The OMS Chronicle Fall Edition 2023

THE OMS CHRONICLE

OFFICIAL DIGITAL STUDENT-LED PUBLICATION OF OAKLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL MURFREESBORO, TN

PHOTO BY: ABIGAIL GRIGSBY VOLUME IV ISSUE 1

MEMBER: NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION

FALL MMXXIII

EDITORIAL BOARD

Makaylee Anders, 6th Gr. Trinity Beverley, 8th Gr.* th Angeli Burns, 7 Gr.* Ernesto Cabral, 7th Gr.* Jessica Clark, 7th Gr.* Parker Dudak, 6th Gr. Lucy Jordan, 6th Gr. th Faith Gann, 6 Gr. Abigail Grigsby, 6th Gr. Victor Jiménez, 7th Gr. Isabella Marin, 7th Gr.* th Olivia Pinson, 7 Gr. th Jace Quick, 7 Gr. Rogina Shaker, 8th Gr. Essence Smith, 8th Gr.* Amari Swader, 8th Gr.* th Isabella Switzer, 8 Gr.* Evelyn Egan, Faculty Advisor *Inducted member of NSPA

EDITORIAL How young is too young to use social media?

By Makaylee Anders, 6th Gr. This has been argued over by others for years about how old one should be to have social media. Some believe at a minor age, and some believe at an older age. But how young is too young to use social media? Children should be at least 13 to sign up for most social media platforms. People believe that an age restriction of 13+ should be put in place for legal reasons, and to ensure that the people using the platform/app are mentally developed enough to handle the responsibility. We know that tweens (ages 9-12) usually work their way around the age restrictions so they can chat with friends and have fun.

People are taking risks when they use social media, such as identification, privacy, passwords, and addresses being found out, cyberbullying, getting hacked, and more. If one posts things online, they are giving hackers hints as to what they need to hack into personal information. We must be careful about what we post online, as it can increase the risk of being hacked or exposed to inappropriate content. So, how young is too young? There are professional opinions on this stating that it mostly depends on the maturity one has because some mature faster than others. Professionals believe a suitable age to have access to social media would be sixteen years old. They believe this because, at sixteen people most likely have matured into being more careful on social media than they would at a younger age. I believe the answer to the question “How young is too young to use social media” is twelve and under. Thirteen is a suitable age for social media platforms to be in use. Thirteen-year-old kids should show enough maturity to own social media platforms since they are more likely to be responsible and have more understanding of what should and should not go or happen on social media. Ultimately, the answer is not an easy one and should not be taken lightly. Parents should use discernment on what they believe is best for their children and their safety.

REVIEW

By Isabella Switzer, th 8 Gr. The Barbie movie is a fantasy-comedy film released July 21, 2023, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Inspired by the Barbie franchise produced by Mattel, the plot follows Barbie and Ken’s journey into the real world to find the child playing with Barbie, so she can restore the changes Barbie mysteriously gains overnight.

This movie follows the theme of self-identity and self-understanding. Barbie’s quest leads her to see the imperfections inside her own world where everyone was almost completely identical, made to live a life destined by simply who they were.

I definitely recommend watching this movie, whether in theaters or on a streaming service. This movie is a wonderful opportunity to bond with the people close in our lives that make us all different from one another.

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: WEB HUTCHINGS, VICE PRINCIPAL TH FOR 8 GRADE Interview and written by Abigail Grigsby, 6th Gr.

PHOTO BY: ABIGAIL GRIGSBY

OMS is home for many people including the seventh-grade assistant principal, Web Hutchings. Mr. Hutchings was born in Murfreesboro, TN, but he has called many other cities home. He has lived in Murfreesboro, Martin, Antioch, and Readyville.

When he was a child, he wanted to be an archaeologist when he grew up. By the time he first started college, he began with a major in Engineering, but had changed to education by the end of his third year. A golf scholarship is what drew him toward his major in education. While at UT Martin, one of the extracurricular activities he participated in was golf.

However, by the time he gained a family, tending to them took up most of his extra activity time toward the end of his graduate degree.

Eventually, he received his undergraduate degree from UT Martin, his master’s degree from MTSU, and his Ed.S. Degree from MTSU. Mr. Hutchings’ personal life contains many hobbies, passions, and cherished moments with family. His favorite hobbies include spending time in the woods with his family camping, hiking, and backpacking. His wife’s name is Megan (18 years married in November).

He also has three kids, Vance (16), Jack (14), Joy (6), and their dog named Henry. The Green Bay Packers are his favorite sports team, and many of the causes he is passionate about are Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts of America, and Feed America First. An interesting fact about Mr. Hutchings is that he was playing golf once in Little Rock, AR (when he was in

and the sitting president of the United States told him that he hit a nice drive. (Bill Clinton – 1995).

Professionally, he belongs to the organizations REA/TEA/NEA and TOSS. The most valuable lesson he learned from his education was to work hard and be honest. When asked what the definition of “leadership” would be, he answered,” Leadership, in my opinion, is rallying men and women to commit individually to a common goal through honesty, integrity, and transparency. It was formed over my career, working for and learning from different school leaders (both good and bad)”.

He described his leadership style by saying,” I try to lead others with honesty, integrity, and transparency, encouraging hard work and dedication to a shared vision for our students.”

The most important decisions he makes as a leader is anything that will benefit students.

Replying to the question of who your role model/leadership mentor is, Mr. Hutchings said,” Mr. Decker is my leadership mentor, but my role model as a leader is Rick Collins. He’s a retired assistant principal I had when I taught at Oakland High School back in 2007-2010.”

One of Mr. Hutchings’ biggest joys as a leader is seeing the fruits of the faculty’s labor, smiles on the faces of the students, and a happy Oakland community.

His biggest challenge as a leader is time management according to him.

Another one of his biggest challenges facing educational leaders today is student buy-in.

When posed the question, “how do you inspire others while keeping yourself inspired about the school’s mission?” he said that” I try to inspire others by

being a good person, a good Christian, and a good friend, being transparent about my expectations, and encouraging in my demeanor.

When I see smiling faces and hear positivity around the building, I stay inspired to continue our mission.” Given the question “What do you do in your personal time that helps you be a leader? “ he replied,” I pick the brains of the leaders closest to me.

They are all brilliant leaders and will do nothing but make me a better leader. Mr. Decker, Dr. Hughes, Mrs. Beasley, Mrs. Humphrey, and Mrs. Short all inspire me daily to be better and make me better just by working with them.”

Mr. Hutchings cares for the OMS community by taking pride in his students and in his leadership. Upon being asked the question of “What kind of legacy do you wish to leave behind as a leader of OMS?” he said,” I pray that I can be a part of a leadership team that can leave a culture of success, hard work, and love for Oakland. As an Oakland High School graduate, I take tremendous pride in the successes of OHS and OMS as well. The Oakland community has been a large part of my life for more than 35 years.” Hard work and dedication can lead you to be an asset to your community just like Mr. Hutchings.

I try to inspire others by being a good person, a good Christian, and a good friend, being transparent about my expectations and encouraging in my demeanor.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: GREY ADAMS Interview and written by Olivia Pinson, 7th Gr.

Oakland Middle School welcomed many new teachers this year.

One of these teachers is Amelia Adams, our new sixth grade science teacher. Ms. Adams was born and raised in Fairhope, Alabama. She lived there until she moved on to Samford University in Birmingham, where she played college softball, got a bachelor's degree in science, and majored in nursing.

However, after two years of college, Adams decided to start teaching. She wanted to teach because she was inspired by her sister and grandma who were teachers. Even though she wasn’t going to be a nurse, she still wanted to impact people’s lives in a good way and believed that teaching is an amazing way to do so.

After college, Ms. Adams stayed in Birmingham and taught Science and Social Studies at Homewood Middle School.

According to Ms. Adams, softball helped shape her into who she is today. Because of its impact on her life, she volunteered to coach the school’s softball team. She was the team’s assistant coach for the first season and the head coach for four years. After a final season as varsity head coach, she went back to college to get her master’s degree in elementary education.

She graduated this spring and got engaged this summer. Adams and her fiancé are getting married this February.

Ms. Adams believes that when teaching, it’s important to give her students skills to thrive in society. She encourages her students to practice acceptance, empathy, and respect toward each other. She tries to relate classroom concepts to the real world when teaching. When her students excel at something, she moves on. However, if her students are struggling, she works on reteaching.

Relationships are very important to Ms. Adams. She lives by the quote, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” She has check-ins to see how her students are doing and asks how they are feeling because she believes this quote is true.

Ms. Adams brings all her energy into her classes. To Adams, her students are her “why,” and she wants them to know that she cares about them as people first, then as learners. Many of her previous students have written to her about her impact on their lives.

PHOTO BY: GREY ADAMS

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: CHANDRA GREEN Interview and written by: Isabella Switzer, 8th Gr. Mrs. Green was born in Somerset, Kentucky and originally wanted to be a librarian. She went to the University of Louisville in Kentucky, where she was a part of a ministry group that helped at nursing homes, prisons, and hospitals. She went to become a teacher or librarian but decided to become a banker after she graduated. One thing she is very passionate about is getting books into the hands of children at an early age.

An important lesson she learned while in school is “Hard work pays off, no matter what path you choose.”

While Mrs. Green now holds the title of School Secretary, she first started at Rock Springs Middle School as front office Secretary before coming to Oakland. Her first career after college was banking where she held titles such as Bank Teller and Compliance Officer. After the birth of her third child, Mrs. Green became a stay-athome mom before coming back to education to be close to her kids. Her best accomplishment is winning an award for Congeniality while banking. While working there, she won the award twice. If Mrs. Green had to give advice to someone younger entering her career she would say, “You will get what you out in so work hard, and smile!”

PHOTO BY: ABIGAIL GRIGSBY

Outside of school, Mrs. Green is married to her husband with three children, along with one cat, two dogs and five chickens. Her favorite hobbies are reading and gardening, but she is also a huge football fan with her favorite team being the Dallas Cowboys. For vacations, she loves traveling to tropical places by cruise ship. Mrs. Green’s favorite part of her job is being a part of Oakland’s family and being close to her daughter.

COACH SPOTLIGHT: TRAVARUS HOLLOWAY PHOTO BY: ROGINA SHAKER

Interview by: Rogina Shaker, 8th Gr. Written by: Mary Smith, 6th Gr. Travarus Holloway is the Head Coach of Oakland Middle’s football team. Working with a youth group at Murfreesboro Mustangs in 2011 was the pivotal moment that led him into his role today. Coach Holloway declares, “I already had a passion for the game from my playing days. As a player, I always thought that many lessons can be taught through football. Eventually, I started seeing myself as the teacher for these lessons.”

Coach Holloway expresses his admiration for the following people – his childhood coaches, Coach Chris Grooms, Coach Demetrius Sanders, Coach Thomas, and Coach Creasy – for they played significant influence in his life. According to Coach Holloway, “They've always believed I can do anything and showed me the impact I have on kids. I wouldn't be where I am now if I wasn't for paying attention to those guys.”

Coach Holloway’s core values include grades, discipline, leadership, and character. A tangible testament to these values is Coach Holloway’s initiative called “My Jersey, Your Impact.” This initiative recognizes the tremendous influence of teachers on students. If you see your teacher wearing an OMS player’s jersey, it means that your teacher is being recognized by a member of the football team.

Coach Holloway affirms, “Without teachers, none of this [success] would be possible.” Well said, Coach Holloway!

Describing what a typical practice looks like, Coach Holloway shares, “Repetition! A typical practice for me is high energy and effort mixed with a little hard work and dedication being tested to polish your weaknesses and develop your strengths.”

When the team struggles, Coach Holloway states that the standard is the standard.

What does this mean? “This means to take a moment and take a breath.

It’s just football. However, our standard is domination and having fun doing it. Pressure busts pipes, but pressure also makes diamonds,” Coach Holloway explained. Although the bench area during the game is the most underrated area, Coach Holloway reveals that it is an area where “players express enthusiasm, excitement, and trust that the guys get the job done once their number is called.”

When asked about the importance of discipline in coaching, Coach Holloway explains how it is a core pillar. Coach Holloway opines, “Discipline is training of the mind and body. It’s a lifelong challenge personally and collectively. Although it’s a challenge, it gets you through struggle and helps you develop.” For example, between academics and athletics, Coach Holloway stresses that “academics should come first. I think with the proper discipline and time management, which are things that will help you with athletics. If you sacrifice the right amount, then your grades become your priority.”

Correspondingly, aside from athletic ability, Coach Holloway believes that being a team player is

another quality that an athlete must develop. “Not everybody plays and not everyone gets the position that they want to play. Those who do get the position they want always are out in positions to trust other players for them to be successful,” Coach Holloway explains. Trusting other players requires mental discipline.

To end the interview, we asked Coach Holloway how his team will describe him as a coach. Coach Holloway confides, “This one’s tricky! A lot of the team would probably say I preach too much because I'm always on them. Some may describe me as a little crazy but at the end of the day, they know everything I do- I do it with love!! They would describe me as a real down-to-earth Coach, who cares about their overall well-being in life, in and outside of football. Like one of my players said, hardworking, serious, encouraging, caring, dedicated, and positive. I love it when kids want to be kids, but we sometimes we must be serious to get stuff done.”

Everything I do, I do it with love.

SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT: KALEAH SUTHERLAND, TH 8 GRADE Interview by: Rogina Shaker, 8th Gr. Written By: Makaylee Anders, 6th Gr.

Kaleah Sutherland is 13 years old and wants to be an artist when she is older. Some of her hobbies are listening to music, drawing, shopping, and watching movies. In 10 years, she sees herself in college working on an art major and living in Atlanta, Georgia. Her strengths are her smarts, kind heart, and her perseverance. Her biggest weakness is her bad temper. If you were to say mean things to her and she didn’t deserve it, it will make her mad. If Kaleah were to describe herself with one word, it would be vivacious. Vivacious has about the same meaning as lively or joyful and a lot of others. Kaleah’s favorite subjects are Math and ELA. The reason she likes Math is because she finds it interesting to see how much you can do with numbers. Kaleah also likes ELA because if she has lots to say, she can write it down and she can also make one creative masterpiece. Ms. Sutherland’s favorite OMS traditions are Grubhub and Charger Cinema. She believes that it gives everyone a moment to relax and talk to friends, but she also likes the food.

Being at OMS has taught her about how people might act. “There's are a lot of

people who won't like you and who'll talk about you, but that's doesn't matter, and it shouldn't stop you from thinking the best of yourself.” -Kaleah Sutherland. If Kaleah Sutherland were principal for ONE day, she would allow students to take a break during classes so their brains can have a break from work.

She believes school might be hard for some students which would not hurt their learning unless they abuse this opportunity. She believes even though teachers don’t see a lot of bullying, this should stop because people at OMS shouldn’t feel less than they are.

PHOTO BY: ABIGAIL GRIGSBY

If she were to take a student on a tour, she would show them the gym first as she thinks this place is calm and can be fun. Kaleah thinks that teachers are the best part of OMS when Mr. Butler left, school doesn’t feel the same to her anymore.

Since being at OMS, she has been more talkative than she used to be. Kaleah is in the Junior Beta Club because she believes she will be able to help her community with the knowledge of knowing how she can do it. She is also in the Art Club to help her artistic mind grow. Between being a leader or follower, she believes she is a leader because she will acknowledge the person acting up and immediately gets back to work.

One of the most influential people to Kaleah is Sa'rai Davis because Sa'rai helps Kaleah calm down when feeling a negative emotion. If Kaleah were an animal, she would probably be an elephant because they are peaceful and strong. She also wouldn’t be fooled easily because of their intelligence.

The moment she was immensely proud of was when she was the only one who got 100% on her math test. Her most embarrassing moment is when people pronounce her name wrong.

“Every day I deal with people I don't like but I don't let that stop me and I keep it moving.” - Kaleah Sutherland. Since Kaleah is the oldest sibling, she has lots of responsibilities around her home. “I've had to lead a team once. I have to have more patience and know how to work with people well.” -Kaleah Sutherland.tr

STUDENT ATHLETE ON THE SPOTLIGHT: NOAH BRADFORD Interview by: Victor Jiménez, 7th Gr. Written by: Makaylee Anders, 6th Gr. Noah Bradford is a 7th grader in our OMS swim team. Noah’s sports hero is Micheal Phelps because he always strived to be his best, and Noah could use this as inspiration for him to strive in swim. Noah believes a good coach practices often and works with team members individually, and as a whole to help them grow. The reason Noah Bradford decided to be on the swim team is because one of his friends were in it and they enjoyed it, so he tried out to be involved in the OMS swim team to be a part of that enjoyment. Noah has not broken any records yet, but he is still striving and achieving in swim. Noah says, “I plan to push myself to my limit and work as hard as I can until I have reached my absolute best.” Noah was once swimming a 100yard free style event when his goggles suddenly filled with water, so he could not see, but he still tried his best and got 1st place in that event. Noah has not currently gotten any severe injuries from being in swim. Noah juggles his academics and his sports by finishing his work as fast as possible, so he can focus on his sports and try his best. Noah’s typical schedule is either doing archery till 5:00pm and then walking to the high school to do swim practice until 6:00, or he might do jazz band until 5:00pm and walk to the high school to swim until 6:00pm. One thing Noah does in training to directly contribute to his success is to push himself to the point of exhaustion, then he pushes himself even further. Noah said, “I would say my teammates are more like a kind of family since everyone knows each other really well and helps each other out” Noah doesn’t recall having any issues with any teammates. Noah hasn’t been pressured by anyone on his team, but he has pressured himself to do better in swim. Noah explains, "I've learned that sometimes it's good to take it easy, but I don't listen to my own advice, so I push myself till I can't anymore.” Noah’s family is incredibly supportive of him which is why he tries as hard as he does, so he can make them proud. Noah would tell this to younger or newer athletes, “Try your hardest and never stop till you reach your goals.”

PHOTO BY: ABIGAIL GRIGSBY

Literary

Section

The Cave, Part IV

By Trinity Beverley, 8th Gr.

I looked at the little chicken man skeptically. He said he could lead me to F2, but what if he was lying and was going to do something else to me? What if he turned me into a chicken man? I did not want to be a chicken man, but I also wanted to see F2 again. Guess I would have to trust this chicken man if I ever wanted to see F2 again.

I sighed. “Where is F2?” I asked.

The little man looked at me. “On the other side of the cave, in the real world.”

I looked at the man confused. “Real world?”

“The world outside of here. No being trapped in a lab and experimented on. Haven’t you been? Oh, wait. I forgot. Young fires get taken as infants.” The little man said.

I thought about what he said. The real world.... a place you were not tested on? It was a foreign concept. I couldn’t even grasp the concept.

“What’s... what’s it like?” I asked finally.

“There are buildings, like the lab but full of life. There are people everywhere, they never look the same.

Not in a power or glowing eyes or wings type of way.

There's music and fun and wonder! You’re never alone.” The little man explained, he got a fond look in his eye as he did so. It seemed like an amazing place.

It seemed wonderful.... some of his words, however, I didn’t understand. They only taught us language in the lab, just enough to explain things. I had heard Professor Leon talk about family once though. He told me he had a wife, he explained that a wife was a life partner. A wife was someone you would do anything for and always wanted to be with. I asked him if that meant F2 was my wife; he laughed and told me if I wanted F2 could be my wife.

Apparently, the wife was part of the family. Kid was also a part of the family. Kid was someone made by Wife and.... Husband. Yes, Husband and Wife made Kid, there could be multiple Kids if I remembered correctly. I did not think I wanted Kid; I would not be opposed to a wife though. F2 could be a wife.

I would want Family with F2 that’s for sure. I would do anything for F2, which made F2 my wife.

“It’s hard to describe just how amazing the real world is.” The little man said interrupting my thoughts, or had he been talking the entire time I was thinking?

“I’ll do it. I’ll go. I want to see F2, I want to see the real world.” I decided.

The little man laughed. “I guessed you'd say that. Sydney has missed you.”

“Sydney?” I asked.

“Ah, Sydney is F2’s real world name. You can’t exactly go by a letter and a number in the real world.” The little man explained.

“So... what would my real-world name be?” I asked, I’d been called G5 as long as I could remember.

“That’s for you to pick, I can’t pick that for you.” The little man explained. “So, what will it be?”

The Dyed River

By Jessica Clark, 7th Gr. Chapter II: A Boy and a Voice A boy stared at a teacher who was telling the history of earth to their students.

“Uhm, well… I doubt the person who broke in closed the exit. We might be able to get out that way.”

“Long ago, three gods ruled over our world. They each had a different power to give to earth. First was the god of life, who created all the greenery around us.

Then there’s the god of death, who is the reason we aren’t immortal.”

“Alright,” Alicia said. “I’ll come with you. But we should hurry if we don’t want to die.”

One of the kids tilted his head. “Why did he have to make it, so we died?”

Ritorai nodded. “Yeah.”

“It was to prevent the world from becoming overpopulated. Anyway, the third and final god was the god of balance. He is the reason karma and luck exist.”

It was just as Ritorai had suspected. They had used the hole he left in the wall to get in. “Alright,” he said. “We should go through but be quiet. There may be people guarding the exit.”

The kids grew more interested as their teacher moved on. “However, over time, their powers weakened. In a moment of desperation, the gods granted 12 people power. The god of life gave 4 people the power to reincarnate. The god of death gave 4 an insane weapon. And as for the god of balance, nobody knows.”

Alicia gave a silent nod. When they emerged at the other side, Alicia was mesmerized.

“I didn’t even know a place like this existed…”

The boy who was listening to this almost forgot he needed to leave. As he left the building, he pulled out a book titled “Notes from Ritorai.” On the first page was a map that led to the city of Valalonis. As the voices drifted off into the distance, Ritorai thought about his own history. Long ago, he had been one of the few blessed with reincarnation. A friend of his was also lucky enough to be blessed by the god of life. However, some people were angry because they were powerless and tried to hunt the blessed down. That very same friend of his was killed due to the hunters. Throughout Ritorai’s many lifetimes he never saw him again, past, present, or future.

But he couldn’t just think about the past forever.

The first thing he saw when he arrived at the gates of Valalonis was a wall that stretched sky-high. “I suppose they never took it down,” He thought. In his backpack was an enchanted knife with immense power. Using the knife, he sliced through the wall that prevented people from getting in or out. The town seemed like an abandoned ghost town. But he wasn’t interested in the town itself, he needed something else…

Ritorai felt a chill go down his spine. Had he been followed? Were there hunters coming his way?

It turns out that he wouldn’t need to answer that question himself, because there was a very loud “BOOOOOMMMM!”

Ritorai looked up and saw that the city was ablaze. Buildings were being set on fire, and hunters were killing all the people that were trying to leave. Ritorai dashed towards an alleyway as a hiding spot.

If he tried to go towards the exit, the hunters would probably execute him.

Instead, he decided to look for people he could save from the fire.

It seemed as if he wouldn’t have even a small chance. Corpses were laid in houses: some burned alive, others killed by the hunters.

Then Ritorai heard the girl cry. There, by a huge poster of the rules was a girl on her knees, burying her face in her hands.

“Hey!” Ritorai ran over to her, attempting to gain her attention. “You need to get out of here, you’ll die!”

The girl looked up at him, her face streaked with tears. “What’s the point? Jacob, my family, my friends, they’re all dead!”

“Please,” begged Ritorai. “Just get out of here! I don’t want more people to die!”

The girl was silent.

Ritorai held out his hand. “My name is… Rai. What’s yours?”

“Alicia,” she said, pulling herself up.

“It used to be better,” Ritorai mumbled.

“What?”

“Nothing, let’s just go.” Had Ritorai revealed his secret, who knows what would happen. It was best to keep quiet for now. At least, until he could trust her.

Chapter III: The Outside World The boy who called himself Rai wasn’t someone she’d ever seen in the city. Which was strange, because everyone in the city knew each other. They were forced to, as a matter of fact.

“Uhm... I don’t want to be nosy, but are you from Valalonis? I’ve never seen you around. That is, before today.” Alicia asked.

Rai turned his head. “I thought that would be obvious by now. No, I’m not from Valalonis.”

“Then where are you from? And where are we going?” Alicia kept bombing him with questions.

“Well,” he said in an exhausted voice. “I can’t tell you where I’m from, and I don’t know where we’re going. The best thing we can do ri ght now is get us some weapons to defend ourselves. There’s a shop nearby that will do fine.”

“Nearby?” Alicia was doubtful of Rai. “How long will it take us to get there?”

“A couple of hours. How about you tell me about yourself during the walk?”

To Alicia, Rai was very suspicious. But for now, she would trust him.

“Oh, commander Sashizu! Your plan to get rid of those disgusting gifted ones is working beautifully! In a couple of days’ time, there’ll be nobody with magic!”

A servant was waving a fan at the commander, who was making a puzzle of the three gods. “The three gods,” she said. “The reason magic exists, the reason our world is corrupt, the reason so many people die each day… if only they never were born!”

When she said ‘born’ she threw the puzzle into the air, destroying all her hard work. The servant gasped with delight.

“Another perfectly orchestrated plan of yours! Ahh… this wonderful experience I have of being your lowly servant! I’ll do anything you ask!”

Sashizu looked thoughtful. “Indeed…”

“Well Alicia, I think I might be able to get us out of this city.”

{BACK TO RITORAI AND ALICIA}

Alicia didn’t seem to be on board with that idea. “Leave the city? I’ve… never left these walls, and besides! The wall is too high for us to get over.”

“A painter, you say. Show me one of your works of art!” Rai appeared to be fascinated with her. It was almost unreal.

Of course, you haven’t left, Ritorai thought to himself. Nobody in this city ever has.

Still, she reached into her bag for the painting she was going to submit before Valalonis was attacked. Unknown to her, her painting had changed into a red river with skeletons covering the bottom. When she showed it to Rai, he turned pale.

Distressed, he mumbled “OhmygodSeinarudiditagain,” before switching to audible speech. “Are you confident YOU painted this?”

Neither. The girl took the knife and plunged it into her torso. Blood came streaming out of her as she stabbed herself again and again. She threw herself on the ground and started screaming in agony, still stabbing herself. If you tried to make out her emotions, it was like she was a mindless robot. She was angry. Most likely angry at Rai for attacking her.

He turned the painting towards Alicia so she could get a look. She realized that it did in fact change. “B-but that can’t be right! I was sure it was something different when I last looked at it…”

At last, the screaming stopped. Her shaking body fell to the floor, and she went limp.

“Er… have you heard of the three gods?” Rai definitely knew something about what was going on but was trying to hide it. It was obvious to Alicia.

“No, who are they?”

Rai glanced at the sky. “This will be a quick explanation since we are running out of time. Basically, 3 gods created the earth. Life, death, and balance. Over time, they weakened, and they all lent a certain power to 4 people each. Life- to reincarnate.

Death- a magic weapon. Nobody knows what balance gave.”

It took Alicia a while to realize she was standing in a puddle of blood. “MMMFTT!” She had tried to cover her mouth when she screamed, but it was no use.

Rai, however, was acting calm. You could see he was terrified in his eyes, but he refused to let that show. He walked over to Alicia, who had fallen to the floor out of fright. She was trembling. Why? Why did this have to happen? Was the world this cruel?

Rai held out his hand to Alicia. Reluctantly, she took it. “I promise you will be safe after this,” he said.

“After what?”

“What were they called?” Alicia asked.

And then Rai threw Alicia out of the window.

“Seinaru was death, life was Atarashī Kami, and I believe balance was Baransu. But their names don’t matter. What matters is that people were angry they weren’t blessed by the gods. A rebellion was formed against them, and they’re now known as the most wanted people in the world- the magic outcasts.”

Alicia almost forgot to breathe. Atarashi kamī? The name she saw on the rules poster? And what’s more, all of this had been going on and she didn’t know?

While Alicia was lost in thought, her head spinning with wonder, Rai came to a stop.

Chapter IV: Recalling the Past Ritorai dragged an unconscious Alicia to the shore. He felt bad for throwing her out of the window, but it had to be done. All the exits were blocked, and it wasn’t safe to take the elevator at the moment.

Alicia sat up, her hair speckled with sand and drenched with water. “Rai? Rai!” She panicked until she realized that Ritorai was sitting right beside her with warm, concerned eyes.

“We’re here,” he said.

They had stopped in front of a large hotel. There were candles everywhere, it seemed like they were using them for lighting. Could this place not pay for electricity?

Ritorai had to save this if Alicia would ever help him. “Alicia… I’m going to tell you everything.”

It was evident she didn’t trust him fully yet. “Everything?”

The front desk was decorated with dazzling sapphires and rubies. If they didn’t have electricity, it would be obvious why.

Rai was hiding behind Alicia. “Go and ask them for a room for two.”

He nodded. “Everything.”

The person behind the front desk appeared to have very good hearing. “A room for two? That will be room 102, floor 2.”

Ritorai took a deep breath. It was now or never. “First of all, my name isn’t Rai. It’s Ritorai Paltzerbert. I am one of the few who can reincarnate. Due to this I am running from hunters to preserve those lives. A long time ago, I used a magic amulet on a cursed river. It was supposed to fix everything, but…”

“Oh.” Rai looked uncomfortable. “Let’s go, then.”

Alicia blinked with shock. “That’s not what was I was expecting…”

The hotel room was symmetrical: there were two beds, nightstands, closets, and bathrooms. It was a good hotel, not to mention for whatever reason it was given to them for free.

Ritorai continued. “I know that this is a lot to ask and you’re afraid, but please! I need your help. I’m begging you.”

Ritorai got on his knees. Anything if the world can be saved.

“Wait a minute,” she said. “I thought we are going to get weapons?”

“We are. Wait here, I’ll be back.” Rai walked off.

Alicia frowned. Something was not right about this boy. How could she even trust him? Would he betray her?

“No,” she said. “I won’t let you beg to me like this. Where’s the brave you I met in Valalonis? Criminal, magic, I don’t care! What you can do doesn’t change the fact that you’re still a good person who saved my life! I owe it to you.”

Why was she giving him sympathy? He didn’t deserve to be treated this way.

She looked around the room, hoping to get her mind off things for a while. The walls were specially designed so that you couldn’t hear the outside, and they couldn’t hear you.

Alicia sighed. “If it makes you stop moping, then I’ll come with you.”

She stared at the wall. She felt like she was being pulled in a direction and was not sure why.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ritorai wanted to cry. “Th-thank you…”

“Oh? She killed herself? Huh. What a useless servant.”

While Alicia was in a staring competition with the wall, there was a blaring CRASHHH coming from the window. She still couldn’t turn her head.

She started to panic. Why couldn’t she move? What was this sickening feeling? Was she going to die?

Whoever broke in walked over the glass shards. She could feel the intruder right behind her, preparing to attack. She braced herself for it, accepting her fate.

Sashizu was looking at a live security camera while a man dressed in a red suit read a report.

“Ah, but some citizens are still siding with the magic and are beginning to rebel.” The man worded it carefully to avoid angering Sashizu.

“Hmmm… round up some of the servants and people we found with magic items. I shall implant such a wonderful despair in the people that they’ll all obey.”

Then she heard the stab.

“Right away, commander Sashizu.” He darted out of the room.

Finally, she was able to move. She turned around to find a black girl with green hair clutching her arm. In her arm was a unique knife. In the doorway was Rai, holding a basket with many different weapons.

“And thus,” Sashizu narrated. “Ritorai went on with Alicia, not knowing the danger he was leading himself into.”

The girl took the knife out of her arm. Was she going to attack again? Would she go for Rai or Alicia?

“Alicia must be ridden of as well. That is, unless I can control her just like I did with the others.”

Sashizu smiled. “I can’t wait.” Chapter IV to be continued in the next issue.

Seasons Gone Wrong: Parts IV, V, and VI

By Angeli Burns, 7th Gr. PART IV After a long explanation of the argument between Persephone and Demeter and the prophecy, Apollo was standing with his back to the wall, in the girl’s (who had told him her name was Ayla) room.

She was running ramped, shoving supplies in a small travel backpack.

Such supplies were mortal food and water, a change of clothes and a jacket, an old rope, a compass.

She was going back to pack a first aid kit, but Apollo had assured he could heal almost any injury and supply medical supplies if needed.

“So, if we need to go to the underworld, how are we going to get in? If I remember those stories correctly, the entrance is at Lerena Lake, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but we must think outside the box. Hades is almost certainly expecting someone to come and try to bring his wife back.

“So, since Lerena Lake is the entrance, he expects us to use, I am confident the area is heavily guarded, so we can’t get in.”

“We’ll have to use another entrance? Ayla asked.

“Precisely” Apollo confirmed. “But there is only one other entrance that those that are not residents of the underworld can use.”

As they reached the tomb, Apollo laid his palm against the cool stone. The ground rumbled beneath them. Ayla had to shield her eyes from a

blinding white light. When she opened them again, the tomb was open, and a long narrow pathway lead down to somewhere bigger.

Apollo drew his hand back and looked at her. “Keep your guard up. Monster’s tomb is no place to get lost in. It’s dangerous. Follow me.” He says and leads on. Ayla following.

Ayla was not exaggerating when she said her jaw nearly dropped when they came to the end of the path, “Oh my gosh!”, she didn’t know if she should be awe struck or terrified.

Right ahead of her, was a dark, dreary meadow. Gray clouds hung in the sky, the grass was rust brown and disgusting. Sharp rocks scattered the ground, murky ponds, and rocky caves around every corner.

And the most dreadful, dragons roamed the sky, fire breathing giants patrolled the air, in all shades of red and electric blues. Monsters prowled the grounds, with long claws and teeth that could kill. The whole meadow, beasts ran ramped. Ayla could understand now why they called this place Monster’s tomb.

“We really have to go through here?” Ayla exclaims, frightfully. This place looked like a nightmare, sure it was neat, but she really would prefer if she made it through this journey alive.

“Which is?”

“Yes, it’s the best way to get the underworld in our situation. We’ll be fine. Just stay behind me and stay close. I’ve navigated this place before.” Apollo replies, with a solemn expression, and with that they start walking.

“Monster’s tomb”, Apollo sighed. “Inside an empty tomb, it leads to a big open valley full of monsters and dragons, but on the other side there is an entrance”, he explained.

Barely three minutes into walking, a ferocious war roared behind them. Apollo pushed Ayla back “Hide!” he shouts and runs up to the dragon.

“Well,”, Ayla slung the bag over her shoulder. “Let’s get going”, Apollo nodded, they walked out to the front, got onto Apollo’s horse, and off they went, into the snowy sky.

With a blast of electrical energy of the sun, the god sends the beast to the ground. He lands dead on top of the limp dragon’s body and blasts it once more for peace of mind.

Ayla was in shock, in the span of one morning she had learned the Greek gods were real and that she had to go to the underworld and retrieve a goddess.

“You can come out now.” Apollo announces, and Ayla somberly crawls out from hiding, and they continue through Monster’s tomb.

She stared at the god in front of her, and almost still couldn’t believe he was the reason the sun rose each morning.

The two continued to trudge through the area and struggle pasts not so welcoming monsters. Particularly, Ayla was having a difficult time, but Apollo couldn’t say he was surprised. She was mortal. After a long time of walking, they reached the entrance.

The horse was beautiful, he had a shiny white coat that has golden spots sprinkled all over it. He also had wings, massive wings that were larger than the span of airplane wings.

Then she peered out to the city below, so white that it almost felt like she was staring into a snow globe.

The entrance to the underworld, was a narrow pitch-black tunnel. It was so dark you could barely see inside.

“The underworld is on the other side. Now, come on. I’ll light the way. We must bring back Persephone.” Apollo said, Ayla sighed and nods. The two of them enter the dark tunnel. Time to find Persephone.

The air around them was bitter, a fierce monstrous beast that was biting into her.

PART VI Apollo was silent, she found herself wishing he would fill the awkward silence with words, but she supposed he should probably be focusing on guiding the horse through the heavy snow.

She sighed, slumping back as much as she could, and prepared herself to sit in silence for the entirety of this long, cold ride.

It took longer than Ayla had expected to make it through the poorly lit tunnel, and she stayed nearly glued against Apollo the entire time, in worry of getting separated from the god.

Alas, finally they made it to the end, and Ayla was even more shocked to see the underworld than she had been to see Monster’s Tomb.

PART V The long bitter cold ride, dragged on for a long time, when finally, the horse landed, folding its wing and coming to an abrupt stop. After a long time of silence, Apollo would say.

“Were here.”

An almost raspy wind blew around them, all the land was like an open yard of bones, skeleton servants and guards. The bitter cold adopted into the underworld, and everything felt so dark and eerie, like those horror movie trailers you see.

Then, there was the palace, it was gigantic, constructed of iron, and metals from underneath the earth, bones, decayed human flesh, and long black curtains, with spider shapes carved into

Ayla sucked in her breath. Right ahead of her, was a marvelously constructed, but somehow sinister, tomb. It was stone made, long, and rust painted the edges. Just to think it led to some place even worse.

them, droopy flowers, and then a small, eager patch of flourishing ones. The place was insane. Was this really where she’d go after she died? Ayala wondered

Apollo sighs, “Come, come. Time is of the essence.” He said, Ayla nodded obediently, and followed the god closer to the tomb.

Apollo cleared his throat, drawing her attention back to him, despite the hardening times, he gave the small mortal girl a reassuring smile.

“We will bring Persephone back.

Don’t fear. Now, come along with me now, the guards won’t give us any trouble as long as I’m with you.”

Ayla followed Apollo into the palace. The place was even crazier from the inside. A long black wavering rug sat beneath their feet, guards and servants scampered around.

“Why are you here?!” Hades scowled, grasping Persephone protectively, looking like a menacing predator.

Apollo sighs, “Hades, please. Have reason, Persephone must return to Olympus, or we’ll never see the sun again.” Apollo pleaded, Ayla watching distraught.

“Not my- “

You could even see the two entrances to The fields of Punishment and paradise, but you couldn’t actually see inside because of the tall gates.

Hades was cut off by Ayla stepping forward, with a shaky bow and a low voice. “Your greatness, if I may, we commend your loyalty to

The craziest was the throne room.

But not because of the size, not because of the tall throne made of nothing but purely bones and rare metals, not because of any of that, what was, was who were standing there.

your beautiful queen, but we do need her back. Please, I beg of you.

You have my most genuine promise she will return when the proper time for snow comes.” Ayla explains, hoping she wouldn’t be crushed for dare speaking to the lord of the underworld.

Upon the throne, was Hades and Persephone. Hades was tall and pale, dressed in long black ropes, and the crown of the underworld.

Persephone’s long silky brown hair sat behind her shoulders, and she wore a long floral and flowery gown.

“Mortal girl, you have some nerve. I like that. You may take my wife back, but.” Hades started, but then paused.

“On one condition.”

AVALON By Essence Smith, th 8 Gr.

PART IV

PART V

“Carmen?” she muttered. Her voice seemed to tremble as much as she was, she stared at girl, lying on the floor, as if she were knocked out, cold. They had no hospitals in the area and the tiny medical centers were extremely far from here. And as a normal human being would do, she panicked, was Carmen dead? Or just unconscious, what if she was...dying? So, many questions rushed through her head that she couldn’t focus on a solution to the current problem.

So, she knelt next to her former friend, and checked every pulse spot she could remember, but nothing, she felt nothing.

Carmen’s eyes peeled open, only for them to be blinded by the sunlight, cast by the slightly open window. As she tried to get herself up, she was met with a sharp pain in her stomach, she panicked for a moment, but quickly realized that it was the wound she had gotten from an earlier event. She slowly sat up, more cautious than before, using the bed she was laid on as support.

She frantically picked up the girl, feeling her getting more limp in her arms, worrying that she was losing her. She burst through every door in the household until she got to the front, she ran to the side of her house, climbing onto her horse, Esmeralda, as fast as she could. She grabbed the reins and charged towards the direction of the closest hospital she could remember. As she was speeding through the forests and terrains, she kept glancing at the girl in her arms, praying to whatever gods were above that she would be ok.

Suddenly, she felt a drop stroll down her face, she looked up, wondering if it had started to rain, but that wasn’t the case. She was crying... She couldn’t wipe her eyes, seeing that one arm was holding their “Friend” and the other was gripping harshly onto the reins of the horse. She wondered why she started crying, remembering the horrible relationship the 2 had, but that wasn’t the problem right now, what she needed to do was get Carmen to the closest hospital she could find and get her the medical help she needed.

She gently placed her hand on her throat, looking around for a source of water. After finding the bathroom, she turned the nob of the sink, and slowly lowered herself down to drink whatever water she could get.

“MA’AM, ARE YOU OK?” One of the nurses exclaimed, they all seemed to be panicked and frightened by the sight of the 2, who wouldn’t be, if a girl that looked like she could drop dead ran into your house carrying an already unconscious other, you would be a bit frightened, wouldn’t you?

“I NEED ASSISTANCE AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE, CODE BLUE” She screamed, from Kaliope's vision, the woman looked quite frantic, blurry, however. The stars in the sky looked like flashlights beaming into her eye sockets. As she tried to stay awake, she felt her and carmen separated, as she came more panicked, she turned her head to see her lifted onto a stretcher, her body suddenly let go, and relaxed itself. Her head, however, was pounding, must have been from all the panicking, how much she was fidgeting and moving her body whilst driving. and the lack of hydration, it almost felt like she was getting stabbed in the head repeatedly, as tears just early brimmed her eyes, she passed out, eyes dropping, inch by inch, until her eyes were fully closed.

“Where….am I?” She breathes, a sharp pain piercing through her with each syllable.

After taking a few sips of the water spewing from the nozzle, she decided to try and figure out where she was. However, due to the setting of the room, she could assume that she was in a hospital. Granted that she had been bandaged while she was unconscious. Suddenly, she heard footsteps coming closer, breaking her train of thought. She stepped closer to the door, assuming that’s where she heard the footsteps coming from, and gently gripped the handle. As the door swayed open, she noticed a couple of nurses coming towards her, they were in a conversation of their own before noticing her.

When they had their expressions changed from one of interest to one of shock. They quickly made their way over to the “patient” and questioned each other how she was awake already.

“You were expected to wake up in a couple more days. It’s shocking that you’re awake now, but we must check for anything wrong before we do anything else, alright? Now let’s get you- “Before the nurse could finish talking to the girl, Carmen could once again hear footsteps coming towards her. However, the footsteps were heavy and fast, like someone was running. She peaked out of the doorway to see Kaliope running towards her room. It was unexpected.

That’s certain. Why was Kaliope still here? Why didn’t she just drop her off and leave? Suddenly, Kaliope ran up to the girl and wrapped her in a semi-tight hug.

What was this feeling?...

Carmen subconsciously hugged her back.

Why does this make me feel so…warm?

...

She woke up in a hospital bed, drowsy, like when you woke up after a 3 Hour party. She could smell the hand sanitizer units near the door, the scent swirling through the air like perfume, she could hear the beeping monitor, a sound she had heard before. She slowly sat up, trying to acknowledge her surroundings.

She realizes that Carmen is nowhere in sight, it frightened her, she threw the covers off that were previously placed on her, however, it took a bit of effort, they seemed to be tucked I under the mattress, she ran out of her room screaming Carmen’s name, in hope of a response from anyone giving her location.

Suddenly, a nurse caught up with her, placing her hand on her shoulder, “Ma’am, you need to calm down, your yelling is disturbing the other patients.”

However, this did not seem to help Kaliope's panicked state. The nurse noticed this and turned to face the previously screeching patient. “Don’t worry ma’am, your friend is ok, and her wound is healing just fine.”

“Wound?” Kaliope muttered. “What wound?”

“The stomach wound your friend had. She passed out from the blood loss. The blood got on your clothes too, had you not noticed?”

Kaliope stood in silence. She couldn’t believe she didn’t notice that Carmen was bleeding. How could she be so blind? Was it her fault that Carmen was in that hospital bed right now? Everything was happening too fast for her to process, though it was going quite slow. She wasn’t angry at herself...no, she was just... disappointed. Disappointed that she failed to help and protect the one that she... the one that she loved...

Carmen melted herself into the hug, embracing the warmth being radiated from the other.

Why am I…. What is going on with me......

It couldn’t be….

Does she really…...care…about me?

A Girl and Her Pencil, Part II

By Isabella Marin, 7th Gr.

The three girls found themselves in a magical forest. The forest had majestic turquoise trees, lavender colored grass, and glowing mushrooms. The sky was full of stars. Anna was spellbound. She never even imagined a place as magical as this one.

“Woah.” Charlotte said, still trying to process her surroundings.

“I know right?” replied Anna.

Ovia was looking up at the sky, staring at the shiny stars.

“Ovia, are you okay?” Anna asked, concerned.

“Oh, I’m fine,” Ovia replied shyly, “Just looking at the beautiful stars in the sky.”

“Anyways,” began Charlotte, “Let's start exploring!”

The girls started walking through the woods. The forest was quiet. The only sound they could hear were the branches crunching under their feet. Anna looked up into the sky and saw a light pink version of the moon. She then looked down and saw tiny multi-colored bugs scurrying through the grass. She touched the leaves and they felt furry. Anna thought about what kind of adventures they would have in this new world. Would they be fighting monsters? Would they be exploring boobytrapped temples, or dropping down large waterfalls? As she was thinking about this, Charlotte suddenly spoke, interrupting her thoughts.

“Guys, I see a cottage!” Charlotte shouted, pointing in the direction of the cottage.

Anna looked to where she was pointing. She saw a small cottage with four windows, tan-colored walls, and a sepia-colored roof. Tall buttermilk flowers were planted in a small garden in front of the house.

“We should go into the cottage to see if there is someone who can help show us around.” said Anna.

“Okay, let's go!” Charlotte beamed, excited to go inside the cottage.

Anna and Charlotte ran to the cottage and Ovia followed behind them. Charlotte knocked on the door of the cottage. A few seconds passed before a young lady with midnight blue fairy wings and deep brown hair opened the door. She also had white eyes with long eyelashes. She wore a long, sparkling black dress.

“She’s gorgeous.” thought Anna. She was bewildered by the beauty of the fairy.

“How may I help you?” asked the fairy.

“We are from another dimension, and we need help navigating this place.” Anna responded.

“How did you get here?” replied the fairy.

“I used a magical pencil.” Anna showed the pencil to the fairy. “Anything I draw with this pencil turns real.” Anna demonstrated this by drawing a leaf on the door.

With a burst of light, the drawn leaf turned into a real leaf. “We drew a portal and ended up here.”

“Oh, I see,” said the fairy, amazed. “I will help show you guys around, but first come inside.” The fairy walked back into the cottage.

“Are you sure we should follow her?” asked Ovia, nervously. “She might be a witch that captures people, like in ‘Hansel and Gretal’.”

“Oh, come on Ovia, not all people are horrifying monsters!” giggled Charlotte.

“You're right Charlotte, but we still need to be careful,” said Anna. “We have to be ready if there is any danger.”

“Come on girls, let’s go!” Anna grinned with bravery, raising one fist in the air.

The three girls went inside the cottage.

THE WAY SHE GOES TH

BY ROGINA SHAKER, 8 GR. CHAPTER II: UNCANNY Ever since I ate their food, I've been stuck in this weird room.

It's dark, dirty, and there are even bugs here. I don't like bugs; they make me get goosebumps. It seemed like someone was in here before me. I thought I saw a shadow from the outside, but I think it was just the trees. I like to read books, so I'm glad I always bring a book with me anywhere I go. This room echoes so much that every time I try to read out loud, it echoes my voice.

“Veronica has been calling a bat noise to see if she can find where you and I are, have you heard anything?”

“Oh yes, I’ve been hearing her ever since I’ve been here!” I said with excitement because we are one step closer to getting out.

“Okay good, now we just have to find a way to get Veronica to notice where we are,” Rebecca said, putting her finger on her chin while thinking.

CHAPTER III: UNRIDDLING

“Someone get me out of here!” I yelled, hoping someone would hear me, but I think it's hopeless now.

“Veronica.” I yelled to see if she could hear us from the window.

I've been trying for days to get out of here. I've been hearing the same voice ever since I've been in the room. Today is Monday, so I've been here for 7 days, which is a week. I don't know when I'm going to get out of here, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to get out of here after a year or so, because no one will answer me whenever I say anything. They probably don't hear me. Something weird is that the window is open, and no one can hear me. Hopefully any of my friends or family members can come and help me one day before I die over here without any food or water.

We kept hearing a strange noise over and over again.

“Can anyone hear me?!” I yell to see if anyone would hear me.

if Veronica could see us.

I tried to look out the window, but I needed a ladder to see the view. I keep hearing strange noises, but I think it's just the bats flying around or something.

My bed was just a pillow with an inflatable mattress that is not even inflatable anymore. It looks like someone slept here but then puked on it. I don't like dirty places and when I'm in dirty places, I want to get out. All of a sudden, I heard some saying,

I'm not sure if she can hear us anyway so there's no point in trying.

“Veronica, is that you?” Rebecca said loudly.

Once she said that, we heard the noise again. That must be Veronica.

We hurried to the window and started looking and banging on the window to see

We knocked on the window so much that my hands are turning red like a tomato.

It's been a while and I wonder what my mother is going to think of me when i come back home.

“Let go of me!” they yelled I wonder if she noticed that I've left for a long time or not.

I try to listen closely so I can see what they are saying to see what's going on.

“Alexa, hello, you there, hello I've been talking to you and you’re not answering,” “Come here and sit down!” A deep voice said loudly.

Rebecca swiftly said.

It sounded like a girl that's 12 or 13 years old.

“I'm so sorry Rebecca, just leave me for a moment.”

I wonder if she’s ok.

“Wait, Rebecca, don't we have to move out for college in a week or so?”

It sounded like the guys that were talking to me before they put me in this room.

I said with anxiety kicking in.

Two days passed and I'm still stuck in this room.

I started to take fright as I thought to myself.

Something was trying to open the door with keys or something.

“You have a roommate, no funny business.” a deep voice yelled. But I couldn't see who it was that said that.

What is mother going to think when i don't make it out of here in time to move out.

What do I tell her, should I tell her the truth or make up something or what.

“Alexa!” the other person in the room yelled with excitement.

I probably already missed it.

“Excuse me, who is this?” I spoke Oh man mother is going to kill me.

“It's me Rebecca, your friend from school!” She says as she tries to find her way in the dark.

She’s probably worried sick about me.

“Omg, Rebecca! Where are you?” I said, searching for her.

As I was thinking about my mother, the door cracked open.

As I tried looking for Rebecca, I couldn't wait to see her because I've been here for ages.

“Anybody there, I can't really see you, you know!” I yelled so they would hear me.

When I found her, I gave her a huge hug.

No one gave an answer. I began to panic and then I heard something.

“I heard you were here and wanted to see if i can get you out but i think i'm stuck in the same problem as you,” Rebecca sighs and sits next to me.

“Who's in here,” a deep voice said.

“Uhhm sir im in here, just watch out there's bats in here.” I Hallard back.

“Yeah, did you let anyone stay outside so that if you get stuck, they can try and get us out if you get stuck as well?” I asked Rebecca.

“Yeah! I got Veronica and gave her a saw, ladder, and a rope so that she can get us out of here if she doesn’t see me come back,” Rebecca says while questioning...

“Alexa? Is that you!” that same voice said getting louder.

Who could that be? I can feel their breathing up close to me.

“Oh please!” I shouted, “Keep your distance, I don't like to be touched.”

I haven't heard Rebecca in a while, I wonder where she's hiding. What if that's one of the guys talking to me? I started worrying about everything, and my anxiety isn't taking it very well.

“Chill out little girl, I'm just here to tell you that your dad is safe, I'm not like all the other men,” he said with a quiet tone.

“Oh” “Where is my father” i take a breath because i want to see my dad.

“Follow me and you'll see him.”

I get up and follow his lead scared because his walk is not so fast.

As I walked into a room, I saw a dead body tied up. I'm not so sure if it was my dad I saw earlier. I turned to the guy that took me into the room, “Is that my dad?” I asked in a worried voice.

He stayed silent.

And led me deeper in the room. This room had no lights, it was painted white, and there was writing in blood all over the walls. I could see a group of men lying on the ground, but I couldn't see them very well because the master and his group of people were standing right in front of me.

“If this is where my dad is, you better speak up.” I swallow.

“Well, your dad is unconscious right now, but in order to get him and leave, we need some money,” the guy with the deepest voice said.

“How much are we talkin’?” I say confidently.

“Mmm,” the one with a long beard paused.

“Im thinking 10k” he looks around to the others and grins.

My heart is racing, “10 thousand dollars?”

“Boys, take her outside back to her house. And Big Boogie, stay with her make sure she gets that money.” The tallest shady one said.

I wonder why his name is Big Boogie. Is it because he’s tall and buffed up? Or because he’s disgusting looking.

I'm being held by two strong men, and one is looking down at me with a smile.

We get into a Toyota Camry 2012. It was so dirty, there was taco bell trash all over and bottle caps all over the car seats. Big Boogie was the one driving and the other one made sure I got in there and didn’t try to fight back.

20 minutes into the car drive, and I'm getting car sick.

“Do- you have- a bag--” I say holding in my gag reflexes.

He looks through the rear mirror to watch me, “there should be some bags where you are or next to you.” His deep voice rings in my ear.

I threw up in the first bag I saw, but then I took a second look at it and there were papers in there.

I look up at him and ask, “Um soooo did you need these papers in this bag?”

We get to a stoplight, and he turns his body halfway around to see what I'm talking about.

“Alexa are those my medical bills,” he looks worriedly.

“I don’t know, there’s throw up on it now.” I giggle a little.

He sighs.

“But why do you have medical bills?” I ask very confused.

“I can't tell anyone about it so don’t ever worry at this point.” He says parking the car in my driveway.

“Well, we’re here. Now go tell your mother everything, I bet she’s really worried.

You better not get me in trouble.” He puts one hand on the steering wheel and unlocks my door.

CULTURE

Life In Tennessee th

By Victor Jiménez, 7 Gr. Did you know that Tennessee’s nickname is the “Volunteer State “because Tennessee was very involved and stepped in in times of war?” Hello there, I’m Victor Jiménez. Tennessee is a very exciting place with a great history also. Tennessee is the state where I and my family decided to move to when my dad found a great job opportunity in Tennessee. This article will talk about Tennessee’s landmarks, Tennessee’s history, and my experiences living in Tennessee.

Ten out of Tennessee landmarks Tennessee has many unique places to visit when being there. One of the coolest places you could go is the Great Smoky Mountains. This mountain range is a very popular tourist location to visit. They are found right in the border of North Carolina and Tennessee and the tallest mountain there is 6643.ft being the Clingman’s Dome Mountain. Another memorable place to visit in Tennessee is its capital Nashville or as many people call it Music City. In Nashville, there are many things to do such as going to the Musicians Hall Of Fame Museum which includes many famous musicians, and it also includes the types of instruments they played. Nashville is nicknamed the city of music as when it was first established everyone celebrated it with country music and the tradition just carried on until now.

History of The Volunteer State Tennessee has had an expansive history throughout its early years. Tennessee was founded and became a state in 1796 making itself the 16th state. When it was founded, it joined the Union. The Union was a group of states particularly the northern ones who opposed against slavery. The opposing states decided to join the confederacy group which wanted to have slavery still be legal.

After Tennessee was founded, in 1812 it earned the title of volunteer state because of all the Tennesseans who wanted to help the Union causing them to become a very helpful ally to the Union but in 1861 the Union lost one of its best allies. When the American Civil War hit, Tennessee left the Union formally and joined the Confederacy.

My Own Experiences As you should know by now, I moved to Tennessee in 2022 and I like living here as I found such wonders in my short time living in Tennessee. One of the most important parts about being in a new place is finding a new school to learn in. I was starting sixth grade, and a sort of dilemma came to fruition when my mom and I were picking schools. “Should I pick a normal middle school or a 1st to 6th school?” Of course, my worried mom wanted me to pick the second option, but I really wanted to get introduced to middle school early on, so we picked the normal middle school. That’s how I made it to Oakland! There is also a bunch of historical sites in Tennessee that are very interesting to visit such as the Stone River National Battlefield which was the place that had the most recorded deaths in the American civil war.

In conclusion, Tennessee is a fantastic place with many great places to visit, a great history behind it, and many memories that can be made there. So, get your lazy butt out of that couch and go out and explore the places you have around you!

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PHOTO BY: FAITH GANN