The Ongoing Fate

By Emily Pritchard

Emily Pritchard October 25, 2010 Period 5 Gothic Lit. Assessment

Jules Charlie Pardanon

Personally, I, Jules Charlie Pardanon think that dying was probably the best thing that's ever happened to me...and the worst. When you're dead, you can do whatever you want, watch the world get more and more advanced, travel the world when you want, do what you want, everything's completely in your control. But it was also the worst clearly because I didn't get to complete my life, I never got a job, I never went to college, I never really lived on my own, I never got married, I never had kids, I never got to perhaps go to a son's football fame, or a daughter's ballet recital, I never got to grow old. I never even got a first kiss. I never got to fall in love, I never got to have grandchildren, anything. Many times I feel that my life just could have been really great. But I guess I'll never know. So I go about my duties I set for myself, cleaning. All I've done today is sweep the living room, but that's only because a family just moved in. Who wouldn't want a beautiful 4,000 square foot house in the mountains of Boulder, Colorado? They consisted of two parents, a daughter, and a son. I have yet to have learned any of their names, but what does it matter? I mean, eventually I will, but it isn't like I'm going to talk to them, if I didn't they would probably freak out and move out as soon as they could. And when

people move in, it's good. Because I get to watch the movies they watch, see how they all get along with each other and so on. Like, I could watch the little boy grow into the man I never got to become, and I could read the girl's diary as she writes it. I'd get to learn about her secrets, her life outside the house, her friends, homework, relationships and other memorable moments of her life. Jeez, I could follow them to school if I wanted. I could follow their family and pretend I'm part of it, but why would I want that? Being alone is just too nice. I sit back and relax on the family's red couch. It's much comfier than anything that would have been made in my time. Clop!Clop!Clop! I look over to find the girl standing next to the coffee table. She's staring right at me, but as I stare back into her own eyes, I can tell she doesn't really see me. Seconds pass, she's still staring at me, this very thing makes me wonder if I'm really in my transparent mode. Don't be stupid, of course you are, you're relaxed. When I'm relaxed, I'm in my transparent mode. To become opaque, or even translucent, I have to really strain myself. Once I'm non-translucent I'm a little relaxed, but my muscles hurt, I mean, come on, I just pushed myself into another dimension. The girl starts to proceed toward me, or should I say the couch. I hadn't realized this before, but she's really quite pretty.

Lulu Marie Fixleton

Lulu Marie Fixleton stared in horror at the red couch. No, it can't be! No, Lulu, your soft clay sculpture that you've been working on for months is not wedged in the couch. All that hard work is not right now smushed, in a couch. Lulu started towards the cherry red couch in complete horror. No!Wait, it's not squished, and was that a shine? Quickly Lulu picked up the sculpture to find that it was hard as a rock with a nice glazed shine. Oh yeah! Sorry Lulu, I forgot to tell you! But Mr. Draskerson came by to pick up your sculpture on Monday, as you can very well see, it's done! Through the kiln, glazed and everything! Lulu blankly stared back at her Mom for a second before realizing what she's said Really! Oh my gosh, that's great, I didn't actually think that Mr. Draskerson from, Crackpots was it, would come all of the way up here! I know right! My Mom replied. I'll go put this in my room. Lulu said as she kicked off her shoes. She ran up the stairs to her room which was still mostly boxes. Relieved that her sculpture wasn't crushed, she put it on a shelf to admire for a second. It looked good, really good actually. The colors were great, green, blue, and purple never failed. Today was a good day. Bright blue skies with the Flatiron mountains standing majestic and tall. To make things better, she didn't get into a fight with anyone. Usually Lulu's Mom and her fought about something, mostly stupid things, too. She didn't know why, but still it didn't change their

relationship, like today they got along. With a cheesy smile on her face Lulu sauntered over to her ipod in deliberate need of music at the moment. She sat on her bed and listened to Green Day while thinking, specifically about the house. It was a nice house, but also very, very old. Much older than any other her family had ever lived in. It was build in 1900, it was currently 110 years old. But even having been build so many years ago, it was still a beautiful shining gem. It's paint had been redone many times, the walls repainted, the floors redone, and kitchen counters and fridge replaced, a brand new island added, the old door knocker replaced with an automatic doorbell, the roof redone, electrical outlets added, and so on. But also many parts of the house hadn't been renovated, like the basement, of course. It was also fun to think about the house's history. All of the families that shared Christmas's and birthdays in the house... There were a lot, until 1931, it was said that family of four were murdered here. Sad, but it happened 79 year ago, simply something that should definitely be forgotten if anyone planned on living comfortably. Lulu had heard of ghosts in places with heavy histories, a place like this. Lulu wasn't really sure about how she viewed ghosts. So many people claimed to have seen ghosts, and not all of those times had to be 'mistakes' right? Well then...? Lulu wasn't sure what to think and never really had. But either way the house was lovely and surely nothing could haunt such a

beautiful place. The smell of macaroni and cheese floated up to Lulu causing sudden pangs of hunger. Lulu? Said Lulu's Mom, It's time to eat! Lulu tossed her ipod onto her desk and proceeded into the hallway. The hall was brightly lit and the cream colored carpet was soft and lush. Lulu's mom stood on the thick cedar wood stairs checking her Blackberry. Is Dad home yet? Lulu asked hesitantly. Lulu's Mom began down the stairs, Oh, no, he should be here soon. Dang! Lulu thought, the only way to get her Mom to agree with her getting a permit was to have Dad on her side. Oh, well, I'm just going to have to do it without him, Lulu rounded the corner into the dining room where a meal of macaroni and cheese, salad, and pumpkin pie sat. It's out first meal in our new house! Lulu's Mom clarified happily. Mmm...looks good. Lulu says as she hesitantly lingered around her seat. Sam, Lulu's younger brother of 8, hungrily eyed the can of cool whip. What's wrong? Lulu's Mom asked, Lulu noticed that she looked a lot like her Mom. Her Mom's hair a dark brown, hers dark brown, her Mom's eyes green, her eyes green, her Mom's skin pale, hers olive, her Mom no freckles, and Lulu, freckles across the bridge of her nose. Other than the freckles and skin tones they looked really alike. Mom's so happy...Lulu thought, she didn't want to ruin things, but

when else was she to introduce the topic? Slowly, Lulu sat down and tucked her hair behind her ear. I want to get my permit. Lulu's Mom's face tightened, and suddenly her skin looked too tight, but surprisingly she didn't blow. Lulu, we've already been through this. Mom? Can we eat desert first today? Sam asked already knowing the answer. Sam...no, I'm sorry hon. You can start eating, Lulu and I are going to talk. Awwwww... Sam whined, Lulu watched Sam pick up his fork and start to stab at the cheesy macaroni elbows. Lulu, we've been through this before. Teaching you to drive is not safe right now. We live in the mountains, Lulu, I don't want to accidentally fall down a slope or something. But you can teach me in Boulder, in a parking lot, and I'll just never drive home for safety reasons. See? It all works out. Lulu could tell by the look on her Mom's face that she wasn't going to win the battle, which angered her.. But I have to learn some day! Lulu's Mom uncomfortably folded her hands in her lap. And today just won't be the day, or tomorrow, or the next day, or anytime this year! It's October, Lulu. Roads are going to start getting icy,

there's going to be snow storms, blinding snow storms- So why don't I start learning now?! Lulu, are you crazy, first snow's going to arrive at any second, and do you know how expensive the insurance would be?! Mom! You keep putting it off! I'm going to talk to Dad about this as soon as- I already talked to Nick about it. We bother agreed not yet. Ugh! Lulu rose in anger from her seat. you're smuggling me! You're never going to let me do it, never! Lulu's Mom's forehead wrinkled in frustration. I'm not talking about this and I guarantee you neither will your father. Ugh! It's not fair! I'll bet you got your permit by the time you were sixteen! Lulu said as she begin to walk away. Mom, did someone die in out house? Lulu heard Sam ask. Yes, honny. A whole family of four. Isn't it sad? I think about it a lot. How did you find out? Lulu didn't know why, but she got angrier as her Mom said those things. It doesn't matter! It happened 79 year ago! Let's just forget about it! Let's NOT think about it a lot! People are always stressed! Well, why don't they stop thinking about stressful things! That might fix things, gee, I don't know! Infuriated, Lulu stormed up the steps, listened to hear what her

Mom would say. So, um, Sam, how did you find out again? Kids at school told me... Sam's voice faded away as Lulu slammed her door. She was mad, really mad, and to wash it all away, she'd go to bed. Clear her mind for a good ten hours. It was a Saturday night, she was supposed to be staying up late, not going to bed early, but things that weren't accounted for always ended up happening. Anxious to clear her mind, she slipped into her pajama's, turned off the light and climbed into bed. Luckily, I only had to lay there for a couple of minutes until I drifted off to sleep. Sarah? Sarah?! Sarah! Sarah was dead. All that remained on the train tracks was her flowery pink shoe. Splattered with blood. Sarah was dead! I saw the train coming! What was wrong with me?! Why didn't I say anything?! Was it because I was only six?! Lulu jerked up, traumatized. Just as she'd been before when she was six. Lulu hated reliving the moment, even through a dream, she'd been emotionally unstable since then. Lulu blinked in the darkness of her room. The only light came through the tiniest slits of her blinds. That's when Lulu saw it. The figure. Curled up tightly in the corner. A person! His eyes dark, his mouth curled into a smile. A taunting smile, a smile that said Haha! Yeah! I'm looking at you! Whatcha gonna do about it! His presence froze Lulu's heart in its tracks. His face.

Lulu wanted to scream, she wanted to stop the thumping in her chest. Calm down, calm down, it it's just Sam wearing a creepy mask, you don't want to make him think that he actually scared you..No! It can't be Sam! Sam's much smaller! Lulu felt too afraid to move, she felt frozen, paralyzed. Just a pile of clothes, Lulu. Just a pile of clothes, chill. Turn on the light. It's just a pile of clothes. Lulu calmly said her herself out loud. Slowly, Lulu slid out from underneath her blanket, and stood. Part of her didn't want to turn on the light, it wanted to jump back into bed and hide under the covers. But the other part of her wanted to sleep in peace, knowing that it had just been a pile of clothes. Quickly Lulu sprinted to the other side of the room where the light switch was. She looked back at the figure once more. It was staring at her! With that creepy grin! Automatically Lulu switched on the light, fearing what she would see. And what she saw was...nothing. Lulu saw an empty corner, completely empty. She turned the light back off. Still, nothing, so she turned the light back on. Still nothing, but something was there. Something was just in her room. Someone was just in her room. Frightened, Lulu quickly scanned her room for whatever had been there earlier. Still, nothing. It wasn't as if Lulu hadn't seen it because she knew quite clearly that she had. Did she just see a ghost?! She must have! This here was a boy that she'd hadn't ever seen in all her life, a boy who was unpleasantly, very unpleasantly, staring and grinning ghoulishly at her. And

now...a second later, he was gone. He'd disappeared. Right before Lulu's eyes. When the lights came on, he was gone. Lulu's heart was beating briskly, stricken with fear, she wasn't sure if she was ready to go back to bed, or even if she could. No, she couldn't, slowly she opened her door, and slipped out into the thick, velvety darkness. The caliginosity began to play tricks on Lulu's eyes, a person at the end of the hall, a face floating in midair, she couldn't take it, nearly stumbling over her feet, she switched on the hallway light and quickly analyzed her surroundings. Good. Nothing. Lulu crept down the hall to the only person who would comfort her just by being there. Sam's room. Sam, because she hadn't fought with him earlier in the day, and he wouldn't care if she came to sleep beside him. Quietly, Lulu opened the door and tiptoed over to Sam's race car bed. It was perfect for him, but a little on the short side for her. Gently, she pushed Sam over to one side of the bed, he stirred a bit, but didn't wake. Lulu laid down beside him, resting her head on the remaining couple of inches left of unoccupied pillow. 5 HOURS LATER What are you doing here? Lulu heard Sam say, voice full of confusion. Slowly Lulu opened her eyes, Sam's room was bright and happy, the green wallpaper that the house came with was dazzling with the sun's brilliant rays upon it.

I said, what are you doing here?! Sam repeated. Suddenly the reason she was, in fact, here came flooding back to her. The boy, in her room. Oh, you know, it was kinda cold in my room, I couldn't sleep very well. Lulu didn't like to lie, but no way was she about to tell Sam that she'd seen a ghost in her room. He would think her crazy instantly. Um, okay...? Sam said as he left the room. Lulu's thoughts were spinning around last nights terror endlessly, but she had to move on. Lulu got up out of Sam's bed, Sam's comfy and warm bed and proceeded on into the hallway. As she neared her room, fear arose, small at first, and then overwhelmingly. She didn't like the fact that the ghost of the house was for some reason drawn to her room. Come on, Lulu, whatever was there before, isn't still there now. Lulu pushed open the door and strode right on in. See, nothing, Lulu told herself in relief. Lulu rapidly collected her outfit for the day and a couple of accessories before moving on to the bathroom. She showered a steamy shower, a notch warmer than she usually did. The mirror was foggy, which made doing her makeup a bit tougher than usual. Even when Lulu tried to wipe away the moisture with a towel, instead, the mirror became fuzzy and dull. Next, breakfast, Lulu wasn't sure if she was ready to see her Mom yet, but her growling stomach and pangs of hunger made the decision for her. When she strode downstairs, she listened to see who was in the

kitchen. ...yeah. This was the one. This was the family. Doesn't it make you sad, Nick? Lulu heard someone shuffle in their seat. Well, yeah, it's sad, it really makes me think sometimes, you know? Yes, exactly, yeah, but I don't think Lulu likes the topic very much. I guess I don't blame her. Lulu then walked in startling both her parents and Sam who had been quietly reading one of The Magic Tree House books. Good morning, Lulu. Her Dad said warmly. Lulu could tell that her Mom must have told him about their argument. He was still, and had an almost fake smile plastered on his face. Morning. Lulu replied. There's some scrambled eggs left in the pan. Her Mom said. Thanks. Lulu replied, annoyed. She grabbed a plastic bowl and began to spoon the eggs in. Also, in case you were curious, there's a picture of the family that died. Her Dad added as he sipped his coffee. Lulu, not wanting to upset both her Mom and Dad, stole a glance at the black and white photo. I see. Lulu said about to leave, when suddenly someone in the picture caught her eye. On the far left, was a boy Lulu's age. His face was familiar. He was...the boy she'd seen in her room last night. No, it can't be. She breathed in utter horror. The boy who'd died was haunting the house. Fear swept over here, the boy could be anywhere in

the house. In the house. 'It can't be' what? her Dad asked, taking another sip of his coffee. Oh, nothing, Lulu quickly replied, I just didn't know that a young little toddler was in the family. Lulu eyed the second little boy before going back upstairs to her room. She more than anything wanted to eat downstairs with her family where the treacherous boy wouldn't dare show himself. But Lulu had to get over her fear. He probably wouldn't show himself ever again. Lulu went directly to her room without hesitation. Right when she closed the door, she felt the need to escape instantly. But instead sat down in her spin chair to try to enjoy her breakfast. The eggs were bright yellow and tasted genuine. Lulu spun around to view her room. She popped more egg into her mouth, and another spin. But this spin was different. The last time her head was down getting egg when passing her bed. But this time, she saw her bed, and on it sat the boy. The plastic bowl slipped from Lulu's hands falling quietly to the lush carpet. Shock, panic, and fear arose within, Lulu's heart thumped rapidly in panic. The boy wasn't the least bit average for what one would expect. He had blonde hair that fell over his forehead, and black eyes that blended in with all of the black around his eyes. His lips ere a dark, dark, dark blue, they almost looked black. Plus, hie face was a smooth pale ivory, his skin looked like porcelain. His shirt was by Hurley, and he wore a Volcom jacket,

plus blue and silver mesh shorts. Tears of fear began to roll down Lulu's cheeks as she continued to stare at the boy, he was a very creepy looking person with his dark features against light skin. Don't cry. Don't be afraid. He whispered, the sound at which he'd been able to whisper this frightened her even more. Normal people couldn't whisper things that fast. Go away! Lulu blurted, tears now coming one of another. I can't. You musn't fear me. He said, slower this time. Lulu wanted to scream, or just disappear, she didn't enjoy the boy's company. Ask me anything. Come on, we'll become good friends. You'll see. The boy continued to stare for several more moments unblinking. What's your name? Lulu asked shakily. Jules Charlie Pardanon. See, I have a name just like you, Lulu. Ask me another. What's your favorite food? Vanilla cupcakes with strawberry frosting. How about you, Lulu? Lulu felt it odd discussing delicious foods with a soul that had frightened her more than death itself. Cheese. Ah, and what kind? Cheddar.

Cheddar's good. So how old are you, Lulu? Sixteen, how about you? Lulu felt uncomfortable making conversation with a ghost. Look, something we both have in common! I'm sixteen as well. What's your favorite color? Green. Mine's blue, see, we're getting to know each other. Jules then smiled, and then slowly, he disappeared. Lulu didn't know what to think. Was he kind? Like a more real version of Casper? Like, a nice ghost? Because it was clear that he didn't want to hurt her, or else he would have taken the initiative. Because of their small conversation, she didn't fear him as much as she had before, but she still wasn't immune to him mentally. Things would be better if he didn't show up and spook her. Lulu quickly checked about her room to make sure that Jules Charlie was gone. During her talk with Jules, she noticed many things odd about him. First of all, why were his eyes and lips so dark? Perhaps death? Secondly, why were his clothes so modern? Surely Volcom, Hurley, and mesh shorts weren't in style in 1931. Thirdly, he didn't ever blink? Next, what color were his eyes? Surely they weren't black, and also the whites of his eyes were a mere gray. In the picture he looked fairly decent, cute actually. He had a nice smile and looked happy. The Jules she had just seen looked drained of life, obviously, dead and worn out. Lulu had many

questions to ask Jules. She decided to take a piece of paper and write down all of her questions for the next time he'd return. He had to return, he clearly said that they'd become close friends, and one couldn't achieve that without speaking to the other more than just once. Lulu's list was long and full of interesting questions. Her list consisted of fourteen questions. 1. Why are you talking to me? 2. Did you show yourself to anyone else? 3. What was your little brother's name? 4. Why are your eyes so dark and your lips so blue? 5. What age could kids start driving in your time? 6. What did it feel like to get shot? 7. What went through your mind when you died? 8. Did you have a girlfriend? 9. What was school like in your time? 10. Could you go to the movies? 11. What's it like being dead? 12. Are your other family members here as well? 13. Why are your clothes so modern? 14. What was the last thing you are before you died? The last question, Lulu thought was a bit random, but she was truly curious. That's one interesting bunch of questions. Lulu jumped in surprise, panic, and horror. Jules was right behind her, reading her every question. Lulu looked up at his face, observing every inch of it. His skin held not a single blemish nor pimple, and his pores were so small that again his skin appeared to be made of porcelain. His eyes were dark, black almost, but she saw a little bit of something in them. Something that made them not

completely black. Lulu was afraid to speak to him. Fearing that if she did, he would look at her, currently, he was a still figure, his head beside hers, inches away. Ask me. He merely demanded. Um, okay... Lulu replied, she wasn't used to having him around, and she was still somewhat frightened. Why are you talking to me? Jules stirred a bit before answering. Because I'm lonely and it'd be weird talking to anyone else in your family. Either of your parents would freak out, which would result to moving out of the house, and I personally think it's fun having company. And Sam, he'd go about and tell everyone, he's kind of like my younger brother Charlie, and he's far too young to understand anything I'd tell him. I mean, you could tell your parents too, but, still, you're just a better candidate than everyone else. Hmm, Lulu thought, It did make sense. Plus he's just answered the next two questions within one answer. You're little brother's name was Charlie? Is Charlie, he's with my parents, which are in Chicago, in our old house. But, yes. Oh, I see. But...isn't Charlie your middle name? Precisely, his full name is Charlie Jules Pardanon. My Mother said it was like that to always remind us that we are brothers no matter what might happen.

That's nice, kind of sweet. Lulu said, liking the way the two names entwined with each other. Lulu looked at the next question on the list, the reason why his lips and eyes were dark, she felt that the question shouldn't have been asked directly after discussing his family, but decided to anyway. Um, why are your eyes so dark and your lips so blue? Lulu saw him physically tense up a bit. They're blue actually. My eyes, Jules said looking away. And it's black around them because I've been dead 79 years. They won't get any darker once I'm passed 80 years, Jules said. Lulu had the feeling that he was lying about why it was dark on those features, but decided to leave it alone. But blue eyes? Lulu wanted to look at them and see, but knew that she would instantly regret it. May I see? Lulu shyly asked. Slowly, he brought his eyes up. First staring at her mouth , then her nose, and then finally her eyes. Lulu did instantly regret the request. First of all, his eyes seemed empty and full of nothingness. Secondly, his eyes were horrifyingly piercing, they stabbed into her soul and mind unlocking all her secrets, and thirdly, they didn't blink, ever. Lulu, however, tried to get past all of it and actually examine his eye color. It was quite difficult, and she had to look away a few times, but finally discovered, that yes, his eyes were blue. But the darkest shade of blue she'd ever seen, a horridly dark shade of indigo. His pupils were barely separable from the iris's.

Oh, they are blue...your skin looks so much like porcelain, Lulu noted. It wasn't always like that, I just died, and then it happened. Lulu, unthinkingly reached out and touched his face. He flinched, but didn't move away. His skin was surprisingly warm, and soft. Odd for a dead person. Weren't dead people supposed to be cold and non-solid? Lulu quickly moved onto another question, not the direct next, but the one that interested her the most. Question number six, what it felt like to get shot. What does it feel like to get shot?' Lulu asked with great curiosity. Bad. Really bad. It felt as if an explosion went off in my chest. The bullet was hot, really hot. Definitely the worst kind of pain imaginable, it punctured my lung, so I couldn't breathe well. Every breath I took was excruciatingly painful, and with my punctured lung, I was short of breath so I had to take many breaths. Some people's bodies go into shock because of the pain. Mine, however, didn't...it was a very slow and painful death. I lied on the floor for three hours until I finally decided to just...stop breathing. Lulu shifted uncomfortably at the thought. The pain to breathe was like getting stabbed in the chest, every breath a stab in the chest. A very sorry way to die. I didn't think that getting shot was as bad as you made it sound, I mean, I knew it was bad but now...

Yeah, no fun. Lulu read over her list and found one that might lighten up the topic, depending on what the answer was. What was the last thing you ate before... I died? Umm...wow, that question really makes me think...ah, yes! A pathetic apple. I was working on the farm, my family owned a farm in Niwot or Gunbarrel, I forget which, and I got hungry. So while feeding the chickens, I told my dad, and he told he to get an apple, so I did. It as all that was on the farm, red apples. A very unsatisfying fruit, I personally think. So we got back from the farm, and I wanted to eat some real food, like lasagna, so I went inside the house with my Dad, and started to look for something. But that's when the murderer came in. 9:16 PM exactly. An apple... Jules said, a look of disgust clear on his face. What kind of apple? Lulu asked wondering if he knew. I'm not sure what their exact name was , Lulu nodded. Yeah, no one really knows the exact name of the apple they eat, Lulu thought. I really am taking up too much of your time. Jules said, glancing at the clock on her desk. It was 11:07, they'd talked for about 50 minutes. Lulu realized that she always thought the ghosts and such didn't really talk, or exist, or have conversations with the living. But the dead were just like the living, except well, the looked a little different, and could fade away. But other than that, they had emotions,

feelings, memories, everything. She started to think of them just as normal people, just with surpassed expiration dates, she suddenly didn't fear Jules very much at all with her new theory. Amazing how feelings could change all within a day. Last night she couldn't even sleep in the same room after seeing him, and now she was having semi-normal conversations with him. When Lulu looked back, he was gone. Lulu? Are you talking to someone? Lulu heard her Mom ask as she opened the door to peek inside. What?! No. Lulu replied as if implying that her Mother was crazy. Thought I heard you speaking to someone. Her Mom's eyes darted instantly to the floor. And please Lulu, pick your eggs off the ground! You're going to attract bugs. Her Mom then stepped inside her room and closed the door. I just wanted to let you know that, I'm sorry, but it's final, you're not getting your permit until next year, okay? Sorry. Lulu's jaw dropped in disappointment and anger. I've been wanted a permit forever! And now I have to wait until I'm 17... Lulu proclaimed, annoyed. She then realized how bratty and spoiled she sounded. I mean, sorry, but I've gone through a lot. Lulu said liking better now things were ten minutes ago. I know, with moving, and such. But at least you didn't have to change

schools. And I know, about Byron, how he broke up with you- Mom! Lulu interrupted, not wanting to hear it. Byron was her now, ex-boyfriend, they'd been going out for a year, and his breaking up with her was devastating. It'd happened three weeks ago, but Lulu still wasn't fully healed from it. Everything's just...some things moving too slowly, some things moving too fast..Did you know that Cameron, his ex-girlfriend threw ice cream in my face and laughed at me after Byron dumped me. Lulu looked up to see a confused look on her Mom's face. You don't remember?! Yes, I do now, please...calm down. I'll be downstairs if you need me. Lulu doubted that she'd need her Mom at all throughout the day, and if she did, she'd just get her Dad to avoid her Mom.

Jules Charlie Pardanon

Emotionally compromised I see. Her boyfriend broke up with her? An ice cream to the face? Moving? Annoyed with parents? Dealing with me? The girl's been through a lot. Does she deserve my mercy? Perhaps a 'just this once' pass? No. I really don't think so. No on deserves mercy once they've maddened me. Only one thing angers me...and if she was able to

hit it...too bad. Nice kind of talking to her though. And wow, she actually touched my face. That's a first, kind of nice too. I didn't feel along for once in my pathetic afterlife. I like her, she's interesting, with or without a diary. She's nice too. Haha, well, that's just too bad.

Lulu Marie Fixleton

Lulu spent the rest of the day reading because he life currently sucked that much .She had no one to call due to her slightly anti-socaial personality , no boyfriend to make a date with, no place she could easily walk to due to their house in the mountains, and no one in the family in which she desired to talk to. Most of her weekends would be packed with homework and dates with her equally anit-social friends, but this one was quite the opposite. It seems as if you're hit a bump in the road. Lulu looked up to find Jules leaning against the wall. Yes, I have. Lulu looked him over with curiosity. I'm pretty sure that outfit wasn't what was 'in' at the time in 1931. Naw, they weren't 'in' in 1931, before your family lived here, another family died. The Duralman's, they had three sons, so I stole the fifteen year old's clothes. Kind of funny. Yeah, well, they lived here a year ago. Ohh, Lulu said, that made sense. You know, I have a world that I'm in. It's beautiful, not Heaven, just where people go. There's a bright sun and rolling hills, mountains, streams, lakes, rivers, forests. A whole new world. To be discovered and explored,

and hey, there's always surprises, things that can always turn out different from what they are. Lulu was shocked ans amazed. Everyone always wondered where you went when you died, and now she knew. Really? That's so cool! Lulu said excitedly. Oh yes, it is, very pretty. You don't have to die to visit it, Lulu. I could take you there now. If I were to keep you there, you'd eventually fade back into this world within hours Do you want to see it Lulu? Lulu stared into his eyes but only for a second. They were warm, truthful, caring, but still empty and piercing. What if he was lying? What if he would lead her into some horrid variation of Hell? But what if he wasn't lying? If her weren't she'd just fade back into this world again within hours. Besides, things were going pretty bad in her own world anyway, things were slowly starting to fall apart. Okay, but just for a couple of hours. I can't be brought back too late, I have school in the morning. Shouldn't be a problem. Jules replied. Lulu couldn't help but realize that their conversation sounded like they were going on a date. If Jules were alive and not dead, and actually 16, she probably would date him. Even being dead, with his strange dark areas he was still attractive. Lulu set her book aside and stood. How do we get there? Just take me hand and close your eyes. Jules stood beside her and

took her hand. Lulu closed her eyes, she felt a strange force and pressure begin to build. It got stronger, and stronger, and stronger until she was squeezing Jules's hand in pain. It felt as though they were sinking to the bottom of the ocean. But then, instantly, it subsided, and they were still. Open your eyes. Jules said softly, and when she did, there were no rolling hills, neither a bright sun, or mountains, or lakes, river, or forests. Before her was a metal room that had several hallways that branched off. What is this?! Where's the rolling hills? The sun? The lakes and river? The mountains? The forests? Lulu loudly prompted. Jules smiled as if satisfied by her reaction. This is my workshop. All that I told you is outside. See, take a look. Jules sauntered over to a curtained window. When he spread the velvety maroon drapes, everything he'd described was there. All of it. But outside a window. Well, come on, let's go. Aren't we going out there? Lulu asked, surely hoping so, if not, what a waste. Well, okay. But let me show you my workshop first. I'm certain you'd love it. Lulu began to once again question Jules. Was he a nice ghost? Like Casper? A workshop? What could anyone possibly do in such an odd workshop! Come with me, Lulu. Jules demanded holding out his hand. Lulu

honestly didn't want to follow him, but only he could lead her back into the world she knew, well, instantly. With a forced smile, Lulu stepped forward and took his hand. A look of satisfaction crossed over Jules's face as he began down an all tin hallway. The hallway was very strange with slopes that went downward first, then up again, evened out, but then sloped down and twisted into a spiral that kept leading downward. They passed certain oddities like staircases that led to a simple brick wall, open doors that led to not a room, but an elevator shaft. There were also doors that were labeled 'EXIT', but when you opened them, there was a brick wall. Could these be...traps? Very, very odd Lulu had to admit, but how long this was taking, they must have been walking for at least twenty minutes. Jules's grip suddenly tightened and he stopped very abruptly at a door labeled #347 COMP the rest of the letters in the word had worn away. This is the one. Definitely...this is a good one for you. Jules said, but seemed that he was thinking aloud. What do you mean by 'good one for you?' Lulu asked, troubled by whatever it was he meant. Plus, with those odd traps...Lulu didn't know what lay behind the door. You'll see. Jules replied with a grin. Slowly he opened the door, inside was a brightly lit room with all glass walls. The floor was glass, the ceiling was glass, it was all glass and brightly lit. Lulu stepped inside, the room seemed rather pretty. It had a clean, innocent, and pureness about it.

Lulu walked over to one of the glass walls and ran her finger over the smooth hard glass. She noticed Jules, leaning against the door frame, arms crossed over his chest. A rather smug look on his face. What is this room anyway? So pretty in such a pure and simple way. She looked over at Jules for an explanation. well, didn't you read the door? Jules asked in confusion. Half of the letters were gone, worn out. Lulu replied as she drew imaginary pictures on the glass. Oh. Jules replied. That's why she'd gone into the room so easily. Well, it's a compactor. Jules said loosely. Lulu's eyes quickly darted back to Jules. A compactor? Her eyebrows furrowed together in confusion as she looked about the room. Lulu didn't see how she could be in a compactor and did not like the thought of being in one. Lets move on, I don't like being in here, it sca- Jules quickly slammed an locked the door before she could finish. Wait...? Lulu said, as she saw him reappear again, but in a different room. A room on the other side of the glass, a very tiny room that could only contain a camera pod, a glass chair, a book labeled Book of Motion Deaths. Jules swiftly seated himself and turned on the camera. Jules!? What's going on?! Lulu asked as Jules toggled with the lens's and settings.

All set, Jules said as a red light appeared on the camera,And it's rolling. No,Lulu thought. This is just some big ugly joke. Jules quickly pulled down a huge lever. Goodbye, Lulu! Jules said with a laugh as he blew an air kiss. Lulu quickly turned around. no!NO!NOOO! All of the glass walls were slowly moving inward. No! Stop! PLEASE!What is this?! What have I ever done to you?!! Lulu screamed as she began to cry. Lulu...what happened to my family will never be forgotten. Remember the night when you yelled, 'let's just forget about it', no Lulu, no one forgets about it, and I'll make sure that no one ever will. Lulu sank down to her knees, shedding bitter tears in despair. People like you, Lulu, want to, haha, 'forget', about what happened. People like you, Lulu, are disrespectful, and deserve punishment. Jules then began to laugh. A loud cackle in Lulu's misery. Lulu's fears intensified and her heart began to hammer when she noticed how much closer the walls were to her. I was mad! People always say things they don't mean when they're mad! Lulu stammered through her sobs. Too true, too true, oh, but Lulu, I think we both know that you clearly mean what you said with all your heart! PLEASE! Lulu screamed. Don't let this happen to me... She sobbed

in a small voice as the walls began to close in around her. Jules began to laugh, his revenge was excellent, the best imaginable. The glass was now centimeter away from Lulu. NOOOOOO!!! She screamed as the glass began to slowly squeeze her shoulder and press up against her stomach and back. AHHHHHH! She screamed, this scream led Jules to a terrifying flashback. AHHHHHHHH! Jules's Mom, Madeline, screamed as the murderer shot Jules. Jules fell to the ground, the last sound he ever heard from his Mom, her scream. Then he heard the gun fire and the sound of his Mom falling to the kitchen floor. Another gun shot, his Dad fell to the ground. Charlie Jules began to cry. Another gun shot. Lulu's scream was similar to that of his Mother's. Yes, feel pain, feel the pain we all felt! Jules thought as he watched Lulu get compacted. Her head was being pushed down while her feet were being pushed up. Soon came the nauseating sound of bones crunching, teeth scraping against the glass, skull cracking... A couple minutes later the compactor began to shake unable to compact the bloody jumbled up mess that remained of Lulu, up any smaller.

Jules Charlie Fixleton

A perfect cube. I'd compacted Lulu into a perfect 17 x 17 inch cube.

She'd just barely be able to fit inside the giant freezer's remaining space. Good work. I've done good work. I picked up the tape I'd just recorded and added it to my Book of Motion Deaths. All of the people I'd killed went into this book. Well, the video of their death did, every time I pressed play, the prisoner felt the full course of pain all over again. Gut when I didn't make them re-experience the pain, their souls were forever trapped as frozen motionless pictures on a page inside my book. I was very proud of my new addition. The ongoing fate of Lulu Marie Fixleton. I dug into my pocket and took out a small mirror. My eyes were even darker, around my eyes were darker, and my lips were darker. For every person I'd killed, these features got darker. I liked them, it made me look tough, dead, and scary. I grinned at my handsome figure, before pocketing the mirror again. I looked down at the page, Lulu was frozen in a state of crying. You may speak. I say, suddenly Lulu's a moving motion person on the page. I (sob)...I thought we were (sob)...supposed to (sob)...explore the rolling hills (sob)...the lakes, the rivers the mountains (sob)... Hey, there's always surprises, things that can always turn out different from what they are. You'll never get to be out there. Just like how I never got to live a full life. With that I pressed the play button and rewatched Lulu get compacted over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over again. Sometimes I'd have all 42 of my videos

play at once just for the heck of it. Lulu's fate would be ongoing pain, misery, and compacting. Jules smiled, a big horridly malevolent, ear to ear smile.

The End

History
In the 1930's America was going through it's well known Great Depression. Thus the reason why the Pardanons were murdered. They lived in a great 4,000 square foot house, a less fortunate (wealth wise) Boulderite would feel the need to murder a family like this at the time. In the 1930's there were movies and at this time, 1930 was considered the the 'golden age' of Hollywood. Movies like Alice in Wonderland, Cleopatra, and the Prisoner of Zenda had come out, so, yes, in Jules's time you could see movies. School districts had struggled to find ways to stay open, some could only afford a five month school year, and some schools had to charge a tuition to stay open, therefore forcing some students to drop out for that year. So in Jules's time, schools were struggling to stay open.

In the 1930's, you could get a license to drive a car at 16, the oldest existing driving school was in Peckham, London, England in 1910.

Fun Facts About the 1930's

Population : 123,188,000 in 48 states Life Expectancy: Male 58.1 Female 61.6 Average Salary: $1,368 Unemployed: 25% Food Prices: Milk 14 cents a qt, Bread 9 cents a loaf, Round steak 42 cents per pound

Bibliography
Authors, Unknown. "Driver's Education." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. 1 Oct. 2010. Web. 25 Oct. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driver's_education>.

Sutton, Bettye. "American History - 1930-1939." Lone Star College-Kingwood Library Home Page. 1999. Web. 25 Oct. 2010. <http://kclibrary.lonestar.edu/decade30.html>.