Tatums Anatomy

Madison Barbour

I have two choices: fix Avans heart myself and he leaves in less than a week, or do the
transplant and he stays in the hospital for weeks on end. I couldnt help but put myself in the two
situations and look for the outcome. I literally have less than an hour to decide what Im going to
do. I began to plan in my head, remembering the past.
What do I do now, I said as I held a heart with no beat in my hands.
Um, youre the head of cardio, you should know what to do as a matter of fact, you tell
us what to do, replied a voice I never heard.
Who would have thought that I, Beyonc Tatum, would have gotten myself into this
horrible situation? It would be up to me to fix the star athlete in the state.
Avan came in with severe chest pains. I had lost him two times already and wasnt
going to let it happen again. Apparently hed been having chest pains for weeks, but shook it off
as eating too much greasy foods. Avan happened to have hole in his heart that developed rather
rapidly. I made it my priority to bring this one hundred sixty pound athlete back to shape. He had
a full ride for football/ track & field for The University of Louisville.
I became a doctor by accident. I had really gone to college to study technology, but got
into the medical field because of my pre-med major boyfriend, James Button. I would help him
study for his test and finals. As he would tell me about the things he did in his science classes, I
became interested in the field myself. I started pondering the field of medicine, and my
sophomore year of college, I changed my major to biology and fell in love with medicine. I
threw myself into my books and graduated a semester early. I applied to the top med schools in
the country and got into about every one of them. I decided that Harvard school of medicine was
the best for me and graduated top of my class. Becoming a Cardio surgeon was a dream that was
never imagined, but I am glad it happened. I then decided to marry the person who made me fall
in love with the medical field, James. He is literally the only reason I even gave thought to
becoming a doctor, let alone a cardiologist. I wish I can stay in this moment forever. Just to
forget about all the patients I have worked on and survived, and all the ones I couldnt give a
second chance to. Losing a patient is one of the hardest things to do when you become a doctor.
To know I am the reason someone lives or dies is something I will never be able to fathom. But I
literally signed up for this; I have to be a big girl and do my job, even the toughest part of it.
I am getting side tracked, I always do this when I cant handle the emotions of a patient I
have become attached to. I need to get back to my planning. I dont have time to waste. I have to
remember where I wasum oh, yeah, I was trying to decide what to do.
I cracked open Avans chest cavity, then the pericardium. I then removed the heart, a
heart that was in horrible condition because of me. I carefully got the heart of another patient
who was brain dead. At this moment I froze.
Dr. Tatum, whats your next move? cried worried Dr. Button.
I was in a room filled with 10 people depending on me. The room was a dark blue
color with huge lights on the ceiling. All the nurses were on standby in case anything was to
happen. One of them was counting every single sponge I used for blood to be sure that I dont
leave any in the bodys cavity. As I looked around the room at everyone doing their job, I started
to think about my job. Was this what I signed up for? In my twenty years as head of cardio, I
have never once made a mistake, but this one could end a life. To make matters worse, I have the
most experience in the whole room.
I took a heart scan of Avan the first time he came in; I could tell his heart was in
worse condition, now with a bigger hole and heart murmurs. Avan has to be in the operating
room in under fifteen minutes, and I still havent made a choice. The surgery was a major one. I
knew that if I did a transplant, hed have to go on a list and wait which could take a while. I
began to ponder the idea to fix the hole myself. I mean it was fixable, but not the best option.
With only ten minutes left, I began to consider doing the transplant instead.
If I decide to do the transplant, hell go on the long list of people who need a heart
transplant. The only way he would be able to be on the top of the heart transplant list would be if
he was literally on his death bed, and then it could take weeks or even months. This thought led
me to go back to thinking about the first plan. Five minutes until I have to prep for surgery.
I set the heart in his chest cavity; it fit like a glove to me, but this could have been
avoided had I gone with my gut five months ago. I began stitching the aorta first, taking my time
with every stitch, as if I was picking off the sesame seeds from a bun Im allergic to. If even a
seed or stitch is messed up it could end Avans life within weeks.
I couldnt help but flash back to a time that made me realize Id stay in cardio
forever.
A fifty year old came in after a terrible storm with a tree trunk penetrating his chest.
I remember how he was happy and talking about his five kids and eight grandkids, and how he
can't leave them too soon, because he has some more embarrassing to do; the time it took me and
my team to pick every piece of wood and debris from his chest and fixing his heart; the joy I felt
to save a man in such a major condition in only my sixth year of cardio. It was amazing. That
moment made me head of cardio.
I didnt want that moment to be tarnished by my fear of doing a heart transplant
when I already did a surgery on a guy with a tree through his chest. Now I was head of cardio. A
badass who saved a guy with a tree through his chest, and the guy was calmer than I was.
I imagined myself carefully finishing the double stitch suture on Avan. I thought that
it might be some of the best Ive done in my twenty years of cardio. It was as if I needed a fifty
year old man to calm me down to make a decision. Three minutes until prep, Ive got this I
think.
WOW, Tatum! This is your best work yet, Dr. Button praised me, amazed at my
work.
Thanks. I had a visit from an old friend in the planning room who told me to suck
it up. I closed Avans chest with the best stitching ever.
As I finished up my work, the heart monitor started to beep faster. We were losing Avan;
he started to go into cardiac arrest. I didnt want him to go; I just gave him his third chance at
life.
I begin CPR, but it isnt working. I hit him in the chest with my fist, nothing. I stick him
with the needle with no result. Nothing is working. The only thing I have left to do is to shock
him. This has to work; its the only option. Ive massaged the heart like I was supposed to. I did
everything by the book.
CHARGE, I yell to my team as I shock Avan in the chest. Nothing.
CHARGE IT AGAIN, NOW! Determined to save him, I shock him. It worked, we
have a pulse.
 Youre not leaving me too soon buddy. A sigh of relief flies over the room, as if we
avoided sudden death. You can hear every breath in the room, and every heartbeat. All synced
together as one.
After careful discussion with my team, I decide to do what I think will be best for my
patient. My team is skeptical of my decision, but trusts that I will make the right choice.
I make a promise to myself that I will stay every night making sure he is improving to
my liking. I will read him books everyday, for my own sanity, tell jokes to him, although I will
be unsure if he can hear how hilarious I will be.
I want to go back in and try again to fix his heart, but it was my teams decision to
put him in a coma for a few days so he can heal properly while he waits for a transplant. I fear
that if I dont do it, he will die before a heart is available. He did come into the hospital with one
of the worst conditions I have ever seen in my years of cardio, so it wouldnt be a surprise if he
does die, no matter what decision I make.
It is time for me to go into the operating room and save Avan, but as I get near the
room, I began to panic. No! No! No! This cant happen now. I was ready. I AM READY!
Tears fill my eyes. I know that I am the one responsible for Avan, for whether he
fulfills his dreams or dies in a matter of hours. It makes me feel sick to my stomach. I think about
doing what I want and not what my team has decided, and I feel like Im cheating on them for
my own selfish needs. I need to get it together. I take a breath and hear a soft knock on the door.
It can only be one person.
My husband, Dr. Button, comes into the dark room and I lock myself in as he consoles
me. He pulls me towards him and pushes my hair away from my forehead. His soft masculine
voice tells me, Suck it up, Chief. You are the head of cardio and this is your patient. Now go in
there and do the procedure.
But I dont know which to do. He could die either way. If he gets put on the waiting list,
hell for sure die waiting, or I do the procedure, and hell die or be back in here again. He looks
at me like he looks at kids when he is disappointed in them. BEYONCE TATUM, YOU GET
IN THERE RIGHT NOW AND FIX THAT CHILD. HE IS DEPENEDING ON YOU. THIS IS
NOT YOUR PITTY PARTY, IT IS HIS, AND YOU HAVE TO FIX IT. In our fifteen years of
marriage, James has never yelled at me. He is right, it isnt my pity party, it is Avans and it is
my responsibility to fix him up and make him all better.
When James realizes that he has yelled at me, he tries to make a joke, a pathetic one at
that. Dont make me drag you in there little miss missy. I can tell this is his sad attempt to
make me laugh, or even smile a little. Just to make him feel better, I give him a little pathetic
grin, but I can tell that he knows I am faking it. After a minute of trying to pull myself together, I
am finally able to walk back into the surgical suite.
Instantly, I know that by the look on my teams faces that they know what I am going to
do. Just to shut down my horrible thoughts, I think back to the time when I met the love of my
life medicine, and James of course. I remember how I became head of cardio. The biggest
thing that on my mind is the fact that everyone in the room is dependent on me, especially Avan.
Those thirty seconds are all I need to put me back to reality. I look at my team, then down at
Avan and speak.
Ready boy and girls? Its time to fix Avan all up! they all nod in assurance.
All right then, SCAPLE PLEASE!
 Legacy
Tevin Williams
Money cannot buy happiness, but I would rather cry in a mansion with 50 dollar bills to swipe my tears. It
seems churlish to complain, but when you have lived poor your entire life, you can only dream of a life full of
luxury. I happen to live in the most dangerous neighborhood in America, located in the heart of Detroit. You
have a one-in-seven chance of being a victim of a crime every year. My Father was just another statistic to the
Mayhem. He was our caretaker, and without him, my mother and I lost hope. My father did not have a typical
9-5, suit and tie job, but we knew that. We forced our eyes to be oblivious to his wrong doings as long as he was
putting money on the table supporting our family. After his death, I was forced to step up and become the main
provider at 16 years old. My father always told me, Its not where you live its how you live; fast money aint
always good money, but do what you gotta do. My father was a wise man with potential to do greater things
for us. In honor of him, I have a sleeve tattoo on my right forearm. Its a domestic owl with a gear clock capped
around its neck with the hands pointing to his death date in roman numerals. Wisdom comes with time, is
what he always told me.
Murder, Murder in my city
Yeah Detroit is like Chiraq
Distracted by the violence
Makes it hard to watch your back
Young kids getting oscars but they dont know how to act
Without no guidance they falling like a train on a track
What comes around, goes around
But dead people dont come back
Another FUNERAL to attend Im forever in black

Poetry was always my escape. It allowed me to organize my thoughts and suppress my emotions, while putting
my life in collaborative metaphors.
Its been a rough four months since my pops been gone. My mother just cleans everything, twice even. She
hasnt cried not once since the funeral, strange right? What woman doesnt cry when the love of her life was
murdered? We all grieve differently, I guess. Man, I remember when my dad first taught me how to drive; I
remember it like it was yesterday. . .
Alright, son calm down, one thing at a time. My excitement overcame my willingness to listen. I was so eager
to learn how to drive I forgot my seatbelt.
Wait a minute, I know I may not wear mine when I drive, but you damn sho gone wear yours! And if I catch
you without it, boy Ill beat the black off yo behind.
Sorry pops, I promise to always drive safe. I said this firmly, to make him convinced.
Remember what I told you now, safe by choice not by chance. Now start the car up, adjust the mirror, and seat
if you need to. Now look over your left shoulder. See any cars coming? Alright make a sharp left, and ease out.
I miss my pops, especially him being the sole provider in the house. Although I live on the streets and grew up
on them, Im not street. Yeah, I know the ins and outs, but my pops never exposed to what he did on purpose.
He always told me to be better than him. I gotta do what I got to now hes gone.
My uncle Neal used to deal with my pops every night; he put me on after the funeral. Said I had to learn the
family hustle. Take a brick, flip it, sell it to the middle man, and collect all unpaid debts by all means. I was
curious as to why he emphasized by all means so much. What? Will I have to kill a guy that owes me for
some dope? I cant kill a man, and especially not a woman. OMG! What the hell am I getting myself into?
Unc? I dont think I can do this man, Im just not cut.
Nah nephew, you got this! I was nervous my first time too. You just shake his hand, with the bag in it of
course, and he slips you the money so it looks like a dap up.
Its that simple, huh? Okay, be right back.
I see a man wearing a black, vested bubble coat without sleeves; yeah hes most definitely on drugs. I got to
feed my family though, here goes nothing.
Wassup?
Wassup? Good looking man.
Wow, $150 dollars within five minutes? Yeah I see why drug money is the best money, its the fastest to make.
I went from flipping five gram bags a day, to shipping pounds, and worked through Chicago all the way down
to Detroit. Living the life me and my moms always deserved. Ive never seen her so happy. Its good to see her
smile for once; I know my pops is smiling down on me for sure.
Im eighteen, and I attend Detroit High, where I stash my stuff. My moms said she didnt want it anywhere near
the house. Could I blame her though? I keep majority in my uncs trap, but I take four grams to school just in
case one of the white boys at school wonna buzz after class. I remember my reaction when I first found out a
few peers of mine did that sh
Yo! Jerald! You got that hank?
Whos asking? You white boys be lowkey narcs.
Nah man, its for my buddy around the way. Come on man, I got $200 bucks right here.
From that day on, I always brought some to school. I cant turn down money, a brother got bills to pay out here.
Are those dogs? What the *&^%!! A surprise drug inspection?? Sh!. Wait Jess is texting me.
JESS: Jerald! My dads co-workers are checking lockers for drugs; GET OUT NOW!
Swiftly, I walk out the front door. Not even signing out; I dont have time. This drug game is risky, but I plan
on getting out the game soon. My girl, Jess, doesnt approve of it; hell, what girlfriend would? If I get caught,
Im gone for at least ten years off top because its a controlled substance. Not everybody has it made out here
like Jess, though. On top of her hollin down my back about my job, her pops works for the police department.
Hes a narc of course. Im messing with the enemys daughter. Aha, uncle Neal would kill me if he knew! Sh,
moms, too. We dont like police where Im from. But I love Jess; she cant help it her pops career is being a
pig. Man, Ive got to get out of this damn drug game or I could end up like my pops. Neal told me once, Once
you get in, the only way out is in a box. Wonder if he really meant that? Family aint loyal when moneys
involved. I love my Unc, but I wouldnt trust him for sh! I seen him sell his peeps a bag, then set them up to
get robbed. His own f-ing friends! These streets dont love nobody, and I want out. And it for damn sure wont
be through a box.
I finally make it home, flushing the last two bags down the toilet. Today scared the living sh out of me. If I
wouldve went down, Neal wouldnt have went with me. Why should I help him? Every man for himself, as he
reminds me everyday before we go out and handle our business. Ima call him later, and let him know whats up.
Cant keep doing this sh.
Ma! When Neal come, tell him meet me round back!
I was deep into the game; my garage didnt look like a workshop at first. Cant even fit my car in here. I told
Neal meet me @5:30 pm, its going on six and Jess is on her way. Man, black people cant be on time for sh.
Nephew, whats up with you?
Nothing, just wonna talk to you. Im done Unc, this drug game was you and pops hustle. Not mine, you can have whats
left and the money I made today, but this aint me. Im sorry.

Its alright nephew, do what you got to. He was avoiding eye contact. I could tell my decision made him upset.

Jess walks in on us moving the drugs to Neals trunk. *&^%!

Aint this the b. whose pops busted me last summer and tried send me away for life?? And shes yo girlfriend nephew?
After you knew how I felt? Aw Hell Nah.

He draws his clip, cocking back the gun, I knock it out his hand and tackle him. Jess run and call your pops NOW!
Were wrestling on the floor, I kick the gun under the couch so he cant get to it. Damn, why did he have to be late? Its
not even her fault her father caught him with heroin! He bangs my head against the concrete floor, busting my skull wide
open. As he got up to run after her, I pulled out my nine and fired off two shots *pop, pop* he laid there motionless.

I just shot my own uncle; Im in so much disbelief. Thank God it took them no time to get here though, who knows what
couldve happened if they were a minute too late to see I was defending myself. It all happened so quick, I tell
detectives, holding my head. They take us to the hospital, with Jess by my side. My uncles alright, thank god. I wasnt
trying to kill him, just didnt want him to hurt my girl. As I left the hospital after getting six stitches, were stopped by two
officers. They claim to just wonna talk, but down at the office. *&^%, I knew this was coming.

Lets cut to the chase, who did the drugs belong to in the truck of the BLUE HONDA CIVIC parked in the driveway
when we arrived?

I sat there, lifeless like. Not even making eye contact, I cant give off a guilty vibe. Thats exactly what they want and Im
not giving it to them. I need my lawyer here asap! I could tell my non cooperative attitude was pissing them off, but I
didnt care. My main focus was going down by self-incrimination, which I was not about to do! Nah, they gone have to
fingerprint everything before I give up anything! After about an hour of me staring into space, they finally leave out the
room. Giving me just enough time to text Jess.

Jess? Look, Im sorry for all the sh... Ive put you through when we couldve avoided this if I wouldve left the game a
long time ago when you first told me to. I love you girl, but I gotta do this for my family. Just stick by my side through it
out. Im gone need you most def! One love.

Right after I send my text, they walk back in. With Jess father. Wow, what a great way to meet my future father in-law.
Before I could confess to anything, my Uncle Neal limps in the door and beats me to the punch line. What? Hes gone
take the fall even after I shot him for my girl? I betrayed him and almost killed him, yet he still is willing to do the time I
deserve? What in the world?

Can we have a minute please? the detectives leave us alone. What are you doing??

Look Jerald, Ive been in your shoes. You got a good girl, I over reacted and Im sorry. Im gone take the fall and do
about four years then my last six can be probation. Youre too young for prison, and pretty. You know exactly what they
do to your kind in there. Im big enough to fight them off at least.

I love you unc! Ill be by your side the entire time okay? Me and Jess.

Thank you, but thats what my good ass lawyers for. These cops aint got nothin on us nephew! Plus, you shoot like a
bi... You grazed my butt cheek and forearm.

Aw man, my bad. I wasnt even attempting to hurt you bad.

Yeah, you got to work on your aim son. How you gone protect that shorty of yours shooting like that?

Wow, I was either going to have to hurt my uncle to save my girl, and rat him out the narcs to cover my own butt or fess
up and take whatever plea deal we bargained. I thought since it was my first offense, I couldve beat the case, or at least
had a much greater chance than my uncle but, he stayed true to me. Even when I chose my girl over him. Now thats what
you call loyalty no matter what. Moms was right, bad things do happen to good people. Well, hei intentions were good.
Hell, not all family legacies are meant to thrive on down generations. Lesson well learned.
Thats How I Was Raised
Chandra Adhikari

I sat in a hospital bed, in a garment that leaves my backside exposed, about the make the decision that
will forever change my life: kill a human and be labeled a murderer, or keep the baby and be hated by
the family. I sat still, thousands of scenarios playing through my head. I thought of those times where
my mom used to tell me to keep calm whenever I was nervous.
I, Kriti, have two older brothers, Krish, the oldest and Sam, the middle child. Being the youngest and
the only daughter puts a big pressure on me. They expect me to do so much. Do good in school, go to
college, get a degree, and settle down. It may not seem a lot but to me, it is the hardest thing in the
world. We moved to the United States when I was 3 years old, small girl with brown eyes and black
hair.
I am probably the definition of a perfect daughter. Perfect grades? Check. Perfect college? Double
check. I never in the life thought I would end up doing something that would disappoint my family in
any way. I did everything they ever asked of me with no questions asked. I was perfect, or, so they
thought.
I was deep in my thoughts when I heard someone knocking in the door. It was my mom. Kriti,
whatever you decide, I will always love you. What the society thinks does not matter. You made a
mistake and I forgive you for it. Hearing those words left me in tears. Mom had so much hope for me.
She wiped off the tears that were making its way down to my cheeks. I had never felt this happy, yet I
was still so sad. I tried to say something to her, but no words seemed to come out of my mouth. I kept
my head down as she left the room, leaving me alone in my misery.
I would have probably ended up like one of those bad kids that do drugs and party every weekend
and go out all the time, but unlike them, my family was strict, so strict that I was not even allowed to
go out with my friends. That was when I learned to sneak out of the house without anyone ever finding
out. I started sneaking out to go to parties every weekend, went out so much that I had forgotten what
staying home felt like.
There were nurses coming and going from my room, but I was too deep in my thoughts to care. One
came to me and asked, How are you doing now? Are your contractions as bad as before? I did not
even realize I did not have any contractions. They had given me a pill, so maybe that is why. Im doing
much better, I replied with a fake smile on my face. As soon as she left, I was back in my thoughts.
Those parties I attended every weekend; that was where I met Alex. Alex is my 22-year-old boyfriend,
his hair long and messy with low fade, brown eyes, and could kill a girl with just a glance. Alex is one of
those guys that consider themselves as bad, but are actually very nice once you get to know them. I
went to the party with Leela, my best friend who I have known since we were 5, but she left me alone
and went somewhere. I was standing across the room from Alex, trying very hard not to get caught
starring at him. He looked like he could be 60, whereas Im only 53. Every girl in the room would
probably die to be with him. I saw him walk towards me, with a smirk on his face. It looked like his
friends left. He came to me and extended his hands for me to shake.
Hey. As soon as the word came out of his mouth, it felt as if I just heard an angel talk.
Hey, I said. Since when do you speak to me? Couldnt find anyone else to entertain you at this
boring party?
Woahh. Its not that. I never knew you were this pretty, Kriti.
Oh My Gawd, one of the cutest guy in the college called me pretty, I said with sarcasm and began to
walk away, hiding my reddened face. I may have been facing away from him, but I could feel his eyes
on me. I dont know what is was about Alex, but every time someone mentioned his name (which was
very often), I began to blush; when he talked to me, I probably looked like a tomato. I walked away,
glad the room was dark.
Later that night, I found Leela. Where have you been? I was looking all over for you. By then, I was so
drunk and extremely tired. When I woke up in one of the bedrooms with a horrible headache and an
urge to throw up, I couldnt remember how I got there, but I was pretty sure about what had
happened. UGHHH. I groaned. Disappointed. I was so disappointed at myself.
All the way home, I thought about the worst scenarios. I got home about 7 in the morning and
snuck into the house through the back door. Thank goodness no one was awake up yet. I went straight
to my room and went to bed.
I saw Alex at college the next day. We started talking as if nothing had happened between us.
Hey, whats up? He said as soon as he saw me.
Hey. I responded.
Remember the other night when I said you were pretty, I wasnt kidding. I could feel a blush forming
on my cheeks.
Oh. My mind felt so blank, I could not find any other response.
Would you like to go out for coffee after class?
Are you asking me on a date? I said with a smirk on my face.
Maybe. His smirk reflected mine.
After class, we went to Starbucks to get coffee. I ordered Caffe Mocha, while he ordered iced coffee. As
we grabbed a table, he started asking me questions about my life. We ended up talking about that
night. So about the other night, I dont regret about what happened between us. My eyes widened
as I realized that he actually liked me. It turned out he had liked me for a long time but was too scared
to tell me about how he felt. So, I told him that was exactly how I felt. We decided to try it and got into
a relationship. As our relationship progressed, we had more things in common, than we thought.
I could feel my contractions coming. The doctors had told me I had a baby girl inside me. A healthy
baby girl. Alex had told me that he would come visit me at the hospital, but he was nowhere to be
seen. He had told me that hed stay by my side, but he was nowhere to be found. I had called him
multiple times, but he was nowhere to be reached. Alex said he was excited to meet our baby. But
would I choose? My family or my baby and Alex?
I think back to all those sleepless nights when I went to bed crying. About 6 days after that night, I had
morning sickness, my hormones had gotten out of control, and my food cravings were even worse.
That was when I decided to google symptoms of pregnancy. I told Alex about what had been
happening to me after that night. He listened, he didnt say anything. He just listened. That was one of
the things I loved about Alex. He was a good listener. After I was done, he said, Ill be there for you. I
will stand by your side and provide love and support for you and our baby if you are pregnant. But just
to be sure, lets get you a pregnancy test. That same week, he brought me a pregnancy test. I took it
from him and went to the bathroom, and peed on the stick. Waiting on the result was the longest five
minutes of my life. Five minutes passed, and I could feel my whole body shaking, afraid that the result
would be positive. I froze as I saw the two bars. No. I said. I cant be pregnant. What will mom say?
What will my brothers say? I went to the mirror to look at myself as tears rolled down my cheeks. As I
look at myself, I realized that I had become nothing but a disappointment to my family. I leaned against
the door and let my tears flow. I heard Alex banging on the door. Kriti, are you okay? Please come
out. I slowly opened the door and as soon as he saw my tearful eyes, he wrapped me around his chest
and let me cry.
As I was being taken to the delivery room, I saw Alex rushing towards me. Happy tears started to fill my
eyes. When he was next to me, I shouted, I seriously thought you werent going to show up.
How could you even think that for a second? You know Id never leave your side.
I dont know, stress and anxiety is taking over my body and being pregnant with uncontrollable
hormones doesnt help I responded.
I will always be by your side no matter what and I am here now. I could not even apologize to him
before I felt another contraction and squeezed his hands as tight as I could.
I have to tell my mom about the result.
Okay, I will go with you, since its my baby.
No. I have to do this on my own. If thats what you want, then okay. But call me as soon as possible.
I drove home, imagining all the scenarios that could possibly play out. As I walked in the door, I saw my
mom in the kitchen making dinner. Hey, mom, I said. She looked at me as if she already knew
something had happened. Where are the boys? I asked as I set the table.
They went to their friends. She said with a weird expression I could not read.
Ma, theres something you need to know. As soon as those words left my mouth, I could see her
expression change as if she knew bad news was on the way. I could feel tears forming in my eyes.
Worried, K bha, Kriti? She asked in Nepali.
Ma, Im pregnant. Her eyes widened, with shock, as if someone had just shot her.
How did this happen? This is not how we raised you. What will you brothers say? What will the people
say? Her voice was shaking.
Ma, what the people say doesnt matter, what you say matters, what dada will say matters. I dont
care about what someone else besides my family has to say about me. I choked those words out. I
could barely breathe. I could see tears filling up my mothers eyes. I never in my life thought I would
make my mom cry.
While being wheeled to the delivery room, I started crying. Whats wrong? Alex asked.
I quickly wiped my eyes, Nothing. When we got to the room, I had to say goodbye to Alex until after
the delivery. Ill see you later. Ill be here. Waiting.
They drugged me. I asked them to drug me. I didnt want to feel the pain. It was a pain I thought I
couldnt bear. I could see my mother standing by me, holding my hand. I love you, Ma, I said as I
drifted into deep sleep.
I thought back to when my brothers had found out about my pregnancy and Krish came to my room.
YOURE PREGNANT? WHAT THE HECK WERE YOU THINKING? He was yelling so loud, that hearing his
voice startled me. If youre even thinking about keeping that baby, dont even consider yourself a part
of this family. Then he just walked out, leaving me feeling dejected. I had never heard Krish raise his
voice, but Sam who always yelled but was very understanding.
For the past, 30 weeks, I have been staying at Alexs house since Krish had kicked me out. My mom
came to see me so often that Alexs house felt like home. I was on the sofa, watching some random TV
show. I felt a contraction and it kept getting worse and worse by the minute. The next thing I knew, my
mom was yelling at Alex to call 911.
By the time I woke up, I was back in my room. When I turned to the side, I saw my beautiful
baby girl. She was one of the greatest and the most beautiful things that has ever happened to me. I
called in my nurse and told her I wanted to hold her. She took her out of the crib as if she was a fragile
glass that would break at the smallest bump. I took her out of the nurses arms. I looked at her, my
eyes filled with love. I had never been so happy; tears of joy started streaming.
Mom and Alex walked into the room with the biggest smile on their faces. What are we naming
her? Alex asked, eager to know the name.
Ava. Her name is Ava. Thats beautiful.
Soon after everyone was out of the room, I was still holding Ava in my arms. I just looked my
baby in the eyes and said, I dont care what anyone has to say. You are the greatest gift god has given
me, and Im sorry I ever thought about giving you up. I have come this far and Im not giving up. On you
nor me. We will overcome every obstacle life throws our way. This, I promise. Thats just how I was
raised.
 Fly Away
Imani Cunningham
The sound of rolling tanks had brought along the feeling of defeat in Poland, as well as the feeling
of curiosity. Curiosity because no one knew of what was to come in the following years. What would
happen to the people, the nation, and also the culture?
For Mczyzna, being a Jewish doctor in 1943 with two kids and no husband made life harder. She
had a difficult time bringing in business, for the Nazis had decreed that Jews were not allowed to serve
non-Jewish people. Often, her children would often complain about having to wear the same clothes. But
mama, I just wore this dress two days ago, said her daughter Nicki. All of the other kids are getting new
clothes every other week.
Mczyzna replied, Nicki, we need all the money we can get right now. Without the money from
my patients, I cannot give you and your brother the things you used to get.
Marco added, What does it matter anyway whether or not we have new clothes. The Germans are
planning to take us away by next week.
With a perplexed look on her face, Nicki asked Marco, How do you know that for sure he was
talking about us Jews?
I heard it from one of the SS guards down at the market, thats how I know. Sure enough, Marco
was right and the Germans started to round up all of the Jews living within a twenty five mile radius of
Warsaw.
By Sunday, Mczyzna, along with Nicki and Marco, were turned into numbers for they unknowingly were
not allowed to call themselves humans. They were forced into cattle cars, ready for transports. The Jews
looked like a herd of docile cattle, for they had a calm demeanor and had no reason to fight or resist. The
only sign of resistance that occurred was when a man refused to get in the cattle cars.
You fools! Do you really think that these bastards are going to send us to a better place? Look what
they did to the Jews of Germany. How could you all be so stupid?! Without hesitation, Mczyzna
immediately thought of how her husband said the exact same thing just before he left her to raise their
children on her own.
It was dinner time and the children had just come home from the synagogue. As soon as they
walked in the door, they noticed how there were plates shattered on the floor.
How could you be so stupid!? Clearly you are just good for nothing except for lying on your back
and making those bastards! You cant cook, clean, youre not even smart enough to be a doctor. In a
drunken, angry rage, he bumped into Marco while walking out the door. He left the house without even
looking back at his children. He just simply left. While Mczyzna was still remembering that night, a shot
was fired and the man who attempted to warn the people on the carts was killed. He was shot on sight
without any warning; the many people, along with their children, were horrified and there were even a few
people who vomited from the sight of a dead man. A woman with her baby noticed that it was her husband
who they had shot, but her sunken eyes didnt show any form of anguish on that pale face of hers. The SS
guard started screaming to get the cattle doors closed and give them some water: it was a hot summer day
and people were starting to faint.
Schlieen Sie diese verdammte Tr und werfen Sie diese Bauern etwas Wasser! The train began
to roll, going southwards towards Auschwitz
Mczyzna and Nicki had been put together, while Marco had been put on a separate car. Marco,
scared, was wondering what would happen to his mother and sister. He spoke to an odd man sitting next to
him who had a blank stare on his face. He was a middle aged man who had fingers long enough to play the
piano. Marco noticed that the man had managed to take a handful of diamonds and gold jewelry. The
perplexed boy decided to interrogate.
What are staring you staring at, said Marco. The man didnt reply, but Marco insisted on asking
him questions. Do you think that man who was killed was telling the truth? And why are you carrying so
much jewelry? Finally, the man shouted at Marco to stop asking him questions and mind his own
business.
Then, the man took a deep breath and calmly said, If you really think that they were going to take
every one of us to a better place than our own homes, then why would they shove us in here like cattle and
kill that man right in front of us? That question silenced Marco, and slowly but surely, he made up his
mind about where the Germans were going to take them.
Back in the other cattle car, Mczyzna had started to treat people who were fainting of heatstroke,
most of them were children and mothers expecting a child. As she was trying to assist some of her
neighbors, she couldnt help but notice a woman who kept screaming and crying out to God as she held her
hands toward the ceiling of the car. For no reason whatsoever, she continued to scream for hours facing
towards the top of the ceiling until she was tired and had succumbed to the heat. Nicki muttered to herself,
Finally, it was about time that old hag shut up. It took at least 6 hours for someone to notice that the
woman had died from heat exhaustion, and when they did, they shoved her body in a corner by herself. As
soon as Nicki saw that, she felt bad for the old lady, for she was reminded that she had been put in that
same situation back when she was still in school- her so called friends backed her into a corner.
As she was leaving school, Nicki was met by some of her friends, but rather than greeting her with
warmth, they each had a handful of rocks with a malicious intent on using them on her.
Lets teach this damn Jew that shes not welcome here. Never has been and never will be welcome
here, said a young boy who was carrying the most rocks. It was obvious that he was the ringleader.
Without hesitation, she dropped all of her books and started to run home, but she was stopped when they
caught up to her just a few blocks away from the school. She was surrounded and had nowhere to go; they
had corralled her into a dirty corner full of smelly trash.
Nicki pleaded, Please dont do this. Just a few months ago you all were my friends and now you
treat me as if I was a rat coming out of the gutter.
You are a rat! You know Hitler says that you people cant be trusted, so we're here to teach a
lesson about being born a Jew. Rocks came flying toward Nicki; she had only her hands to protect her
from the rocks that were aimed to hit her face. When the children were done throwing rocks, they left Nicki
alone in the corner. Alone. She felt that her friends thought that her race was some sort of disease that was
contagious. At that very moment, Nicki looked up and saw a crow perched just above her. As it flew away,
she closed her eyes and dreamed of becoming that same crow, being able to fly anywhere it pleases and not
being bothered by anything or anyone.
One day Ill be free from all of this, because one day I will wake up and fly away.
By the time they had put the old woman in a corner, the train slowly came to a stop. The doors
opened up, and everyone inside the car was able to see outside. For three days, they had been in the pitch
black cart, with little to no light source. Families were rushed out of the cars hoping to reunite with their
loved ones. Mczyzna and Nikki had reunited with Marco, and he told them the real reason they were sent
here. He whispered to them,Mama! I know why they brought us here.
What are you talking about now Marco, said Nikki. You said you heard the Germans say that
they were taking us to a better place.
Marco raised his voice, You idiot, I didn't say that at all. I never said that they were going to take
us to better place, I only said they were going to take us away.
Mczyzna cut into her children's argument to figure out what her son was talking about.
Marco, slow down and tell me whats going on. Why are we here and what are they going to do with us?
Marco took a deep breath and said, I dont know what they are going to do with us, but while I was
in the other cattle car separated from you two, I met a man. He said, If you really thought that they were
going to take every one of us to a better place, better than our own homes, then why would they shove us in
here like cattle and kill that man right in front of us? That gave me an insight into what is going to
happen. Before any of them could get another word out, an SS guard shouted at everyone, commanding
them to separate themselves; women and children on the left and men on the right. Once again, the family
was separated. Another separation; this one reminded Mczyzna of the time she and her children were
forced to walk in the street.
Please tell me why we have to walk in the gutter on our way to school? said Nikki tiredly.
Because, answered Mczyzna, They say we arent worthy enough to walk on the sidewalks like
regular people. Who do they think we are?
Upon arrival, a man walked up to Nikki and Marco and denied them entrance into the school.
Enraged, Mczyzna walked up to the man and argued about her childrens attendance.
What do you mean they can no longer attend this school? They have been going here for the last
seven years, and you say they are no longer allowed to attend? What have they ever done to deserve this?!
Maam they havent done anything wrong. Its just that He changed the policy about your children
attending school, and they arent welcome here anymore. Please accept my apologies.
Stuff your atonement! Are you saying that one person decided that my children can no longer go to
school because they are Jewish? Really, you cant be serious. This is crazy. Still angry, Mczyzna tried
to persuade the man to let her children into school, but he still refused. Marco had to pull his mother off the
steps and calm her down, for no matter how long she yelled and argued, there was no way that her children
were going to be able to attend that school.
Mama, its okay. Im sure this will be over soon enough. Besides, I could use a few days off from
school; maybe I could even help around the house, said Nikki with a warm smile on her face.
While remembering, Mczyzna heard an SS man shouting, asking if anyone was a doctor.
Mczyzna immediately raised her hand and shouted back, Im a doctor. Over here please. The guard
rushed quickly over to Nikki and Mczyzna. He had aa angry look on his face.
The SS guard said, I need you to come with me. Leave your things behind; you will get them later
on.
Mczyzna pleaded, But what about my children? I cant leave them, and they are both old enough
to work. Both of them are healthy; really, I beg you, just please let them come with me.
The guard took a moment to inspect the children and decided that they would be able to tag along
with their mother. Alright they can come along, but if you try anything, I will kill you and your vermin
children. Understand?
Mczyzna willingly confirmed, her eyes to the ground, for she was too scared to look the SS
officer in his face. Thank you. Thank you officer. I promise they wont be a bother to anyone.
They proceeded onwards towards the infirmary, following the officer. Inside, there was a German
guard lying on the bed. He had an immense gash on the outside of his thigh. The Officer said firmly, You
will treat him immediately and you must hurry, because hes in a great deal of pain.
Mczyzna didnt want to treat this wounded officer, but if she refused, her life could be in danger.
She decided that it didnt matter what she did, for her life now belonged to every officer in that
concentration camp. She simply refused to treat the office, saying, I refuse to treat someone who has
helped a man as cynical as Hitler hurt and destroy the lives of other human beings.
The officers pale face instantly turned red and commanded Mczyzna and her children to follow
him outside. Once outside, he yelled, Children, walk ten steps in the forward direction and dont turn
around. Then, he said, As for you Jew, pick one.
What do you mean pick one? puzzled Mczyzna.
Since you refused to follow simple orders, you will now follow this one; one of your children will
be shot, and you will pick which one it will be, he said.
Mczyzna pleaded that her children shouldnt die, and that she was the one who disobeyed his
order. The Guard nonchalantly said, Now this will teach you to follow orders the next time I tell you to do
something. Now pick one!
Marco and Nikki couldnt hear the commotion, but from what they witnessed at the roundup, they
each had a feeling of what was going to happen in the next few moments. Nikki noticed a murder of crows
flying across the sky. It was time for her to fly away and be free from any strife that she would endure. She
took off running with her arms stretched out.
 Losing Poly
Toree Simms

Most people wouldnt understand the value of an animal. He is my comfort and best friend. I
wouldnt trade our bond for anything in the world. Life has been a struggle financially ever since my
family died in a plane crash. Im the only one left, no friends, no family, just me and Poly. I cannot
imagine what I would do if someone was to take her from me.
I live in the slums of New York, a very noisy area. I got a knock on my door from an
ornithologist one morning. He was a tall well suited man with a paper in his hand of a picture of an
animal that look like Poly. From the looks of the man, you could tell he is very wealthy.
Hello my name is Kyle Hancock. May I come in? He smelled the smelly apartment and saw
how poorly I was living.
He glanced at my place of residence. Looking around my one room place, he got a shocked look
on his face. Maybe the dirty mattress on the floor or the nearly rotted chair. The man came in and
stood in the empty house by choice. I sat Poly in his cage.
How are you doing maam? I am from Belgium and I am here to inform you about your pet.
Do you know what kind of bird you are nurturing? Kyle was sure I didnt know what kind of animal I
was taking care of.
Not sure, why do you ask? I said full of confusion and curiosity. I had a feeling it was the
reason why he came here. I mean, a nice and wealthy guy coming to a place like this was unheard of
unless someone was getting an eviction notice or a news reporter was checking out a crime.
Well, here is a picture of the same kind of bird, but the opposite sex. I thought he was the only
one left on this planet of his distinct kind. Kyle showed me the picture and saw the cluelessness in
my face. I didnt know what he was about to tell me.
Wow, thats awesome. So what do you want, some pictures of Poly? Did you come all the way
here just to tell me that?
This type of animal doesnt live past seven years of age. By looking at Poly, I can tell that hes
about five and a half years old. With that said, if we take action now, we might be able to save its kind
by reproducing.
So what are you saying? You want to take him from me!? I yelled in shock.
I thought about when I first got Poly. I was upset and taking a shortcut through the woods, and
I heard a noise; something was following me. I looked behind me and saw a beautiful looking creature
on the branch just behind me. When I moved, the bird moved to the closest branch. I tried shooing it
away, and it just wouldnt leave. Its like it could tell I was alone and sad. It followed me all the way
home; somehow it brought me comfort then and still does.
Look maam, my company will offer you $600,000 to let us take your pet. I will give you
twenty-four hours to think about it, but we have to act ASAP. Kyle said this as if it was a no-brainer
Id say yes. The offer didnt involve too much thinking, at least thats what he thought.
I would never give her up after all the cold, sleepless winter nights on an old mattress, the cold
floor chilling me right through the thin bed and slim coat I wear. Poly has been my motivation,
comfort, companion through my struggles; Poly. I felt as if it would be wrong if I gave up Poly for
anything. Then we hear an ugly cough from Poly.
That doesnt sound too good; it sounds like Pevian pneumonia. Kyle snapped.
What in gods name is a Pevian? Im sure hes fine; hes been doing it for weeks now and still
acts normal. I told him confidently because Poly havent died or acted any different since the
coughing occurred. I was glad to finally know what kind of animal Poly was. This whole time, I had no
clue. I didnt know what to feed it, or how to take care of it. Luckily I had made it this long with Poly
still alive.
A Pevian is the name of this animal. There are only about eight left on this planet scattered
across the globe. Luckily I found out about this one. Kyle smiling very happily. I have been searching
for years and years for a mate for my Pevian.
He walked towards Poly and she slowly backed up in fear. He petted her to calm her nerves. He
checked her temperature; it was abnormal.
She is getting very sick. At this age, she is will be in very bad condition if we dont act now.
With this bird being so rare, there arent too much veterinarians who can take care of Pevians, not
near here. Its going to cost to travel to a vet, though.
I knew deep down that I could not afford to save Poly. I didnt even go to the doctor myself,
because I couldnt afford it. There was no telling what was wrong with me. Id had a cough in my chest
ever since Id been in a plane crash several years ago. When it crashed, I happened to be by the exit,
while the rest of my family - my mom, dad and brother - was sitting a couple of rows behind me. The
pilot yelled, Mayday, and made sure the plane crashed in the nearby waters. It exploded on
collision. Out of 127 passengers, only 57 survived, and I was one of them.
So how bad is it? I asked nervously. I didnt really want to accept the fact that Poly wasnt in
good health. I was barely in good health, myself.
If we do not act now, I give Poly only five more months to live. said Kyle starring at the
animal with a sorrowful gaze. I know you two have chemistry and you love Poly, but I think we both
know whats best for him. You have an opportunity of a lifetime. Kyle said.
That much money would set me up very nicely. I could get a new place, actually afford
furniture and pay my bills and get out of debt. After all of that, I was still going to be filthy rich. It
would hurt Poly a lot for me to let him go away to a stranger. It would also hurt me a lot because I
was so used to him; he was like family. Losing Poly would be losing all of my happiness. Deep down I
knew the right decision and what was best for the both of us. It would be hard to let him go after all
that we had been through the past six years.
How about this, I will give you a plane ticket, and you can come and visit him anytime you
want. If everything goes as planned, you will get to see his babies, as well. The generation of Pevians
will start all the way over again thanks to you. Offered Kyle.
As I said my final goodbye to Poly, I then looked at Kyle and said, Promise me you will take
good care of him. Promise me! I kept petting and hugging Poly; I didnt want to let him go.
I Promise. Heres your check; take care, and here is my address and contact information. Just
give me a call if you need anything.
I looked out of my window and watched Poly go into the back of the caged truck. I looked at
my fat check and thought that it would never bring me the happiness that Poly gave me. I thought a
little more and looked at the brighter side of it. Poly is in a better place, and so am I.
 Long Way from Home
Jama H Ali
This is not how I wanted things to go; I just wanted to go out and do a little gardening, and out of
nowhere, this happens to me. That whole day is going around in circles in my head, and I dont know what to
do at this point. It has been a whole week, and I can still hear my mom telling me, Ali dont go! Its too
dangerous. Being stuck in a village where I dont know anyone was not the way that I thought things would
go that day.
It was early that morning and I heard my mom yelling my name to wake me up for breakfast. I was still
angry about not being able to go out and garden, but I got up, got dressed and went to my mom. The first
thing I said to her was, Now can I go outside?
No its too dangerous to be outside; there is a high alert on an invasion to our village!
After all the arguments, I slipped my shoes on and just walked right out of the house. If you asked me,
it was a great day; the weather was great, and I said to myself, What can possibly go wrong on this beautiful
day? There were very few people walking around and everyone was carrying some type of protection with
them. I looked back my house and I could barely hear my mom yelling Come back! I thought of turning
around, but the way that I was feeling after being stuck in a house for weeks, was not something that was on
my mind. I just thought that if an invasion was going to happen, it would have already happened by then. The
closer I got to the gardens, the fewer people there were.
Its really hard to get around in this village, nothing is the same. Everyone here lives a totally different
life than the one that I am used to back home, its like being lost in the middle of nowhere. But its not the
time to just sit around and worry, its time to think of ways to get back home to my family. I wonder if thats
what my mom would want me to do. The danger is still there in the village and making it there will be hard.
But that day when I got to the gardens, there was absolutely no one there. I just went ahead and
started working on my familys garden. As time went by, in my head, I could hear was ALI..ALIALI from
the sound of my mothers voice. Should I go back? I asked myself. Then from behind me I hear, shhhhhh. I
didnt even know where it was coming from. I looked behind me; no sign of anyone. My heart started beating
so fast and again in my head I heard, its too dangerous, the sound of my mothers voice. I grabbed my stuff
and looked around to see if there was anyone there. Just three seconds later, all I saw was darkness, nothing
but absolute darkness.
So I this village Im sitting in this coffee shop, and all I think about is that darkness. Behind me I hear a
conversation going on; I dont understand what they are saying, but I heard them mention Kakuma, the village
that I am from and something about a bus going there next week. Do they not know that the village is under
attack? I wish I could tell them, but the language seems to be the problem here. Are you from here? the
waiter askes me.
No, Im from Kakuma, and Im lost in this village. I dont want to tell him about the fact that I got kidnapped.
I get off in a little bit, I can show you around if you would like. At least I made a friend, right? But the
thoughts are always in my head.
I remember after total darkness being dragged around and being tossed around. After fifteen minutes,
we stop; the bag was taken off my head and three were men standing right above me. From a distance, I hear
a loud HELP!! A women and men are yelling. I couldnt understand a word these guys were saying, but
suddenly, I was in a room alone. I struggled trying to get my hands untied from the rope; after almost freeing
myself, I got hit from behind and darkness all over again. They put me on a truck in the back where I kept
hearing, the bus to Kakumathe bus to Kakuma.
So how long are you planning on staying?
Im from Kakuma, and I dont even know my way back; there is a lot of confusion in my situation, I
have made a huge mistake
What mistake is worth regretting that much?
 I left my family to go gardening in a village in which there was an active invasion threat and I got
kidnapped by some guys. Im here I am after escaping. Im trying to find a way to get home safely.
There is a bus leaving here going to Kakuma next Friday. Why dont you take the bus to get home?
In my head, I hear, The bus to Kakuma. So much ran in my mind at the moment, and Abdi, the
waiter, keeps talking and talking about this bus, and I wonder why the kidnappers would be talking about a
bus that is going into the village that they are going to invade. It finally comes to me that I must to do
something to stop that bus from leaving this village.
Are you fine?
Yes, we have to stop that bus from departing next week; the men who kidnapped me kept on talking
about this bus and its trip to Kakuma
You mean.
No time for talk. Take me to the bus station.
At the station, no one believes a word that I say. The only person who will even listen to me talk is
Abdi, and all he says is, How is that possible? I have to do something before everything goes bad. There has
to be something that these invaders are looking for, this is not just some random invasion.
After finding out that no one will believe me, I only have one choice and that is to get on that bus and
make sure that everything is normal. If it all works, I will get to my family safely. Abdi has taken days off from
work to help me do this. With so many thoughts on my mind, I find that I must wait for Friday to come so we
can board this bus.
Are you sure you want to come along?
If I am a true friend, I would help, so yes.
There is only one bus and a hundred and thirty people expected to board. Abdi and I are the first
people here. But, everything just seems to be out of order. The driver is late, and there is a very small number
of people waiting to board the bus today. We waited two hours to get on the bus. The only thing that the
guards at the station ever said was to ask who had all of their information. After a long ride, the bus stopped
in the middle of nowhere and we were thrown off the bus and locked us in a shed with one guard. The sound
of my mothers voice spoke to me, Its too dangerous, over and over again. But I knew the time for that was
over. We had to find our way out of the storage. I mean it was only one guy and two of us, how hard could it
possibly be?
With a bit of a struggle, we got away and ran for hours until we found ourselves in a small village. Just
before we got to this village, there was a bus parked and covered with a white cloth and a lot of noise inside
the bus. I had no intentions of stopping and looking or even waiting for a second. I didnt want to get caught
by the guards again.
Suddenly, a man pops out and says, Lets go!! He leads us to a bus with others already on it. Kakuma
is only about two hours away from where we are, but soon I realized that this bus is not going to Kakuma, I
told Abdi, We are being kidnapped.
What should we do?
Stay calm and just see what happens.
The bus stops and the driver says, We are here. As soon as we get off the bus, I automatically knew
that we really were in Kakuma. I got off with a big smile on my face, happy to be home. I asked Abdi to follow
me home. Just ten minutes into our run to my house, I hear a loud PAW!! Abdi falls. Gun shot after gun shot,
and body after body is falling and Im still running just trying make it home. By the time I got home, I saw that
there is no longer a place to call home. The house that I left was ashes and barely standing.
Everything stopped. There were no longer gunshots and not one person was around. The only thing
that I could hear was, ALI DONT GO!!
 The Beginning of the End
Kaija Pate

The sun was bright, the birds were chirping, flowers were blooming, and the wind was a-whistling. Spring was in
full effect and the day had come for young Lily to do her spring cleaning. Spring was her favorite season, maybe
because her birthday fell in the spring season, or maybe it was just the refreshing sensation that came along when the
weather started warming up again. Either way, she loved the idea of the windows being opened, happy music being
played, and being able to smell the scent of pine sol while she cleaned the house with her aunt Missy. The two ladies
had a great time bonding with one another. Then Missy pointed to a pile of wool blankets and told Lily to run them up to
the attic.
When Lily walked up the stairs, she heard noises, but didnt think much of it because the house was big and old.
But when she opened the door the noise became keener as if someone was in the attic running. Lily decided to follow
the sound of the footsteps. She made her way down the corridor then suddenly, the other persons footsteps stopped.
She looked down in the distance and seen a petite figure that was sitting on the floor. She slowly approached the girl
and realized it was her best friend Sammy. Sammy was curled up in a ball sobbing and crying hysterically. Lilys heart
dropped. She wasnt sure she was really seeing her. Maybe she was just seeing things. She hadnt seen Sam for weeks,
not even at school. She quickly ran over to her friend to comfort her. There were so many questions and Lily didnt
hesitate to ask,
Oh my goodness Sam, whats wrong? Are you okay? Are you hurt?
Sam just kept crying, it was hard for Lily to keep from crying along with her. She sat down beside Sam as she held back
tears. It wasnt like Sam to cry, she was the strongest person Lily knew. Sam didnt speak and Lily didnt want to force
anything. She knew her friend would talk to her when she was ready. So in the mean time they just sat there while Sam
cried in Lilys arms without ever looking up. After about five minutes Sammy finally looked up, exposing her face which
contained a busted lip and bruised eye.
My mom left and my dad relapsed.
That one sentence left Lily heartbroken. Every time Sams dad was using, hed beat on Sammy. Sammy had
never said anything about it to anyone except Lily because she didnt want to get CPS involved. She really did love her
dad and she didnt want to be taken from her family.
I dont know Lil, I dont think I can take this anymore. It seems like each time is worse than the previous. Im
tired of being scared, missing school, and not being able to have a normal childhood. Its time for things to change now,
thats why I ran away...
Sam stood up, wiped her tears, and looked Lily in her eyes.
And you cant tell anyone Im here or else theyll take me back and things will be bad. Lily please dont tell. I
wont be any trouble. Ill stay up here and keep quiet. I just need somewhere to stay until he gets clean again or I find
my mom.
Lily just sat there as she tried to process everything. The two girls had grown up together. They were always the
best of friends, they were more like sisters. She didnt want Sam to have to go back to her dad. She also knew Sam
couldnt live in the attic forever because eventually someone would start looking for her. The truancy officer at school
had already asked her if she had seen Sammy lately. Lily didnt know what to do.
Lily thought back to a time when Sams dad was really nice. Hed take the girls out for ice-cream and take them
shopping. Then all of a sudden when he lost his job, he stopped with the outings. He started disappearing for days at a
time. When he did come around, he was always rude or passed out somewhere. He had lost a lot of weight to the point
where he looked sick. When Sams mom found out about the drugs, she moved into her own place. Ever since then shes
kind of been in and out of the picture.
Sitting in the back of the attic the girls talked about what to do. Lily wanted to tell her aunt Missy so bad about
Sams situation. She figured maybe Missy could talk the dad into becoming clean and staying clean this time. Aunt Missy
was a very persuasive woman. Lily just didnt want Sam to be angry at her for telling.
Sam hated her parents for treating her the way they did. She talked to Lily about everything and about how she
wished she had different parents who actually cared. Lily listened and wanted to be there for her friend but in a weird,
twisted way, Lily was jealous Lily thought, At least she has parents to complain about.
 When Lily was 6 her parents go killed in a car crash. So she never really had the chance to complain about them.
As she thought back, she never really had the opportunity to even build a relationship with them. Lily had always
wondered what it would be like if they hadnt gotten in that wreck. She had fantasies about the craziest of things. She
would think of getting into arguments with her mother and what the arguments would be about. But Sam had that
opportunity, both of her parents were alive. All it would take is one conversation to fix everything. Well at least thats
what Lily thought.
Lily did have one memory of her own father. She remembered being at the lake with her parents and her dad
teaching her how to fish. She remembered vividly him showing her how to bait a hook. As she continued to reminisce,
she starting thinking, maybe thats the reason she loved the spring so much. She remembered being happy and feeling
unconditional love from the people who mattered most to her.
She looked at Sam while she was still venting about her current situation. Thats when Lily interrupted. Sam
stopped speaking while she stared out the window.
I think maybe you should try to talk to him about it Sam. Maybe you should wait until hes sober with a clear
mind and talk to him about rehab being an option.
Maybe.
If you want me to, Ill come with you, that way you have some support.
Lily felt hopeful that hell be able to turn it around. She knew the old Richie (Sams dad) was in there
somewhere. He just had to be willing to go to rehab and try it out. If he was clean once he could be clean again and get
his family back together. Lily wanted for Sam what she didnt have for herself, which was a family. She loved her aunt
Missy and Uncle Johnny and she appreciated them more than they knew. But no one could ever fulfill the role of a
parent other than the actual parent.
Lily kept thinking of all the different outcomes. Would Sams dad really consider going to rehab? Would he want
to get his family back? Or what if hes content with his life now? Lily didnt want Sam to have to deal with his
inconsistency. Maybe her aunt Missy could adopt Sam too. That was always an option.
Lily remembered when her aunt and uncle first adopted her, it was right after her parents wreck. Lily had
always been Missys favorite. It was probably because Missy was unable to have children of her own and Lily was an only
child. Missy was always like a second mother to Lily. She was so grateful for her aunt. Missy was there when no one else
was. Missy was there when Lilys own parents werent able to be. Not only did she take Lily in but she made sure Lily
never went without anything. When her parents died, Lily didnt take it well. She didnt speak or laugh much. She kind of
just went through the motions. Missy was very understanding and patient with Lily. Lily would still think about her
parents and get sad from time to time. But for the most part she accepted everything for what it was. Missy showed Lily
what it was like to be happy again. If Missy could do that for Lily maybe she could do the same for Sam.
What if my aunt adopted you too?
Sams head shot at Lily while she squinted at her.
You mean like legit adopt me?
Yeah, why not?
Do you think she would do that?
She did it with me. Youre already here all of the time, you practically live here. The adoption would just be a
formality really. You could still visit your dad and everything. But this way you could leave when he decides to get out of
line.
Lily could tell Sam was really considering the offer.
I think thats a great idea. Shes always told me if I needed anything to come to her. I dont know why we hadnt
thought of this earlier. Missys always been there for me, as if she were my aunt too.
Do you really want to move in and be my roomie?
If you guys are willing have me, than yes, Id be more than happy to move in.
Lily thought about what her aunt and uncle would say about Sam moving in. She already knew they loved Sam.
They always treated her like family and made her feel comfortable when she came around. Lily wondered if they would
be able to financially take care of two kids. Lily loved Sam but she didnt want to burden her family and make them feel
obligated to adopt Sam if they couldnt afford to.
Lily remembered when she was younger she felt like a burden herself when they first adopted her. Missy let Lily
paint and decorate her whole room without complaining. Missy also got the backyard redone when Lily moved in so it
could be more kid friendly. She had an underground pool and swing set installed so Lily could go play and have a good
time when she had company. Previous to that, it was just a patio and a lot of grass. Missy made a lot of changes and
sacrifices to accommodate for Lilys needs. As Lily kept thinking she realized how fortunate she really was. Her family
wasnt necessarily rich but they were wealthy enough to live a comfortable lifestyle. She was sure they could take in Sam
and still be in and financially comfortable place.
The two girls just looked at each other smiling while they each fantasized how life would be once Sam officially
was a part of the family.
Lets go ask her right now that way you wont have to be on the run for a moment longer.
Im not really sure this is the best way to go about it Lily. Id love to move in with your family. I just dont want
my dad to feel like I dont love him anymore because I want to move out. Thats what he said when my mom left, he said
She left because she didnt care for him anymore. I dont want him to feel as if I dont care for him as well.
Lily thought back to when her cousins would always come visit her. The kids were children of Lilys uncle
Johnnys sister. They used to come every summer for the whole summer. She would have so much fun when they came
to visit her. It was like having 3 little siblings, something she always wanted. She remembered them having fun. But she
also remembers them crying a lot. During the day theyd play and have a great time. But at night time theyd always cry
for their mom. Lily never knew why the kids came to visit every summer but their mother didnt come with them. But
she was always told to stay out of grown folks business so she didnt ask. The youngest one would say, Her mom
didnt love them anymore, thats why they had to come visit.
Regardless of what the situation was, it always made Lily sad to hear the little one say things like that. Lily could
relate, she knew what it felt like to have no one and feel unloved. When her parents first passed, she had to spend a
little time in a foster home before her aunt and uncle were able to take her in. Lily couldnt relate to anyone in that
house, nor did she look like any of them. She felt so lonely. She didnt want anyone to feel how she felt when she was in
that home, not even Sams dad. No matter how mean he was, he didnt deserve to be miserable, lonely, and feeling as if
he isnt loved.
Lily didnt know what to do. She didnt know how to help her friend. She didnt want anyones feelings to be
hurt. In a daze, she realized her aunt Missy was calling her. Putting a finger to her lips signaling for Sam to be quiet, she
signaled for her to hide. She turned on her heel and starting running towards the door.
Im coming
 The Journey

Jazmin Mack

Bright light easing through the tree branches woke me up. As I opened my eyes a dizziness
came over me. I rubbed my face and had no clue of the day or time. I jumped up and looked at my
surroundings. I felt numb except being so hungry my stomach was rumbling more than the sound of the
cicadas. The only water I had was dwindling down, and my food supply was literally nothing. I tried to
stand up and stumbled into the tree next to the leaf pile where I was sleeping. When I regained my
balance, I started to walk towards the sound of water trickling down a stream. I cuffed my hands and
dipped my hands into the water and splashed my face to wake me up all the way. As I made my way
back to my things, I ran into a branch sticking out and gashed my leg. It began to bleed; the sight of
blood will always take me to that day.
Blood everywhere. The walls, floor, in the kitchen, and all over my clothes. I mean, of course
Ive seen a couple of corpses ditched on the side of the dirt roads, but my family is different. My
mothers lifeless body spread out on the couch and my fathers body parts scattered through the kitchen
was a reality I couldnt deal with. The Sunni rebels spared my sibling and me, but for what? If youre
taking my sun and moon, why not take the stars, too. Hearing the stories circulating the village of their
hate toward my Shia people didnt warn me of how deep that hatred ran. My sister, brother, and I were
walking home from school, and from a distance I saw our door hanging on its hinges. We all had a bad
feeling, and I just dropped my things and dashed to the house. Hawa screamed as I just stood there and
starred at the bloody massacre. My little brother, Amir, dropped to the floor. That day our world came
to halt.
The pain in my leg brought me back to my present predicament. After realizing how much blood
there was, I quickly got a shirt from my bag and ripped it up to rap around my gash. The shirt absorbed
the blood and I just laid there. I was tempted to start heading back towards the city, but where would I
go? My City used to be so beautiful, it was the place everyone wanted to be. All the markets and parks
used to be jam packed with people, but now are nonexistent to everyone. The buildings are blown to
smithereens and everything is run down. Ever since the President ruled, all Sunni people had to leave
my country, things havent been the same. I remember the first uprising. Loud screams, the sounds of
bombs flying, and people running around like chickens with their heads cut off. The Sunni were so
enraged and felt the need to show it. Killing children and families that were Shia, like us, were in fear
for our life. No one left their houses, traveled, and you would barely hear from other family members.
Even though the uprisings have died down, people still are in fear and have the same mindset.
I just continued to sit there, propped up against a tree like a doll. What felt like hours passed; I
started to doze off for a nap, until I heard movement in the bushes. I laid over on my side so I could
camouflage into the leaves and dirt. I began to hear voices.
She has been gone for almost three weeks and Ive been looking everywhere an unfamiliar
voice said.
Well, were going to keep looking because I need this money! She needs to be punished for
what she did, too, said another voice I thought I recognizes. Punished? Who could possibly go through
any more punishment?
Ophelia, screamed the first voice.
 I couldnt even begin to think who it could be. I sank down some more and tears began to fall.
My throat felt like it was closing, and I covered my mouth, trying eliminate any possible sound from
escaping. I could hear footsteps approaching me, and my stomach began to cramp up. This felt all too
familiar. After my parents died, we only had one relative willing to take my siblings and me in. My
uncle, Ibrahim, barely came around and wasnt the ideal parental guardian. He was about 45 years
old, going bald, with a beer belly. His house was fairly big to just have him staying there, but was very
messy. He would always say little inappropriate things that made my soul cringe. One night he made
his comments fulfill his fantasies and ignite
my worst nightmare. He told me to go into his room and wait for him. I already knew his
intentions but I had no choice but to go in there.
He slammed the door and once that first tear broke free, I couldnt contain the stream. I did not
have any more strength to fight back. His sweaty hands and fat body made me feel sick. The sound of
panting and the scent of alcohol shallowly traveled down my neck making my spine tingle. Its almost
like my struggle was more motivation for him. The person my parents trusted with my life, was taking
my dignity and setting it on fire. I couldnt take this any longer and I had to find a way to get away
from him. Every time he smiled, I turned the other way. Whenever he left, he told me hed be back as
he walked out of the room. One day, I ran into the closet and hid. He came back into the room and my
stomach dropped when he started to scream my name. I could hear his footsteps running through the
house, searching for me, just like the men searching for me in the woods were right then. I could barely
see through the leaves and twigs, but what I could see shoes approaching me.
Well we need to keep going, before she tries to leave town, growled the first voice.
The shoes I had gotten a tiny glimpse at were walking into the distance, and I could hear the
sound of crunching leaves. I waited about twenty minutes to move, just in case they came back through
my way. Regaining my breath, I decided to drink my last swig of water. I stood up, dusted myself off,
and gathered my things. Even though I didnt know where I was going, I knew to walk the opposite
direction from the two men. My legs began to tense up after walking for hours and I needed to find a
seat. I sat down to rest on a medium sized rock for a while. I rested my elbows on my knees, propping
my head up and started thinking. If Hawa and Amir were with me, they would encourage me to keep
going. Those kids were busy bodies and wouldnt want to stop and rest until the sun went down. In this
cruel world, they were all I had, and I didnt even have them anymore. Uncle Ibrahim hated them so
much, that when we moved into his house, he made them sleep in the basement. No food, clothes, and
they couldnt even come up to use the restroom. He would always tell me I was his prize possession.
The day he sent me to the store, I came back and he was sitting there smirking, and it wasnt the usual
evil look.
I was very confused and I asked him what was going on and he just laughed. He told me to go
get my brother and sister from the basement and help them get cleaned up. I didnt ask why, because I
knew he would shout at me. When I opened the door to the basement, they saw my face and ran up to
hug me. I embraced them and told them to come up stairs and take a bath. After they both got cleaned
up, he told me to tell them good bye.
What do you mean goodbye? I demanded.
Hawa started to panic and began having an anxiety attack. Amirs pupils got bigger and he
grabbed onto my arm and gripped it a tight as he could. He smiled and told them to come to him
immediately. They hid behind me as I covered them like a human shield.
You cannot just split us apart! Its not fair, to me or them, I said.
 Life isnt fair! Now shut up and take them around back. Dino will be waiting outside, all you
have to do is grab the bag he hands you and come back in the house said Ibrahim.
Who is Dino? Bag of money? What is this? I asked.
No more questions! Just do as I told you and tell them goodbye spit Ibrahim.
Hawa and Amir were begging and crying. I looked into their eyes and I saw only innocence. The
only people I had, and he was taking them away - just like that. I refused to let them go. I started to hug
them and told him I refuses to do what he asked. If they went, I went, too. He grabbed them both and
threw them outside, then looked at me and shook his head.
I was making things easy for you. All you had to do was listen! Now go in my room and wait
for me to get back said Ibrahim. My sister and brother screamed and begged to stay with me. I banged
on the door and dropped down on my knees. I knew that everything was gone. From that day on, I
wasnt myself anymore.
I was startled from my daze by a rain drop as it began to poor down rain. I needed to find cover.
I grabbed my bag and started running until I saw a small store that I knew wasnt far from my town. I
ran under the awning because the wind started to blow. The sun started going down and the man in the
store asked me to come in to dry off and wait until the rain passed. I walked in and the small television
hanging in the right hand corner behind the counter had the news playing.
There was a body found near Tadjoura and we are yet to identify the victim, said the reporter.
Victim? Ibrahim deserved everything he had coming to him. Every time he touched me, my
stomach turned upside down. I couldnt let him use me as his sex toy any longer and something had to
be done. My body started to shake just thinking of the last time Ibrahim grabbed me; I snapped. He got
in the car and told me that we needed to run some errands. We werent that far from the house before
he realized he left his money, so we went back. He winked at me when he got out of the car and it
really made me sick to my stomach. I had to put myself out of misery. I saw a screwdriver on the floor
next to my car door. I hesitated to grab it, but I really was over everything. I gripped it tightly, and
when I looked out the window I saw him walking back to the car. I hid it from his view and got myself
ready. When he got into the car, he started it and looked back to see if things were clear, and I knew
then that it was time. I struck him in the side of his neck. Blood splattered on my face, but I just kept
stabbing until all the pain released from my body. I got out of the car and ran into the house to get my
bags. I made sure to get water and a couple of snacks. I ran out of the house, put the screwdriver in my
bag and began walking. I was scared, because I was truly alone, found a tree to lay under; things after
that were a blur.
Reality came back to me when I felt a tap on my shoulder from the store owner. He asked me if
I needed anything; I told him I was fine. I knew Id have to leave that place before I got caught. I
needed to get my brother and sister; I could not just leave them behind. I started making my way out of
the door and smiled at the store owner. My mind was going everywhere. I didnt know where to start or
where they could be. I had to do right by my parents and get us all together, even though there was the
possibility they could be gone forever.
The search would be long and hard, but I was willing to make it. I put my bag over my left
shoulder and started walking. I begin getting soaked with rain, but I just keep walking, because the
journey begins now.
 The Wicked Tragedy of the West
TeShan Henry
Tony runs her fists through her hair as she violently trembles her right leg. Tears stream
down her cheekbones and her jaws clench sealed. She is broken, torn, and above all, frustrated.
Detective Sherman had exited the interrogation room to allow Tony to conclude. He was
not convinced of her innocence and no matter how many times Tony screamed, I didnt do it! I
didnt do it! I dont know what happened to him, he would not sway in her favor. She knows
what he sees when he looks at her: orphan, gang banger, drug lord, and now, murderer. She
knows no matter what she says, that he would never change his mind, and that infuriates her
even more.
An unanswered question lies on her mind. Dammit Charlie! How could you? How could
you take away the happiness of my baby and me? How, Charlie? How? She thinks back to when
Charlie was harmless. Her wide eyes full of joy, and shining with ambition. She was only four
years old, and Tony seven, when their father stabbed their mother to death in their suburban
home. Tony remembers this day as if it was yesterday.
Tony had overheard their dispute as she lay in bed; her father was extremely livid when
he discovered that his wife was having an affair. Hours later, police arrived dragging the two
young girls into custody and breaking the horrible news. Charlie did not quite comprehend.
When Tony was asked, Wheres mommy? she replied, Mommys in the sky, Charlie.
Charlie was awed, I want to go to the sky too! I want to play in the sky with mommy
and daddy!
Tony pulled Charlie closer to her chest. She exhaled, Daddy isnt in the sky. Daddy will
not be home for a long time. Hes on vacation.
As Charlie grew older, she became aware of her parents true whereabouts. She did not
let that get the best of her though; she flipped that tragedy into motivation of making something
of herself. Tonys childhood, on the other hand, was stripped away.
She sighs. You had so much potential.
Tony attempts to strain from crying, but her tears will not stop. She snuffles, Ugh, what
am I going to do? I cant go to prison; Im pregnant! She cringes at the words pregnant and
prison; they dont seem to correlate well. She glances at her belly, and rubs it in circular
motions. Oh my god! How did I get into this mess? her crackled voice echoes the room.
Police stations are extremely familiar to Tony. After her mothers death, the station
became her second home. She thinks about all the chaos she has been into since residing with
her sick grandmother in the West End. Tony initially gravitated to violence and the wrong
crowd, running with the toughest boys of the neighborhood. She began claiming colors and sets,
got involved in rivalries, vowed to protect her brothers, and lived by the street code. By age
13, Tony was selling marijuana, crack, and pills to support Charlie, her grandmother, and
herself. She was dedicated to making sure Charlie got to school on time, as she remained at
home during the school hours, hanging with the boys on the block and selling.
No one at Charlies school bothered her; everyone knew the consequences would be
Tony. Charlie didnt engage in friendships much, either. She prioritized two things: her sister
and her books. Therefore, every time she earned honor-roll, Tony rewarded her by taking her out
to eat.
Poor granny appreciated the support that Tony provided, but she valued her
granddaughters life much more. She always warned her, Youre going to end up dead the way
youre headed!
 Tony would reply with a smart remark, Thats why I keep my gun on me. Yes, Tony
had many encounters with the law, but never on a murder charge. She knows that it is already
embedded in the polices mind that she is a criminal, so how can she prove that she is not? Tell
the truth or take the fall? Charlie this is all your fault! You got me in this mess!
All these years Tony pledged to protect Charlie. She never in a million years imagined
that Charlie would throw her under the bus for murder, let alone, become so ruthless to commit
such a crime. Tony and her baby need the protection now. Yet she struggles whether or not to
reveal to Detective Sherman who the true murderer is.
She recalls the first time Charlie saw her sin. She was usually low-key with her dirty
work, but this day, in particular, was different. Cheese and Tony sat in front, and Rambo and
Charlie in the back, as they drove home from Charlies school talent show. Cheese gradually
stopped the car as the light flickered to RED. Tony turned around, passing the blunt to Rambo.
He wasnt paying attention, though. His eyes were glued to something outside the tinted
windows. He squinted and moved closer to the glass for better understanding.
Rambo! You lettin the blunt burn, Tony yelled impatiently.
Rambo ignored her. He tapped the glass, Aye! There go Bam and Mark! Cheese and
Tonys head snapped to the car on the left of them, and sure enough, it was them blasting music
with their windows down. Almost without warning, Rambo let the window decline. Tonys
stomach sank. Not in front of Charlie, she thought. But she knew that it was too late.
Aye! Rambo hollered out the window, capturing Bam and Marks attention. He pointed
his gun barrel out the window, Wassup, From Westside! Mark reached for his gun, but Rambo
was too swift. He pulled the trigger, letting the whole round loose. Bullets sank into the car,
blood splattering everywhere.
Cheese slammed on the accelerator, racing off in the car. As they sped off, Tony turned
to Rambo. She snapped, Why would you do that in front of my little sister!!!
He tucked his gun back in his pants. What do you mean why would I do that? Better
them than us!
Tony took a deep breathe. She turned her attention to Charlie. Charlie, baby, you
okay???
Charlie was amazed. It was something about the way the gun sparked and its loudness
that gave her a rush. She was in love with the gun; everything about it thrilled her. Yes, Im
fine, Tony
Doubt was all over Tonys face. Charlie flashed an assuring smile to erase any second-
guesses. Great, Tony replied. Just dont tell anyone what you saw today, Okay?
Okay, Charlie promised.
Ever since that day, there was a noticeable change in Charlies behavior. Her grades
began declining; she started receiving phone calls home and began starting drama with other
students. Tony punished her by not giving her money and grounding her. Charlie was clever,
though. She boycotted her punishments by using her old money to get grams of weed from peers
to sell to other students. Those grams eventually graduated to pounds, and soon, Charlie was
making her own little money.
Once Tony realized that her sisters behaviors were unstoppable, she learned to accept it.
She figured that if Charlie was going to be living this lifestyle that she should be right by her
side. Eventually the sisters became partners in business, and in a matter of time, they were
unstoppable together.
Tony shakes her head. So this is where everything started This is how Charlie became
a product of our environment.
 But now its Charlie or her baby boy. Charlie had the chance to, potentially, have a good
life. She ruined it. What about the baby? Give birth to him at prison, and let him be thrown into
the system, or tell on Charlie to avoid it all?
Tony is attached to the fetus growing inside her. All shes ever wanted was for him to
have a better life than shes had. He needs a fresh start. She doesnt want him to become a
product of the environment too
Suddenly, the knob on the door twitches. In steps detective Sherman. Her eyes stalk his
every movement. He pulls the chair out parallel from hers and crosses his hands together.
Detective Sherman makes eye contact. So, have you come to a conclusion about what
youre going to do yet?
She glares at him. He leans in closer, We know you know what happened to Rodney
Williams.
Her heart tenses immediately at the name, Rodney. The name arouses a variety of
memories, each one of them containing joy. One memory, her favorite, keeps replaying in her
head: when the two first met.
It was at the grocery store, and Tony had a ton of groceries to load into the trunk.
Excuse me, may I help you with that?
Tony glanced up, catching the strange mans gaze. She ignored him and continued to put
bags in the trunk. The man cleared his throat, Maam, may I help you with your groceries?
She snapped, I got it. Without warning, a new pair of hands were reaching for her
groceries. Tony shoved him. What is wrong with you? I SAID I GOT IT!
He raised his hands up in surrender, Woah, I was just trying to help.
I dont need your help.
Youre a feisty one, arent you?
She rolled her eyes in irritation. SO?
He smirked, So, I like feisty. She looked at him. She couldnt deny, he was handsome,
but Tony wasnt one of those girls that yearned for love. All she was concerned about was her
money, the block, Charlie, and her grandmother.
Oh, really? she said sarcastically.
He nodded, Yes, really.
She chuckled, I will literally ruin your life. Im no good. She was serious, too. The man
ignored her, though. He continued to apply pressure.
I think I can keep up. Tony rolled her eyes, and shut the trunk. She felt as if she were
being taken as a joke. He followed her.
Bad girls need love too, he added.
Look! Can you PLEASE leave me alone?
He paused. Only if you give me your number?
She sighed. Ugh, Okay. He passed her his phone.
When she handed it back he grinned, Mhm Tony? She nodded. He continued, I like
that. My name is Rodney.
She flashed a smile. A real smile. Nice to meet you, Rodney. And she meant it. She
couldnt comprehend why, but she wanted to give him a chance. She found his persistence
attractive.
Nice to meet you, too, he smiled back. It wasnt long after she pulled out the parking
lot that her phone was ringing. It was him, Rodney.
Suddenly, Tony is full fledge reminiscing. From their first phone call, to their first date,
to their first kiss. From when they first introduced each other to their families, to when they first
discovered that they were having a family of their own.
 Rodney and their unborn baby is the reason Tony committed to becoming trouble-free.
He was the only good thing that has ever come into her life. He made her feel alive, although all
shes ever known was murder. And the fetus growing inside her? She only wants a better life for
him than shes had.
But now Rodney is gone. She cant help but to think of her warning she gave him. I will
literally ruin your life. Oh, Rodney! She grabs her chest. Her tears are falling hysterically. She
has trouble catching her breathe.
I dont know anything! she struggles to say it over her cries.
Oh, yeah? Then why were you caught on surveillance tape leaving the scene with blood
on your clothing at approximately 9:30 pm?
Her eyes grow wide with fear. Detective Sherman notices her reaction; he senses a
confession coming on. Tony, frustrated, grabs her hair. No! No! No! They got it all wrong! Its
all a misunderstanding!
Tony had found Rodneys body in their apartment after a long day at work. He was lying
in the living room in a pool of blood with three gunshot wounds to his chest. Blood flooded his
mouth. When Tony saw his body, she ran to his aid immediately. BABY! BABY! OH MY
GOD! WHO DID THIS TO YOU? She was already sobbing.
As he tried to speak, blood came out his mouth instead of words. Baby, talk to me! Talk
to me! Who did this to you?
Rodney fluttered his eyes. Stay up, baby! Stay awake!
He gurgled, Ch-Ch-Ch-Charlie
Tony was confused. Charlie what, baby? Hold on for me. For us! She tried to comfort
him.
Charlie did this, he managed.
Tony was baffled. She kept thinking it was all a dream, but it was not, and suddenly,
there was no more of Rodney. Tony wailed and wailed and begged him to wake up. She kept
telling him that she loved him and that she and the baby need him, but he still didnt wake up.
Soon, police arrived after a neighbors report of hearing gunshots. Once she heard the sirens, she
panicked and fled the scene. She didnt know what to do.
That whole night she couldnt sleep; she cried and cried, and eventually cried herself into
the next morning. She hasnt heard from Charlie since the day of it all.
Tony, after going over all the possibilities Charlie would want to hurt Rodney, finally
realizes. Oh my god! I left my sister! She felt abandoned and blamed Rodney for my good deeds!
Tony starts to feel guilty. Charlie and Tony always only had each other, and Tony left her in the
streets alone. She left her for Rodney and their baby.
I created this monster. I introduced her to this street life. I MADE her this way! Tony
looks up. Oh, Rodney, baby! Im so sorry! She rubs her belly, and speaks to their unborn son.
Mommy is soooo sorry, she whispered.
She wants justice for Rodney, but her sister is the murderer. She wants a better life for
her baby boy, but it is complicated. She knows what she has to do: stick to the street code.
Remain solid. She has always been Charlies keeper.
Tony takes a deep breathe. Detective Sherman I killed him. I killed my boyfriend,
Rodney.
 I Am Soul
Jayla Evans

Everything in pink hand

Arm reach

Wonder how you got your arms to reach

Everything dont belong to you

You put your name on something and called it America

However, you will not put your name on me

This body

This soul

He say teach her how to speak white

Lose her jive

No dancing unless it is on me

Teach me how to dance black drill

Am I not woman?

Or am I too woman for you not to mess with

Too woman for existence

I am more than just body

I am soul
 Books We
Recommend
 Sada Wane
Ghosts of War by Ryan Smithson
Harper Teen, 2010. 352 pages.

The Ghosts of War is a non-fiction story about a young man by the man of Ryan
Smithson. At his junior year in high school, the world trade center, 9/11 is attack by terrorist
I never thought of myself as living history before 9/11. History was something that had
already happened, something that I studied in school. It came out of a textbook. It was
hearsay, not real enough. My mind tried to tell me, I was watching movie. After the 9/11
attacks, he joined the military, and went to basic training, then deployed to Iraq. At the end
of the book, Ryan Smithson really opened his eyes and tells us, Without war, there is no
peace. The Ghosts of War shows reader what being a true American means; , it encourages
you to do good for your country. Ryan Smithson tells us, Without Faith everything is nothing. Without Faith
God is nothing; without faith Allah is nothing; without faith Buddha is nothing; without it; We are nothing.

De'Sha Skipper
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Vintage Books, 1970. 206 pages.

This novel takes place around the 1970s; it puts you into the life of a young black girl
named Pecola who was teased for how dark and ugly she supposedly was. This made her
desire to be beautiful so people wouldn't treat her like she was nothing. To the people
around Pecola, beauty meant having blue eyes, white skin, and blond hair. On top of
getting bullied at school, she would come home to a drunk dad and a fed up mom. They got
into physical fights all the time. She also had a runaway brother who she envied for not
taking her with him. Pecola ended up moving in with a family after her dad set their house
on fire, and there she meets two sisters who she befriends. The message in the book is to
accept yourself and know youre beautiful within yourself. Often people see models as
perfect, but in reality, no one is and everyone has their flaws. At the end of the day, this
makes you human. People who judge others by their looks should read this book and learn
to look deeper at the people they meet.

Caletta Richards
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
Simon & Schuster, 1961. 453 pages.

Captain John Yossarian, a world War ll bombardier, is stationed on the Island of Pianosa.
He is a person who seeks to protect his own life by fleeing to the hospital, since a catch
22 in the air force regulations prevents him from being treated for illness. The airmen
repeatedly avoid combat missions that appear to lead to death. For example, when an officer
refers to a string on s map representing the front line, Yossarian secretly moves the string so
the mission is cancelled. He eventually decides to escape, but is determined that such an
action deems him mentally fit for duty. In the real world, there are those in the military who
will make up anything to get out. Reading this book changed taught me a lot because I
didnt know anything about the military or the soldiers of WW ll. It explained why any pilot
would request mental evaluation for insanity, hoping to be found too sick to be able to fly,
and thereby escape dangerous missions. My father would enjoy reading this book because he is a veteran and he
will always identify with military history.
 Dwayne Vega
Twilight by Stephanie Meyers
Little Brown, 2005. 544 pages.

This book is about a young girl who moves in with her father and ends up falling in
love with a vampire. This creates problems with the vampires life because the
Volturi do not support communication between mortals and vampires. The message
is that its not whats on the outside that counts itss on the inside that counts. This
book taught about girls way of thinking while in a relationship. This would be a
good book for females and open minded young men.

Mykiah Morris
The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
Doubleday, 1906. 290 pages.

This book mainly uncovers the truths about labor workers and the unsanitary work
conditions they encountered. The book focused on, "Unnoticeable things a dawn,
what's done in the dark comes to the light." Whatever you're trying to hide, will
eventually come out. There are people in third world countries still living like it's
1906. Dirty water, children working in factories for to meet ends, and unclean meat
causing sickness and disease. It opened my eyes and expanded my mind, making
me appreciate my life a lot more. This book will humble the most selfish person.

Channing Taylor
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Scholastic Corporation, 2012. 384 pages.

In North America, the Capitol of Panem has 12 districts. They force them to pick a
boy and a girl, called Tributes, to compete in a nationally televised event called the
Hunger Games. People from each district must watch as the youths fight to the death
until only one remains. District 12 Tribute, Katniss Everdeen has no help other than
her hunting skills and quick reflexes, in an arena where she must survive by killing
each other until the last tribute is standing.
 Kaija Pate
Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Chapman & Hall. 1859. 341 pages.

This is basically a love story. It's about a woman named Lucie. Lucie thought her dad was
dead. Eighteen years later she found out he was in prison. Her lover, Charles was in and out
of trouble. He got sentenced the death penalty but since this other guy named Sydney Carton
was in love with Lucie and looked like Charles they switched places. So Sydney Carton died
and not Charles. It took place in London and Paris during the revolutionary war beginning in
1775. A message from this book that stands out to me is love can make you do crazy
things. People continue to do crazy things for the people they love today. You see some
people taking charges for their boyfriends/girlfriends all of the time. If you like long
readings, dramas, or love stories you would enjoy this book.

Breana Carey
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Ticknor, Reed and Fields. 1850. 127 pages.

The Scarlet Letter was about a woman who committed adultery and had to wear the letter
A, which means Adultery, on her chest to show her shame. This took place in the 1850s in
Boston when the punishment for adultery was far worse than in todays world. The message
of this book is to think about the consequences before you do a crime. Long ago, when you
did a crime, you might even get your finger or hand cut off. Anybody who likes to read will
enjoy this book because it has a lot of deep thoughts and feelings about this one particular
situation.

Sada Wane
Of Beetles & Angels by Mawi Asgedom
Megadi Books, 2001. 142 pages.

Of Beetles & Angels is a heart-touching memoir of a boy's remarkable journey from a

refugee camp to Harvard. The message of the book is that no matter where you come from,
you can be successful in life if you work hard and believe in yourself. Mawi, he was a
refugee, his parents did not have the money to buy him books... but he worked hard and
earned a full tuition scholarship to one of the best colleges in the world. Success isn't about
how much money you make but how many lives you change. People coming from poor
counties will mostly enjoy this book because some of them will be able to relate to Mawi's
story.
 Eleven by Sandra Cisneros
Tamia Smith
The overall message in the short story Eleven written by Sandra Cisneros, is that no matter
how old you get, you still have moments of insecurity and uncertainty that remind you of times
you were a child. At times you will feel the younger you coming to the surface. Regardless of
how old you are at the moment, you will still have a few childish ways. Your past and your
experiences shape the person that you are today. The world and everyone in society wants and
pushes everyone to grow up so fast at a young age, which causes emotional issues throughout the
world.
The author addressed this concern by using an incident in school where the teacher
embarrasses the eleven year old girl and makes her regret not being able to speak up for herself;
this is because of her childlike ways of her younger self. It is the eleven year old girls birthday.
She talks about how, even though she is eleven, she doesnt feel like she is eleven. She still feels
ten. During the incident at school, she becomes emotional and cries (something her younger self
would do.) A certain moment in her life caused her to become emotional. The teacher tried to tell
her that, because of her age, she should not act that way, and that she should grow up.
The author uses the girls thoughts to convey the difficulty of growing up and becoming
an adult. She understands that people display the characteristics of the ages they have passed. She
understands that although she is eleven, she can still be scared like she is five, or cry like she is
three. The conversation between the girl and her teacher ends up badly because the girl believes
that age dominates and that if you are older, you are automatically right. The dialogue shows the
girls personality and how she thinks as a person.
She says, Because the way you grow old is kind of like an onion or like the rings inside a
tree trunk or like my little wooden dolls that fit one inside the other, each year inside the next one.
Thats how being eleven years old is. The girl is referring to how when you grow up or turn a
certain you arent just that age, you are all of your younger ages combined. She also says, Today
I wish I was one hundred and two instead of eleven because if I was one hundred and two Id have
known what to say when Mrs. Price put the red sweater on my desk. So one day when you are
crying and embarrassed, you are your younger self, but when you are mature and able to speak up
for yourself, you are considered your older self.
Today, people are expected to act their age at all
times. Sometimes it is not possible to always act your age
because your younger self is always within you, regardless of
your age. If everyone acted so mature and grew up so quickly,
we would not have most of the creative and different people
that we have in the world today. It would be a blunt world.
Your experiences when you are young are what make you the
person that you are today. Without those experiences, we
would not be the strong individuals that we are.

Story from: Woamn Hollering Creek. Vintage, 1992.

 Madison Barbour

Crazy by Han Nolan

Graphia, 2012. 348 pages.

Crazy by Han Nolan is about a boy named Jason who has Schizophrenia, a dead
mom and a crazy father. Jason is a high school boy who struggles every day in school and
at home. He has to learn to survive while around peers at school and around his father at
home. When Jason was little, his father tried to bury him alive in fear that fairies were
going to attack him. While Jasons father was away in a mental facility, his mother died
and he was left to deal with his father. Jason is simply trying to survive in his crazy little
world. This book really takes you on a journey in a teenage boys mind. You get to meet
some of the people in his head and read how he reacts with them on a daily basis. This
book has a rating of 5 out of 5. It lets us know just because you have a crazy lifestyle
doesnt mean you cant have normal relationships with normal people. Also that were all a little crazy inside

Brionna Raeshell Prayer

The Prada Plan by Ashley Antoinette

Honey Jones, 2009. 785 pages.

Disaya Morgans parents were not ideal. Her mom was a prostitute and her dad was her
moms pimp. They were living the fast life. One day, her world came crumbling down.
Here mom got killed by her dads mistress and her dad got sent away for the
murder. Disaya was sent to a foster home and met her best friend. They ended up running
away. They needed a plan to make money and fast. And thats when they came up with the
Prada plan. When youre getting money, its all good in the beginning. But when your best
friend gets aids and you have someone coming after you, money is not going to help you.
This book teaches teenagers that money is not worth compromising your life.

Christina Russell

Shattered by Kia Dupree

Grand Central Publishing, 2012. 384 pages.

Kikis world turned upside down when her partially deaf mother loses custody of her
children, sending Kiki and her siblings into foster care. After running away with a friend,
the two ran straight into the arms of a pedophile in disguise. He leads the girls into a
dangerous life too mature for 16 year olds. They were held captive for months. Kiki and
Meg were eventually set free when a neighbor exposes them. But Kiki couldnt stop being
in the life she was accustomed to. This book teaches teens to make better decisions or face
the consequences. Kiki went through a lot that she didnt have to because of the decisions
she made. Like buying things you dont need when you know you have bills. Do you want
the water on or some new shoes? Its all about doing whats logical. This book made me
think of the way some of my decisions have affected me and whether they were beneficial or not. Sometime
people do have to look back and reflect and actually say you know what, I could have done this and this better
or I should have done this for a better outcome. People aged 14-18 would enjoy reading this book because it
talks about real life scenarios. Thats what young adults around my age look forward to reading, something to
relate to.
 Tamerrea Macklin

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

Bloomsbury press, 2009. 371 pages.

Micah is a girl who lies about everything to feel accepted with certain crowds, and to try to
make new friends, but she loves being herself. By lying, all the time, about the littlest things,
it often gets her into trouble, and draws bad attention towards her. Her little lies always turn
into big lies. Anyone who lies for attention, or just lies because they are afraid to be
themselves. I honestly believe that they would enjoy this book because it teaches you to
enjoy the skin that you are in, and never worry about what the next person has to say.
The message from the author is never lie. You shouldnt lie because it always turns into something bigger .You
dont need to, nor should you, lie to feel accepted. You should always be yourself no matter what situation you
are in, or what type of crowd you are in

Alize Nicole Jones

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

Back Bay Books, 2004. 352 pages.

Lovely Bones is about a teenage girl who was framed and trapped by a man who lived in
her neighborhood. The teenage girls name is Susie Salmon. The man who kidnapped,
raped and killed her, is Mr. Harvey. The story is about how she watches (from beyond) her
family struggle trying to move on without her being found. The author wants the reader to
take care and never walk home alone or go with a stranger even if they live in your
neighborhood. You have to always have some type of guard up, because people will be out
to get you without you even noticing it. This book made me realize that the same person
who smiles in your face, or even your parents, can be the same person keeping one of the
deepest secrets. It also made me carry myself differently and always be strong minded in every situation I run
into.

TeShan Henry

The Host by Stephanie Myer

Back Bay Books, 2013. 656 pages.

In the fascinating novel, earth is invaded by an unseen enemy, souls, that seizes
the brains of human hosts, although leaving the body intact. Wanderer, the invading soul
who occupies Melanies body, finds her former tenant refusing to allow possession of her
mind. As Melanie remains a silent whisper in Wanderers head, she fills Wanderers
thoughts with visions of Jared, Melanies human lover who avoided invasion by living in
hiding; Wanderer soon begins to long for a man shes never met. Joining as reluctant allies,
Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love. The theme of this novel
is appreciation: Do not take what you have for granted, for it can be taken away at any
moment. Humanity takes the simplest of things in life for granted daily. The moral of
appreciation can be identified through the authors usage of settings. We humans even take our own homes for
granted, including me! I am lucky to even have electricity, heat, and a clean, stable environment to stay in
because, in reality, some people are living just like Melanie in hidingIn conclusion, we humans have to stop
taking our things we have for granted. The Host has made me realize that it can all be taken away in a matter of
seconds. I hope the future readers of this book have the same change of mindset as I have. NOTHING in life is
promised! Be thankful!
 J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y P U B L I C S C H O O L S

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