In loving memmory of Jessie Winterholler...

There is a time for laughter. There is a time for sorrow. There is a time for fun and games. There is a time for storms of pain. There is a time for good time and the bad. But there is also a time for mourning. Tonight I found out one of my best friends from childhood had passed away... I didn' want to believe it when I was told. I still don't want to believe it... I remember when we were little, how I would go over to her house and we would play with Pokemon in the sand box. We would occasionally bicker over who would play with pikachu. We would role play them and make them go on these incredible adventures. We would go across the street and play in the park acting like pirates. There was always a good time with her. On days you felt like crying and wishing the world away, she was always there to brighten your day. I looked up to her in many ways. When she started drawing i would try to out draw her. She was always better than me at it. She was very talented in everything she did. It came naturally to her. She could take the smallest idea and turn it over into an epic masterpiece. The one regret I have is not talking to her more... My graduation back in 2009 was the last time saw her... And now I will never get the chance to talk to her again... Please join me in keeping her and her family in pray. She was and forever will be my beloved best friend, Jessie Winterholler.

A rundown on what is completed.

So far..
Floyd had just turned eighteen and had a party on the night of a full moon, but never realized what it would really mean to become eighteen. His parents ended up locking him in a cellar until they knew for sure he could controle the curse. As soo as he could controle the curse, he went back to his everyday life all while trying to keep it a secret from his friends. However, he couldn't keep it a secret for very long and his friends ended up finding out everything. Liam got super jealous of loyd's cures and caused there to be friction between their friendship. But everything ended up working itself out and Floyd ran for class president. He won class vice president and got to help plan where the class trip would be. He picked London, England in hopes of finding cluse on how to break the curse, but ended up finding some old family members and a new "friend." When they got back home from the class trip, they were told about the hunters. Floyd's parents were taken by the hunters and Floyd went on a rampage. He blacked out then woke up at Jez's house. While there, he stumbled upon a study room and found some hunts on the curse.And now he is faced with the task of completing a test so he may begin the first quest.

That was Chapter 1 through Chapter 15.
This should help fill in some gaps and cure some confussion out there from my previous posts.

Enjoy!!
~Kat<3

About Chapter 15.

Chapter 15
So far, Floyd has met the "guardian" who set up his test in front of a tree in an alternate dimension. Sounds fun, right? Uh, no! His test could be the end of him! He is faced with his most challenging rival, himself! Will he be able to pass the test and move on, or will he have to figure out a way to escape without having to risk his life in a stupid test. Stay tuned in to find out more when I continue into Chapter 16!!!

~Kat<3

Back to work!

FINALLY!!!!!! I am definitely back!!! I was having a few issues trying to figure out where I wanted to take my book and I think I've finally figured it out! I'll post again soon!

Anthrocon 2013

I will be attending Anthrocon in June. I will have a booth set up with my best friend and I will have books there to sell even if I have to self publish them. There is an option to save a copy for yourself now (e-mail me for more info at: leblanckat@aol.com). To help save up to go to AC in June, I am selling custom made key chains, yarn tails, drawings, badges for AC, ears, eyes, and resin blanks. I will be selling claws, paw pads, jaw sets, and possibly hand paws and feet paws, as well as tails as soon as I get the money to make them. I also make custom head bands and earrings for both humans and fursuits. If interested, please leave a comment and/or e-mail me at the address above.

~Kat

P.S.
Also, all funds will go right in the bank and will not be touched for more than a new computer to continue my works and for conventions to advertise my book.

Been a while...

Okay, so it's been a little while since I posted anything and it's because I lost track of time with work and yarn tails... I know it's not a very good excuse, but it's the truth. I have one more tail to make for this weekend then I have ot to get back to work on this series. I have also been working on a cover idea for the first book. ALSO... I am adding a new, unplanned chapter 15. I will elaberate more on it in a few days.

~Kat

YARN TAILS FOR SALE!!!

I have been making yarn tails to help save up the money to go to Anthrocon next year. I can make them any color you like and am only charging $5/layer. Each layer is made up of sixteen bundles of yarn brushed, heat treated, then attached to the core. If you would like a yarn tail e-mail me at: leblanckat@aol.com

All yarn tail commission costs will go straight to savings for Anthrocon. To all my fellow beings I wish you good luck and safe travels to the many cons you may go to. SEE YOU ALL AT ANTHROCON NEXT YEAR!!!

"The Room of Nothingness"

The Room of Nothingness is literally a room of nothing. No sounds except for your pounding heart, the blood rushing through your veins, and your trembling breaths. A room your worst enemy occupies. Yourself. The evil withing your soul resides in nothingness. It is a silent fear always haunting you. The time has come for Floyd to defeat himself. He is the only one who can stand in his way. Everything else is considered an obstacle. Will he be able to face himself and be able to move on to the first quest? Only time will tell.

Thank you mom!!!!

I got a car the other day and I was able to drive it to work this morning! I wouldn't have been able to get it if it wasn't for my mother. So, cheers to mom!!! LOVE YOU!!! <3<3<3<3<3<3<3

"Promise"

"Promise


As darkness devours the land
mankind crumbles in defeat.
But as sure as the setting sun,
the moon will rise
giving birth to the stars.
The stars will light the path
for those who cannot see
so they may follow their destiny
and find the sun shall rise again...


~Kathleen A.F. LeBlanc"

Never give up on yourself or your dreams. Fight to make them a reality and stand strong as you follow your path to reach your goals.

Sincerely,
~Kat

Birthday wishes!!! And work realated issues ^^"

On my birthday I hope to be the best I can be and to keep on the right path. I hope to get farther on the right track as well as to give it all on getting Tale of The Curse ~The Pack~ finished soon and out in stores for all of you to read. I am currently working on the cover for the first book of this series as well as a few other commissions for a friend.

Other than that, my job is going well. I kind of went off on one of the other employees today. I didn't mean to, but when he disrespected me and started going off on me while I was on my break I couldn't help but to stand my ground and let him know what was on my mind. One thing my mother taught me when I was little was to be honest and now that we have moved and started over, I want to keep being honest. So... I basically told the guy I don't like him and he avoided me for the rest of the day. It's not the first time he got into it with someone. Yesterday, my friend Jenn gave him a piece of her mind. Everything was justified, by the way. It seems like being nice to him and helping him out doesn't get through to him since he responds with throwing a tantrum every time someone tries to help him out. So, yeah... We tried something different. We didn't want to, but someone had to stand up to him. I told my boss what had happened and why I was so ticked off. He was cool about it since it happened when I was off the clock. He made a joke about it which made me laugh. He ended up making my day better. Jenn laughed when I told her about it, which again made me feel better. I'm normally not that mean to anyone. But he pushed a few buttons he wasn't supposed to and he got something that was to be expected in return. He needs to stop worrying about things that are meant for after work or during break time at work and not worry about them while on the clock. I don't think he's going to last much longer. My motto is basically "An eye for an eye" but more like "Wrong me and you will get wronged." I have had enough of getting wronged through school and for eight months. Enough is enough. When pushed, I WILL stand up for myself now and when I do... Look out because I will tell you how you have wronged me and my thoughts on why it is NOT right to wrong someone. Be kind to others and they will be kind to you (with the exception of this guy at work...).

~Kat<3

Checking out The Study in Chapter 14!!!

I managed to find the old study. Inside there were rows upon rows of shelves filled to the brim with books. It looked like no one had been in there in decades. Books were piled up on tables. Chairs were turned over or lying on their side. There was a blanket of dust covering the room from top to bottom. I had noticed there were no windows in the old room. The overall atmosphere of the room made me second guess my decision to enter the study.


So far, Floyd has just stumbled upon the study in chapter fourteen. The study is where all of the clues and/hints will be for the first quest. It will also be where he comes face to face with one of Cailleach's "guardians" will test Floyd to see if he is truly worthy to go on the first quest. Will Floyd have the strength and courage needed to pass the test and reach the goal of the first quest? Or will he have to face his family and friends with the shame of failure? To be continued in the next post...

To all the underdogs out there...

If you were to meet me for the first time, you would think I have probably never had it hard. I'll admit, my life is awesome and on the right track. But that's now and I wan to talk about back then before it was going good. I grew up around the Detroit area in Michigan. I had some really good friends back then. Had a few accidents that made people question my mother about abusing me. But my mother never hurt me. In fact, I was the one getting hurt on my own. I would fall or run into things I was too tall to run right under. My mother was always a very hard worker and always making sure I got what I needed and not everything I wanted. She taught me how having the "give me's" never solved anything and how if I was good while shopping I got a surprise. I remember how sometimes in the mornings I would have to go to work with her before school. And sometimes she wasn't there in the morning or after I got home from school. At the time I didn't understand that she was working so she could take care of me. My grandmother was there all the time. She would help me with homework while mom was at work.

I remember how excited I was when mom got home from work. She would tuck me into bed at night and sing to me until I fell asleep. On nights when I had nightmares, she was always there for me. She would get up and scare the monsters away. I always felt safe around her. I still do too. She's my hero and always will be.

We moved to Alabama when I was about ten years old. That's when things got a little off track. You see... back in Michigan I never really had anyone pick on me about anything unless it was in a good way. But my first year in Alabama was like being a mouse surrounded by cats. I remember riding the bus to school in the mornings and there were girls on there who would pull my hair and call me names. I would get called a lot of things for my weight and how I dressed. I would go home and cry about it. I told my mother about it when I realized it wasn't going to stop.

The hair pulling stopped closer to the end of the year. But when I got to seventh grade it escalated. There were a couple people who told me I owed them everything since I came from the north and there were some who told me go die somewhere. Not cool, right...

I got held back a year and ended up going through seventh grade again. I was in special education classes for my hearing. I was born with haering issues so it took me a little longer to get things because half of the things they were teaching I couldn't hear them while they were teaching. But I got out of those classes and never went back. I kept to myself up until i went into my junior year of high school. The names never stopped and there were a few people trying to get me suspended. They tried to say I hit them or that I wronged them. I got picked on by a couple teachers. I was bullied pretty bad back then, but I took it because I wanted to do good in school and keep my mother happy and proud. I tried my best.

When I graduated and started my life in the real world at 18, things got a tad bit worse. I thought I knew everything. I would sneak out and drink at the river with a few "buddies" and we would get platered. I got into hanging with the wrong crowds. As you can tell I got wondered a bit far from the path. There were times when I didn't come home until after three in the morning. I thought I was burden to everyone at that time and I didn't care what happened to me. I would drive drunk and wish I would run off the road and hit a tree. I would drink myself silly until I would pass out when I went to my "friends'" houses. When I was 19 I was still going out to drink away memories from the past, but not as much. I had even "stolen" her car and went up to East Chicago to stay with a friend. I stayed up there for like a week then came home after cops showed up at the house and told my friend's parents to tell me to call her. I called her and found out after I had left the house had caught on fire. Turns out the old air unit froze and sparked. I came home feeling it was all my fault. But then I got back into my old habits. By then my mother had started putting the pieces together. She would ask me certain questions about everything and I would tell her everything was fine and that I wasn't doing anything wrong.

When I was 20, I moved into my "dad's" for eight months... I felt like a prisoner... Enough said.. I don't want them to read this and start something...

After turning 21, I moved back in with mom and built back the bridges with some people. My mother and I are closer than ever before. When I got back from Kentucky, I got back into drawing, writing, and singing. I started hanging out with some better friends and got a job. I kept to myself still, but I was more open with my mother. There are still times when I feel like burden to her.

A few months ago I moved to Tennessee with my mother. I'm taking advantage of the move to start over. Here I can do things I've always wanted to do. I can make new and better friends. But most of all... I can just be me. Now I'm not afraid to tell people I'm a gameaholic or that I love anime and Pokemon. I can be childish if I want to while being serious. I can tell it like it is and if they don't like it then they can get over it because I'm not forcing them to like it. If I have a problem with something or someone I'll let it be known. I'm not afraid anymore. My motto is basically an eye for an eye. I realize now that I can do anything I set my mind to. I don't drink anymore. I don't let much of anything get to me anymore. I'm not ashamed of myself or my actions anymore. I'm on the right track and I'm staying here. If someone tries to shove me off it then I'll shove back and keep going. I was always an underdog. I grew up being one. I still am one. But now I'm embracing it and running forward with all that I am. I'm making the best of it. I have good friends who support me. I have my mother who is there for me every step of the way. And now I'm on the same page with myself. Thank you mom for not giving up on me and being there for me even in the bad times. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be where I am right now.

To all the underdogs out there... You can be anything you want to be. Stay on the right track and stay out of trouble. Life will be much better that way. Don't give into the bullies of your life. Don't let them drag you down. Telling someone about your bullies is NOT snitching. If you have anything bothering you tell someone before it's too late. But always remember you are NEVER ALONE.

~Kat

Open for commissions!

I got my tablet up and running and I'm working on finishing up some drawings for this one guy as well as the cover to my book. Also, to get some money saved up to create an amazing fursuit for myself and a friend I will be drawing and selling those drawings to cover the cost of materials and such for next year's anthrocon! If you have any questions or would like to make a request, e-mail me at leblanckat@aol.com

Also.... I only accept checks. I do not use paypal and bills tend to get "lost" in the mail. As soon as I get the check in the mail, I will send your drawing to you by either e-mail or a print in the mail. Since I have a tablet, the drawings are digital, but also all one-of-a-kind. If you go to http://www.furaffinity.net/user/totc2012/ and click on "gallery" you can view some of my works and get a good idea of what I can do. I'm hoping to get a few more accounts on similar sites. Maybe today. And when I do I will post links to them as well.

((Warning!!!: Any money lost or stolen in the mail is not my fault. Any drawings lost in the mail can be replaced and sent back out A.S.A.P. If your drawing is lost in the mail do not freak out, just notify me via e-mail. I will take about a week to complete a drawing. I do have the right to at anytime end the commission(s). If harassed about a drawing I will end it with no second chances. You have been warned. THANK YOU!!! =^w^=))

A Peak at Chapter 14!!!

“That was a last resort scenario, Floyd.” James returned to the hall with Val close to his side.

            I held a hand up to them and turned away. “I’ve had enough of this…”

            “Stop acting like a child!” Cynric growled.

            My eyes threw daggers at him. “You want me to grow up? Then stop treating me like a child! I’ve had enough of all of this. I’ve had enough of you and your ignorant ways. I’m done!” I stormed out of the room and headed down a narrow hall.

            Sure they tried to stop me, but I was guessing Connor had gotten in their way. I was in no mood to deal with them right now. I had one thing on my mind and only one thing and that was to bring my family back home safely. I managed to find the old study. Inside the study there were rows upon rows of shelves filled to the brim with books.

What has Floyd gotten himself into this time and what will happen to his family? On the search for hints will bring some answers, but will it lead them to the conclusion they want? Be on the lookout for more clues next week!

~Kat

Today in church...

I went to church today and within the lessons the pastor asked a few questions. I thought about them pretty good before answering them in my mind for a second time and my answers were the same as my first answers.

The message today was labeled: God’s Messengers. But the lessons were about idolatry. We learned about several items and subjects concerning idolatry. Most of them I never would have thought of. Some were normal object such as televisions and such, but others were a bit more… personal in a way.

One of the questions was:

“What are you most disappointed in?”

Honestly, I thought of several things I was disappointed in, but they all lead to the same answer. Me. I am most disappointed in myself for several reasons. 1.) I’m a bit over weight. 2.) My novel is still a WIP (Work In Progress) 3.) The things in the past I have done to hurt people for my own selfish reasons. I know they sound petty, but they are things I think of daily. I have been working on them though. I have been working out with the help of the Zumba DVDs. I absolutely love them! I have also gotten back on track with my writing, but most of all I have built a relationship back with the people I want to keep in my life. The main person being my mother who brings me to the second question asked.

“Who or what are you most afraid of losing?”

My mother was my answer. I know I have done things in the past to hurt her, but I am doing my best to make it up to her. I love her no matter what I say or do. I also know I don’t show it enough. I would give my life for my mother. I would give anything to make sure she’s happy. I regret the things in the past that I have done. But if it wasn’t for those bad times, I never would have become the person I am today. I learn from experiences. I observe everything including how people act and react. My mother and I are closer than we have been in a very long time. If something happened to her today or in the near future I’m not sure what I would do. I have so much to learn still and I have so much to express to those around me. Sometimes I don’t know where to start and others I don’t know where to stop. I come across to people as being shy when I’m really not as shy as it seems. I study the way people act around me and towards me. I try to see people for who they really are before I make my move in this game of life. If it wasn’t for my mother I wouldn’t be the person I am today. So here’s to my mother. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for not giving up on me and for being there for every step of the way even when I thought you weren’t there. Here’s to my mother for being my hero since the beginning. I love you mom!!!

~Kat

I AM BACK!!! =D

I am back and ready to get book one done and out there for everyone to read! I will be posting at least once a week again and keep this page updated. I have finally moved to TN and got a job. Now to get back to work. Stay updated!


~Kat

Writing and moving do NOT mix! xp Want a dog?? :D

moving and writing do not mix for several reasons.... 1) Trying to to think clearly when your mind is heavily on the move leaves room for mistalkes to slip in while you are trying to write.. 2) Living out of a few boxes until completely moved means you most likely accidently put some very important notes needed for the book in a box that got taken up to the new house... 3) Writers block sets in more because of a higher chance of stressing out.... 4) Most people still have to go to work durring the moving process and might get caught up more in work to possibly escape for a few hours at least... 5) I also have a few projects I have to complete to get a few extra bucks in my wallet for the move... 6) Writing isn't easy anyway right now because of a certain dog always whining and carrying on like there's no tomorrow >,> (Please don't tell my grandma I said that)... 7) Also... I'm trying to focus on finding the dogs a home before the move. That's turning out to be more of a challange than I thought... Anyone would want Bo because of the type of dog he id, but Lulu on the other hand.... No one really wants her because pits have a bad repputation... I can't stand how people can be so unfair to the breed. If they were raised to be agressive then it is still NOT the dog's fault, it is the owner's fault for teaching the dog that agressive behavior is good! Lulu is the worlds biggest baby and thinks she's a shoulder puppy thanks to my way of teaching her that good is good and bad is bad. Dogs are like kids. you have to teach them how to act and teach them right from wrong. If you know of anyone who is looking for a blue nose pit please let me know by e-mailing me about Lulu. She needs to be in a good home with people who will love her. She's great with kids, but not recomended around todlers since she's only three and still likes to jump up like a puppy. She's good around other dogs and cats. In fact, we had just given away a litter of kittens that Lulu and Bo helped watch while we were not home. She loves to play and has tons of energy. She's not so great about jumping up onto beds. She mostly jumps into the side of the bed before she makes it up on the bed. She loves to cuddle and steal the covers while you sleep. She snores a bit, but earplugs will help with that if you don't like the sound. She hates toys that squeek. She will make it snow fluff until the squeeker is out. She does good with training, I guess... She's very stuborn. She is potty trained and she will whine when she has to go out. If anyone is willing to come out and meet her just shoot me an e-mail and I will get to it as soon as possible.
~Kat
B.T.W.
Writing will be on hold until next month when we are officially moved!!! =^,..,^= Until then... Track my drawings at furaffinity.net :D username: TOTC2012

Total Game Freak.... Or Writer???

                Yes, I am a game freak. But I am also a writer. I hope to make a career out of writing. And if I can’t then I can always go to creating games. I want to be a graphic artist someday anyway. But what I really enjoy is writing. Ever since I was little I’ve been writing short stories thanks to my third grade teacher. I’ve also been drawing since I was little. I remember my first masterpiece of art I had made. Well it was more like a disastrous creation since it was my mother’s oil painting, but long story short I got my hands all over it. My mother ended up giving it to family as a gift for Christmas or something. But that was the beginning of my artistic talents which lead me to writing. In third grade I had an assignment to write a short story. I wrote about a little girl and a giant. The giant was lost and the little girl had to help him find his way home. In the end they became very good friends. I still have that little story somewhere. I remember how it made my mother smile. I was proud of that little book even if it was only a few pages long. But since then I’ve always loved writing. I used to get into trouble all the time in school for writing and drawing. I would doodle on my tests, and write short stories in my notes while the teachers were lecturing. No matter what I was doing, if I had an idea I would drop what I would be doing and put my idea on paper. Most of my creations gotten taken up by my teachers, some were thrown away, but for the ones I still had I would go around with my friends and create role-plays out of them or start new ones.

                What I like the most about games and writing:

                In RPGs (Role-playing games), I can go on an adventure and become the hero. There might be characters who doubt me or scheme against me, but no matter what happens there is always an end. Games have a storyline to follow, but you have to follow the guidelines. Also there are rules to a game. With writing there are no rules other than grammar and such. When I write, I make my own rules and follow my own guidelines. I can create whatever and wherever I want to. The only thing I have to follow is my deadline once I have a publisher. When I write, I can choose to be whoever I want to be. I could be anything from the shy girl sitting in the back corner of a coffee shop to a guy who does nothing but party all the time. I can be the bad guy or the good guy. I can be an animal or a tree. There is a never ending list of things I can be. There is no such thing as “can’t” when you’re the one calling all the shots. So, in closing, I guess I’m more of a writer than a gamer after all.

~Kat

Never Ending Story

                What is a never ending story? Is it a story that literally never ends or is it a story that has an ending but always exists among those whom value its existence? In a lot of ways… it is both. Life in itself is a never ending story. Humans are created, they go through life on various exciting adventures, then at the end of their story they die and the cycle begins all over again. If you think about it, it is the same with books. Books are created, they are purchased and read throughout the years, and then they are either collected or recycled to create more. Books are created from either a single idea or numerous ideas. Some are even re-created to fit today’s backgrounds and views. Others get polished up and reprinted. I like books because they can give people an imagination and take people on adventures they would have never been on. There are many genres in both fiction and nonfiction. I’m not so much into the nonfiction, but give me a good fiction book anytime and I’m hooked. I hope Tale of The Curse will be a never ending story that will live on throughout the generations. That is my wish for my book.

~Kat

Everyone Makes Mistakes

Everybody knows everyone makes mistakes. Some are a bit put off when others make them, but some are still kind about it. it is part of what makes us human, after all. But we do have to learn from our mistakes. I recently made a HUGE mistake when it came to writing my book. I had completely forgotten about Travis! Not to mention Darrel and Maitane were still supposed to be in London with Dawn at the time and I had placed them on an island off the coast of Florida! Uhg! Ok, so I had to go back to chapter ten, reread, and correct the mistakes I make. It took me close to three hours reworking everything and making it all fit. Well, I sure did learn my lesson. From now on not only am I going to reread the chapter I’m working on, but I will leave notes for myself. Hopefully now I won’t accidently leave out a character or place some where they’re not supposed to be.

~Kat

B.T.W.

My little brother is graduating on the eleventh! :D I am so proud of him! LOVE YOU ZACH!!! LOVE YOU TOO GENT!!! <3 I love my brothers!

GLEE CONNECTED

I watched the Glee Concert last night and it made me realize that some of the characters in my book are similar to the people in Glee. My book is pushing individuality as well as a different perspective on those around you. I think it’s cool how Glee is changing the prospective of people as well as helping others break away from their chains and out of their cages. Everyone rocks in their own way. Keep in mind that it doesn’t matter if you’re different. Being different separates you from the crown and its part of who you are. Embrace your insane fun side and get out and show the world who you really are and just have fun meeting new people. Embrace your differences!!!

Just when I thought....

As if it couldn’t get any harder, it has. It’s hard enough to plant my butt in my seat and write all day, but between trying to keep a schedule for my writing and getting called into work quite a bit and the move coming up as well as my little brothers graduation on May 11^th, I haven’t had enough time to write or keep up much with this blog… but I am doing the best I can right now. I know after the move I will be able to keep up with it better and I’m hoping to finish my book by July instead of June since there’s a lot going on right now. Who knows; though, I might still finish it before June. I read in Writer’s Digest a rule of 1.5. If I want to finish book one in a month then I should say a month-and-a-half to keep the stress level down. This way it doesn’t stress me out with a deadline and it will allow me to get more writing in than normal because I won’t be so stressed out. We’ll I should get back to work. Thank you for keeping up with this blog!!! <3

~Kat

Prologue and Chapter One

Tale

Of

The Curse

-The Pack-

Kathleen Anne Ferstle LeBlanc

Prologue

            In a somewhat average scene, there is a hidden world full of danger and adventure. It is a world with night walkers, formidable hunters, and much more. It all begins in London, England. An ancient curse passed down throughout the generations, adventures, and the beginning of a new romance; and the mysterious transformation that changes the lives of a generation and the bonds that binds a group of friends together.

             “Come on! Hurry it up already.” A young boy exclaimed as he waited for me to maneuver out of the doorway.

            I; the eldest brother, maneuvered my crutches out the door before swinging my body outside to allow Darrel; my little brother, to pass by. ”Seriously, you need to chill out a bit and just let me take my time, Darrel.”

            “Whatever.” Darrel retorted as he walked off, ignoring me completely.

            As I walked out to the family van, my mother; Brenda, walked out of the house behind me while carrying a box. “Be careful, sweetheart.” She reminded me.

            “He’s fine, Brenda. You don’t have to worry about him all the time.” My father; Aldrich, had chimed in from the back of the car.

            “I know, but I’m his mother and I’m allowed to worry about him and remind him to be careful sometimes.”

            “You’re talking about sometimes, but you worry and remind him all the time. You’re like a broken record most days.” He chuckled lightly at her.

            “In my opinion, I think it’s good that she worries. It means she loves us when she worries about the family.” Maitane; my little sister, had commented as she walked out reading a book.

            A short while later, after getting everything packed in the van; we headed out to the airport. Darrel kept pushing my buttons; literally pushing the buttons on my shirt. I told Brenda and Aldrich, but they didn’t seem to notice anything going on. At least, that’s what they wanted us to think. Our plane was scheduled to take off in approximately two hours. We were moving from London to Miami, Florida in the United States of America. We were running on time and the traffic was moving quickly. We made it there with plenty of time to look around in the shops. They had a few different shops in the airport. Most of them had candies, magazines, and headphones. There was one shop I went in that had a café and a few other items that the other shops did not have. There were snack foods and CDs of all sorts, I-pods and music down-loaders available. The items were reasonably priced and it was only a few bucks more to use the down-loader. I decided it would be a good idea to get the I-pod and the down-loader deal for the plane ride. An hour or so later, the call for our gate to begin boarding ran through the airport. We all made our way to the gate. The line was moving quickly and we were the second group checked in. We were informed our bags were already loaded on the plane. Our tickets were checked and we were led to our first class seats. We didn’t have any luggage to carry on, except for the small bags of items bought in the shops.

            Once we were settled in and everyone was the plane, the flight attendants read the rules and safety precautions out to everybody. They demonstrated the proper ways to use the emergency equipment. The flight attendants walked around making sure no one was unbuckled. There was a little girl in the back of plane who was not buckled, but they buckled her up and got her settled down. Everything was set, so they went to their seats and buckled up as well. The plane engines roared to life as the plane pulled to the runway. We sat there for at least twenty minutes waiting in line. I watched the other planes before us take off into the early morning sky. The sun was rising into the sky. The sunrise was gorgeous. I watched as our plane took its position and prepared to take off. My heart beat faster as I became excited. The force of the plane as it took off was powerful. I had never been on a plane before. It got up to speed just in time to clear the end of the runway. I watched out of the window for a good long while. I watched as we flew over the open ocean below until I fell asleep.

            When I woke up we were in Miami and had just landed. I was ready to be off the plane and get to the new house. Aldrich had already made a previous trip to the new house a few weeks ago to make sure all of the boxes of our belongings were put in its proper place. By him doing so, all there was left to do was make sure we got there. After a twelve hour flight, I still felt like finding my bed and passing out on it for at least another hour. With school beginning tomorrow, I would need all the rest I could get. I wasn’t sure what to think about going to a new school yet, all I knew was I was just ready to get it all over with.

            As soon as we got to the new house, I was helped in and shown to my room. As soon as I lay on my bed, I fell asleep. I was dreaming about London and the different things there was to do there. I dreamed about hanging out with my old friends. They were friends that I thought I would never see again.

            In what seemed like in a blink of an eye, two years of my life had passed by. My name if Floyd and this is my story.

Chapter One:

Eighteenth Birthday!

            Beep! Beep! Beep! The alarm’s piercing shrieks filled my room. I; startled out of a deep slumber, rolled towards the edge of my bed. Turning off the alarm, I stretched my stiff limbs and gazed around my room with tiresome eyes. The fresh scent of the ocean breeze and palm trees snuck into my room through an open window.

            “Not again.” I stifled a yawn while getting off my bed. But just as I stood, the door flung open and Darrel barraged in! He took two leaps into my room and sprung to the air flying towards me. I froze for only a moment, but it was just enough time for him to tackle me to the floor beside my bed.

            “Get up, bro! Don’t want to be late for school, do you?” Darrel chuckled at my frustration of his intrusion.

            “Oh no, my dear brother, I would never possibly be late to witness your humiliation of you asking your best friend out.” I retorted sharply. “Shall I bring my video camera too?”

            “I’ll tell mother if you do!”

            “Tell her! It’s not like she’s going to do anything about it. I’ll even give her the video for the collection she has of you since you were little. I’m sure she will be more than glad to take it.”

            “Is that a threat?”

            “Of course it’s not.” I smiled maliciously at him. “It’s a promise.”

            An expression of worry crossed Darrel’s face and I found myself unable to quit my cruel, theatrical, quarrel with him. It amused me. It made me feel dominant over him. That’s when I decided I wouldn’t put up with his bullying anymore. It was time to take control of my life for a change, not let others decide what’s best for me. Unless, of course, it’s Brenda or Aldrich. I definitely do not want to anger them. Those two were a force not to mess with. They were highly respected back in London and are still highly respected here in Florida.

            I got off the floor from where I had been tackled in just enough time to see Darrel run out of my room. I heard his heavy feet the whole way down stairs to the kitchen. I chuckled to myself as I walked over to the open window. The breeze felt nice and warm., comforting and calming. I shut the window and got a shirt out of the closet. It was gray with black stripes. Well, at least Connor will appreciate my taste in clothing, I thought to myself as I finished dressing for school. Grabbing my bag and tossing it over my shoulder, I walked out of my room and headed for the kitchen. My phone went off in my pocket playing American Idiot in all of its glory, letting me know I had a text message. It took my phone out of my pocket and flipped it open. It was from Liam.

            ~Meet out front on the steps~ he had texted.

            In reply I said, ~okay. I’ll tell Connor. Wonder what color his hair is today? ~

            ~There is really no telling with him. Do you think his hair will match his outfit again? ~

            ~There’s only one way to find out~

            ~Yeah. See you there~

            I sent a text to Connor and told him Liam would be waiting on the steps at school for us. I grabbed a quick bite to eat. Nothing special just a single, unimportant slice of buttered toast. Brenda was in the kitchen making a nutritious meal for everyone. My sister, Maitane, was helping her out with the buttering of the toast and the frying of the bacon. Maitane tried to catch me before I left the house, but she was too late. I decided to take the bus to school for a change. Being seen riding with my mother was a bit insulting for my age. Eighteen finally and yet I feel no different. Was I even supposed to? I walked out to the end of the road and waited for the bus. It seemed like it took forever when in reality it only took five minutes, give or a take a few seconds.

            When the bus got here, I was surprised to see that it was half full. The door opened and I walked up the three steep steps. As I made my way to the back of the bus, I scanned my surroundings and noticed there were only seventeen others on here. I took the seat in the back and stared out the window the whole ride. I could feel the stares of the other students on the bus drilling holes in me, just trying to figure out who I was. It was like they had never seen me before. Was I invisible to them those last two years? It was unsettling.

            The bus pulled up to the school and everyone made their way off the bus in a hurry. I got up and made sure I was the last one off. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself. All I wanted to do was meet my friends at the location we had agreed on. I looked at the grounds as I made my way to the steps. Connor and Liam were there waiting like always and I was the last to meet up there. It’s funny how time passes and the more you examine the things people say have changed; they never actually changed at all.

            We got to talking about the possibilities of the day’s events, until I noticed the most beautiful girl in the entire school, Coral. She was like something you would see in one of the playboy bunny posters. She has long dirty-blond hair, bright blue eyes as well as an angel’s body. Sure she was a stuck up little snob, but that doesn’t mean she’s not a perfect ten in the guys book. She would be the perfect girl for any guy out there. Plus she was popular. She walked past us as if she didn’t notice we existed. Liam and Connor were waving their hands in my face. I hardly noticed them.

            I snapped out of it just in time for the tardy bell to ring. Connor, Liam, and I raced to get to class before Ms. Ross had noticed our tardiness. We flew through the door and to the back of the class. Good thing Ms. Ross was older and had hearing issues. Her back was to us as she began to write the topics of today’s discussions on the board. This was a private school and there were only a select few who qualified to be in it. My family and I were lucky to get in two years ago. Of course a lot of how we got in was based on how much we paid to get in. We had plenty of money to go around and last us a life time.

            As Ms. Ross lectured us on all the topics, I found myself drifting into my own world. I never did pay attention in class. Her melodramatic, long winded lectures always seemed to put me to sleep. Paper in the wind was more exciting to watch than having to listen to her lectures. It was a miracle I was passing her class. I never studied, never paid attention, and never really cared in the first place! I already read all my class books, so there was really no point in paying attention in her class. I did my school work and turned it in too just so I would have something to do. American schools were a lot different than London schools.

            I began dreaming about an abstract world when I was slightly startled out of my peaceful world of make-believe. Steven; the class jock, decided it would be fun to throw wads of paper at me while I was sleeping. His last name was Payne and man was he ever a pain. He was Coral’s boy toy at the time but she refers to him as her boyfriend. He’s been known to prank people all the time or just flat out bully them. In my first year attending this school, in America, he threw me in the dumpster out back. That was humiliating.

            I heard Connor stick up for me as I started to stir. Ms. Ross was busy writing notes on the board to notice the quarrel fixing to start between me and my friends and Steven. Connor was sitting in an alert position with his odd teal colored hair spiked, matching his outfit yet again.

            “You have got to be joking!” Steve snapped. “The only guy who’s going to stick up for him and call me out is Mr. Rainbow? What a joke! Next week you should try pink. It brings out the girl in you.” He laughed hysterically.

            “Well at least I’m man enough to try and pull this look off! It looks better on me than your true color looks on you!” Connor snapped back.

            By that time, the noise level had stirred me enough to wake from my slumber. I yawned and looked around to see what was going on. Connor and Steven were standing nose to nose glaring at each other profusely. I happened to glance right behind Connor and noticed Raven beginning to stand and make her way to them. My eyes widened with confusion as I watched the quarrel play out.

            “All he does is sleep the whole time every class!” Steven continued his harassing.

            “At least he’s still smart enough to pass this class unlike you, Steven” Raven butted into the conflict. “He has aced every test he’s taken and what do you have to show? You have nothing more than ‘D’s’?”

            “He’s still passing, you little want-to-be!” Coral jumped in.

            “I’d much rather be a ‘want-to-be’ than a stuck up, prep like you are!”

            Ms. Ross turned around and noticed the quarrel. She slammed the book down hard on her desk causing the whole class to jump. Everyone returned to their desks and kept their mouths shut until she turned around to write more notes down on the board. As soon as she turned around again to write on the board the quarrel started back up. This time, Liam drug my attention away from the others.

            “So, Floyd, what are you planning on doing after school for your birthday?” Liam asked me curiously. I could tell he was planning something, but I wasn’t too sure what it was.

            “Not much. My parents are planning a party for me at six if you want to come.” I replied.

            “Sounds fun, but seriously. Want to go to the park?”

            “’Go to the park’? No.” I cackled.

            “Not the park-park. Go to the Amusement park where they have rides and a pool!”

            “That would be sweet, dude! That would be awesome. Sure.”

            “Connor can come too. Heck, even your sis and her friend can come. I’m pretty sure your little bro is going to have his annoying friend over. I doubt they will want to stay there with those two stalking them.”

            “You have a fairly strong point there. Yeah, we’ll invite them and leave the other two stranded at the house with the parents.”

            We both agreed on that option. Neither of us got along with my little brother, or his friends. Those two were hell on wheels and nothing could stop them from ruining everything. The school bell rang and everyone who was once standing had quickly sat down. Ms. Ross turned around and gave us our homework that we had to turn in on Monday. She waited for the second bell to sound and when it did she dismissed us.

            It was going on about three in the afternoon. Connor, Liam, and I walked out of the classroom and started down the hall quickly, hoping to make it out before my brother and his friend found us. We were about half way down the hall when I heard Raven calling me. We all stopped and turned around to face her. She ran up to us and handed me a card.

            “It’s not much, but it is your birthday after all.” She smiled sweetly at me.

            “We’re about to go to the amusement park, would you like to come?” I invited her and smiled back politely.

            “No. I don’t think so. I’m not much of a rollercoaster girl.” She hesitated.

            “Well, if you’re not doing anything later; say around six, my folks are having a small party for me at the house. It’d be cool if you could come.”

            “I can do that. I’m not real big into huge crowds, but a small one I can handle.” She giggled shyly.

            “So, I’ll see you there then?”

            “You sure will. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

            “Thanks again for the gift. See you later on!” I waved to her as we headed in different directions.

            “That was sweet of her.” Connor smiled brightly at me.

            I blushed slightly then said, “Well she is a really good friend, you know.”

            “How good of friends are you two?” Liam grinned at me causing me to blush ever so slightly.

            “We’re just really good friends.” I reassured them cautiously.

            “You have a crush on her, don’t you?” Connor made his comeback.

            “I have no idea what you are both talking about.” I chuckled and kept on toward the doors.

            “But you’re blushing so it must mean something.” Liam stated as he and Connor quickened their pace to keep up with me.

            “It’s just because the questions being asked out in public are embarrassing me.” I mumbled to them as we exited the school in time to miss Darrel.

            “Yeah, we’ve heard it all before. It’s the same old, same old. But look on the bright side of things, you don’t have to deal with your little bro right this second.” Connor stated as he threw his arms up and put his hands behind his head while walking beside me.

            I couldn’t help but notice that he did have a good point about not having to deal with Darrel at the moment, but it meant that it would be hard to get away from him once we got to the house. Darrel was an interesting selection for God to give my parents. They thought he was a perfect angel when, in fact, he was just the opposite. He always had messy, dark brown hair and envy-filled, green eyes. He was playfully childish and very annoying. He was the spoiled, rule-breaker of the family who loved to prank people. He was Steven’s partner in crime.

            Maitane, on the other hand, was a sweet girl. She has flowing, blond hair and big, golden eyes that glimmer like stars. She’s kind hearted and always has a smile on her face. My sister is my hero. But she does hate it when Darrel and I get into fights. Only thing I really despise is that Merlin; Darrel’s friend has a huge crush on her. It’s creepy how he comes over to stalk her. He’s been coming around to stalk her for two years. Funny how the things that need to change actually become worse as time passes.

            As we walked up to the Calhoun Residence, we noticed Maitane and her friend Hailey waiting for us on the front porch. Naturally curious, we walked up to confront them. The way they were looking at us three with gleaming eyes and grins from ear to ear made me feel like I was caught red-handed sneaking into the girls’ locker-room. I could hear Darrel and Merlin stampeding toward the door from upstairs as I hesitated to ask the girls what they were so ecstatic about. I smiled nervously and asked,

            “What is with the squiggles and giggles, girls?”

            “You are going to be so surprised when you find out.” Hailey couldn’t help but blurt out for the world to know.

            “Shh!” Maitane reminded Hailey. “Let’s just say we know something you don’t know, but mother won’t even let us give you a hint.” She told me with a huge grin.

            “Well, mother does have a point in telling you that. If you told me what it was or even hinted to it then it wouldn’t be a surprise anymore.”

            “But it would be nice to know anyway.” Both Connor and Liam stated in unison.

            I turned to them and nodded in agreement. The front door opened up to reveal the demented duo, Darrel and Merlin. The two young guys walked out with smug expressions. I couldn’t help but to glare at them. The air surrounding us became thick with tension. Merlin was wearing his dorky little hat and shades again like he always does.

            “Sup, boys?” Merlin said with his retarded squeak of a voice as he tried to act big and bad like a gangster.

            “Nothing that a small fry like you would need to know.” Connor retorted.

            “You better call off your boy, if you know what mean.” Darrel bluffed.

            “You know your bluffing doesn’t work on me.” I reminded.

            “I never said it did. Just call off your gay friends and get out of our way.” Darrel told me.

            “Yeah, call off your gay friends and get out of our way.” Merlin copied.

            “Okay. First let me point out something. My friends are not gay like you two are. As a matter of fact, we were just about to leave after asking the girls if they wanted to go to the park with us so you two can have all the gay fun you want to. And second, we don’t have to get out of your way because you can just go around.” I stated to them while glaring sharply into their souls.

            Merlin looked worriedly at Darrel as Darrel’s face became red with anger. Merlin backed away slightly as Darrel balled his hands into fists and said, “If you won’t move then I’ll make you move.”

            “So what do you say, girls? Want to go to the amusement park with us?” I asked them, ignoring Darrel as much as I could.

            The girls smiled brightly and nodded. “Yes!” they said.

            “Then get your things ready to go. Get a towel too. There’s an awesome water slide and a huge pool there. Heck, I might even get in!” I laughed as I watched them run inside to get ready as I saw Darrel take a few steps towards me.

            He pulled his fist back like a sling shot band and flung his fist at my face as hard as he could. I saw it coming so I blocked it using my palm and clenched his fist tightly. His eyes widened with disbelief that I could block his “oh so powerful” blow with just one hand. With his free hand he tried it again, but he didn’t learn from the first time. I blocked his fist from making contacting again and clenched it tightly with my other hand. Darrel had a look on his face of not knowing what to do at a critical moment such as this as I twisted one arm over the other and slung him hard to the ground.

            It wasn’t long until Brenda came walking outside to break up the fight. She cleared her throat loudly and crossed her arms over her chest. She wasn’t too happy with us, but gave me a warning instead of a punishment this time since it was my birthday. I guess you could say I got the benefit of the doubt. Darrel, however, got grounded for a week this time instead of getting let off the hook. I was shocked, but happy at the same time.

            “When will you two learn to get along?” Brenda asked as she sighed heavily.

            “As soon as Darrel learns to leave me alone and not pester me about stupid stuff; or barge into my room and jump on me in the mornings.” I commented with an annoyed tone.

            “It’s called brotherly love, Floyd. Something you need to learn more about. It’s a good thing he feels like doing those things. It just means he loves you.” She stated.

            “Well, I’d like it if he showed me a little less love from now on. He’s annoying and childish. All he does is try to fight me and I’m tired of fighting a fight that I know for sure I can win. It’s not challenging at all. It’s irritating and boring.”

            “At least try to get along with him for now.” She asked me with concern in her voice. “Why don’t you all come in? I know you want to go hang out for a bit, but Floyd has to get his things anyway. We have plenty of snacks if you would like some.” She offered everyone.

            “No thank you, Ms. Calhoun. But thank you for the offer.” Liam said politely and Connor agreed.

            “We’ll take some snacks!” Darrel and Merlin shouted excitedly in unison.

            We all headed inside for the moment. I headed up to my room to get my swim trunks and a towel. Liam and Connor followed me up there. I shut my door and locked it so the two annoying brats couldn’t barge in. I pulled my black and lime checkered swim trunks out of the closet and grabbed my black beach towel to carry with me. I turned my back to the guys and changed into my trunks then grabbed a black tank to throw on to go with it. Turning to the guys I tossed them each a beach towel and a pair of swimming trunks for them to put on so we wouldn’t have to stop by their places and waste time. Connor got the bright teal and black stripped pair with a blue towel while Liam got a crimson and black plaid pair with a crimson towel. They didn’t complain as they changed into the trunks I handed them to borrow. Then I pulled out two more black tanks and handed them each one. They put them on quickly as I heard a knock on my door.

            “Who is it?” I asked curiously.

            “It’s me.” Hailey stated. “Your mother wants you down in the family room. She says it’s urgent.”

            “Tell her I’ll be right down. I’m just getting the rest of my stuff together”

            “Okay, but hurry”

            “I am.”

            I hurried to get the rest of the stuff, but couldn’t find my wallet. We headed down to the family room and sat down on the leather couches. I looked around and waited for someone to say something. No one said a thing until I began to get up. I heard Brenda clear her throat and get up. She walked over to me with a grin on her face and I sat back down again. She handed me a card. I opened it and a key fell on my lap. Liam picked the key up and handed it to me. I read the card aloud.

            “Happy Eighteenth Birthday, Floyd! I know how much you wanted it so we got it for you. Lots of love from Mom and Dad.” I held up the key and asked, “What’s this?”

            “It’s for your gift, son.” Aldrich stated as he came down from his study. He pulled out a pen and his check book from his pocket and began scratching down a few things on a new check. “How much do you think you’ll need for your little trip to the park?”

            “I don’t know, maybe a couple hundred? We were talking about eating on our way there and I don’t want to take them to a cheap place for my birthday.” I stated cautiously.

            “Go check the garage!” Maitane commanded. “You have a key so there has to be something the key goes to, right? So, go check the garage!”

            “Alright, I’m going now.” I got up and walked to the garage door. I opened it and there it was! A black Mercedes SLS AMG! My dream car! I jumped up and down hysterically and ran over to it. I opened the door and immediately got in. I sank into the leather seat and wrapped my fingers tightly around the steering wheel. I took the key and started the car up. The rumbling of the engine hummed in the garage. Sitting in the car fueled me and made me want to drive out of there right now. Liam and Connor were circling it like vultures do their prey. They wanted it bad. I could tell. But they couldn’t have it. I turned the key and got out. Shut the door and hugged Brenda and shook Aldrich’s hand firmly.

            “Thank you both!” I exclaimed as Aldrich handed me the check he wrote out for six hundred dollars.

            “Whatever you don’t use you can always use it for lunch during school or snacks on your break if you don’t sleep through it again. We’ll talk about the payments on your car as well as the insurance. You should also look into a job. The car won’t pay for itself, you know.” Aldrich commented.

            “Thank you, sir.” I bowed my head slightly in acknowledgement then turned to the guys, then to the girls. “Is everyone ready?” I asked.

            “As ready as we’ll ever be!” Connor stated as he got in the car. “I call shot gun!” he shouted as he got in the front passenger seat.

            “Guess that leaves me in the back with girls unless you’re willing to let me drive.” Liam grinned widely.

            “Not a chance!” I retorted and chuckled. “But you can be in front on our way back, if you want.”

            “Nice!” Liam got in the back behind the driver seat.

            “Thank you for inviting us to tag along!” Hailey said with gratitude as she and Maitane got in the back.

            Once everyone who was going got in, I started the engine and opened the metal door to the garage. I slowly pulled out then stopped in the driveway to make a few adjustments to the seat and mirrors. As soon as I got everything adjusted where I needed them, I pulled onto the road and headed to the bank to cash the check.

            “So, where does everyone want to go to eat?” I asked while I looked through an assortment of CDs on the visor over my head.

            “How about we go to Longhorn?” Hailey said.

            “Why go there when you can go to a better place like Outback?” Liam stated.

            “I’m on Liam’s side with that choice in the air.” Connor cackled lightly.

            “There’s always Kio!” Maitane exclaimed excitedly. “They have really good spring rolls and squid salad.” She giggled softly as everyone voiced their opinion on that with “Eww!”

            “Outback does sound good though. We can all get a steak. I think the ribs are the best.” I stated. “Does everyone agree on Outback?”

            “Sure do!” Hailey giggled.

            “No complaints here, boss.” Connor joked.

            “I can’t say I can complain either.” Liam laughed.

            “I would have rather had sushi, but steak is good too.” Maitane smiled playfully.

            I pulled up to the bank and pulled around to their drive thru, pressed the button, and waited for the man or woman on the other side. I signed the back of the check. There was a woman on the other side of the class. She took a seat and pressed a few buttons. The canister came down the shoot and the door opened on it.

            “How may I help you today, sir?” the woman asked as I put the check and my ID in the canister, shut the door, and pressed then button to send it back.

            “I need to cash a check.” I stated to her as she received the canister.

            She opened it and said, “To confirm who you are, can you please tell me your name?”

            “I am Floyd Maurice Calhoun.”

            “Just one moment please, Mr. Calhoun.”

            “Thank you.” I watched her turn to a gentleman and hand him the check. He walked away periodically.

            “I’ve never heard your full name before.” Connor stated. “Is there a meaning behind it?”

            “There is.”

            “Can you tell us?” Liam questioned.

            “Not right now.”

            “Why can’t you tell us?” Connor pouted.

            I didn’t say anything so Maitane explained for me. “It has a mixed meaning to it and he’s ashamed of the meaning.”

            “What could it possibly mean for him to be ashamed of it?” Liam looked over at her with concern.

            “He’ll tell you when he’s ready.” Maitane smiled sweetly.

            The man came back to the woman as if he was trying to confirm several things. Then I saw him bring her the money. She put a couple paper clips on the bills to hold them together. That way when the littler door opened on the canister then money wouldn’t fly away on the winds. She put the money in the canister and sent it back. I received it and pulled my money and ID out. While counting the money the woman came back on the speaker and said,

            “I’m sorry for the wait. Have a good day, sir.”

            “Not a problem. Thank you.”

            Since the money was all there, I put it in the dash and drove off toward Outback. Arriving at Outback, we circled the parking lot several times looking for a spot. It was Friday so the place was packed. The line was out along the sidewalk. We decided to skip eating out since Aldrich was probably going to grill at the evening party. We pulled out of the parking lot and got back on the main road again. I turned the radio on and searched for a station. Not able to find a station I liked, I put in a Disturbed CD and cranked the volume up. We jammed out to it as we made our way to the amusement park.

            We got there after an hour of driving and found that it wasn’t as packed as we thought it would be. There was only about a handful of vehicles in the parking lot and I found a front row spot to park. I put the car in park and took the key out of the ignition. Making sure everyone had their things that were packed to bring; we got out of the car and headed to the admissions booth. There was a man in the booth waiting on people and a couple with their kids in front of us. Once they were through I handed the man sixty dollars for the five of us and he handed me ten back as well as the wrist bands. I handed everyone a wrist band and we all put them on while walking through the gates.

            “Who’s up for the water slide first?” I asked as I jumped up and down waiting for someone to speak.

            “I am!” Connor stated.

            “Let’s have a race there, then. First one there to the top and down wins and the last one there and to the bottom has to-”

            “-has to get Floyd’s cake smashed in their face and a blackmail photo taken of them and posted all over Facebook!” Liam interrupted.

            “You’re on!” we all laughed and took off sprinting toward the ladder leading to the top of the slide.

            The race to the top was epic! First Liam was in second and Hailey was in third but just as they started their climb Connor was in second and Liam was in third. Hailey fell to last place quickly and Maitane was keeping strong in third. I never once left first place. I kept going strong with a good lead in first but Connor was catching up quickly. I hurried down the slide, pushing myself off to give me an extra boost on my decent. Connor just reached the slide as I got to the bottom. Hailey and Maitane quickly made their way past Liam and to the slide. Connor shot down the slide just seconds before Maitane did. Hailey and Liam were tied. They pushed off the top at the same time and began their decent. We all cheered them on and waited to see who would be the first one down. Liam had the advantage of being taller than Hailey but Hailey weighed less than Liam and glided down on top of the water. At the very bottom I was ready with my camera to take a photo finish. I snapped the photo in just enough time to capture the fourth place winner. Hailey was the winner! Which meant only one thing, Liam would have to deal with getting cake smeared all over him and a photo taken and posted all over Facebook that same night. The race was awesome and even though Liam had height on his side, Hailey has the luck of less friction and a slightly faster ride down. It was a fair match but there was plenty of time for a rematch.

            We chilled out by the side of the water for a few. Drank a couple sodas and chatted about the school year so far. I have to admit, it is nice getting to spend time with friends like this. We talked about what we would do next school year and wondered if Steven would still be in our class or if he would be a junior forever. We all laughed about that thought. The sun was beginning to fall and the breeze became cooler. I decided I would start packing things up. Liam and Connor helped while we let the girls relax and keep chatting. I took everything to the car and put it all in the trunk. I waited there for everyone to get in. I got in and started it, the radio made me jump because of the volume still being set to max. I pulled the car up to the gates and they all got in. Liam sat up front this time. The ride home seemed much longer that the ride there. I put in my Good Charlotte CD and we rocked out the whole way back to the house.

            When I pulled into the garage and we all headed inside, we didn’t see anyone in the house. The girls headed to Maitane’s room to change and put their things away, while we guys went to my room to change and put our things away. After we were back into our clothes we wore earlier that day, we all headed down to the backyard. Music was playing, but not too loud. It was Evanescence. We walked out back and saw a huge bonfire going. Raven was already there. She was talking to Brenda. I walked up to her and welcomed her to my party.

             “Did you open the gift I gave you?” she asked curiously.

            “I was waiting for you to come to the party so I could open it in front of you.” I pulled it out of my pocket and opened it in front of her.

            “Well?” she asked. “What do you think of it?”

            I pulled out the kind of necklace a surfer would wear. “I like it. Nice job with the black and lime color pick of it too.” I put it on and I must admit; it was quite manly for a necklace. “That’s wicked! Thank you!”

            She smiled. “Not a problem.” She told me then walked over to the bonfire.

            I walked up to Connor and Liam to show them what the gift was that Raven had given to me. Connor thought it was the coolest thing ever and tried to bargain his way into getting it from me. I refused all his offers. But he was stubborn and wouldn’t give up. So I told him to ask Raven where she got it from and I would get him one as well so he wouldn’t feel left out. He accepted my offer and went to talk to Raven. Liam stuck around to chat with me for a bit.

            “Do you like your day so far?” He asked me curiously.

            “Well yeah! I got to spend the day with my friends. I got an awesome car. Everyone is having a great time. We have fire!” I chuckled as I motioned to the bonfire. “This is the best birthday ever!”

            “Right on! We so have to do this again.” He took a chug of his Pepsi before continuing. “Can I have my birthday over here?”

            “I don’t see why not. Your birthday is when again? November twelfth?”

            “That’s it. Not too much farther away from yours.”

            “We’ll have to have a party over here for you.” I stated.

            “Yeah, we will! But for now let’s just get Liam his prize for losing the race.” I cackled.

            We gathered everybody around Liam as Brenda walked out with the cake. We sang “Happy Birthday” to me then cut the cake. It was a huge cake because Brenda never knew how not to make too much of one thing for a small crowd. I took the first slice and winked at Raven who immediately took out her camera. She hurriedly powered it on and took aim, waiting for the perfect moment. I took the cake in my hands. As soon as Liam turned away, I casually walked up behind him. Out of nowhere all he saw were two hands full of cake plummeting toward his face. He took a step back to try and avoid it, but I was right there blocking his escape route. The cake made impact. It was like an explosion of cake all over his face and neck. Connor took a scoop of ice cream for extra measures and mixed in with the cake on Liam’s face. I released Liam and he stumbled forward. By that time, Raven had gotten quite a few good action shots of the torture. Liam found the water hose and rinsed his face and neck off, but still had some in his hair. We showed everybody at my party the pictures.

            “Ice cream too? Are you serious, guys?” Liam chuckled in embarrassment.

            “It was for good luck and extra embarrassment!” Connor stated laughing so hard he could hardly breathe.

            “What about the pictures? I thought you said only one was going to be taken!” Liam dried his eyes from the tears coming caused from laughing too hard.

            “I couldn’t help myself. I had to get a few good ones.” Raven erupted with laughter.

            “You have to admit, it was pretty funny to witness you getting attacked by killer birthday cake and ice cream.” I commented with a grin.

            “You have a point there.” Connor stated. “It will supply me with jokes for the rest of the school year.”

            We all laughed and had some cake and ice cream while we hung out for a while longer. We joked about Liam’s prize over and over again. We cut up about it every time. The bonfire died down to a mere simmer as time seemed to fly by. This turned out to be the best birthday ever recorded in the history of mankind. There were pranks and friends to celebrate with. Everybody enjoyed themselves, some more than others. But it all seemed to end almost too quickly.

            It was getting later and the sun was going down. Brenda and Aldrich gazed into the darkening sky. The moon was coming up. It was full. The breeze picked up a bit and they decided the party was over. They sent Darrel and Maitane to bed and thought it was best if Hailey didn’t stay over that weekend. I thanked everyone for coming to celebrate with me and thanked them all again as they left to go home. Liam and Connor told me they would text me in the morning to see what I was doing. I told them I’d let them know. The wind began to pick up slightly more as my guests left for home. I turned toward my parents.

            “I guess I’ll be off to bed now. Thanks again for everything. Goodnight.” I had just turned to walk away when Aldrich placed his hand on my shoulder.

            “You still don’t remember anything, do you?” he asked me as he gazed into my eyes, concerned.

            “Remember what?” I questioned hesitantly.

            “The stories we use to tell you about our family’s ancestors.” Brenda walked over to me and placed her palms on my jaw, cradling my face in her hands.

            “What stories?” I looked frantically from Brenda to Aldrich. Their concern worried me.

            “About what would happen the night of your eighteenth birthday, Floyd? Think, boy!” Aldrich shook me.

            “I don’t have any clue as to what you are talking about!” I started to back away from them. “You’re both nuts. You keep talking about things that shouldn’t matter. You question me about things I don’t know.”

            “Hon, we’re just trying to look out for you and keep you safe.” Brenda moved closer to try and calm me.

            Aldrich walked up to me and wrapped his arms around me, comforting me with an apologetic embrace. I accepted it. Brenda joined in then whispered softly to Aldrich. I tried to hear what was said but the hushed whispering between the two was not audible for my ears yet. They looked down at me then at each other. I looked up at them and my head was full of questions. They let me out o the embrace. I stood there for a moment before Aldrich grabbed my arm and led me outside. Brenda followed.

            “There’s something you need to know about what you have forgotten. Something was passed on from ancient times to us throughout generations.” Aldrich explained.

            “What do you mean? Like family history?” I questioned.

            “Kind of like that, yeah. More like the reason why we are so hard on you and one of the reasons why your name has a double meaning within it.”

            “Is it something that can wait until tomorrow?”

            “No. it can only wait a few more minutes. That’s why I am trying to tell out about it now.”

            “You make it sound like something terrible is going to happen.”

            “You have no idea. You won’t be able to go to school for a week. You will have to be constantly watched. You cannot go outside by yourself or around humans until we get this under control.”

            “Why say ‘humans’ when we are humans?”

            “We are not humans, Floyd. That’s what we need you to remember.”

            “Remember what?”

            “Remember ’the truth behind truths’. The reasons why we act the way we do.”

            “But-” I was unable to finish the rest of my sentence.

            The wind picked up out of nowhere as the sun sank into its temporary slumber while the full moon rose into the cloudy sky. I couldn’t help but to find myself gazing at the moon. My heart raced. The longer I stared, the faster my heart beat. Aldrich and Brenda walked up beside me and grabbed my arms tightly. I was unaware of my surroundings as my body tensed up and became numb. My eyes glowed in the reflection of the moon. Then, I was stricken with a sharp pain. I lost my focus on the moon as my knees buckled under my weight. Aldrich picked me up in his arms and headed for the cellar. A place where I thought we once kept extras of a variety of objects now would become my prison.