Sai Marie Johnson's Blog, page 3

FADE IN:

INT. OUR LADY OF THE LAKE SANITARIUM-CAFETERIA – LATE AFTERNOON

THE MAIN CHARACTER AND HER ONLY FRIEND IN THE HOSPITAL ARE EATING LUNCH WHEN SHE BEGINS TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT AN ORDERLY WHO HAS REPEATEDLY SEXUALLY HARRASSED HER AT THE FACILITY.

NOEMI

(Playing with her fork and sliced carrots on her tray)

“I hate it here sometimes, Benoit. Am I really crazy? He won’t ever stop.”

BENOIT

(With a drink in his hand he lifts the straw to his lips with a pause for a moment just to speak)

“What do you mean, Noe? What has he done?”

NOEMI

“You see the way he looks at me? He holds a darkness, and they call me insane.”

BENOIT

(Removing the straw from his lips he Narrows his eyes and turns to look at the orderly standing a few feet from their table)

“Tch, that bastard will get what’s coming to him. I’ll make sure of it.”

NOEMI

(Her voice wavers slightly with a hint of sorrow)

“Don’t, you cannot fix it they will only put you in solitary by yourself then I’ll never see you.”

BENOIT

(He shrugged with a nonchalant demeanor)

“If he wasn’t here seeing me would not be a huge concern. You know I don’t live life for me. I have nothing to lose, and you have everything to gain.”

EXT. OUR LADY OF THE LAKE SANITARIUM-D WING HALLWAY-MIDNIGHT

Noemi has been locked within her cell, and is attempting to go to sleep, but her fears of abuse at the hands of the orderly are keeping her from sleeping.

NOEMI

(Softly sings to herself hoping to soothe her fears)

“Sweet lullaby, bless me with thy tender song. Fear will not hinder me from this demented world long.”

SHE STOPS TO LISTEN TO THE SOUND OF FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING, AND THE JINGLING OF KEYS WITHIN HER CELL DOOR LOCK.

ORDERLY

(Removing his keys, and placing them in the keyhold to unlock)

“Sweet little Noemi guess who is coming to see you tonight?”

NOEMI

(Hesitantly pulls her hospital bed blanket up towards her face her voice cracks with pain as she whispers)

“No, go away.”

ORDERLY

(he pushes open the door, and walks into the room with a wicked grin on his face)

“Did you just tell me no? Do you want to get electroshock again? I think you screamed a little weakly the last time we played this game.”

NOEMI

(began to tremble slightly as memories of what he said flashed within her mind she begin to shake back and forth head bowed down, and her hands against both temples)

“I..said nothing, I’m sorry.”

ORDERLY

(He grins sadistically as he watches the young woman clearly display her intimidation)

“Is the little princess lying to me now? I guess I’ll have to take you down to the cellar and leave you there now.”

NOEMI

(her body began to shake violently, tears now welled in the corners of her eyes, and she balls of her fist as she listens to him speak)

“I’ll never go there I would rather see you burn in hell!”

ORDERLY

(Now moves to approach Noemi who is seated upon her bed)

“Oh, resistance is gonna make this so much more fun! I thought I had already shown you how you make me burn with ferocious intensity.”

NOEMI

(now at a height of anger her eyes begin to run into an pitch black hue, filling the entire iris. Her voice turned a bit malevolent)

“I’ll teach you manners yet, you vile bastard.”

ORDERLY

(he smirks and advances Noemi thinking he can fight her down to the bed, and proceed to rape her at will.)

“You dare to try me?”

NOEMI’S MOUTH OPENS WIDELY, AND SHE GRABS HIM BY THE HAIR PULLING HIS BODY IN TOWARDS HERS AS HER LIPS BEGAN TO WIDELY PART REVEALING TWO ROWS OF JAGGED CANINE FANGS. HIS LIPS MEET HERS, AND WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE DEMON INSIDE NOEMI CONSUMES HIS VERY SOUL. LEAVING HIM TO FALL IN A HEAP OF THE FLOOR NOEMI STANDS UP AND PROCEEDS TO EXIT VIA THE DOOR.

EXT. OUR LADY OF THE LAKE SANITARIUM-WALKING GROUNDS

NOEMI SUCCESSFULLY EXITS THE HOSPITAL AND NOW FINDS HERSELF WALKING ACROSS THE GROUNDS IN ORDER TO FLEE THE PLACE.

The Seminole tribe was not unlike any of the other Native American tribes that had been driven out under the sheer force of the United States Army, but what set them apart was their will to face anything even the things, which most people would be appalled by. Menewah, had been the second son to the chief of their people, but this gave him less responsibility towards the governing, and more towards the fighting, and hunting aspects of which were needed for their small community. The young brave had never really desired to lead the village as he watched his father’s battle scarred face become etched in worry lines. The old man’s eyes had yellowed, and his skin appeared like leather from the sun’s unrelenting rays beating down on it.

For these reasons, and many more Menewah quickly became the best hunter in his tribe, and he quickly became one of the most sought after braves. All the young ladies in the village who were of marrying age had hoped to capture the eye of Menewah. This Indian brave was tall, and had broad shoulders he had a proud chin, and commanding eyes. The ladies all said he seemed to peer right into their souls when his gaze pierced theirs.

Of all these young ladies Hialeah was the least impressed with the sweet-talking, and boasting of her peers. It was not that she did not like Menewah, and she knew that they were right in their doting upon him, but Hialeah wanted the man she married to pursue her. She wanted him to win her heart, and prove he could love her at night as fervently as he loved the hunt in the morning. She did not simply want the wealthiest, or the best hunter, or the most appealing of the braves. She wanted the most willing to devote himself to her, and her alone.

Menewah was humble, but the doting of many women had began to slightly overfill his head which caused a pang of disappointment to hit him in the heart when he noticed of all the tokens, and pieces of jewelry he had been given not a single one had come from Hialeah.  Why? Of all the women in the village why did Hialeah not bring him anything? Weren’t they supposed to bring tokens to the males of marrying age? He wondered if Hialeah were interested in one of the other braves, but he was sure it could not be his older brother as he were already married the previous spring. That meant it could only be one of the hunting men. With a cocky grin Menewah strode towards the group of males,

“So which one of you has captured Hialeah’s affection?” He boldly interrupted their jesting conversation.

“Hialeah? I don’t think any of us have caught that girl’s eye. Though I wish I did she’s by far the prettiest,” one of the closest men, Nokosi nod towards him. He was a burly, and tall man who stood at about5’9. Unlike most of their tribe Nokosi was a bit more hairy, and the texture of each follicle seemed to be a bit more winding for this reason he was named Nokosi; bear and he certainly fit the part. There was nothing handsome about the brave, and his response caused the other men to roar with heartfelt laughter,

“The rest of you got anything to say for yourselves? Have you been given a token of the pretty one’s own making?” Menewah waited from the all to say anything, but they all simply shook their heads. Not a single one had gained her attention. Something was certainly strange about that. Menewah wondered if Hialeah simply did not want to marry any of them. A woman with her own mind, he thought to himself. With piqued curiosity he pivoted upon the ball of his foot leaving the laughing braves to their roaring chuckles as he crossed the village in search of Hialeah’s hut.

It didn’t take him long to cross the distance from one side of the village to the other, but as he walked closer to her hut his heart began to pump wildly. Not anything like he had expected any girl to cause, but somehow this seemed more like a hunt than a visit. He stopped some five feet shy of the entrance looking over the place he gaze ran from the right to the left, and back again just as person’s figure would cross his peripheral vision.  It was Hialeah walking up beside him,

“Excuse me? Can I help you with something?” Hialeah looked up at Menewah with an inquiring look. The chief’s son had never been interested in approaching her before.

“Hialeah, yes I was actually looking for you,” He flashed her his most dazzling smile, but Hialeah did not look impressed,

“You were looking for me?” She narrowed her eyes at him, her hands clutching her small weaved basket filled with persimmons she had gathered.

“Yes, I was. Why, is that a problem?” He brought his right hand up to the nape of his neck where he began to massage it nervously. This was an odd gesture for him to make, and suddenly he felt unlike any predator looking upon his prey. In fact he felt like he were the prey now entering the vixen’s lair.

“Men like you do not look for women like me. You have far to many squaws to consider throughout your day, Menewah.” Hialeah replied nodding towards her hut,

“Now, if you please I would like to go inside. I have a lot of preparing for tonight’s meal.”  Menewah was shocked by her refusal to speak to him. She must have found him undesirable, but it did not seem any caught her eye. It was true she was the prettiest her tawny skin looked soft like a doe’s. She spent hours plaiting her hair into intricate braids, and she seemed to have a talent with the needle works. Her moccasins were hand-made with special rock beads that she had personally made. He noticed she was very crafty as he looked at the small obsidian pendant that she wore at her neck. He had heard the other girls sometimes came to her to create the tokens for the other braves, and even for him. He remembered another obsidian piece, which had recently been given to him by one of the other girls named, Tsula. Suddenly he began to piece things together. Hialeah was the talented princess, and Tsula was an attention-starved fox. Sly, and cunning she had tried to use Hialeah’s talents to win him over for a spouse. Disgust filled with a fiery rage as he moved to and allow Hia’s passage inside the hut,

“Does Tsula have you make me jewelry?” He asked with a commanding tone. Hialeah shook her head as she entered the small habitation.

“Why does it matter who has me make anything?” She asked walking straight on past him. She knew he would not enter the hut without a chaperone due to respect for their culture, and knowing she were an unwed maiden. This only fueled Menewah’s anger even more, and did something completely unexpected. He followed Hialeah inside the hut.

“I demand to know if you are the one who made the jewelry, Hialeah.” He said standing near the exit in case anyone did happen to come by. He did not want to embarrass her, but he had to know if Tsula had been lying to him all this time. He had truly considered her above all the others, but seeing she had used the talents of a far more beautiful squaw, and lied about it did not impress him much.

“How dare you, come in here like you think you own everything! I do not care if you are the chief’s son. You are arrogant, and rude.” She dropped the basket in shock as the male came bursting through her hut.

“I dare because you made the jewelry, and I know you like me!” He made the statement in a rather accusatory manner, and with little to no proof of anything he said.

“I like you? Just because I made some jewelry for another does not mean I like you, Menewah. Not every girl is without a brain.” She crossed both arms over her chest, a blatant display of resistance her body language had sounded off.  Menewah shook his head,

“Okay, then you don’t like me. How can I change that?” If he could have his pick of them all why not find the one who would not pick any of them all. Something about her resistance intrigued the young man.

“Change it? I don’t know. Stop being so vain for one.” She replied in a huff.

“Vain? You think I am vain?” He chuckled at her remark clearly amused by that statement; “I think your friends are telling you stories about me.”

“Well, you could leave now.” She pointed towards the exit, “That would be a good start to changing what I think.” He nodded, and turned to leave again, but before he did he said, “Any chance one day I may get a token that you made specifically for me?” Hialeah sighed, she really did like him, of all the men it were undeniable he was the most credible, but he never spoke to her. She was shy, not as confident as some of the other girls particularly Tsula. She had always figured Tsula would be the one Menewah would marry, and the rest of the braves were rash none of them appealed to her. She quietly whispered,

“Only the passage of time will tell that, Menewah.”

It came to pass that over the next few weeks Menewah had finally grown that token he had so desired. With each morning that he rose for the hunt he thought of only completing the tasks of his obligations as quickly as he could so that he could return to the village, and her company. Hialeah too had grown accustomed to hurrying to finish her chores, and readying the token she had wanted so long to give to him. The voyage towards her wedding day now had finally been completed.

The dawn had broken through the cypress trees that joyous August day. She was adorned in the finest deerskin, and her hair was plaited elegantly with eagle’s feathers laced through the braids and wrapped with leather ties. She approached her bridegroom with a smile as the entire village came to watch the unity of the young brave, and his chosen future wife.

And thus began their happy ending.  Who said all fairytales had to start with ‘Once Upon a Time?’

FADE IN.

Pretty young woman with light brown hair dressed in khaki cargo shorts, and a light blue tanktop. Hair is pulled back from her face in a messy bun, and she is seated on the couch with a notepad, and a pen while holding a cellphone to her ear.

HANNA

“Can you tell me how much it costs to rent a campground at Lake Pontchartrain?”

OPERATOR

On the other end, not visible, but voiceover can be heard.

“It is twenty-five dollars a night. Weekend trips can be booked in advance for forty dollars. Which is a ten dollar discount. I can charge it to your credit card, and reserve it for you now.”

HANNA

Writing down the price, and discount information as she nods to what she is being told.

“Can I call back after I speak to my partner about that, and still get the reservation?”

OPERATOR

“Yes, but if you want to make any plans for the Labor Day Holiday then it will have to be booked no later than tomorrow. We only have five campgrounds available at this time.”

HANNA

Still nodding to the operator’s voice.

“I see well my boyfriend should be home in another hour, and I will call back then. Thank you.”

Hanna is distracted for a moment by the sound of keys unlocking the front door, and as soon as she presses the end button of her phone her boyfriend, Greg, had already stepped inside the house.

GREG

Turning around to lock the door again speaks to Hanna, but does not look at her.

“Who were you talking to? Did you find out about the campground?”

HANNA

Smiles, and drops her notepad, pen, and phone on the couch before crossing the room to wrap her arms around Greg’s waist.

“That was who I was just talking to, and it would be forty dollars if we book today. She also said if we wanted the Labor Day Holiday for our weekend that we needed to book no later that tomorrow. I was just telling her I was going to talk to you first.”

GREG

Slips his hands down to cover Hanna’s, and leans his head back to press a kiss to her cheek.

“Sounds good, babe. Call her back, and book it.”

HANNA

Giggles slightly, and releases her hold on him only to turn around, and bound away towards the phone.

“Sure thing, Captain.”

Hanna sticks out her tongue before pressing redial, and going through the process of making the call. While Hanna does this Greg goes into the kitchen, and starts putting away dishes that remain in the strainer.

After a few moments of this Hanna comes back into the kitchen with the confirmation code of their reservation, and a beaming smile.

HANNA

“Looks like we are good to go on the reservation. Now we just need to get everything together for the hike, and trip. I am so excited about this.”

GREG

Looking back to Hanna he smiles, and nods.

“Yeah, so am I. It will be great to get out of town for a little bit. Especially going down south. Nothing like that part of Louisiana to get an appreciation for nature.”

HANNA

Giving a nod of agreement she leans against the counter, and drops the notepad on top of it.

“So are you going to have to work tonight again?”

GREG

Completing the task of putting up the last dish he sighs, and turns around with a nod.

“Sadly, yes, but that is what it takes to make the money my baby girl needs for this trip. Isn’t it?”

HANNA

Eyes avert to the ground as a slight blush captures her cheeks.

“You’re a hopeless romantic, Greg. You even make working sound like a dream gift for any girl. How did I get so lucky?”

GREG

Chuckling he keeps it to himself that he asked for the extra hours.

“Well, giving you what you need requires that, Hanna. We all know I’m really the one who is lucky.”

HANNA

Hanna smiles again, and walks over to the fridge to extract two beers. As she walks back to Greg she speaks again.

“You are a flatter, and for that I think I at least owe you a beer.”

GREG

He laughs, and takes the beer cracking the can top, and taking a quick drink before he speaks again.

“My mama always told me the way to a woman’s heart is flattery, and in return I get a beer. Sounds like a fair deal to me.”

HANNA

Shakes her head, and cracks open her own beer only to draw it up to her lips, and take a deep gulp.

“Maybe if I am lucky she will be my mom-in-law soon, but I don’t know if any girl can completely latch a chain on you, Gregory.”

GREG

Flinches at his full name being mentioned, and shakes his head.

“Now let’s not go getting ahead of ourselves, Missy. Calling me Gregory isn’t gonna win you any debates!”

HANNA

Again sticks out her tongue in a playful gesture since she knows Greg actually likes the harmless flirting more than he lets on.

“Who said I was winning debates tonight? I just thought I would reiterate that lovely name my future mother-in-law gave her handsome son.”

GREG

Takes another long drink of his beer, and sets it down on the counter. With his now freed hand he waves for Hanna to come closer.

“Come here, little darling, and I’ll show you what calling me Gregory will cause!”

HANNA

Laughing she approaches, and places her own beer beside his.

“You don’t have to ask me twice.”

GREG

Wraps his arms around her, and pulls her close to him as he presses a tender kiss to her forehead.

“You will have me married, and a daddy to four children in the end won’t ya?”

HANNA

Laughing softly she places her head against his shoulder, and trails the tip of her fingers over his cheek.

“If I have my way you’re damn right I will.

GREG

Chuckling he closes his eyes, and rocks her gently in his arms.

“Somehow I think you’ve alway had a way of getting your way with me, Hanna. I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”

HANNA

She smiles again, and removes her head from his shoulder.

“So what do you want to have for dinner? We need to get something going before you have to go in.”

GREG

Releases Hanna, and walks over to pick up a phone back sitting on the island of their kitchen.

“Chinese take-out? I had to get a couple hours rest afterwards so I think it would be best if we order out, and watch a movie. Then I’ll go to sleep, and be ready for Fire Hall duty tonight.”

HANNA

With a nod of agreement Hanna picks up her phone, and walks towards him taking the phonebook in the process.

“Sounds great, Captain. How about you go find something on Netflix for us to watch, and I’ll take care of the hot meal?”

GREG

Starts to walk away, but stops long enough to kiss Hanna’s cheek again.

“Sounds like a plan to me, Hanna.”

HANNA

Begins to flip through the phonebook until finding a suitable take-out restaurant, and then proceeds to dial the number on her phone.

After a few minutes she emerges from the kitchen to find Greg sitting on the couch with Netflix open on their X-box, and flipping through the movies lists.

“Take out should be here in about thirty minutes. Did you find something interesting to watch yet?”

GREG

Looks up with the X-box Controller in his hand, and shakes his head.

“Not yet. There were a couple of different movies I thought you may want to watch, but I did find some tv shows.”

HANNA

Perks her left brow, and sits down next to him.

“Well, show me what is in the lineup, Captain.”

GREG

Laughing to himself he navigates through the options showing Hanna the choices that stood out.

“Anything you particularly want to see?”

HANNA

As she watches him go through the options one movie does stand out, and she asks him if he would be willing to watch. It is a chick flick, and a Channing Tatum film that she has been wanting to see for awhile.

“Its one of those sappy romances that I know you will just love. You know The Notebook style?”

FADE TO BLACK.

INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY

SAVANNAH, 29, pretty, in a black yoga outfit is seated on the couch typing vigorously on her computer when suddenly an IM popup shows on the screen reading:

SKYLIMIT: Hey, Savannah! I just finished reading that short story you wrote. It was amazing! You are so talented. How is college going?

HEAVENSENT: Hey, Shannan! This new class is a bit challenging, but I really like it. I’m glad you liked the story.

Suddenly the front door slams, and Savannah looks up to see her husband pass through the hall on his way towards the kitchen. Savannah types a quick goodbye to her IMing friend, and gets up to exit into the hallway to follow her husband into the kitchen.

INT. KITCHEN – DAY

JUSTIN, 25, good looking, enters the kitchen and leans against the counter, looking down at his hands, scanning his fingers.

JUSTIN

I have some bad news that I don’t know what to tell you, Savannah.

He folds his arms and looks at her.

SAVANNAH

What do you mean, Justin? What’s going on?

JUSTIN

I just got paid, and the utility board charged me fifty dollars only to turn around and say that I still owed them 110. They keep doubling, and tripling these bills. They’ve gotten away with it for months. Nobody’s going to stop them.

SAVANNAH

So, then do something to stop it. These people are robbing us blind. Every month these bills get higher.

JUSTIN

Can you get a loan from your Mom?

SAVANNAH

Again? I mean, I’m supposed to visit her in North Carolina in a week, and now I’m not going to be able to do that.

JUSTIN

I’m sorry, Savannah, but the kids have to have the water on.

Justin scoffs, and shakes his head.

SAVANNAH

If you think calling my mom every time things go wrong is an instant solution you’re crazy. You’re supposed to be the head of the household here.

Savannah is angry.

JUSTIN

I’m making the most money that I can. What do you want from me?

He looks down, helpless.

SAVANNAH

I don’t know, Justin.

Savannah exits.

JUSTIN (O.S.)

You know I love you, Savannah!

INT. BEDROOM – DAY

Savannah is on Skype.

SAVANNAH

Mom, I need to borrow some more money to pay my utility bill.

DANA, 48, in a business suit, is seen on the computer screen, seated at her hotel table peering out the window.

DANA

Savannah, how am I supposed to get you and Chienne out here for a visit if Justin never pays the bills?

SAVANNAH

Mom, he’s doing the best he can, and he does have a job. This is because this utility board is corrupt, and greedy. They’re stealing money from everyone. It was even in the newspaper.

Savannah sighs in desperation.

DANA

Well, how much is the bill now?

SAVANNAH

They’re asking for a hundred and sixty dollars for a bill that was originally sixty dollars, but I have to pay it in full or they won’t turn my water back on.

Savannah looks embarrassed.

DANA

So if I wire you two hundred dollars will that be enough?

SAVANNAH

Yes, Mom.

DANA

And by sending this today you’ll have your water on in time?

SAVANNAH

I will make sure that it’s paid as soon as they money, Mom. Promise.

DANA

Alright, well I don’t get off work for another two hours. I can swing by the bank to have the money sent through Western Union.

SAVANNAH

Okay, Mom. Just send me the information. I guess me and Shelley won’t be able to come see you in North Carolina this summer.

Savannah sighs sadly.

DANA

Savannah, I’m still very proud of you for what you’re doing in college. Just because this happened doesn’t mean you won’t get to see me. It just means you won’t get to see me right now.

SAVANNAH

Mom, I’m used to being the person who finishes last here. I’m sorry.

DANA

Don’t apologize. This is beyond your control, and I’m just thankful that God’s allowing me to help. I love you, Savannah.

SAVANNAH

I love you too, Mom. I’ll talk to you soon. Bye.

Savannah hangs up and exits.

INT. HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS

Justin, eavesdropping, stands outside the door.

JUSTIN

So, what did she say?

SAVANNAH

She said she’ll contact us later when the money’s been wired. I’ll go pay the bill after that.

JUSTIN

Okay, well, I’m going to head back over to work then. Call me if you need anything.

He leans over and kisses Savannah’s cheek and exits.

SAVANNAH

Be careful, I love you.

Savannah turns to walk back to the kitchen where her daughter and son are eating.

CHIENNE, 12, petite, pretty, Hispanic features, curly dark hair, dressed in black leggings, and a pink T-shirt.

CHIENNE

Mom, why is Justin mad again?

Chienne looks up at Savannah as she enters the kitchen.

NATHANIEL, 2, redhair, playful, rambunctious, dressed in blue tanktop and matching basketball shorts.

NATHANIEL

Mama, where’s daddy?

SAVANNAH

Justin’s just worried about the bills again, Chi. Don’t worry about it everything will be okay.

Savannah moves to sit beside Chienne in an empty chair. Nathaniel comes to stand by his mom.

NATHANIEL

Mama, where’s daddy?!

Savannah looks down at her son who is now demanding an answer from his mother.

SAVANNAH

Daddy went back to work, son. He’ll be home soon. Do you guys want to ride with me to the store later?

CHIENNE

Yeah, that sounds like fun. It will get us out of the house for a bit.

Savannah smiles gently and nods.

EXT. GROCERY STORE/CUSTOMER SERVICE – AFTERNOON

CLERK, 21, short, stands behind the counter as Savannah fills out paperwork.

CLERK

Can I please see your driver’s license, Ma’am?

SAVANNAH

Sure.

Savannah pulls out her wallet, rifles through it, and hands her license to the clerk, along with the paperwork.

CLERK

So we’re expecting 200 dollars from Dana Albertson in North Carolina for Savannah James in Defuniak Springs, Florida?

SAVANNAH

Yes. Do you need anything else?

The clerk types in the information on a computer.

CLERK

Alright, and that’s all I need. Let’s get this check cashed for you, ma’am.

She prints of the forms and check and hands Savannah a pen.

SAVANNAH

Ever wonder why they say the pen is mightier than the sword? I guess it must be for instances like this.

Savannah chuckles softly.

CLERK

I reckon so, honey. Can’t really tell you either way.

SAVANNAH

I suppose not, but thank you for listening.

Savannah signs the paperwork and check. The clerk counts her money back out to her.

CLERK

Alright we have twenty, forty, sixty, eighty, a hundred and twenty, forty, sixty, eighty, two hundred dollars even.

She hands Savannah the receipt and smiles with a nod.

SAVANNAH

Looks like all is well that ends well, ma’am. Thank you again.

Savannah takes the receipt and her money and places it in her wallet and exits the store.

EXT. CITY HALL/UTILITY BOARD – AFTERNOON

Savannah enters and waits in line for her turn.

CASHIER, 62, salt and pepper hair, looks mean.

CASHIER

Can I help you?

Savannah hands her the bill.

SAVANNAH

Yes, I need to pay my bill. My husband already paid fifty dollars towards it this morning. I’d like to pay the other 110.00.

The cashier types in info on her computer. She looks at Savannah.

CASHIER

No payment was made this morning.

SAVANNAH

What?! I know he paid fifty dollars this morning! That’s a lie!

Savannah is upset.

CASHIER

He paid no such thing, and I don’t have to put up with your attitude.

SAVANNAH

Now, listen here, it’s a matter of public record that your company has come under investigation for embezzlement. I’m sick and tired of you trying to double, and triple charge my family when my husband is a disabled veteran that grew up in this town! Is this how you treat your homegrown vets?

CASHIER

I didn’t steal any money, and that is defamation of character!

The Cashier stares smugly at Savannah.

SAVANNAH

Lady, if you want to sue me for Defamation of Character, go right ahead! I’ll counter sue you for thievery!

Cashier narrows her eyes at Savannah like daggers.

SAVANNAH (CONT’D)

Let’s just get this bill paid so that I can get out of here.

The Cashier glares at Savannah as she hands over the cash.

THE END.

Inspired to recite, our words, O how they ignite

Stories, legends, and history. With gentility or much crass they weave a daring tale. The conquering of love’s divine message

The defeated sigh of hatred’s end, and to think all began with the beauty of a single word. Neither kings, nor peasants can deny it when they say the Word truly is the only thing that lasts, and lasts

neverending, day after day.

There is a darkness inside of me

Yearning to boil outward

To peer into the darkest recesses of your mind

And rip your sanity away

In the obscure place you would rather forget

I hunger to see the fear flashing across your eyes

To see the things you hide beneath a fair disguise

I want to tear off your mask

Shred the world you believe in

I want to obliterate your façade

Annihilate your charade

I want to consume all that you are

And vomit up the disgusting truth of all you will never be.

Enraptured by the passion that you saw in my eyes

I think you miscalculated what was hidden behind them.

You fell so quickly, and yet you shied away as well.

Now I feel as if you’ve been submerged in your own inner hell.

You loved me like I hoped for, and I kept my promise true.

Yet now in the midst of loneliness it seems you’ve started to come unglued.

If I disappeared in a moment’s notice, and our flame of love was gone

would you miss the scent of my skin?

Would you wish that I weren’t gone?

Would you remember the smile I gave you?

Or wish to keep me close at hand?

Or would the past flicker of your heart

come to claim you in what you wished you would have had?

I’ll bloom again

My darling friend

I’ll thrive and live

like I once did.

I’ll shine without

resistance

With the memories of our time shared

I’ll show you I’ve learnt lessons in my absence

but never did I cease to care.

I’ll blossom into the beauty

you always knew me to be

but somewhere in the distance I’ve become who I wish to be

As free as I found myself

I’ve removed my inhibitions.

Now I live my life without regret

and take accountability for my decisions.

A butterfly metamorphosed into all that she could be

rest your eyes upon true beauty.

Rest your eyes upon me…

I pondered upon something quite tragic,

that in this world we have lost our magic,

and in this thought I’ve come to see the truth,

how sad it is to know we have lost the beauty of our youth,

and now that I have come to know,

I’ve no choice but to commence on to show, and to announce to all who have forgotten that without that spark within childhood,

we soon become as useless as rotting wood.

So take the time to appreciate all the marvel

of this world in which we all wander and return to what you used to know, the wonder, and amazement of a child’s glow.

Valisa: Tears of Joyous Creation

Part 1:

In the beginning there was a great expanse of blank space within the heavens, and the king of the gods found himself quite lonely. It was within this solitude that he birthed an idea to create for himself beings, which were smaller than he, but just as magnificent. The sentiment within his heart at this idea caused a sensation he had never felt before and so Echiel, the king of the elven gods, was the first to express such of the entire heavenly host. Only five tears were shed, but each tear was different than the one preceding it. The first tear was clear blue, and could easily be identified as the natural tear that humans are known to release when they experience an emotional catalyst. It was his five tears that brought the very existence of Valisa, and her peoples to life. That first tear brought forth the waters that would eventually be shaping into the seas that surrounded the entirety of the country. The second tear was a single drop of mud that would later become the earth, and landmasses of the elven utopia known as Valisa.  The third tear was odd because it appeared to descend from Echiel’s eye but then soon became soft, and cloudlike. This was the tear of air. The fourth tear caused a reddening scar to appear like a gash from the bottom of Echiel’s eyelid to the point where it dripped from his chin. Why you may ask was this? Because it was the tear of fire, but the final tear to descend from Echiel’s eyes was the color of rubies for it was a blood tear. As each tear dropped to the floor beneath Echiel’s feet they pooled together forming a massive dark puddle. As he watched the puddle began to expand across the floor, and kneeling downward he placed the tip of his right index finger within the midst of the liquids and began to swirl his finger round and round staring into the recesses of the black abyss in silence as he continued to mix his biological concoction. When he was finally appeased with his mix he lifted his finger and placing a gentle kiss to the tip of his index he then pointed at the puddle and began to recite in Aerenal elven the words needed to create his precious new species; the Seelie sidhe. From this primordial soup Echiel created the entire realm for his new people providing all things including water, sunlight, fire, animals, and a vast array of vegetation to eat. It was a thriving and beautiful country he called, ‘Valisa,’ and it would one day become the home country of a great Elven Queen, and her chosen King. Lord and Lady Tamira or Marcus, and Tri’Shena. In fact one day Echiel would actually become the biological father of the First Daughter the very same young woman to marry Lord Marcus of Tamira Province. And this is how the races of the Tamiran elves came to be.

Part 2:

Supreme Being:

In the above story the supreme deity is introduced as the one whom notes all the emptiness as decided to fill it with something to entertain himself with. The deity is named Echiel in the third sentence of the story. It’s easy to identify him as the Supreme deity because it mentions him being the king of the elven gods in the first few sentences, and right after his introduction. After he is introduced it explains that he was the one who was inspired with the idea to create Valisa, and therefore establishes himself as the creator. This confirms he is the Supreme Deity in the story. As the story continued and he cried his own tears I believe that showed some genuine concern for what he was making, and it was those tears which brought the concept in Echiel’s mind to life. This is for me the key factor in determining what Archetype Echiel filled. Clearly after reading the myth it is easy to figure out that he is indeed the Supreme Deity, and being because he created it all and even has sovereignty established in the dynasty of the people who worship him as a god.

Generations After:

The Generations after is introduced in the last few sentences of the myth where Echiel’s daughter is named, and her future role in the world of the elves her father created. I think this embodies the archetype because it states in the myth that she is directly related to the Supreme Being. This in fact makes her a demigod, but also establishes Echiel’s future creations, and how they will be affected by his own offspring in the future. This is important because as the story unfolds with Tri’Shena many fans could become lost as to why it is she is always struggling with the incessant desire to do good deeds. She does this in order to avoid condemning herself from the godhood she so desperately wishes to seat herself within. This builds up a plot line for this character that will become one of the more famous creations from the Valisan realm. It is only a brief mention within the Creation myth, but it is enough of a statement for the reader to learn some valuable information for the stories still untold.

Diver’s Myth:

The Diver’s Myth is introduced when Echiel begins to work with the tear puddle he cried, and from this point he goes right to work on building the realm and the people who will inhabit it. It is at this point that he dives into creating them, and it is at this point that we figure out what pushed past the inspiration to make them into the actual creative process. My personal opinion about how we can see this is because from reading it the steps are in order, and if you were chopping up the myth into categories to fill this would be the point in the story that suits this category. After he plays in the mud puddle, so to speak, he is effectively “dived” right in. Anything that occurs after this point should move on to the patterns of the realm, and how the peoples conduct themselves. This isn’t the birth part either although I suppose the next part to occur after it is. Being that after he dives into creation the next thing to happen is the people appear.

World Cycles:

I would have to say the part of my myth where world cycles come into play is probably hard to recognize at first because it isn’t spoken of directly, but after the puddle is mixed and the process of birth occurs is when the cycles of the world begin. It’s about the time when the explanation of the provisions that Echiel made for his creations that we can identify them beginning. It is here that we are told he created an abundance of food, and plant life to sustain his beings. It is in this part of the myth that we gather what all he gave to the world and the needs to the creations he placed within it. I think this embodies the function because it shows where they started. I have to be honest though this was definitely one of the more difficult functions to recognize in my myth. Thankfully, however, I feel satisfied that Echiel’s behaviors, and the story listings should bring us through that function with some ease.

Birth:

Birth is introduced after all the tears have descended from Echiel’s eyes, and formed a large puddle on the ground beneath him. Once Echiel mixes this primordial stew he creates the first life of his new realm, Valisa. It is here that we identify the birthing of a new planet, and all of the many things needed to sustain life on a new planet. It is also from this that everything he needs to provide for his new creatures manifests itself, or births itself into existence. I think that this is probably one of the easiest functions to identify in my myth because it is the most prevalent part of the myth. It is the climactic part of the myth where everything that he had cried for came to be. It is from this point forward that he is shown to have succeeded in his task.

Loss of Innocence:

I had a difficult time finding out exactly where the loss of innocence occurred in my myth because it isn’t something really easily identifiable. I suppose it could be the moment Echiel is inspired to make the creation because he is no longer innocent of the thought. It is the inspirational thought he has when seeing the dark empty void that caused him to cry from the beginning. It was those tears, which brought forth the liquid needed to create all other aspects of Valisa. It seems to me the clear answer is that the loss of innocence must occur at the moment Echiel has the idea to create his new source of entertainment: Valisa, and her peoples. Again this was another difficult one for me to put a label on in my own myth. The story, however, still has a lot to reveal past this myth, and I am hoping the myth gave the reader some insight into future adventures in this storyline.