Rag Doll

"Leah, Leah can you hear me? Katherine get me more string. Leah I'm doctor Phelps, I created you."
This is how my life started. When i was a child I was diagnosed with small pocks and died from them, but that was years ago. Now I live with my father, Jacob Phelps.
"Dad, why can't I go to school?" I would ask.
"Because you're different." He simply stated.
"Aren't all people different?"
"Yes my love, but you are truly different and some people are afraid of different. I wouldn't want you getting hurt."
"Oh, okay." That was how the conversation always ended.
One morning I went out back to play when I spotted two girls. One of the girls was laughing while the other looked rather suspicious. I figured they were lost because no one ever came into this part of the woods. That was my one chance at being normal and I blew it.
I walked over to the girls and smiled. "Are you lost?" I asked casually.
"No, we're fine. We don't need help." This girl had short brown hair and sparkling green eyes that disapproved of me.
"Don't listen to her." The other was a short blond with light blue eyes. "Truth is we're lost. Could you direct us to the Northwood Tower please? I'm Alexis and this is Sarah." She gestured toward the brunette.
"Sure, but what are you doing way out here anyway? Don't the woods scare you?"I frowned at Alexis, only to find her smiling back at me.
"Then why are you here?" she asked.
"I live here."
The girl named Sarah burst into laughter. "Sure you do. No one lives back here."
"I do to live here!"
"Well," Alexis began to walk in circles around me, her long, flowing hair swaying in the autumn breeze. "There are rumors of a haunted lab run by a crazy guy by the name of Phelps." At this Sarah chuckled.
"Oh," I calmly stated. I turned and store over to her, “And you don’t believe these so called rumors."
"Of course not. You are just here to scare us, matter-of-fact I bet you are not even a real rag doll."
Rag doll?!
"What do you mean?" I stared blankly at Sarah, her blue eyes seeping into mine. Rag doll? I had never herd of such a thing.
"Sure, now your playing dumb." She rolled her eyes and behind me I heard Alexis giggle.
"I don’t know what you’re talking about." I frowned; I was losing my patients. "Alright I’ll play along. You look like a doll," she sighed when I didn’t respond. "You know, a child’s toy. What with all your stitches and colors."
"Well," I didn’t know what to say. All my life I had loved my stitches. I thought they made me unique, and now I was on the verge of crying. Dad was right; somehow he knew people wouldn’t accept me. He knew I would get bullied and teased. That was why he’d never send me to school.
That was when it happened.
I was about to make a come back when the blonde screamed and was pulled into the bushes.
"Alexis!" Sarah screamed. I stood motionless; unsure of what had happened.
"Sarah run!" Alexis’s voice sounded distant and muffled. No sooner had she began to run when the bush swallowed her as well.
"Alexis!" she cried, "Help me!"
The bushes shook violently then became still. In the distance I could here the girls footsteps as they ran for their lives.
Why hadn’t the bush swallowed me? I was about to find out when I was called into the house by my mother.

Later, my father and I were forced to move because of my little “incident.” A mob appeared and burned the house down, killing my mother. My father and I grieved for weeks, but truth is I wasn’t as sad as I should have been, which made me feel guilty.
Everything changed from there. Dad tried to replace her, but was too depressed to get it right. He often sent me to my room for no reason at all. I assumed he was reflecting on the incident and intended to punish me for it.
The harder he tried to keep his sanity the faster it slipped away from him. I was almost never aloud to leave my room except for meal times. I had plenty to do I assure you, I read a book or two, painted my room, and practiced my sowing. I made sheets for my bed, clothes for supper, and an escape rope. I often used the escape rope to get to the garden on the second floor. I love flowers and without the occasional rose, my room looks like a graveyard.

One night while I was eating the usual, spaghetti and meatballs, dad surprised me with some interesting news.
"Leah, I’ve enrolled you in school."
I about choked on my meatball. "What!?"
"You heard me, it’s a high school for special kids like you. You start MSaturday."
I jumped up and rocketed past the ten rows of chairs. "Thank you Dad! Thank you."
For the first time in five years he smiled, "Your welcome. Now go to your room."
"Yes, sir." I smiled and took the two flights of stairs two at a time. I couldn’t wait. What was school like? Would the other students accept me?
I slowed my pace. Was this a good idea, going to school? Of course it was, Dad said it was for people like me, so it must be safe.
I sighed coming to the roof. The door was wood, the only wood door in the house. It creaked when it opened and shut, sighing from the great weight of the roof. My room was no better.
A twin bed was in the very corner of the room by the only window. The desk was placed at the foot of the bed, surrounded in molten paper, string, and needles. A closet was hidden in the other corner of the room, overflowing with clothes.
Dad had gotten a deal on the building. It was four floors high, including the roof. The first floor was where my father lived. The second floor was the garden and laboratory. The third floor was solely dedicated to lab work. Everything looked new and remolded. The fourth floor was the only floor that showed the history of the building. I have asked Dad more than once to let me remodel the roof, and more than once he’s said no.
I sat at the desk and took out an old book with a small keyhole set into the binding. I set the book down and went over to my closet. In the very corner under a pile of clothes lay a small brown box. I opened it to reveal a small silver key. I picked up the key with gentle hands and brought it over to where the book patiently awaited its arrival. There was a soft click as the key opened the book. I flipped to a blank page and scribbled down the date. This was my mother’s diary, and now it was mine.

*Today my father surprised me by telling me I could go to school. Maybe him becoming insane was a good thing after all. I hope school will be all that I’ve hoped it would be. I hope I will make friends and that they will accept me for who I am. Even if I’m ugly on the outside, I’m sure there is something beautiful hidden deep within me.*

I sighed as the door locked behind me. I frowned and looked at the dead flower on my desk. When was the last time I traveled to the second floor?

It had to be about two when I was ready for the trip. I had converted the key into a necklace, to give me strength. I pushed open my medieval window and swung the rope over. it sat nicely on the small balcony by the biggest window. I glanced at the map I had made years ago one last time before heading out. I was ready.
I swung both legs out the window, careful not to let my stitches snag on the jagged edge. I jumped out holding on the rope, and turned landing both feet on the side of the building. I climbed down the side of the house, landing soundlessly on the balcony. I pushed on the window, hoping it wasn’t locked. It swung open, creating a cloud of dust. I looked to the sky. It was a starless night; which was disappointing, but at least the moon was on my side.
I slipped inside and closed the window. Every thirty minutes one of my Dad’s flouriest comes in to check on the plants and according to my watch she was just here. I would have to move fast if I was to get the flower in time.
I ran down a row of exotic plants to a door that read, "Employs Only." I went inside without another look. There was a single rose that always brightens my room and the species was always under treatment. It was a white rose with horizontal black lines that covered the pedals. I smiled as I spotted it. I walked toward it, eager to stroke its pedals.
The lights flickered on and I had just enough time to duck under the table. My dad had entered the room. What was he doing up so late? Why was he here?
"It’s a school for monsters," he was saying. "I needed her out of the building so I could proceed with the project."
"Yes, sir. About the project, what would you like me to do about our little problem?" A short stocky woman with long brown hair followed him into the room.
"Lock it up. Take it to the third floor."
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I was being used. I needed to get out of here fast. I snuck up from under the table, grabbed the rose, and made for the door as quietly as I could.
As soon as I was out I didn’t look behind me.
"What was that?" Dad said nervously.
"The door!" the woman shouted in a panic.
I ran passed the plants and dived for the window. My dad burst into the room, "Sound the alarm, I’m going to go and check on Leah."
That was when I knew my time was short. I closed the window behind me and began to climb.
"Leah!"
"Dad? What time is it?"
"Sorry Leah, I didn’t mean to wake you. Go back to sleep."
"Okay." I mumbled the words and turn over facing my rose. Behind me I heard the door slowly shut and lock. I waited a few minuets before leaping out of bed. Good thing Dad didn’t notice the rope tied to the edge of my widow and the empty vase that now sat under my desk.
I pushed open the window and brought up the rope. Then put my rose into the vase and set it on the desk. What was Dad trying to do? Why did he need me out of the way? What was the little problem?
I looked into a small mirror behind the door. Some of my stitching had been undone and needed repairing. I sat on my bed and sighed. What ever this was it could wait till the morning.
I clutched my silver key hanging just over my heart. What happened to the man I new as the creator? I sat and thought back to the day my little incident happened and a single tear trickled down my face, wetting the fabric.

Mummy Who?

You could say I'm a million years old, and you would be right. When I was three I was wrapped alive, yet hundreds of years later I was found alive.
I was found in southern Egypt and taken to England where I was raised by my "parents" until I was eight.
A merchant came into town one day and told me I was beyond beautiful. He offered my parents a deal; I'll give you five hundred pounds if you give me the girl. Like any good parent they took the money and happily shipped me off to no man's land.
I continued to work for the rich merchant and his house keeper, Helga. She was like a mother to me and was the only one who really understood me. She had hair as orange as carrots. Gray hairs stood out on the top of her head, a sign of her real age.
I would follow her, help her make dinner, and clean the house. I would do anything just to be around her and away from the merchant.
At night Helga would brush my short brown hair and sing to me.

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are gray. You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away."

I would sigh and say, "You have a beautiful voice."
She would smile and say, "Oh my Ruu, you are becoming more and more beautiful by the days." She would set the brush on my night stand and kiss my forehead goodnight.

Five years passed and Helga passed away. I didn't know a thing about it until two days later.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier!?" I yelled. Behind his desk, the merchant looked at me with slicing green eyes.
"You didn't need to know." He stated flatly. "Besides, your going to have to replace her as my house keeper."
I slammed my hands on his desk. "I am not your slave!" I screamed furiously.
He stared at me, icy calm. "Yes, you are. I bought you from your parents." I was speechless, he was right.
I whipped around and kicked the trash can over on my way out.
"You'll pay for that." He shouted. I screeched in fury. He has no right to do such a thing! I needed to escape.
I turned down a narrow hallway covered in old, fancy, wall paper. A small, white door sat at the end of the hallway. I turned the golden knob and entered the room. The inside would have surprised any ordinary human, but I wasn't human.
It was a very elegant room used to house guests, now it looked like garbage. The wallpaper, bedding and the single picture was torn. Splotches of gray carpet were scattered around the floor. It looked like the beast's room from Beauty and the Beast, except there was no beauty here.
I looked into the shattered mirror that once hung beautifully on the wall, oops. I stared at myself; my dark brown hair sprouted out of wrappings that covered half my face and my right eye. My hair stopped at my shoulders, curling a bit at the tips. I wore the same thing every day: mummy wrappings. I was sure mine where far to old and small, but I wore them anyway. They wrapped delicately around my body forming a short dress. I wrapped my hands, arms, legs and neck, to cover up a few ugly scares.
I wiped my eye hating to find a single tear had found it’s way down my cheek. I sighed at sat on the edge of the bed. I knew I was different from the day my “family” found me. They had screamed and called me a corps, a zombie, a mummy. I hated them and the merchant. Some day I would leave here, and I would never come back.

“Ruu! Wake up! You’re supposed to be making breakfast.” I groaned and rolled off my bed landing with a thud.
“Ruu!”
“Alright, I’m coming.” I shouted. I ran to my closet to fix my dress and comb my hair.
“Ruu lets go!”
“I’ll be out in a minute!” I threw my brush on the bed and ran to the door to find the merchant standing right outside.
“Good morning.” I mumbled.
“What?” he said holding his hand to his ear as if he hadn’t heard.
“Good morning.” I yelled.
“Why aren’t you ready?”
“I didn’t know I was to be making breakfast.”
“You didn’t? Well then I’ll let this one slide,” He motioned for me to walk with him. “This will be one of you’re daily chores. You are to make breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I assume you have an alarm clock.”
“Broke.” I kept my voice even and steady, never looking at the merchant.
“Shame,” he sighed, and then continued, “I can not and will not be your alarm clock. Get it fixed.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’m sorry?”
“Yes sir.” I shouted.
“Good, meet me for lunch and we will discuss your further duties.” He smiled as I turned into the kitchen. Was this man crazy? It had to be about six in the morning, I was exhausted.
I slouched over to the sink to wash my hands and face, only to fine I was being blocked by an old woman wearing a hairnet and apron.
“Hello.” She frowned and mumbled, “This is the replacement? Lord help me.”
“Um, hi.” I tried to smile, but was hopelessly failing.
“Okay then,” she sounded unsure and afraid, “My name is Simone, I’m the head chef.”
“My name is Ruu.”
“Rue? What kind of name is that?”
“It is spelled r-u-u. It is a nickname.” So far I wasn’t too fond of Simone.
“Okay then. Let’s get to work.”

I set down the silver platters piled with hot cakes, eggs and bacon in front of the merchant and his son.
“Can I get another glass of orange juice?” the merchant’s son asked.
“Why?”
“This one smells weird.”
"You have got to be kinding me." I mumbled. I leaned in to smell the orange juice. “It smells fine to me.”
"No it is not, trust me!"
I sighed and took a sip, “It tastes like regular orange juice. What are you talking about?” I set the glass down in front of him.
“Eww! I can’t drink from this! Get it away!”
“What’s wrong now?”
“You drank from it. Go get me a new one!”
”No.” I crossed my arms; sure I was tricked into this.
“Do what he says.” The merchant was watching me carefully.
“I’m your assistant not his.” I pointed a finger at him and he smiled.
“You are to serve Steven and myself.” He dismissed me with a hand, “Now go get him more orange juice, then you may join us for breakfast. We have much to talk about.”
I went to get the little brat some new orange juice, and get myself a hot cake and strawberries. I went to sit down at the far end of the table were, presumably, Helga sat.
“Now,” the merchant began, crossing his fingers in a business like way. “I’ve enrolled you into a school with Steven.” He looked at his son and a fraction of a smile appeared on his face, but was soon wiped away when looked at me. He coughed and continued, “You will have to were a uniform, and you will be expected to follow all rules.” He frowned and turned back to his meal.
“I don’t want to go to school.” I hated the idea. People would laugh and point fingers. “Oh look, there goes that weird kid again,” or “Hey freak!” I had seen enough and knew what to expect of all real people.
“What did you say?” he slowly raised his head, remaining icy calm.
“It’s just, I don’t think school is the right thing for me.” I looked away, unable to meet his eyes; afraid of what I would see there.
“Well,” his voice cut though me, making me shiver. “You will go to school if you like it or not. You start in the morning.”
I can tell you now I didn’t like it.
I excused myself from the table and went into my room. There was a blue and red dress sitting on the bed. Great. I picked it up and put it in the closet, batting down some cobwebs on the way. It hung there mocking me from dawn until dusk.

School came and went. Like I predicted I was an outcast, a nobody. I got expelled for something I did not do. I am no different than you. I thought, hot tears running down my face. I breathe, cry, walk, run, get scared, and have emotions. Why would you do this to me? Everyone was different. Why must they pick on me?
Sure, I told my side of the story, but it wasn’t very convincing. I could easily tell the principle didn’t want me there. What was wrong with me? Why should I care though? I was freak and I knew it.
The merchant picked my up in his top-quality limousine aligned with beautiful black leather seats and lights. When I ducked my head under to get inside, I found the merchant, holding a glass of fresh champagne. He stared furiously into my teary, brown eyes.
“Do you realize what you have done!?” he shouted furiously.
“I didn’t do it!” By now I was balling. It wasn’t my fault, why wouldn’t he listen to me?
“How could you!? First you caused the headmaster’s prize statue to crumble into a million pieces. Then you triggered the sprinkler system by pulling the fire alarm. Now set the cafeteria on fire! You can bet you’ll be doing double chores and you are never going to another school again.” He was practically spitting the words.
“I told you,” I was screaming at him fury and hate giving me new energy. “I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t do anything wrong. Your son pushed me into the statue! He pulled the fire alarm! He set my food on fire!”
“Don’t you dare bring him into this, my son wouldn't do any of those things!”
“I don’t need this!” I made a snap decision and opened the car door.
“Where are you going? Don’t you dare!” he dropped the Champaign, staining the seats and lunged. I jumped, and for a moment things moved in slow motion. He grabbed my leg and pulled and I stumbled out the door.
I looked down to find he took my right leg. Empty bandages hung loosely exposing my old skin.
The limo skidded to a halt and the merchant ran out. “Get into this car! Now!” I had never seen him so angry and so I did the smart thing. I ran for my life. I thanked my lucky stars this was an abandoned road surrounded by trees. The merchant yelled furiously and I limped as fast as I could. Just before I hit the trees a gun sounded and pain searched through my left arm. The world began to spin around me, and the next thing I knew I was laying on concrete.

I woke with a start. What happened? I did a quick review and realization hit me like a rock smashing a window. I felt my left arm and sure enough it was wrapped in my extra mummy wrappings. The driver had shot me with a stud dart.
I opened the ripped curtains to reveal a very sad, violent day. Icy rain hit the window, attempting to enter the room. I turned from the window to flick on the light; only it didn’t turn on.
I went to open the door, but it was locked. I turned to find light that had been streamed through the keyhole, exposing a lonely piece of parchment. I picked it up with delicate hands.

Ruu,
Until you learn to behave you will be locked in your room for three days. You will get no food, water, or power. There will be no need to serve us and if you try to escape you will be punished severely. I will be checking on you every night and when I do, if you want to be released early, you must show me by groveling at my feet.
I have also enrolled you into another school called “Silver Moon Academy.” It is for people like you. You start in about one week.
Sincerely
Thomas D. Welting

I crumbled up the paper and tossed it across the room. How dare he! No food, water, power, and I get to go to school. Don’t you wish you were me?
I sighed and dug up an old candle and matches (Don’t ask me why or where I keep those) and light it.

Deadly Little Vampire

It was cold, damp and smelled of garbage. The alley welcomed me with a menacing breeze, pushing me into its opening. Owls hooted with horror, cats ran away with the dogs, and rats dared to come out of their nests. This was the night I was ‘reborn’.

I was an outcast to my family, my mother saw me as a mistake and I had never met my father. I was lonely and hurt. I wanted to leave, to run away. I had made my decision.
“Lauren! Come here now and make dinner!”My mother called from the kitchen. She had a beer in hand and was wearing her Sunday best; a pair of flannel pajamas.
I smiled to myself. Today is the day, I thought. I grabbed my backpack full of clothes and started walking towards the back door.
“No thanks!”I yelled as I ran out of the door, my backpack hitting my arm as it hung loosely from one shoulder. Rain splattered around me, making my long black hair clump and stick to my face. “Great...” I muttered. My clothes were soaked, it was raining, I was cold and I had no home; what a wonderful day! I started to sing one of my favorite songs that I remembered hearing a long time ago. Somehow singing always made me feel better.
When I sing, I lose myself; I forget who I am and where I’m going. I stopped and looked around. It was dark; the faint color of the forgotten street lights guided me into an old alley.
I felt unease creep into my skin. A gust of wind beckoned me further into the gaping alley. “Gross!” I thought, “It smells horrible in here!”
Something about the night made me freeze to the spot. I heard a soft chuckle and the click of shoes on the pavement. My heart beat quickened and I whipped around to behold a man. He was tall, probably in his mid-thirties, his long blonde hair covered his eyes and he wore a sly grin.
“Hello my dear, are you lost?” He came closer.
“No. I know where I am going” I said, backing away.
“Oh, are you sure?” His smile widened when I didn’t respond. “Well then, let me show you the way.”He slowly tilted my chin towards his.
“No! Let go of me! Don’t-! ”I never finished my sentence.
The man had bitten me, his fangs pierced my neck and I started feel drowsy. He lifted his head and looked at me; crimson blood ran down his mouth and his eyes were a deep shade of red.
“You are coming with me.” He wiped his chin and picked me up. I could do nothing, but lay unconscious in his arms.
I woke up in a Victorian styled bedroom. Silk sheets covered my aching body. The windows were covered with dark purple curtains, and the walls were a lacy kind of black. It would have been heaven if I wasn’t in so much pain. I couldn’t really feel anything except two holes in the right side of my neck, burning my skin. He was sitting in a chair not far from the bed. He stared at me and grinned, his fangs poking out from under his lips. “Ah, Lauren, you have awoken!”
My voice was hard and ghastly, “How do you know my name?”
“Oh, has your mother not told you?”He asked, “Why, sweetheart, I am your father. You’ve been asleep for a couple of days, how are you feeling?”
My heart stopped, I felt faint and nauseated. My “father” had a worried look on his face, “Aren’t you glad to see me? I am very glad to see you. Now I can finally be with my little girl, forever.”
“What do you mean, “Forever”? Why did you leave me if you loved me so much? Where are we? And more importantly, what the heck did you do to me?!”
It took him a minute to answer, as if he was trying to choose his words carefully.
“Well, dearest, I had no choice but leave you. Your mother was furious with me and told me to leave.” He sighed. “I thought it was best for you to not know who or what I was. As to the answers your other questions, I believe you’ll find out soon enough.
I was furious, yet I didn’t strangle that man, something kept me from hurting him.
“You might as well get ready. Meet me in the kitchen in ten minutes.” He slid out of the room and shut the door behind him.
I slowly raised the sheets and slid both feet from under me. I sat up and walked over to a nearby closet.
I opened the double wooden doors and gasped. Inside were tons of strange clothes. Tattered shirts stacked several shelves; skinny jeans were placed upon the floor, skirts of all colors hung on black hangers. There was a small box filled with chain necklaces and bracelets. I frowned and slipped on a blue skirt over a pair of jeans along with a ripped up T-shirt.

Instead of meeting with “dad” in the kitchen I decided to take a walk. The fall leaves fluttered in the breeze, the air smelled like pumpkin pie. “If only I could walk here with him...” I thought.
Suddenly the breeze shifted and a delightful smell ran up my nose. It smelt sticky and sweet; and I wanted it.
I ran towards the scent, I was thirsty, but I didn’t know what I was thirsty for. I entered peaceful little a clearing. I stopped dead, it was him. He was kneeling over a bleeding knee. He looked up at me and smiled.
“Hey Lauren,” His voice was as sweet and kind. “I was running through the woods and I fell, but I’m alright now. Say what are you doing here?”
I was lost for breath. “Oh um, I was walking and I wanted to…go to the clearing because sometimes I come here to think.”
“Are you okay Lauren? You look really pale.”He looked worried and concerned. “You sick or something? Want me to walk you home?”
He struggled to his feet and limped towards me. He stopped to put his right arm over my shoulder. I was about to thank him when I realized something. I wanted to tell him I love him.
“Hey, I’ve been meaning to tell you this. I, well I… I love-.” I stopped and inhaled the air. It was the scent. It was coming from him. Thirst overthrew and I felt different. I felt faster and stronger. All the sudden I was the predator and he was my prey.
I slowly tilted his chin towards mine. I could hear the blood flow from his veins, it was like music to my ears. He closed his eyes and puckered his lips, but that wasn’t what I was after. Not anymore. I bit down, hard. He howled in pain, but for some reason I didn’t care. Blood rushed into my mouth, the sticky liquid felt warm in my throat. It was delicious, but I wanted more. I bit down harder and harder until I felt him go limp in my arms. I licked my lips, my thirst satisfied.
I fell to my knees. In my arms was the one I loved. I’d loved him since we were little kids. I wanted to be with him so badly and now he was gone. I felt hot tears stream down my face and fall onto his shirt.
“Wake up....WAKE UP!” I cried, “Don’t leave me!!! I didn’t want this to happen!! Please WAKE UP! I love you.”
I cradled him in my arms and stroked his lifeless face. This was my fault. “I love you!” I cried in my mind, “I loved you! Please come back.”
Leaves crackled behind me and I turned to see my father standing by an old oak tree.
“YOU!” I screamed. I put his body gently on the ground and ran towards my father, “You were here this whole time, weren’t you?!”
“Yes.”He whispered.
“Why didn’t you stop me? He would have been alive!”I screamed.
“I wouldn’t be able to stop you if I tried.” He said stepping closer to me, “You are so strong for someone your age, honey.”
He tried to pull me into a hug. Rage filled my heart and I pushed him away.
“No!” I yelled, “Don’t touch me! Get away from me! You are not my Dad!”
He gasped and instantly became furious. “Lauren Renee, how DARE you say that to me? He was a stupid mortal! He deserved to die!”
I completely lost it. I put my hand on my dad’s shoulders and threw him into a tree. The tree fell to the floor, but Dad was perfectly fine. I swung a couple of punches, but he blocked them all. He never moved to attack, he just defended.
“He is not stupid!” I cried throwing another useless punch. “He never deserved to die!” I ducked and threw another punch. This time I hit him. He sound was as though someone took a baseball bat to a glass vase. His right shoulder shattered into pieces.
“That was for saying he was stupid!”
I grinded my teeth and kicked him in the shin. He howled and fell to the floor. “That was for saying that he deserved to die!”
“Lauren…please…” He croaked, “I didn’t mean what I said…I’m sorry. I love you sweetheart…”I grabbed his neck, tears flowed from my eyes and I couldn’t think straight.
“And this is for saying that you’re my dad...and for lying to me.” I squeezed his neck harder.
Father looked at me with tears in his eyes and whispered hoarsely, “Whatever you do, sweetheart, know that I will always be with you. I love you…” He took one last breath and fell dead.
I needed to escape. I closed my eyes and began to sing. My voice was soft at first but gradually grew strong.
I was a murderer and because of that I hated myself. I didn’t want to ever hurt like this again. Everything hurt, the tears burned my face, and I couldn’t move, hear, or see. I felt lost. My soul couldn’t take this anymore, I put all of my emotions in a little glass jar in my mind. The pain was still there, but now it wasn’t as painful. I couldn’t smile, frown, or cry. I hurt people because of my emotions, I thought, now I can’t hurt anyone any more.
I briefly went into town to change the way I looked. I dyed my hair, I couldn’t stand my natural shade anymore, it reminded me to much of him and dad. I dyed it a bright blue color with green streaks. It doesn’t fit my personality, but that’s why I like it so much. Bangs cover most of my face and the rest of my hair comes up to about my shoulders then flows down my back, ending in little curls.
I lived in solitude, stuck in a nearby cave. I was forever thirsty, yet I did not drink. I couldn’t accept who I was. A few weeks later, away in the cave I found a note on the cold floor. It read:

Dear Ms. Nagy,
We have been informed that you have not been enrolled in a proper school for your special abilities.
We are happy to tell you that we have found a school that welcomes people like you. You start Thursday. We will send someone like you to come and collect you and your things.
Due to your extra special abilities you will be staying with us for a while. Books will be provided. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided accordingly.
Sincerely,
The Board of Administrators
The Silver Moon Academy
“Well this is going be fun.” I thought as I rubbed my neck, “Hope no one dies because of me.”

Silver Moon Academy

Three pairs of identical uniforms lay sprawled out over my bare bed. Am I really supposed to wear these? I thought to myself. The uniform consisted of a navy blue skirt with a yellow and white stripe around the edge, white leggings, and a white tank top that I was to wear under a navy blue jacket with a yellow and red striped tie.
I signed and shoved all three uniforms into an old suitcase filled with things I was required to bring to school. I picked up the small list and examined it.
I had everything on the list, which just about cleaned out my room. The only thing left was another one of my mom’s items, an old purse. I went over to it to double check that everything was inside. Everything I need was in fact inside, the diary, a needle, thread, and cloth.
“Leah, are you ready to go?”
Dad. My mind quickly switched gears. What was he hiding from me? Why did he need me out of the house? What was their little “problem?”
“Leah?”
I forced my thoughts to slow. Don’t spoil your opportunity, I scolded myself, this will be fun. I finally get friends. “Coming Dad!” I shouted out the door.
I grabbed my suit case and emergency purse and flew out the door and down the stairs, tearing some of my stitches on the way.
“Are you ready to go?” He asked as soon as I appeared around the corner.
“Of course!” I smiled and opened the door that led to the garage. When I was young, before the world knew about crazy Dr. Phelps and his rag doll of a daughter, Dad used to make Mom a new car for her every birthday, so we owned about seven or eight homemade cars.
“Which car are we taking?” I asked turning to see him.
“The Nissan.” Thing is Dad liked to make his cars, models of real cars with a few twists.
I got in and fought the seatbelt into place. It was going to be a long drive out of the forest and into town, not to mention the two and a half hour flight to Main and a forty-five minuet boat ride to Moon Sway, a private island bought by the school. I opened one of my favorite novels and began to read.


The wind flew with my hair, the delicate spray of water hit my face as the island loomed up out of the sea. The ferry docked at the small port near the front entry way.
Two tall wooden doors were placed under an arch, marking the entrance to the school. I grabbed my stuff and bustled off the boat onto white sand only to be trampled by other students.
“Welcome,” A voice sounded from a loud speaker. “Welcome to Silver Moon Academy!” The crowd cheered as the doors opened.
I took in a gulp of air before following the crowd. I turned and took one last look at the disappearing ferry out the shutting gate.
Here was another set of open doors that led into a large corridor that split into three hallways that was decorated like a roman castle. The walls were a dark red with statues placed in all corners of the room.
Whoever was leading us led us down the first hallway to the left that was covered with candles. Decorated light brown doors aligned the walls of the hallway, each with a small number written on a golden plaque in the middle. At the very end of the hall way was a set of double doors hiding behind two white columns. The doors were pushed open and we were lead into the Cafeteria. No, cafeteria wasn’t the word to describe it, although that was clearly what it was. White benches attached to four long tables filled the room. A single gigantic chandelier overflowing with candles hung in the center of the room attached to the high ceiling.
A tall thin woman dressed in a silky blue dress that covered her feet stood by a table overflowing with teachers. She smiled and held up a glass, “Ladies and gentle monsters, welcome to Silver Moon Academy!” the crowd roared and cheered until they were silenced by a hand. “I am Madam Elvira, your headmaster. In a few minutes you will be shown to your room and any questions you have will be answered, but for now take a seat at the first table to your right and let the feast begin!”
The long white table was labeled “First Years” and was filled with different varieties of foods; there were raw fish, eyeball soup, spider bread, and human foods too. I, not being a fan of the soup, chose to eat human food. I sat down near the end of the table and grabbed a roll along with some steak and noodles.
Soon after dinner had finished and dessert was served, the girls and boys were separated and split into groups of three. One group went with the nature teacher Mrs. Rosa, who was -basically- a living tree, another group went with the girl’s gym teacher Mrs. Lockhart who was a sea monster, and the last group went with the English teacher Mrs. Stewart who, as far as anyone could tell, was completely normal. I was led by Mrs. Lockhart.
“Now,” Mrs. Lockhart turned and looked at the small group of ten. “I will be showing each and every one of you to your own room along with answering every question you have. All the girl’s dorms are on the second floor. First and second years share a hallway to your left. Any questions?” No one moved. “Very well, off we go.”
She led us out the double doors, past the main gym, down a hallway crowded with pictures of students, and up a flight of stairs. We entered into a long hallway that broke into three others. Mrs. Lockhart led us down the first hallway and stopped by an old wooden door.
“Inside there is your bathroom, complete with showers, stalls and a row of sinks.” She smiled and continued on only to stop by a set of glass doors.
“Through those doors is a relaxing room. Inside are several games along with bean bags and televisions. Beyond that is a balcony.”
She continued forward until she came to a room on the left marked with the number one.
“Tina Cameroon, this is your room. Please, come with me.” Nobody moved. I was beginning to wonder if this Tina girl had come when Mrs. Lockhart suddenly turned around and made her way through the door, a tiny girl -about the size of my arm from my wrist, to my elbow- followed her in. It took about five minutes until she was done with her and as soon as she was she went to the next room with the next girl.
About five doors down she called out what I thought was an interesting name, “Yuvanna Leyva, this is your room.” Before she could continue, a tall girl wrapped tightly in cloth, stepped forward and interrupted.
“Ruu,” She said, “I liked to be called Ruu.”
“Oh, alright.” The teacher looked a little taken aback by the sudden outburst, but got over it quickly. “Please, follow me.”
Once we had gotten to the end of the hall, we moved on the right side. I couldn’t help but wonder why she hadn’t put anyone into the last room, room eight, so I asked.
“Um, Mrs. Lockhart,” She turned her scaly self around to look at my through dark green eyes that matched her claws.
“Yes.” She smiled showing a wicked arrangement of teeth.
“What about room eight?”
“What about it?” She asked.
“Why didn’t you put anyone in it?”
“My dear, it is occupied by a girl that came just a little sooner than you.”
“Oh, okay.” She turned and moved on to the next room.
Five minutes later she called my name for room ten. “Leah Phelps, this is your room.” I stepped forward, trying not to make a fool of myself. “Follow me.”
She led me into a small square room with a bare twin bed in the far right corner. A desk was placed next to the foot of the bed, facing the wall. An empty white wardrobe sat in the very left corner of the room.
“What do you think?” Mrs. Lockhart asked, interrupting my thoughts.
“It’s great! I love it!”
“Good,” she smiled. “You can decorate it anyway you like, just as long as you don’t paint anything.”
“Thanks.” I said setting my bag on the bed.
“As I said before the bathroom is just down the hall and if you need any supplies there is a small store by the cafeteria that sells all your basic school and house supplies, not to mention your gym uniform that needs to be bought by Wednesday.”
“Okay, thank you.”
“Did you bring sheets for your bed?” she asked.
“I did.”
“Would you like some help putting them on?”
“I would, thank you.”
“Laundry day is every Friday. There is a small basket attached to the door of your wardrobe that can easily be detached. Just leave it outside your door and we will pick it up and bring it back all nice and clean.” She said putting the pillow in the case.
“Thank you.”
When we had finished she shook my hand and said. “Tomorrow, breakfast is served at seven, you will be getting you schedule there. After breakfast, there will be a small tour of the school. Classes don’t start till Monday. Do you have any questions?”
“Not really, no.”
“Okay, see you tomorrow.” She smiled and left the room.
After she left I decided to unpack. I put all my clothes in the wardrobe along with the diary.

The Mummy in Room Three

My alarm clock sprang into action. “Get up!” It screamed into my ear. I rolled over on my bed in an attempt to turn it off, only to slip out of bed and hit the floor with a bang.
“Oh, shut up!” I screamed furiously pounding on the thing with my fist. The clock kept buzzing warning me that it was a minute passed six-thirty. I finally pushed a small button toward the back of the infernal contraption and it shut off.
I yawned and walked over to the white wardrobe. Opening it revealed my three uniforms as well as my old clothes. I wondered if I had to wear my uniform and I figured better safe than sorry. I stripped myself of my nightgown and slipped the silly thing on. It was scratchy and didn’t quite fit right. The skirt seemed too short, the leggings to tight, and the jacket seemed a little big. I wrestled the tie into place and was quickly irritated about how it wouldn’t stay straight.
I glanced at the clock. Ten till seven. I ran over to the little wood dresser and grabbed the rusted brush to force it through my red, stringy hair. I slipped on my old sneakers and flew through the door and down the hallway. I took a wrong turn and ended up on the wrong side of the girl’s dorms, but I soon found my way down the stairs, passed the gym, pool and library and into the cafeteria.
Monsters were everywhere. They must only have family styled dinners because the new set up was much more like a cafeteria. Tables were set far apart from each other in rows. A line was backed up to the door with monsters waiting for their turn at the buffet. I inched my way toward the back of the line and waited.
No sooner had I gotten to the front of the line when a girl comes up to me. By the looks of things she was a year older than and she was mean. She cut in front of me without a second glance.
“Excuse me.” I tapped on her shoulder.
She turned an ugly frown on her face, “What?” She was skinny, tall and a light blue and green color. She looked to be Frankenstein’s daughter. Her long blue hair flowed to her back and two nails stuck out of her long, green neck. She wore a silver top that said “Silver Moon academy Cheer Squad” along with jeans. She was a cheerleader.
“Um,” I swallowed. “You just cut in front of me.”
She scowled, “So, what are you going to do about it?”
I was about to reply with a single snide comment when I decided it was better not to. Besides, it was only one person. “Nothing.” I murmur, turning away.
“Just what I thought.” She stuck her nose into the air and turned to face the line. I did not like her.

After breakfast was finished, the snobby fear-leader’s eyes baking into the back of my head, we were given the tour. We were shown the full first floor. They took us into the library, numerous class rooms, showed us the auxiliary and main gyms, and the pool. They gave us a tour of the court yard out front and informed us that we would be allowed to swim on the beach out back. They showed us a dock a few feet away from the shore line that was piled high with relax cushions and water pillows.
After the tour we were given a rundown of how the classes worked and what we would be doing. We meet every teacher we may or may not be having. I meet the math teacher, Mrs. Valeria, the girl’s P.E teacher, Mrs. Lockhart, the cooking teacher, Mrs. Conover, the science teacher Mr. Bronson, the history teacher Mr. Froster, the music teacher Mr. Reed, the art teacher Mrs. Francesca, and so on and so forth.
It was a long and exhausting day. We were given our schedules and told to take a shower and get to bed. Lights were to be turned off no later than ten o’clock. There were going to be teachers that roam the halls double checking and if your lights were not off you would get a warning and if your lights were still on you would be punished severely; that much was clear.
I curled up under the sheets, warming my frail, fabricated body. No sooner had I
dozed off did when the sun’s delicate rays were seeping through white framed window. Breakfast was always served at seven, then you were given ten minutes to grab you thing and get to class.
Math dragged on as well as every period up till lunch. We had a small class just before then that was solely dedicated to resource time. You were allowed to read, look up information on the laptops, and do any homework you had. I arrived about a minute late and all the seats were taken except one by the window next to a girl with long brown hair that was semi wrapped in old cloth. I walked over and took a seat, hooking my bag to the chair.
“Hi,” I smiled at the girl next to me. She seemed nice enough, maybe a little hostile, but not too bad. She was wearing a uniform like my own, but her arms and legs were wrapped tightly in old cloth. My first impression was that she was a mummy.
“Hi.” She shot back at me.
“What are you working on?” I was trying to be kind, to make a friend.
“Nothing really, just doodling.” My mouth hung open at the sight the small girl etched onto a sheet of notebook paper.
“Wow, you’re really good at that!”
She smiled, “I’ve had a lot of practice.”
I shyly returned her smile and held out a hand, “My name is Leah.”
“Ruu.” She said gripping my hand. She looked at my puzzled face then added, “It is a nickname.”
We instantly became friends.

Lifelessly Lonely

My stomach growled restlessly throughout fourth and fifth period. Finally the lunch bell sounded my freedom. I flew out the door and down the hallway, stopping only to meet Leah by the stairs. She smiled, her stitches bending over backward to put forth the effort.
“You’re late.” She commented.
I smiled and readjusted the bandaging over my eye. “Mrs. Valeria let us out late again. I really don’t like her, I mean she just so mean, and strict, and bossy. She drives me nuts!”
“I know what you mean.” We started down the stairs. “So,” She began. “Have you ever been here before?”
“No,” I replied. “Why?”
“I was just wondering if you knew anything I didn’t.” She glanced back at me, her wavy, red hair falling down to her shoulders.
“Oh no, I only know as much as you know.” I let out a small laugh.
“Okay.” She turned and faced the front. I could tell she wanted something.
“What is it?” I asked.
“I was wondering if you knew why they only served family-styled dinners.”
“Hmm,” I put on my ridiculous face and stroked my chin with my thumb and index finger. She threw back her head and laughed. “I don’t know. Maybe because they want a more learning environment, so they have kind-of like a buffet for breakfast and lunch.”
“Oh yeah, I could see that.” She reached out with a blue and green arm separated by black stitching and opened the cafeteria’s large double doors. Inside was chaos. Monsters were laughing, screaming, crying, and walking around. The set up was the same as breakfast, but the buffet was filled with different foods.
“Do you want to get a table first, or eat?” Leah had to shout to be heard.
“Let’s get our food.” We made our way to the back of the line, squeezing are way around the crowd.
After my plate was piled high with eyeball soup, flower bread, a meatball sandwich, and a suspicious looking pudding, we fought to find a seat.
“What about over there?” Leah said pointing to a table were a rather pale girl was sitting sipping a juice box.
“Sure,” I nodded. “She is all alone anyway.” We inched toward the girl. Now that I was closer, I could make out long blue hair with green highlights, wearing the same uniform with a few minor tweaks. A silver chain hung from her skirt, she had spiky bracelets, and she had a midnight black and red chocker around her neck.
“Is this seat taken?” Leah asked setting her tray on the table and taking a seat on the white wood bench.
“Yes.” She never looked up.
Leah ignored her, patting the bench begging me to sit.
“My name is Ruu and this is Leah.” I gestured to my new friend and she nodded in response.
“Lauren.” Her voice showed no emotion. She starred at her cup and took a sip through the straw.
“Umm…” Leah stared at me, clearly upset by the lack of conversation. “Are you a first year?”
She nodded looking straight into her eyes.
“Do you by any chance know anything we don’t about this school?” I chimed in opening the lid off my soup bowl.
Again she nodded. “If you didn’t already notice, they only serve family styled dinners.” She began.
“We noticed.” Leah said ripping off a piece of her bread.
“Well then,” She said taking another sip of her drink. “You can buy anything you need at the bookstore.”
“Knew that.” I stated sipping my soup.
She ignored this statement and moved on. “You are not allowed off the island, unless you are leaving for the holidays. Every year around Christmas you are allowed to go back to your family to celebrate.”
“I won’t be going home unless I am commanded to.” I stated flatly.
“Why? Who would be commanding you to go home? I mean m father is pretty bad and I get way more freedom her than I have in my life, but he’s not that bad.” Leah asked.
“Well, I don’t have a father.” I suddenly found interest in my food and started picking at my meatballs.
“Technically, I don’t have a dad either. I like to call him that because he raised me. We look nothing alike. My dad is human. Of course he is extremely crazy, considering her mad a dying girl into a…rag doll.” Her eyes clouded and she chocked on the last words as if the thought troubled her.
“I never really had parents.” I turned, addressing Leah, trying to make her feel better. “I was found when I was three by what I thought was a nice couple. They had no children, none that I can remember anyway, so they took care of me for about two years.
“By the age of five I was sold to my master, a wealthy merchant. He brought me over to America, I used to live in England, and I have been with him since.”
“That is terrible!” Leah said, her blue-gray eyes overwhelmed with sympathy. “How did you get by? Do you like the merchant?”
“Lord no! He beat me from time-to-time. I did have a friend there, though. Her name was Helga. She taught me how to read, write, cook, and clean.”
“That’s good.” Leah said turning back to her food.
“What happened?” Lauren’s voice surprised me. I had forgotten she was there, listing to every word I said. I suddenly felt vulnerable.
“What?” I didn’t know what else to say.
“What happened to her?”
“Why do you ask?” I could fell Leah’s eyes pouring into my head. Lauren never looked up from her drink. That surprised me. I was like she was hypnotized by the juice and for a moment I wondered what she was drinking.
“You were using words passed-tense as though she isn’t here anymore. What happened?” For the first time she looked up at me. The fierceness of her blood red eyes forced my brain into action. Blood red eyes?
“Umm, well…she passed away due to a very deadly disease.”
“Oh Ruu, I am so sorry.” Leah rubbed my shoulder, disturbing the bandaging. “What about you?” Leah turned to Lauren who was taking another sip of…red liquid. Suddenly everything clicked. Lauren had to be a vampire.
“I do not discus my past.” She growled.
“Why?” I pressed.
“Because, I said so.” She was mad, although her face did not show it; I saw her grip on her drink tighten.
“Is it because your past is covered in hate and blood.” I half smiled. Leah looked at me with troubled eyes. Lauren peered at me her gaze threatening me, but I didn’t mind.
Her jaw tightened and, without warning, her cup exploded. Crimson blood poured everywhere, on the table, on Leah, and on me.
“Eww!” Leah shouted, doused in the gooey red liquid. “What is this?!”
“Blood.” I said trying to wipe it off my dead skin.
“Blood?! That would mean you are a…a vampire!”
“What happened here?” I looked up to see our vise principal Mr. Harold. I am sure that is not his really name, but he being covered in hair earned him the nickname. I wasn’t even sure he could see.
Lauren spoke so quietly it was hard to hear her. “My cup exploded.”
“Lauren, come with me. You two better go take a shower, get all that stuff off of you.” Lauren got up, her face emotionless and followed the man covered in hair.
Leah and I got silently to our feet and slid out of the cafeteria. We walked up the stairs in silence. When we came to Leah’s room she turned to me and said, “So, Lauren is a vampire.”
I shrugged. “I was surprised you didn’t notice earlier, you being so smart and all.”
“Well,” she smiled. “Smart people don’t own what you call common sense.” I threw my head back and laughed. “Meet you in the bathroom.” She said and slipped into her room.

Death in Sand

The week dragged on, half as exciting as I thought it would be. When the weekend finally came around I had a boatload of homework to do. On the weekends we are allowed to roam the school, chill on the beach, and visit Main, every hour on the hour. Breakfast was served until ten, it was an all morning buffet in case you got up late.
After slurping down the usual I decided to hit the beach before turning to the solitudes of my room. I slumped down the hall, out the door, and onto the beach. It was a lot less crowded than I assumed, probably due to the weather.
I sat on the white sand, taking in my surroundings. A tiny girl and a purple statue of a person were relaxing on the raft not too far from shore. There was a small group playing volleyball, giggling while kicking up sand. God, do I hate their laughter. There was a large group of different sized rocks, stating the boundaries, and sitting right on top were those to girls from lunch, the overly smiley rag doll and the ever so nosey mummy. I could hear their conversation from where I sat.
“So, when do you want to visit Maine?” The rag doll asked. What was her name? Lisa or Lilly or something like that.
“I don’t care, but we should probably get going.” The mummy starred at the grey clouds that threatened rain.
“We have about another twenty minutes until the ferry comes.” She said looking at an old watch.
“Okay, are you planning to stay all day?”
“Well, most of the day.” For a while they both starred at the sky in wonder. The rag doll picked up a small, flat, rock and skipped in into the ocean waves.
The mummy suddenly turned to face her, as if the rock brought her back to life. “Hey Leah,”
Leah that was her name! Leah turned around and faced her. “Hmm?”
“I wonder if we are only allowed in a small part of Maine, you know away from all normal people.”
“Yeah, I think you might be right.” She turned and caught my eye. I quickly looked away, but I was a fraction of a second too late. I studied my toes for a minute, and then got up to leave.
“Hey,” The mummy shouted. I kept walking, I had been embarrassed one times too many. “Hey!” I felt a warm hand on my shoulder and shrugged it off. “Look,” She said following me. “I’m sorry about earlier.”
“Sure.” I kept walking. I was mad, beyond mad, but I choose not to show it.
“No really,” again she placed her hand in my shoulder, this time turning me around. “Look, I will make it up to you. Why don’t you come to the mainland with us?”
I stared at her. “Why should I do that?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know, I figured most of us have never seen the mainland so I thought you would want to see it. I don’t know!” Her voice rose and she threw her arms in the air like a madman.
I debated. If I went I could a) kill someone, b) get in serious trouble, or c) get so humiliated I couldn’t show may face in public ever again.
“No.”
“Oh, please!” she put both hands together and pled. Yeah right. This girl had to be the single worst pleader in the world, but her friend was great. The little rag doll danced up to me.
“Are you sure, I mean you don’t have to, but it would mean so much to us if you did.” She smiled and made a quick puppy dog face. Oh, God.
Aww, what the heck, it couldn’t be too bad. Could it? “Fine.” I mumbled and right after I regretted it.
“Yeah!” she squealed, excitement lighting up her face. What have I done?

“We’d better get going.” The mummy held out a hand. “I’m Rue by the way.” I stared at her hand not willing to shake it. She slowly lowered it and coughed uncomfortably.
“Your right!” Leah exclaimed glancing at her watch. “Come on!” She grabbed my arm and began to run toward the docks.
“Stop! Let me go!” I shouted prying my arm away from her. “Let go!” But she continued to drag me with Rue close behind.
The dock loomed up ahead with a big silver boat that was preparing to leave. “Hurry!” Leah shouted to know one in particular.
She ran up to the dock just in time.
Leah led us up to the top deck that was filled with students. I stared at the floor, completely aware of my surroundings. Cold sweat slid down the back of my neck. This wasn’t going to end well.

We arrived in a small town named Sigillanda that’s about twenty minutes away from Seal Harbor. How do I know? That stupid doll drilled us with the facts that she’d learned from some book. The little brat.
As soon as the boat docked, she ran full speed at the nearest building, dragging me with her. The town was small and surrounded by a dark brick wall. Beyond that was a large forest. If anyone wandered here, and I doubted anyone would, they would assume this was just a rundown town that had been abandoned centuries ago. That is what it looked like after all. The shops were gray and fading, the houses shedding bricks like hair; it was amazing to think anyone did live here.
The first shop we entered was run by an old gargoyle, gray with a age. I was getting itchy. There were too many people. I could smell the blood and wanted it, no, I needed it. At school I drink water with a small pill that turns that water red. It eases my hunger, but doesn’t satisfy. If I could just get a taste-
“Um, Lauren,” I froze. “Are you alright?”

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 28.10.2011

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