Sunday, April 28, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Why can't I find you?
Where’s
the line to see Jesus
Christmas
time was approaching,
Snow
is starting to fall,
Shoppers
choosing their presents,
People
filling the mall.
Children
waiting for Santa,
With
excitement and glee,
A
little boy tugged my sweater,
Looked
up and asked me.
Where’s
the line to see Jesus?
Is
He here at the store?
It’s
Christmas time, it’s His birthday.
Why
don’t we see Him more?
Where’s
the line to see Jesus?
He
was born for me.
Santa
Claus brought me presents.
But
Christ gave His life for me.
As
I stood in amazement,
At
this message profound,
I
looked down to thank him,
he
was nowhere around.
Little
boy at the mall,
Might
as well have had wings,
As
the tears filled my eyes,
but
I heard him sing.
Where’s
the line to see Jesus?
Is
He here at the store?
It’s
Christmas time, it’s His birthday.
Why
don’t we see Him more?
Where’s
the line to see Jesus?
He
was born for me.
Santa
Claus brought me presents.
But
Christ gave His life for me.
In
the blink of an eye,
at
the sound of His trump,
We’ll
all stand in line at His throne.
Every
knee shall bow down,
every
tongue will confess,
that
Jesus Christ is Lord
Where’s
the line to see Jesus?
Is
He here at the store?
It’s
Christmas time, it’s His birthday.
Why
don’t we see Him more?
Where’s
the line to see Jesus?
He
was born for me.
Santa
Claus brought me presents.
But
Christ gave His life for me.
 |
| Ellen |
Christmas
music rang through the mall, as shoppers bought Christmas gifts and
such.
Me,
I was setting up my snipers rifle. I had been paid to take down one
of the most prominent business men in America.
My
client had been stiffed by the bastard one too many times and had
finally come to me for help.
“Ellen,”
He said. “The millionaire, Todd Atkins, has been cheating his
clients and business partners for almost two decades now and he needs
to be stopped and as far as the law is concerned, he is God. He
practically owns the police squad.
You’re
the only hope the Institution has. I know your job has taken its toll
on you and you are hoping to get out of it. This is your one in a
million chance of getting out and with over a million dollars in your
pocket.” He pleaded. “I’ll even throw in a shopping spree in
New York.”
“Fine,
but I want a motorcycle to keep also.” I bargained.
“Done,”
He sealed the deal.
The
conversation was still continuing through my head along with the most
annoying Christmas music. I hated Christmas, for the sole reason of
having all the families and love all around you.
My
mom had died when I was six and my dad had died last year. That’s
when I got into the killing business. My step mother had disowned me
and dumped me in a foster home the first chance she got.
I
ran away and hid in a building called Nuclear War Games. I knew right
away that this was Not what it seemed. It was after hours and I
crawled into an office and noticed a secret door. It opened at my
touch and revealed a meeting room. A power point presentation was up
and it read Institution.
I
walked in there casually and introduced myself. Seeing there was
something special about me, they explained what they did. They were a
group of people who were some of the most powerful people in America.
They
needed a job done and evaluated my skill with sniper rifle. I had a
natural talent for guns and they had seen my skill.
They
gave me a place to live and I became their assassin. I did other jobs
for them as well, such as computer hacking, bombs, and other stuff
like that.
They
promised that if I wanted out I could get out, but that it would be
dangerous to actually become a normal citizen. At the time, I was
content, but then I longed for school again.
They
promised I could get out and they let me. I agreed if they ever need
me after hours or on the occasional school day, I would be there.
Next
week, I would be on a flight to Texas and I would be going to a small
town school. They had procured me a place to live. I would be
boarding with a single mother and her son. Their last name was Mayes. My motorcycle would be shipped over there and they would
meet me at the airport. The son, Erik, was a senior and as such, I
would be a sophomore, because of my age. I was fifteen.
My
target walked out of the building. Todd Atkins was a secret arms
dealer and a business millionaire, since he dabbled in food market.
But for years now, he had been ripping off the Institution and now,
they had decided to take action, or otherwise, take him out.
Permanently.
I
had to reach him before he got into his car, but I had that taken
care of. If I missed, which I wouldn’t, or if I was too late, I had
a bomb planted in his car.
One
shot. That’s all it took. I fired once, packed up, and left. Didn’t
need to see that I hit him, I knew that I hit him. It was an ice
bullet, my own invention. Only made a small hole, so it looked like
he was hit by a dart. It melted, so it couldn’t be traced to me.
My
phone rang. “Nice work,” Boss said. “I’ll have a plane pick
you up tomorrow for that shopping spree and that motorcycle.”
“Thanks,
Boss. I’m going home and hitting the sack. Is it you or the other
guy who’s coming shopping?”
“The
other guy. Last time I went shopping with you, we spent three hours
in the shoe store because we couldn’t agree on a pair of shoes for
you.” His voice turned joking.
“You
know I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for me.” I
said quietly.
“We
wouldn’t be where we are today without your help you know.” He
said thoughtfully.
“I’m
just nervous about going to school with regular people and you know
how awkward I get when I’m out of my element.”
“I
know. We learned our lesson from last year’s Christmas Ball.” He
drawled.
“You
shouldn’t have put me in high heels or in a dress.” I
reprimanded. “I’m an assassin, not a Barbie doll.” I reminded.
“It
wasn’t my choice. I don’t choose who goes to the balls or dinners
or whatever.”
“But
you didn’t stop it. I felt so out of place. I was relieved when you
offered to leave early even though you were having a really good time
with that one lady from Operations.”
He
laughed nervously. “You did look nice and all ladylike, but I’m
guessing you faked sick on all the other activities.”
“I
faked fatally ill. It’s called Dressaphobia or whichever event it
was.” I replied.
“Well,
I better let you go or you’ll be tired in the morning.” He said
goodbye and hung up.
I
turned off my phone and got on my current motorcycle, which was like
two months out of date and I seriously needed a new one.
I
drove to my current residence. It was a small flat, but it was
decorated lavishly. Of course I had a few pets. A rare two tailed cat
from Japan that I named Kirara from my favorite anime. Inuyasha.
The
cat was so abnormal they had actually put her in a circus. I was paid
well by the Institution and I had around 30 million for the record at
that moment and I paid around a quarter of a million for her and she
was worth so much more than that. She was one of my three companions.
My
little wolf cub was named Kouga, just because he reminded me of the
wolf cubs in Kouga’s pack.
My
third was a little black tiger. I named her Neko. She and Kirara were
best friend and all were complete loyal to me and I loved them more
because of it.
I
locked up my bike and went inside. The doorman greeted me. “Ms.
January, I understand you’re leaving us.”
I
nodded. “It’s time I go back to my roots and go back to school.”
He
nodded. “Well, it will be good for you to be around other
youngsters your age. You’ve been deprived of female company for too
long.”
I
snorted. “You haven’t met the female teenagers of today.”
He
scratched his head. “Well, go on up to your room. I’m sure your
tired and probably have a long day tomorrow.” He waved me up.
“Thanks
man.” I hesitated. “If your wife wants, I can babysit your twins
in a couple before I leave for the hick town.”
“Thanks
Ellen. We’ve been wanting to go to that new movie for a few days
now and we can do that.” He smiled. “You’re the best.”
I
smiled back. “No problem.”
I
walked upstairs and opened my door, locking it when I closed it. My
friends came and greeted me.
I
fed them and after they did their business, they curled up in my lap,
as I turned on the news.
“Todd
Atkins was shot dead this evening right outside Lovely Scents, while
buying a perfume for one of his many girlfriends. His daughter,
Melinda, has been put into custody of her mother, who has been
fighting for custody for two very long years.” The news reporter
said.
The
screen switched to Riley Fracen. “I am so very sorry about my
ex-husbands death, but I am so very thankful to whoever gave me my
daughter back.” She was crying. “Thank you so very much whoever
did this. My daughter is safe and I am forever in your debt.”
It
switched back to the reporter. “Well, now that that’s been out, I
suppose all the people who were ripped off by Atkins could be a
murder suspect and the police have already officially closed the
case.” She sighed. “In other news,”
I
switched off the television. “Well, another job done and we can all
sleep soundly, knowing I’ve done some good in this world.” I
smiled.
I
was tired and I fell asleep on the couch, with everyone in my lap.
 |
| Erik |
I
woke up to someone buzzing. I cleaned myself up and opened the door.
There was a guy, probably two years my senior.
“Hello,”
He greeted. “My name is Erik Mace and my mother sent me to make
sure you get to our house safely.”
“Well,
I’m Ellen, as you already know. I have things to do before I do
anything. If you’re hungry, there’s food in the refrigerators and
there is soda in the pantry. I don’t usually eat here, so there
isn’t much more then snacks and sodas.” I said apologetically.
He
ambled into the kitchen. “Ellen, why is there a collection of guns
in the kitchen?” He asked.
I
was shocked. “You mean they didn’t tell you what I have been
doing ever since my dad died?”
“Nah,
they just said you needed a place to stay for the rest of your high
school career and at the sum they gave, my mom didn’t ask.” He
explained.
I
sighed. “You’ve heard of me, probably not by name though. I work
for the Institution and do many odd jobs for them.” I shrugged.
“Over three fourths of them would give you nightmares, so I won’t
give you the details.
It was not my decision to go back to school and endanger my life along with many others, although the Institution will not believe me.” I turned to him. “I will not endanger your family by actually living there. I will find my own place as soon as possible.” I looked at him with sorrow filled eyes. “I am truly sorry for anything that happens to your family because of me.” I hung my head.
It was not my decision to go back to school and endanger my life along with many others, although the Institution will not believe me.” I turned to him. “I will not endanger your family by actually living there. I will find my own place as soon as possible.” I looked at him with sorrow filled eyes. “I am truly sorry for anything that happens to your family because of me.” I hung my head.
“You
haven’t even done anything yet,” He said. “Now, I believe your
pets are starving.”
I
looked down and gasped. Kirara, Kouga, and Neko were over by their
food bowls. I filled their bowls and my phone rang.
I
picked it up. “Mushi, moshi.”
On
the other line, Boss sighed. “Quit saying that ridiculous Japanese
greeting.” He complained.
“So,
is the plane ready?” I said happily.
“Yes
and your motorcycle will be delivered pronto.” He answered.
“Thank
you so much.” I squealed. “I’ll be there in twenty.”
“Where
you going?” Erik asked.
“New
York,” I said simply.
“Why?”
“New
clothes, shoes. It’s a million dollar shopping spree and I’m all
pumped up.” I said loudly.
He
laughed. “Nice, well I’ll see you when you get back.”
“There’s
money in my bedroom under the pillow and there’s a
Subway within walking distance.” I said. “If you need anything else, Kirara, Kouga, or Neko can show you where it is. Probably.” I grabbed my keys and shoulder bag. “Later.” I waved cheerfully and left.
Subway within walking distance.” I said. “If you need anything else, Kirara, Kouga, or Neko can show you where it is. Probably.” I grabbed my keys and shoulder bag. “Later.” I waved cheerfully and left.
I
got on my motorcycle and sped off toward the Institution’s private
hangar.
Brad
was there, waiting for me. “Well, Ellen. I’m pleased to hear you
have made a lot of people happy. The plane is waiting for you and
Henry is on board.”
“Later.”
I started walking up the airway.
“Wait,”
He called. “A little gift from Adkins ex-wife.” He tossed me a
jewelry box full of bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. “She said
to tell you thank you for getting her back her daughter. She also
said she would like to thank you in person, but I told her you
couldn’t do that for fear of being shot to death.”
“Tell
her I said thank you and it’s the thought that counts.” I
continued walking up the stairs.
“Well,
I tell her and have a nice shopping spree.” I went into the plane
and sat down slowly. Still dizzy from lack of sleep and surprise at
the jewelry, I tried to catch some more sleep.
Ryan
shook my shoulder. “Wake up Ellen, we land in five minutes.”
I
stretched, popping in a piece of gum.
“What
district will we hit first? Clothing, Electronic, Book?” He asked.
“Let’s
get the clothing out of the way first,” I suggested. “That always
takes the longest. Then we can head to the Electronics store and then
after we finish there with all the gadgets and gizmos, we can hit the
book store and rest our feet.”
He
nodded. “Whatever you say,”
As
we walked off the plane, he continued to interrogate me. “So I hear
you’re leaving the Institution for some hick town in Texas?” It
wasn’t really a question; it was more of a statement.
“Not
my decision. Brad and his superiors decided that for me it was time
to reconnect with my roots and start going back to school.” I
explained.
“You’re
from Texas?” He asked incredulously. “You don’t have an
accent.”
“I
worked really hard not to have one, since you can distinguish a
person from where his accent, or so-called dialect, originated. My
sister has a very heavy one, so I tried my best not to collect one
from my travels, although I can imitate one to perfection.” I
boasted.
“It’s
always nice to see you’re oh so modest as they make you out to be.”
He joked.
I
stuck my tongue out childishly. “You’re mean,” I huffed. I
smiled. “But yes, unfortunately, I am the most perfect weapon
anyone has ever created for I am…” I trailed off.
“Human,”
Ryan finished. “So they trained you to become a weapon. So?”
I
smiled humorlessly. “Let me tell you a story,”
A
girl ran through the streets of New York, narrowly avoiding passing
cars and jaywalkers, and of course, the police.
She
ducked into a building called Nuclear War Games. Noticing there was
something odd about the building, she explored the rather deserted
building. After going through two floors, she found the director’s
office, which was odd in itself because of the way the door was
fashioned.
“You
see,” I explained. “Over ninety percent of doors have hinges on
the left so that they are fashioned to swing outward.”
This
door however had absolutely no hinges and it was like a wall that was
painted to look like a door.
She
thought for a moment. She could go back or she could continue on and
hope to not be killed. Well, she had nothing else to live for. She
found a secret door and opened it. There was a simple child’s
rhyme.
The
beginning of every end
The
end of time and space
The
hope of every man
That
looks upon a woman’s face
The
answer was e. She walked in and behind the secret door, was a group
of the most prominent business men in America.
She
walked in and the group of men turned and looked straight at her. She
looked around and feeling at least somewhat brave, introduced
herself.
They
looked at her and stated, “You’re either very brave or very
foolish.”
“The
latter,” She replied. “I’ve been on the run for day and you’re
the first people I’ve seen who at least looked at me without
actually turning around and frowning.”
They
sniffed. They looked confused.
“I
know I smell and look pretty bad, but do you know anywhere I can
maybe get some hot water and food. I haven’t eaten in a week and
showered in three days.” She asked.
“Of
course, but I need you to answer a few questions.”
She
nodded profusely. “I’ll answer anything, just please I’m so
hungry and dirty, I just want to get clean.”
The
oldest one looked up and said, “She can come with me and we’ll
reconvene later, say around 7?”
The
rest nodded.
They
walked out, leaving her with the dude. He looked at her. “You
obviously grew up in a good home, so why are you on the streets?”
“My
father died two weeks ago,” She replied. “My mom died when I was
six and as soon as she could, my step mother dumped me in an abusive
foster home. My sister was her favorite and she is happy with her.”
She paused. She sighed as she continued. “My foster parents beat me
and starved me for about a week before I got fed up with it. They had
gone out drinking and I packed my bag and left. I survived almost two
weeks on the street before finding this place.” She explained.
The
dude nodded. “Well, Ellen, I’m going to drive home and get you
cleaned up. My daughter will help you and we will meet with the board
at seven.” He pulled up at a building and they got out.
The
doorman simply nodded and let them pass.
 |
| Sapphire |
Dude
walked upstairs and opened a door. “Sapphire, I have someone you
need to take care of.” He called out.
A
girl probably around two years or so older than her came running into
the room. “Hello, I’m Sapphire, but my friends call me Fire.”
She
was in shock, but it passed.
Dude
spoke up. “Sweetheart, I would like you to get some food in her and
get her some clothes after she showers.”
Sapphire
nodded. “Gladly.”
The
girl inwardly groaned. She could tell Sapphire would mother her until
she left.
Sapphire
led the,
“Look,”
Ryan interrupted. “I know the girl is you, so please quit using
third person to speak. It kind of creeps me out.”
I
nodded.
Sapphire
led me to her shower and gave me free reign over her soaps, while she
dug through her old clothes to find me something to wear.
The
shower was absolute heaven. I washed my hair thoroughly. After I was
done, I looked completely different.
“Wow,”
Sapphire said. “You’re very pretty.”
I
ducked my head shyly. “I guess.”
“Here
are some clothes of mine that should fit you pretty well. I can’t
wait to see what you look like after I’m done with you.” She
squealed.
 |
| What i looked like |
I
ducked back into the bathroom and got dressed. She had given me
jeans, a short sleeved t-shirt, and some converse.
I
dressed and she came in when I was decent. She started brushing my
hair and started asking questions.
“I
love your hair,” She kept saying.
“Except
when you actually have it, you keep wishing to the gods that it was
straight.” I retaliated.
She
laughed. “But, seriously, your hair rocks. So why did my dad bring
you here? You aren’t quite the average stray,” She commented.
I
shrugged. “Honestly, I walked in on a meeting between him and some
other people. I asked for a place to shower and to eat, and they were
the first people who didn’t look at me like I was crazy.”
She
laughed. “Man, I wish I had been there. You were the first person
ever to get into that meeting without a pass. I could never figure
out that rhyme.”
“The
answer was E.” I told her.
She
was dumbfounded. “You mean, it was that simple? It looked like a
complicated riddle.”
I
shrugged. “I learned that riddle when I was two.”
She
finished my make-up and told me to look in the mirror. I did and
almost fainted. I looked like a girl for once.
“Yeah,
now let’s get some food in you.” She took my hand and led me into
a kitchen. It was filled with food and I almost drooled.
She
fixed me a sandwich and gave me a glass of water.
I
scarfed it down. She laughed. “When did you last eat?”
“Eight
days ago.” I answered seriously.
She
wowed.
I
nodded. I looked at the clock. “Okay, it’s almost six thirty.”
She
looked at me. “Do you like music?” She asked suddenly.
I
nodded. “Simple Plan, Linkin Park, MCR, the works.”
She
brightened up. “Awesome!” She squealed. “I’ll be right back.”
She
came back a few moments later. She thrust an mp3 into my hands with a
pair of headphones. “Here, it’s my old music player and it’s
loaded with those bands. You can have it, along with the headphones.”
“Thank
you so much,” I was so grateful. “I love music and it’s been so
long since I have had some to listen to.” I hugged her.
Dude
came into the kitchen. “Where’s Ellen?”
“I’m
right here.” I said.
“You
look way different.” He said.
“I’m
taking that as a compliment,” I said slowly.
“Well,
say your goodbyes because we have to go and meet with the board.”
He told me.
“Good
bye Sapphire.” I said slowly.
“Good
bye Ellen. If they decide to keep you, don’t be a stranger.” She
waved as we walked out the door.
“Your
daughter is a nice person.” I commented.
“Thank
you. I tried to raise her well. Her mother died when she was six and
I’ve raised her by myself as well as possible.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)