Nightmare

"Ahhhhh," screamed Sandra as she wakes up abruptly. In her dream she was in the middle of running from a woman trying to kill her. She wipes the sweat off of her forehead and sits in the edge of the bed. This was strange to Sandra because she never had a bad dream. Did this mean something she thought? She reaches for her phone to check the time.
"Man I have to get ready for work now,” said Sandra with disappointment. She should have never answered the phone when they called her in for work last night. When Sandra is finished getting ready she walks out her house and locks her door then heads towards her car.

Riding with her top down, Sandra is blasting her music on her way to work. Arriving to the entrance of her job there is a homeless family of three sitting on the edge of the sidewalk begging for money. Sandra never liked giving money to homeless people because she felt they could get a job or find another way to maintain their family without begging. When Sandra parks her car the mother of the two children approaches Sandra’s car and asks for some spare change. Sandra completely ignored the lady and kept walking until she got to the door of her job. She could hear the lady mumble under her breath. Sandra looks back and the lady was nowhere to be found. This was the second time this has happened to her.

All day at work Sandra kept thinking about the homeless lady. She looked familiar, and then all of a sudden she remembered her nightmare.

“Sandra what is wrong with you today,” asked Lisa her boss.

“Nothing, I’m just tired,” said Sandra.

“Ok well since it is slow you are more than welcome to go home,” said Lisa.

“I was only here for six hours that isn’t even half of my shift,” says Sandra.

“I don’t care how long you were here for get out or you are fired,” shouted Lisa.

Sandra gets her things and walks out to her car. Trying to look for her keys in her purse she notices a note on her windshield. It said watch your back.

Sandra looks around trying to see if anybody was around watching her. She finally finds her keys and speeds out of there. What in the world is going on thought Sandra? She feels her phone vibrating in her purse and takes it out to see who is calling once she sees who it is she ignores it. Her ex boyfriend was always sending her messages threatening her.

“Oh my god it all makes sense now, he is the one that left that note on my car,” said Sandra. Quickly making a U-turn she is on her way to his house. He lives pretty far but she doesn’t have anything better to do and this was going too far so she needed to end it now.

Two hours go by and she finally arrives to his house. Sandra gets out of her car and yells his name. it is dark outside

“Who is that making all that noise,” asks Daniel.

“Daniel it is Sandra, why the hell are you constantly bothering me,” asked Sandra.

“What are you talking about,” asked Daniel.

“The note you left me on my car and the phone call you made right after I found it,” yelled Sandra.

“I never left a note on your car I haven’t even left my house all day and I lost my phone two days ago so that couldn’t have been me Sandra,” said Daniel.

“How am I supposed to believe that when you would always leave me crazy texts ever since we broke up?”

“You broke up with me three days ago and I lost my phone two days ago add the pieces up Sandra that was not me doing this to you.”

“Then who is doing this to me, this is crazy and I am starting to get scared,” said Sandra.

“It will be ok, do you want to come inside for a bit,” asked Daniel.

“Yes that would be great but I can only stay for a little while.”

Sandra walks inside the house with Daniel and sits on his couch. Daniel goes to the kitchen and grabs a couple beers. Sandra grabs one and starts drinking, whenever she is stressed out she becomes an alcoholic. She finished two bottles and kept asking for more but Daniel told her that wasn’t a good idea because she had a long drive back home.

“Come on Daniel you know I am good at driving drunk,” said Sandra.

“I won’t let you take the risk, I care about you Sandra maybe you should spend the night here.”

“Are you only doing this so we can get back together because I don’t want to get back together with you sorry.”

“No Sandra I am doing this because you are in danger.”

“It is time for me to go, thanks for the time I wasted here.”

“Sandra stop being ridiculous right now. I am tired of your shit. That’s why you are lonely because you constantly push people away and now you lost me permanently don’t ever come looking for me again!”

Sandra is upset now because what he said was true. She had no one, she was always pushing people away and she never knew why. She started crying and looked back to look at Daniel but he had already closed the door on her. Daniel was so disappointed in Sandra all he wanted to do was be there for her. She lost the only person that would actually be there for her. He really cared about Sandra it killed him to let her go. He felt like that was the only way she will realize she needed to change.

Sandra didn’t have a jacket on and it was freezing. She looked up at the sky. The moon was shining bright. It was beautiful but it didn’t make Sandra feel any better. Her night couldn’t possibly get worse she thought.

It took her longer than expected to get home because she was a little buzzed and she didn’t want to get pulled over by a cop.

Once she turns into her drive way she parks her car immediately. She was so tired all she wanted to do was sleep so she wouldn’t have to think about Daniel or anyone else. Walking to her door step she trips over something. Sandra gets back up and looks at what she tripped over. It is a little boy sleeping on top of a lady. Sandra screams! They boy and the lady wake up.

“Who are you and what are you doing on my property,” asked Sandra.

The lady doesn’t say anything she just stares at Sandra.

“We are sorry to bother you but this was the nearest house we got to, my boy is really tired and he just wanted to sleep but we will leave if you want us to,” said the lady.

Sandra had to think about it. She had no idea who these people were and had no idea what they were capable of. Sandra looked at the little boy and he looked at her with his sweet blue eyes. She had no choice but to let them in her home.

“It is ok; I think it would be better if yall came inside. It is freezing cold out here and it isn’t good for yall so come follow me,” said Sandra as she opens the door to her house.

The lady picks up the boy and she walks inside of Sandra’s house. Sandra goes upstairs to find some blankets and pillows so they can sleep in the living room.

“Thank you so much Sandra,” says the boy.

Sandra stares at him confused.

“How do you know my name,” asked Sandra.

“It was just a guess,” says the lady as she covers the boy’s mouth.

That was real strange to Sandra but she doesn’t pay much attention to it. She tells her guests goodnight and heads upstairs to her room. Knowing it wouldn’t be easy going to sleep she takes some Nyquil to help her out. Once it kicks in she is knocked out.

“Ahhhhhh,” screamed Sandra. She wakes up having the same nightmare as last night. This time when she tries getting up she can’t because her hands and legs are tied up restraining her from moving.

“What the fuck is going on,” yells Sandra. As soon as she says that the lady from yesterday walks in with a knife.

“Hello Sandra, I have been waiting for this day to come,” says the lady while she smirks.

“I don’t even know who you are how do you know my name,” asked Sandra.

“I am the lady you always fuck over.”

Sandra just stares at this crazy woman.

“How the hell did you get in my house,” asked Sandra. The lady points at the other lady from last night.

“How could you do this to me, I let you in my home when you needed help and you fucked me over,” said Sandra.

“This was all a plan,” said the first lady.

Sandra was so confused. She had no idea what to do. There was no way she could get out of the rope she was tied up with. This was the end of her life she wished she could have done things better. Sandra closes her eyes and tells the lady to just kill her already.

“I am not going to kill you dumb ass, I just wanted to teach you a lesson.”

Sandra just lays there clueless. She still has no idea why this started in the first place. She was so angry right now, Sandra starts cussing up a storm but everyone was already out of the house. She is still tied up on the bed and had no idea how she was ever going to get out she had nobody. Sandra starts screaming hoping one of her neighbors will hear her and come to the rescue. All of a sudden Daniel is in her room and he starts laughing.

“What the heck are you doing tied up,” asked Daniel.

Sandra just rolls her eyes and tells him to untie her.

“I will tell you later,” said Sandra.

“I came to apologize for the way I talked to you last night, I didn’t mean to talk to you that way I was just upset,” said Daniel.

Sandra smiled and couldn’t have asked for anyone better. She had learned her lesson. 

The park

It was September 2^nd. It has been exactly sixty nine years since World War ll was over. Two old men were walking around a park like they usually do every day. 

“I’m getting tired, maybe we should sit down,” said Soloman.

“You’re right I’m getting tired as well,” said Abraham. They both walk to the nearest bench and sit down. Abraham catches Soloman staring at the identification tattoo on his arm. Abraham quickly covers the tattoo with his hand and attempts to start a conversation.

“So how is your wife doing Soloman,” asked Abraham.

“She is doing well, thanks for asking,” replied Soloman.

They both sit in awkward silence until Soloman pushes Abraham’s hand away from where he was hiding the tattoo.

“You don’t have to hide it from me Abraham,” said Soloman.

“I am just ashamed of having it in the first place, I don’t want people asking me about it either,” said Abraham.

“I know, it is a sensitive topic, but you can’t keep hiding it forever,” said Soloman.

“I try so hard every day to forget my experience in Auschwitz but it will never happen,” said Abraham.

“I can’t forget about the experience I had fighting in the war,” said Soloman.

“I was ten years old when my family was forced to get on the train to Poland, I had no idea where we were going, everyone heard rumors but we never knew for sure until we stepped foot off that train,” said Abraham.

Soloman just looked at Abraham and listened.

“The ride there was horrible, we were all cramped up in one place, we were treated as if we were animals and I never understood why.”

Tears start to go down Abrahams face but he wipes it away quickly.

“I will never forget the day we arrived because that was the last day I would ever see my family again.”

“My mother and my father caught the flu while we were in the train they tried to hide the symptoms or else they would be left to die in the cold.”

Abraham looks up at the sky trying to hold back the tears from coming faster.

“The day we arrived my parents were already too weak to get out of the train so when the Nazis yelled at them to get out they couldn’t, the Nazis took it as them disobeying orders and shot them in front of everyone.”

“I am so sorry Abraham,” said Soloman.

“I know I am a survivor but sometimes I wish I wasn’t so I wouldn’t have to live the rest of my life with those dreadful memories,” said Abraham.

Santa

Dear Santa,

Wassup man, I don’t ever write a letter but I thought maybe this year I should. I live in the most dangerous city in Illinois and I am getting tired of people shooting up in my neighborhood. These people don’t know who they messin with. You feel me? I want a Remington so I can shoot anybody that wanna act bad. I know that puts me on the naughty list but you know I’m just tryna protect the kids. I’m like a hero. Don’t let my dreams go to waste

Another thing I would like is an iphone six. I always see these dirty kids walking around with one and I get jealous. I’m an old lady but I need to stay in trend with these children. I would love to take some bomb ass selfies. I can’t do that with this piece of crap flip phone my daughter bought me.

You know what I love and would die if you gave it to me on Christmas? I would love a brand new house out of this city. I know I am asking for the most but come on Santa that would be wonderful. I don’t want to live in this hood anymore. I need a better living lifestyle and I know you can help me. You make miracles happen. If I stay here any longer I will get murdered. This is the city where murders happen on a regular. Do you seriously want a poor old granny like me to die? It is a new city or I turn into a murderer as well. It is all up to you. Do you want to see the good in me or the bad? I prefer to show you the good but I can’t do this on my own.

I know you got me Santa. I can’t wait till the 25^th to see if you really came through.

-Love,

        Grandma from da hood

P.S I got you with the cookies.

Time Machine

"Why would you do that to me Laura," asked Jasmine.

"I didn't mean to it was an accident," said Laura.

"How could sleeping with my boyfriend possibly be an accident? I thought you were my best friend, that was very low of you," yelled Jasmine. Laura walked away because she had nothing to say, she really messed up this time and she felt terrible. Laura has known Jasmine for fifteen years and she messed it all up for one night of stupidity. Laura had to figure out a way to make things better. 

Laura starts walking home and realizes she does have a way of making things better. She heads towards Marty Mcfly's house. Everyone knows about him using Doc's time machine. Word on the street is that he still has it. Laura didn't hesitate to go and find out. 

She approaches Marty's garage and checks to see if he is in there. 

"Marty I need your help," said Laura.

"Um ok do I know you," asked Marty.

"No my name is Laura but this is very important to me and I know you know about time machines," said Laura.

"Yes I do but I don't usually help strangers," said Marty.

"Please this would mean a lot to me, and I won't take long," said Laura with desperation in her voice.

Marty agrees to help her and he pushes a button that closes the garage door and he pulls the covers from a car parked in the corner. 

“The only thing about this time machine is you are only allowed to go back two days is that going to help you Laura,” asked Marty. Laura realized that wasn’t when she slept with Jasmine’s boyfriend. She tried thinking harder and remembered that was when Jasmine found out. That was perfect all she had to do was stop Jasmine from finding out.

“Yes Marty it is going to help me,” said Laura with excitement.

Laura gets in the car and Marty starts the machine, he sets the date from two days ago and starts the car. Marty gets out the vehicle and tells Laura it is up to her to figure out what to do next. Laura looks at him with disbelief why would he leave her on her own. She drives out of the garage and next thing she knows she a spark hits the car and she knows she is exactly in the time frame she wants to be.

Laura starts driving to the spot where Jasmine finds out about Laura and her boyfriend. When she arrives she gets out the car and goes inside the house. Jasmine is the living room while her boyfriend is taking a shower.

“Hey Jasmine, I’m sorry I came uninvited I just really needed to see you, I have something to show you,” says Laura.

“Oh hey Laura, you’re fine I’m just waiting on Jacob to get out of the shower,” said Jasmine.

“Do you mind going outside so I can show you the surprise,” asked Laura.

“Sure let me go find my shoes,” said Jasmine with a smile.

Laura waits until Jasmine is out of the room and looks for Jacob’s phone so she can delete the evidence from the night before. Jasmine comes back but Laura already did what she had to do. Jasmine smiles at Laura and they both walk out together. Jasmine will never suspect a thing and she will never find out. My job here is done thought Laura.

Memories

I was spending my nights on the beach alone every night. This was where Johnny and I used to come when he was still alive. No matter how hard I tried to forget about him, I just couldn’t let the memories go. This was the only place that brought me good memories. Remembering the good time we always had was the best feeling in the world because I wouldn’t be able to have them back.

Not long ago Johnny was captured in Iran while trying to save some civilians from the Taliban. He and four other soldiers were held hostage for a couple weeks until they were brutally murdered. It is the worst feeling in the world knowing your fiancé was murdered a couple weeks before he was supposed to come home for the wedding. It killed me inside whenever the soldiers were in my front porch holding an American flag. You always see it in movies but you never imagine it happening to you. It was the most devastating day of my life. I lost my best friend, soul mate and lover. The sad thing is I never got the chance to tell him how much he really meant to me.

Now I am standing here crying wishing he could come back. I needed to see him one last time.  Why did this have to happen to me? I was so happy when he was in my life, now I am left with nothing.

Standing here at this moment made me realize nothing would ever be the same. The beach was where Johnny proposed and promised he would be with me forever. Coming down here used to fill me with joy now it is just brings me pain and misery. Maybe I shouldn’t be coming down here anymore. It wasn’t doing me any good, I needed to forget everything.

I take my last glance at the sunset and ocean. I wouldn’t be coming back to this place anymore. I will always remember this was where my happiness started and where my happiness ended.

Secrets

James was at his grandma’s house waiting on his mom to pick him up. His mother always took her time whenever she had t0 do something for him. Every time he was around any family members he felt out of place. He had nothing in common with any of them. He wish he had some siblings to hang out with whenever he was over there so he could have someone to talk to, but James was an only child.

“Why are you still here loser,” asked one of his cousins.

“I am waiting for my mom why does it matter I’m not disturbing anybody,” said James.  He was getting tired of them acting like jerks. His cousin walked away when he saw that his grandma was coming to sit beside James.

“Jamie sweetheart why are you always fighting with your cousin,” asked James grandmother.

“I never fight with them grandma, they are always the ones picking on me,” said James. He was too old for them to be playing games. He wasn’t going to take any more of their crap either. Everyone is sitting in awkward silence. James gets up to use the restroom until he hears the doorbell ring. He goes up to the door in excitement because if it was his mother he would be able to leave as soon as possible. James opens the door without hesitation and smiles because it is his mother.

“Finally, I thought you would never get here,” said James.

“Where do you think you are going,” asked James mother.

“Home, what do you mean,” asked James. His mother pushes him out the way and heads towards the kitchen.

“You have got to be kidding me,” said James with disappointment. He follows his mother and he notices that she started a full on conversation with his grandma. James was never going to leave, once they start a conversation it doesn’t end till five hours later.

He didn’t have anything better to do but listen to what they were saying but as soon as they noticed he was listening they got quiet. That was odd, were they keeping something from him? He walks away and they continue talking. That made him feel worse than what he already did because now his own mother was avoiding him. What was wrong that everyone in his family hated him? He wished he knew but no one would ever tell him the truth. He lies down on the couch and then he hears his grandmother call out his name. James gets up immediately.

“Jamie can you do me a favor and go to the basement and get a red folder, it is very important and your mother needs it,” said James grandmother.

“Ok where exactly is it at grandma,” asked James.

“It is in a box where all my important papers are. Please make sure you don’t go through anything just bring me my red folder.” James goes down to the basement and looks for the box that she was talking about. As soon as he finds it he ignores what his grandma tells him and he goes through the folder and read what the papers have to say. He couldn’t believe what he was reading. The papers had his name on it. They were from an adoption center he was supposedly from. His whole family lied to him all this time. No wonder no one got along with him, he was never a blood relative.

He had no idea what to do, should he go back up there and pretend nothing changed? They didn’t deserve his kindness because he never got any from them so why should he return the favor.

James ripped the papers into pieces and walked upstairs. His grandmother asked for the folder but he completely ignored her and headed towards the door. He couldn’t speak to any of them not just yet.

Wedding day

Father:

As I walked down my daughter down the aisle together, I felt like I was reliving every minute we had ever shared all at once. I had dreaded that moment for years, but now that it had arrived, it was perfect. I kissed her and gave her hand to the man who would soon become her husband. They were perfect together it just killed me knowing I lost my little girl. Someone else would take care of her now. I hope this boy can make my daughter happy and never let her down I am counting on him.

Bride:

 I just got done walking down the aisle with my father and I am now standing in front of my fiancé. He looks so handsome and his smile makes me weak, just by looking at him gives me the jitters. I can’t help but giggle. We finally made it this far and I am full of excitement. He makes me very happy and I adore him. I have no idea what I would do if he wasn’t in my life.  The priest tells us to say our vows and I grab the piece of paper where I wrote mine.

“I vow to love you in all your forms, now and forever. I promise to never forget that this is a once in a lifetime thing. I promise to always know that no matter what challenges might carry us apart, we will always find a way back to each other. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you, cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad. I give you my hand, my heart and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.”

Groom:

 I can’t help but tear up a bit, the vow she wrote for me made me realize she was in this for good. There was no turning back. I had no idea if I was ready for this commitment, I loved her but I was getting cold feet. Everyone is waiting for me to tell her my vows but I don’t remember what I had planned. She looks at me with disappointment in her face… I just can’t commit I walk out the church. Never saying a word to anyone I just leave. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen, I feel terrible for making it all this way for nothing.