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Hello, hello, hello!
It feels like it has been an eternity since the last time I was on here. I’ve just gotten bit by the fiction writing bug, so I figured I work on a story that I began in July. I just wanted to share a snippet and see what people thought of it. 🙂 Just to warn you, it’s kind of long.
Friday. It’s been my favorite day of the week for as long as I can remember, especially the 4th Friday of each month, like today. My family and I always get pizza and milkshakes for dinner and then going bowling afterwards. However, the excitement about tonight was demolished when I went to last period: History.
“Well, the History presentation on a 19th century Historical figure will begin today and is due a month from now on April 20th,” Mr. Everett explained, while writing the dates on the chalkboard and then began passing out the assignment packets. “These packets include the instructions for the assignment, but there is one little bit of information I left out. In order to get this assignment, you have to work in a group of 4.”
All of the students groaned, including myself. In all the group projects I’ve been a part of, I’m always the one who ends up doing all the work while everyone else goofs off. My mom tells me I most likely scare them because I’m ‘stubborn as a mule’ and can be bossy. I wouldn’t go that far. I see it as a leader taking initiative to make sure that things get done and a student trying to protect her grade.
Anyway, the bell rang right when Mr. Everett said, “The assigned groups are on our class bulletin board outside the door and don’t forget to read pages 70-94 in your textbook. Have a great weekend!”
I scurried outside of the classroom, anxious to see who I’d be working with.
Team 2 –
Rachel Langston, Evan Woods, Allen Boone, Liza Cunningham
I didn’t know any of these people, except for Evan. He always pulled pranks on me since elementary school. Like one time, he “made cookies” to give to me on my birthday but altered the recipe by putting in salt instead of sugar. Or the time he freaked me out by stuffing a rat in my backpack while it was sitting in the cubby. There are many more tales to tell, but I’d rather not discuss them; at least he stopped when we started High School this year. But that aside, he’s the popular captain of the soccer team, too arrogant for his own good and such a ladies’ man. Everywhere he goes, he’s the center of attention in some fashion, no matter whose around him.
Eye roll, I thought. This is going to be a long month.
***
12:05 P.M., Cafeteria.
I had just stepped out of the cafeteria line with a plate of piping hot spaghetti with a sprinkle of Mexican blend cheese along with a slice of focaccia bread. My eyes darted to every single area of my surroundings as I tried to find my fellow teammates. It’s so difficult when almost every table is for a specific group in the school, and I don’t know who sits where because I’m a little bit of a loner. Plus, I don’t know what groups anyone in my team belongs to aside from Evan, and of course I didn’t want to just walk right up to the jock table.
Right when I was about to give up and find a seat, I felt someone tap my shoulder.
“Rachel,” the voice said, which belonged to a guy.
I turned around and faced…Evan. The one moment I had been dreading for the past 5 minutes. It seems as if he’s grown at least 7 more inches, his Havana brown hair now hangs right at his shoulders, and his typically charming smile that’s always so annoying seemed more placid and sweeter. Um, not that I was noticing or anything.
“Have you found Liza and Allen? I would really like to start planning the project now so that we can start working on it over the weekend,”
He’s actually taking initiative. I didn’t know he had it in him. I thought. Then I heard some girls giggling somewhere behind us and wondered if he was trying to impress them. Though, that still doesn’t keep me from being a little cold towards him.
“Do you see anyone with me? I have no idea what they even look like. Why don’t you help me look, Mr. Hotshot?”
He kind of rolled his eyes and smirked at the same time.
We started walking towards the back of the cafeteria and found two students at a table. We assumed that it was Allen and Liza and decided to go with the hunch.
“Are you Allen Boone and Liza Cunningham?” I asked while sitting my tray on the table. I was starving.
“Uh, yes,” Allen replied for the both of them. “What, um, do you need?”
“We’re your teammates for the History presentation in Mr. Everett’s class. Let’s get started on planning, shall we? We haven’t got all day and it’s due in a month,” I answered, in a somewhat snappy tone as I pulled out my packet.
I honestly didn’t mean for it to come out that way, but I can tell that these people need a little order. Evan looked at me and with his eyes he asked, “What’s your problem?” I just glanced at him and continued to pull things out my backpack.
“Honestly, I think before we start, we should get to know each other a little. I mean, people do say that teams work better when they have a bond,” Evan piped up.
“Since when did you become so “wise?” I thought your brain was too consumed with soccer plays to know anything,” I shot back.
“Agh, Rachel, would you stop being such a pest? We’re not going to get anything done if you stay moody the whole time.”
Right before I could say anything else, Allen inserted himself in the equation. “We’re supposed to be all in this together. Why can’t we try to become friends first to help break the ice? It’s starting to feel a little like winter even though the weather outside says otherwise.”
Liza nodded in agreement, and then began to just stare off into space. I rolled my eyes and let out a loud sigh. Evan patted Allen on the shoulder.
“I think you’re onto to something, Allen. How about we reconvene after school and get some ice cream? Then, we can talk more about the project,” said the now apparently reasonable Evan.
I broke my plastic fork as I stuck it too hard in my spaghetti. I feel like I’m going to explode on the inside. Since when was Evan accommodating and all about friendship? Something has changed, and it’s so annoying. I’m starting to hate the new and improved Evan more than the old one.
Yes, Chamomile is absolutely amazing! And my goodness, that sounds so cozy; I need that right now! xD Oh, I love movies! I have quite a few favorites, so I’ll just name a few.
- Little Women (1993 + 2019 renditions)
- From Up on Poppy Hill
- Whisper of the Heart
- Hamilton (Broadway musical)
- Newsies (Broadway musical)
- Lemonade Mouth
What are some of your favorites? Also, are you into audio dramas?
I’ve actually dabbled into book journaling off and on for about close to 4 years, but I never really kept it up. At the time I had first found out about it, it wasn’t very popular so there wasn’t a lot of ideas around on the Internet. But now, there’s SO many ideas, especially on Youtube and Pinterest, so one of my 2022 goals is to keep it up. xD
Yes, you should definitely read Kara Swanson! I love her duology so much! I need to read her other book, “The Girl Who Could See,” at some point.
Ah, I know that feels. You’re going to have a breakthrough moment at some point! <3
Hi, Ella!
You are so sweet, thank you! <3
It truly was helpful! I loved CWW a lot and definitely hope to participate again next year!
Ahhh, a fellow tea drinker! Literally none of my friends like tea, so this is amazing! My favorite is lavender chamomile. 🙂
So, with book journaling, I’ll typically write book reviews, books I recently books, what I’m currently reading, etc. Literally all things bookish. xD And that’s cute how you keep a sister journal with your sister! I love that!
I’ve never heard of The Inheritance Games. I’ll have to look into that! A few of my favorite books include anything by Tim Shoemaker, Dust (+ Shadow) by Kara Swanson, Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker, and Summerhill Secrets by Beverly Lewis. I have many, many more, but then this would get too long.
Whoa, that sounds like an interesting WIP! I hope that all goes well with your writing!
Hehe, I absolutely love rants and long conversations, so I look forward to getting to know you more. Thanks for the sweet and warm welcome!
Greetings and salutations, Elishavet! It’s nice to meet you as well!
Ah, another Bible Quizzer. Are they all writers or what haha?
The Bible Bee is absolutely amazing! It’s difficult to put into words, but I shall try.
The Bible Bee is an intense study of a specific passage of Scripture along with Hebrew and/or Greek words, cross references geography, etc. Then, memorizing Scripture plays a large role as that is mostly the focus. It actually starts off as an 8-week Summer Study, in which students from all of the world between the ages of 7-18 participate. You receive a Discovery Journal, which is like a Bible study book that has questions for the students to answer regarding the specific passage, plus you have to memorize 14 passages of Scripture. Once the study is over, students have the option to complete the qualifying test to try to be in the top 120 of their division to qualify for the National competition. Once the results are revealed, the intense studying and memorizing continues, however, the students are completely on their own.
Whoa, that was longer than intended. xD
Wow, that’s awesome! And wait, you like to write essays just for fun?
Yes, jelly is always in the fridge. Apple to be specific!
Hm, I probably would want a hatchet.
Definitely the book! I love, love books! xD
It’s nice to meet you!
You write in a variety of genres, which is so awesome. I absolutely love Historical fiction, but I’ve never tried writing it and don’t know anyone personally who has. So, that’s really cool!
I absolutely love the Wingfeather Saga! I’m not really a fantasy reader, but Peterson has captured my attention with his books. I’m desperate to read them all as soon as I can! xD
Nonfiction books are the best. I own quite a few of them since I don’t always feel like reading fiction.
Hm, I’m horrible at giving premises of stories I write, so I’ll just say that it centers around a kidnapping.
@power Your comment made me laugh! I didn’t stop reading it. 😂 It’s so nice to “meet” you!
It’s neat that you are a Bible quizzer! What a great way to spend some of your time when you’re not writing. xD
Ooo, a Bible question. I believe the answer is wealth, possessions and honor.
Haha! I’m actually not wearing any shoes at the moment. Just black socks. xD
@nabisawesome Hi, Naomi! I do remember you!! It’s awesome to see you here, too!
@annabelle I know right!? And I seriously couldn’t (and still can’t) believe that we won all three categories!
Oh, if you’re interested in checking out Beverly Lewis, I’d suggest reading her series Summerhill Secrets. It’s perfect for teen girls!
Yes, I’m currently reading through the Wingefeather Saga currently! My best friend always raved about it, so I decided to read it. I’ve only read book 1 thus far, but I just picked up book 2 from my library yesterday, so I’ll be reading that very soon!
Wow, that is an interesting combination, but it’s great to have a variety. And I’ve heard and come across the authors you mentioned but have never read any of their books except for J. R. R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis. I should consider delving into the worlds those other authors have created. xD
Aw, thank you! I just checked out your blog as well, and it’s quite lovely. Will be following!
@devastate-lasting Ah, that’s really cool! I hope that all goes well with your projects!
And wow, really? That’s good to know! Hopefully our paths cross. 😀
@devastate-lasting Thanks!
And wow, that’s really cool. Are you currently working on a writing project?
Well, I really would love to publish my projects someday. I’ve been thinking a lot about self-publishing, but I’m not sure.
@annabelle It’s nice to meet you. Oh, my word, I remember seeing you around on CWW! It was also my first time, and I was on team peacocks! Nice to see one of my fellow birds. xD
I tend to typically read mysteries, realistic fiction/coming of age and of course nonfiction. However, I’ve been getting more into fantasy, historical fiction and sci-fi a little. And a few of my favorite authors include Tim Shoemaker, Kara Swanson, Ruth Chou Simons, Andrew Peterson and Beverly Lewis. How about you? What genres do you typically read and who are some of your favorite authors?
See you around!
@devastate-lasting Wow, that is rather coincidental! It is nice to “meet” you, Lin.
I mostly write nonfiction, specifically about my walk with the Lord and encouraging others in investing in their relationship with Him through my blog. I’ve also dabbled into fiction, particularly mysteries and realistic fiction, however, I never actually finished a story until 2020. Currently, I’m working on two projects. One is a mystery novella, which is about to go into the second draft process. And then during CWW, I began working on a nonfiction book about my journey with perfectionism and what lessons God has taught me through those experiences. Thanks to CWW, I have about 3 chapters left to write! What about you?