Pink Paper Planes

Kansas Farm Lands 1920’s

The little boy was sprawled out on the large rug in front of the family radio. He had a little coloring pad and some crayons next to him. As he listened to the morning radio tunes he would doodle little airplanes on the pad and hum along with the song. He was happy and content; life was just how it should be for a 5-year-old little boy.

“Will! Will you come in the kitchen please?”

Will stood up and shuffled into the kitchen. It was your typical 1920’s farmhouse kitchen, checkered floor tiles, white cabinets, and the new sea foam green appliances. The windows were covered in quaint sheer curtains that Will’s momma had sewn. The little boy was the spitting image of his mother, strawberry blonde hair that had a mind of its own and chestnut brown eyes.

Sweet aromas were dusting the air and making Will’s mouth salivate and his stomach growl.

“Have you feed the chickens this morning?”

Will shook his head to say no.

“Are you hungry?”

Will shook his head back and forth in a yes motion.

“Well I will bet that just like you those chickens are hungry too, so you best go feed them or you wont be getting breakfast your self!”

Will flashed his momma a sweet smile, he was missing his two front teeth and everyone who saw him smile couldn’t help, but smile right back at him. He was an adorable little boy! Will laughed and said with a little whistle “Okay Momma!”

He hugged her legs and then ran out the back screen door. As soon as he was out the door he had his arms out like wings and was zig zagging back and forth across the field like an airplane.

Will’s momma smiled and chuckled to herself as she watched her son run toward the barn where the chickens were. She was so blessed to have him as her son and thanked the Lord daily. She was so wrapped up in that moment that she was startled when she felt strong arms wrap there way around her and hot kissed on the back of her neck.

“Good Morning Mrs. Champion, I do believe you have raised one of the finest boys right there.”

“Why yes Mr. Champion, I believe WE have done well with him thus far. I just wish we could give him more. You know his birthday is comin’ up and I know that money is tight, but if you would be willing, Daniel to do with a few more patches on your shirts I can make him a little cape and some flyin’ goggles.”

“Sarah, my sweet Sarah. This is why I demanded that you marry me, you are always thinking of others. I would wear hundreds of patches on my shirts for that boy.”

Daniel and Sarah exchanged a tender kiss while watching their son feed the chickens. Daniel began to hum a song and pulled Sarah close to him and they danced. They danced shoeless, in the rain, in the barn, on the patio or often in the kitchen. It never mattered where they danced they just enjoyed dancing together.

“Dear, you make him those and I will carve him some pilot wings to pin on to his shirt.”

“You are such a sweet heart, that must be why I married you and am so in love with you.”

“Everything I do is for you and Will, you are both my moon and stars.”

Will is now 10 turning 11

“Momma! I have finished all of my chores for the day, can I go out and play with Chase and the fellows?”

Will’s mother was heavily pregnant with Will’s soon to be third baby brother or sister and was bustling around the kitchen.

“Can you make sure your siblings are taken care of before you head out? I need to finish this pie for your father and I want to make sure they are okay.”

“Yes Momma! I’ll see to it.”

“Thank you dear, your such a good son.”
Will blushed bright red and sheepishly smiled as his momma and then walked out of the kitchen to the living room to tend to his siblings.

“Hi Abigail, do you need anything? Momma wanted me to check on you and Tucker.”

Abigail was just turned six and was guaranteed to break many hearts when she grew up. She had the same Champion strawberry blonde hair that Will had except her hair hung in tiny little ringlets and she had golden freckles that were sprinkled across her checks.

Will’s friends often said how cute she was and that they would love to take her out when she was older. Will was extremely protective of Abigail so when ever one of his mates brought her up he was quick to give a discouraging look that would make all of them bite their tongues and wish they hadn’t said anything at all. He loved his baby sister dearly and wanted to make sure no one hurt her. But he knew in his heart that if she were going to fall in love and get married he would only let one of his friends be the man.

“Hi Will, no Tucker and I are swell, were having a tea party, do you want to join us?”
Abigail was quick to put on her puppy dog face and will was such as sucker for that face, that he just couldn’t bring himself to say no. And his poor little brother looked desperate to have someone one else to take the worst of the girly tea party.

“Oh alright Abigail, but just for a few minuets.”
The little girls face lit up like the fourth of July! She squealed with utter delight and set to pouring him some lemonade.

Will’s mother had stood in the kitchen doorframe watching the whole event unfold. She smiled and thought to herself how wonderful her children were. The kitchen door closed shut and in walked Daniel, he was sweating and was obviously very tired from working on the farm that morning, but he still had a big grin on his face.

“What are you standing about for woman? You’re nearly nine months pregnant! Here sit down this very instant!” Daniel pulled out a chair and escorted his wife to the chair and then leaned down and kissed her tummy and then made slow kisses all the way up to her lips where he lingered dangerously too long.

“And how are you this afternoon Mrs. Champion?”

“I am much better now that you are home to enjoy lunch with me, that I need to get started on.” Sarah leaned forward to lift herself from the chair but was pushed back down gently but forcefully by Daniel.

“Now you just sit there and I will make us some lunch. And as I do that I have some wonderful news to share with you!”

“My my Mr. Champion I do believe you are far too kind to me. I see where Will gets’s it. Now what is this news you have?”

“Well as I am sure your aware tomorrow is Will’s birthday and you and I know how in love he is with planes and the sky. So I was able to trade some of my best strawberries and convince Bill Johnson to take him up with him the next time he goes crop dusting in his plane.”

“Daniel you are one of a kind! Will will be so thrilled. I wish I had more time to do something real special for him, but with the new baby coming and having to look after his siblings I just haven’t had much time and we just don’t have a whole lot of spare change.”

“All you need to do is bake a cake, speaking of..what is the delish smell?”

“That would be your apple pie I was baking, I need to take it out of the oven right about now, so let me get that.” Sarah was once again trying to stand up to get the apple pie when Daniel once again prevented her.

“Now I told you to sit, so sit!”

“But Daniel!”

“No, buts, just do as your told you stubborn woman, I will take care of it.” He kissed her forehead and took the pie out and set it on the window seal to cool.

“Your still the same man I married 13 years ago, Stubborn, sweet and your wonderful qualities have been passed on to your kin.”

“Our children are just like their darling mother whom I adore dearly!”

*2 in the Morning*

Will had only been asleep for a few hours when he was being shaken awake.

“William, WILL! Wake up, quickly now!”

Will groggily opened his eyes and saw in the dim light that his father was standing over him casting eerie shadows on the wall.

“Will, you mom is having her baby right now, I need you to run to Doctor Erickson’s and bring him here. Can you do that?”

Will was now wide awake and aware of the situation, he nodded his head and was quick to throw on a shirt and lace up his shoes. Racing down the stairs he was out the kitchen door in the less than two minuets.

The only light available was the full moon and the stars, but Will knew the lay of the land like the back of his hand and was able to maneuver himself with great ease. His little feet crossed field after field as fast as he could run. Fatigue was making itself known unto Will but he would not falter, he was determined to reach Doctor Erickson as quickly as he could for his momma!

Just up ahead Will could see the vast white porch that wrapped around the entire house. Doctor Erickson was a fine physician with a degree from Harvard and could have easily set up his practice in a large city that would pay him triple the amount that the farmers in the area could, but he choose to live here in the dry plains of Kansas.

Will ran up the porch steps and ran to the door and started beating his little fist very loudly against that screen door. Soon a yellow porch light was lit and a haggard looking Doctor Erickson appeared.

“William Champion, it is 2:30 in the morning, you nearly gave the misses and me a heart attack! What is it my boy?”

Short of breath Will said with great labored breaths “it’s my momma, she’s havin’ here baby right now sir!”

“Great Scotts! She’s not supposed to be due for three more weeks! Quick William, run to my study and grab my black medical bag, it will have a white cross on the side and meet me back here. I need to go change then we will drive straight there.”

Nodding his head Will ran to the study and found the black bag right on top of the large oak desk, he then returned to the kitchen and out the door to the truck to wait for Doctor Erickson.

The doctor came running out to the truck and they both jumped in and lumbered their way down the road to Champions home. Doctor Erickson ran in and Will followed slowly. The little boy was worn and longed for his bed. But he would not get to his bed for a while. His younger brother was awake and Will knew that he needed to get him back to sleep.

Tucker ran over to Will and hugged his legs. Tears were rolling down his chubby little three-year-old face. He was scared and not sure what was happening. Will smiled and lifted his younger brother up and carried him into the living room and then had him sit on his lap. He whipped away the tears and cradled the little boy and rocked him back and forth while rubbing his back just as he had scene his momma do. Soon Tucker was fast asleep and Will laid him back down on the couch, covered him with a blanket and snuck into the kitchen without waking him.

The clock in the kitchen showed 4:30. Will sighed he knew that it was the time his father would get up and go milk the cows and do a lot of farm work. But his father was busy and so Will decided that he would do it. The little boy silently opened the door, and crept down the porch steps and was cautious to avoid the last step because it creaked whenever someone stepped on it. He trudged out to the barn and began his the task of milking the 25 cows and the rest of the chores that needed to be done. He did with a smile on his face even though he was exhausted, because it would be something his dad would do.


Will’s new baby sister was born the morning. Her name was Claire Rene and she shared the same birthday was Will.

While everyone cooed and awed over the new baby, Will was making dinner for him and his siblings, he almost forgot it was his birthday until his little sister tugged on his shirt for his attention.

“What can I do for you Abigil?” Will asked as he lifted her up and set her on top of the counter.

“I made this for you Willy!” She held out a card that had fingerprints of grape jelly all over.

“Oh you have huh?” And what is this?”

She smiled and giggled saying “you needs to reads it silly!”

“Alright, lets see.. It looks like you drew an airplane on the front and might I add in my favorite color! Pink!”

Abigail kicked her legs and clapped her hands and shouted “That’s my favorite color too!”

Will tickled her and laughed. “Now let’s see what’s inside!”

Scribbled in her handwriting was the simple message ‘ Happy Birfday to my favorihte broder in the hole world!’

Will closed the card and smiled a great big grin at his sister and hugged her dearly. Thank you Abigail, you don’t know what this means to me!”

It was at that moment that Will vowed that he would allow nothing to hurt his little sister, man, love, object, nothing!

Later on when everyone was asleep and the excitement had died down Will snuck into his parents room and looked into the little bassinet where his baby sister lay. Tiny blue eyes stared back at him. He smiled and lifted Claire out of the bassinet, cradled her tightly and began to rock back and forth. He whispered to her a tender message. “You area a very special little girl, you have been born to wonderful parents and a great family, but you and I have a special bond cause we share the same birthday. And I want you to know that I’m okay with that, we can share it. It’s an awesome day. I love you Claire.” He continued to cradle her for a little while and soon she was fast asleep in his arms.

What Will didn’t know was that his mum had been awake and had heard and watched the entire thing. Silent tears streamed down her checks and she said a silent prayer of gratitude to the Lord for the wonderful son was given.


William is leaving home

The last things to put on were his stark black shiny shoes. William laced them up and then stood up and looked at himself in the mirror. The navy blue uniform was pressed and hung well on him, he smiled and grabbed his sack and headed downstairs.

The entire family was waiting for him in the kitchen; they were going to be driving him to the greyhound station. He would meet Chase Nielson, his childhood best friend there and they would head out to do their country proud. Somewhere between 12 and 13 Will was dropped and William was instigated. He felt it made him appear more mature.

His mother was quick to rush up to him as soon as he entered the same kitchen he had grown up in.

“My little Will, I mean William is all grown up. You are going to be the best pilot the Air Force has ever scene.” She hugged William tight and finally let go, when she knew they needed to be going.

William threw has pack over his shoulder and led the way out to the truck. Tucker and Claire climbed in the bed of the truck along with William’s pack. The rest climbed in the cab. The ride was quiet, no one spoke, they just bounced down the dirt road into town.

There were a couple of families at the bus station all wishing their sons off to War. The threat of the U.S. joining in the World War was almost inevitable. Germany was becoming a missive threat to almost all of Europe and Japan was now joining in. The U.S. was being frowned upon from other countries and was scene as a chicken. All they were doing to help the war effort was send supplies, but that was soon to change.

The family gave William hugs and kisses and Chase came over to say goodbye to the family as well but mainly Abigail. Abigail had blossomed in to one of the most stunning girls. Her long hair blew gently in the soft breeze and her eyes twinkled in the afternoon sun. Her lips were cherry red and soft and inviting. She and Chase had become a thing over the summer and she was devastated to watch her love go off to war.

Chase held her tight and whispered a promise in her ear. ‘I will never stop fighting for your heart, I will send you letters always and when I get back I will marry you. That is my promise Abigail Sarah Champion.” He slid on to her ring finger and piece of string and looked her in the eyes and then held up his ring finger, which had the exact same string around it. “This is our promise, it won’t leave my finger ever!”

Abigail was on the verge of tears, but didn’t want to cry and let that be the last memory that Chase had of her, so she stood up on her toes and kissed him. It was a short kiss, but one full of desire, passion, and true love. “I know that you will be back Chase, I will wait everyday until that time.”

William watched as his sister and Chase exchanged their goodbyes, he remembered his promise to her when he was 11 and he swore to himself that he would keep that promise no matter what.

Chase waved to everyone and climbed on to the bus. William had said his goodbyes and turned to climb onto the bus as well when we felt the familiar tug on his shirt. He looked down and saw Abigail standing by him.

“I want you to have this, may God watch over you and my Chase.” She slipped a tiny piece of fabric into his hands and ran off to stand by Momma and wave to all the men on the bus.

William boarded the bus and sat down next Chase. He glanced down as the piece of fabric his sister had given him. She had crossed stitched a little pink airplane and had stitched a scripture on to it. Joshua 1:9 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.” He carefully folded the fabric and tucked it deep into his suit, close to his heart.


Chase and William trained and become Pilots for the United States Air Force; they were then stationed at Pearl Harbor in April 1941. They enjoyed their peaceful time on the Island. Chase was diligent in writing Abigail and William often wrote to his family. They were there on the Island on December 7th 1941. They watched as the Japanese bombed and destroyed the base. Many of their friends were killed and wounded. They were able to take down 3 Japanese planes and were awarded many metals for their bravery.

Both men were asked to report to Washington D.C. Neither knew why they were flying there, but they were told to tell no one. Upon arrival they met Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle. They were asked to go on what was then called a suicidal mission. Both men agreed and they were then told they had to remain absolutely silent about the mission, it was top secret and of great importance to the American People.

William and Chase flew together and were able to train and be ready for the raid against the Japanese. They were flying large bombers on an aircraft carrier. There were 16 bombers in total; the plan called for them to hit military targets in Japan, and land in China. William and Chase were assigned to city of Nagoya.

Due to circumstance out of their control the bombers had to take off from the carrier far sooner then they had planned for. Many of the bombers crashed in China all but two. Those two went missing and included William and Chase. They had landed in enemy territory and were captured and named prisoners of war.

Then men were beaten and tortured on a daily basis. William often stood in front of Chase to take more of the blows, because he had promised his sister. On 28 August 1942, pilot Hallmark, pilot Champion and gunner Spatz were given a fake trial by the Japanese, although the airmen were never told the charges against them. On 14 October 1942, these three crewmen were advised that they were to be executed the next day the three were taken by truck to Public Cemetery Number 1 outside of Shanghai and executed by a firing squad. Before William was led off he gave Chase the little piece of fabric that his sister had made him and told him to keep it next to his heart. He told Chase to stay strong and live because his sister was waiting for him. The two men exchanged a hug and said a silent goodbye.

Of the remaining men one died of malnutrition, and the other four were tortured, starved and placed in solitary confinement until released in 1945.

Jacob and Abigail were married in the summer of 1946. Every October they would walk out to the middle of the cornfield and would light pink paper airplanes and throw them in remembrance of William.

Just a side note, William was an actual pilot and he actually died like in the story as well as Chase being a prisoner of war.

Light in the Dark

Denmark 1943

He had an assigned time to arrive so that should something happen, it wouldn’t effect the whole group. Crouched extremely low to the ground the man was trying to see through the woods while also trying not to create any noise. It was of grave importance that he did this; he had taken the dark clothes that he now wore days earlier and rubbed them up against plants and trees to create a mask against his scent. He was also praying that the tiny bundle pressed to his chest under the cloak did not stir.

There were vicious, cold-hearted dogs that had been trained to pick up scent and noise in these woods and the men with whom they were led by were just the same. Brain washed and had no feelings left, just a ferocious hollow outer shell, trained to find the ‘impure’, the Jews.

Guy had been lucky for this long. The German’s had dwelled in Denmark for some time and so he had lived. At one point most Jews in other countries were marked, branded, often with the star of David. It was thanks to the King that he had not had to wear the mark, but times had changed and his dear loved ones were just disappearing. They would leave for work and then never come home. This was the case for Guy’s sister Ariel and her husband, Frank; they had asked Guy to watch their infant daughter for the day, while they went to work.

Guy had agreed whole-heartedly, he loved his niece Lisle. She had the same smoky eyes that he had and the same dark curls. He knew that his sister had only asked that day because his love was out with the sea for the next week. He waited and waited and soon it was past 11 at night and he knew that he had just seen the last of his sister. He was the only relative that Lisle had and he knew that he had to care for the tiny thing cradled in his arms.

Weeks went by and then October came and so did a change in the Germans. Guy knew he needed to leave to save his and his adopted daughters life too. He bid his love good bye and snuck off into the darkness of the woods and began his journey towards freedom he hoped.

-Chris and Jonny-

Jonny sat on the floor looking over hand drawn maps and plans that had been created just a few weeks prior. It was the 14th time he had done so that day, but it was only a fix to help keep his nerves under control.

Chris was not like Jonny, he needed to move and so he had been quietly pacing around the room. The normal joyous, cheerful man was pensive and timid. He would occasionally stop at a window and adjust the black out curtain and then continue moving about.

The first few were due to arrive soon and then they would all be on pins and needles. While the two men were not Jewish the Germans frowned them upon, at least their kind was. Regardless, they had targets painted on their foreheads along with the Jews, just not as noticeable. Jonny and Chris were first approached 2 months ago; they were asked if they would help the Jews escape from the terror? Without thinking Jonny blurted out a resounding yes and now two months later here they were, waiting for the inevitable to happen.

Jonny looked up and saw Chris peeking out a window while biting his nails. He saw the worry lines across his forehead and the rare glimmers of doubt in his eyes. Jonny called out to Chris and bid him join him on the floor. Chris hesitated for a minute and then agreed and wondered towards him. The two men didn’t have to say a word they just sat leaning on each other listening to the others heart beating while there hands lay intertwined together.

-Will-

It was eerily quiet on the pier; all that could be heard was the soft gentle caressing hiss that each wave brought as it crashed against the shore. The strong man sat looking out across the way, he was trying to get a reading of the water. He knew that while water could appear calm and friendly it could be incredibly deceiving and tonight was not a night to maneuver that kind.

Satisfied the man readied his fishing boat for some of the most important things he would be transporting in his life. His ear twitched as he heard a sound, the man was quick and he silently slid below as he waited for the sound to disappear.

Two pairs of tall black boots strolled past the boat along with four paws. Will prayed that the dog would not detect his scent. As soon as he had done that the dog franticly started sniffing, the two men with whom the boots belonged to started whispering German to each other. Soon the sound of a gun being cocked echoed down to Will. He stopped breathing waiting for the sound of the gun being fired in his direction. Then nothing. The Nazi’s had left.

Will crept into his tiny living quarters and looked up at the picture of his love that he had carried with him always. He kissed his fingers and placed upon the picture as he said a silent prayer, that the night would go well and the packages would be delivered.

-It Begins-

Without any real means of light besides the faint glimmers from the moon, Guy was trying his absolute hardest to not trip over a root or rock. He had been wondering around the woods for a few hours looking for the little cottage. He was to arrive there at 1:15am. The tiny hands on his watch showed 12:50, and Guy was still unsure where he was in comparison with the cottage.
Stumbling on for a few more minutes he saw the outline of a stone cottage in a tiny clearing. He decided the safest plan was to hide in the shrubs until it was his time to go in. A fog crept in surrounding the area, creating a darker mood then was already present and sending shivers down Guy’s spine. He clutched the tiny girl closer to his chest to give her more warmth and protection from the cold. Every so often Guy swore he saw outlines of men, but then as soon as he blinked what he thought was there just seemed to evaporate. Guy blamed it on fatigue and stress, but something still lingered causing him to be slightly worried.

Finally his time came, and Guy followed his instructions very closely. He slinked around to the north side of the home, and stayed very low to the ground. Common outdoor objects were ‘casually’ strewn around the yard, but they were in such a pattern that a person could hide behind them on their way to the door of the home. Guy hid behind the first object of a wheel barrel. Waited a few seconds then continued on to a vast bush. This was the pattern until he was at the last object before the door. The instructions were very specific that he needed to make sure that no one was around, or he would risk not only his life, but also many others.

Guy was quick to cast his eyes around, looking deeply into the woods to see any thing. The fog prevented him from seeing much, but when he felt it was safe he ran to the door, two short knocks a pause and then one more knock. That was the code to let the people inside know who he was. What seemed like an eternity to Guy he stood there waiting? Then finally the door was opened a crack, no light was present just utter bone crushing darkness. Guy was swift; he pushed open the door and then silently closed it behind him. Leaning his back against the door he let out a heavy sigh of relief and then a small light was lit and ten pairs of eyes stared back at him.

“Are you Guy Berryman?”a voice whispered.

Guy swallowed hard and whispered back a timid “yes”

What followed next were about 3 more lights being lit and a warm drink placed in his hands.

“Well hello! I’m Jonny and this here is Chris and these are your new friends for a little bit of time!”

Guy cracked a tiny smile and thanked the men for the drink.

“Our comrade said you would not be alone? Said an infant would be with you?”

Lifting his cloak to the side he showed the two men the tiny sleeping infant girl in his arm. “She is a very good sleeper and will stay quiet for the journey.”

Chris wrinkled his brow and looked at Jonny, who in turn frowned.

-What-

“What? What are you not telling me?” Guy questioned. He tightened his grip on to the tiny baby to prevent him from lunging forward and ringing both men’s necks.

Jonny sighed and asked Guy to follow him upstairs.

Guy hesitated; he had only just met this man and was already being told to follow him upstairs? Away from the rest of the group? But there was just a hint of sorrow and understanding illuminating in Jonny’s eyes that he couldn’t help, but traipse after him.

Jonny lead him into a tiny bedroom at the top of the stairs. It was simple and quaint, but it had the feeling of home, where love was abundant and fruitful. He beckoned to the bed and had Guy sit down. He then walked over to a small hutch that held clothes. Behind the clothes hidden under sweaters was a small brown bottle. Jonny grasped the bottle and brought it out to Guy.

“She has to take two of these pills.” Jonny whispered as he looked down at his feet.

“Excuse me? Are you serious?” Guy retorted. “You’re probably poisoning her! No way will I give her those! I would rather face a Nazi then kill her!” Guy stood up and began to back towards the door.

“They aren’t poison. They are simply going to knock her out for a couple of hours so that she doesn’t give the group away.” Jonny whispered.

Guy’s hand was hovering over the door handle. He was debating whether this was true or false. Jonny didn’t seem like the kind of man who would lie.

“The man who organized this escape gave them to us, he told us of failed attempts in the past because infants stirred and cried and then entire groups of Jews were murdered.” Jonny exclaimed. “Please just have her take them, for the group downstairs, for her, and for the people we love.” He pleaded.

It was the last line that Jonny had said that changed Guy’s mind, his love would be waiting. Taking a look at the tiny infant in his arms with the dark brown curls, he saw his sister in her and he would do it for her too, for his people. “Alright, I will have her take them.” Guy said in almost a whisper as he crossed the room and stuck his hand out before Jonny’s.

Jonny rolled the pills around in the palm of his hand and then let them tumble into to Guy’s. He glanced up and felt his body tense as he watch Guy crumble the pills into almost a fine powder.

“I need some water to help it go down her throat.” Guy said flatly.

Jonny quickly nodded and went out of the room and then returned with a glass of water.

Guy poured a little water into Lisle’s mouth along with the pill dust and then some more water. The little girl swallowed and then Jonny’s body relaxed. He knew that what he had just given the girl was the same thing that was given to injured solders to shut them up after being injured. It was a high dose, but was very effective and if it helped get these Jews to safety then so be it.

“What was it? What did I just give her?” Guy mumbled under his breath, his body was slumped over the tiny girl in a protective manor.

“In essence a heavy dose of Benadryl.” Jonny said.

Guy acknowledged the answer and then tucked a few strands of curls behind Lisle’s ear. He looked up at Jonny, softly thanked him and left the room.


----------------------

“That is the plan, we must move quickly and silently or else.. Well we all know what else.”
There was a low mumble of agreements from the group.

“Okay last few minutes before we set out, do as you need, then watch for my signal.” Jonny told the group. He then turned and found Chris near the back wall.

Jonny took Chris and pulled him into the next room. Then he leaned his head forward so that their foreheads were touching and they were both looking into each other’s eyes.

Chris was searching Jonny’s deep mysterious green eyes, he was looking for that spark that often hid. It was all he needed, no kiss, no hug, nothing ,but the spark would give him the reassurance he needed while Jonny was gone.

Jonny was also gazing deeply into Chris melting pot of blue eyes. Chris’ eyes were always full of emotion, but today they looked as flat as a spare wheel.

“Where are you Chris? Where has your mind led you to that I can’t see anything in your eyes?”

“Don’t go, please don’t. I wont be able to go on without you if you don’t return.” Chris said.

Jonny took Chris hand and kissed it and placed it on his heart. “I will only beat for you, so you better beat for me too.”

Chris smiled; he saw the spark in the Jonny’s eyes. Everything would be all right, at least he hoped so.

The group had been moving through the woods for just under an hour and no snags had been met thus far. Jonny knew these woods like he did his home in the dark. He was extremely cautious to avoid the branches that were scattered on the ground like he was dodging bullets. To step on one was to send out an instant siren to anyone lurking in the woods. He had stressed to the group about watching where they stepped.

It was quiet all around, the animals that remained in the woods had gone to sleep, the wind didn’t blow. All there was was the dark of the night and the fog. No stars glimmered or shined and the moon was hidden behind thick clouds. It was as if the elements of the earth knew they were trying to escape the terror of the Nazi’s. And just on cue a stark crackle rang out in the night. Someone in the group had tripped. Jonny gave the silent symbol to duck and hide.

Guy clutched Lisle to his chest and skittered under a bush and into a semi crevice. He was holding his breath and straining his ears to hear something. Jonny was next to him clutching a tiny pistol he had brought along with them. He squinted his eyes in effort to see past the fog for any sign of Nazi’s. After a bit of time had passed, Guy thought it must be safe to crawl out and continue on. Other members of the group were doing the same, when he felt a hand grab his shin and another cover his mouth and pull him back under the shrub. It was at the exact moment that a black boots began to emerge from the fog. They came like angels of death.

-Keep Calm and Carry on-

The Nazi’s were quick, they swooped in silently and performed their awful task and found those in the group who had been careless and shot them on the spot. Those in the group had begged for the life in the little German they knew, but the men with the cold hard metal in the their hands didn’t even blink an eye, they just pulled a trigger. They did a lackluster job of searching for any more Jews, a quick thrust of the nose of their rifle into a few bushes and they felt satisfied. They left the bodies and crept away into the dark of the night as if nothing had happened.

Jonny could feel Guy quivering underneath his hands grasp. He pulled him close to his torso and wrapped his arms around him. They sat like that until Guy stopped shaking.

“I’m sorry you had to witness that.” Jonny whispered into Guy’s ears.
Guy turned around so that he was facing Jonny. In a shaky voice he said “ you.. you should go home to him. I’m not worth never seeing your love again.”
Jonny was touched he knew that Guy was being raw and open and he wanted nothing, but to turn around and return to Chris, but he had promised that he would do this and he had promised the love of the man before him that he would safely deliver him.

“I will not leave you, I am here to get you to safety and I will complete that task or I will die trying.” Jonny said in a strong tone.

A single tear rolled down Guy’s check. He knew that this man was a man of great integrity and an unbreakable heart.

“Guy we need to keep clam and carry on.”

And so Jonny, Guy, Lisle, and three others remained out of their group. They once again took off into the woods and continued on.


Will glanced down at his watch; the time was showing 4:40. The package should have been here 10 minutes ago. Panic was starting to creep in and he was not a fan. Will was usually a levelheaded calm individual, but today was an entirely different case.

Out on the open sea a buoy bell could be heard, the waves were picking up and the mood of the sea was rapidly changing. If he were going to make it across he would have to leave soon.

Jonny saw the clearing and a tiny flicker of hope started burning. He beckoned his group gather close. A slight breeze was starting to pick up and was moving the fog out and bringing in the salty air of the sea. Guy had always felt a deep connection with the sea, it brought back many happy memories of earlier times when everyone was happy and people could live peacefully together. That was no long the case. Jews were considered vermin and a disgrace to the Germans and were now being hunted like a prized bird.

The group was clear of the woods and was now out on the open beaches. They were sticking to the backside so that at least they had the safety of the woods on one side. The group moved quickly now, they didn’t have to be as cautious about where they stepped, but they were more exposed.

Finally Jonny saw the pier; it grew out of the darkness and became the beacon of freedom to the group.

Will saw the group emerge and gave his signal that it was all clear. Jonny answered his signal and then lead the group to the boat.

“I thought there would be more.” Will said to Jonny.

“We had a uh incident.” Jonny whispered back.

“Oh.. well you lot go down in and I will show you where you will be hiding.” Will told the group.

The group including Jonny began to make it’s way down into the hull of the ship, with Guy being the last.

Will stopped him and let the rest go down. He then pulled him into a deep embrace. “Hi there stranger.” He whispered into his ear.

Guy felt the strength leave his legs, he was quickly caught by Will in his strong arms. “Hi” was all he was able to manage to whisper back to Will.

Will smiled and kissed Guy on the lips, slowly at first with tenderness and then he rapidly changed his kiss into one of fiery passion. Guy returned the kiss with the same passion. He had missed Will so much, he was the reason why he was still here and still living. Will was he solid rock foundation, no storm could uproot him, and no Nazi could even touch him. Will was his true love and the reason he breathed.

“I was so afraid, I didn’t think I would ever see you again. It was horrible Will.” Guy said as he broke down.

“I had to give Lisle pills to knock her out and then the Nazi’s shot half of our group and I almost died and.”

“Shh, it’s okay, you’re here now, I am taking you to safety.” Will said as he stroked Guys back and whipped away the tears.

“Lets go love, lets go.”


-Swallowed in the Sea-

Will lead the Jews across the sea, they were hidden in a secret room on his boat and then fish was placed around to cover up their scent. Before he set sail the Nazi’s and their dogs searched the boat. The dogs came close to the hiding place, but never found them allowing the Jews to travel safely across the sea to Sweden. There were families there who were willing to take them in and care for them.

Jonny had been able to safely return home to Chris. They continued to help Jews escape the reign of terror. They carried on until a day when the Nazi’s came and there hearts no longer beat as one.

Will told Guy one thing before he left him and had to return to Denmark. “ I’ll fix the stars for you, I make them shine on you where ever you are. And when they shine that will be me, a light in the dark.”

The End.

What's Real?

“Christopher! Come on son! We are going to be late for the church choir practice. Make sure you get your coat, it’s quite chilly out tonight!”

Christopher’s dad tapped his foot impatiently waiting for his son to come down.
Slowly two tiny feet emerged at the top of the stairs. Then they timidly made there way down the stairs.

“Son! We need to go. We don’t want to hold up Ms. Green, she has put far too much effort into the churches Christmas program, and your brothers have already gone ahead with your mother.”

“Sorry Dad! I was playing with Jonny and we were knights and we killed a dragon with our swords and then we saved the pretty princess.”

“Mhmm. That’s nice Christopher, but maybe you should make some real friends? Like Humphrey from down the street?”

“Jonny is real dad! He’s not make-believe!” Chris said as he stomped his foot to emphasis his point. “And Humphrey smells like moldy cheese and he eats his bogies.” Chris said as they reached the car.

“That’s not nice Christopher.” Secretly Chris’ dad couldn’t agree more about Humphrey, but he was the only boy on the street Chris’ age. “Now let’s focus on our songs for tonight’s practice.”

-+-

“Altos you are a bit flat on the chorus and bass, you need to carry out that last note longer, you men keep cutting it shorter and shorter. But my dears you are starting to sound like a chorus of heavenly angels”

Ms. Green was a unique woman. She was young, only in her middle 20’s, but she had the soul of a wise woman twice her age. She knew just how to tweak the choir to her liking with great ease. Everyone who came within in 10 feet of her was drawn to her radiating warmth and kindness. It was because of her that the church choir was so vast this year.

She was casting her eyes about the multitude when she spotted the little lad in the front. He was the youngest member of the choir, but had one of the most innocent voices she had ever heard. He often tried to puff out his chest and stand up just a hair taller to make himself stand out, which often led to fits of giggles from the group when he toppled over.

The little boy was Christopher, the preacher’s son. He was only the tender age of 7 but already so determined and level headed. Ms. Green laughed to herself when she remembered when she was trying to place him in the alto section.
--
“But Ms. Green, there aren’t any boys in that section. I can sing lower! Please can you put me with the Bass’ I don’t want to be with the girls! Eww they have cuties.”

“Oh Christopher, you have such a lovely voice and I would love to put you with the bass’ but your voice is just a touch too high.”

Crocodile tears began to form in the crystal blue eyes of young Christopher. He sniffed a couple times and then tried to be brave and not cry. It was a battle that he couldn’t fight. Soon the tears began to stream down his checks staining his shirt along the way. Kneeling down in front of Ms. Green he cupped his hands together in the pleading fashion and flashed her the puppy dog look.

Ms. Green couldn’t stand to see the little boy crying, he was going to make her cry. She crouched down to the ground and sat down next to Christopher, she then pulled him close to her side and hugged him tightly.

“Alright my little soap opera you can be in the bass section, but you have to stop crying okay? Crying is contagious and I might catch it!”

“It’s..*sniff* it’s contagious?”

“Christopher dear, I was just teasing you, no it’s not contagious.”

“Oh. Oh good, cause that would mean I would have made a lot of people cry.”

--

What was ironic about that day, was that he was more worried about crying being contagious to even realize or celebrate that she had allowed him to sing in the bass section.

Ms. Green focused in on his singing out of the entire group. She could hear him carefully emphasizing each syllable and putting great effort into singing lower than his little vocal range should. It brought her great joy, to see him trying so hard.

Soon the song the group was singing came to an end and then after a few remarks from Ms. Green she dismissed the group. Most of the members had left save a few and who was amongst that group was none other than little Christopher.

He was running around collecting the sheets of music off the chairs and the floors. When his arms were full of papers he marched over to Ms. Green and tugged on one of her pant legs.

She looked down and smiled at the sight. “Why thank you Christopher, you are so terrific for picking up the sheet music for me!”
“Your welcome Ms. Green! My friend Jonny was listening to us tonight and he says we were really good!”

“Is that so? Well where has Jonny run off to?”

“He’s right over there.” Christopher pointed to a pew in the back of the chapel on the left.

Ms. Green turned in that direction but saw nothing, but an empty pew.“ Are you sure Christopher? Maybe he has gone home already?

“No! He is still sitting in the back, he’s waving at you right now!”

Ms. Green turned her head again to the spot and yet again saw nothing. Christopher’s dad was watching from a little ways away and saw the confusion on Ms. Greens face and then realized that his son was telling her about his imaginary friend. He quickly caught her attention and mouthed I-M-A_G-I-N-A-R-Y to her. Ms. Green understood quickly.

She turned back to the pew in the back and waved her hand.

“Oh Ms. Green! You see Jonny!” Christopher exclaimed with a quirky smile.

“Very much Christopher, he is a lovely boy, now you best be going home, it’s getting late.”

“Okay, thanks for practice!” Christopher said as he walked away toward his dad.

“Dad! Ms. Green saw Jonny! I knew she would see him!”

“Well that is something isn’t it.”

“Yeah, you know what dad? When I get older I think I might marry Ms. Green.”

“Would you now? Well it’s a good thing you’ve got a while before you grow up.”

“That’s okay, I need to grow taller because I can’t kiss her from here.”

Christopher’s dad just smiled at his innocent son and patted him on the back. “Come on son, let’s go home, we have more practice in the morning.”


Chapter 2

“Good evening the future Mrs. Berryman, you look ravishing in that lighting.”

Dianna turned around and blushed at the sight before her. Her fiancé, Guy, stood in her doorway with little flakes of white snow dusting his lush dark locks and he held a vase of white daisy’s in his hands.

“Mr. Berryman, I regret to inform you that until we announce our engagement I am still Ms. Green.” Dianna said with a wink and dramatically placed her hands on her hips to give a sassy effect.

Guy laughed and crossed the room and set the flowers down on the counter and then proceeded to walk toward Dianna and kiss her. What had been planned as a quick little smooch turned into something a little longer than that. Guy finally had to break away because he smelled something burning.

“I think love your burning something.”
“Oh Shit! Dinner is going to be ruined.”

Dianna ran into the kitchen where black smoke was starting to fill while Guy waited for her to return. Guy had only been waiting a few seconds when he heard the clatter of a pan being dropped and shattered as it hit the tile floor.

Snippets of memories from long ago flashed in her mind like lightning striking in the same place. The small boy running and laughing, the long black car, the torn and stained t-shirt, and the grave stone in the overgrown field.

Dianna collapsed to her knees and grasped at her heaving chest. The few memories were daggers that were tearing her insides to shreds leaving her week and breathless.

As Dianna sat two strong arms wrapped there way around her and a warm body pulled her close and cradled her in his arms. He brushed away the tears and stroked her hair and waited until she was ready to talk.

“It hurts so much.” Dianna whispered.

“I know, I know it hurts.” Guy whispered back. “He reminds you off him doesn’t he?”

Dianna just nodded her head and buried it into to Guy’s chest. He hummed a sweat melody and rocked her back and forth in his arms until she relaxed and fell asleep.

Guy carried Dianna to her bedroom where he tucked her in. He set out a glass of water on her nightstand and then kissed her forehead and closed the door. He walked back to the kitchen and cleaned up the dinner mess and left her a message before leaving.

Dianna,
I wish I was as eloquent with words as you are or as gifted at music, but I have neither all I have is the love that overwhelms me when I see you. I have made mistakes and I have faults, but you are able to see past them. I know you have a past that weighs you down and is a burden on your shoulders, but one day together we will lift it and overcome. With all the love that one man has.
Yours and yours alone,
Guy

Chapter 3

I was unsure how long I had stood there, all I knew was that I could tell you how many scuffs there were at the base of the door. 26. Some were a dark gray and long and others were faint black and short. Regardless I had stood there long enough and I needed to gather my courage and knock on the door. I closed my eyes and counted to ten and then let my hand fall and hit the door three times. I waited for him to open the door, I waited to see the chocolate waterfalls that were his eyes and I waited for the scruff that would outline his jaw emphasizing the strong line. I waited.

-+-

I don’t know why I heard the knocks. I don’t know why I didn’t just ignore them and go back to sleep, but I didn’t and I don’t know why. I saw through blurred vision red numbers that gave way to an early morning. Instead of guessing what time it was I decided the smart move would be to reach across to the nightstand and grab my glasses. It was like cleaning the fog of your mirror after getting out of a hot shower; what were blurred numbers now became clear and told me it was 3 in the morning. I groaned and tossed my covers off and stumbled down the hall to the front door. I turned the lock and then pulled open the old oak door.

She stood there in her black pea coat staring at the ground, while flakes of snow were encircling around her as if they were a halo. I shivered, not from the cold, but from her shear beauty. Dianna was enchanting to begin with her hazelnut eyes and velvet chocolate curls but the snowy background just completed her. She flashed me a quick little devious smile and I beckoned her in to my apartment. She nodded and crossed the threshold and hung her coat up while I closed the door. I wanted to run to her side and hold her in my arms, but I couldn’t bring myself to. So instead I waited.

-+-

He looked so divine in his old glasses when he answered the door. It gave him this sexy professor look and I wanted to drag him to the bedroom, but I fought the desire. What I had to do was important.

“I have always loved your apartment. It suits you very well, it has an old spirit and lots of character.” Dianna said as she ran her fingers over the old leather couch. “The beat up wood floors have been loved and the fireplace has been used with tender care. That’s what I love about you Guy, you take care of everything, from your apartment to the old lady that lives next door and then me.” Dianna said as she crossed the room to stand in front of Guy. “That is why I need to take you somewhere, so you understand why, why I love you so much.” Dianna whispered.

Chapter 4

The sky was beginning to lighten up as the morning progressed. It turned from a swirling dark night to a snowy fairytale. The snow was continuing to fall and had now accumulated a few inches on the ground. A few rays of sunlight poked through thin clouds to cast a pinkish hue to the snowy grounds. The old oak tree sat still in the middle of the field, directly beneath it sat 7 gravestones. Each was slightly different from the next except for the last.

Dianna sat still in the car staring straight ahead. Her eyes followed the windshield wipers as they continued to slide back and forth across the windshield. Guy was sat next to her in the drivers seat, he was unsure what they were doing here, but this is the place that Dianna had him drive to. He decided to slide down a bit in his seat and take a nap, but as soon as he had he felt warm hands on the sides of his face.

“You ready?” He asked.
His answer was a simple kiss on his lips. “Mmm I will gladly take that as a yes.”

Dianna buttoned up her coat and tied her scarf around her neck; Guy followed her example but ditched the scarf for a hat. When the two were bundled up they emerged from the car into the snowy morning. Guy was quick to take Dianna’s hand and then let her lead the way.

They climbed up the little hill and then walked down into the valley where the old oak tree sat. Guy squeezed Dianna’s hand in a cute fashion to remind her that he was here for her. Dianna squeezed his hand back. Finally they stopped in front of the last gravestone. A tiny gasp slipped through his lips as he read the name.

“Dianna I..”

“You should know the story. You need to know why I feel the pain. Why Christopher is such a constant reminder.”

“Are you sure?” Guy timidly asked.

“Yes, you are my future now. This is Jonathan my twin brothers grave.”

Chapter 5
Christopher sat in the window seat with his face pressed up against the window making faces as he watched his brothers playing outside in the snow. “You know what sucks Jonny? Having the chicken pox on the first snow day of the year. Mommy told me I had to sit here away from everybody else and not scratch. I don’t even feel sick, well no, that’s not the truth, but I still think I should be able to play!” Christopher cupped his hands in frustration and hit the cushion next to him.

“Ouch! Watch it mate!”

‘Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry Jonny! I didn’t realize you had moved from my bed to over here! I didn’t mean to hit you! Honestly.”

“Naw I know you didn’t mean it, I’m just really good at being unnoticed.”

“You are so understanding Jonny! I’m so glad we are best friends!”

“Hey you know what! My sister and I had chicken poxes at the same time and what we did to pass the time was to use our poxes and connect the dots!”

Oh that’s a great idea! I love playing connect the dots and your absolutely right about using my chicken pox’s! I’ll go get my markers!”

Christopher skipped across the room and threw open the door and ran down the stairs to the kitchen.

“Excuse me mister! What do you think you are doing down here? You are sick and should be upstairs and in bed!” Chris’ mum said as she placed her hands on her hips.

Christopher glanced down at his feet and mumbled a short reply. “just bored and wanted some markers.”

“You want markers for what purpose? You should be laying down and sleeping.”

“Well Jonny and I were going to play a game and I uh”

“Tell you what let me make you some chicken noodle soup and then we shall see about those markers. Mkay?”

“Okay let me go get Jonny for some soup, he is going to be hungry too.”

“Christopher, how many times do your father and I have to tell you, Jonny is not real! He is made up, make believe, imaginary. You need to stop with this nonsense and grow up.”

“Mum, that is not true! He’s my friend.. my my only friend.”

“Oh Christopher. Here have some soup while I get you some calamine lotion.”

Christopher reluctantly sat down and sipped his soup. And soon his mum returned, dotted him up with calamine lotion and gave him and green and blue marker. “You mister, best march up those stairs and rest in bed, because if your father comes home and finds you up and about.. well let’s just say you won’t be singing in the Christmas program.”

“Yes ma’am.”

-+-

“Oy where’d you go mate?” Jonny asked as he was flipping through one of the books that sat at the side of Chris’ bed.

“Mum made me eat some soup and we got in a tiff over you. Nobody believes me that your real and it’s just unfair!”

“Don’t let it bother you. Come here and lets play.”

“Right you can have the green marker cause it the same as your eyes and I will have the blue for my eye color.”

The two boys sat on Chris’ bed drawing on Christopher’s legs and arms, creating shapes and letters.

“So Chris I need you to do something for me.” Jonny said as he drew a heart on Chris’ elbow.

“Mkay, what do you need me to do?”

“Pass a message on to my sister.”

“You have a sister? Oh that’s neat, who is she?”

“Ms. Green.”

Chapter 6

“I watched him die and there was nothing I could do. The doctor’s still say it wasn’t my fault, but I know that I am to blame. I was the one who convinced him to come out with me.”

Guy couldn’t get his lips to form words or much of anything so he just reached his hand out for Dianna’s hand and held it tightly.

“Jonny may have been my twin, but we looked nothing alike. He was tall, lanky, and had these vivid green eyes that were almost like precious gems from the Roman dynasty.”

“I remember dad coming home one day carrying into the kitchen this long black case. He set it down on the floor and looked up over at us with this unbelievably happy smile and beckoned Jonny and me over. We were only about 6 then, but I still remember Jonny’s face when dad opened the case. In laid this breathtaking guitar, made of cherry and oak. Dad had bought it for Jonny and he had told me that he had bought me piano lessons. I was thrilled at my gift, but Jonny. Oh my, I don’t think I have ever seen him that happy, no Christmas I can remember comes close. He was a natural, as soon as his fingers touched the strings beautiful melodies seemed to flutter all around like butterflies. He was extraordinarily talented, but painfully shy about sharing his gift.”

“As we grew older, I mastered the piano and then moved on to vocal lessons, but Jonny stayed with guitar. He just doubled his collection and his skills.”

“And then came the time that we were old enough to get our licenses. Mum drove us on Saturday morning and while we were taking our exam dad drove up in a surprise car for us. We came out and there sitting in the lot was a little orange beetle. It was a beat up ole’ thing, but it was a car that moved and it was ours. Jonny insisted that we name our car, so after much deliberation we came to the conclusion that we both liked the name Gloria. Gloria took us anywhere and it was Gloria that took us to that fateful night.”

“Jonny never played for anyone besides our family so I decided that he was too gifted to just sit around in our carriage playing for the walls that I entered him in one of the local pubs amateur music night. He of course was too kind so he willingly went along, but I knew that it was eating him up inside.”

“Well the set went fantastic, he had the crowd swaying and bobbing along with him. I met a nice guy who told me how great he thought Jonny was, and right after Jonny was done a man came up to him representing a record company that was searching for a new skilled guitarist and he was very interested in Jonny. Jonny came away from the gig a happy man. He was literally skipping to the car. Once there he reached for my hand and twirled me around, we laughed and danced in the street to our own music of the excitement in our hearts. Laughing and taking deep breaths to try and regain our composure we clamored into Gloria and took off down the street.”

“It was late as we made our way home and snow had begun to fall. We had to cross through a sketchy part of town to get to the street that leads to our house. The light up ahead had turned red and so Jonny slowed to a stop. I had my eyes closed and was listening to the crackle of the radio when I heard Jonny say, “Is that a boy?”

“I looked up and there in the middle of the street with snow falling steadily all around stood a little boy in a ragged t-shirt. He had this vacant stare but I can still recall the blue eyes that peeked out from under his eyebrows and the mess of curls that blew wildly in the storm.”

“The next thing I recall is the click of Jonny unbuckling his seat belt and then watching him walk out into the street toward the boy. In the blink of an eye I saw the boy’s vacant expressions turn to a menacing grin and then he bellowed a short hysterical laughter and ran down the alley. Jonny took after him; as soon as he was out of my eyesight I heard 3 gunshots.“

Dianna felt her knees begin to go weak and so Guy steadied her and let her lean against him. “I live everyday with the guilt that his death was my fault and then it is even worse when I see young Christopher. Everyone tells me it’s not my fault, but they didn’t watch their best friends blood stain the white snow red. They didn’t see his chest struggle to rise and fall and they didn’t feel the heat escape from his body. I did. I saw it all and it never goes away.”

“But you can make the numbness fade and you have slowly started to fix the unfixable parts. That’s why I needed you to know. Cause you should have the choice to marry me knowing everything.” Dianna said with a quivering lip and a few tears.

“You may be broken, but I intend to be your handyman and I will always be here to make things better. That is why I want to marry you.” Guy said as he kissed away the tears.

-+-

The Christmas program was a great success. The notes rung in every corner of the chapel and the sweet melodies brushed every surface with utter delight. Every member of the congregation rushed forward to praise Dianna and the choir. After what felt like hours of praise most of the members of the church had left and gone home. Dianna was cleaning up the stage when she felt a tug on her shirt. She turned to see Christopher standing next to her.

“Oh Christopher! You surprised me. Well done tonight, you sounded just like the men and did a terrific job.”

“Thank you very much. Uh Ms. Dianna I need to tell you something.” Chris said as he looked down at his shoes.

“Is that so? Well let’s hear it then.” Dianna said as she sat down next to Christopher.

“Your brother wants to tell you..”

“WAKE UP DIANNA!”

I opened my eyes and saw that I was sitting in Gloria in the front drive. Jonny was next to me with this Cheshire cat grin plastered to his face.

“Hey! So I wanted to tell you thanks for making me do this tonight. It was fun and I really enjoyed it, maybe I will be in a band one day?” Jonny said with a wink and then he hoped out of the car.

I smiled and shook my head and joined him outside.

“Oh and Dianna, that guy you met tonight, Guy was it? Date him. I have a good feeling about him.” Jonny whispered as we climbed the stairs to our bedrooms.

I laughed and winked at him as he closed his door and I closed mine. Who knows maybe I will I thought, maybe I will.

The End

It can't be undone

Chapter 1
Hammer nail hammer nail. The pattern was consistent, place a nail in the correct spot then swing the hammer and hit it the head into it’s place in line. It was therapy to the man who was swinging the hammer. He was building the frame of the house he planned to live in from that day forward. The plans had been designed many years ago then discarded when another opportunity arose, but now that the incident had taken place he felt the need to escape from that world and start fresh elsewhere.

The man had driven many hours in an old beaten pick up truck with building supplies in the back, searching for the place to start over. He had found that spot high up in the mountains. It was a stunning alcove that over looked the North Sea. All around him was the true beauty of earth. No sky rises, concrete jungles, and none of the people he never wanted to see again. The man had told no one where he had gone. He left his computer, his phone, and any other device that would allow someone to communicate with him. He didn’t want to be found. Not until he felt at ease with himself after what had occurred.

The plan for the house was simple. It consisted of the basic needs and nothing more. It had always been his ideal place of serenity. The frame took shape quickly, he had been working on it since the breaking of dawn and it showed. Sweat drops glistened down his shirtless back. Muscles ached from the long day of hard labor. The sun had burned him, but he didn’t care, it would be a deep tan in the morning. He was proud. Proud because of what he had accomplished, but there was still that twinge of sorrow, he knew that he would always feel it. It would be his constant companion from now on, he just hopped it would get easier, but it wouldn’t.

Day after day he did the same thing, he would rise with the sun, build his home from the inside out until the sun sunk back behind the mountains again. He was meticulous about every detail. Making sure that no surface was left un-sanded or corner primed and painted. He knew how to do it all; he had trained to do such work. It would have been his profession, he had plans to open a business where he would design homes and then build them and landscape them. But that fell through and he found himself placing those ideas into boxes in the carriage to gather dust.

Soon the frame became walls and the walls became rooms and the rooms became a house, but that house would only be a house. It could never become a home. It was lacking another warm body and it would forever.

The man had completed the house. It was a modest thing and it would suit his needs to perfection and nothing else. It would not create a family, it would not bring him comfort, it would not change his past, it would not have a warm heat beating, but it would do most everything else which is all he could hold on to.

Chapter 2

Most nights he would wrap himself up in the quilt his grandmother had made for him and sit out on the little deck staring up at the moon. The moon was always something to stare at, it would stare right back at you and it would always win. The man used to enjoy staring at the moon when we had the hand of his love next to him. They would drive out of the city and find a hill and climb to the top of it. He would bring the old quilt and they would snuggle together under the warmth and just breath in each other’s aromas and enjoy the feeling of being close. He couldn’t feel that anymore. A chill ran up his spin and a few tears were shed. Soon he stood and entered into the house and attempted to fall asleep. He knew what would come, and so he tried to prolong going to bed to minimize the hurt.

As soon as he closed his eyes and his breathing settled the images would flood his mind. Long tan arms and a smile that would melt the sun. Hands intertwined together and sandy beaches and bare feet. It would all blend together and create a movie that was on repeat. But toward the end it would slow and there was always the blinding light, the stinging of glass, the crushing of metal and the blood-curling scream. He was always there and would see the light diming in the eyes of his love the deep mahogany brown dulling till it was a shadow of what it once was.

It was then that he would awake, gripping his sheets so hard that they almost tore from the deep pressure of his callused hands. He would look down and release his grip and then flashes of when his love would trace the lines of his hand would come rushing in. It was often too much for him and he would break down and cry. He wouldn’t try to stop it, there was no point, it would hurt just as much if he didn’t cry. So he let the tears gently caress his check until they would no longer come. Then he would start his day, but he always wished it was over sooner then it was.

Often he would grab his drawing pad and charcoals, never pencils because he felt they were not real enough for nature, and go to the meadow and draw. He would draw the trees around him or the tall swaying grass, the clouds in the sky, or the animals that dwelled within the forest. It was something he wished he could have shared more often Andi.

Andi was always surprising him with hidden talents. Water coloring, baking, sailing. Anything that Andi touched turned to gold and grew and developed to something incredible and indescribable. He longed for Andi’s touch, to be held, caressed, loved. He wanted it all the good and the bad, but he would never get that back. Not after what happened. He would never forgive his so called friends, they convinced Andi to go with them, he knew that it was not a good idea, but once Andi’s mind is made up, there is nothing you can do to change it. It just can’t be undone.

Chapter 3

One day the man awoke from his painful slumber, he took an ice cold shower to try and rid the images from his mind. The water didn’t prevail it just left him shivering and the images still bounced around like billiard balls on a table once they’ve been hit. Constantly hitting the sides and rolling back and forth. One minuet the man could sit and eat enjoying the silence and the next he could be hearing the scream. It was as if he was being branded like a calf, but in the heart. He decided to go for a hike to the cliff to gaze out at the sea hoping to vacate any memories.

The hike only took an hour and was fairly easy. The wind had picked up and was blowing all around him. The smell of the salt from the sea was heavy and the air was thick with humidity. He sat on the edge of the cliff and stared out the tide as it rolled in and out of the coast. It was hypnotizing and soon the man felt the effects, he laid down on the rocks and closed his eyes.

His dream was new, this time he was inside the car next to Andi. Andi was laughing and smiling at him, telling him what they had done in the pub. It was clear to the man that Andi was wasted as well as his friends. They were slurring their words and couldn’t keep upright. The man was never in the car when the incident had occurred; he was outside waiting for a taxi, because the other car was full. He told Andi to go with the others, and that he would follow behind in a taxi. Andi was gracious and tired to convince him other wise saying the he should get in the car, but the drunken state made it difficult and Andi decided to just get in the car.

The man should have thought to drive that car himself, they were all drunk, but he wasn’t thinking. He was so enamored by the response Andi had given him earlier in the day by agreeing to Marry him that he was on his own little high. He saw the whole thing happen. The car they were in entered the traffic and then it all slowed down, he saw the light from the truck flash across his eyes, he heard the low honk, the screeching of tires on wet pavement, the glass shards spraying, the distorted metal crunching, and that short painful scream.

The man awoke breathing extremely hard, his heart was rapidly beating against his chest and sweat was trickling down his forehead. The man whipped the sweat only to look at his hands and see they were bleeding. During the man’s nap his hands had found nearby rocks and he and gripped them so tightly that he cut his hands. Instead of crying he was furious. He stood up and started chucking rocks off the cliff. He threw with all his might. Soon he couldn’t handle it and collapsed on his knees and began to weep. He cried, shouted, swore, and drained himself emotionally.

Night soon fell and he dragged himself up and back to his house. At the edge of the clearing where his house looked out to the sea he paused and tried to gather himself. It was a hell of a day, and he believed that it would only get worse. He wanted to be with Andi. He wanted to stop reliving the horror of that night. He wanted to die.

Chapter 4

Could he do it? Could he actually put himself in such a place as to commit suicide? Probably. But what would he do? Throw himself off the cliff? Cut himself till he bleed to death? Poison himself? None of those options he felt would do Andi any justice. The man wanted something simple and easy and he knew what it would be. There was a long piece of rope sitting in the bed of his truck from when he had driven up here with all his build supplies. It had been used to tie it all down. Now it would be used again, but for a much different purpose.

He carried it inside his house and hung it on the back of his lone chair. His mother would never forgive him for this and he wanted to do his best to console her, if he should ever be found. So he wrote a simple letter. He explained the tragedy of his lost love Andi and how he could no longer bring himself to suffer the constant suffering. It was short and blunt, but he felt it would do.

He placed the paper on the table and then dragged the chair with the rope to the closest rafter. Tossing the rope over the top he let it swing back and forth until it stopped. He thought of how he would swing like that until he stopped. His heart would stop and he would stop hurting.

The man was quick to tie the looped knot and slide it up to the appropriate position. He then took the other end of the rope and fastened it to the table. He took one last look around the house that he had built. It was basically empty except for the few things he had brought. He looked over to the fireplace where on the mantel stood one picture frame. He crossed the room and stood in front of that picture. Raising his hand he gently ran it across the glass to brush of any dust and to look one last time at Andi and him. It was an ideal picture. Both were smiling and were genuinely happy. It was taken only a few weeks prior to the accident. The man smiled a bit and then kissed the frame and whispered ‘ I’ll be with you soon.’

He placed the picture back and walked back to the chair. Taking a deep breath he stood up on the chair and placed the loop around his neck. Looking around for the last time he wished his life had been different, but he knew what he about to do couldn’t be undone. Taking a deep breath in he inched his foot forward. At the exact second he was about to step off the chair and take his life, he heard the small knock at the door.

It caused him to pause. Never since the time he had built the home had anyone knocked on his door. He waited to see if another knock would follow. Seconds ticked and nothing was heard. The man debated with himself to just jump or to see to the door. He finally decided that he would get down and check the door. If it was nothing he would immediately come back and hang himself. Stepping back onto the chair he removed the rope and stepped down on to the ground.

The front door was only a few feet from him but he couldn’t seem to move. He stared at it with vast trepidation. Who would be there? How had they found him. Questions kept pouring into his mind, but he soon realized that the loner he questioned the longer it would be until he was with Andi. The man cautiously crossed the floor to the door. He placed his shaking hand on the handle and turned it.

Chapter 5

Nobody. Not one living thing with a heartbeat or a pulse stood on his doorstep. Instead there was a small brown package tied with string and his name written in black sharpie on top. The man ran outside and down the dirt road in hopes of finding the person who was responsible for this. He ran until he meet the tiny paved highway. It was barren. No cars, no people, no anything.

Confused the man returned to his house to the porch where the package still lay. He debated with himself on whether to open it or disregard it and go back to the rope. The final decision was that he had all afternoon for the rope so he picked up the package and carried it inside to his bedroom. He placed it on the bed and sat next to it. What was inside? How did it get here?

The man soon could no longer question the package and decided it was time to open it. He tore off the brown paper and discarded the string. It was an old shoebox with a rubber band around it and a note attached on top. The man gingerly pulled the paper from the rubber band and gasped!

To My Guy,

If you have received this package it is because I am no longer with you. When I first met you I was a taken back by your pure beauty. And then you chose me when you could have had anyone. Through out our time together I have been writing you letters. Some are about my day and others are things I want you to do. They are included in this package and are labeled as to when you should open them. Everyday when you wake up that is the most perfect time to open one and read it. I want you to know that I love you with all that my heart has to give. I may not be there right now, but I have never left you. All you have to do is listen and feel. I love you my guy.

Love your Andrew

Guy let the paper fall from his hands. He watched it slowly float and twist to the floor. How had Andi known? He had almost committed suicide, but was saved by Andi and Andi wasn’t even here. Guy stood up and rushed into the other room. He untied the rope, kicked the chair over and pulled the rope down. It hit the floor with a loud thud. Guy grinned and took hold of the rope and stormed out to his deck. There was one of the most beautiful sunsets falling over the horizon casting stunning shades of purple and red over the tops of the trees surrounding the little house. Guy tied the rope into one massive knot and then ran. He ran off the deck to practically the edge of the cliff. Just as it seemed his was about to jump he threw the rope into the abyss.

It tumbled and twisted and fell. Guy never wanted to see that damn rope again, because he had a new start. He felt Andi with him and he wanted to keep that. It was a new beginning and the past just can’t be undone.

Guy marched back up to the house and found the little box and searched for the first letter. He set it out by his bed for the morning. For once he wanted to go to bed. He knew that the images of dreams past would not haunt him tonight.

-Letters-

Good Morning Sweetheart,

I hope you are still in bed, wrapped up in the covers feeling warm. It is important that you do as I tell you to in these letters. First I want you to stretch your body. Lay deep in the comfort of the bed and stretch; relieve the tension in your shoulders that have been built up over these past few weeks. Yes I know how you are, you have probably gone off somewhere to be alone, well good, but now you are all tense and I hate that and it won’t do you any good. Have you done that yet? Alright now I want you to go about your morning tasks, shower, eat breakfast and once you have done that then you can continue to read.

Now I want you to feel me. I know you are sitting there with an amused face and your thinking how the fuck can I do that? Well here is how. I want you to go outside and go into the woods and find a clearing where the sun shines and the grass grows lush and is a deep green. Are you there yet? Okay take off your shoes. Yes take them off you baby. Now squish your toes in the dirt feel the earth. Take in deep breaths of the fresh air. Dance, dance all around and feel the beauty of the earth. I love it when you dance, you always know how to make me smile even if you are making a fool of yourself. Okay now lie down put your ear to the ground and listen. Shh don’t be a fool and say you can’t hear anything, just be patient and listen. Do you hear it? That is the pulse of the earth and the heartbeat of everything. That is me. I am still with you, everywhere you go I am all around you. I love you very much! Don’t open the next letter until you feel you need it.

Love, Your Andi!

Guy,

You must be ready if you’re reading this. Today I want you to be free. To feel the wind and feel your heart race like mine does when I see you. I want you to do something reckless, something I always wanted us to do together. I have already paid for you to go skydiving so you can’ say no. Go jump and let your body feel weightless and live, I will be there right alongside with you. I will feel the air rip through your hair and see your smile emerge from hiding. I can’t wait Guy. As always the next letter is ready for when you are.

Andrew

Dear you,

I hope you are happy, how are you really? Today you are going to write how you felt after my accident. In this package there is a black sharpie and paper, take them out and write your emotions, thoughts, and desires on the paper. I know you had a lot of feelings that day. Have you gotten them all out? I don’t want anything left unturned. Okay gather all of the papers up and go outside. Walk to a cliff that overlooks the sea. Now take one of the papers, read the words that you wrote. Now shout them at the top of your lungs while tearing the paper up and letting it fall. It feels good doesn’t it? Just letting it all go. Repeat the process for all the pieces of paper. Thank you for being brave Guy. I know it hurts and you are missing me, I am missing you too. There is only one letter left. This is the most important letter I have written you. Like in the past only when you are ready do I want you to read it?
Me

Dearest Guy,

I hope these letters have helped you know that I am still here with you. I have never left you and will always be her with you. Today you need to leave this place. I know you are not near friends and it is time that you go back. You need to forgive and forget. I want you to find the people who you feel did you wrong. I don’t care if it was there fault or yours, you will never heal if you feel any kind of angst toward anyone. I’m sure they feel just as awful as you do. So for me and for you, please let it go and be free and be able to be a human again. We all make mistakes, were not perfect, and it’s never easy. I love you and I want you to be happy, I want you to love again. Don’t feel tied down because of me, I know you love me, but you can love others beside me. Forgive, and move on. But remember I love you and will always be here for you!

Missing you and waiting to see you again, Andrew


-Square One-

Guy packed what little he wanted to take back with him in the rusty truck. He took one last look at the house he built. He was right; it would never be a home, just a house to him. But he would leave the key in the door for someone else to come upon it and make it his or her home.

With the box of letters on the seat next to him, he took off down the mountain back to London. He was quick with the drive only stopping for gas and the bathroom. He drove and drove until he reached his destination. It was his and Andrews’s apartment they had shared. He hadn’t been there in year and it showed. There was dust and a pile of post that blocked the door. Guy pushed his way into the apartment and stood in the doorway and looked around. It was just as he had left it, dishes in the sink, shoes tossed by the door, bass leaning against the couch, and constant reminders of Andrew everywhere. Guy took a deep breath and began the purge of his past life. He was doing what Andrew wanted and starting over. He cleaned and cleared the reminders until it was just a shell of what use to be there.

Satisfied he grabbed his bass and tuned it. It buzzed with a brilliant sound as he played. He played Andrews favorite song, Stand by Me, for the last time. He let the last note ring out and then placed the bass down. He walked over to the fireplace and lit a fire. Guy watched it burn for a little while before he walked over to the counter and took the box of letters and returned to the fire.

“Goodbye Love, you have helped me overcome mountains, and I will always be grateful for you. You stood by me through the thick and thin and never faltered like I did. I am going to try and move on. I know it will be difficult, but I need to do it. I wont be afraid because you will always stand by me. I love you Andrew, I always will.” Guy stood still and then tossed the box into the fire. He watched it burn until it was completely gone. That part of his life was done and he was back to square one.

Guy had one more thing to do. He got back into the old truck and drove until he reached the familiar sight. Taking a deep breath he got out of the truck and walked up the steps. Piano could be heard from the steps of the porch; Guy listened for a bit and then gathered his courage and rang the bell.

The door opened and there stood a bewildered Chris. Guy looked up at him and threw his arms around him. “I’m sorry.” Was all Guy was able to whisper out and it was all that was needed. Guy knew that Andrew was smiling somewhere and he knew that he would all right. What happened happened. It’s in the past and it can’t be undone. All that can be done is to move forward, to live, love and be.

Game Night

Every Thursday night at 7:42 Will held a game night at his home and every time Game night was over he started planning for the next week. He was a die-hard about his night and was very precise on the planning of each game night. So precise that he planned what foods he would serve along with beverages, he would decided what the appropriate lighting would be and even the air temperature to make sure that his guests were never too cold or too hot. But the most important thing he planned was the game itself.

While we all know that Will is known as the gamer of the group that is quite an understatement. You see Will has this closet. The closet appears to be normal from the outside, but once you open the door you will discover that it is massive! The closet runs the entire length of Will’s brownstone apartment and is filled with shelves with hundreds of games. Each game is lit with a tiny spotlight as if they were on a pedal stone. Their shape, color, amount of players, and whether it is a video game organize the games.

Last Week the mates played an intense game of battleship, but now Will need to top that. He began his search for the perfect game in the video game section.

“Let’s see… I have super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, Sega, Playstation 1,2, and 3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Gamecube, and Wii. Nope, no, I don’t think so, none of these say epic and I just can’t have that!”

Will moved on to other shelves in his game closet.

“Chutes and Ladders, haha yeah right, Spongebob’s Krabby Patty Explosion, hmm tempting, Guess Who, uh no not epic! Let’s see epic epic epic hmm Monopoly? I think not, especially not after the last time we played. Chris threw the biggest temper tantrum all because Guy picked the stupid thimble and then he was left with the Scotty dog and then because Chris really doesn’t understand the game he went bankrupt after 7 rounds. Yeah we’re not playing that!”

He was in the closet for about an hour pouring over which game to play he had a brilliant idea! Last week after Chris and Jonny had left he and Guy were talking about how Chris and Jonny should just get together already. One of them needed to jump the other! Guy thought that they should set the two of them up on blind dates with each other. While Will thought it was clever he didn’t see it working. But now Will had a genius idea and it involved a favorite game of his. He made sure to call up Guy and tell him the plan. Now all he had to do was wait until Wednesday.

For Will the days dragged, but finally Thursday arrived. Will prepared the food, set the perfect air temperature and made sure that just the right amount of light was used. He then got the game from the closet. He opened the box and removed the tarp with the rows of bright colored dots, he laid the tarp on the floor and smoothed the edges so it laid flat. He then removed the spinner and set it on the ottoman. The room was set and now all he was waiting for were his mates.
Guy arrived promptly at 7:42 and grinned as he saw the game set out on the floor.

“Will your blinding me with your geniusness! How did we not think of this before?”

“Ahh Guy my petite handsome male friend, we were just not thinking of the games. Games they’re magical!”

“Right.. well I’m ready to play my part.”

“Excellent! They will never see this coming!”

“see what coming?” Jonny asked as he and Chris walked through the door.

“EEEKKKKK!!! That Jon That! That’s what we will never see coming!” Chris ran over to the tarp and threw himself on top of it. He giggled with excitement and even kissed the tarp. “Will! I could almost kiss you right now! Twister is my favorite game of all time!”

Will just chuckled and exchanged secret glances at Guy. “Well It appears that Chris is ready to play, Jon? Guy? You two ready to get twisty?

“Absolutely” They both cried out!

Will designated himself as the spinner while the others got into position around the edges of the tarp.

“Left foot blue” Will Called out. The three men did as was asked. Will continued to call out commands and the others did as they were told.

“Right hand yellow!” Guy pretended to reach for the yellow circle, but then ‘accidently’ fell over.

“Haha!” Chris called out to Guy. “Your out, that just leaves me and Jonny Boy!”

Guy pretended to be upset and stomped over to where Will sat to ‘sulk’. Will shot him a quick smirk and then spun the spinner and called out the next maneuver. Soon Jon and Chris were tangled up around each other trying to put their foot on a colored dot or their hand on another. Will was calling out specific commands so that this would happen. He was hoping that ‘it’ would happen soon.

“Uh Will, I think we are getting a bit tangled here, maybe we could get an easy command?” Jonny asked politely as he always did.

“No can do Jonny, the spinner decides what you do and if it wants you to be wrapped around Chris then you have to do it!”

“Yeah Jonny Boy! It apparently wants me to be just as wrapped around you as your are to me.”

“Exactly! Now left hand red!”

Chris and Jon tried to place their hands on the red circle but Chris accidently slipped and ended up falling directly on top of Jon.

Guy whispered to Will “How convenient.” Will just nodded his head and crossed his fingers.

Jon stared up at Chris while Chris did the same to Jon, then like magnets their lips were drawn together. Chris ran his fingers threw Jon’s hair and Jon pulled Chris closer to his body.

Will and Guy silently left the room and went into Will’s bedroom. “You’re brilliant!” Guy said as he pushed Will onto the bed.

“I know, now kiss me, we probably only have 20 min before they realize we’ve left.”

“You don’t have to ask twice!”


“Ahem” Will stood above the two men making out.

Chris and Jon looked up a bit bashful from the floor.

“Well it’s about time the two of you got together, but my floor is not the place.”

“Aww thanks Will, right err my place Jon?”

Jon just grinned and stood up and pulled Chris out the door.

And so my friends, that is how the Game of twister brought Chris and Jon together in more ways than one!

The Case of Katie Glynn

Plot: Chris and Jon are back to their alter egos Sherbet Bones and Datsun Ford investigating the mysterious case of Katie Glynn.
Characters to be included (but not limited to): Chris (Sherbet), Jonny (Datsun), Katie
Line that has to be used: “Datsun! Just show it to me already!”


The air was heavy with a thick musky fog. It hung in the air like a net, draped over every surface casting shadows on the brick walls and buildings. A faint smell of jasmine and cinnamon floated in the air adding to the ere of mystic. Night was quickly befalling the sleeping city of London.

Down a crooked ally way, hidden deep within the shadows sat a fortuneteller. She was heavily adorned in bangles and many bright colored stone rings that emphasized her long worn fingers. The woman was wrapped in a deep purple cloak that hid her frail figure deep within its many folds. Her wiry hair peeked out from the hood of the cloak adding to her entire demeanor. She laid her hands on top of her make shift table and awaited the passing of a foolish man. She was one of the best in her line of business; always able to lure in her bait with a false hope and then suck them dry and leave them pondering their purpose in life. She did this day in and day out. It was how she lived.

The locals were vastly aware of her ways and often whispers would be passed amongst themselves. Oft the whispers were “she has gone and done her deed, and left him to the dark corners of her twisted mind.” She would chew them and spit them out. And who is this fortuneteller you might be asking? She has many names, the devils advocate, shadow crawler, grave creator. But her real name is Katie Glynn.

A tall man dressed to the nines just got out of his carriage and began to walk down the gravel drive to ward his hotel. He had spent the evening gambling and surprisingly had come away with money still in his pocket. A brisk wind had started to blow causing his top hat to blow off his head and down the street. It tumbled further and further away. The man stumbled after that hat heavily influenced by the numerous shots of whiskey he had during the night. Looking up he saw the hat roll down the alleyway. Grumbling to himself he continued to chase after his top hat until he could no longer see it. It was as if it had vanished into thin air.

The man scratched the back of his head, looked around the ally and then saw his hat. Miss. Katie was cradling it in her scarecrow hands. She flashed him a toothless smile and stretched forth her hand toward him. He took his hat and mumbled a thank you and turned to leave, but stopped when he heard her speak. The voice did not match Miss. Katie, it was no nails against a chalk board, but a sweet harmonious chorus of angels.

“I know you hearts desire young man. I know how you have been visiting her for the last 3 months, I know how you can get her, I know!”

Entranced by her melodic voice the man simply nodded his head and dragged his feet close to her. She grinned again and beckoned him into her shack. That was the last time the man was ever heard off.


“Datson! Have you feed the dog? It’s doing that thing again, you know when it lays there and doesn’t move.”

“Bones, you lazy sack of cow dung, it’s dead! It was your turn to feed him too. Ood God can you do anything right?”

“Sometimes, but that would make my statistics much too high and you know how I like my reputation to be only slightly better than the police.”

Datson Ford shot Sherbet Bones a death glare from across the room and then proceeded to open the blinds and let in the non existent sunlight.

“Ah what a typical London morning.. rain and grey skys. My favorite.” Bones exclaimed

“Shut your pie hole Bones, we have a new case!”

“Ford if this is about the fat woman down the street it was her niece that stole her apple turn over’s and her son set the cat’s tail of fire killing the dreadful thing.”

“So glad of you to clear that up for us!” Datson announced with a fake gasp of astonishment. “No you imbecile this is quite different. Apparently Lord Duston was in town from Ireland for the weekend. He was here gambling away the family fortune like all Lords do. Well his body has just washed up in the Thames. But the interesting part was on his forehead was a bright cherry red lipstick kiss mark. It is known as..”

“ The sign of love and devotion, ha it is no other than the sign of Miss. Katie Glynn, the psychotic fortuneteller who tried to coax me into her shack of a home. Do you know what this means Ford?”

“We are going to find her and hand her over to the police whilst almost getting our selves killed and having me ruin once again one of my best suits?”

“No! We can sit here and finish our cup of tea, and enjoy the pitiful I mean beautiful morning. And that suit is awful Datson, be sure to cast it into the fire.”

“I’m not amused Bones.”

“I never expected you to be. Now listen here, we will go out and find Katie Glynn, but first I need a cupcake.” Datsun just sat there staring at Sherbet wondering if he should make a comment and risk being humiliated or to just go and find a cupcake.

“Your sitting there wondering whether to make a comment and how humiliated you will be when I retort back or to just go and get me a cupcake, well first off I want chocolate with those tiny sprinkles and second why are you still sitting there?”

Datsun stood up and made sure to kick the back of Sherbet’s chair as he went to find a cupcake.

“Sprinkles Datsun sprinkles! Those are of grave importance!”

“I’ll show you what’s important.” Datsun closed the door and went in search of the holy cupcake.


“So the last time she was seen was when she was gathering the rat’s from the sewers?”

“Ay Mr. Bones. Just ore there she was sat a pickin’ em up bys their tails. It was a gruesome sight if I evers saws ones.”

“I see, well thank you Mr. Braumwell.”

Sherbet Bones turned and strolled up the street, he was investigating some leads he had discovered about his case and was getting closer to his culpret.

Up ahead Ford was sitting on the bench with a newspaper across his lap. He had a most awkward looking facial expression and kept glancing downward at the paper.

“Trying a new look Ford? Paper pants? A way of the future?”

Datsun looked up at Sherbet and simply grimaced at him.

“Hmm well then I detect you are hiding something beneath that newspaper.”

Datsun looked up in alarm and stuttered out ‘Nnnnooo, no no nothing I’m not hiding anything. Nothing at all, just enjoying this paper on my lap, apparently there is going to be an election coming up and they parliament is in uproars over..”

Sherbet reached out and tried to snatch the newspaper from Datsun’s lap, but both men grabbed at the paper and tore it in half. Datsun was quick and crossed his legs and placed his hands in his lap.

“Damit Datsun! Just show it to me already!”

Datsun’s checks went a bright shade of pink and he shock his head back and forth.

“I am highly trained in the arts of crossleggedfixedness and know how to use it, now show or be warned!”

Datsun sat there for a second and then slowly uncrossed his legs.

“My God Datsun, what have you done?”

“Nothing, I’ve done nothing, it’s stuck.”

“Oh you naughty man you, was it the fat lady? I saw her looking in your direction? I think you two would be splendidly happy together or wait was it the lady with the face full of moles? She would do that to me too!”

“Holmes I swear on my mothers mothers fathers uncles brothers roommates nephew I will kill you if you don’t put a cork it in and help me.”

“Help you eh? In what way? I’m quite good with my hands but I’m not sure about my..”

“Forget it you sly fox. Just give me your trench, hopefully It will cover it.”

“My my, I sure hope it does, that quite a bit large to cover and I’m not sure my coat will do it.”

“How would you like to die Bones? Slow, painful? Cause I will make it happen.!”

“Haha Enough enough I jest, here have my coat, but lets continue with our case, perhaps some walking will erm help.”


“So how did you know that crooked Miss. Katie Glynn was the murder? The coroner found no way of death, yet here he is dead. All that was left was the kiss mark on his forehead?”

“My dear dear police man, my story is far far above your comprehension level, I can draw this in pictures, but I doubt that will help. Let’s see I asked the local when they had last seen her, she was collecting rats, intresting hobby I suppose, but I deviate. Katie Glynn is famous amongst my people for her interesting mark of the kiss. It’s her kiss of death if you will. Anyway she used the rat-tail juice to create a ‘potion’. Not a real potion of course, but just something to fool the Lord into thinking it was real. It was in fact poison the juice of the tail mixed with teriyaki sauce and blood create a deadly poison that is not traceable by a coroner.”

“If it’s not traceable then how do you know?”

“Why it’s quite elementary my dear police man. Katie Glynn is dead back in her hell hole in the ally. She was creating the concoction again for her next victim when I happen to drunkenly stumble upon her. She beckoned me in claiming to know my hearts desire about some girl. Well first off she was complexly wrong there, but I continued to let her go at it.”

“Bones are you meaning to tell me you fancy someone?” Ford exclaimed.

“That is precisely what I mean my dear Ford.” Bones said with a twinkle in his eye.

“Well that is fine and dandy but what of Miss. Katie Glynn Mr. Bones?” The police man asked.

“Right, well she does this thing where she will come up with this absurd tale of how you can get your love by drinking her potion but it will cost you. She also makes a show off how she will drink to your love as well. You see she makes two one with the poison and one without. She gives you the poison and then drinks her safe one. Well I made sure that while she was not looking I added sprinkles to her drink. Then I pretended to drink to the love of my life.”

“You added sprinkles to her drink?” Ford cried out.

“Yes, Datsun! Sprinkles that is why I had you get me a cupcake. I ate the chocolate goodness and saved the sprinkles. You see when sprinkles are added to her potion they create a poison and that is why Miss. Katie is lying dead in her shack.”

“Well done Mr. Bones! You have solved the mysterious case of Katie Glynn! You have our most sincere gratitude.”

“And none of mine, come Ford we have business to take car off.”


“Datsun, you need to be more careful in public. I thought you didn’t like me anymore.”

“Sherbet it was you that did that to me, now stop talking and take me to bed.”

“Oh feisty we are tonight! I like this.”

Datsun and Sherbet were quick to rip each other’s clothes off. They fell on to the bed grabbing and pulling each other closer. Moans of joy and pleasure were shouted. Hair was ruffled and sheets discarded. Soon they reached their climax and lay entangled together breathing in each other’s sweet aromas.

“Datsun you have taken me to the moon and back!”

“As have you Sherbet, but you know what I have that is going to make this better?”

“Newspaper?”

“Cupcakes with sprinkles.”

“You naughty naughty man. How you tempt me!”

“Come here so I can rub it on your chest and then lick it off.”

“With pleasure Ford, with pleasure!”