"Friendship is Measured by the Heart" Story Sample #3

Chapter 3

It was nearly nighttime, and the six friends had already changed into their Hogwarts robes. 

“I wonder what it will be like,” Annabella stated nervously.

“Well, whatever it will be, I hope we are all in the same house,” muttered Destiny.

Destiny followed Hagrid, a huge man with wild hair. He appeared fierce, but these feelings disappeared the moment he called gently, "Firs' years, 'ver here! Firs' years, line up 'ver here please!"

Alaina and Destiny shared a boat as they sailed across the lake. "I hear there's a giant squid," muttered Annabella in another. Destiny nervously peered into the depths of the lake below, but saw nothing. At one point, Jean let out a petrifying scream because she almost fell in. Annabella tried hard not to laugh.

The moment Hagrid knocked on the door with his giant fist, the door sprang open. A woman stood there, and Destiny's first thought was to never cross her. She had spectacles, and her brows were furrowed as she surveyed Hagrid and the first years. Her hair was up in a tight bun, with not a hair out of place. She shivered in the cold night air as she observed the woman.

"Thank you, Hagrid," she greeted curtly. To them, she said, "Follow me." 

She led them into the Great Hall, which was full of laughter and talk, with wizards and witches of all ages. Hundreds of candles floated in midair, and torches were lit along the chamber. Professor McGonagall stood at the front of the room, holding a roll of parchment in one hand. "When I call your name, you will come up here send put on the Sorting Hat. Whichever House you will be sorted in will be somewhat of your family while you are here at Hogwarts. Your triumphs will earn you points, and any rule-breaking will lose you points."

Destiny noticed that when she said this, many students shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

Destiny was up first. When she slipped the hat on, a voice spoke as if it was her conscience, making her jump slightly. "I see, plenty of will to prove your worth. Bravery in there too, hmm? You know, Gryffindor entails these things. That is what sets Gryffindors apart! Well, if I may...GRYFFINDOR!" it shouted to the whole hall. 

The Gryffindor table cheered for her, and she sat excitedly at an empty seat. Destiny somehow thought that the Sorting Hat could read minds. Alaina was sorted into Gryffindor as well, so she took a seat next to Destiny.

“Welcome!” greeted a ghost. Destiny felt her jaw drop. “I don’t believe I have introduced myself. Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, if you please.”

A fifth-year girl pointed to him, and remarked, “He’s actually Nearly Headless Nick.”

“I would prefer Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-” he started, but Albus Dumbledore had rose from his chair, and a sudden hush had risen over the tables.

“Well, to our first-years,” he announced, “I must say, you must habituate to my whimsical ideas at start-of-the-term and end-of-the-term feasts.”

They all laughed cheerfully. “We all must accord to each other’s personalities and differences, because that is what Hogwarts is all about. First, a few notices must be announced. Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to inform you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The list comprises of about four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch’s office. 

“To our first-years, you should be aware that the Forbidden Forest is out-of-bounds to all students, including the wizarding village of Hogsmead to all those below third-year. 

“Well, I believe that is all, and-” Dumbledore stopped. Professor McGonagall had come up and whispered something in his ear. He smiled. “Also, those who are interested for playing for their House teams should note that they must consult their team captain for the try-out date. Now, off to bed. Chop, chop!”

"Leave it all to Shine" Story Sample #3

Chapter 3

The girl who had screamed at her penetrated Christinithia’s soul. She shattered her inner self, and had a different perspective now.

“She destroyed me once more. I feel nothing. It is like my soul has been taken out. It feels worse than death. No one can mediate between me and my inner soul, if I ever had one. This girl is a dementor from Azaban, and has sucked out my soul. What is the point of being alive? My life’s horrors have ensued, one after another. It is too belated to fix me. All hope is gone. My father was wrong. Nothing will become of me.”

March had come upon them. Far from being bitterly cold, it was sunny, and the flowers were blooming. But the weather did nothing to Christinithia; it mocked her. 

        While Christinithia was outside her backyard sitting in a corner, with her jacket hood over her head, her father came to her.

“I know you are still worried about what that girl said to you,” he said sadly.

Anger filled her entire body. What did he know? Every time he had not believed or believed in her, he was wrong. And “worried” was an understatement. “Go away, Dad.”

“I won’t until you hear what I have to say.”

“I do not care what you have to say!” Christinithia shouted.

Her dad appeared somber. “You will once you hear me out.”

        She was frustrated; couldn’t her father see she just wanted to be depressed in peace?

“Please listen.” It was not an order, it was a request. She obliged. 

“When I was your age, thirteen-years-old, my mother died of lung cancer. You cannot possibly imagine how I felt. I had had my mom for thirteen years, and suddenly, she was snatched away from me. I thought I would never be happy again. You know what a dementor is, right?” he asked. Christinithia nodded. “Well, death was the dementor, and it sucked out my soul. Your grandfather was almost as depressed as I was. But soon, I came to my senses, and realized my mother would have not wanted to see me act this way. So, I let it be. Was it easy? No. Will it be difficult for you? Probably. You have been depressed for a while. But it is because something sucked out your soul. You could feel, obviously, and be capable of all normal functions, except for one thing.”

        “Being human,” she replied, as if she had heard this speech before.

He nodded. “And I know what took your soul. It was you.”

It took a while to register the abnormality of this statement. “What are you talking about?”

“You thought you were not good enough to live. You thought no one would think of you. You believed that even your own family did not love you. The truth is, you made that stuff up. The more you pondered it, the more depressed you became. When you started believing in yourself, you became happy and lighthearted. Ever since that girl shouted at you the things you believed were true before, you thought that she was right. But since when did you care what others thought? Was it for popularity? Recognition? Friends? A base for what to wear and what to think? You are your own person, and nothing and no one can take that away from you, except for yourself. All this riff raff about being ‘normal.’ Trouble is, what is ‘normal’? I believe that there is no such thing. Normal is being unique. Unique is being normal. That is a life mystery.”

Christinithia did not know what to say. But her father knew.

"Stage Fright" Story Sample

My stomach was doing cartwheels in my stomach. I could not stand it. My palms were sweating, and my arms were shaking with fear. My legs were like jelly, and I could barely walk.  I was trying to breathe freely, but my heart was beating painfully against my chest. As soon as the music started, I started to feel even more sick. 

I stepped onto the stage, trying to sing, but my throat wouldn’t work. I blushed so hard, I felt my cheeks were on fire. Finally, I found my voice, my legs started to work again, my arms felt strong, and my stomach ceased to jump. 

        I sang with all my might, ignoring the fact that the whole seventh grade was watching me. Still, I was ashamed of my costume, my hair, and my mutilated face (I really hate make-up).  

Judgements

Everyday, we make decisions. What shoes to wear, what to eat for breakfast, whether or not to reject that date to the prom. But we also make judgements.


Sure, the first time you see that kid wearing the high tops, you think he or she is crazy. But when you see your best friend wearing the same exact shoes, you squeal in delight and say they're cute. What about when we see the black kid, in the middle of all the whites? Do we feel sorry, or do we risk our popularity and go talk to them? That is what I want to talk about.


Here, at my school, the kids who are Asian make fun of their own race. No one is sure why. There are a lot of Asians at my school. However, automatically, you think everyone looks Chinese. But I know a boy that I thought was Chinese, but was really Korean. Why do we think Chinese when we see their face? 


I know only one black boy at my school, and the only other black is his sister. Why can't we be the same, so that what happened way back with the Civil Rights Movement never happened? You know, with the "Colored" and "White" bathrooms and water fountains? Back then, blacks apparently had germs, while the white were suddenly the perfect pure ones. But I disagree. In my mind, everyone is the same and all have the same rights. The right to be poor, the right to be hungry, the right to have a voice. 


I think everyone should respect each other's race. I mean, look at what happened in the Holocaust. The Germans hated the Jews, so they murdered and tortured them in death camps. 


Don't make judgements unless you know where they've been. 

"Last Kiss" by Taylor Swift

I still remember the look on your face
Been through the darkness at 1:58
The words that you whispered for just us to know
You told me you loved me so why did you go away, go away

I do recall now the smell of the rain
Fresh on the pavement, I ran off the plane
That July 9th the beat of your heart
It jumps through your shirt, I can still feel your arms

But now I'll go sit on the floor wearing your clothes
All that I know is I don't know
How to be something you miss

Never thought we'd have a last kiss
Never imagined we'd end like this
Your name, forever the name on my lips

I do remember the swing of your step
The life of the party, you're showing off again
And I roll my eyes and then you pulled me in
I'm not much for dancing but for you did

Because I loved your handshake, meeting my father
I love how you walk with your hands in your pockets
How you'd kiss me when I was in the middle of saying something
There's not a day I don't miss those rude interruptions

So I'll watch your life in pictures like I used to watch you sleep
And I'll feel you forget me like I use to feel you breathe
And I'll keep up with our old friends just to ask them how you are
Hope it's nice where you are

And I hope the sun shines and it's a beautiful day
And something reminds you, you wish you had stayed
We can plan for a change in weather and time
I never planned on you changing your mind

Magic

"Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are hidden in the most likely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."

-Roald Dahl 

Do you believe in magic? It doesn't have to be so much obvious as a huge explosion and a cloud of smoke, a gospel choir, a cheerleading squad, balloons and ribbons, and a huge sign that says, "Here lies magic!" No, you must search it with an adventurous and courageous heart. Magic won't come to you in a nice wrapped-up package. You must seek it with "glittering eyes", shall we say. What does that mean? You must be excited, ready to have an adventure. But only you can prepare yourself to be ready. 

"Ours" by Taylor Swift

Elevator buttons and morning air
Stranger's silence makes me wanna take the stairs
If you were here, we'd laugh about their vacant stares
But right now, my time is theirs

Seems like there's always someone who disapproves
They'll judge it like they know about me and you
And the verdict comes from those with nothing else to do
The jury's out, but my choice is you

So don't you worry your pretty little mind
People throw rocks at things that shine
And life makes love look hard
The stakes are high, the water's rough, but this love is ours

You never know what people have up their sleeves
Ghosts from your past gonna jump out at me
Lurking in the shadows with their lip gloss smiles
But I don't care 'cause right now you're mine

And it's not theirs to speculate if it's wrong and
Your hands are tough but they are where mine belong in
I'll fight their doubt and give you faith with this song for you

'Cause I love the gap between your teeth
And I love the riddles that you speak
And any snide remarks from my father about your tattoos will be ignored
'Cause my heart is yours

"A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton

Making my way downtown
Walking fast
Faces pass
And I'm home bound

Staring blankly ahead
Just making my way
Making a way
Through the crowd

And I need you
And I miss you
And now I wonder....

If I could fall
Into the sky
Do you think time
Would pass me by
'Cause you know I'd walk
A thousand miles
If I could
Just see you
Tonight

It's always times like these
When I think of you
And I wonder
If you ever
Think of me

'Cause everything's so wrong
And I don't belong
Living in your
Precious memories

"Friendship is Measured by the Heart" Story Sample #2

Chapter 2

For several years, these six girls, Destiny, Jean, Alaina, Annabella, Laurie, and Danielle had to live their pitiful lives. None of them were quite personable because of the way their life flowed unnaturally. They all felt as though an impending event was about to happen, ready to drop on their heads. Sometimes, they dreamed of a different life, waiting to whisk them away. Nothing had happened in ten long years, until today, the second of August.

As Destiny came to collect the mail, she spotted four things on the doormat: a postcard confirming her mom’s dentist appointment, a car bill, and-a letter for Destiny. Her hands shook as she read her address. The envelope felt thick and heavy, and was in yellowish parchment. No one had ever written to her personally. True, she received angry letters from the library, but she was shocked. As she strolled into the kitchen, dazed, she handed the other mail to her mom, and cried, “Mom, there is a letter for me!” Disbelieving, she turned the letter to the other side, and saw the Hogwarts  Crest.

Opening the envelope slowly, her mom said, “Destiny, you are a witch.” Her legs turned to lead. Was she dreaming? 

“I can’t be. I have never showed signs of magic before.”

Surprisingly, her mother smiled. “Have you ever done something without meaning to, when you were angry or scared?”

Destiny had no idea what to say. She thought about it. “Well, I did accidentally turn my teacher’s wig purple when she gave me a D on my science test. And I did somehow end up on a roof when I was almost mugged while walking home.”

“You are making a transition from a little girl to a witch,” she said proudly.

* * *

On September first, her mom had escorted Destiny to the train station. Her heart skipped when she spotted the scarlet engine of the Hogwarts express. After they said their good-byes, Destiny began looking for a compartment to sit in. She spotted an empty one down the corridor, and made her way towards it. 

While placing her trunk in the luggage rack above, a blond skinny girl appeared in the doorway, and asked, “Excuse me, is anyone sitting here with you?”

Destiny shook her head, and sat down. “I’m Destiny, who are you?”

Extending her right hand, she answered, “I am Alaina.”

“I don’t mean to be offensive or rude, but what happened to your arm?” Destiny wondered aloud curiously, as Alaina’s left hand was dangling beside her body at an odd position.

Suddenly, she appeared somewhat uncomfortable. “Oh, it’s nothing,” she muttered.

"What happened? I mean, I am sorry, I did not mean to pressure you. I’ll stop...” 

“I was born with a paralyzed left arm,” Alaina said sadly. “I am made fun of a lot at my school for being different than everyone else. They always used to say that I wasn’t dexterous. This year, I want to attend to Hogwarts with a new image.”

Destiny smiled, and agreed. “I was sometimes teased because of my mom.”

Alaina chuckled, and asked, “Did she embarrass you?”

A knife went through her heart. Sure, her mom embarrassed her once in a while, but this girl had no idea what it was like to have a mom like hers.

When she saw Destiny’s face, her smile fell. “Are you okay?”

She took a deep breath, and plunged, “They tease me because my mom has on-and-off depression. They call her retarded in front of me. I hate going to school because their comments affect me. I never tell her, of course...”

Just as she finished speaking, a girl dressed in expensive clothes apparated into their midst. Her hair was rose red, and she wore heavy make-up. “May I sit with you two? Everywhere else is full.”

Without waiting for a reply, she took a seat on Destiny’s side, and proclaimed, “I’m Jean. Who are you?”

When Destiny and Alaina introduced themselves, a smiling plump witch appeared with a rattling cart, and asked sweetly, “Anything off the trolley, dears?”

Jean pulled out her money purse, full of jingling Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts. She purchased several pumpkin pasties, Chocolate Frogs, and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans. 

 Jean ripped open the box of Bertie Bott’s, and she spotted Destiny and Alaina staring at her. When she offered the sweets, they gladly accepted. 

Suddenly, three other girls asked if they could join their compartment. As Destiny peered out the window, she noticed the neat, tidy houses were now being replaced by green fields.

Annabella held several books in her arms, and she describing animatedly her latest adventure with Alaina. She appeared to be a plain, simple, and shy girl, but was considerate towards others.

Laurie was scrumptiously devouring Chocolate Frogs, as if she had never eaten in her life. Her clothes hung loose around her, and she had dark shadows under her eyes.

Danielle seemed to always smile, but Destiny felt that she was hiding a deep dark secret. As she was sitting by herself in her corner, Destiny approached her cautiously and learned that writing stories helped her to escape her horrible brothers, feeling as if she were not wanted. Daniella felt jealous of her care-free characters. She secretly said that sometimes she would tear her stories to shreds because she was so mad at the boys and girls in her stories. 

However, the six of them enjoyed each other’s company, and they all wondered what they did to deserve friends like them. 

Jean would watch the neat houses turn to green fields, and knew that her friends and her were in for a big adventure.

"Leave it all to Shine" Story Sample #2

Chapter 2

The next morning, Christinithia made up her mind to enter the competition. She titled her story, “You are Precious”. It was about a boy named Zachary who grew up abused, and was told that nothing would become of him. But, he regained gallantry from his grandmother, and won a talent show at school. Christinithia even cited some of her father’s excerpts into his grandmother. She had a wonderful time writing the story and regaled in Zach’s success. 

In a new journal entry, Christinithia wrote happily, for the first time in years, “When I slapped that cover page on my story, I felt proud and successful. Who knew that writing would help me find my strength again? Even my mother is noticing a quirk in me, as if I am suddenly excited for something. After all those years of feeling sad and alone, I am cheerful. My father is a judicious person who has influenced me greatly; he is wise and my whole reason I entered this contest.”

Christinithia could not wait to receive the results. When she arrived at school on Monday, her father and mother wished her luck, as her teacher would announce the winner at lunch. The milieu suddenly became alert and tense. 

The more she yearned for lunch to come, the clocks seemed to work backwards. The day seemed never-ending. She had never wanted for something so bad. Finally, lunch came around, and her teacher stood up. A sudden hush fell over the tables.

“Welcome, students! As you all know, there is a winner for the writing competition,” she smiled. No one seemed to be breathing. “And the winner is...Christinithia from seventh grade!" There was a polite applause. “Christinithia decoyed us into the sorrows and triumphs of her characters, and that is why we picked her! Congratulations!”

She couldn’t believe her ears! Her, a winner? Her dream had come true. What bliss this was!

However, something happened. A girl strode over to Christinithia, and slapped her in the face. “I worked for weeks on my story! I deserve to win, not you!” she screamed. “Who do you think you are? You are nothing, you are worthless, you cannot write, you will never succeed again! You will pay for your arrogance! You-”

But Christinithia was not about to stand for this. This girl thought she could bully her just because she was silent, and the girl to walk all over. But her triumphs had strengthen her, and she was not going to sit here and take it.

“I don’t care what you have to say to me. I have had enough with believing I will never succeed in anything. But I proved myself and everyone else wrong. So, good-bye.” And Christinithia left. 

"I Miss Those Days" Poem

I miss those days when you sang me a lullaby to lure me to sleep

I miss those days when you carried me around the house

I miss those days when you couldn’t sleep because of me

I miss those days when I came to you for help

I miss those days when you tickled my tummy

I miss those days when you held my small hand in yours

I miss those days when you bent down and assured me that everything would be okay

I miss those days when I hugged you good-bye

I miss those days when you watched me go off to school

But now, the years pass by

I sometimes sing myself to sleep

I try to solve my own problems

I know everything will be okay

I still hug you good-bye

But still know that I will always be there

Even when I’m gone

Even when I grow my own wings and fly away

Know that I will be your little girl forever