| Jazmee27
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OOH, THIS WAS FUN!
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Seems something’s wrong with the water. This morning, I took a bath with *no hot water. I’d been intending to wash my hair, but decided against it. 34erThe water was only a trickle, and as if that weren’t bad enough, I had the air on—even on low, I was freezing! And I couldn’t remember the number for the office in this building, so I wound up calling the main number for Community Homes. “Yup, they’re working on that right now,” Amanda informed me. Well, at least they’re aware of the problem. That’s good.
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Reply #761. Jun 13 12, 10:32 PM
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| Jazmee27
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SAME OLD, SAME OLD
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I broke the microphone stand over the weekend, and today Grandma glued the two parts together, because that’s all she could do—except put a piece of tape around it. “The thing that holds it in place broke off.”
At first, it worked fine. I started tape 15, and was about three quarters of the way through side one when the external microphone stopped working. So I unplugged it from the player, then plugged it in again: no dice. So I unplugged it and laid it aside, then very carefully picked up the recorder so the internal microphone could pick up my voice.
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Reply #762. Jun 13 12, 10:33 PM
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| Jazmee27
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I called Grandma, who suggested I ask Mom to pick one up for me. “I’d kind of rather not involve Mom in this.” I added that I could wait, adding that Mom would probably have a lot of questions I wasn’t prepared to answer. But it’s more than that: she disapproves of all the money I spend on electronics. To her, there are “more productive” things I could do with my money.
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Reply #763. Jun 13 12, 10:34 PM
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| Jazmee27
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STILL THERE, IF MODIFIED
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One recurrent theme in my stories is about how withholding even a little of the truth can have lethal consequences. Or, put another way, “secrets can be deadly.” Put another way, pretense doesn’t pay.
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Reply #764. Jun 13 12, 10:35 PM
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| Jazmee27
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===
So many details of my story could be different without it. For one thing, Alonso and Ontario—along with the other Universal Protectors—believe for years that Brendyn is the same age as them, when in reality he’s six years older. Then, they discover that their pasts are shrouded in mystery, there being at least three different versions of the historical record. And the more truths that are revealed, the more questions slap the Warriors in the face. |
Reply #765. Jun 13 12, 10:36 PM
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| Jazmee27
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Why does everyone hide behind a veil of secrecy when it’s obviously so destructive for all involved? If set aside, wouldn’t these secrets mean the difference between life and death?
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Reply #766. Jun 13 12, 10:37 PM
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| Jazmee27
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THIS IS FUNNY
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The other night, I filled up Mom’s phone because she’d seemingly done a disappearing act. When I talked to her about it later, she told me, “thanks a lot, you blew up my phone!” Now, I threaten to do the same if I ever can’t get ahold of her.
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Reply #767. Jun 13 12, 10:39 PM
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| Jazmee27
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SEE? THE SECOND SERIES REALLY DID HAVE ITS GOODPOINTS!
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On tape three, two of the many songs played at the dance are the instrumental version of “My Heart Will Go On” and the theme to “Phantom of the Opera.” On the highest note of “My Heart Will Go On,” the CD player stops.
Maria (incredulously): That thing was practically brand new! How could it blow a fuse?
Devlyn (sarcastically): Oh, gee, let me think… maybe in protest to all the stupid songs it had to play.
Maria: Hey, not all of them were stupid!
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Reply #768. Jun 13 12, 10:40 PM
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| Jazmee27
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======
On tape three, there’s a scene between Devlyn and Maria where each reveals their true feelings about the other. Devlyn explains that, as much as he loves her, he doesn’t want to frighten her by moving too fast—after all, she’s already been in at least two disastrous relationships in the past. And she admits that she’s very much attracted to him—though, at times, she pushes him away out of fear of being hurt again.
Not once in fifteen tapes do they become engaged, however: it’s as if both are holding themselves back too much. This I intend to remedy in the third series, especially the fact that Devlyn appears much younger than he actually is.True, he was only 4 when his father committed suicide, he did witness his mother’s brutal murder, and the yoke of leadership was thrust upon him… all the more reason he shouldn’t lose all semblance of control!
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Reply #769. Jun 13 12, 10:41 PM
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| Jazmee27
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There are idiotic criminals, and then there’s just downright stupidity… it rather makes the idiot look tame by comparison. This is what I thought of as I listened to tape three, side two: what I refer to as “end of the road, part two.” “End of the Road” is in the first series, and I’m thinking I’ll resurrect it for the third version. In “Part Two,” the villains are worse than amateurs-their names are Santiago and Skullface. In the first version, the two are named Fergus and Lachlainn Ferguson and, while Fergus isn’t too bright, his intellect goes up considerably next to a buffoon like Santiago. The only similarity is as follows: Alonso’s subdued by “young men” bigger and tougher than he is (in the case of Skkullface and Santiago, it’s all a big act-they’re both quite small and weak).
The same night Skullface and Santiago beat up an intoxicated “Alonso and throw him into the backseat of their vehicle, Preston goes after and easily kills Skullface, who’s real name is Zareda Esswenta-he’s a Megondrian who lived centuries before and murdered his own twin in cold blood. After electrocuting one partner and imprisoning the other, Preston goes in to the School for ()you guessed it) a drink. “I’d wager that even bugs can defend themselves better than those two,” I thought regarding Santiago and Esswenta. “I’d also be willing to bet said bugs know more about evil than those two idiots displayed!”
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Reply #770. Jun 13 12, 10:44 PM
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| Jazmee27
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======
In my story, one of the most feared names-at least in the beginning-is that of Sean Ferguson, AKA Laird Ferguson, AKA The Ferguson. In the first series, he’s a lot more intimidating, but in this one he’s the biggest coward of them all. “He’d prevfer people believe him this big, tough demon, but really he’s a sorry specimen. I mean, look at how he kidnapped poor Ontario and attempted, with minimal success, to strangle the 12-year-old: why, had it not been for Preston…”
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Reply #771. Jun 13 12, 10:45 PM
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| Jazmee27
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The following scene takes place shortly after Preston’s father, Caspian, drops him off at the castle “to be protected until he comes into his full power”:
Maria (urgently): Where’s your son?
Kora (momentarily confused): Which one?
Maria (sharply): Ontario.
Kora (panicked): I don’t… know.
Devlyn (alarmed): Crap; and it hasn’t even been ten minutes.
Preston (calmly): Relax, I see them out by the woods… they didn’t get far.
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Reply #772. Jun 13 12, 10:46 PM
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| Jazmee27
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======
Meanwhile, Ontario attempts, with his failing strength, to protect himself. You see, it’s late, and the 12-year-old was semi-conscious when he was kidnapped-how Ferguson managed to snatch the young man away from his dorm is unknown. Each time his victim thrashes, Ferguson smiles broadly, believing himself triumphant. Then, as Preston glides out of the shadows, the demon seems to freeze.
Preston (furiously: Ferguson!
Ferguson (fearfully): Who are you?
Preston (chuckling darkly): Doesn’t matter… let him go.
Ferguson (hesitates briefly, then shakes his head and tightens his grip on the boy; Ontario uses up his remaining strength, then goes limp): No.
Preston (forced calm): What’s he done? He’s fine; take me instead. (It must be noted that I think the word’s “fine,” though Tiffany may have said “crying;” and although he’s trying not to show it, Ferguson’s victim is indeed shedding tears of pain and fear)
Ferguson (sneering): Don’t think so (and, looking full into the terrified boy’s eyes, mutters the incantation that will finish him once and for all –and there really is a reason Ferguson wants him wiped off the face of the Universe)
Preston (harmlessly deflects Ferguson’s blast): Ontario, close your eyes.
Ferguson (flustered): What?
Preston (softly): Looks like it’s just us.
Ferguson (angrily): How’d you do that?
Preston: Wouldn’t you like to know? [MY FAVORITE LINE OF THE WHOLE SCENE, SAID SO DRYLY AND COLDLY.]
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Reply #773. Jun 13 12, 10:49 PM
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| Jazmee27
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======
After Preston is finished dispensing with Ferguson, he goes inside to lose himself in strong drink. Devlyn, who is plagued with visions regarding the exploits of his evil relations, runs into the 16-year-old in the kitchen.
Devlyn (harshly): What are *you doing here?
Preston (wearily): Same as you. Think yo u have it rough in your head? I’ll trade you.
Devlyn (shuddering slightly): No, thanks… Could I have some of that vodka, though?
Preston: Sure… You’re not gonna tell on me, are you?
Devlyn: No, I wouldn’t do that.
Preston: Good… If you can keep it from Maria that I’m practically an alcoholic, we’ll get along fine.
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Reply #774. Jun 13 12, 10:51 PM
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| Jazmee27
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======
Not even five minutes later, the Headmaster is beset by another vision and, being caught off guard, falls flat on his face. Hearing the “thud,” Maria comes running.
Maria (incredulously): You’ve been drinking?
Devlyn (bitterly): How else am I supposed to deal with all this crap I have to deal with?
Maria (trying to contain herself): What have you been drinking, because it made you mad as hell.
Devlyn (losing all patience): Just help me to my room and I won’t bite your head off!
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Reply #775. Jun 13 12, 10:51 PM
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| Jazmee27
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======
It’s one of those times the mouth gets ahead of the brain; of course, when I’m in role, I’m more careful… except for those characters who make a complete fool of themselves—mostly Connor, but sometimes the others. For example, there’s the first time Maria meets Preston.Though she likes Devlyn, she can’t stop herself from drooling whenever she looks at the young man. “I can’t help it if I relate to Belle,” she explains weakly at one point, “I mean, I knew Preston’s dad was handsome, and his mom was beautiful herself, but I never imagined… he’s got to be the most perfect, beautiful person I’ve ever seen.” Whicbh, of course, doesn’t make relations between the Headmistress and Assistant Headmaster any better.
But that night, they “make up,” so to speak, when Devlyn reads a prophecy regarding the 16- year-old that causes him to fall over in shock.
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Reply #776. Jun 13 12, 10:52 PM
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| Jazmee27
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======
The next day, the School hosts a celebratory dance to welcome the future Dra gon King, during which Maria again makes a complete fool of herself. This time, however, the leadership roles are reversed, so Devlyn’s more comfortable taking charge. And after introducing Preston to the others, he drags Maria to the floor to dance.
The Assistant Headmistress isn’t the onoly one “behaving badly” with the hottest 16-year-old in residence: Anastasia, Alonso’s girlfriend, is staring at him with her mouth hanging open. “It’s not that I don’t love you,” she says feebly to an enraged Alonso, “but he’s so strong, and…” In disgust, the 12-year-old walks away, where he is detained by his identical twin, who’s figured out the 16-year-old’s merely playing with their heads.
Ontario (bitterly): But why would he, when he has the lovely Isabelle all to himself?
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Reply #777. Jun 13 12, 10:54 PM
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| Jazmee27
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The answer is, Preston’s bored—and when he’s bored, the young man does everything he can think of to get under everybody’s skin.
At some point, Anastasia pulls Belle aside. “Who is he, and how’d you land that piece of prime rib?” Belle explains that Preston’s parents raised her, and how Preston regards her as a kid sister. “Give it time,” the 10-year-old advises. As I turned off the tape, I considered the contrast between my 9own reaction and the reaction of my character. What I’m tempted to do, after hearing that, is to say something like “don’t rush it,” pointing out that Belle’s just 11 and shouldn’t attempt to grow up too fast. And the funniest part of that is, in the first version of the story, Anastasia would have said just that—bu t probably not as a friend. I think, in the third series, I’ll still have them be good friends—perhaps I’ll even emphasize that again; unlike the first version, Anastasia won’t betray Belle’s trust or turn out to be a heartless little witch.
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Reply #778. Jun 13 12, 10:56 PM
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| Jazmee27
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SO IS IT EXPERIENCE, INTUITION, OR BOTH?
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I read an article a week or so ago that suggests the answer bo this question may be both. Surely, if I’d needed confirmation that something’s wrong with my AC, that the fan—or the compressor—quits at times, I’ve got it; and all I did was change the fan speed from ‘low’ to ‘high.’ I’d been listening to “A Blue and Gray Christmas” when the thought entered my head that I couldn’t feel the air; and so I walked over and lifted the cover. Next thing I knew, there wasn’t even a trickle of air coming out of the vent.
After I hung up the phone-in which I reported the problem to maintenance, I thought, ‘Royce isn’t going to be happy.’ All I said over the phone was the fan had quit, but it came right back on when I shut it off and turned it back on. Shortly before I called, the compressor kicked in, so there’s no need for them to come up just yet. The way I see it, unless it’s not coolin-or it’s making a hellish noise-I’ll deal with it.
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Reply #779. Jun 13 12, 10:58 PM
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| Jazmee27
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I keep thinking on the article I read. Experts say intuition’s the result of the unconscious mind making use of observations, that it’s based on experience. They also say that nobody should just trust their gut in matters, but that they should use analysis of experiences to back up their gut feelings. “If not, you’re just working on impulse.” Well, last week I was certain what I felt regarding this unit wasn’t based on any impulse; now, I’m even more sure. I may not see well, but my other senses are more enhanced, and experience with failing appliances has taught me to listen to subtle sound changes.
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Reply #780. Jun 13 12, 10:59 PM
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