November 2 (343 words)

It was a hot summer day in Santa Rosa, California, and Rachel was looking for something cool to drink. She stood in front of the counter at her favorite bubble tea place, The Big Bubble. The line of people behind her was getting longer, and more impatient. Which one should I have, there's so many options! She thought. Someone behind her yells to hurry up, she knows she should but there's too many choices. Should she go with something new, or stick to what she likes?
Finally, since she can't pick, she let's the family behind her go first. While they're ordering, she stares at the chalk menu board while chewing on her lip. Why does making simple decisions stress me out so much? She wonders.
The family in front of her has finished ordering and is now waiting for their order. They've already chosen!? That was so quick! There's seven of them, but they could pick all their drinks much quicker than I could. And there's only one of me. She returns to staring at the menu board. Hmm, Papaya Dream sounds delicious, and perfect for summer. She had just decided on Papaya Dream, when S'more Smores caught her eye. It had crumbled graham crackers, chocolate, a toasted marshmallow on top, and a specially made marshmallow boba. Maybe I should get that instead. She thought, and just like that, she was back to square one.
She was jolted out of her thoughts when the family in front of her received their order. One little girl with brown pigtails caught her attention. When she reached up to take the bubble tea from the man behind the counter, Rachel was reminded of the first time she had bubble tea. It was at The Big Bubble, and she had reached up just like the little girl.
The family left and Rachel stepped confidently up to the counter. She knew exactly what she wanted. She ordered the same drink that she had the first time.
“I'll have the Mango Twister, please.” She said with a smile.

November 4 (655 words)

I really don't want to work on this essay. Summer thought. It was the middle of winter and it was -25℃, not very pleasant weather for a girl named “Summer”. To top it off, she had a three page, single spaced essay to right, that was due next Thursday. When all she wanted to do was curl up on the couch, with her chunky knit blanket, a cup of apple cider, and the latest historical romance novel from her favorite author, Anne Bowman. Actually, the essay wasn't the worst part. The worst part was that she had to work with Sebastian Hernandez.
Sebastian was seventeen and still in ninth grade. He was a known slacker. He had cheered when their history teacher had announced the partners. Summer, on the other hand, had groaned.
She reached the huge doors of the old library, and pulled them open. There was a blast of heat, and she hurried inside. The door closed behind her, and she greeted her mom, who happened to be the librarian on duty. The library was practically her second home, and she knew right where to find the books she'd need.
“Let's see, the war of 1812, 1812.” She muttered under her breath, while searching the shelves. “Ah, here's the section.” She stopped and pulled out a few books. “These will work to start.” She gathered them in her arms and headed towards the end of the library where she and Sebastian had agreed to meet.
Looking around, there was no sign of Sebastian. But then, I didn't really expect him to show up, did I? She sighed, and dropped the books on a table. Taking a seat, she shrugged off her backpack, and placed it on the floor beside her. She took out her laptop, opened it up and created a new google doc.
She opened up a book titled: Canadian History, book 2, The War of 1812.
She read a few pages, but when she came to chapter 2, something fluttered out. Leaning down, she picked it up. It was a scrap of paper. It had a single word on it. “Vancouver”.
What? She thought confused. Hmm, maybe it's a book. I'll search it up on one of the library computers. I better checkout my books first though. She closed her laptop, and shoved it back into her bag. Shouldering it, she gathered up her books and walked over to the self-checkout. She quickly checked them out and stuffed them in her bag with her laptop. Checking her pocket, she looked for the note. It wasn't there. Frantically, she searched her other pockets, then her backpack. Not finding it anywhere, she panicked. She ran back to the table, to check for it there. Falling to her knees, she checked to see if it had fallen on the floor again. Then she checked the seats. Finally, she tried tracing her steps to see if she had dropped it while she was walking. Not finding it anywhere, she decided to ask her mom.
For when she reached the front desk, where her mom was working. She asked her mom if she had seen the note.
“Oh, that!” Her mom laughed.
“What's so funny, Mama?” Summer asked, confused.
“Oh, Summer. That's nothing special. ”I'm sorry to say that it's nothing special. I was picking up some books from Vancouver, British Colombia, and didn't want to forget. So I wrote it down, the book you found it in must have been one of the ones I picked up.“
”Oh.“
Just then, the doors opened and the last person Summer expected to see walked in.
”Hey, Summer.“ Sebastian waved. ”Sorry, I'm late. My dog escaped and I had to catch him."
Wow! He's here. I didn't think he would show up. Maybe this project won't be such a disaster after all. Who knows what mysteries the other books will hold? She smiled. "It's ok, let's get started.

November 5 (602 words)

Fae stared hard at the blank paper in front of her. What should I bake? She thought. She was participating in the Tiohoto Bake-off. She needed two recipes. They had to be her own, original recipes. I could make cookies. Nah, that's too plain. Cinnamon Buns? No. She stared at the sun filtering through the blinds. I know! I should do a theme. Hmm, weather. Nah. Seasonal! She wrote down “Seasons”. on her paper. Let's do Summer, and Autumn, my two favorite seasons! For summer, let's do a shortcake. Pulling up the blinds, she looked out at the ocean in the distance. Ooh, I should use something ocean, and Summer themed! Fae was getting more excited with this idea by the minute. For Autumn, let's do a pie. What kind, though. I don't want it to be anything too classic, like Apple or Pumpkin. Maybe, Blueberry? Or Strawberry? Or I could do Raspberry, my favorite fruit! She wrote down “Raspberry Pie” beside “Shortcake”.
Once she had her ideas finalized, she sent an email to the director of the bake off with the list of her ingredients.

Two Days Later

Today was the day of the bake-off and Fae was getting really nervous. She picked at her apron while she stood at her baking station. Her ingredients were laid out in front of her, and the oven was heated, and ready to bake.
The directors voice boomed through the loudspeaker. “Are you ready, bakers? 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . Start baking!”
Fae grabbed, her flour and a bowl, she measured out her flour, dumped it in. It took about 10 minutes to finish mixing all the ingredients, she kneaded it for 2 minutes, then stuck it into the fridge to chill. She ran back to her station, and got started on her shortcake. After half an hour, her cake batter was in pans and ready to bake. Slipping on flower printed oven mitts, she popped them in the oven, and set a timer. She started on the raspberry pie filling, while the raspberries were boiling, the timer went off. She took out the cake pans and placed them on cooling racks. She took the raspberries off the stove, and add the rest of the ingredients. She stirred them, then left them to sit. Grabbing her pie dough from the fridge, she rolled it out, and placed it in her pie tin. Baked it for 7 minutes, then took it out and poured the filling in. She place the top crust on and stuck it back in the oven.
“15 minutes left, bakers!” The director announced.
15 minutes!? I need to hurry! Fae flipped the cakes out of their pans to let them cool some more, and started on the frosting. She dyed it blue and green like the ocean. Spreading it on the cakes, she stepped back and smoothed out the bumps.
The timer for the pie went off. She grabbed it out, and placed it on the cooling rack.
Turning back to the cakes, she grabbed the pearl-like sprinkles off the shelf, and decorated the cake. Satisfied with her work, she set it out of the way, and turned back to her pie.
Again the director gave them a warning of how much time they had left. “3 minutes.”
Ok, I just have to move my pie to a plate, then I'm done. Fae set the pie carefully on the plate. Phew, I finished in time.
“Ok, bakers, time's up! Step back from your stations. The judges will be around shortly to judge your creations.”

Part 1 (253 words)

“Ugh, leave me alone.” Olivia groaned and pulled the pillow over her head.
“But do turtles have ears?” Candy bounced on Olivia's bed. “I want to know!” She whined.
“I don't know, now go away!” Olivia made a half-hearted attempt to push Candy off.
Candy pouted. “Fine, then answer a different question.”
Olivia sighed. “Fine, one question. What is it?”
“Can fish live on land?” Candy asked, very serious.
Olivia rolled her eyes. “No, now go back to bed.”
“Why not?”
“Because they can't live without water!”
Candy finally understood. “So that's why Herbert died.” She said thoughtfully.
Olivia was suddenly awake. “Wait, Herbert, my fish!?”
Candy nodded, “Uh huh.”
Olivia gritted her teeth. “What do you know about him?”
Candy realized her mistake, and tried to correct it. “Well, uh . . . nothing?” She stammered.
Olivia glared at her. “Tell me.” She hissed.
“I was just lonely, and wanted someone to talk to.” She said meekly. “You were at school, mum was busy and dad was at work. So, I took him out for a little bit and talked with him. When you came home, I put him back into his bowl though.”
“How long were you talking to him?”
“Uh, maybe . . . ” Candy tried to think. “2 hours?” It was more a question than a statement.
Olivia was about to yell at her sister about how irresponsible she was, but checked herself. “It's ok.” She said wearily. “I can buy another fish.” Then she grinned. “Now, let me sleep.”
Candy saluted her. “Aye, aye!”


Part 2 (560 words)

Olivia slammed her locker shut. She was tired and loaded down with homework. All she wanted was to go home and fall into bed. Unfortunately, the weight of her backpack made it clear that wasn't happening today. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and checked her texts. One from her mom. Wait, that wasn't her mom's number, it was similar, but the last digit was a 0 when there should be a 7. It said, Call me when schools out.
Well, that's a little suspicious. She thought. But Olivia's curiosity eventually overcame her suspicions, and she punched in the first number. When she had all ten digits her finger hovered over the call button. Taking a deep breath she pressed it.
It barely had time to ring once, before someone picked up.
“Who's this?” A low, gruff, muffled voice asked from the other end.
“You should know, you messaged me and asked me to call you.” Olivia wasn't the most patient person and was starting to get annoyed. The person at the other end didn't respond. Just as she was about to hang up the person spoke. The speaker's voice had change, it was still muffled, but no longer gruff. It sounded intelligent, and almost friendly.
“I have something to tell you, an offer, of sorts, that I think you'll be very interested in hearing.” He, or was it a he, it was hard to tell since it was muffled, said.
“Just get on with it already!!” She yelled.
“My, my, don't we have quite the temper.” The person on the other end said calmly, clearly in no rush.
Olivia gritted her teeth, and forced herself not to hang up on the speaker right then and there.
“Let's start off with the basics, shall we? My name is Cornelio Sadler, and I'm very interested in you.”
“Why are you telling me this? Aren't you scared that I'll turn you in to the police? And why are you interested in me?” Olivia asked one question after another.
Cornelio laughed at her. She almost snarled, He had the audacity to laugh at her!
“Oh sweetheart-”
“Don't call me that!!” She screamed at the phone.
Cornelio snickered, or it sounded like that anyways, it was a little hard to tell. "Fine, Olivia." He said the last word with sass.
She hadn't met the man yet, but he already knew how to make her mad. She steaming, and nearly crushing the phone in her hand. Realizing her hands were clenched into fists, she took a deep breath and loosened her grip. Calm down, breathe in through your nose, and out through you mouth. Slowly. She told herself.
Seeming to sense what she was doing, Cornelio laughed. “Are you calm now? It's kind of funny that you still get mad after all these years of working on it with your counselor.”
“It's not funny.” Olivia said quietly, her eyes were still closed and she was focused on her breathing. “I'm working on it and improving.” She opened her eyes. “Now what did you want to tell me?”
“Oh, that! I almost forgot about that. You're smart, and I need you to help me.”
“Why would I help you?”
"Because I have something you want.“
”And what is that?“ Olivia asked, arching a brow, even though she knew he couldn't see her.
”Your sister."


Part 3 (108 words)

I want my villain to be sly and cunning. I want him to be willing to do anything to get his way. He'll be tall and strong. But his strength won't be his most powerful weapon. His most powerful weapon will be his charm. He can be manipulative. He likes using children for his work since he thinks that they're easier to manipulate. His weakness is his pride, as he believes that he can never be caught. I want him to repent, and become good, for his guilt to win out. For him to stop his evil deeds. He's not mean, and he takes good care of kids.


Part 4 (1,198 words)

Cornelio hung up, grinning in satisfaction, everything was set. He walked down the hall and stopped at a door on the left. He unlocked it and stepped in. The bedroom was painted bright pink with white furniture. There was a big bay window painted with a special coating that let you see out, but didn't let people see in. Just like all the windows in his house. There were toys strewn all over the floor, and sitting in the middle of the mess was a little girl. She was about 7, had pigtails, and was wearing cotton candy colored overalls over a white t-shirt with tiny peppermints printed on it.
“Your sister should be coming for you soon.” He told her.
“Oh, yay! I don't really want to go, but I want to see her!” She said, and went back to playing with her Barbies. “You have lots of cool toys!”
He smiled. “Are you hungry? I have some juice and pretzels downstairs.”
She made a face. “I don't like pretzels, I like sweet, sugary things. Like me.” Her smile returned.
“I guess I should have figured that, with your name being Candy.” He smiled. “I also have candy and fruit.”
“Ok!” She got up, abandoning her Barbies on the floor. “I like fruit. Do you have orange juice? Or apple juice? Or both?” She asked excitedly.
“I have both. And I have lots of different kinds of fruit.” He smiled down at her. He was beginning to like the little girl. Though he had originally just taken her to get her older sister, he now didn't want to let her leave. She'd only been with him for a few hours, but she had melted his heart. He knew he had to let her go, and if this mission weren't so important, he might try to turn from his criminal ways, just so he could keep visiting her.
They reached the kitchen and Candy let go of his hand to take a seat at the kitchen table, while Cornelio went to the fridge and took out the orange juice. He poured two glasses, one for her and one for himself. He tore open bags of candy, and placed some Oreos on a plate. He washed grapes, strawberries, and blueberries. He brought the food and juice over to the table and sat across from Candy.
Candy took an Oreo, and split it. She licked the filling out, then stuffed the cookies in her mouth, making her cheeks bulge out. Cornelio laughed. It had been a while since he'd laughed, but Candy made him laugh a lot.
He had just taken a sip of the cool orange juice, when the doorbell rang. He got up. “You stay here, and I'll go see who it is.” She nodded, her mouth still full of Oreos.
The doorbell rang again. “Hold your horses! I'm coming!” He called.
He opened the door, and smiled when he saw who was there. “Olivia, come in! We were just having a little snack.”
Olivia ignored him and stormed past him. He smiled calmly, knowing that she wouldn't have a clue where the kitchen was and would have to ask him. Sure enough, she spun around and pointed a finger at him. “Where's my sister!” She hissed through clenched teeth.
“She does have a name you know.” He replied, calmly shutting the front door.
“I know that, but you shouldn't know her name.” She replied indignantly. “Now take me to her!”
“Sure,” He said, and started towards the kitchen. “Candy's in here.”
She pushed past and ran into the kitchen. He heard her yell, “Candy!” And saw her give her a big hug.
He smiled when Candy shoved another Oreo into her mouth while Olivia was giving her a hug so tight, Cornelio was surprised that Candy didn't suffocate. While watching the reunion and he felt a twinge of guilt for taking Candy, but he brushed it off. He had a mission to accomplish, and he couldn't go soft now.
Clearing his throat, he stepped up. “That's enough of that now. Candy, you stay here and keep eating your snack. Olivia, you come with me to my office.”
Olivia glared at him, but followed anyways.
Cornelio shut the door behind Olivia, and held up a hand before she could tear into him. “Now hear me out, Candy is safe, and I really need your help. It won't be dangerous, and it won't take a long time.”
Olivia crossed her arms and pursed her lips. “Just what is it that you need me to do?”
He smiled, and gestured to the laptop. “I need you to hack. I heard that you're quite good at it.”
“I'm good at coding, not hacking.” She snapped.
“Don't worry, I believe in you.” He patted her shoulder.
“Don't touch me!” She pulled back.
Cornelio raised his hands above his head. “Ok, don't worry. Just get it done, and you and your sister can go free.”
Olivia sighed and uncrossed her arms. “Fine, show what I need to do.”
Cornelio sat at the desk chair, and opened up the bank website. He got to the correct page, and vacated the chair. Olivia sat down, and her eyes widened at what he intended for her to do.
“You can't do this! There are hundreds of people's bank accounts, which means millions of dollars lost!”
He looked at her sadly. “I know how you feel. But I have to do it.”
She looked up at him sadly. “Why?”
“Because . . .” He hesitated. “It was my father's last wish!” He burst out.
He continued more calmly. “My father had tried to hack into the bank for years. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, he never succeeded. He asked me to do it for him. To make him proud, to make his work worth it.” He smiled wryly. “Unfortunately, I don't think I can go through with it.” He reached around her, and put his hand over hers on the mouse. He guided the cursor to the close button, and clicked. He took a deep breath, knowing he would never be able to find the page again.
“You did the right thing.” Olivia said, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Without opening his eyes he spoke. “You should go, your parents will be worried about you and Candy.” He finally opened his eyes. There were tears swimming in them.
Olivia nodded, “Ok.” She got up, but hesitated at the door. “Thank you.” Then she left.
Cornelio sat down heavily in the desk chair. I'm sorry, Dad. But I'm not a criminal. He looked down at his hands. I did the right thing. I did the right thing. He told himself over and over.
He heard running footsteps and looked up, just before Candy barreled into him, and wrapped him in a big bear hug.
“Thank you for the candy, and juice!”
“No problem. It was my pleasure to have you over.” He smiled at her.
“Candy!” Olivia called from the front door. “Come on! It's almost dinner time!”
“Coming!” Candy called back. “Bye!” She waved to Cornelio.
He waved back.
Yes, he definitely made the right choice.

James walked into the classroom and instantly focused on Caroline's long, dark brown wave of hair, and warm brown eyes. She was staring at someone, but he couldn't tell who it was because of the huge class.
He walked up. “Do you want to do something fun after school?”
“What?” She blinked and looked up at James, startled out of her daydream.
He slid into the desk next to her. “We could go skating at the park and grab some hot chocolate after school.”
“Oh, yeah, sure. Whatever.” She replied distractedly. She was staring at the new student from France, Oliver Lambert. She drifted off into a daydream about him again. James waved his hand in front of her face, then when that didn't work, snapped his fingers in her face. Finally, he gave up. When the teacher walked in, she tore her eyes away from Oliver.
James glanced at her, frowning. Too bad she only thinks of me as a friend. He thought sadly, and returned his eyes to the front of the classroom.
“Good morning, class! Today, you should read pages 110-124 in your textbook, and do additional research on the civil war. Then you will have to write a three page essay, single spaced, Aerial font, font sized twelve. This will be due Monday.” Mrs. Hoffman wrote on the board.
The whole class groaned. Mrs. Hoffman smiled. “I didn't like essays when I was your age either, but it will help you learn.” She paused, and her smile grew even wider. “The good news is, you'll be allowed to work in partners.”
“Yay!” The whole class cheered and broke out into whispers, planning partners. James looked at Caroline, thinking they would be partners like always. She glanced at him and his hopes rose, they fell the next moment though when she looked away and stared at Oliver. He was looking back at her and they made eye contact, he smiled at her. James heard her sigh and saw her lean on her desk, a silly smile on her face. His hopes fell even more when Mrs. Hoffman continued. “I will be deciding the partners.”
“No!” James glanced at Caroline, surprised she'd spoken out. She was usually so quiet and soft-spoken.
“What was that?” Mrs. Hoffman looked hard at Caroline.
Caroline's cheeks turned red, making her look even prettier. “Uh, I'm sorry ma'am.” She said quietly, looking down at her desk.
“Good,” Mrs. Hoffman smiled. “Now here's the partners. Maya and Tina, Trisha and Austin . . . ” She continued for a few more minutes, then came to Caroline's name. James held his breath. “Caroline you're with . . . ” Mrs. Hoffman scanned her list. “ . . . Emma.”
James let out his breath, unfortunately he wasn't with her. One comforting thought was that she wasn't with Oliver. He glanced over at Caroline, and saw that her face was downcast. He would like to hope it was because she didn't get paired with him, but knew it was much more likely it was because she didn't get paired with Oliver.
“James! Did you hear me?” Mrs. Hoffman asked him, and the rest of the class snickered.
“Uh, could you repeat it?”
Mrs. Hoffman sighed. “Yes, you're paired with Oliver for the assignment.”
What? His mind reeled, and he felt like screaming in frustration. Instead he merely looked in Oliver's direction, and said. “Ok.”
Oliver looked back at James and smiled. Mrs. Hoffman read through a few more names, then clapped her hands. “Get in your pairs and start working, class. You have the rest of this period and next to finish it.”
Everyone got up at once, except James who stared at his desk. Why Oliver? Why not Caroline? He looked up when someone sat down at his desk, opposite him. It was Oliver.
“Hello!” He said in heavily accented English. “We are paired together, and was should get started.”
James nodded. He took out his textbook and started reading, Oliver did the same. After they finished reading, they split the research into two parts and looked up information.
James enjoyed this kind of work, and before he knew it, the bell rang and Mrs. Hoffman was dismissing everyone. Oliver shouldered his backpack, “I have to go to soccer practice, but want to meet up at the library after?”
James found himself saying yes. He couldn't help it, Oliver was actually a good partner to work with. He worked hard and efficiently, he wasn't a slacker like some of the other boys James knew.
A few hours later, James walked into the library and looked for Oliver. He didn't see him, so he sat at one of the tables at the back, and took out his laptop. A few minutes later Oliver walked up to the table.
“Hello,” James said, typing furiously without looking up.
“Hi, James. I'd like to introduce you to someone.” Oliver said gesturing to someone beside him.
James looked up, and his gaze caught on the girl standing next to Oliver.
“This is my younger sister, Amber.” Oliver smiled.
“Hey, I'm only 5 minutes and 53 seconds younger than you.” The girl - Amber said, punching her brother's arm lightly. She was tall and blonde. She had stunning, blue eyes, made unique by the ring of blue around them. They met his gaze and held. She held out her hand to shake his. “Hello! It's nice to meet you!” Her English was less accented than her brother's and the sweetest thing James had ever heard.
“Hello!” He shook her hand enthusiastically. Her hand was warm, and soft. He held her hand for an extra second before releasing it. He remembered Oliver, and glanced at him.
Oliver was looking between them with a bemused smile on his face. James could guess what Oliver was thinking and felt his cheeks warm. He cleared his throat. “Let's get started, shall we?”
“Sure.” Oliver took a seat across from him, and Amber took the seat in between the two boys.
James tried to focus on his work, but with Amber so close, it was hard. Finally he gave up, and turned to Amber. “So why aren't you in our class?” He asked her.
She looked up from her sketchbook. “We just moved recently, so I was helping my parents unpack. We got most of it done though, so I should be there tomorrow.”
James tried not to look to joyful at this news but by the look on Oliver's face, he failed. He would have to work on that.
They talked for a bit more, then Amber checked her watch, “I've got to go, or I'll be late for art class!” She exclaimed, hurriedly packing up her sketchbook and pencil. “Bye!” She waved, as she rushed out the door.
When the door was shut, Oliver turned to James, smirking. “You like her?” He asked, very straightforwardly.
James tried to look innocent, but he felt his cheeks flame. “What? Who? Me?” He looked guiltily at Oliver, and they both burst out laughing.
Oliver clapped James on the shoulder. “Don't worry, my friend. You would make a good husband for her.” He winked at her and laughed when James' face turned even more red. “I thought that you and Caroline were a couple, but I guess I was wrong.”
James smiled. “To be honest, I thought I liked her, and was jealous of her affections for you. But I now see that my affections for her are brotherly, and don't see her as a love interest.”
“That's good. Because I return her affections.” Now Oliver was the one blushing.
The next day at school, James' heart jumped when he saw Amber sitting next to Caroline. The two girls were getting along great. Oliver was sitting at the desk in front of Caroline and had twisted around to talk to her and Amber. James took the seat next to him and turned around to talk with Amber.
Classes flew by that day, and it turned out that he, Oliver, Amber, and Caroline had a lot of classes together. At the end of the day, Oliver asked if James wanted to go skating with him and Caroline. Oliver told him that he could invite a special someone. Oliver had wiggled his eyebrows when he asked. James said yes, and went to go find Amber.
He found her in the art room, handing a drawing to Mr. Dodger, the art teacher. “Hey, Amber!” He walked up to her when she finished her conversation. “Want to go skating with me, Caroline, and Oliver? I would love it if you came.”
Her faced cracked into a smile. “I would love to.” She said and took his hand.
They walked out of the building together, hands tightly interlocked.

November 22 (665 words)

I was worried that it was time to give up. I'd been working on the perfect recipe for months. There was just no way I'd be able to finish in time for the contest. I rest my head against the dining room table, and let out a sigh. I get up, leaving my pencil and paper at the table. I need to take a nice, warm relaxing shower. After my shower, I go back down to the kitchen and grab my writing tools. So far I have my basic ingredients and steps, but nothing that set it apart. Nothing that made it special. I start writing down nonsense, whatever comes to my head. My sister bursts in, interrupting my thoughts. She's breathless, obviously having run a long way.
“Guess what?” She doesn't wait for me to reply. “Mexico Kingdom is having a free Churro day to promote their business!!” She squeals, then runs back out the door.
Churros, not very exciting to the average person, but one of the most exciting things to my sister. I sigh and grab up my backpack, stuffing my writing tools in. It may not be very exciting, but who turns down free food? And maybe I'll find some inspiration on the way there. I reach the front door, and pull on my white Converses, and pale blue, Champion hoodie. Closing and locking the door behind me, I start down the driveway.
Peter pulls up on his moped and waves. “Hey Ashley, where are you going?”
I wave back, “I'm headed to Mexico Kingdom for some Churros, what about you?”
He grabs a helmet from a compartment in the back. “Mexico Kingdom as well, want a ride?” He holds out the extra helmet.
I smile and take it. “Thanks!” I place it on my head, clip it together, and climb on behind him. “To infinite and beyond!” I yell, jokingly pointing my finger forward and slightly upward. It's become a joke between the two of us. He went through a very long phase where he was obsessed with Buzz Lightyear.
“Aye, aye!” He salutes me, and starts driving, or as he puts it, “puts the pedal to the metal.”
When we arrive at the restaurant, we hop off and I search for my sister. I don't see her anywhere, meaning we beat her. Which is understandable, considering we were on a moped, and she was only on foot.
We walk in and are instantly hit by the smell of dough, cinnamon, and one other ingredient I can't place. My mind runs through basic flavors. Could it be chocolate? No, that's not it. Vanilla? No. Hmm, a fruit? No, that's not it either. I walk up to the counter. Mama Lucia, the robust, elderly woman who owns Mexico Kingdom greets me.
I smile and ask her what the smell is.
“It's bacon.” She replies. “Do you like it?”
I almost smack myself in the forehead. “Oh course, how did I not know that?” I roll my eyes. “It's only my most favorite food!”
Mama Lucia smiles and disappears into the back. She comes back a few minutes later with a steaming churro. I take it from her and take a big bite. I taste the delicious cinnamon flavor in addition to the taste of . . . bacon!
After swallowing, I say. “Mama Lucia, this is the most delicious thing I have EVER tasted!”
She thanks me, we talk a little longer, and I leave . . . that is after scarfing down at least seven more of the bacon churros. Peter drives me back home and I go back to my room.
I'm lying in bed that night, I'm hit by a thought. The ingredient that would make my dessert special was bacon! I leap out of bed and hurriedly write it down.
That night I fall asleep, dreams of bacon churros going through my head. I wake up at two a.m. though, and rush to the bathroom. Maybe I shouldn't have had so many churros.

Part One (690 words)

Nicole stood in the darkened stairwell. She looked around, then down at the crumpled note in her hand. Who wrote this? She wondered. She heard footsteps above and behind her, and spun around. When she saw it was only Timothy, she breathed a sigh of relief.
He was out of breath and placed his hands on his thighs, leaning forward. “I see . . .” He paused for breath. “You found my note.”
“You wrote this?” She examined it closer, “It does look familiar.” Then she frowned. “But why'd you write this?”
He looked at her in confusion. “What do you mean why? I found out that General Umbridge has spies among us.”
“Yes, but how did you find out?” She questioned farther.
“I overheard a conversation, I didn't see who was speaking but I heard them.” He hesitated. “I think it was Abbey and Sarai speaking.”
“Good work, Tim.” She used her favorite nickname for him, not showing how his words surprised her. “I'll get this information to the Commander immediately.” Inwardly she reeled. Abbey and Sarai!? But I've known them for a long time, it doesn't seem like something they'd do. But, I've never known Tim to lie. Of course, he didn't see them, so he could be wrong. But what if he isn't?
She reached the commander's door and knocked. She heard a muffled, “Come in.” And pushed it open.
“Commander?”
The older woman looked up. “Nicole, what brings you here?” She said kindly.
“I have some news.” Taking a deep breath, she explained everything Tim had told her.
The commander looked concerned. “I'll look into it.”
Nicole nodded and left, she felt terrible turning her friends in like that. But if they were spies, they had to be found out. Timothy met her at the end of the hall. “You okay?” He looked at her with compassion in his eyes. You did the right thing.“
She sighed. ”I know, I just feel really bad turning in my friends.“
”I know you do.“ He frowned, then brightened. ”Are you hungry?“
As if on cue, her stomach growled. She gave a small smile. ”Definitely, let's go eat.“
They walked into the crowded cafeteria and got in line. When they finally reached the counters, they grabbed each grabbed a tray. Nicole piled on a cheese burger, french fries, a bag of Ruffles all dressed chips, and a root beer. Time grabbed chicken fingers, french fries, a bag of Doritos, a cola, and two big slices of chocolate cake. They wove through the crowd to a small table at the back. They set their trays down, and Timothy took the slices of chocolate cake and placed them on Nicole's tray.
”What are these for?“ She started to pick them up and place them back on his plate.
”Chocolate makes everything better.“ He placed his hands on hers and moved them away from the chocolate cake.
She laughed. ”Thanks, that's really sweet. However, I don't need two.“ She took one plate and moved it back to Timothy's tray.
He accepted it and started in on his french fries. They ate in silence for a bit, then Timothy finally broke it by saying, ”Such a shame about Abbey and Sarai, isn't it?“
”Yeah,“ Nicole sighed.
”It's so unfair, being punished unjustly.“ He said, shaking his head sadly.
Nicole froze with a french fry halfway to her mouth, a spot of ketchup fell on her shirt, but she didn't notice. ”What did you say?“ Her eyes narrowed.
Timothy's face turned red, and he stumbled over his words. ”I just meant, it might not be them.“
”You're the spy. Aren't you?“ She stared hard at him.
His mask dropped. ”Yes, but you're not telling anyone.“
She pushed her chair away from the table and sprang up. She wove through the crowd and out the door of the cafeteria, heading towards the commander's office. She heard Timothy's footsteps pounding after her. She was in the empty hallway when he caught up to her. He shoved her to the ground, and pinned her there.
”Like I said, you're not telling anyone." He hissed with a sinister smile.




Part Two (325 words)

I'm using Contemporary's theme!

You walk nervously into the cafeteria. Why did you have to move from bright, sunny California. With her friends, her school, her, well, everything. Even her family was still in California, while she was sent to boring Calgary, Alberta to live with her boring Aunt Bea. It's your first day at Sir Winston Churchill High School, and since you left all your friends in California you don't know where you're going to sit or who you're going to sit with. Inside the bright florescent lights of the cafeteria you freeze, staring out at all the people. Someone bumps into you from behind. You lose your balance and start to fall forward. You're flailing your arms frantically, but unfortunately you can't defy gravity. You prepare yourself for the painful crash of the hard linoleum meeting your face, but surprisingly, the crash never comes. Instead you find yourself in someone's arms. You look up at the person.
“Hello! I don't think I've seen you before.” He says in a kind voice.
“Yeah, I'm new.” You giggle nervously.
“I'm Ken. What's yours?”
“Uh, my what?”
He laughs, “Your name.”
“Oh, of course.” You're blushing now. “I'm Courtney. Courtney Vincent.”
“Nice to meet you, Courtney.” Suddenly he seems to become aware of your close proximity and releases you.
Your cheeks turn even redder, and you duck and tuck a loose strand of hair behind your ear.
Ken clears his throat, “Uhh, I better go get some food.”
“Oh, yeah, me too.”
He starts off, then seems to think of something. “Do you have anywhere to sit?”
You shake your head.
“Would you like to sit with us?” He jerks his head to indicate a table with another and two girls.
“Sure, thank you.”
You both grab a tray and surprisingly the line to get food goes quickly. Before you know it, you're sitting at the table with Ken, laughing at joke the other guy made.




Part Three (348 words)

The temple is ornately decorated. There are statues of Greek gods and goddesses everywhere, all in tip top shape. Frog leads you to a room, you can sleep here. She motions, pulling back a velvety red curtain. You glance around the other two people who greeted you are nowhere to be seen. Shrugging you step inside the small room. There's a small cot at the far end of the room. Just to the right of the doorway, there's a small bowl with a pitcher full of what you can only assume is water. You stand on tip toes, trying to look out the small window near the top.
Frog looks a little sheepish. “Sorry we don't have a better place for you to stay. All our best rooms were creamed with pasta from Contemporary a few days ago.” Her eyes darkened. “Camp hadn't even started yet and they still attacked us.”
You look at the sword strapped to her back. You didn't have to try hard to imagine her swinging it around.
Frog seemed to snap out of whatever mood she'd been in. “Sorry about that. I can get passionate about things.” She smiled at you kindly.
“Unless you're a spy from one of our enemies, you have no need to be afraid of me.”
You hold up your hands, “I'm not, don't worry.” You smile at her. Just then your stomach growls loudly, reminding you that you haven't eaten in 8 hours. “Sorry.”
Frog smiles kindly at you. “Don't worry, it's dinnertime. You're stomach is right on time. Come on, I think Amy and Sleepy went to the kitchen to make some dinner.”
You follow her out the door, and a delicious smell hits you. “Mmm, what's are we having?”
“Chicken, bread, and wine made from our finest grapes.”
“That all sounds delicious!” You walk into the dining room, and sit down.
After the feast, for chicken, bread, and wine weren't the only food there, you lie down on your cot. Ancient Greece isn't such a bad place. You think as you drift off to sleep.


Part Four (1,023 words)

Dawn ran into the main cabin, gasping for breath. It was absolute chaos, there was a line of people standing at the comment booths, frantically submitting their dailies, like usual. Others were lounging around on the plush couches and beanbag chairs, waiting for the new daily. She walked over and sat on one of the couches, next to a girl she didn't know. She had dark brown hair, and glasses. She turned to Dawn with a friendly smile.
“Hi!” She said enthusiastically. “I'm Vi, I don't think I've met you before.”
“Hello!” Dawn responds, “I'm Dawn, I'm from Myth. And you're from Contemporary, judging by your uniform.”
“Yep, I'm the secretary at Sir Winston Churchill High School! Even though our cabins are enemies, it doesn't mean we have to be enemies!”
“That's right.”
The door to the cabin opened again and a girl with long brown curls walked in. Dawn stood up and waved, “Jean, over here!” Jean spotted her and walked over, “Hey, Dawn and Vi!” She sat in a pink beanbag chair next to the couch. A camper from Contemporary came up to Vi and started talking to her. I think her name was Amy.
“So, how have you been?” Dawn asked Jean.
“Oh, good. What about you?”
“Same. I've been really busy with school and camp, obviously.”
Just then, the five minute warning bell rings, signifying that the daily will change in five minutes. And since it's been a week, so will the weekly. That send the people at the comment booths into a panic.
Dawn just sinks lower into the couch. “I'm glad I didn't procrastinate for once and got both the daily and the weekly done.” She gives a small smile.
Someone bounds in to their conversation. “Hello!” A girl with chocolate brown skin and curly dark brown hair says excitedly. Dawn recognizes her as JoJo, a camper from Fantasy Forest. “I barely made it in time for the daily and weekly change.” Right as she finished saying it the bell went off and everyone looked to the holographic screen projected on the high ceiling. The new daily was a fun one about translating a song lyric through google translate. And the weekly was the last one of camp, unfortunately. But it was about writing Fan Fiction!
After people read the daily and weekly, some went back to their individual cabins, while others stayed in the main cabin. Dawn stayed back in the main cabin with Jean and JoJo. Vi left with the camper from contemporary, now that she thought about it, Dawn thought the girl's name was Paige.
Jean spoke, “Dawn, are you listening?”
“Hmm, oh, sorry. No, what was that?”
Jean smiled to show she wasn't annoyed. “We were talking about which song lyric we're going to use for the daily.”
“Uh, I don't know. Maybe, one from a song by For King and Country? My sister listens to them over and over all the time at home.” She rolls her eyes, but her smile shows she's not really annoyed with her sister.
Jean smiles, “I get that.”
The girls work in silence for a bit before JoJo finally let out her breath. “I can't sit still any longer. Want to take a walk?”
All three girls stood up. “Sure!” Dawn said enthusiastically. “I could use a good stretch of the legs. Where should we go?”
“I've heard Fairytale Night Garden is beautiful.”
“Yeah, I've heard that too.” Jean nodded.
Dawn linked arms with JoJo on her right and Jean on her left. “Let's go!”
When they reached the night garden, they were amazed by it's beauty. They had to cross a cute, little bridge over a gently flowing river. The girls all gasp at the array of plants, most of them flowers.
Dawn points at a flower that's petals fade from a golden yellow to a fiery red to a deep purple, like dawn. The petals seem to glow in the moonlight. “That's beautiful.” She says, reaching out to stroke one of the wide petals.
A girl with long, chestnut brown hair and a bohemian style skirt on stepped out from behind a tree. “Don't touch that!” She yells with urgency, dashing towards Dawn.
Dawn quickly snatches back her hand, surprised. “I'm sorry.”
The girl skids to a stop in front of them. “You're allowed to touch them, but not their petals. It's too dangerous. Each petal burns like a real sunrise.” She picks a long, thin blade of glass and holds it to one of the petals. It bursts into flame.
“Isn't that dangerous to have in a garden?” Jean asks, concerned.
“Maybe,” the girl responds, seeming unconcerned. “We have many trained gardeners here though, so it's fairly safe. I'm Emmi, by the way.”
She holds out her hand and Dawn shakes it, Emmi has a firm handshake.
JoJo bounds forward, “I know you!” She exclaims. “We were in botany class together a few years ago!”
Emmi smiles excitedly, and pulls JoJo into a hug. “JoJo! How are you? It's been so long!”
The two girls move away, having an animated conversation.
Jean turns to Dawn, “I guess we can just look around some more?”
“Yep, as long as we don't touch anything!” Both girls burst out laughing.
They walked around the garden for another hour or so, before leaving.
“That may have been the most beautiful place I've ever seen!” Dawn exclaims.
“I know right?”
They reach the main cabin and grab their stuff, apparently they left them there when they went for a walk.
“Bye!” Dawn waved. “I should get back to Myth now, but I'll see you tomorrow!”
Jean waved back, “Bye, Dawn!”
When Dawn reached Myth Cabin, the rest of the campers were already eating dinner.
“Hey, sorry I'm late!” She slid into a spot next to Frog. “I went on a walk with Jean and JoJo to Fairytale Night Garden.”
Amy smiled. “How was it? I've been there once, it was beautiful.”
“It was amazing, it was so calming.” Dawn smiled and took a bite of her chicken leg.
That night, she dreamt of fiery flowers and beautiful rivers.

November 23 (Total words: 861)

Mystery Genre (277 words)

Cody pressed the button on the intercom, “Yes, Ms. Primbrook?” He said without looking up from the file he was reading.
“A Mr. Johnson is here to see you.” Her voice cut in and out on the old system.
“Send him in.”
A few seconds later a well dressed man burst in. “Mr. Parker! You've got to help me!”
Cody gestured to the chair in front of him, “Please, sit down.” The man sat but fidgeted around. “Now, what's your problem?” Cody asked calmly.
“My pig has gone missing!” The man burst out, he looked close to tears.
“Your pig?” Cody said doubtfully, arching an eyebrow. Then he sighed. Whatever, the sooner I help, the sooner I get paid. I can't decline him because business has been slow. “Please calm down, and go on.”
The man sniffed and started to speak again, more calmly this time. “While you see, when I left for work yesterday, my pig, Sarah Lee, was sleeping contentedly on the couch. But when I came home, she wasn't there!”
Cody rolled his eyes, He can't be serious. “Have you looked around the house?”
“Uh, well, no.”
“Then I suggest you look around.”
“Ok, I will.” With that he got up and ran out the door.
Cody shook his head and went back to the file he was reading. About half and hour later, he got a call from the man.
Before Cody said anything the man started talking hurriedly in an excited voice. “I found Sarah Lee, she was sleeping on my bed. Thanks for your services, I'll send you a check later!” Before Cody could respond, the man hung up.


Non-Fi Genre (141 words)

I have the best puppy in the world. Her name is Piper, she's seven months old. She's a Labrador Golden Retriever cross, though she looks like a black lab. Even though she's much smaller than the average Lab x Golden Retriever, she's very fierce and fights (plays) with our other dogs. My sister has a dog named Ollie, he's a mutt, but we know he definitely has some German Shepherd and Wolf in him. When he was rescued, he was a tiny ball of gray fluff. Now he's about a year old, and is a huge, tan dog. And lastly, my family's elderly Golden Retriever, Charlie. Charlie is like a grumpy old lady, and doesn't like playing with the other dogs, she'd rather take a nap.
In addition to our dogs, we also have 1 hamster, 2 budgies, and 4 rabbits.


Thriller Genre (163 words)

Juan landed on the wide, flat branch. He stood up, looking at the figure clothed in black, standing further down the branch. He held out his sword in front of him and advanced. Instead of backing away the figure drew nearer. Juan couldn't help but admire the person's balance as they walked carefully across the branch towards him. He still didn't know who it was, they were covered head to toe in black. The figure drew their sword and pointed it at him. Juan lunged, striking quickly. The figure easily blocked it, and did an impressive backflip. While in midair, they used their feet to latch on to the branch above them, and swing themselves up. Juan just stood there, amazed. He'd never seen anyone as agile as the person above him. The figure's hood had fallen back when they'd flipped, and Juan recognized the figure immediately.
“Anita?”
Anita smiled. “You've finally found me out.” She said with obvious glee at his surprise.


Dystopian Genre (145 words)

Jason looked back to make sure no one was watching, if the government caught him now, they'd make sure he never had this chance again. Seeing no one, he took a deep breath and took out the key card he stole from the guard while he was on break. He inserted it in and held his breath. The screen flashed green and beeped. Jason froze, Had anyone heard that? He stood still, waiting, when no one showed up he cautiously opened the door. It was dark inside and he waited for his eyes to adjust to the light.
Just when they had, he heard a voice behind him, “Well, well, well. What do we have here?” Governor Hansen said. “Get him!” She said to her cronies. The last thing Jason remembered was to large men in white suits approaching him with menacing looking tasers.


Hi-Fi Genre (135 words) Just a little background. Charlotte is a runaway slave, and is part of the Underground Railroad.

Charlotte hurried down the dirt street, her large, borrowed, bell hoop swaying. She sweeps into the convenience store before anyone can see her, and walks straight up to the tall man behind the counter. Her heart's beating fast. What if it's all a trick. Oh God, please let it be real. I want to see my family again. She pleads silently. The man looks up up at her, and removes his glasses.
“Hello?” He asks questioningly.
Charlotte looks up, revealing her dark skin. “I'm looking for a conductor?” She asks hesitantly.
His wrinkled face breaks into a smile. “Of course, come into the back. I have some other cargo back there.”
Thank you, God. She prays gratefully.