next to the wolf. It folded its wings and looked right at Raven. 

The wolf suddenly stopped moving and looked at the owl. All was silent and still. Raven looked into the owl’s eyes and realized that it had the same striking eyes as the owl she had seen before. It couldn't possibly be the same owl. 

“The other owl was black, and I’m sure there are a lot of owls in the forest-or whatever this strange woods is.” Raven thought bitterly. Then, the wolf broke the silence with a low and melancholy howl. Raven panicked and ran as fast as she could, not looking back to see if the wolf was following. 

Chapter 5

It felt like the journey was never-ending, there was no destination. After what seemed like hours of walking, she finally rested on the side of a glowing black tree. She felt hopeless. 

“What is this place? This is not my forest.” Raven thought, shivering. 

She stopped by a beautiful pond and was startled to see a large black koi fish. There were no koi fish in Raven’s forest, so she had never seen one before. Yet her father had told her of many animals she had never seen, and her mother swore didn’t exist. They lit up the area around them jumping and flying around. They looked free and happy. The view was breathtaking. She sighed and relaxed her head on the side of a tree. The sound of rustling leaves moved through the trees near her. Raven flinched, stepping away.

“Hello?” Raven yelled uneasily. The black glowing leaves swirled around her. 

A hand swung from the top of a branch. Raven stood in bewilderment. Who is that? 

“Mother is that you?” The hand swung back up in the leaves. 

“No, it can’t be...dad?” Someone jumped down, and Raven was shocked that he looked about the same age. He had dark hair and hazel eyes. Mom said there was no one else, she was wrong again.

“Who are you?” Raven asked. The boy looked down and started to walk away

nonchalantly. I need to get out of here, She thought to herself. 

Raven calmly but impatiently spoke, “Who are you?” He stopped and looked back, he gave Raven a sideways glance.

“That’s none of your concern,” He continued, looking into the distance. 

Ravens hair swirled around with the light calm wind. She tried to ask once again, “What’s your name?” He continued to walk away along the path. What should I do? I can’t stay here forever. She followed him quietly, making sure not to snap any of the twigs that lay on the cold obsidian ground. He pulled out what seemed to be a map. Raven watched as he traced his fingers along the lines that curved and stretched across the paper. 

He stopped and closed his eyes, “What do you want from me?”

Raven stopped walking and paused, “I have no idea where I am, could you help me?” 

He rolled his eyes, “Hah, that’s your problem.” He laughed and looked up at the overcast sky. 

Raven stopped in annoyance but calmly spoke, “Well, I could help you in return, you probably need something, right?” He stopped to think, silence filled the area for a couple of minutes. 

In a dark but quiet voice, he whispered, “Why should I trust you?”

Raven paused for a moment. She watched a bird fly out of the mist and over their heads. Then she looked back at the boy, his dark black hair blew around, their eyes locked.

Raven smiled, “Because we're both trapped in this place, aren’t we? We could get out of here together. I have no interest in the place, but just to get home.” 

He stopped to think about what she had just said. She watched as he looked back down at his map puzzled. After a few minutes of silence, he sighed.

“Ok, so if you help me with my thing, I’ll help you, deal?” 

Raven nodded, “Deal.”

“Ok, you can call me Søren then.” He continued to walk, gesturing his hands to follow. 

“I’m Raven…” she mumbled, though she was not sure if he heard or not. 

She quickened her pace to catch up with Søren. Raven turned her head studying everything around her. The glowing coal trees lit up their path, reflecting the obsidian below them. Purple mist still lay ahead of them swirling around the sky. The branches of the trees steadily waved around. They walked in complete silence, only hearing the distant noise of animals. 

“Are there other people?” Raven asked suddenly.

“Yup, a couple. But this place is mostly full of animal spirits.” Raven could see the silhouette of glowing owls majestically watching them from afar. 

“So where are you heading to?” Raven asked when Søren stopped to rest beside a tree. 

 He sighed, “I’ve been looking for something not somewhere.”

“What do you mean?”

“It's a magical spirit butterfly that can supposedly get me out of this spirit world.” He looked back down at his map, “I know it sounds ridiculous.”

 Raven looked around thoughtfully. “You mean an amethyst butterfly?” 

 Søren looked up, more interested.

“Yeah, how did you know about it?” He asked, intrigued. 

“My dad used to tell me stories of the spirit world. He said that the Amethyst butterfly kept everything in balance, but it went missing a few years ago, and no one has seen it since.” Raven paused and watched an amber-colored owls fly above them. 

He paused and looked around as if to see if anyone was listening. “I heard that someone stole it from the queen about a decade ago. I heard the person who finds it would be given the chance to have any wish.”

“That means, we need to find the amethyst butterfly in order to get out of this place.” 

Søren nodded, “Pretty much...” 

Chapter 6

After what seemed like hours of walking they decided to rest near a grand oak tree. She climbed onto a low thick branch. Her palms were sweaty as she grabbed onto the branch. It wasn’t like the trees back at home. They were as smooth as glass and as dark as a bottomless pit. She could easily slip and fall into the cold hard ground. She slowly hauled herself up, tired and sore as Søren sat on the ground studying his map again. 

Raven looked to the distance. She could see a swarm of graceful butterflies, all perched on a willow tree. 

“Well, I hate to pry...” Søren started, avoiding Raven’s gaze. “But what happened to your father?” 

Raven paused and thought, “Well, when I was younger he would always go for most of the week. When he came back, he would tell me all of his adventures. But as I got older he stopped telling me his adventures. ”

 “Where is he now?”

“Well, a few years ago, he left the house and never came back.” 

“That’s odd.” 

“Yeah.” Raven continued to watch the butterflies. They were all kinds of glowing colors. 

“So you said your name is Raven, right?” 

“Yes.”

Raven watched one of the amber-colored owls flew away, leaving behind the others. She frowned. That seemed strange, since the spirit owls, unlike regular owls, are always with their flock. She feared why the owls were splitting up. 

His words drowned out when Raven felt something watching from behind. She whipped around and was faced with a majestic golden snake with green eyes. It stared intently at her, just as the white wolf had. 

“That’s strange…” Raven thought to herself. 

Raven watched the snake flicked its tongue, yet it showed no other signs of aggression. It seemed almost asleep. Why did it bother her so much? 

“Stay away from the snake, Raven!” Søren warned. 

“But why? Most of the spirit animals don’t seem malevolent…” Raven started, hypnotized by the strange snake. 

“Now is not the time- get away from that thing!” Søren yelled. 

Realizing that she was looking back at Søren and not the snake, Raven whirled around to face the snake. She knew it was too late. The golden snake acted just as the silver wolf did, and should have predicted what happened next. 

In a golden blur, the snake lunged at both of them, just as the wolf had done, plunged Raven into cold darkness. She heard an echo of Søren yelling her name. Raven wished she had heard what he had said while she discovered the snake. Then, the bitter blackness took over her mind, and it washed her away. 

Chapter 7

Raven opened her eyes, to take in her surroundings. She was in a dimly lit stone room. The stone seemed to also be obsidian, just as it had been in the forest. She considered that that could be the only gemstone in the spirit world. 

Then, she wondered if she was even still in the spirit world. When the wolf had attacked her, it had taken her to the spirit world. 

“Maybe the snake brought me back,” Raven wondered to herself. 

Then, she realized that the snake had also bitten Søren. 

“Søren?” She murmured almost silently, panic filling her head. 

Her head spun, and she heard the strange noise again. Just like a few days prior when she was in the woods. 

She tried to ignore the noise and lift her head off the ground, but saw black spots and fell back down. 

“Raven?” Raven heard an echo of Søren’s voice that sounded a thousand miles away, yet she saw his face come into view before the strange noise overwhelmed her, and all went black again. 

 Is this all a dream? Why am I here? She sat in the darkness for hours, that only light was the faded glow on the obsidian walls; everything lightened around her. The wolf spirit slowly came to her view.

“It’s you!” Raven exclaimed. 

One of the obsidian walls disappeared as the wolf walked out. Raven got to her feet and followed the wolf. 

She warily followed the ash-colored wolf through the door. It trotted through the vast hallways. Raven wondered where they had taken Søren. She tried to shake that thought off. “Why should I care where he went,” Raven told herself bluntly as she followed the wolf. Trying to not think of Søren, Raven focused on the wolf. She realized that it did not walk, as a regular wolf, yet it glided with its paws a centimeter above the stone. “Strange," Raven thought. She wondered if the wolf was even real. It seemed real enough.

She was so lost in thought, she almost did not realize that the wolf had stopped in front of two large dark french doors. 

The wolf walked towards the doors. It glided towards them, and the doors slowly opened inwards. Raven wondered if the wolf had opened the doors with magic- or how they opened otherwise. 

Raven took a deep breath and stepped inside. Inside, it was much different than Raven expected. She expected a grand obsidian throne room, to match with the french doors. Yet before her was a white marble formal dining room. A young woman was sitting in a fancy cushioned chair. She could see the small butterflies carved in the golden chair. 

She had dark purple hair that flowed in the air. It sparkled just like a starry night sky. A small spirit Tawny Owl was perched on her shoulder. The owl watched Raven with a dark stare, it flapped its wings and squaked, as if it were giving Raven a warning. An amethyst crown sat leisurely at the head of the table. Raven knew at once that young lady had to be a queen. On the table, there were a variety of strange dishes. She could see a glowing lavender cake that was made of mist and a drink that looked as if pink lemonade was vaporized. 

The queen motioned for Raven to sit at the other side of the table, but she stood and stared, dumbfounded. 

Mist swirled around until it was entirely covered. Raven watched, terrified that the mist was killing the wolf until the mist dissipated and left a boy not much older than Raven. He had feathery platinum blond hair and the same striking eyes as his wolf form. He was wearing a leather aviator jacket and black jeans and seemed entirely human despite having been a spirit wolf less than a minute ago. 

The queen did not look surprised at all to see that the wolf had turned into a person. 

“Thank you for bringing her here, Luke,” She said with half a smile. 

Luke nodded his head and walked out quickly. 

The queen looked back at Raven. The queen motioned her to sit down again more aggressively. Raven sat down across from the queen, still blank.

“So,” She started stroking the owl, watching Raven intently. “You must be confused,” she smirked, “Am I right?”

“Kind of…” 

“Well, I'm the one who sent you here, do you want to know why?” She didn’t wait for a response. “It’s because of your dad.” Raven’s paused in disbelief.

“My dad?”

“Yes Raven, your dad did horrible things here.” The queen nodded. The obsidian door creaked open. Søren entered, he was pale and scared. 

“Hello” Søren murmured.

“Hello, son.” Cold air filled the room. 

“What did you do to my dad?” Raven clenched her fists. 

“Hah, we didn’t do anything to him, he just disappeared. Your father took the amethyst butterfly from here. He killed the king, my husband, and his father.” The queen said. Søren looked out the window. 

“No.” Raven shook her head. 

“No?” The queen laughed, “You’re too funny.”

“I’ve been waiting for you, Raven. You’re going to get what you deserve.”

“I haven’t done anything!” Raven shouted.

“You are the daughter of our traitor, of course, you’re going to get what you deserve.” 

Raven felt sick. 

“Wake up Raven,” she thought to herself, but this was no dream. Then, Søren ran to Raven and grabbed her hand.

She saw Luke transform into a wolf, and surrounded them all in spirit mist. 

“Hey! Where do you think you’re going!” The queen screamed.

The mist obscured Raven’s vision, and she felt someone grab her hand, as they plunged into darkness. 

Chapter 8

There was no glowing light in sight, no graceful owls, no playful spirits, no butterflies. Just the cold, pitch-black darkness that surrounded her. Panic filled Raven’s mind, as she tried to see her surroundings, but just seemed unable to. 

“Raven?” She heard Søren’s voice echo, sounding distant and far away. Raven tried to focus on his voice, but she felt unable to focus on it. I wish I was back, with my mom, just cutting wood or hunting. That would be… a lot easier. 

“Raven?” The voice echoed again, louder this time.. With all the energy she still had, Raven sat up, and tried to focus her vision. 

“Søren?” The darkness weakened and finally Raven saw a minute amount of light shine from above. Raven opened her eyes again, squinting from the light, despite the sky above being dark. Yet that meant nothing. .“Where are we?” He asked.

She turned to see Luke behind them, in wolf form. As she watched, he summoned the purple mist and transformed it into his human form. He stood up and nodded at Raven and Søren. She crossed her arms. “Care to explain who you think you are? Are you going to kill us?”

Luke looked around and mumbled, “It’s not what you think.” He paused and bit his lip nervously “You know, I just saved your life…”

Søren nodded his head, without saying anything. 

“But why?” Raven scowled.

He looked straight into Raven’s eyes, “It would be hard to explain…”

 “So Luke, why do you even think we should even trust you?” Raven inquired, raising her eyebrows. 

He looked off into the distance, avoiding Raven’s gaze. He drew in a steady breath and looked back at her. His icy eyes flashed dangerously. 

Luke took a shaky breath and responded “I risked everything to help you. I burned the bridge as the queen’s advisor, and will probably never be welcome in the castle again. The least you can do is trust me!” Luke snarled; his wolfy side showing. 

“You're lying,” Raven grumbled. 

She could feel the touch of a hand resting on her shoulder, she turned to see Søren. “Raven, I understand how you feel, but we have to trust each other. He might know where the amethyst butterfly could be.”

Raven looked away, “But he’s a spirit animal from the queen’s court!” 

“Technically I just have a spirit form…” Luke started to retort, but Raven cut him off. 

“And the queen probably tasked him to trick us!” 

“I saved you!”
“You also were the one who brought me into the spirit world in the first place. Care to explain why?” Raven counteracted coolly. 

Søren sighed “Raven…”

She cut him off, “I’m asking a simple question,” 

“It was… under the queen’s orders. But I don’t follow her anymore!” 

Luke paused and looked at Søren imploringly.

Søren's voice shook, “We don’t have time to fight. We need to work together to find the amethyst butterfly.” He paused and looked at Raven. “That means we have to trust each other...”

“You're so naive Søren - for trusting this guy” She sighed in annoyance.

Søren crossed his arms, “I-”

Raven held her hand up, “Stop your pestering.” She turned around, “There it is, my house- My mom. But how…” Raven paced towards her cabin then paused, “If you want… You can come, Søren.” She looked down, “You too- Luke-.”

Raven ran up the familiar steps. They creaked under her feet and sagged. She opened the door and was shocked to see there were no candles lit in the usually bright fireplace, there were just a few embers. Luke and Søren cautiously followed her through the dismal living room. 

Luke drew in a breath and said “Raven, I-” But Raven shushed him. She darted through the small kitchen and ran up the stairs to her mother’s room. 

“Mother?” Raven’s voice echoed through the cabin, and all was still. The bedroom was empty. Raven drew in a breath sharply and her heart was pounding. She heard footsteps trailing behind her. Raven cocked her head to the side, Luke stood there, his face seemed as pale as a ghost.

“Raven, something happened… to your mother”

Raven’s heart stopped, she tilted her head to the left. 

Waiting impatiently, she spoke in a low dangerous tone. “Well, where is she?” He looked down as Søren slowly made his way up the stairs. 

“Wait- don’t tell me, she must be outside doing some work.” Raven quickly passed by them, but Luke grabbed onto her wrist. She stopped with a halt and looked towards them. “What are you doing? I’m going to find my-”

“Raven, she’s gone.” He let go of her wrist and looked right into her eyes. “They decided to sacrifice her instead of you.” Everything seemed to darken around the room, her heart dropped.

She could hear her voice shake, “Yeah, that’s really funny, Luke.” 

“Raven, she’s gone,” Luke replied, avoiding eye contact. Raven stood there in disbelief, but she couldn't seem to cry from the shock. She stepped backwards and looked out the window.

Luke turned around, “Raven, listen. The queen will do this to more people until she gets the Amethyst butterfly. She will go to any extent to receive it.” He paused, “We need to retrieve the Amethyst Butterfly, in order to free all the spirits. Your mom is now one too, trapped in that alternate world…” 

Raven tightened her fists as Søren stiffened. “We could save her…?” Raven asked cautiously. Søren stepped towards her so that they were face to face.

He leaned in and whispered in her ear “Hey, we’re in this together. Of course we can.” 

Raven took a few steps back in discomfort. Luke gave Søren a sideways glance in frustration and scowled. 

“Look Raven! Why should I even care, I barely even know you. We need to look at the bigger picture here! It’s not all about you, so many people go through worse than you” Luke snared.

Søren straightened up and looked taken aback. “Look, Luke! You don’t have to put all of your anger on her. Her mother just died, how about you shut up!” 

Luke looked taken aback. “I was stating the obvious!” 

“Great comeback.” Søren mumbled and he motioned towards the living room and Raven followed him down the stairs. Luke was left at the landing of the stairs, feeling hollow inside.

Raven and Søren walked into the kitchen. “Do you think there's anything in here?” Søren asked. 

“I'll check.” Her voice shook. Raven looked through the cabinets and found a small amount of jam still in a jar. Just the previous day, Raven and her mother had baked it together. It was a painful reminder of the past. 

“I guess I’ll have to hunt for something. I really hope there’s more than just spirit animals in this forest.” He grinned. 

“Be careful, ok?” Raven said. 

 He gave a small smile and walked out the door. Raven sat down at the table and started to sob. She tentatively took a spoonful. It seemed as if all the pain led down to her heart. They should have sacrificed me instead of my mother…

She heard Luke going down the staircase. He turned the corner and came into the kitchen. His eyes were bloodshot. 

“Hey,” He managed

“Leave.” Raven looked away, trying to hide her tears.

“Raven, I’m- sorry. I didn’t mean what I said.”

Raven rolled her eyes, “You don’t mean it, that’s what they all say…”

“This just reminded me of my curse and I sometimes say things I don’t mean.” 

Raven looked up at him, brushing away some of her tears, “What curse?” 

“The queen found out I had an affinity with some of the spirit animals when I was only five. She killed my parents and cursed me” He looked down at the floor. 

“To be a spirit wolf. Instead of killing me, I was one of her little experiments. She wanted to know what would happen if she infused spirit powers to a child. But she didn’t know what powers I would have. What I would become. They scared her. So she kept me in the castle as the royal advisor.” He paused, “What I’m trying to say is… it was hard for me to see this happen to someone else. And I’m afraid she will curse you too.” 

“I understand, Luke.” Raven sighed, “But why are you telling me all of this...”

He stepped closer, “Because I trust you Raven…” 

She crossed her arms, “Ok, i'll give you a chance, but it doesn't mean I trust you.”

Luke slightly smiled, “There’s something I want to give to you. It is a protection charm.” He took off a necklace Raven had not noticed yet and held it out to her. It was a silver coin with a wolf imprinted on the center, with strange writing around it in a language Raven did not understand. “It will keep you safe.” He looked into her eyes, and Raven cautiously took it and put it on. At that moment, Søren walked in,

“Why are you still here?” Søren growled at Luke. 

Raven stood up, but she was shaking. “It’s OK. We need to stay on good terms with each other if we’re going to find the Amethyst Butterfly.” 

Søren scowled and sighed, “I couldn’t find anything, we’ll have to split the jam.” He walked over and spooned out jam for each person. He handed the plate to Luke without saying anything. Raven slowly ate the jam, looking down at the floor. The feeling of pain and sadness spread around her. After a while, the dusk of night spread across the sky. The energy was still bitter between the two boys when Luke broke the silence. “We should start heading out, the queen will find us if we don’t.” 

A chill ran across Raven’s back, “I guess you're right, I’ll quickly pack up what we need from here, and then we could start going.” 

 Raven nodded and got up, almost knocking over the chair. She swiftly ran to her bedroom. It was probably the nicest room in the cabin. An imposing neat bed laid near a grand window. Four logs stretched upwards to create a canopy around her bed. She sat down on a quilted blanket her mother stitched. I wish everything was back to normal. I wish Mother was here with me. She tightened her fists as tears ran down her cheek. She looked down and traced each pattern carefully. 

That’s when she looked up, at the tinted mirror that sat across from her. She walked over to examine herself. She looked to be a big mess, cuts ran over all of her legs and face. Her clothes were ripped up and her hair was a knotty mess. She looked different, yet Raven couldn't place why. She looked like the same girl from the woods-yet something seemed off. 

Luke yelled impatiently, “You probably should start wrapping everything up.” She tilted her head and sighed in annoyance. A faint noise of cricket chirps played in the distance. Everything was so peaceful and quiet. Raven dragged open a drawer and quickly grabbed a leather bundle. A single flap buttoned onto the opening. 

She cautiously brushed her black hair, until it was nearly silky smooth. After playing around with her hair, she nervously placed the brush on her wooden table. She briskly changed into a new outfit. Cold sweat dripped down her forehead, it felt like a pair of eyes were watching her. Raven turned and frantically shoved her clothes into her bundle.

They all walked out of the doorway as a cold wisp of air hit Raven.

Raven turned around and stared into the house. Her hand shook as she slowly closed the oak door.

Søren signed “Come on, Raven. It’s best to not dwell on the past.” 

Søren smiled at her and shifted so his hazel eyes sparkled in the moonlight. Her heart fluttered, as she stared into his eyes.

He smiled and she looked back at Luke, “Luke, do you have any idea where the amethyst butterfly might be?” 

Luke grinned as if he had expected this question. “I have a pretty good idea where it might be…” He paused. “In the very place, Raven calls home-this very Spirit Forest.” 

“Only spirits can ever find their way out. It seems you have been stuck here for a while.”

Raven looked annoyed but responded “My whole life…” 

Chapter 9

They all walked around the woods in silence. The pine trees calmly swayed their branches with the light cool breeze. Raven closed her eyes, taking in a deep sorrowful breath, it seemed as if her heart was sore. It hurt just to think of Mother. Maybe she had gotten away too. Søren looked around stunned and excited at the view. He looked up at the sky, the bright stars twinkled. Luke didn’t seem too interested, he looked forward with a deep expression glued to his face. 

Image Source: pixabay.com

Peacock’s One of Us is Lying Review by Abigail Behe

One of Us is Lying, written by Karen M. Macmanus, follows the story of five unlucky teenagers who have been placed in detention under mysterious circumstances. When one of them ends up dead from an allergic reaction before detention finishes, it soon becomes obvious they’re being framed for his so called murder!  It’s up to them to put their differences aside and solve the mystery before it’s too late.  

This book has gripped the hearts of readers. It made The New York Times bestseller list for 79 weeks straight.  Now more than four years after the first book was originally published, screenwriter Erica Saleh has created a spinoff TV series. The first airing occurred on the streaming platform, Peacock, on October 7th, 2021.

This new series is an excellent show if you're a fan of the books, but it's guaranteed to draw you in even if you’re not.  While many aspects of the books are kept the same, the writers have done a tremendous job of adding their own twists to the show, creating the perfect mix of murder mystery and teen-drama.  The show constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat with fast-paced and misleading episodes; hitting you with unexpected plot twists just when you feel you start to get comfortable. It’s proved to be a very bingebale show with every episode ending on a cliffhanger, making it nearly impossible to turn it off.  With season two already on its way this show is guaranteed to be a hit with young adult audiences.

Image Source: Precinct TV

"Down at the Farm" by Piper Thoman

Down at the farm there’s lots to see,

From cows to pigs and bumble bees.

Driving in a tractor all around,

So much hay lies on the ground.

Cows in the field grazing,

So many things, it’s amazing.

Down at the farm,

Is my favorite place to be!

"Lost Memories" by Anonymous

It couldn’t have been too long ago

when I rushed to catch a train,

with a satchel loose in hand

But I ran, and tripped, and over I fell

The papers I kept so dearly

unraveled, flew, away

Like little doves flapping, and gone

But I was not at peace

Watching secrets fill the air

The papers sank in muddled ponds

Blurred and never seen

Ink laced with my dreams

Of you erased off of the page

Ripped and torn apart

A reluctantly beating heart

With the remains encased in glass

waiting for them to break

for the pieces to fly away

Sometimes the doves, they migrate back

with only vague details

but never your eyes or laugh

I know one day the jar will break

along with it, my fate

and the horrible bringing of change

And so, when I got on the train

and looked out the window

I struggled to remember your face

As the doves travel far from home

and linger, then I think, 

How could you truly leave?

"Homemade Cheesy" by Natalie Huggins

These are all homemade (made up by me)  jokes for your enjoyment!

5.) What is cheese without a cracker?

Cracka-lackin!

4.) Why didn't the cheese want to get sliced?

It had grater plans!

3.) When should you keep an eye on your cheese?

When it's up to no Gouda!

2.) Why did the cheese smile when he walked outside?

 He looked up at the sky and thought it’s gouda brie a good day!

1.) Why do I never put cheese on my tacos?

Because I am afraid that the feta-rolls will come and get me.

Scary Story: "Jacob" by Macon Workman

It was a normal morning for Kyler Fizeoni. He pours a bowl of Frosted Flakes, gets a glass of orange juice then heads off to school. But today was no ordinary day; it was his first day at a new house in a new school.

When he got to school a boy came up to him and said in a creepy voice, “Watch out for Jacob.” 

“Who’s . . .” but the boy was not there. Kyler was wondering all day who’s Jacob?

Why would he watch out for him?

He was walking home from school when a different boy walked up to him and said, “Tough luck.”

“Wait, why?”

“You moved into house 1313,” the boy replied. 

“So. what's your point?”

“A kid named Jacob . . .”

“Jacob?!  People keep talking about this person named Jacob. Who is he?”

“An 8-year-old boy named Jacob Wire lived with his parents in your new house. Fifty years ago they all woke up one morning, and he was gone. Most people say he was kidnapped. Others say he died, but no one knows.”

“So everybody thinks there’s a creepy ghost-boy living in my new house?”

“Yep!”

“Geesh, don’t they know there’s no such thing as ghosts?” But just in case, that night he kept his door a smidge open just to make sure no one would break in. But then Kyler thought if the ghost named Jacob is real, he would just walk right in. So he got up and closed the door and hopped back in bed. But then he heard a creek. His heart was pounding. He was sure he saw the doorknob turn. The door swung open and a little boy, who looked about 8 to 10 years old, was in his pajamas. He was also holding a teddy bear that had the name Jacob on it.

“Hello,” Jacob whispered.

“Uh, hello,” Kyler whispered back. “Is your name Jacob?” Kyler asked.

“Yes it is. What’s yours?” the boy with the teddy bear asked in a timid voice.

“Kyler, Kyler Fizeoni.”

“Kyler, why are you in my house?”

“Well, actually you're in my . . .”

“Kyler, why are you in my house?!” the boy named Jacob yelled.

“Jacob, what year is it for you?”

“1971.”

“Jacob, how did you die?” Kyler asked.

“Well, I wanted to try to be Santa Claus, so I went down the chimney and I didn’t know that . . . that the fire was in the fireplace. ” While Jacob explained his cruel story, burn wounds started appearing on his skin. He started crying.

“That's why they couldn’t find your body,” Kyler thought.  A cruel scream came from little Jacob as the marks seeped into his skin, burning him alive in just the same way 50 years ago until he was totally gone. Only ashes and a teddy bear remained.

It was nearly impossible for Kyler to fall asleep that night, but eventually he finally did. The next night, the same exact thing happened. Jacob walked into the room and then started burning. It happened for days, weeks and even months. One day, Kyler climbed up onto the roof, looked down the chimney and saw the fire crackling, and then thought of the pain Jacob must have endured. A shiver crept down his back, and then he heard a voice. It was Jacob. 

“Come and join me.”

He felt a push from behind, and down the chimney Kyler went.

Poem: "Anxiety at Night" by Samantha Lozinski

Anxiety at Night

My heart beats fast .

It feels like it’s going to jump out of my chest and across the room.

The dark shadows on the wall across from me.

The cars, going by, scaring me with the sudden light lighting up my room.

Quitness around me.

My body burning hot.

Anxious as I think about all the stuff that freaks me out,

including being alone at night,

in the darkness

of the

night.

NFL Man by Aden Hunt

Chapter 1

Hi I’m Jack . I’m 15 years old. High school location classified. I’m a sophomore in high school and have A’s in every class. But then this happened. One day when I was walking home from school, a shortcut was under caution, then something shot in a creepy building because I heard something loud like a gunshot. but suddenly a lady jumped in front of me. She held a Steeler shield but the bullet hit her anyway and the thing ran away. HER last words to me were, “Take my power and go to this address you well met someone there.” So I went there and no one was there. I kept yelling, “HELLO! HELLO!” and I saw so many rooms. There was a gym, a video game area and more gyms. Then bathroom after bathroom. But then the kitchen. The kitchen was huge like a mansion but every house in the town was huge . Then there was a room, and on the door was a sign that said “DANGER DON’T COME IN” , but because I’m 15, I will open that door . But what I saw was amazing. 

Chapter 2

So what I saw was A MASSIVE computer with 2 MASSIVE monitors. I thought it was a dream. So I pinched myself but no not a dream {sad} . Then out of the air I heard, “HI Jack!”.I said , “Hi mam!” 

She said, ``I'm your trainer.” 

I sighed and moaned, “Oh yay!”  I thought it couldn't get worse. She said, “Oh where are my manners? I'm Ava. Who are you?” 

“Ahhh...I am….Jack...Jack Hunt.” 

Hi Jack!  It‘s nice to meet you. Shall we begin?” 

I think... run….run away...run away fast.. But I ask in a stuttering way, “What are we beginning?”

Ava laughs and says, “You are a transformation.” 

I yell, “WHAT!!!” 

Chapter 3

As Ava was talking about boring stuff . I thought I should run away . But then she said 

“You are erased from everyone's mind”

.”WHAT”!

 “Sorry I don’t make the rules, I enforce them.”

Then I thought yes I can hook up with Abigail. 

“Yes “.

AVA confusly said “Wow I never expected that someone would be happy about being erased from earth” 

.”Oops I said that out loud

Chapter 4

AVA comely said, “Yup”.

 I asked “Wait you said you don’t make the rules then who does?”

 I asked her. “Wait, do you know who does?” 

Ava said “I honestly don’t know?” I yield 

“WE need to figure this out”!

Chapter 5

Ava says “Do you want me to go into human form?”

 I said “That would be nice.” 

 I ask “Wait, can I get 1 person to help on this investigation ?”

 She said “Sure and I see if I can get Jason.”

“I ask to make one person remember me.”

 She asked, “Who?”

 “Alex Hammond.”

I call Alex and ask him to meet me at 192 Birmingham Place in Pittsburgh.

He said, “Let me check with my Mom, I’ll call you tomorrow with an answer.”

Ava came back and said, “Jason will meet us tomorrow. Since we have nothing to do. Do you want to do your training?”

 I said, “Why not. I don’t want to bore you with the details but I just learned what power to say to activate it, oh also I’m getting a lot stronger.”

"Halloween Costumes" by Ra Walker

Are you wondering what costume you want to be

For the amazing holiday Halloween?

Well, there's always a costume that suits you!

You could maybe be what you love, or what you love to do!

Like I love pink hair

I know, silly, but I don't care 

Because I want to see the best in me,

And the best of me is being my own superhero 

For Halloween!

Here's some cool costumes 

That I assume are great! 

You could be bubblegum 

Or cotton candy, YUM!

Maybe someone famous like The Rock, Kevin Hart, oh, and you could also be a fart for Halloween (hehe!!)

Just think of things you like and have fun, one more idea you could also match with a friend, or you could also be a the sun! 

Because the sun is happy like 

you after reading 

this poem!

"Halloween" Books at the PFMS Library by Barbare Gogia

Wow! Can you believe that it is only 24 days until Halloween 2021!

Are you thinking about staying at home and relaxing instead of going trick or treating?

Yet, you still want to experience the spooky vibes that are on Halloween?

If yes, there are many scary books you can check out at the PFMS library? Interested?

Here are the top favorite “Halloween” books of all times at the PFMS library!

• Whispering Pines

• Scary Stories for Young Foxes 

• Revenge of the Witch

• Small Spaces

• Coraline

• Otherwood

• Silver

• Scary Stories to tell in the Dark

• Forget This Ever Happened

• The Collected 

"Fall Poem" by Samantha Lozinski

Wake up smelling fall.

Apple cider and pumpkin donuts.

My bright red jacket hugs my arms, making the goosebumps go away from the cold air from outside.

With my pale grey socks on, I step onto the cold patio, as a shiver goes up my spine and down my arms.

Run inside, and back out, except with shoes this time.

Running down the hill with the wind blowing through my wavy, brown hair, making me feel free.

Feeling like I am a leaf, blowing in the chilly fall breeze.

Red, Orange, and Yellow fall above me, making it almost look like a painting with the colors swirling around like a tornado.

The leaves rustle around me, and the wind blows in my ears. I go inside escaping from the coldness of the fierce breeze.

Get something hot while snuggling into a spooky movie, while screaming my head off, making my voice hurt.

While I try to recover, I look out the window in the front of my house.

I see the bright orange pumpkins in the front of the house, and right beside that are some spooky decorations.

I go upstairs to get ready for “Trick or Treating.”

Put on my onesie costume.

I’m not a human anymore.

I’ve now transformed into a koala, the snuggliest animal in the world.

I go down the steps, as my feet fall down each eighteen.

I smell the nice scent of cinnamon.

It makes me feel almost calmer…

I’m ready. I go into the dark mysterious night.

The bright moon almost acts like a flashlight for me, just giving me the slightest hint of light.

Then I hear it, a wolf howling from who knows where.

Image Source: GettyImages

"Falling Out of the Blue" by Max Doran

Down in the ocean blue, deep down planet blue

                                                  You are surrounding the land, and have 

                                                     created a rock, run, run over by its

                                                      watery blue. blue water, falls like a 

                                                             diamond once clear, murkier 

now, still falling

   waterfall, 

      falls

       and

       falls 

       out 

        of 

        the

        blue.

Us Against The World: Chapters 7-8 by Genevieve Adkins

Chapter 7

“Oh, it’s such a wonderful day to be alive!” Henry exclaimed, and Julian raised his eyebrows in the brunette’s direction,

“... Anything in particular make it a wonderful day?” He enquired, Henry grinning,

“Nope! Everyday is wonderful!” He said, Julian shaking his head, amused,

“I should have guessed,” He replied, Henry sitting down on the kitchen island, intently watching Julian sip from his glass of water, while reading a newspaper article on his phone. After a few minutes of Henry’s staring, Julian turned his head towards him, Alexander turning on the sink in the background, to wash dishes.

“Uh, something up, Ry?” Julian asked, Henry beaming,

“I’m GLAD you asked!” He exclaimed, “Wanna go to the mall with me?!” Julian frowned,

“Um, no,” He replied, Henry dramatically flopping over the island,

“Why not?!” He demanded, Julian giving him a pointed look,

“The mall? You might as well call it capitalism headquarters!” He argued. 

“C’mon Juli! Mall!”

“Capitalism!”

“Mall!”

“Capitalism!”

“Mall!”

“Capitalism!”

“Mall!”

“Capitalism!”

“MALL!”

That last shout came from Alexander, who had apparently been listening in on their conversation. Both young men turned their attention to their elder brother, Alexander sighing,

“Just get out of the house, both of you, give me five minutes of peace and quiet. I haven’t gotten that since Julian was born. Go to the mall. And sell that ferret of yours, Henry, at the pet shop while you’re at it.” Alexander muttered, Mouse the cat giving out a meow of agreement from underneath the kitchen table, and

Henry letting out an offended gasp, “Rebel’s my friend!” he exclaimed.

Julian sighed, “Fine, fine, I’ll go,” He muttered, “But I refuse to buy anything, for the record.”

Henry rolled his eyes, “Alright, alright, c’mon Grumpy Gus.” The two men grabbed their jackets, before leaving the apartment, and finally the building. Henry stretched his arms out the second they stepped foot outside, grinning,

“Hello November!” He exclaimed, Julian, who was used to this sort of thing, not even noticing, “Hey Juli, the sky is shining!” Henry said.

Julian sighed, “That’s the sun, not the sky, Henry,” he replied.

Henry shrugged, “What difference does it make?!” They argued over what difference it did make until they reached the mall. That was basically Henry and Julian’s relationship. They argued and fought all the time, but if anyone tried to do anything to the other, they would murder them. Henry and Julian were true brothers. 

“I, uh, got a text from my father,” Henry murmured, as they entered the mall, the two boys sighing in relief as they were now out of the piercing cold.

Julian raised an eyebrow, “That why you were so mopey last night?”

Henry nodded glumly, “Um, yeah…” he replied.

“What did it say?” Julian asked, Henry heaving a sigh, and pulling out his phone, showing Julian.

Julian let out a small noise of sympathy, and slipped his hand into Henry’s in support.

Henry smiled, “You’re the best, Juli,” he said.

Julian smiled as well, “So are you.” As they continued to walk through the mall, the two picked up some interesting looks from the people they passed. Julian wanted a custom-made shirt that read, “WE’RE BROTHERS YOU FOOLS.” Though he had a feeling that the people staring at them wouldn’t approve of adopted brothers either.

“Look, they started putting up Christmas decorations already!” Henry pointed up at the ceiling, where multiple Christmas-themed flags were hanging down, then at the walls, which were littered with a variety of Christmas decorations.

“It’s not even Thanksgiving yet!” Julian protested, Henry grinning, amused,

“Mhm. Welcome to capitalism,” He replied, Julian sighing. Henry pointed off towards the pretzel shop around the corner,

“Imma go grab a pretzel, cause’ I’m hungry. Go look around, you never know, you might want to buy something!” Julian shook his head firmly,

“Don’t give in, Henry,” He said, grabbing Henry’s arm. Henry simply laughed, walking off towards the pretzel shop, leaving Julian alone. In the middle of a busy mall. Now, Julian was not exactly an adored member of Pine Forest. In fact, a good majority of the other citizens flat-out despised him. He was known as a rabble-rouser, constantly seeking trouble. And he was gay. That was even worse, in some of the townspeople's opinions. Sometimes, Julian wondered why he, Alexander, and Henry even bothered staying in this town. But he knew why. There were some with not enough money to remove themselves, such as Ella, Ava, and Matthew. And he would never abandon those three. Julian also held a firm belief that people could change. That perhaps, one day, the townspeople may see the error in their ways. And so, he stayed. Besides, all of his friends, everyone and everything that he loved, were located in this little town. 

Julian walked past a few stores inside the mall, scoffing at the ones that had already put up Christmas decorations. He was glad that they weren’t celebrating Thanksgiving, though. Every Thanksgiving, Grant, who was a quarter Native American, would spend the entire day holed up in his apartment, not wanting to face the people celebrating the pilgrims. The pilgrims were not good news, to Grant’s people. Some of the first white people of many, to come into their land uninvited. Julian didn’t mind Christmas, though the capitalist aspect of it did tick him off, to a degree. It didn’t mean the same thing to him than it did to Alexander, who was a Christian. To Julian, Christmas was more of a celebration of family. Henry and Alexander were his family, and Christmas was always warm, happy, and safe with them. And his other friends, of course.

“Ey, you, girl,” An old man beckoned him over, and Julian gave him a polite smile,

“Yes, sir?” He enquired, “I’m a boy, by the way,” The man narrowed his eyes at him, his young, strong-looking, son smirking from beside him.

“Aren’t you that little girl who runs around with the rainbow flags and that gang?” He asked, Julian sighing,

“First off, I’m a boy, sir. Secondly, no, you must be thinking of someone else,” Julian quickly replied. Deny, deny, deny. By denying, he wouldn’t get hurt. The man nodded,

“Good… That little fella shot a bullet through my shed last year. Been looking for er’ ever since. If I found er’ now… Oh I’d take er’ out in the parking lot…. My son could punch the little smirk right of er’ face… She’s looked like a young thing too… Oh how I’d love to meet her again...” The old man snarled, he and his son parting ways with Julian, who was now trembling slightly from the ordeal. Of course, Julian had been at the receiving end of all sorts of threats before. He just never really did get used to it. He had shot a bullet through someone’s shed last year, but that had been on accident. Grant had knocked over a guy with a gun, after he’d tried to point it at Julian and Grant while they were walking to Johnson’s, and Julian had picked it up, accidentally pulling the trigger. He had been thankful that the bullet hadn’t gone through the window. Needless to say, Grant and Julian had gotten out of there quick. But not quick enough for the old man to see Julian, apparently. 

Julian continued walking through the stores, determined not to enter a single one. But something caught his eye. A women’s clothing store. He’d probably be able to fit in women's clothing, to be honest. It might even be a bit too big on him. When Julian had been a toddler, Jeanne Carter, Alexander’s mother, had taken special care to buy him clothing from the little girls section, as all of the little boy's clothing was too big for him. Julian ducked between clothing that was hanging on hangers, frowning, and not really sure why he had entered the shop in the first place. And then, something else caught his eye. A dress. It was a simple, pink dress. But something about it enthralled Julian. He stepped forward, checking the price tag. It was on sale. 10 dollars. Julian had that in his wallet. Julian pulled the money out, staring at it. Then back at the dress. He bit his lip. He knew plenty of men who wore dresses. That sort of came, with a friend group like his. Henry wore dresses, sometimes. And Henry was still awesome, and a dude. Julian had only worn a dress once in his life. And he still remembered that time very well.

“Mama, look!” A six-year-old Julian ran into his mother’s room. His parents had separate rooms. He was dressed in a white dress, along with a pink glittery tiara, that he wore proudly on his head. Ariana Ellis placed a hand over her mouth the second she saw her child. 

“Julian. Where did you get that?” She asked, her voice trembling at the end, and her eyes flitting back-and-forth towards her window, out of which the pitch-black sky littered with stars was visible, and Julian. Julian blinked,

“I got the dress from the attic, and Henry gave me the tiara today! We played warrior princesses! And Alexander was the prince that we needed to save from the dragon. Mrs. Carter was the dragon! It was so much fun, even if I fell down because Henry pushed me, but Alexander kissed me all-better!” He exclaimed. He rarely ever spoke with his mother, once he came back from Alexander’s. He rarely ever spoke with his mother, period. It felt good, to. Ariana gave him a frightened look,

“No, No, my Julian, you mustn't wear something so girlish, what if your father finds out?!” She exclaimed. Julian was confused. What was wrong with him wearing a dress? He thought it looked pretty. And so did the tiara, though he could do without the glitter on it. It was then, his father, who must have heard him and his mother talking, burst into the room. The second Philip Ellis caught sight of his son, he was livid.

“What. Are. You. Wearing,” He hissed, Julian giving him an innocent smile,

“A dress, papa. Isn’t it pretty?” Julian asked. Philip snorted, and took one step towards Julian, Ariana throwing herself onto the ground in between Julian and Philip, and bursting into tears,

“Please, Philip, he’s just a boy!” She begged, Philip sneering,

“Is he, though?” There was a slight slur to his words. He was most likely drunk. Ariana began sobbing loudly, and Philip effortlessly tossed her aside, before making his way towards Julian, tearing the dress off of his body, and smashing the tiara onto the ground, breaking it in half with his foot.

Ariana screamed louder than Julian, that night. And she wasn’t the one who was hit over every inch of his body. She wasn’t the one who blinked tearily up at the man who was supposed to love him. She wasn’t the one who’s innocence was permanently wiped away. That was the first night Julian’s father had taken a hand to the boy. Ariana had offered herself in his place before. But things only got worse for the child, from there on in.

Julian shuddered, as the memory tore through his head. He didn’t want to remember some things. He wasn’t with his father any more, though. He was with Henry, and Alexander, who he knew loved him no matter what. Still though, he knew he would keep the dress a secret, as he lifted it off of its rack. He made his way to the front desk, gasping, as he saw a familiar person.

“Anna!” He exclaimed, Anna smiling at him,

“Why, hello, young Julian,” She greeted. Julian was relieved to see a friendly face, “What brings you here?” Julian blushed,

“Um, I’m buying a gift for… Rose?” He tried, the old woman raising an eyebrow,

“It’s alright, Julian. This will stay between you and me, if you would like it to,” She said, as he handed her the ten dollars. Julian nodded, giving her a smile,

“Thanks,” He said, Anna nodding back,

“Of course, kiddo. Now go on, I’m sure you have important, world-changing stuff to do.” Julian waved at her, before exiting the shop, and running head-first into Henry. Henry smirked at him, seeing the dress, which was now in a shopping bag, and Julian went red. 

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Mr. Don’t Give In, giving in himself,” Henry said, taking a bite out of the soft pretzel he was munching on, “interesting choice,” Henry commented, glancing at the bag again, and looking at the woman’s clothing store, which was behind Julian. Julian sighed,

“Please don’t tell Alexander,” He begged, Henry raising an eyebrow,

“Y’know he’s fine with me wearing dresses, right dude?” He countered, Julian shaking his head,

“I-I don’t want to risk it. I don’t know if he’ll understand,” He muttered. Henry nodded,

“Kay,” He promised, peeking through the window of the shop, and waving at Anna, “She’s nice. She’s one of Alexander’s old women friends, right?” Henry enquired,

“Stop saying ‘old woman friends,’ that sounds weird,” Julian replied, Henry giggling,

“Yeah, I can just call them friends. Because Alexander’s friends outside of the SFJ’s are only old women.” Julian hit his friend upside the head, to defend Alexander’s honor, before the two continued walking on, Henry offering Julian a pretzel,

“C’mon, I know you haven’t eaten since breakfast, and it’s nearly lunch!” Julian usually ignored lunchtime, but his stomach was growling at him, and he took the pretzel, sitting down with Henry on a short brick wall towards the end of the mall.

“So, guess what I’m doing,” Henry asked, Julian shrugging,

“What?” He replied, leaning against Henry’s side, tired of holding himself up. Thankfully, there were no other people in the area to give them weird looks. Or threats. Julian hated this town, sometimes. 

“I’m writing an article, for the newspaper, about how much the town sucks, and what it needs to do to improve, starting with the homophobes around here,” Julian nearly choked on his pretzel,

“Are you nuts?! The town’ll hate us even more if you publish that,” He exclaimed. Henry giving him an earnest look,

“I think an article like this one is long overdue…” He murmured,

“It is…” Julian agreed, “... It is….” They were silent, for a few seconds, before Henry spoke once more,

“Julian, something’s… Stirring. Can you feel it?” Julian’s piercing blue eyes met Henry’s soft brown,

“I can.”

________________________

Ella glared at Mike, as he entered her apartment. Esperanza had taken the kids, for a bit, and she didn’t have a shift, currently. So for once in her life, she was gifted with free time. Or, had been. There was the slight issue of Mike now.

“What do you want, Mike?” She asked, Mike not replying, and simply sitting next to her, on the faded green couch she and her siblings had pulled from a dumpster three years back. The apartment had three rooms. A kitchen, and a bathroom, and the living room. She and her siblings all squeezed together on the couch in the living room to go to sleep, somehow managing to fit themselves all under one blanket. They huddled together for warmth. Ella knew this wouldn’t last long, though. Both Ava and Matthew were growing quickly. 

Ella did her best to ignore Mike, her phone beeping, another strange text from August showing up. She had been getting quite a few of those, lately. She wasn’t sure what was up with him. 

“You know what I want…” Mike muttered, placing a hand on her thigh. Ella flinched. Thinking about Alexander. Mike ran the hand down her leg, Ella blinking up at him, suddenly feeling very small, as he pressed his lips against hers. The two had once dated in high school, before Ella had broken up with him, deciding that he was too much of a distraction from her brother and sister. They would occasionally… Pick things up. But now, there was Alexander. Ella felt something for him. She didn’t feel anything for Mike. But his body pressed against hers felt so warm, and safe…. And good...

This doesn’t mean anything… She told herself, as Mike’s hand stroked her side.

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

Chapter 8

Grant walked over to the large crib in Jamie’s room, lifting the wailing infant out of it, and kissing her head,

“Hi, Miss Jamie,” Grant cooed, Jamie staring up at him with her wide brown eyes, her sobbing ceasing as she realized that her father had come to rescue her from the apparently agonizing three minutes of being stuck in her crib after waking up from her nap. Grant smiled at Jamie, shifting her so that she was resting against his shoulder. His hand was bigger than her head, which wasn’t surprising, as Grant was a rather large man. He still had a small fear that he’d accidentally hurt the tiny baby. He carefully walked down the stairs, going into the kitchen of his house, and setting Jamie down in her high chair. He walked over to the living room couch, which William was curled up on, asleep, exhausted from staying up half the night with Jamie. Grant gave him a fond smile, gently running his fingers down William’s cheek,

“Hey, love, time to wake up. It’s 2:00,” He murmured gently, William opening his eyes, and groaning. Their cat, a huge orange animal, named Pumpkin Pie, sauntered into the room, jumping onto the couch, and sitting firmly on William’s chest. William made a few choking noises, pushing the heavy cat off. Pumpkin Pie was of the opinion that he was better than everyone else, and deserved to be constantly worshipped. Needless to say, he was not particularly impressed with Jamie, who had sucked up her father’s attentions from the moment they had held their baby in their arms. Pumpkin Pie didn’t like Grant either. He only liked William. He used to like them equally. However, one night, Grant got drunk, and thought that Pumpkin Pie needed to be an octopus, He had attached tentacles to Pumpkin Pie’s fur with duct tape, before dropping the poor cat in the toilet, so he could “swim.” Pumpkin Pie had never forgiven him for that. 

“Hello, Jamie,” William said, tapping his daughter on the head with a finger, Jamie squealing in delight, and bouncing her legs in the air. Grant walked over to the kitchen, grabbing his phone from the counter, William, now sitting up, watching from the couch. Grant turned on some sort of rock song, and began dancing. He wasn’t a very good dancer, but he always cracked William up. William gave his daughter and husband an amused look, as Jamie kicked her legs randomly from Grant arms, with a few happy babbles. She was still too young to comprehend dancing, but she knew that her father was moving, and she wanted to move too. Grant turned off the music after a second, before looking at Jamie,

“Next important order of business… Say papa, Jamie. Papa?” He tried, Jamie staring at him. 

William butted in, “No, say dadddddy,” He countered. 

“Papa.”

“Daddy.”

“Papa.”

“Daddy.” 

 Jamie blinked, sticking her fist in her mouth, before speaking,

“AlalalalalalaLA,” She argued, both William and Grant laughing. They were all silent for a moment, after that, and Wiliam sighed, breaking it,

“Went down to Carmenville with Julian and Rose, the other day, to try and help their activists. Their leader’s in the hospital, you know. She was severely injured by an officer at their last protest. The group’s struggling,” William reported, sitting down at the kitchen bar, and rubbing a hand over his face. Grant bit his lip, setting Jamie back down in her highchair.

“Ah. I’ll take some food down to her wife later. I doubt she’s left her side,” He offered, William nodding, and sighing once more,

“Yep. The officer’s ‘temporarily suspended.’ He almost freaking KILLED the women, and he’s only suspended,” He muttered. Grant stared out the window, taking Jamie from her high chair, as the baby began to cry at the indignity of being left alone for 4 seconds,

“Speaking of troublesome officer’s, look,” Grant pointed out the window, William doing so as well. Officer Jared White, out on patrol. William instinctively took a few steps backwards placing a hand on Jamie’s head, Grant holding Jamie closer to his chest. Jared White looked up towards the window, and for a moment, his eyes connected with the small family. He glared at them, before walking away. 

“Someday, we’re going to catch that git in action, and he’ll go to jail,” William swore, Grant snorting,

“Hah. If he hasn’t already gotten in trouble for breaking Alexander’s arm, and causing Christopher to go to the hospital for stitches, I doubt he ever will,” He replied. 

“It’s an unjust world,” William said,

“It’s an unjust world,” Grant agreed.

“And we’re going to fix it,” William said,

“And we’re going to fix it,” Grant repeated.

“Ba,” Jamie added.

________________________

“Streamers, streamers, streamers… Check!” Julian took his pencil, crossing “Streamers,” off of his list. He looked down at the list again. It looked like everything was under control, but it wouldn’t hurt to double-check.

Alexander’s Birthday:

Banner ✓

All presents ✓

Ingredients for dinner ✓

August to cook the dinner (We are not food-poisoning anyone tomorrow) ✓

His parents ✓ (On their way)

Distraction ✓ (Henry and I)

Balloons ✓

Alexander’s 27th birthday was coming up tomorrow, on November 10th. Julian was both excited, and nervous. He loved Alexander, and wanted the day to be perfect. His phone suddenly beeped from beside him, and Julian picked it up. Henry had lured Alexander out of the house with him to get pizza for dinner, leaving Julian to put together the last things they needed for the surprise party for tomorrow. They really had everything done already, and all that was left to do was to double-check everything. Julian looked down at his phone, reading the text he had just received. 

Jeanne and Paul, Alexander’s parents, were coming over tonight to surprise Alexander for his birthday. They were staying the entire week too. He had already set up his own bedroom for them, and he would sleep on the couch. He looked through the list one more time, something at the bottom catching his eyes,

Cake

Cake. Just cake. No check. How the hay had he forgotten the cake?! That was almost the most important part! Luckily, he knew exactly who to contact to get the cake. He pulled out his phone again.

Cake ✓

Julian let out a sigh of relief. There, everything would be perfect for Alexander, now. Julian made his way to the couch, after hiding the list, turning on a documentary about the American Revolution that he had gotten into a few months ago, and never finished. Then, there was a knock on the door. Julian stood up, stretching, before making his way over, and opening it. 

“Oh, Julian!” Jeanne pulled Julian into a crushing hug, Paul, who was besides her, patting Julian’s shoulder,

“Hello, son,” He greeted. Once Jeanne had let go of Julian, and Julian had closed the door, he led Alexander’s parents into the living room,

“I’ve missed you!” He exclaimed, hugging Jeanne again. Jeanne scanned him over from head-to-toe, giving him a teasing look,

“You’re even skinnier than the last time I saw you! One of these days, you’re going to completely waste away, boy,” She scolded, Julian just blushing, and turning towards Paul,

“You need any help with the bags?” He asked, Paul shaking his head,

“I’ve got em’, kiddo. Missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too,” Julian said, as Paul left the apartment, to go collect his and Jeanne’s bags from the car. Jeanne sat next to Julian on the couch, placing her hands atop of his,

“So, are all the preparations ready for Alex’s party?” She enquired, Julian nodding,

“Yep, was just double-checking everything,” He reported, nodding towards the drawer where he’d hidden the list, “I’m having August bring a cake by tomorrow. Everything should be perfect.”

“Where are Alexander and Henry right now?” Jeanne asked, her eyes darting around the living room, taking in every detail, and most likely taking note of every small change the trio had made since she had last seen them three months ago.

“They’re getting dinner. They should be back soon. Alexander obviously doesn’t know you two are here, if he did, he’d definitely be cooking. Henry and I figured he could enjoy a small break from cooking tonight,” Julian explained. Jeanne laughed,

“You and Henry still can’t cook, hm?”

“Yep,” Julian confirmed, “Alexander gave up one us, because we’re, and I quote, hopeless cases,” Julian said. Jeanne chuckled,

“One time, when you and Henry were two, and you were both waiting for Alexander, who was 8 or 9, to get back from school, I was watching you. I decided to make cookies, and Henry demanded to help. So I had you and Henry be my ‘helpers.’ Really all you two did was dump the chocolate chips into the batter, but you both seemed satisfied with that. You were supposed to yell ‘surprise,’ when Alexander entered the house, and saw the cookies, but you decided that you didn’t want to and simply stared at him, and Henry couldn’t pronounce surprise yet, and instead yelled ‘PRISE!’ You two were the cutest little things,” Jeanne said, smiling fondly at the memory. Julian found himself blushing for the second time that hour. Paul walked back into the apartment, setting down the last of the bags on the floor, and closing the door. 

“So, Julian, how’s everything been?” Jeanne asked, Julian rolling his eyes,

“As if you don’t already know. You call us all like, twice a day,” He pointed out, Jeanne waving him off,

“I just want to stay connected with you boys,” She said, Julian thinking for a second,

“Things have been… Weird, I guess. The town isn’t very happy with us,” He admitted. Jeanne sighed,

“This is why I always told you three to stay in Lakestone. Pine Forest ain't’ gonna change, honey. You’re putting yourselves at risk,” She murmured. It was Julian’s turn to sigh,

“I know it probably won’t. But we have to try. Our entire lives are built here now. Besides, there are others who don’t have enough money to leave. We need to stay, and fight for them” He defended. Jeanne put a gentle hand on his shoulder,

“I know, Julian. I just don’t know what I would do if something were to happen to one of you,” She whispered. 

“Do you… Think about it, often?” Julian asked, Jeanne giving him a small smile,

“Everyday,” She replied. They were silent, for a moment, before Paul, who wasn’t one for emotional talk, broke the silence.

“I think I see Alex’s car,” He commented. Jeanne and Julian hurried to the window, Jeanne bouncing lightly on her toes, in a way that mirrored Henry in every way. Paul was correct. Julian could spot Alexander and Henry coming out of the car, Alexander carrying two boxes of pizza. A few minutes later, the front door opened, and Henry and Alexander walked in. Alexander froze, as he saw his parents, his eyes shifting over towards Henry, who gave him a smirk in response. Alexander then shoved the pizza boxes into Henry’s arms, running towards his parents.

“MUM! DAD!” He exclaimed, embracing them. 

“Oh, my baby boy,” Jeanne whispered, pulling away from her son, and placing her hands on his shoulders. Alexander blinked,

“So... Why exactly are you two here?” Alexander asked, Jeanne placing her hands on her hips,

“Boy, do you honestly think I’d miss my son’s birthday?” Jeanne enquired, Alexander running his his hands through his hair, blushing,

“Oh, right, that,” He replied, Henry suddenly barreling into him for a hug. This was rather normal Henry behaviour. Alexander thought for a second, before his eyes widened, “Oh, you two are here for dinner… We shouldn’t have gotten pizza, I can cook something!” Alexander, who was of the opinion that anything that he didn’t cook wasn’t proper food, exclaimed. 

“Pizza,” Julian said firmly, taking Alexander's hand for a second. Henry tapped Julian’s shoulder,

“Pst,” He whispered, pulling Julian into Julian’s bedroom. 

“...What?” Julian asked, Henry sitting on Julian’s bed, smoothing his hands over the red comforter,

“So, for the party tomorrow, try to wear something pretty. Not just a hoodie,” Henry said. Julian frowned. He wasn’t very good at dressing like what other people thought “pretty” was. Henry exited the room, and Julian began to think. Almost all of the clothes he owned were simple. Except… He peeked his head down under the bed, pulling out a white box. He placed it on the bed, opening it, and staring at the pink dress that it contained. He slipped it on over his current red hoodie and black sweatpants, looking at himself in the mirror he kept in the corner of his room (He always needed to see if his hair looked okay). He thought it looked nice. But he knew he didn’t have the guts to wear it in front of everyone. Just as he was about to take it off, the door opened. And his eyes suddenly met Alexander’s. They both stared at each other, for a second, before Alexander stepped into the room, slowly closing the door behind him, before calmly saying,

“Julian Philip-Charles Ellis, what on God’s green Earth on you wearing?” Julian sat down on the bed, going extremely white, and sucking in a breath. His arms trembled, and he was frozen to the spot. Alexander stepped forward, and Julian instinctively moved back, pulling his arms around his body. Alexander sat on the bed, frowning, and narrowing his eyes, scanning Julian over, before his eyes widened,

“Julian,” He whispered, placing a hand on Julian’s legs, having recognized the pure look of terror on his friend’s face, “It’s alright. I’m not going to hurt you. You’re safe.” Julian forced his erratic breathing to slow, and he let himself melt into Alexander’s arms. Alexander knew.

Ariana dragged her son to Alexander’s house by the hand, ignoring his tiny gasps as he put his injured foot on the ground, and his increasingly pained cries. She had to get him to Alexander’s. She had to get him to safety. Alexander’s house was just next door, but Julian was in pain, and didn’t want to move. And he was a very stubborn six-year-old.

“Mama, it hurts,” Julian whispered. Ariana knelt down, placing her hands on her son’s cheeks,

“I know, I know my darling, but we need to keep walking. You’re going to see Alexander soon. He’s going to make you all-better, okay, baby?” She said, lifting him into her arms. Julian sniffled,

“Kay,” He whispered. Ariana felt her son’s pain. She had experienced her son’s pain before, in his place. Finally, they reached Alexander’s house, Julian still in Ariana’s arms. She knocked on the door, and within a few seconds, Alexander opened it, Henry, who had apparently already been dropped off, beside him.

“Hiiii!” Henry exclaimed, Ariana setting Julian down. Julian instantly burst into tears, running into Alexander’s arms, the twelve-year-old of which giving Ariana an alarmed look, as he saw the cuts and bruises on Julian’s face alone. He lifted Julian up, balancing the extremely small boy on his hip, before turning around,

“Mum!” He called, and Jeanne quickly entered the room, Ariana staring down at her own feet. Jeanne caught one sight of Julian, before narrowing her eyes in Ariana’s direction,

“What happened?!” She demanded. She knew. Ariana knew. But neither could say it. Both feared Philip.

“He… Fell down the stairs, and landed on the cat,” Ariana lied. Jeanne simply sighed, turning to her own son,

“Alexander, tell your father to watch Henry, and take Julian to the bathroom. Clean him up, I’ll come in after, see if he needs a doctor or not,” Alexander nodded, taking Julian and Henry away. Jeanne turned to Ariana. The only thing she said, before closing the door, was this,

“Tell Philip to watch his back.”

Alexander rubbed Julian’s back, the feeling reassuring to him, as he finally caught his breath,

“I’m sorry,” Julian whispered, Alexander frowning, and pushing one of Julian’s blonde curls behind his ear,

“There’s nothing to be sorry for,” He said, “You didn’t do anything.” Julian frowned as well,

“B-But you were so surprised when you saw me like… This,” He motioned up and down across his body. 

“I’ve barely ever seen you in a dress before,” Alexander said, “I do have a question, however. You don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to. But have you ever considered…” Alexander’s voice trailed off,

“That maybe I’m a girl? Yeah,” Julian confirmed, “I never really fit in with the other guys, and everyone always thought I was a girl anyways. Sometimes I thought that if whoever’s or whatever’s up there made me look like this, maybe they intended for me to be a girl. I dunno, though. I really don’t,” He murmured. Alexander slowly nodded. Light from the window trickled across their bodies, making their outline seem fuzzy, and golden, every particle of dust in the air visible. The sun would set soon, the sky, which was starting to become orange tinted, told. Alexander took Julian’s hand, lifting it up slightly, before pressing his lips to it,

“Julian, you are my dearest friend,” He whispered, “And I will support you no matter what. You don’t need to figure this all out right now. Gender is… A journey. It could take a while until you’re really sure. Or maybe just a few months. Whatever it is, I am right here beside you. Always,” Alexander swore,

“Always,” Julian repeated, embracing his elder brother, before raising an eyebrow, “When did you get so good at this anyways?” He asked. Alexander chuckled,

“I guided Henry through high school. That prepared me for every single emotion that could ever appear,” Alexander replied. Julian laughed. Henry had been a mess in high school. But towards the end, he had truly found himself. And that was worth all of the tears, and yelling. And, Henry had started going out with Esperanza, a level-headed counter to his spontaneous personality. They were perfect for each other. Alexander and Julian walked out of the room, as they knew the others were probably wondering what was taking them so long. And the reason Alexander had come into the bedroom in the first place was to call Julian to dinner. When Henry saw Julian in the dress, he cheered, pumping his fist in the air. Jeanne just smiled,

“You look lovely, darling,” She said, Julian smiling back. Paul examined him for a moment, before declaring,

“Well, we have another official weirdo here.” He defensively put his hands up after the look Jeanne shot him, “That’s a compliment, kiddo. We’re all weirdos here, ain’t’ we? Much more fun than fitting in.” Julian grinned,

“Yeah. Fitting in is for losers,” He agreed, as Alexander put pizza slices onto plates, along with a salad that he had quickly made because, “You can’t eat pizza without a salad,” apparently. 

“So,” Henry said, as they all began to eat, “My article, the one I was working on about the town’s flaws? It got rejected,” He reported. Julian narrowed his eyes,

“Of course it did. They only want articles that praise this place. If people knew what it was really like, they wouldn’t ever come,” He growled. Henry snorted,

“Oh, no, people would come. Conservatives would flock here by the hundreds,” Julian groaned,

“Great, just what we need… More bigots.” Jeanne and Paul looked alarmed to see their boys talking casually about such a matter, as if they were used to it. They were. 

“Just stay safe, boys,” Jeanne pleaded, “Stay safe.”

________________________

Ella made her way up to August’s apartment. She simply needed to ask him a slight favor, as she needed a few of Matthew’s shirts to be sewn together, to create a new shirt, that would fit the growing boy. Ella was horrible at sewing, but August was a master. Ella knocked on the door, placing her hands on her hips, and waiting for August to answer. He didn’t. Ella frowned, knocking again, this time louder. Still no response. Maybe he was just at the store, or something. Ella took the key to the apartment out of her pocket, unlocking the door, and opening it, closing it behind her, and firmly locking it again. August’s apartment was the sort of one where you always wanted to keep your door locked. So was Ella’s. 

“August?” Ella called. Again, no response. He wasn’t in the living room. She made her way into the kitchen. Ah, there he was, “August, didn’t you hear me?” Ella asked. August simply gave her a laugh, and Ella took in his appearance. There were shadows under his eyes, which were bloodshot. His hair was a mess. And he smelled like… Ella froze,

“You’ve been drinking,” She whispered, her hand instinctively going towards the knife she always carried around, tied to her waist. She had already used it three times the last month on various drunk men. August rolled his eyes slowly,

“Yeah… So…” He muttered, his words slurring together. 

“You said you wouldn’t anymore!” Ella exclaimed, her voice’s pitch growing higher, “Why are you even -” Ella froze, “Mike.” She whispered. August sighed,

“Don’t tell anyone, please,” He begged, gripping onto her shirt. Ella stepped backwards. And he still clung on. Her hand reached for the knife, and August thankfully was sensible enough to let go. 

“Why shouldn’t I?” Ella challenged. August, who was now kneeling on the ground, gave her a pathetic look,

“Please… I’ll fix it…. I… I… I… I will,” He slurred, leaning his head against the cabinet. Ella took a few shaky breaths,

“You said you would stop, August. You stopped, and I stopped, and we got out of that town together,” She whispered. He had broken her trust. August gave her a dark chuckle,

“Like here’s any better?!” He asked, laughing hysterically, “Yeah, here you won’t get killed for bein’ gay, just MORTALLY WOUNDED SO MUCH BETTER!” He yelled. Ella shook her head,

“I won’t tell, August. But you need to fix this. FIX IT,” She yelled. August gave her a desperate look, as she walked towards the door, and the only thing she said before leaving was this,

“You disgust me.”

Us Against the World Chapters 5 and 6 by Genevieve Adkins

Chapter 5

Julian was in his old house again. Why, he didn’t know. He stepped forward, his surroundings wavering around him. His legs had a mind of their own. They wouldn’t listen to his brain, and they carried him up, up, up, in front of his parents room. No, no, NO. Julian tried to struggle, but his hand reached out towards the doorknob, which was colored red, for some reason. The last time he had been here it had been brown…

He turned the doorknob, and stepped forward, freezing. Paralyzed, he couldn’t move. There was his father. He tried to scream, but couldn’t. His father… With his black hair, and hazel eyes, smirked at him, and Julian’s mother turned around from the corner. She was covered in blood, and her wrists were chained together. There was tape over her mouth, and she gave her son a lifeless stare. Julian still couldn’t move, as he father crept towards him. 

“Julian… You’ve been a very bad boy…. And you know what I do to bad boys…” He was eight-years-old again, and his mother vanished, as his father raised his fists in his direction. And he still could not move, as his surroundings swirled once more, and suddenly he was inside of the old wardrobe his father owned. His mother was clutching him tightly, and she had a hand around his mouth, as they both peeked through the crack in the door. Julian remembered this. Praying, wishing, desperately that his father wouldn’t find them. And then, his father entered the room, and staggered towards the wardrobe. He was almost there -

Julian awoke abruptly, tears running down his face. He sat up in bed, taking a few shaky breaths, before glancing at his alarm clock. 2:40 am, great. Julian briefly considered just rolling over, and trying to go back to sleep, but he didn’t want to. He didn’t want to dream again. So instead, he slipped out of bed on shaky legs, grabbing his red blanket and tossing it over his shoulders, one feeling of security, as he left the room. Julian made his way to the kitchen, turning the lights on, and pouring himself a glass of tap-water. He stood there, for a few minutes, pulling his blanket tighter around his shoulders, as he took a few sips from the glass he was holding with trembling hands. 

The door to Alexander’s room opened, and Alexander walked out, still clad in blue pajamas, and rubbing at his eyes with the back of his hand. He paused, noticing Julian, and giving him an alarmed look. Alexander made his way over, gently feeling Julian’s forehead, and frowning,

“Julian, what’s the matter? I heard you leave the room. Are you sick?” Alexander asked, Julian shaking his head, and brushing Alexander’s hand away,

“I’m fine,” He whispered, sitting up on the counter, Alexander crossing his arms, while Julian stifled a yawn,

“Julian, I know something’s wrong. Make this easier for the both of us and tell me,” Alexander said, Julian sighing, and leaning his head back against the wall, his trembling hands dropping the glass of water onto the counter, and then the floor, shattering it. Julian gasped, and tears pricked in his eyes, as he clutched his now bleeding hand, as some of the glass had been caught in it, and gave Alexander a mournful look,

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” He exclaimed, attempting to hop down from the counter, Alexander pushing him back, not wanting him to land in the glass, “I’ll clean it up, I promise!” Alexander sighed, and lifted Julian up, setting his tiny friend down on the opposite side of the glass, so that he wouldn’t get any cuts on his feet,

“It’s alright Juli, It’s fine,” He murmured, frowning at the glass. Julian glanced nervously at Henry’s door,

“Do you think that woke him?” He asked, Alexander shaking his head and chuckling,

“That boy could sleep through an earthquake and then some,” He replied, Mouse the cat walking around the corner, giving her owners a small meow, and the glass a curious look. Alexander picked her up, shoving her into Julian’s arms,

“Here, cuddle Mouse, I’ll clean up the glass,” Alexander left the kitchen, probably to go find shoes, a broom, and a broom pan, and Julian buried his face in Mouse’s brown fur, Mouse giving him a few loud purrs in response. Once Alexander had cleaned up the glass, Julian let her down, and she bolted away with a chittering sound. Alexander gently lifted up Julian’s bleeding hand, frowning, 

“Go bandage this, and use antibiotic ointment. If there’s still a shard left in it, call me,” He ordered, Julian doing as he said, before coming back into the room. They were both silent, for a second, Alexander’s brown eyes meeting Julian’s blue, and Julian sighing,

“I… Uh, had a bad dream,” He admitted, shifting nervously from foot-to-foot. Alexander nodded, 

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked, Julian shaking his head. Alexander, of course, understood, “Alright,” He thought, for a moment, “Would you like to come sleep in my bed, for the rest of the night?” Julian blinked at him, hesitant, despite wanting nothing more than to snuggle into bed with his older brother,

“... Are you sure?” He enquired. He already felt himself enough of a burden to Alexander, though Alexander always assured him that wasn’t true. Alexander gave him a warm smile,

“I know you’ll have trouble sleeping, and I’ll have trouble sleeping knowing you will,” He explained, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. Julian gave him a short nod, and Alexander smiled, taking Julian’s hand, and leading him into Alexander’s bedroom. 

Alexander’s walls were painted baby blue, and he had a desk in the corner of the room, along with a bed in the middle, and bookshelves lining the rest of his walls, close to bursting with medical books, and other topics that piqued his interest. The desk was full of papers, scattered in random directions, the only part of the room that didn’t appear organized. But Julian knew that it actually was, and Alexander just had his own unique system when it came to sorting through papers. His curtains were dark blue, and so was his blanket, which actually resembled a map of the solar system, his numerous pillows all themed after some sort of planet. Seriously, Alexander had a lot of pillows. Hanging up on the wall were all of the achievements and awards that Alexander had won throughout his lifetime, starting in Kindergarten, and still ongoing. He also had quite a few dead bug specimens preserved in picture frames and jars, the jars of which were on top of one of his smaller bookshelves, and the picture frames hung around the room in some sort of pattern that made sense to Alexander’s mind. Everything was spic-and-span, not a single spec of dirt to be seen. Basically, Alexander was a nerd. And Julian loved him for it.

Alexander climbed into bed, patting the spot beside him, which Julian slipped into. On the ceiling of the room were yellow glow-in-the-dark stars that Alexander had put up a few months ago. In the same way that Henry was obsessed with fairies, and Julian was obsessed with social justice, Alexander was obsessed with space. He always had been, as long as Julian could remember. He could briefly recall when he was two, and Alexander, who was eight, would get into cardboard boxes with him, and pretend that they were flying to the moon. Julian had loved it. However, Alexander’s main passion was doctoring.

Alexander would always joke that the time he decided he wanted to be a doctor was when a four-year-old Julian had come to him in tears because his stuffed doll had been executed by Henry’s dog, and Alexander had sewn her back together and made her “all better.” Julian knew that Alexander had always been into medical things, however, as he had always voluntarily cared for Julian when he was ill as a child, and was that one kid who would watch his shots at the doctors office, and ask the nurses loads of questions. He had broken his wrist when he was nine, and had been more fascinated with the broken bone than disturbed. Though when he broke his arm a year ago at that protest, he was more annoyed than anything.

Julian snuggled into Alexander’s chest, Alexander already having fallen back asleep, lightly snoring. Mouse ran into the room, launching herself onto the bed, and settling down next to Julian, purring. Julian stroked his hand through her fur, willing himself to fall back asleep. 

The only place Julian truly felt safe was in Alexander’s arms. It had been that way since Julian was a tiny baby. 

And eventually, he drifted off to sleep.

_____________________

“Why aren’t they done yet? I thought they were only going over the Affordable Health Care notes, and then Ella was leaving,” Julian whispered to Henry, who clucked his tongue, rolling his eyes,

“Julian, Julian, Julian,” He murmured back, “You know nothing of love.” Henry closed the door to his bedroom that they had previously been peeking out of, and Julian frowned,

“I have a boyfriend, Henry,” He argued, Henry sighing,

“Yeah, and you two spent three whole years pining over each other, before you both realized that the other actually liked you. AND to make matters worse, you asked each other out in the LIBRARY, there’s nothing romantic about that!” Henry countered, Julian frowning,

“Didn’t you ask Esperanza out in a gas station restroom?” He asked, Henry blushing,

“... That’s different,” He replied, Julian simply smirking in response, before turning to Ava and Matthew, the two kids of which were sitting on Henry’s bed.

“Ava, Matthew, Alexander doesn’t have a crush on Ella, right?” He said, Ava giving him a raised eyebrow in response,

“What planet have you been living on?” The ten-year-old asked, Matthew giggling,

“Oh, he TOTALLY does!” The seven-year-old exclaimed. Julian frowned,

“... Really?” Henry groaned, slapping Julian’s shoulder in a friendly sort of way,

“You are so dense sometimes, Juli,” He exasperatedly said, the door to the bedroom suddenly opening,

“We’re done,” Alexander said, poking his head into the room, Julian letting out a sigh of relief, and exiting it,

“Good, Henry’s taste in color was starting to make my eyes bleed,” He remarked. Henry crossed his arms, 

“My room is flipping awesome, I’ll have you know,” He defended.

Henry’s room was… Interesting. That was probably the bed way to describe it. Every single object was a conflicting color, that horribly clashed with the one next to it, and his wallpaper was a weird multi-colored floral pattern. Henry had an interesting collection of rugs that covered the floor, and the textures felt strange underneath Julian’s feet. He also still had a bunch of his childhood toys that he was unwilling to part with. 

Ella, who was sitting on the sofa in the living room, stood up, “Uh, thanks for the notes, Al,” She murmured, stumbling over her words in a very un-Ella-like way. Henry raised an eyebrow,

“...Al?!” He repeated delightedly, giving Alexander a smirk. Alexander’s eyes widened, and he lightly shoved Henry, who simply laughed in response. Ella’s phone beeped from her pocket, and she pulled it out, frowning,

“Oh, I’ve got to go, I’ve got work,” She said, “I…” She began, giving Ava and Matthew a nervous look, “The kids have nowhere to go… I don’t want to leave them home alone again...” She murmured, Alexander laying a gentle hand on her shoulder, and smiling,

“We’ve got them, El, don’t worry,” He promised, Henry giggling from the corner,

“Ellllllll,” He said in a sing-song voice. Julian defended Alexander’s honor by punching him in the shoulder. Ella dug through her pocket, pulling out a crumpled 20 dollar bill,

“I’ve been saving up, for a while, so the kids could have Halloween costumes this year,” She explained, handing it to Alexander, “Would you mind taking them out to buy costumes?” Alexander pushed the money away,

“It’s on us,” He said, Ella frowning,

“Oh, that’s very kind of you, but it’s fine -” She began, Alexander shaking his head,

“No, we’ll pay,” He firmly said, Ella embracing him, Alexander looking shocked,

“Pst, hug back,” Henry whispered from the corner, Alexander wrapping his arms around Ella, the two staying like that for a few seconds before Ella separated, and looked at her siblings,

“You two be very good for Alexander, Julian, and Henry,” She ordered, Ava and Matthew nodding,

“We will Ella!” Ava reassured her sister, Ella nodding, and walking out. Henry looked down at his phone,

“Oh, I need to head to Esperanza’s, I’m helping them with some of the housework they’ve been having trouble with since the surgery,” He explained.

“Give Esperanza our best,” Alexander said, Henry smiling, and walking out the door,

“Will do!” He called, closing the door behind himself. Alexander turned toward the kids,

“So, what do you two want to be for Halloween?” He asked, Ava thinking,

“A kitty cat!” She exclaimed, Matthew grinning,

“Can I be a wolf please, Uncle Alexander?!” Alexander nodded,

“Okay, put on your shoes and jackets, we’re headed to Target. You’re coming too, Julian, you need to get out of the house,” Alexander said, Ava and Julian putting on their jackets and shoes, and Julian helping Matthew tie his shoes. They were out the door in about five minutes, and all of them piled into Alexander’s car.

Alexander and Henry each owned seperate cars, and Julian didn’t own one at all. Whenever he needed to get somewhere, he either walked, or had Alexander or Henry drive him, in long-distance cases. The entire town was walkable, so it wasn’t really a big deal. The only time it had really mattered was when he had full-blown pneumonia that one year when he was around 18. All of those walks through the snow and freezing rain probably hadn’t helped his condition, and may have made it worse, therefore contributing to the fact that he was eventually hospitalized. Now whenever Julian had so much as a sniffle, Henry made sure to drive him places instead of let him walk, not wanting a repeat of the pneumonia incident.

Alexander’s car was as clean as his room, and was also blue. Blue was Alexander’s favorite color. He was still paying off loans on it, and would be for a while. Despite coming from a fairly well off family, Alexander’s parents had always wanted their son to learn to provide for himself, rather than just lean on them all of the time. Henry’s parents just pretended that their son didn’t exist, so Henry was on his own when it came to finances as well. Julian’s mother would occasionally send him money for social justice work behind his father’s back, but that was the extent of it. All three boys had learned to provide for themselves early on.

They pulled into the parking lot of the store, and Julian helped Matthew, who had somehow gotten tangled in his seatbelt, unbuckle, and he grabbed the small boy's hand as he exited the car.

“I’ve never been inside here before,” Ava, who was holding Alexander’s hand, suddenly said, as they crossed the street. Alexander frowned,

“You’ve never been to Target?” Ava shook her head,

“Nope. I think Ella’s looked through the dumpsters here for something once, but I’ve never been inside,” She explained. 

“... How often do you all go looking through dumpsters?” Julian enquired, Ava thinking for a second,

“A few times a week,” She replied, Matthew enthusiastically cutting in,

 “Sometimes we find really cool stuff! Like a couch! That’s actually how we got our couch. And sometimes we even find food we can eat!” Both Alexander and Julian exchanged looks, and Julian made a mental reminder to try and convince Ella to take money again. Ella refused to take anything that she saw as “charity,” though when it came to her siblings' health she would sometimes stray from that policy. 

Julian didn’t think it was fair. He knew it wasn’t. It wasn’t fair that the siblings had been born into an abusive situation in the first place. It wasn’t fair that because of this situation, because of their limited resources, they had to push themselves into poverty in order to escape. It wasn’t fair that the children often went to bed with empty stomachs. That they were used to this. Ella worked as hard as she could, and put 100% effort into everything she did, and she was still left taking from dumpsters, and occasionally robbing stores, so that she and her siblings could eat, or have blankets to sleep with. Almost all of the money Ella made from her three jobs had to go towards paying rent for the two-room apartment she and her siblings lived in, and towards her college loan debt. Ella took online college, and she needed to graduate, if she ever had any hopes of getting a proper job. The rest of The SFJ’s did their best to help Ella and the kids, but all three of them were stubborn as rocks.

The inside of the store was warm, and Alexander grabbed one of the hand-held baskets, thoroughly sanitizing it, before they started walking.

“Blasted cold and flu season,” Alexander muttered, “Work’s going to be fun…” Lately Alexander had been too tired to do anything after work, except collapse on the sofa, and fall asleep, until Julian woke him up, and gently led him to bed, usually after getting him something to eat. Alexander was the sole cook in the “Alexander, Julian, and Henry household,” as he was the only one who actually knew how to cook. Henry could make sandwiches, but that was about it. And Julian had once set orange juice on fire. Needless to say, Julian was banned from cooking. 

“Y’know,” Matthew said, as they walked down the aisle of the store, “I like walking with two adults.” Alexander gave him a curious look, 

“Why?” He asked, Matthew grinning, still clutching Julian’s hand, 

“It makes me feel like I’m normal again! Like I have two daddies instead of no mommy and daddy,” Matthew replied, Ava sighing, and giving her little brother a pitying look,

“Having two dads isn’t… Normal, Matthew,” She murmured, “At least, not to most people. Specially’ the people round’ here.” Matthew frowned,

“Why not?” He asked, Julian patting his shoulder,

“Because some people think the Bible tells them to hate men who like men, and women who like women,” He explained, Matthew giving the ceiling an exasperated look, as if he could somehow communicate with all who thought that way,

“Well, that’s stupid!” He exclaimed, “The Bible says to love everyone, and that’s what we do, right Uncle Alexander?!” Alexander smiled,

“Right, buddy,” He replied, Matthew thinking for a second,

“Julian could look like a mommy, though,” He pointed out, Julian letting out an amused sigh. Whenever people saw him, they tended to think he was a girl. And as he was 5’2, with long flowing golden locks, and curves in ordinarily female places, he couldn’t exactly blame them. Ava scoffed,

“Julian couldn’t be the mommy, Matthew,” She said,

“Why not?” Matthew replied, Ava sighing, and running her hand along side the shelves that held the products they passed by,

“Because, he’s white, we’re black. People wouldn’t think that was normal either,” She explained, Matthew rolling his eyes,

“Well, then they’re idiots, because families can be ANY color!” He yelled, Alexander clapping, 

“You said it, buddy.” They continued on through the store, eventually finding the appropriate materials for the kid’s costumes, before turning around, and walking in the opposite direction, Ava and Matthew skipping a little bit ahead of the adults. Alexander turned his head in Julian’s direction, as they continued walking,

“I’m planning on getting Ava the Harry Potter series for Christmas,” He murmured, so that Ava wouldn’t hear him. Julian nodded,

“She’d like that. I remember when you first got Harry Potter. You were 10, right?” He said, Alexander nodding,

“Mhm,” He confirmed, 

“You breezed through that series in two weeks,” Julian said with a chuckle. Alexander nodded,

“You and Henry weren’t happy about the time I spent reading that. You probably wouldn’t remember this, since you were 4, but you climbed into my lap, and gave me the most adorable pout, before saying, ‘Do you still wove us?’ I suppose you felt neglected.” Julian laughed. He had always been clingy with Alexander. Even when he was four.

Alexander, who was 6 years older than Henry and Julian, had been born into a loving family, on November 12th, with two amazing parents, Jeanne and Paul. Jeanne, his mother, had been best friends with a young woman next door named Ariana. Very young woman. She was sixteen. Yet she had a 36-year-old husband named Philip. Ariana had given birth to Julian on May 5th. Paul had always been suspicious of Philip, and when Julian was three-months-old, Ariana had come to Alexander’s house, saying that she didn’t know how to keep her baby safe from her husband. She was scared of what he might do to their son. Jeanne and Paul had agreed to watch the child for a few hours a day, to get him out of the house. Julian hadn’t been happy to have been separated from his mother, at first, and he had cried the entire first hour it had started, until Alexander held him in his arms. Then he started cooing. Jeanne and Paul learned that their son had a special connection with Julian very quickly, and Alexander had become his baby-sitter of sorts. By the time Julian was one-year-old, he was only at his own house three times a week, and only for the night. Alexander had offered to watch Henry when he noticed that the two-year-old was being neglected by his parents. His parents had agreed. And then, Alexander, who was still a child himself, had ended up raising two other children. Julian had run away from his house when he was 12, and ended up living permanently at Alexander’s. Alexander had gone to college early, at the age of 16, and had recently become a fully-licensed doctor. He had gotten his own apartment at 19, and Julian, who had been 13, at the time, had moved in with him, while Henry had waited until he was 18 to move in. 

Julian and Henry were both employed by a local news station, and had become so through Jeanne and Paul’s connections. They both also balanced all of their social justice work on the side, and Julian also worked in a local grocery store, which he hated. 

“Uncle Alexander?” Ava suddenly asked, Alexander focusing on the young girl,

“Yes?” He said, 

“What’re you gonna be for Halloween?” Ava enquired, 

“It’s a surprise,” He replied, Ava nodding,

“Okay!” She said, walking back up to her brother’s side. Julian frowned at Alexander, as they neared the check-up line,

“You're not by any chance doing a partner-costume with Ella for Halloween, are you?”

Alexander blushed.

_______________

“Alright, don’t do anything particularly strenuous, if anything feels off at all call me,” Henry ordered, Esperanza rolling their eyes,

“I’ll be fine, Henry,” They tried to reassured him, Henry tapping his finger against the wall anxiously,

“I know… I know… Still,” He said, walking over, and kissing Esperanza, before embracing them, “I love you,” He whispered, Esperanza smiling, and cupping their hand around Henry’s cheek,

“I love you too,” They replied, “Now, you oughta be heading out, Alexander and Julian will be wondering where you are, it’s already dark out.” Henry sighed,

“I know. Be safe,” He gave Esperanza one last kiss, before heading out of the apartment. Esperanza’s apartment had an array of colors, much like Henry’s room, but all of Esperanza’s colors blended and matched in beautiful ways. The apartment was warm, and smelled like a combination of basil, and some sort of spice. A few of August’s paintings were hung up in the room, a large framed picture of the SFJ’s proudly displayed on the center of the front wall. Esperanza loved their apartment. They glanced at their kitchen, knowing that they probably should be eating something for dinner, but they didn’t feel like it.

“Luna!” They called, and their brown tabby cat ran into the room. Esperanza had rescued Luna and her four kittens from the side of the road four years ago. He had found homes for three of the kittens, but had kept Luna and her son Gato, who was probably asleep underneath Esperanza’s bed, “Cat?!” Esperanza called, getting no response. Gato was definitely asleep. One of Luna’s kittens happened to be Mouse, Julian’s cat. Esperanza lifted Luna into their arms, and walked out onto the balcony. The town was beautiful when it was dark. All of the building lights were still on, but the sky’s stars were still visible. Some people were still driving, and walking. Esperanza smiled, leaning their body against the balcony railing, and looking out.

“It’s beautiful, Luna,” They whispered, Luna letting out a meow of agreement, before they pointed at the moon, “See the moon, Luna. You are my moon.” Luna purred, and Esperanza sighed,

“Most of those people walking and driving don’t want me to exist. They would lock me up… Or kill me… Maybe if so many think this, they’re right…” Luna bit their hand, to tell them how stupid they were being, and they laughed, “You are the best… Luna, my moon. I sometimes can’t help but wonder, though. It wasn’t until I moved here that I knew how much hate there was. Mami and Abuela were always so supportive.” Esperanza could still remember when they had come out to them. They had been six.

“Mami! Abuela!” Esperanza ran into the kitchen, where the woman in question were putting away groceries. They had a discovery they needed to share. 

“Sí, cariño?” Their Mami replied, Esperanza panting, while their Abuela put the tomatoes in the fridge.

“I am not a boy or a girl! I am neither!” Esperanza proudly exclaimed, their Mami smiling, and opening out their arms, Esperanza running in to hug them,

“I love you, my child,” She whispered, Esperanza beaming, before turning towards their Abuela, who’s English wasn’t 100 percent yet. Their Abuela put her hands on her hips,

“Okay,” She said, “I do not care if you are boy, I do not care if you are girl, I do not care if you are none. I care if you help with groceries,” She replied. And Esperanza ran out to embrace her as well. In their Abuela and Mami’s arms they were safe. And sheltered from the rest of the world.

Chapter 6

“I can’t believe I’m actually doing this in front of everyone.” 

“C’mon Juli, get into the spirit!”

“The spirit of what? There’s no spirit of Halloween, Henry.”

“Well now there is! ABRA CADABRA!”

“That’s not how Halloween costumes work.”

Julian was sitting on the toilet seat of one of Christopher, Landon, and Maria’s bathrooms, while Henry, who was dressed up as a fairy, did his hair. Henry dressed up as a fairy nearly every Halloween, and had done so since he was five. Julian, on the other hand, had to be coaxed into dressing up as anything. They were getting ready for the SFJ’s annual Halloween party. Henry and Julian had arrived together, and were the earliest people, as Alexander said that he had something else to do before he arrived. Christopher, Landon, and Maria were downstairs, getting the house ready for the party. Any SFJ parties were always hosted at Christopher, Landon, and Maria’s, as they had the biggest house.

“Henry, you’re pulling,” Julian complained, wincing slightly as Henry tugged on one of his blonde strands of hair.

“Well sorrrrry, you should have brushed it better in the first place, now I have to detangle everything with my fingers which is not fun, I’ll have you know,” Henry replied, pausing for a second, before pulling Julian to his feet, and looking in the mirror, “There done. You look beautiful!” Henry proudly exclaimed, Julian giving his reflection a small smile. He thought he looked alright. He grabbed the glitter bottle from the sink,

“You wanted help with the glitter, right?” He said, Henry grinning,

“Yes, glitter. Glitter is magical. You can’t be a fairy without glitter,” Julian laughed, sprinkling the pink, purple, and blue glitter all over Henry,

“You know you fit into like, half of the gay-guy sterotypes there are, right?” He asked, Henry rolling his eyes,

“Well, I’m not gay, I’m pansexual. There’s a difference,” He replied, Julian lightly kissing his cheek, and saying,

“I know,” Before pushing him in front of the mirror, “There you go, all the glitter anyone could possibly wear. What’d you think?” Henry beamed,

“I love it!” He exclaimed, “We should go down and help the trio with the setting up.” Julian nodded, and the two boys made their way down the stairs, to where Maria was hanging up decorations in the living room. She turned around from where she was struggling to put up a paper bat, and smiled,

“Well, don’t you two look stunning,” She remarked, as Henry hurried over to help with the bat. Julian frowned at Maria,

“...What are you supposed to be?” He asked, pointing at her black shirt, and black pants. Maria smirked,

“A shadow,” She replied, Julian giving her a respectful nod,

“Smart,” He said. Julian and Maria shared a mutual respect for each other, that was different from one they shared with anyone else. They were the same, in many ways, and opposites in others. Both were forces to be reckoned with. 

“MARIA SOMETHING WENT WRONG!” Landon yelled from the kitchen, his shout followed by a crash, and Maria rolled her eyes, 

“If you’ll excuse me, I think my boys need help… Again,” She walked off to the kitchen. The door opened, and Ella walked in, closely followed by Ava and Matthew. Ella was dressed as a wolf, as was Matthew, and Ava was dressed up as a cat. 

“Hey, guys!” Henry exclaimed, the door opening again, and a blushing Alexander, who was also dressed as a cat, walked into the house. Matthew ran over to Julian and Henry, grinning,

“Look, look!” He exclaimed, “Uncle Alexander is a cat like Ava! So we’re all a family, we match!” He enthused, Henry grinning,

“Congrats, pal,” He replied, Alexander smiling at his two dearest friends,

“You both look lovely,” He said, Julian smiling back,

“Thanks,” He said, before walking off to help the trio with whatever Landon and Christopher had broken. 20 minutes later, Julian was positive almost everyone had entered the house, due the rapidly climbing, and rather uncomfortable, noise level. He decided to step into the living room, where he was sure most people were. So he did. He made his way over to August, tapping on his boyfriend's shoulder. August turned around, blushing,

“Wow….” He murmured, “You look beautiful… Angel.” Julian laughed,

“Get it, cause everyone’s always calling me Angel for whatever reason,” He explained, August chuckling,

“Very clever, my love,” He replied, Julian grinning at him, before turning towards William and Grant, who were standing right behind him, Grant holding Jamie in his muscular arms. Julian took Jamie out of Grant’s arms, holding her up, and looking at her,

“Oh, a little bee, how adorable,” He said, Jamie giggling at him, while William crossed his arms, giving Julian a teasing expression,

“You and the others seem intent on stealing our daughter from us,” He joked, Julian kissing Jamie’s forehead, before replying,

“Jamie’s going to be a lucky kid, she’ll be raised by this entire group,” He pointed out, Grant nodding,

“Mhm. She’s going to have everything William and I couldn’t have. We’ll make sure of it,” He and William shared a loving look, the two men giving their baby one as well, before William reclaimed her, lifting the tiny baby-dressed-as-a-bee into his arms.

“Beeeeeeee!” Jamie exclaimed, everyone in the room freezing for a second, before Alexander cut in,

“It’s common for infants at her age to make random sounds, that don’t mean anything. Bee is simply easy for her to pronounce,” He said, everyone in the room groaning, and Ella rolling her eyes,

“You always ruin everything, Alex,” She said teasingly, lightly brushing her fingers against his shoulder. Both adults blushed, and August, who was still standing next to Julian, groaned,

“They really need to kiss already,” He whispered into Julian’s ear, Julian giggling, and kissing August’s cheek. A few minutes later, Caroline and Maria ran up the stairs, both girls leaning over the railing,

“Calling all girls and Esperanza!” Caroline exclaimed, everyone in the room going quiet, as Maria began to speak,

“Secret meeting in the spare room. No boys allowed,” All of the girls and Esperanza quickly joined Maria and Caroline on the stairs, giggling and whispering among themselves, before disappearing upstairs. Every year, on Halloween, the SFJ girls and Esperanza planned some sort of prank on all of the boys. It was half sort of a revenge on the gender that frequently violated their rights, and half for fun. Last year, three days after the party, all of the boys returned to their houses to find their underpants hanging out of the window, and scattered across their roof or balcony, in plain sight for everyone passing by the house to see. How they had gotten the underpants on the roof was beyond any of the boys. Whoever said that girls were less capable than boys had no idea what they were talking about. Whoever said girls were more mature than boys also had no idea what they were talking about. 

“Oh, Jamie, in five more years, you’ll be joining their evil ranks,” Grant said to his daughter, Jamie squealing in response. William took Jamie from Grant’s arms,

“Have some mercy on your dads then, huh?” He said, Jamie letting out a few random syllables, and squirming in his arms, “Eh, who am I kidding, you’re going to destroy us.” Melvin, who was sitting in the bay window, dressed up as a polar bear, of course, looked up,

“Why don’t we ever prank the girls and Esperanza?” He asked, Julian, who was now leaning against the wall, giving him a pointed look,

“Do any of us have laws on what we can and can’t do with our own bodies?” He replied, all of the boys giving a hum of agreement that they didn’t. Julian walked over to William, taking Jamie from his arms, and lifting the baby into the air, “Look at her,” He said, “Look at how innocent she is. She doesn’t know yet, that people are going to overlook her, and underestimate her, just because of her gender. She doesn’t know yet, that she’s at risk of being sexually violated just by walking down the street. She doesn’t know, yet, that her body, her beautiful little body, her body, will have men like us trying to control it.” He gently lifted Jamie down, cradling her in his arms, Jamie smiling at him, and cooing, “She’s going to have to face racism. She’s going to have to face homophobia. This kid is going to have such a hard time, just because of the way she was born. Just because she has two dads who love her. Just because she has dark skin, and different private areas than men, just because she’s a female. And that’s why we fight. We fight for innocent little infants like Jamie. We fight for their futures. We fight, to give everyone, a better tomorrow.” As Julian returned Jamie to William’s arms, the rest of the men in the room burst into applause and cheers, and Julian realized that he’d unintentionally given a speech. He tended to do that, a lot. August always teased him about it. At that exact moment, the girls and Esperanza came back down the stairs, whispering among themselves, and giggling just like before.

“We’re done,” Maria remarked, leaning against the wall, and crossing her arms, smirking. 

“Who invited Mike?” Alexander suddenly whispered in Julian’s ear. Julian turned around, sighing when he saw the tall man. Alexander, Julian, Esperanza, Maria, and Henry all despised Mike. Everyone else seemed to like him, though William and Grant had been keeping their distances as of late. They had a daughter. And Mike was infamous for his… Affairs with women. And drug dealing. But mostly the women.

“Ugh,” Julian muttered, Alexander sighing, and leaning his head back against the wall, rubbing at his ear, as people talked and laughed all around them,

“ ‘Ugh’s’ a pretty good way to describe how I’m feeling,” He muttered, Julian giving him a sympathetic look,

“Too many people?” He asked, Alexander nodding, and firmly closing his eyes. Julian patted his shoulder, before dashing off into the crowd to find Maria, “Hey, Maria!” He gently touched her arm, Maria grabbing his hand, and slamming him onto the floor. She blushed once she saw what she had done,

“Sorry, kid,” She said, lifting him up, “Instincts. I’m on high alert, what with Mike here and all. Dude tried to get me alone in a closet last time…” She grumbled, Julian nodding,

“Understandable,” He replied, “I’ve just come to inform you that Alexander and I will be taking our leave,” Julian said, Maria frowning,

“This early? Did Alexander get called in for a shift?” She asked, Julian shaking his head,

“Nah, it’s just been a busy day, and the… Excitement’s getting to him,” Julian explained, Maria nodding,

“Alright, give Alex my best,” She said, patting Julian’s shoulder, before walking away. Julian made his way back over to Alexander,

“Hey, Alex, we’re good to go. You brought your car, right?” Alexander nodded,

“Mhm, and you’re not driving,” He confirmed, Julian making a whining sound, as they walked out the door of Christopher, Landon, and Maria’s house, closing it behind them, and leaving the noises and lights behind. 

“Why can’t I drive?” He asked, Alexander unlocking the door to his car,

“You don’t have a license,” He replied, Julian rolling his eyes,

“Oh, come on,” He said, as he sat down in the passenger’s seat, closing the car door, “I’m probably a better driver than Henry.” Alexander shook his head exasperatedly,

“I don’t know how that boy still has his license, the way he drives. Henry once told me he thought he’d make a good NASCAR racer… I still shudder at that thought,” Julian giggled, as Alexander pulled the car out of the large grey driveway. 

The journey to their apartment was easy and short, and soon, Julian was sitting on the living room couch, while Alexander rifled through the pantry,

“Julian, do you remember where I put the chocolate?” He called, Julian, who was scrolling through possible movies on the TV, shrugging,

“Did you check the ALL SHELF?” He yelled back. Alexander, Julian, and Henry’s pantry was split into four shelves. One for Alexander’s food, one for Julian’s, one for Henry’s, and one for them all. 

“Ah, there they are. Behind the apple juice,” Alexander walked over to the couch, “Scooch,” He ordered, Julian moving, and letting him sit, before snuggling into his side, Alexander stroking his golden curls. Alexander set the chocolate down on the table, and took the remote from Julian,

“It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown?” Alexander enquired, the selection bar on the TV hovering over the movie. 

“The same movie we watch every year after we flee the party. Heck, yeah,” Julian replied, Alexander clicking the movie, and popping a piece of chocolate into his mouth, staring out the window. The sky was dark, but still welcoming. The lights across town still shone, and the tree branches from the tree just outside the window trembled lightly in the soft evening breeze. Alexander rubbed Julian’s shoulder,

“Just me and you again, huh buddy?” He whispered, Julian chuckling,

“Yep.”

“Us against the world?”

“Always.”

_______________

“Hey, c’mon August, my man,” Mike said, pulling August into the garage of Christoper, Landon, and Maria’s. August frowned,

“... What do you want, Mike?” He asked. He’d been dealing with Mike since he was a child. He, Ella, and Mike had all grown up in the same neighborhood. Their neighborhood wasn’t great. And Mike hadn’t turned out so great. August was slightly uncomfortable around him. 

“Ah, we haven’t seen each other in ages. Had a real talk. Ever since you and that little pretty boy started dating,” Mike drew out. Mike had short black hair, and brown eyes. His T-Shirt was torn, and battered. How it had gotten that way, August didn’t want to know.

“Leave Julian out of this,” August murmured, Mike smirking, and pulling something out from behind the tire of Maria’s truck. August froze,

“Mike, no,” He murmured, backing away slowly, into the wall. Mike smirked,

“Eh, c’mon August. Just a few sips. You won’t even get drunk. You’ve been no fun, lately, since you and Little Mr. Perfect started going out,” Mike said, August shaking his head,

“No… I had enough trouble with alcohol in high school. I swore it off, Mike!” He attempted, Mike waving the bottle in front of him,

“C’mon. Or are you chicken?” August shook his head,

“I’m NOT chicken!”

“Then drink.”

August took the bottle.

Us Against the World Chapters 3 and 4 by Genevieve Adkins

Chapter 3

Alexander gently set two mugs of coffee down on the kitchen island, Julian leaning up from where he was sitting to kiss Alexander’s cheek. Alexander smiled, running his fingers through Julian’s hair, which was never in it’s signature ponytail in the morning, and instead was left free, which made it wild and tangled.  

“You going to need some help with those unruly curls?” Alexander asked, Julian simply mumbling in response, barely awake. Alexander sat next to Julian, and putting an arm on his friend's shoulder, Julian doing the same to Alexander. The two smiled at each other, a smile that came from deep friendship, brotherhood, and love. Everything was peaceful. 

“JULI! ALEX!” Henry came thundering out of his room, a frantic look in his eyes, and his brown curls sticking out in every direction possible. Alexander simply gave Henry a slow blink, and a sigh, Julian not even responding. They were used to this.

“Rebel’s missing!” Henry exclaimed. Rebel was Henry’s ferret. Alexander did not like her very much, and Rebel did not like Alexander very much either. Rebel disliked Julian’s cat, Mouse, who was currently playing with her water bowl, even more. In fact, Rebel was no longer allowed anywhere outside of Henry’s room, after multiple incidents that were emotionally scarring to both Mouse and Julian. Henry turned around, and Alexander resisted the urge to sigh, as he saw the brown and white ferret clinging onto Henry’s T-Shirt. Julian, now half-awake, reached out behind Henry, pulling the ferret off of his back. Rebel hung limply in Julian’s grasp, Henry quickly taking her,

“You’re a hero, Angel!” He said to Julian, embracing the man, who gave Alexander a frazzled look from over Henry’s shoulder. Alexander just chuckled, walking over, and tugging Henry off of the blonde man, rescuing him. Julian grinned at Alexander,

“You’re also a hero, Alex,” He said, Alexander simply shaking his head in amusement. Henry walked out of the kitchen, to put Rebel back in her cage, and Alexander glanced at Julian, trying to figure out how to ask him the question he was about to. He decided that he’d wait until the man had woken up a little more. About an hour later, Alexander hesitantly approached Julian, who was scribbling something into a notebook. 

“Hey, Julian,” Alexander asked, Julian not responding, and continuing to write.

“Julian,” Alexander repeated, getting no response once again. He didn’t raise his voice, knowing that never helped situations such as these. Instead, Alexander slipped his arms over Julian’s shoulders, laying his chin atop Julian’s head. Julian was jolted out of his phase, and he threw the notebook across the room in shock. Alexander retrieved the notebook, handing it to Julian, finally having the blonde’s attention.

“Julian, I have a question,” Alexander started, Julian nodding,

“Yes?” He asked, Alexander peering at the notebook, and letting out a sigh,

Needs for the upcoming events:

• Insurance in case someone gets hurt or dies or something

• An actual permit this time

• More people

• Officer Jared White to be dead

“I was wondering… So, you know how I have church today?” Alexander asked, Julian stiffening,

“Yes… Your point?” He cautiously said, Alexander fingering one of Julian’s blonde curls, Julian’s hair now back into a ponytail, as it was usually worn.

“Would you like to come with me?” Alexander asked. Julian let out a bitter laugh, standing up, and pacing the room, his hands behind his back. He then stopped,

“No,” He simply replied. Alexander sighed,

“C’mon Juli, I normally go with Ella, Ava, and Matthew, but they said they were busy breaking the sixth commandment. I would ask Henry to go with me, but he’s an atheist, I think. August I know is one, and I’m not sure what anyone else is.”

“So you picked me? I haven’t been inside of a church since I was twelve, Alex,” Julian replied.

“I know, but it’s only for two hours!” Alexander argued, “Besides, it’d be good to expose yourself to different viewpoints.” Julian shrugged,

“Whatever. But I’m not getting dressed up,” He replied. Alexander rolled his eyes with a smile.

“I didn’t ask you to,” He responded, patting Julian’s shoulder. Julian tugged on Alexander’s shirt, pulling him down to the couch, and snuggling into his side. 

“Mm, if only the others could see it,” Alexander ran his hand across Julian's side, tickling him slightly, Julian giggling, “Their brave and fearless leader, purposefully seeking out cuddles!” Julian gave a gasp, as Alexander pulled his phone out.

“You wouldn’t!” He exclaimed, Alexander grinning, and quickly taking a picture of Julian before he had the time to scowl.

“I’m sure the other Students For Justice will love this picture,” Alexander said, Julian reaching up for the phone, Alexander simply lifting it into the air, out of Julian’s reach. 

“Traitor,” Julian muttered, climbing off of a grinning Alexander, ”When do we have to leave?” He asked, pulling his laptop off of the coffee table, just as Henry made his way into the room, and sat down next to Alexander. 

“An hour,” Alexander replied, suspiciously checking Henry over, to make sure he hadn’t brought Rebel into the living room. Alexander smiled at Henry, whose brown curls were almost as untamed as Julian’s blonde had previously been.

“You could use a comb,” Alexander commented, Henry waving him of,

“It’ll get to it,” He protested, dramatically flopping over Alexander’s lap. Alexander just rolled his eyes, pushing the brunette off of him, Henry landing on the floor with a whine.

“C’mon Alex, your stomach’s comfy!” Henry whined, Alexander not sure whether to be flattered, or take offense at that. Julian let out a small laugh, Alexander hitting him aside the head, making Julian burst into full blown laughter, and fall off the coffee table, which he had been previously sitting on.

“Oh, come on. You’re both twenty, not two,” Alexander said, Henry shrugging,

“Or are we?!” He replied, then receiving his own hit on the side of his head from Alexander. Alexander shook his head with a grin at his friend’s antics, and leaned down, pulling Julian, who was still on the floor, to his feet.

“C’mon, we should get ready,” Alexander said, Julian sighing and nodding. Henry frowned, leaning on the couch,

“Where’s Julian going?” Henry asked, 

“I’m bringing him to church with me,” Alexander replied, Henry giving Julian a look Alexander couldn’t quite place, before shrugging,

“Better you than me,” He replied, looking at Julian, “Or August. You never want to bring him into a church of any kind. He keeps count of how many religious people he’s made angry, and I think he’s nearing the hundreds.”

“Lovely,” Alexander responded, heading into the bathroom to comb his hair and brush his teeth.

He exited the bathroom, seeing a sulking Julian on the couch. He walked over to him, sitting down next to his best friend,

“What’s up, Angel?” Alexander enquired, Julian crossing his arms, and biting his lip, not responding. Alexander ran a finger down Julian's cheek, “C’mon, I know something’s wrong.” Alexander urged, Julian letting out a long sigh,

“I don’t like churches very much,” He admitted, Alexander giving a short nod of understanding, as he could see where this was going to go.

“I was twelve, when I ran off to your place, if you remember. I was escaping my father. And the church. The pastor… He… Wasn’t fond of me. My father told him to fix me, because he didn’t want a son who liked boys, he said I was broken. And the pastor was cruel… And vile. I remember trying to help a younger girl whose parents had set her along with me, because she liked girls. And we both got beaten. Badly.” Julian explained, Alexander rubbing his back gently.

“If you don’t want to come, Juli, that’s okay. I support you-” Alexander started, Julian shaking his head,

“No… I’m sure it’ll be fine,” He replied, leaning his head against Alexander’s shoulder. 

“Alright,” Alexander said, rubbing Julian’s head, before standing up, and going off in search of the bag he always brought everywhere with him. Alexander liked to be prepared for anything, hence the bag. The bag held spare pencils, a few bandaids, a lot of sticky notes, his keys for the house and his car, his phone, a thermometer, and any other medical supplies he was carrying with him at the moment. 

“Eat something,” Alexander told Julian, who scowled at him, but obliged his orders. Henry walked into the living room, his jacket on,

“It’s freezing outside,” He commented,

“It is October,” Alexander replied.

“I’m gonna go see Esperanza,” Henry said, Alexander nodding. Esperanza was still recovering from the surgery they had received due to appendicitis, and Henry spent every spare moment he could with his partner. Henry kissed both Julian and Alexander’s cheeks, before walking out the door. Alexander took his coat from the coat hanger, about to leave as well. 

“Julian, you ready?” Alexander asked, Julian, who was writing something in his notebook, and eating a carrot, nodding. Alexander eyed the carrot, placing his hands on his hips, “A carrot for breakfast, really?” He said, Julian making a small whining sound,

“I could just eat nothing,” He mumbled, his voice slightly muffled, as he took another bite out of the carrot. Alexander rolled his eyes, shaking his head affectionately, and walking over, kissing the top of Julian’s head, before tugging him out the door with him. 

“We’re walking to church, it’s not that cold,” Alexander said, Julian already shivering. Alexander rolled his eyes, removing his own jacket, and tossing it around his best friend dubbed little brother’s shoulders. Julian sighed,

“It’s not fair that you got to be so big, and I had to be so small,” He complained, Alexander smiling,

“No, Julian, Mother Nature knew what she was doing when she made you small, trust me,” Alexander said, shuddering at the thought of Julian being tall. If Julian were actually tall and strong, then he would probably have been in jail at this point for assault. And Alexander enjoyed being able to lift his friend up into his arms, as he couldn’t do that with Henry. 

Julian was an exceptionally beautiful person, with white skin, red cheeks, and bright blue eyes, which seemed to have a million little fires shining inside of them. He was extremely skinny, and was almost critically underweight. He had always been that way, though, ever since he had been born. He constantly worried Alexander. Alexander, on the other hand, had dark skin, and deep brown eyes. His hair had once been as curly and long as could be, but that had gotten too unmanageable, and he was constantly teased for it, so from eighth grade and on, he wore his hair short, and straight. Julian and Henry had always told him that his natural hair was beautiful, though. Alexander was extremely tall, 6’4, as compared to Julian’s mere 5’2. Henry, the other third of their trio, was 5’7, somewhere in between.

The walk to the church was thankfully short, and the two best friends soon entered the building, Julian letting out a sigh of relief, as warmth flooded through him. Alexander grabbed Julian’s hand, so he wouldn’t lose him in the crowd of people in the entryway. As they made their way through the people, Alexander suddenly froze, waving his hand,

“Hey, Anna, Ruby!” He called, two elderly women walking over, with bright smiles on their faces, “These are my friends,” Alexander introduced, Julian looking like he was dying to make some sort of comment on the fact that Alexander’s friend’s were old women. But he kept quiet, thankfully. Alexander turned to Ruby and Anna, “And this is-” Ruby, the shorter of the two women, cut him off,

“Oh, I know who that is, sugar. Why, it must be young Julian, one third of the Troublesome Trio!” Ruby said, enthusiastically shaking Julian’s hand. Julian blushed,

“Uh, yeah, nice to meet you… Ma’am,” He replied, Ruby beaming,

“Oh, now, we’re just missing Henry. I hear all about you, however, Julian, from your friend Alexander here, I swear I know you better than my husband, and Bill and I have been married for fifty-so-years now! Bill’s right there… Oh Billll, GET YOUR HEINIE OVER HERE!” Ruby exclaimed, a tall elderly gentleman walking over, looking mildly baffled. 

“... Hello,” Bill said softly. This was thankfully enough for Ruby, and she continued jabbering on, until Anna poked her,

“Why, Ruby, we will be late if you continue your chattering,” She warned, Ruby grinning,

“Oh, of course,” She snatched Bill’s hand, pulling him through the doorway to the main church room. Anna turned to Julian, giving him a kind smile,

“It was nice to meet you, dear, you should come around for tea some time with Alex, in the meanwhile, I need to go track down my own husband,” She walked off. Alexander laughed at the expression on Julian’s face,

“Some interesting people, aren’t they?” Alexander asked, Julian chuckling,

“Ruby’s like a 60-year-old Henry,” He compared, Alexander shaking his head amusedly, and taking Julian’s hand once more, leading him into the room where the church service was being held. There was a man standing in the front of the room, while a large amount of people got into the numerous seats behind him. There was a projector screen, also in the front of the room, showing lyrics to the worship song that was blaring through the speakers. Julian instantly slammed his palms over his ears, wincing. Julian was very noise-sensitive, due to the fact that he suffered from autism. Alexander, who also had autism, wasn’t as noise-sensitive, but he always found it hard to be in a room with a lot of people, so he could sympathize with Julian, in a way.

“Did you bring your headphones!?” Alexander yelled over the music, Julian taking his hands off of his ears, and frowning, the flashes from the projector screen and surrounding lights reflecting onto him, illuminating him in a purple and green glow,

“What?!” Julian exclaimed, Alexander repeating himself,

“Did you bring your - ” Julian shook his head, and Alexander sighed, Anna, who was sitting to the right of Julian, reaching over the blonde and tapping Alexander’s shoulder, 

“I always bring earplugs,” She explained, handing him two disposable green ones. Alexander gave Anna a grateful look, and gave them to Julian, who immediately shoved them into his ears, letting out a small sigh of relief. Eventually, the worship period ended, and Julian was free to take the earplugs out, as Pastor Byron, the main pastor, and also the man standing in the front of the room began speaking. Julian gave Alexander a nervous look, and Alexander took his hand, squeezing it, and giving him a warm smile. Julian smiled back, before focusing on Pastor Byron.

“Good morning, Pine Forest Church!” Pastor Byron exclaimed. There were claps from the audience, Julian wincing at the sudden noise. Pastor Byron cleared his throat, “Today’s lesson was suggested by Tiffany White... Thank you, Tiffany.” Tiffany smirked from the audience, and Alexander and Julian exchanged uneasy looks. 

Tiffany White was one of the worst people in town. She was rude, and gossiped frequently. She also despised Alexander and Julian. Her son, Jared White, was a local police officer, who had a record of brutality. Julian may hate him more than he hated Tiffany. Alexander definitely held a grudge against Jared, as the police officer had broken Alexander’s arm during a protest, a year or so ago.

“Now, let us take offering,” Pastor Byron said. As the bucket was being passed around, Anna leaned in the direction of Alexander and Julian,

“What’d you both suppose Tiffany wants?” Anna whispered, Alexander shrugging, and passing the offering box to Anna, Julian staring intently at his feet.

“Now, today we’re going to talk about God’s image, and the way he created us,” Pastor Byron began. Julian suddenly went pale. Alexander frowned, as the expression Julian had on was usually his, “I need to throw up,” expression. Pastor Byron opened his Bible, and began reading,

“Genesis 1:27, So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them,” Pastor Byron smiled, Alexander beginning to feel uncomfortable, “Well now, in wake of some the events that have happened in town, such as the parade that happened around 4 months ago, I think you should all learn what God intended for people to be like.”

The parade that happened four months ago had been a Pride parade, actually. The Students For Justice Organization had helped plan it, and Julian and Alexander had been very proud of the outcome. A lot of the town hadn’t been as pleased, however…

“Now, in the beginning, as we know, God created the two genders. Man and woman, boy and girl,” Byron said, Alexander frowning,

“I think Esperanza would have something to say to that,” He whispered to Julian, Julian not responding, instead gripping the arms of his chair so tightly, that his knuckles turned white. 

“God created woman for man,” Pastor Byron continued, Alexander narrowing his eyes, “And God created them to be together. This is God’s design, and anyone who goes against God’s design… Will burn in Hell. It is our duty as Christians to make sure that they see the error in their ways.” Alexander leapt to his feet, grabbing Julian’s hand, and heading straight towards the exit, Anna following after them with her husband. Ruby, who was three rows in front of them them, jumped up from her seat, pointing a finger at Pastor Byron,

“How DARE you!” She exclaimed, “I got a gay grankid, y’know, and if Chase is goin’ to Hell… I’M GOIN’ WITH HIM! I TRUSTED you, and now, I shall take myself to a church that has NICE people in it! And you’re coming with me, BILL!” Ruby snatched Bill’s hand, and dragged him out of the room. Anna turned towards Julian, once the small group had made their way to the parking lot, placing a hand on his shoulder,

“I’m really sorry you had to hear that, kid. Byron’s an idiot, apparently,” She said. Julian nodded, his face blank, probably as he remembered previous… Incidents from his childhood. 

“The NERVE of that man!” Ruby ranted, her face red. Bill seemed mainly unaffected by the situation, “Well, we won’t be coming here again any time soon, right BILL?!” Bill blinked,

“Um… Yes,” He softly replied, the couple heading out to their car. Anna gave the two boys one last nod, before walking off with her husband, Norman. Alexander turned his attention entirely to Julian,

“You alright?” He asked, Julian giving a simple nod. The two walked back to their apartment, Julian, for once in his life, not saying anything.

Chapter 4

“Maria, where’s my red shirt?!” Maria rolled her eyes in the direction of Landon, 

“Why can’t you just wear a different one?” She asked, as she grabbed her car keys from the counter. Her boyfriend made a whining sound,

“Becausssse I think the red one makes me look more… Communistical,” Landon expressed, falling down the stairs that he had previously been standing at the top of, “I’M OKAY!” Landon exclaimed, Maria sighing,

“Honestly,” She muttered, shaking her head, her other boyfriend, Christopher, came running down the stairs, panting,

“I heard someone fall, is everyone alright?!” He frantically asked, Maria walking over and kissing his cheek,

“Just Landon, again, sweetheart,” She said, Christopher letting out a sigh of relief, and getting down on his knees, climbing on top of Landon, who was still on the floor, to examine the stairs,

“We really need to get like, a baby-gate or something,” Christopher said, “Then maybe Landon wouldn’t fall so much.” Maria scoffed,

“If we got a baby-gate, Landon would crash into it and fall anyways,” She pointed out, Landon sighing, and gently lifting Christopher off of him, as he sat up,

“I’m sorry… I always mess everything up... ” He murmured, Christopher climbing back into his lap, and giving him a quick kiss,

“It’s alright, we love you anyways!” He said, Maria smiling, and walking over, getting down on the floor with them, and snuggling into Landon’s lap as well. Landon was big enough to fit both Christopher and Maria in his lap. The three partners stayed like that for a moment, until Maria finally exited the cuddle-pile, Christopher following,

“I have a question,” Maria said, as she stood up, “How do we always end up on the floor together?” Both Christopher and Landon laughed, as she grabbed her coat off the coat-hanger, tossing Landon and Christopher theirs as well. They needed to head out to the Students For Justice meeting in the next five minutes, or risk being late, “C’mon boys, to the car,” Maria ordered, grabbing her purse on her way out, Christopher and Landon following her, Landon apparently deciding that his red shirt wasn’t that important. The car-ride was a good 15 minutes, not too long, not too short, and Maria pulled into the parking lot of Johnson’s. Maria was usually the one out of the trio who drove the others places, as Christopher drove excruciatingly slow, and Landon had once gotten into 9 car accidents in the span of an hour. How, no one was sure. Including Landon.

They got out of their car, shivering as the cold October air hit them. Landon tugged open the door to Johnson’s, and they walked in, a rush of warmth hitting them the second they did. The inside of Johnson’s was cheery as always, even though it was currently 8:00 pm. There were already an array of Students For Justice members across Johnson’s. Most of the members of SFJ weren’t actually students anymore, the group had just been started when they were, and nobody felt like changing the name.

The Students For Justice Organization, more commonly referred to as simply the SFJ’s, was a Social Justice group, dedicated to bettering Pine Forest Township, where they all resided. They also helped other communities when given the chance, and frequently protested injustices. From the looks of it, Christopher, Landon, and Maria were the last members to arrive to the current meeting.

Maria was a level-headed person, which was a good thing, as her boyfriends happened to be Christopher and Landon. She didn’t have time for most nonsense, and preferred to get things done quickly, and efficiently. She was talented in music, particularly singing, and playing the piano. She was also taking guitar lessons from August, and had almost mastered the recorder. Maria was a rather tall woman, at 5’8, and she had dark skin, brown eyes, and curly black hair. She dressed rather formally, most of the time, and was respected by most men. And those who didn’t respect her would learn to. 

Christopher was only 5’3, and extremely skinny. He had white skin, brown hair, and blue eyes, and he would sometimes wear his glasses rather than his contacts. He was prone to worrying about practically everything, and was rather introverted. He loved reading, and preferred it to everything else. 

Landon was a tall man, at 6’2, and kept his hair extremely short, only the beginnings of black curls visible. He had dark skin and hazel eyes, and usually a scratch or two from one mishap or another. He was prone to getting himself into strange situations, and was a cheery person in general, who was exceptionally passionate about football. 

The rest of the SFJ’s were scattered at different tables, talking quietly to one another, or were behind the counter, as Jacob and his daughter Rose were.

Jacob stood at 5’9, and had short brown hair and brown eyes. He was a kind, down-to-earth man, who was generally non-confrontational. He had another child, named Isaiah, who was older than Rose, and was off in some other state for college. 

Rose had curly light brown hair, the ends of which were dyed blue, and she had narrowed brown eyes, along with a bright smile that never seemed to leave her face. She was a sweet, and hard-working girl, and she got along well with everyone. If anyone threatened her friends, however, she could go from an angel to a demon in seconds.

Grant and William were sitting at another table, Grant balancing their three-month-old daughter, Jamie, on his leg, while he talked with a few others about the latest football game his favorite team had. 

Grant was a tall man, standing at 6’2, and he was extremely muscular. He had always been rash, and hotheaded, and he still was, though fatherhood had mellowed him some. He was a kill-first-ask-questions-later kind of guy, and was into every sport imaginable, with a particular love for football, of which he bonded with Landon over. He had tan skin and chocolate eyes, along with short light-brown hair.

His husband, William, was a much shorter man, at 5’5. William was Chinese, and had black hair, and narrowed brown eyes. He was a competitive man, and the type of person who would raise his hand to volunteer before you told him what he was volunteering for. He loved volunteering for non-profit organizations with a passion, and loved working at the local animal shelter the most, as he connected with dogs and cats better than he did with people. He was a generally friendly person, though he could be passive-aggressive when it suited him. Fatherhood had also mellowed him, just as it had Grant, somewhat. Grant and William were the oldest members of the SFJ’s, next to Jacob, both of them 33 years of age. The reason they had just started with their first child now was because they, as a interracial gay couple, found it difficult to adopt. Finally though, they had been blessed with Jamie, and everyone in the group fawned over the little baby.

Jamie was a normal-sized baby, with wide brown eyes, and dark skin, a few tiny black curls already sprouting from her head. She smiled all the time, and was an average baby in public, though Grant had told horror stories of her at nighttime. She was the main reason her dads had shadows under their eyes, and kept drifting off during meetings. She was adored by everyone, though. Jamie was one little light.

Caroline, Grant’s twin sister, who was sitting across from him at the table, mirrored her brother in every way shape and form. Except she had no children. She was 5’9, her favorite hobby was climbing mountains and skydiving, and her life motto was “Leap before you look.” 

Across from this chaotic crowd, sat Ella, and her younger siblings Ava and Matthew.

Ella was about 5’4, and had straight black hair, dark skin, and brown eyes. She was an exceptionally violent person, and had no qualms about breaking the law. She was actually a kind person overall, though, and the only reason she did illegal things is so she could survive. Ella was trying to raise her younger siblings on her own, after she had fled her abusive parents with them, and the whole group pitched in to help the little family. Alexander especially. It was common knowledge that Alexander had a massive crush on Ella. The only question was if she returned it. 

Little Ava, who was sitting next to her sister, doodling in a notebook, was only ten, and had wild black curls, dark skin, and brown eyes. She was a shy girl, who was into reading, social justice, and cats. She liked to wear sweaters, for whatever reason, and Maria always bought her one for Christmas. 

Her brother, Matthew, who was sitting next to her, folding a paper airplane, was seven, and also had long curly black hair, dark skin, and brown eyes. He was a bright, cheerful child, and he enjoyed soccer. He mimicked Julian’s every move, and looked up to him and Alexander, who he fondly referred to as “Uncle Alex,” with passion. 

Sitting next to Ella, and looking quite nervous to be in such close proximity with her, was Melvin, a red-headed man with blue eyes, and a rather extraordinary number of freckles. He seemed to have a talent for making every social situation he got into exceedingly awkward. He was dating Rose, and Jacob had attempted to murder him multiple times. He also had a strange obsession with polar bears, which was why he had joined the SFJ’s, because he was concerned with how Climate Change would affect them.

At a table in the middle of the room, sat Julian, Alexander, August, and Henry, an empty seat in the corner of the table where Esperanza would usually sit. These five were the main men, and person, behind the group, and each person worked tirelessly to ensure the success of justice. 

Julian, who sported stunning blonde hair, and radiant blue eyes, was certain that justice would always prevail. He was too hot-headed for his own good sometimes, and was quick-tempered, prone to going off into rants about the smallest things. He was deeply intelligent though, Maria knew. Taking one look into Julian’s eyes, one could see just how much was flying through the extremely short man’s brain. Julian was only 5’2, making him the shortest adult in the group. When conducting meetings, he always kept a serious expression, never smiling or laughing once. Maria knew there was more to the man then that, though, as she had heard stories of his cuddly behaviour from Henry, and how he followed Alexander around like a puppy. She suspected he only let out his true self when he was around his closest friends though, that being Alexander, Henry, Esperanza, and August, his boyfriend, of course. 

Alexander was a million times more calm than Julian, though he was prone to anxiety, and he was a large man, with straight black hair and brown eyes. The 26-year-old always wore a half smile, and was very book-smart and intelligent. Sometimes he sounded like a walking dictionary. 

Then there was Henry. An enthusiastic, sunny young man, who happened to be Indian. He had brown skin, brown eyes, and short black hair, along with a permanent grin. He loved amusement parks, and other thrilling activities, and was always positive. He was the one guy who got super excited for St. Patrick's Day, for whatever reason. Though he got excited for every holiday, to be fair. Henry and Julian were actually some of the youngest members of the group, both men only 20 years old. But they were also some of the most valuable. 

August was an exceptionally bright man, though he didn’t want anyone to know that. He was 5’8, and had colorful tattoos all over his arms, along with splatters of paint from the artist’s latest commission, or project. He was kind-hearted and soft, and had a soft spot for animals, especially cats. Julian liked to joke that August loved Mouse, Julian’s cat, more than Julian did. And Julian spoiled that little thing rotten. August valued friendship and loyalty over everything, and was absolutely the guy you’d call if you were in a bad situation, and needed help. Grant liked to joke that he’d make a wonderful “My Little Pony,” character. He adored his boyfriend with all of his heart, and frequently left roses on Julian’s apartment door, and car. He also snuck chocolate into Julian’s dresser, and wanted to be with him nearly every second. 

Esperanza wasn’t supposed to be there, that day - Wait. Maria frowned, as Esperanza stumbled through the door, looking as pale as a ghost, their shoulder-length brown hair, the ends of which were dyed purple, soaking wet, along with the rest of their tiny body. Every was silent for a second, before Henry jumped to his feet, running over to his partner,

“Esperanza!” He exclaimed, “You’re not supposed to be out of the house, you’re still recovering!” Henry peeked out the window, “Oh, and it’s raining now, great…” He snatched his jacket, wrapping it around Esperanza’s shoulders, and setting them down in their seat. Esperanza took a moment to catch their breath, before swallowing,

“M’sorry,” They said, their quiet and squeaky voice melting everyone’s hearts, “I just had to come, I hate missing meetings… Every time I miss we somehow get involved in three protests without my knowledge.”

“I always text you about it!” Grant exclaimed, Jamie letting out a small squeal from where her father was still bouncing her on his leg,

“For the last time, Grant, you’re phone’s so freaking old that no texts can get through it. You need a new one,” Henry said, Grant shaking his head. Alexander, despite not usually getting involved in what he saw as trivial conversations, sighed from where he was sitting,

“You know, if you don’t have the money, one of us can lend it to you,” He suggested, Grant shaking his head,

“Nuh-uh, I ain’t accepting money from no one,” He stated, lifting Jamie off of his leg, and gently laying her in her carrier, which was sitting in the middle of the table he was at. Julian stood up,

“Now,” He said, with an annoyed expression on his face, “That we’re all done with that… Grant, William, why is your baby here?” He asked. William sighed, looking up from where he had previously been resting his tired head on the table,

“We don’t have anyone we trust to babysit her, so she comes with us. Besides, it’s not like there are any available babysitters either. All of you guys are here as well,” He explained, Grant rubbing his husband’s back. Julian nodded, glancing at Jamie a second time, a narrowing his eyes,

“Why is she wearing pink? Are you already trying to make her conform to gender norms?!” He exclaimed, Grant rolling his eyes,

“Pink’s the cheapest and easiest thing to find, blondie,” He replied, Julian patting Jamie’s head,

“Don’t worry, Jamie, Uncle Julian’s going to buy you some nice yellow and green clothing,” He murmured, Jamie cooing at him,

“What’s wrong with pink?” Ava, who was wearing a pink sweater, shyly asked. Alexander patted her shoulder,

“Nothing, dear, unless it’s the only thing an infant’s wearing. They need a variety of colors until they can choose which colors they like for themselves,” He answered, a very confused Melvin speaking,

“How do we always end up talking about something so random?” He asked, the entire group bursting into laughter, except for Julian, who crossed his arms, before rubbing a hand over his ear at the sharp sounds. 

“Anyways,” Julian said, “Alexander, you had an announcement, right?” Alexander nodded,

“Oh, yes,” He stood up, clearing his throat, and running his fingers through his black hair, “Three people I know from church have expressed interest in joining us. Their names are Ruby, Anna, and Bill.” The group collectively clapped, at this, even Julian, as having even one new member was a good thing. Julian nodded,

“Yes, so there’s that. Also, I need two people to volunteer to-” He started, William cutting him off by thrusting his arm into the air and yelling,

“I’LL DO IT!” Julian sighed,

“... To collect trash off of the nearest freeway. So, William... “ He wrote down William’s name on a clipboard, “Anyone else?” Jacob raised his hand, “And Jacob Johnson, great.” He gave the clipboard to Alexander for safe-keeping, and August stood up,

“So, you bordering-communists, it is I, the capitalist, asking which one of you anonymously sent me that… Wonderful capitalism meme.” August had a teasing tone of voice, and Maria gigled. It was fun to taunt August, at times. Everyone else in the room grinned at him, and Julian stepped forward, smirking,

“It was YOU!” August dramatically yelled, placing a hand over his heart, “I’ve been betrayed by my own boyfriend!” Julian rolled his eyes,

“Consider it payback for all of the communism memes you posted in the group chat. Next order of business, I need three people to help with Carmenville’s social justice group’s upcoming protest. They asked for an artist, so I already signed you up, August, and volunteered myself, as there were some things I wanted to go over with their leaders anyways. Anyone else volunteer?” Maria raised her hand, as she liked helping Carmenville, the next town over’s, activists. She found them interesting, “Okay, Maria, great,” Julian said. Julian sighed, closing his eyes for a second, before laying his hands down on the table,

“...About some of the recent… Attitudes in our town,” Julian said, the entire room letting out a collective groan. 

“I thought the Pride parade we did might convince a few folks, but it seems to have made them even angrier,” Rose murmured, Julian nodding and looking out the window, for a second, at the stormy grey sky, and pouring rain,

“Everyone just… Stay safe,” He said. There was a silence, for a few moments, before Julian finally spoke once more, “And I believe Melvin had something about… Polar bears, to share?” Melvin beamed, jumping up, and pulling down the projector in the corner of the room, August peering over his shoulder at the slideshow he pulled up.

“ 75 SLIDES?! Melvin.”