The Emancipation of Chester Reginald Donavan, Esquire

Well Fabulous Friday Fiction Fans, Friday has come again and with it the first part of the story I promised you last week. There is a difference, however, because Mom didn't like the title I had given it, and so gave me a new one.:) It is the same story though. When I first saw this picture and read my instructions, I thought of an entirely different kind of a story. But the more I got to thinking and talking about it, the more I liked this idea better. And I did do a lot of laughing while I wrote it.:) I'll keep each post under 2000 words for the convenience of my busy readers.:)
I do wish someone or someones would give me some instructions for more stories. I only have one left to do. (That is a hint if you didn't know.) Anyone can give me instructions. Just tell me how many characters I can have in my story, how long or short it should be and any special instructions (i.e. don't use the word "said," a mystery, a silly story,) and I'll try to do it for you. Or, if you have a picture and want a story written about it, I'll try that too.:)

Okay, here is part one of:

Characters: main character, up to 4 minor
Pages: 6+ (I did 10)
Special Instructions: Focus on creating a rounded character (That meant someone who changed because of something that happened.)

The Emancipation of
Chester Reginald Donavan, Esquire

“Hey, um, do you know where we are?”
“Well,” there was a slight laugh. “I know we are on a mountain in the Mosquito Range in Colorado, but just where, I’m not sure.”
“That’s what I was afraid of.” Chester Reginald Donavan, Esq., hitched up the straps on his gear and frowned. This vacation was not turning out to be what he had planned. Here he was separated from the rest of the group with this guy whose name he never could remember. If only his best friend and lawyer buddy hadn’t broken his leg last week! Chester was a tall and well built young man who looked to be in his late twenties, having about him a definite high class air in spite of or maybe enhanced by his top-of-the-line outdoor clothes and gear.

“Aren’t you coming too?”
Chester jerked out of his misery to notice his companion had begun to climb some more. Taking a deep breath he set off after him.

It was slightly chilly even with his windbreaker on, and Chester glanced at the little man before him. He didn’t seem to be bothered by cold, and his jacket looked warm. The man was only about five feet three with dark hair streaked here and there with gray. Slight in build though he was, the man walked briskly with no apparent fatigue.
Chester was soon gasping for breath, and it was all he could do to keep his aching feet and legs moving at all. His shoulders sagged, and he bent his head against the wind staring at the ground beneath his feet.

“Say, why don’t we take a breather. You look just about done in.”
Unclasping his pack Chester lowered it to the ground and sank down beside it with a sigh. For several minutes he didn’t say anything. He couldn’t talk, for he was still trying to catch his breath. Finally he managed to ask,
“Hey, what is your name again? I don’t recall.”
“Owen.”
“Oh yeah.”
Silence again fell. Chester eyed his companion rather as he would have eyed a strange, little dog. He certainly didn’t look like his other friends. He wondered what he was like. Chester found the silence oppressing and sought for some way to break it. He blurted out the first thing that came to his mind.
“So, where did you get your jacket?”
The little man turned his eyes away from the mountain peaks before them. “On E-bay.”
“E-bay?”
“Oh sure. You do know what E-bay is?”
Chester nodded with a look of surprised skepticism. Who would ever buy something like that on E-bay?”
The little man went on, not seeming to notice Chester’s look. “It is a great jacket, warm yet lightweight. I got it for a great deal. I think it was only $10.00 counting shipping.”
Chester stared. “You spent $10.00 on a jacket?” his tone implied that that was absurd.
“Where did you get yours?”
“New from the online store, 66* North. Probably never heard of it. It was top of the line Edlgja and only $332.00 not counting shipping.”
“Oh.” The monosyllable was full of disbelief.

Once more silence fell on the two men. Chester was thinking of all the money he had spent on getting ready for this trip. Of how he and Michael had discussed different brands and prices. It was only the top of the line, high dollar brand items that would last the rigors of such trips, Michael had assured him. And after all, Michael should know, for he had been on such trips all his life. What would he have said to the little man about his E-bay jacket?

“If you have recovered your wind, we might want to head on. Who knows, we could catch a glimpse of the others at the top.” The little man had stood up and was waiting for Chester.
“What? Oh yeah, sure.”
Struggling up the side of that mountain was the hardest thing Chester had ever done. His feet were killing him, for his boots, high dollar though they were, hadn’t been broken in and his feet felt covered in blisters. The thin air was making breathing difficult for him, and he wondered for the seventh time that day why he had ever agreed to this hike in the first place. He knew why; it was because he had worked and pushed himself so hard that his doctor told him to take a few days off or he would break down. So, when his friend had mentioned this trip, he had agreed.

At last the summit was reached. Though this was one of the lower mountains, they could still see for miles. The clouds hung low to the south and west while a cold wind from the north bit at their faces and fingers.
“Wow! Quite a sight, isn’t it? I never get tired of looking out over the mountains. Everything is so quiet and peaceful here. Of course in the summer things are even more lovely with the flowers blooming, but I couldn’t get away then, so this late camp out was perfect. I wonder if we’ll get snow while we are here?” The little man gazed in delight at all he saw.
“Hey, why don’t we call the other group and um, find out where they are?” Chester asked, adding with a mutter to himself,. “Why didn’t I think of that sooner?”
The other man gave a little laugh. “That’s not a bad idea, but I can’t get reception up here with my phone.” He drew a rather old looking cell phone from its pouch and looked at it.
Chester’s lip curled at the sight of it. He couldn’t help asking “Where did you get that?”
“On E-bay. It was a package deal.” The man laughed again. “I know it isn’t the newest phone, but it works for me. And it was cheap.”
“I’ll bet,” Chester mumbled. “I’ll just use mine,” and he reached for the side of his belt where he kept his i-phone. The pouch was empty! “What!” Chester gasped “How could it have gotten lost? I mean this pouch was latched!”
“Are you sure you didn’t use it and set it down some place before we set off?” his companion was trying to be helpful.
After thinking hard for several minutes, Chester suddenly let out a groan. “No! I left it in my new, black 2009 Hummer! How could I be so stupid! I had called Michael and must have forgotten to put it back. Great! And if anything happens to me way out here in the middle of no where, no one is going to be able to contact anyone!”
“Can’t someone just get it out of your car when we get back? Not that anything is going to happen,” the little man hastened to add.
“Get something out of it? Yah right! Hey man, this is a brand new 2009 Hummer! Man, no one can get in that thing unless they know the right stuff!” Chester rolled his eyes at the ignorance of his companion. Doesn’t the guy know anything except E-bay? Suddenly a new and to him dreadful thought struck him, and he slapped his head with a cry that made the little man beside him turn in a hurry and stare. . . .

Come back next week to find out what happened!

An Apologie

Friday is here again though I really don't see how it could be. I mean I just posted something a day or so ago, wasn't it? And I think only one person read it.:) Thanks, Hank for leaving a comment. And just to let you know, Carson's Sunshine is Ty and Sally's little sister.
Last week it was cloudy and rainy all day. This morning there is blue sky and sunshine! I am more than ready for it! I do like rainy days, but only for so long.

Okay, here is a sneak preview of a few pictures for my book "Home Fires of the Great War."

I just love how these pictures turned out. These are just two of the fifteen that will be in the book. I am supposed to get the last picture today! I can't wait to see it!

Okay, so I didn't get a story ready to post, but here is a poem instead. I haven't posted a poem for a long time. Enjoy!

To all my deepest apologies
I beg you let this not appease
Your wrath at nothing else to read
For I have tried, I have indeed.

I am writing, never fear
A story long, but the end is near.
It is such fun, I often laugh
Though it contains no tall giraffe.

I'll tell you a secret, I nearly cried
For I laughed till I got a pain in my side.
So come next week prepared to see,
Part one of a story written by me.

And now you know I haven't time,
To keep on working to finish this rhyme.
So I will end it abruptly now,
By simply stopping my pen, somehow.

And do come back next week. The story is quite different than any others so far. I wanted to have it done, but the story was supposed to be 6+ pages long. Well, I am up to page 8, and I think I'm half way done.:) I will get at least part one posted next week unless strange circumstances prevent me. But, how long should I make the post? The last story was about 2000 words. Was that too long? Please tell me what you think. Should I do 1000, 2000 or 3000 words? The title of next week's story is:

"Chester Reginald Donovan; Esquire and the Little E-bay Man"

And now I will end this rather rambling post. I don't know if anyone will even read it especially if I don't remind anyone.:) Ah, well, at least I posted something. :) My record still stands.

Meleah's Western part 16

Welcome back all you Friday Fiction Fans to a fabulous Friday. It is dark and rainy here. The perfect kind of a day to enjoy a good book, story or something like that.

I mentioned last week that I had started a Western, but didn't seem to be able to get it written. Well, I finally figured out what was wrong. I was trying to write something that wasn't supposed to go into the story. At least not at this point. Once I got that figured out, and knew where I was supposed to be going, I was able to write this part in an hour. And yes, I did do it on Sunday afternoon. :)

I haven't really done any writing since then, so I guess I had better get to work so I have something for next week. And maybe the week after that.:) But, I won't keep you any longer. Most of you probably just skipped this part anyway and went straight to the Western.:) Hope you enjoy it.

Part 16

For several long, weary days Carson, Ty and Sally had been riding. Over rough mountain sides, down steep slopes through wind, clouds and sunshine they had traveled. Spending nights at some hospitable cabin only to set off again at dawn. Sally was tired. Tired? No, when she let herself think about it, she was exhausted. Every muscle ached from the constant horseback riding. To Carson and Ty, already used to days in the saddle, sleeping out in all kinds of weather, and eating in the open every day, this little trip was nothing. Thankfully spring was arriving bringing warmer weather with it, or Sally would have faired even worse. As it was she hardly talked anymore, and each move she made off the horse was slow.

On the fifth day after leaving Uncle Matt and Aunt Leah’s cabin, Carson, who was riding in front, pulled up his horse at a fork in the road.
“Well, I reckon we got a decision ta make here,” he remarked to his companions as they pulled rein beside him. “If we was ta keep goin’ straight, we’d go right by my old cabin, if’n it’s still there.” Then he added in a lower, husky voice, “That was the last place I seen my Sunshine.”
Ty and Sally exchanged glances. Neither of them spoke but sat on their horses in silence waiting for Carson to continue.
After clearing his throat Carson jerked his head to the trail on the right. “An’ if’n we was ta take that trail, we’d be goin’ right past yer old cabin,” adding quietly, “If its still standin’.”

A shiver ran up and down Sally’s spine. They were that close to the cabin where she and Ty, yes and this unknown sister, were born? Would it still be standing? Mechanically, without even thinking about what she was doing, she turned her horses head towards the latter trail.

Ty also had a pull to that spot down in the woods before them. What was it, he wondered, that tugged at his heart so forcefully to go back to the place of his beginning? Could it be his mother’s grave? Or were memories which flickered through his brain like some hazy dream drawing him onward? He didn’t know. The only thing that mattered was that he go.
His voice was quiet as he turned to Carson and said, “I reckon we both be aimin’ ta go this way.”
Carson nodded. Deep in his heart he was relieved. He wasn’t sure he could handle going back to the old home knowing that Aunt Kate and Sunshine wouldn’t be there to welcome him. With a sigh he too turned his horse onto the old familiar trail and followed his younger companions.

For several minutes the trio rode in silence, each lost in thought and full of mixed emotions.
At last Carson called up, “Jest round this here bend an’ to yer right is where the cabin was.”
Sally gasped. Would it be there? Instinctively she slowed her horse and allowed Ty to pass her. Everything was quiet save for the steps of the horses and one little bird singing brightly, hidden in the trees above her.

At last the bend was turned and there, before them, stood a cabin. Smoke came from the chimney, and a well worn path led to the door. Ty dismounted and dropped his reins. Carson too swung off his horse and left it ground hitched. Only Sally remained on her horse, too overcome to move until Carson nudged her foot. Then almost in a daze she followed the others and dismounted.

As Ty gazed about him, the door opened and a young, pleasant looking woman with light hair stepped out. “Why, afternoon. You all strangers in these parts?”
Ty pulled off his hat and stepped forward. “No ma’am, the truth is my sister and me,” he looked at Sally, “we was born here, an’ our mama was buried nearby. We was hopin’ ya’d jest let us look around for a spell.”
“Why of course!” the woman exclaimed in sympathy. “I can show you right where ta find yer Mama’s grave, I reckon. When I first came here, I found it all neglected like, and though I didn’t know who it twas that was buried there, well, I just sort of took care of it ever since.” As she spoke the woman led the way to a small, well kept area enclosed by a rail fence. One simple cross stood inside marking the last resting place of someone dear.

Carson bowed his head and held his hat in his hand as Ty, with Sally clinging to his arm, knelt beside the cross. The woman, with great kindness, quietly slipped back to the cabin murmuring to herself, “The poor things. All this way to visit the grave of their mother. I wonder where they came from? The man they are with doesn’t seem to be their father. I wish I could help them.”

“An’ so we’re lookin’ fer a trace a their sister. Come all the way an’ aim ta stop in town jest ta make inquiries.” Carson wrapped up their tale to their hostess and glanced at Ty. “Reckon we ought ta be gitt’n on ‘fore it gets dark, Ty?”

There was no answer. Ever since Ty had come into the cabin an hour ago, he hadn’t said more than two words. His eyes had roamed about the cabin taking in every detail, and then, overcome with memories, he just sat and let them take him where they would. He heard nothing going on around him. Even had a band of Indians or outlaws come in with shouts and guns, Ty would have been completely unaware. Had those who were threatening his very life galloped into the yard, he wouldn’t have stirred. His mind had taken him far beyond these four wooden walls and his companions. He saw none of it as he gazed vacantly before him.

Any questions for next time?

The Graham Quartet and the Lonely Cabin

Good Morning Friday Fiction Fans,

I wonder how many of you are ready for this story? No, it is not the Western. I tried writing the next part last Sunday, but I just couldn't get into it. I'll try again this Sunday. Thankfully I didn't have to rely on the Western for something to post nor did I have to scramble around to get something. I have a Scribbler assignment that I just finished, so I decided to post that as it is a story. So, if any of you readers are Scribblers, don't read it unless you have your assignment done or almost done. :)

Yes Abigail, each of the names of the children last weeks story were rivers. Did you figure out just where they were? They were from, U.S., Africa, Australia, U.K., Middle East and another from Asia. Of course they don't go in that order.:)

Some of you may notice a new feature on my blog. I now have just to the right, a list of all my labels. (I started putting labels on my posts.) Now, if you want to read all the Western at once, just click on "Western" and it will pull them all up. Same with poems, children's stories, etc. So, I hope you can use that new feature sometime.

I want to give you a quick update on my book. :) I have had several more people give me some feed back and so far, they all say to publish it. :) My photographer has only one more picture to take for the book. Should I share some of them here on my blog? And another question for those of you who are reading or will read my book, should there be a "family tree" in the front to help keep everyone straight?

And now the story. This story had to be 2000 words or under. I just got it under by five words or so.:} I also had to use four characters only in my story. I could mention others, but only four were to be in it. Enjoy!

The Graham Quartet and the Lonely Cabin
by
Rebekah Morris

Snow lay everywhere. Every branch of every tree was laden with the white stuff just waiting to drop down on some unsuspecting head. However, not a person was to be seen. Nothing but snow was visible all around the cabin. Nothing moved. Nothing could be heard. Not even a bird sang or a squirrel chattered. Though not a breath of breeze blew, the air was bitterly cold, the type of cold that penetrates through coats and scarves to the very bone. All the shining of the mid day sun in the clear blue sky couldn’t add warmth to the day, but rather only enhanced the freezing air. There was no sign of life in the cabin. No light, no sound, no smoke. All was still. Still and intensely cold.

This sense of quietness was broken at last by the faint far-off creaking of snowshoes. Closer and closer they came. In the quiet the sound seemed louder, more obtrusive. Drawing nearer and yet nearer the cabin, the steps continued. Now two distinct sets of snowshoes were heard. Behind a clump of pine trees the intruders halted. Silence once again prevailed.

After several minutes of watching and listening to nothing but the stillness around them and feeling the bitter cold penetrating their layers of clothing, one of them, the oldest, spoke in tones scarcely audible.
“I don’t see anything. Perhaps we should move up.”
“Not until we know Elsa and Tim are in place.”
“They could be there waiting for us.”
The smaller form shook her head. “They’d have given the signal.”
“I suppose you’re right, as usual.” Seventeen-year-old Matt’s eyes smiled down at his younger sister.

For several more minutes they waited, hearing nothing but quiet. Suddenly the stillness was shattered rudely by the sharp crack of a twig breaking. Then another. Matt and Selena looked at each other questioningly. Was this the first part of the signal? As if in answer two more snaps were heard almost immediately. That was it! The signal they had waited for. Now it was time to advance.

Slowly, with great caution, the two slipped from their hiding place. Matt was in front while Selena followed closely. They approached the cabin from the front. All was hushed save for the squeaking of their snowshoes. Selena, pausing for just a moment and listening hard, thought she heard a similar creak coming from behind the house.

Then without warning, another crack of a twig breaking startled them both. They froze in their tracks hardly daring to breathe. What was that? Another crack followed by two more was heard. How could that be? The signal had already been given. Was this a trap? Had they just imagined the first signal?

Slowly Matt turned his head to look at his sister. Her eyes were wide and questioning. What should they do? There was no place to hide; they were half way to the cabin. Should they risk going on or should they wait? Matt made gestures, asking Selena what she thought. He didn’t dare speak even in a whisper now. He thought they could go on, but knowing Selena was not reckless, he wanted to know what she thought. To his surprise, Selena motioned forward and nodded. It was too risky to wait out in the open. Better to be right next to the cabin.

With twice as much caution the two continued their way, eyes and ears tuned to anything that might mean danger. Each creak of their snowshoes was as a shout to their taut nerves. They hardly dared breathe. When a small shower of snow fell with a soft plop without warning in front of Selena, she started and just barely managed to choke back a scream. As it was, her sharp intake of breath alerted Matt, and he turned quickly. For an instant they stared at each other then slowly lifted their eyes to the branches above them. There was nothing there. All it had been was a branch shaking off its blanket of snow.

Selena shivered and once again they set off stealthily. When they reached the cabin, they paused. Matt carefully, cautiously pressed his ear to the door and listened. Nothing. Not a sound could be heard behind that wooden partition which separated inside from out. Leaning close to Selena he breathed,
“Should we go in?” Matt was not at all fearful, yet he had learned that though his sister was only fourteen, she often had more caution and wisdom in tight or dangerous situations than he.
He was not surprised therefore when she shook her head and replied equally low,
“Not yet.”

Meanwhile on the hill behind the lonely cabin, nineteen-year-old Elsa was holding a conference with her youngest brother. “I don’t see any smoke, Tim. Do you?”
Tim had been gazing down at the cabin. “Could be it is only a small fire. You know,” he added, “wouldn’t want to give it all away.”
Elsa nodded. The boy’s keen brain and quick thinking were constantly amazing her. Now, with great care they began their decent. By keeping close to the trees and using them as walking sticks they managed to make the decent without any mishaps other than breaking some twigs now and then.

At last the level ground was reached. Both paused a moment and listened. There was nothing to listen to. All was still. Before them lay several yards of open ground where the sun shone in dazzling splendor on the carpet of snow. Elsa shaded her eyes with her heavily gloved hand and peered in the direction of the cabin. Not a sign of smoke could be seen from the chimney.

Tim turned to her with a frown between his eyes. He gestured towards the cabin and shrugged. Elsa also shrugged. Should they go on? The cabin looked uninhabited, but suppose it wasn’t? Suppose someone really was there, maybe hurt or sick? With a slight nod she started forward only to pause suddenly and look back up the hill. Was anyone watching them? They would be easy to see in the open. Satisfied that all was clear she once more set off. Their snowshoes made easy going over the drifts of snow. When at last they reached the shelter of trees once again, they gave an inward sigh of relief.

Elsa motioned for Tim to give the signal. Feeling around in his pocket, Tim frowned, pulled off his glove and felt again. At last he turned to Elsa. The look on his face and shrug of his shoulders told her that what he was to use as a signal had been lost. What should they do? Should they go on? She hesitated. They were so close, and yet, if Matt and Selena weren’t ready . . . She shivered, and Tim put a hand on her sleeve.
“We’ll freeze if we just stay here. I think we should go,” he whispered so low that had his mouth not been next to her ear she would not have heard the words.
Feeling the cold penetrating her coat she realized the wisdom of this, and together they started forward. Reaching the cabin from the rear, they halted, listening. Tim thought he heard a sound, faint but there. With gestures it was decided that they would each go a different way around the building, looking for signs of life and of Matt and Selena.

Crouching under the window against the wall, Matt and Selena waited. Each minute added to the growing numbness each was beginning to feel. They had heard no sound from inside. It seemed as though it had been hours since they had first heard the signal. How long did it take to get to the cabin? Suddenly Selena stiffened and grasped her brother’s arm. Had she really heard something? Footsteps perhaps. Was it from outside or in the cabin? Her breath began coming quicker, and she felt she would scream. She almost did when suddenly around the corner beside her Elsa appeared. Then around the other side came Tim. At last they were all together.
“Hear anything?” whispered Elsa.
Matt shook his head.
“There was no smoke and no light,” put in Tim. “What should we do?”
“Did you see any other signs?” Matt questioned.
Elsa and Tim shook their heads.
“Then let’s give the signal knock.”
Holding their breaths, the Graham siblings waited as Matt gave five quick raps on the door followed by two slower ones. They waited. Silence. Not a single solitary sound was to be heard. Selena shivered. She was cold. Matt knocked again, but still no answer.
“Perhaps he didn’t come,” Tim murmured.
“I think he would have let us know if he hadn’t,” Elsa answered.
After a moment of silence, Matt said softly, “I think we should just go in.”
Gasps came from the girls at the mere thought. But though they gasped, neither of them protested as Matt grasped the doorknob and turned it. It was locked.
“Search for a key somewhere,” he whispered.
They all looked. Even Selena who felt as though she was about frozen. It was no use. If a key was hidden somewhere abouts, they couldn’t find it.
“You know what that means,” queried Tim, wild excitement in his eyes. “It means,” he continued as the others looked at him, “that he is inside but is in dire need of help. He must be hurt and can’t get to the door.”
“Or it could mean he has gone and taken the key with him,” Matt observed.
“Or maybe he never came in the first place,” Elsa put in.
Selena didn’t speak. She was trembling from cold and excitement.
Matt glanced at her. “Well, we just have to get in, with or without a key.”
“Why?”
He nodded toward Selena.
Elsa put an arm about her younger sister. “Get in then,” was all she said, for at that instant she began to realize that she too was freezing cold as the excitement began to wane.

Matt and Tim began trying the windows. The ones on the front were locked or jammed, either way they didn’t open. On the side Matt at last found one that seemed loose. He pried and pushed it until at last he was able to raise it about twelve inches and there it stuck fast. Cautiously he moved the curtain and looked in. The room was empty. No one was there. It looked completely deserted.
“Tim,” Matt called quietly, “Do you think you can get in that window?”
“Sure thing.” Tim was game to try anything.
“Just remember,” Matt added, “you have more layers on than usual.”
For answer Tim pulled off his heavy coat, scarf and hat and shoved them inside the window first. Then with a boost from his brother he managed to squeeze through the window. It was with relief that the girls, waiting in the front, heard the door unlock and then saw it open.

A blazing fire had driven out the last finger of cold from the room leaving it cozy and warm. The four siblings sat about the table discussing the note Matt held in his hand.
“Read it again,” Elsa requested.
Matt read:

“Graham Quartet,
Sorry I couldn’t wait for you as planned. I just discovered I had to catch the next train. If I leave now I should make it. You probably won’t see my tracks as it is snowing. If you read this note that means you found the window I left unlatched. Thanks for all your help and hope to see you again. Take care and be careful.
Your friend,
Guy Fox”

“Well, that’s that,” Tim said.
“I just hope he’s safe,” murmured Selena almost to herself.
Matt and Elsa exchanged startled glances. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t know, but I think we were being watched. If whoever it was knows Guy isn’t here, then--” she stopped significantly while the others stared at her.
“Perhaps we should head back and talk to Dad.”

The End

Fishing for a Little Peace and Quiet

Well Friday Readers, I almost didn't get something posted. It wasn't that I am leaving or anything, my problem was that I had nothing written that could be posted until last night. But much to my great relief I got it finished. This story is different than any others, but I guess that can be said about most of them.:) I really am going to have to get back into writing regularly again, so I don't almost panic on Thursday evenings.:) Will anyone help me?

I am almost out of instructions for calendar picture stories. If ANYONE is willing to help, just leave a comment with how many characters I can have, how many words or pages my story should be and what "special instructions" you want me to use. You will not see the picture, and I will not pick the picture. The first comment with directions will go to the next calendar picture.:) Anyone want to help?

Or, if you have an idea for a story or want me to write more of some other story, or more poems or what have you, let me know. I would love some feed back about what you want.

And now, here is the story. It is almost twice as long as a Western, but I'm going to post it all. Let me know if it is too long. And by the way, the family in this story all have names that have something in common. Can you figure out what it is?

Characters: a family (While writing this story, some other characters suddenly jumped into the story and I couldn't get them out. I checked with Anna and got permission to leave them in.)
Word count: up to 2000
Special Instructions: Use creative metaphors / similes

Fishing for a Little Peace and Quiet
by
Rebekah Morris

The grass covered hillside, sloping down almost to the waters edge, looked like a green velvet carpet spread for their especial benefit as the River family emerged from their car.
“This is the perfect place to have a picnic,” Mrs. River declared starting for the trunk where the basket and various other lunch items had been stowed.
Everyone lent a hand and before long a blanket was spread on the smooth turf and Mrs. River and her daughters, Lena and Savannah, were unpacking the baskets.
The three youngest boys raced down the hill towards the water shouting and hollering like Genghis Khan and his Mongol hordes.
“I declare Dad, it is a good thing we stopped here for lunch. I was beginning to think I’d have to hog tie and gag them to get a little quiet.”
Mr. River laughed at his son’s face. “I had a feeling those three monkeys were almost out of hand.”
“As long as they don’t fall in the water--” Mrs. River remarked, “because the rest of their clothes are all badly in need of washing. But,” she added, “the food’s ready. Niles, won’t you go get your brothers?”
“Maybe we should eat first, Mom,” Niles laughed as he started down the hill calling over his shoulder to add, “and they can eat what is left.”
It was with hearty appetites that the River family, especially the four boys, fell upon the dishes of delicious food like starving savages. In twenty minutes there was not a scrap of food remaining.

Leaving the girls and Niles to pack things up, Mr. and Mrs. River strolled away while the boys dashed here and there with the energy of youth.
Niles groaned as he stretched out on the grass beside the blanket.
“Did you eat too much?” Lena paused in stacking up the plates to tease her older brother.
Another groan was the only answer, and both girls laughed.
“Isn’t this a lovely spot?” queried Savannah settling herself on the blanket and gazing down the sloping hill across the dark blue water and over to the town on the other side.
“It looks like the village I used to have that went with my train set when I was young.”
“What happened to it, Niles?” Lena asked. “I don’t remember seeing it in a long time.”
“You probably haven’t because one of the boys completely destroyed it when he was little. I don’t remember who it was.”

Silence fell on the hillside, for the boys had raced off after their parents, leaving their older siblings to the quiet of the sunny, summer day. The lapping of the water came faintly to them and now and then calls from those on the small vessels rocking in the inlet could be heard.
“It is nice here, but I’ll be glad to get back home again,” Savannah said.
“I know,” Lena agreed. “Vacations are fun, but getting home is the best part.”
Niles yawned. “Only about five hours more, girls. And I hope Dad lets the boys run off enough energy so that they’ll sit still for a little while at least.”
“We ought to let you sit up with us, Niles. We don’t wiggle and chatter non stop,” Lena chuckled.
Niles opened his mouth to reply, but before he could say a word, a shrill scream pierced the stillness.

The girls and Niles were on their feet in an instant, eyes darting about for the cause of the scream. About a hundred yards from them they spied a young girl of about eleven or twelve. She was standing on the bank by the water and screaming.
It was obvious that something was wrong, and Niles sprinted down the hill as though running in the Olympics. Had anyone been watching the time, Niles would have undoubtedly beat the standing record for the hundred yard dash. The girls raced as fast as they could after their brother. Arriving panting and gasping for breath, they were only just in time to watch Niles fling off his outer shirt, kick off his shoes and dive into the cold waters of the inlet.

The young girl’s screams had ceased when Niles had appeared, and she stood watching the sure strokes of the swimmer. Lena and Savannah were too breathless to speak as they gazed after the form in the water. It was then that they noticed another form, almost motionless, seemingly floating just beyond Niles. In another moment Niles had reached the form.
“Lena, he can’t swim back!” Savannah’s voice was full of fear.

She was right. Niles was a great swimmer, but having just eaten a large meal only a quarter of an hour ago, and then swimming as he had never swum before had caused severe cramps. He had reached the victim and was struggling to keep both their heads above water. The cramps were so intense that at times it was all Niles could do to keep his grip of the victim. He knew he wouldn’t be able to last much longer, and his heart set up a desperate prayer for help. And then, just when he felt it was all over and everything was going black, a strong hand gripped his arm, and he felt himself being hauled out of the water.

On shore, the three girls watched with bated breath as a sailboat stopped and pulled in the two lads. Seeing it then start across the bay to the dock, with one accord they set off at a run for the road.
“Here!” panted the young girl. “Get on the bikes. I’ll ride behind one of you and tell you where to go.”
The next moment Lena and Savannah were pedaling down the road as fast as they dared while the girl clung to the back of Savannah. It seemed like hours later before the girls at last reached the docks, though it really was only fifteen minutes or so. The sail boat was docked, but no where could they see their brothers.
“Where are they?” Lena gasped jumping off the bike.
“I don’t know.” The girl slipped from her place and dashed down the dock. “Oh, please,” she almost sobbed to the first person she saw. “Where are the two boys you rescued from the water?”
An older gentleman looked up. “Why Lyda Monroe, was that your brother? I declare I didn’t even notice. They just took the both of them to the hospital. Want I should take you there too?”
Lyda could only nod.
On seeing Lena and Savannah’s looks, the older man told them to come along too. “I don’t got room in the cab, but just hop in the back. And don’t fret, we’ll be there lickety-split.”

“Come on boys!” Mr. River called his three younger sons. “Time to head back to the car.”
“The girls are probably wondering where we are,” Mrs. River remarked as she and her husband rounded the bend and spied the car in the distance.
“Hey, Dad, where did they go?”
“What?”
Jordan pointed to the lonely blanket and basket. “No one is there.”
“Well, I’m sure they didn’t go far.”
Mrs. River thought perhaps they went for a walk, but wondered at their leaving everything out.
Jordan, Clyde and Murray dashed off to look under the branches of a large tree, “just in case they are hiding,” Clyde hollered up to their mom and dad. Not finding them there, the three lads explored along the water’s edge. It was Murray who discovered Niles’ shirt and shoes. Waving them excitedly he began to shout. Jordan and Clyde joined him and before long Mr. and Mrs. River were with them.
“Those are Niles’ all right,” affirmed Mr. River. “But what are they doing here?”
“And where are the girls?”
“Maybe they went swimming, Mom,” Jordan offered.
Mr. River shook his head. “Niles knows better than to go swimming less than an hour after he ate. And he certainly wouldn’t have let the girls go.”
“It was pirates, Dad!” Clyde exclaimed.
“Yeah,” Murray put in. “And they took the girls, and Niles had to swim out to rescue them.”
Mr. River only half heard his sons’ nonsense. He was gazing out in perplexity across the water. Where could Niles and the girls be? They wouldn’t have just run off. Had something happened? He saw a sail boat at the dock and noticed a pickup truck driving away from it, but since it was on the other side of the inlet he was only vaguely conscious of it.
Jordan began to sense that his parents were growing concerned. “Maybe these aren’t Niles’ things.”
“I’m sure they are,” Mrs. River stated with conviction.
“I think we need to go find the police and notify them. Come on boys,” Mr. River took his wife’s arm and they started up the hill. “And since Niles has the keys to the car, we have to walk.”

“Oh, Niles!” Lena and Savannah exclaimed when their brother came out of a doctor’s office supported by the doctor. “Are you all right?”
Niles nodded and was helped to a seat. His face was pale, and he looked exhausted.
“He’ll be okay. Just make sure he takes things easy for a day or so.” The doctor smiled at the trio and then turned as Lyda caught his sleeve.
“Dr. Black, my brother?” she faltered.
“Raymond? Suppose I go check for you. Dr. Emerson had him in charge.”
Almost before he had finished talking, another door down the hall had opened and Dr. Emerson appeared. “Lyda?”
Lyda sprang to her feet, but didn’t move. Her breath was coming in gasps, and her face was as white as the sails on a sailboat.
“Raymond is going to be fine, Lyda,” Dr. Emerson told her. “Thanks to this young man who managed to keep both their heads above water.” The doctor placed a hand on Niles’ shoulder. “Raymond is resting. Do you want to see him?”
“Oh yes, please.” Lyda turned to Niles, but couldn’t say anything. Her eyes, however, spoke for her.
As Lyda and Dr. Emerson disappeared down the hall, Dr. Black spoke. “Their parents are on their way here. But what about your parents? You are in no condition to walk beyond the front doors, young man. If you give me their phone number, I’ll call them.”
At that the girls gasped, and Niles clapped his hand on his pants pocket. With a sigh he pulled out a cell phone. “Water doesn’t improve these too well.” was all he said as he looked at it.
“We don’t live around here, sir,” Savannah put in, “and that was Dad’s cell phone.”
“We were having a picnic on the other side of the bay.”
“And here are the keys to the car,” Niles groaned pulling them out of another pocket.
Dr. Black chuckled. “I see. Then no doubt your parents have contacted the police and the quickest way to bring them here is for me to also call the police. Now,” he addressed Niles, “don’t try to go anywhere.” With that he disappeared inside his office.

It was only ten minutes later when both the Rivers and Lyda and Raymond’s parents appeared at the hospital. All was confusion and talking for several minutes. Niles was praised and hugged by both mothers and had his hand shaken until his arm felt like a pump handle. Dr. Black finally put a stop to things by saying that Niles needed rest. After good byes were said, the River family left the hospital and loaded up in their car which had been towed to the hospital for them. This time, Niles got a seat with Lena and Savannah.

Twenty minutes down the road Mr. River noticed a sudden silence, and glancing in the rearview mirror he saw Niles sound asleep with his head on Savannah’s shoulder. In the back were Jordan, Clyde and Murray sleeping like tops. All was quiet and still. Mr. River smiled at his wife. “Well, Niles certainly managed to wear out his brothers this time.”

So, what did you think? Did you figure out the names?

Meleah's Western Part 15

Good Morning,
This will be quick as I have to run and eat breakfast before heading out to the Springfield Conference. I'm looking forward to it!

Okay, here it is.

Part 15

Sally shivered, but uttered no sound. Her white face and clenched jaw betrayed her agony.
Carson couldn’t bear to see the fear written in her eyes nor Ty’s helplessness with the truth. “Well,” he stretched out his feet before the fire and clasped his hands behind his head. “I reckon we can all sleep well for many a night ta come since there ain’t no way any a them can find us here seein’ as how no one even knows we’re here.” He chuckled. An’ the tracks we done left from the cabin would shore ‘nough confuse even the best a trackers.”
“That’s right,” Ty added, thankful to see the terror gradually fading from his sister’s face. “An’ even if they was ta have started trackin,’ that there storm’d jest cover all signs up. Ya don’t think I’d be wastin’ my time getting all nice an’ shavin,’ which I ain’t done fer two months, if’n I was thinkin’ they might show up soon, do ya?”
Sally smiled. True, it wasn’t a full, lighthearted one such as she had earlier, but it was a start.

Several minutes were spent in silent thought. The wind could be heard softly whistling about the chimney. Hungrily the flames in the fireplace licked at the fresh logs Ty tossed on them and hissed and snapped like vicious beasts.
“How long ya reckon this here storm’ll last, Uncle Matt?”
“Oh, I speckt it’ll all be over in a day or so. Winter’s on its way out an’ spring’s acomin’ though it don’t seem that way tonight.”
“I reckon that’ll give me time ta carve that there locket for ya, Sally. That is,” Ty added with a twinkle in his eye. “If’n ya still want it.”
“Of course I still want it. Ya can’t get out of it that easy, Ty.”

And so the evening spent itself to be followed by several pleasant, restful days. Ty and Carson helped Uncle Matt with the chores. Inside, Aunt Leah found a most capable and helpful companion. Sally seemed to revel in the feeling, however short it may be, of peace. After that one evening when Ty shared the story, the troubles had not been brought up. Talk was held about the missing sister and ways to go about searching for her. Uncle Matt had several suggestions, but most evenings were spent with the men folk swapping stories of trapping and hunting. To these the women listened to, sometimes in rapt attention but at other times in skepticism. For, had they not heard some of them before? Only this time the animal was larger and the danger more life threatening. At such times, Sally and Aunt Leah would exchange glances of amusement.

It was during these times of story telling that Ty worked on the locket. He was quite skilful with the knife, and before many nights were over, an intricate locket of red maple sanded smooth lay waiting for the picture. The locket was passed from hand to hand and many were the exclamations it received. But Sally was puzzled.
“Ty, how are ya plannin’ ta get the picture in here? Ya didn’t leave any place ta slide it in, nor does it have a back that opens.”
“I was thinkin’ that same thing myself,” Carson interjected. “But I know how handy ya are with the knife so I reckon ya have some way?” It was more of a question than a statement, and all waited for Ty’s reply.
Holding out his hand for the locket, he grinned as his sister gave it to him. With the tip of his knife he pushed a tiny wedge out of the top of the locket thereby leaving a slit just the size of the picture. After gently sliding the picture down the slit, the wedge was carefully pushed firmly back into place. Sally stared as Ty handed the locket back to her. Where was the wedge she had just watched him put in place? She couldn’t detect it. The locket was shaken, but the picture remained firmly in its place, looking as though it had grown in the wood. Sally’s delight knew no bounds, and Ty was more than rewarded for his efforts. Aunt Leah produced a ribbon from her sewing basket, and the locket was tied about Sally’s neck. Not a word of the evening stories did Sally hear that night as she gazed at her mother’s picture.

At last the day came for Carson, Ty and Sally to depart. The snow had melted enough for the three to move on in their search. Uncle Matt gave last minute suggestions and advice and told them to stop by if they were ever that way again. Aunt Leah had packed plenty of food for their trip, and after admonishing Ty to look out for his sister and Carson to look after both of them, she told Sally,
“I reckon you can handle the hard things on this here trip, child, but do try to keep those two out of trouble.”
Sally laughed, and the tears that had threatened to fall disappeared. She strapped on her father’s six shooter and allowed Ty to help her mount. Uncle Matt handed her the reins, and as Carson and Ty swung up on their horses, she turned her own mount’s head to follow. Glancing back, she waved her hand to the two standing in the doorway of their hospitable cabin. Her horse tossed his head causing the bridle to jingle with a happy little tune. The sun was shining, and one bird was heard singing merrily in some tree nearby. They were off. Would they find a clue in the town they were headed to? Would they be able to track and find this sister who had disappeared so many years before? No one spoke these thoughts aloud, but each mind echoed them again and again as they rode steadily toward the east following the snowy road.

Any questions?

Riding "Bear Back"

Here it is Friday morning again. The Kansas City Convention starts this morning, so Jimmy and Sarah will be heading out before too long. The kids are still sleeping. They need it from what I can hear. I'm sure I'll have a busy day once they do get up. I have a feeling that Mom and Megan will be going to some garage sales today. That means I will probably have at least James. He's a handful right there.:) But that is that.

This story is rather funny, so I hope you enjoy it. I just wish you could read the stories my students wrote using the same Key Word Outline.:) They were great! But read this and enjoy. And yes, I put in all the dress-ups, all the sentence openers and three decorations.:) (That is what I made my students do.

Riding “Bear Back”
by
Rebekah Morris

My family and I love to go hiking. When we go we usually explore many trails hoping that there will be one which will lead to an exciting adventure. Unexpectedly I found it. After it was over I wished I hadn’t found it since it involved getting lost, encountering a bear and being out in a thunderstorm.

We were hiking along a path which had many curves and turns in it, so when I got distracted, it was easy to get lost. At least I think so. Spying something shiny on the ground, I stooped to examine it. Was it gold? After testing it with my teeth, I came to the conclusion that it wasn’t gold, but I dropped it in my pocket anyway. When I glanced up, I discovered that my family had vanished! I started on again; however, I unknowingly took the wrong path. Rapidly I sprinted, trying to catch up with my missing family. Hearing a sound just ahead around the next turn, I hurried on so as not to get lost.

Imagine my terrified surprise when suddenly, instead of my family, I encountered a bear! I screamed! I couldn’t help it, I was so scared. The grouchy, grumpy grizzly turned slowly with a growl. Before he could come close to me I was clambering up a slender tree very quickly. Gasping for breath, I paused on the highest branch just out of the bear’s reach. Then, with an unexpected crack, the branch broke beneath my weight which dumped me on the bear’s back. Instantly the bear began to lumber away in fright while I hung on for dear life. Never will I forget that ride. Before I could gather my senses enough to let go, a branch smacked me on the side of the head, causing me to tumble into a small stream. Although I was thankful to have survived my encounter with the bear, I was still rather bewildered.

When the thunderstorm broke just after I landed in the stream, it took several minutes to register the fact that I needed to get out of there. I lay in the water stunned. A blinding flash of lightning followed by ground shaking thunder roused me from my stupor. “I must get away!” I thought as I staggered to my feet. Stumbling along, I tripped over a tree root and fell. Beyond the trees I glimpsed a dark hole. Slowly, painfully, I worked my way towards the cave which I had seen. Once I fell. Twice I tripped. On I went. At last I made it only to fall exhausted and breathless on the floor of the cavern. It was then that I noticed other sounds besides the thunderstorm; my family was there waiting. Boy, was I surprised.

I will never hear a thunderstorm again without remembering the grumpy bear which I rode when I got lost. After that experience, I don’t love hiking as much as I did. Seeking an adventure is no longer as extremely important to me as sticking with my family. The most exciting part of my getting lost was riding “bear back.”

Did you like it?:)
Sorry the date is so funny on here. I put this story in drafts Wednesday evening because we would only have Sarah's laptop and not the family one, so now it decides today is Wednesday.:)