~Lucky Charms~ 12
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"Scene One" 16
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BOOK: "Once upon a time or was it only yesterday? Anyway, there lived, or was it in another place and time, a couple houses down...maybe it was more like a barn...ohhh, I can't remember every single detail," the book said as it was telling it's story that it held inside upon it's pages. 32
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KRISTINA: {giggles as she pulls her fuzzy cover} "Why don't you look inside? It might be much easier for you to remember. Because the details are the most important part!" 48
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BOOK: {smirks} "Sure...easy for you to say! You have arms...All I have are my words, my voice, a nice warm cover and a spine. It'd be just wonderful if you could help me by turning my pages?" 64
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KRISTINA: {sighs heavily} "Okay, but you have to read my favorite story! The one where you make me the pretty princess that finds her prince and they become the King and Queen of our own kingdom...okay?" 80
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BOOK: {making sounds} "I'm getting too old for this you know that don't you Miss Kristina? If I may say...I think you are too. I could clear my pages and be your personal journal ...you know, the kind with a calendar, telephone directory, a place for addresses and even room to write down your deepest feelings that you don't want others to know? I'd be redecorated and you could actually have me not only as your friend, but also accommodate your memory. Just my way of saying thank you for keeping me in such great condition all these years. What do you think?" 96
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KRISTINA: {looking in contemplation} "Sounds like a great idea Mr. B! I AM getting too old for bedtime stories. It's about time to write my own thoughts, stories and stuff. Mr. B, you'll still stay won't you? I couldn't bare it if I agreed to this and your voice is banished for removing all the words from your pages. I just couldn't stand that!" 112
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BOOK: {clears his pages and inserts a calendar, address book pages, telephone directory and plenty of writing space for his Miss Kristina} "Miss Kristina, I got you a gift..." 128
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KRISTINA: {excited, she sits right up} "Oh??!!! You did? But how... 144
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[interrupted] 160
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BOOK: "Don't you be asking those questions Miss! You know all that stuff is confidential...See your writing desk? Well, your gift awaits you over there." {hears Kristina walk across the creaky floor to her desk} 176
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KRISTINA: {picks up a calligraphy pen that has a golden ribbon on it, in wonder} "Uhm, Mr. B...what's this for? I mean it's beautiful and everything...but, why a pen?" {admiring it as she jumped back into bed} 192
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BOOK: {smiling inside} "Well, you said it yourself...that you ARE getting too old for bedtime stories...Soooo... 208
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[Kristina picks up Mr. B and sets him in her lap] 224
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KRISTINA: {realizing that Mr. B has already made himself into a journal - directory - agenda just for her} "I hope this doesn't mean you're leaving me?" 240
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BOOK: "Miss Kristina, I'm not going anywhere...don't you worry! It's just that I know you're growing up and have so many emotions that you are feeling and you need an outlet for all of that. Plus, I would rather grow with you than sit on your shelf and collect years of dust. And I already cleared it with the Fairy Tale Union, so, I'm going to be with you for as long as you need me." 256
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[Kristina's mom peeks in] 272
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KRISTINA'S MOM: Ms. Grace: {curious, as usual} "I thought I heard talking in here. Were you on the phone? You're supposed to be in bed young lady! We have "Shopping Day" tomorrow...you didn't forget, did you? I was hoping that maybe we could buy something that is a bit more feminine..." 288
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KRISTINA: {gets out of bed and pushes her mom towards her door} "Mother, I didn't forget and I wear what I want, when and how I want...Don't try to turn me into your human Barbie doll, alright? Goodnight, Mom!" {closes door with authority} 304
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"Scene Two" 320
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[ Following day at school] 328
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[Very gray and gloomy...it's raining...Last class of the day & Kristina is staring outside as the teacher was speaking] 332
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[2:30pm...thoughts of her recent boyfriend...] 336
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TEACHER: Mr. Davis: {throws a wad of crumpled paper at Kristina} "Are you even listening to me Miss Kristina? I was just asking the class about the book you have been assigned to read...{waits}...Nathaniel Hawthorne ring a bell? "The Scarlet Letter"? As I was saying class...I expect you to read the book and not refer to every English Teacher's foe, you know whom I'm speaking of, correct? Ol' Cliff...ya know, one of these days he's going to be pushed off that cliff ! {laughs, then stern again} I mean it. I've carefully planned your test question. Not a single one is recognizable by ol' Cliff....Ohhh, and there'll be an essay question that will count as 75% of your test grade. I expect for you to read your book carefully. 344
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[2:45pm The final bell rings] 352
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[The halls quickly filled with a mass of students and some teachers as well. Lockers being slammed shut while kids piled into the buses. By now the rain had stopped but definitely made a statement with its humidity.] 360
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KRISTINA: {Taking her time, no reason to rush...Mr. Davis walks by Kristina, which caught her attention because she wanted to ask him something} Uhm...Mr. Davis? Is there any possibility that I could maybe tutor somebody in class?It's just that I have a lot of spare time and I was kind of hoping that since my grades are beaming, that you'd allow me to broaden my opportunities...that is, if you need me for something." {nervously twirling her long, gorgeous blond hair.} 368
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MR. DAVIS: Let me think about it, Kristina...okay? I've got a meeting to get to. I'll see you in class tomorrow! {walks quickly down the hall} 376
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[Kristina begins to once again think about her recent boyfriend as she walked home, which was only across the street from school.] 384
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[The house is empty, as usual, though a faint smell of perfume was in the room] 392
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KRISTINA: {thinks out loud} "Mom? Are you here?"...Nothing...Oh well, she thought, "I'll just grab some pretzels and a soda and start on my homework." {walked down the hallway and past the bathroom} 400
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{GASPS!!!} 408
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KRISTINA: Oh my God!...Mom?!!!!!!!! You scared me half to death. Why didn't you answer me when I called you a few minutes ago? What are you doing anyway? Shouldn't you be at work? 416
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MOM: {looking at her daughter strangely} "Sweetheart, don't you remember? Today is our shopping day and I left work early so we wouldn't waste a single moment..." 424
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[the grandfather clock in the hall chimed three times] 432
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Honey, go grab your coat and I'll get the umbrella! 440
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[Kristina didn't want to disappoint her mom so she hesitantly got her favorite pullover out of her closet, it's black] 448
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KRISTINA: {grabbed the car keys, smiling} "I'll be in the car mom...it'll be comfy cozy in there...be waiting for ya!" 456
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[with no intensions of actually starting the car, Kristina just put the key in the ignition, then Grace finally got into the car with her daughter and they were off to the mall] 464
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Not exactly where she wanted to be at the moment, but she promised her mom. Grace wanted Kristina to know that, no matter what, they will always be a family. Ever since Kristina witnessed her father's death, Grace just tries so hard to be both mom and dad to Kristina. Nathan, her late father, was only seen and remembered through pictures in the family album. Kristina's favorite indirect memory of her daddy is a home video of him chasing her around a lawn sprinkler. 472
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GRACE: "Honey where would you like to eat lunch? Your choice, my treat! Kristina, sweety is there something on your mind...you've barely uttered a whole sentence. You probably just need to put something in your stomach." {finds a perfect parking place} "Okay hun, let's go..." 480
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The afternoon actually turned out rather well...They returned home and while Grace took a nice bubble bath Kristina dragged herself into her bedroom totally exhausted. She noticed her journal behind her fluffy pillow and her gold calligraphy pen. She pulled it out and began with her first entry... 488
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“Scene Three” 500
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[Kristina’s room] 508
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The day had been somewhat eventful. The sun has already set, it’s warmth from the sidewalks was ready for a blanket of snow. Grace relaxing in her bubble bath and Kristina finally put some more relaxing clothes on as she sat on her bed; legs crossed and a bed tray doubling as a desk ready for its purpose to be met. 516
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[Silently sighs poured words into her journal] 524
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[A sticker of a heart glittered gold was placed by her name] 528
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[She began by also confiding in Mr. B.] 536
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KRISTINA: “How do you know when to say no?” 544
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MR.B: I’m not exactly sure what you’re talking about Miss.” 552
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[She was struggling to find the right words to express herself as diamond cut tears streamed down her face] 560
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Beginning to write her first entry: 568
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Dear Mr. B., 576
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I expect this to be kept between me and your pages. Today while I was at school I was staring out the window as it rained. I don’t know why but the grey sky seemed to swallow the entire town. I was in my own little world as the end of my school day was drawing near. What is the problem with me? I just turned down Daniel. He asked me to go to the movies with him and a couple other friends of his. I don’t understand…first, it’s totally fine with mom, then she does a 180 on me. All of a sudden, she took away my privileges because she thinks that Daniel is a bad influence on me. My bet would be that the only reason she took me shopping is because it was her way of getting my attention on something else. Doesn’t she know her own daughter well enough to know that I’m going to rebel? 580
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Daniel and I are the same age. We were even born in the same hospital. We have a lot in common, besides the both of us being 17 years old. We’ve been best friends ever since elementary school. I just get so aggravated that I want to scream! 584
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I don’t care if she gets ticked off or not… {Doodles in the margins; hearts, crescent moons, and stars}… [Continues to finish her thought]…I’m going to go with Daniel and my friends Friday night. Mom can do what she wants, so what’s the deal? I’ve got my life and she’s more than welcome to live hers. All I want is to be with my friends. What’s so wrong with that? 588
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--Dotting all her letter i’s with hearts-- 596
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With Hugs and Kisses, Kristina 604
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[She softly closed her journal and placed it in between two thin books on her book shelf in her room] 612
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{Turned off the lamp she made in school; it was a bottle with wax streaming down in at least four or five colors—a dim light to prevent more melting; then she got all comfy cozy in her bed and her favorite goose down comforter and eventually fell asleep} 620
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629“Scene Four” 630
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{Thursday in homeroom at school. Used as a time to finish the previous day’s homework and a fun class for everybody else. The teacher barely ever looked up from his magazine or whatever he was reading. A lot of them used to ask him if he’s ever had a girl friend; they were ignored as usual!} 638
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Mr.B.: [thinking to himself, Kristina is going through a phase. Surely she will understand what her consequences may be!] “I wonder if I should give her my advice. No, I don’t want to betray her trust. I mean, I did give her an outlet for her feelings. 646
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Meanwhile at school— 654
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DANIEL: [At his locker, of course right next to Kristina’s] say to Kristina, “So, are we on for Friday night?” With that flip of his long raven bangs, Kristina about melted said… 662
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KRISTINA: “Uhmm- Daniel, my mom has this idiotic perception that you are some kind of bad influence on me…first she was fine with it until I mentioned your name, so in English terms—she doesn’t approve of you.. But, I think she’s jealous because all she has to keep her warm at night is some cheap wine and her cigarettes. Ask me if I care…”670
671“Scene Five”672
[Kristina’s last thoughts were of her daddy and remembering his laugh as he ran after her…a green and yellow sprinkler…her giggles] 673
A beautiful backdrop of willow trees and waterfalls that were sprinkled with stardust and reflections of the moon surround a secret cove so plentiful of fruit and green shades. A white lattice above a yard swing...pink roses peeking through, filled the air so fragrantly. Once again she encountered her father. He sat down right beside her on the swing. 674
No doubt about it [subconsciously thinking] paradise, roses smelling so sweet, my daddy…I know I’m dreaming… 675
Thoughts filled her head as Nathan told her, “Sweetheart, Daddy will always love you even though I can’t be there physically. But, you’ve got to be patient with Grace…I mean your mom. She is really struggling with my death, just like you are honey.”676
The waterfall seemed to be stopped in mid-air and weeping willow’s braches were standing on end, everything became very surreal… 677
--Kristina woke up in a sweat and the hairs on the back of her neck were standing right on end— 678
KRISTINA: “Was that a nightmare or was I just visited by my dad’s angel?” {Freaking out} 679
[Flings open her bedroom window and breathes as if she was held under water unwillingly]680
MOM: "Honey, I heard you from the bathroom...are you ok?" {tries to console Kristina but it wasn't in the cards this morning}681
KRISTINA: "Mom just... Nevermind! {Storms back into her bedroom}682
Walked back into her room and noticed that very same sweet scent of roses. It seemed to be lingering right by her bedside. Kristina recalls the dream she just had. {pondering} Was daddy here? {as she thought, she figured she would write down what she had just experienced}683
MR.B.: "My God Kristina! Handle with care Miss! I may look good, but I'm not as young as you are"684
Obviously Mr.B. had no idea that Kristina had just been through something very traumatic...685
KRISTINA: {shaking} just give me a minute, alright? I’m going to write it in my journal. I want to keep track of this…686
[beginning to jot down her entry]687
Oh my gosh Mr.B.,688
You’re not going to believe this! I can’t tell if I just had a nightmare or had an encounter with daddy…He told me to go easy on mom because she’s having a hard time grieving, just as I am, and that he is always with me because he loves his little girl. That’s when some very odd images in my dream. They were like a waterfall that suddenly stops flowing, like it freezes in mid air and a weeping willow’s branches were reaching for the heavens.689
I know that dreams often are our own subconscious, so I believe that daddy was send me an underlying message within the images in my dream meant a couple things. I’m no expert, but I don’t need to pay somebody to analyze my personal dreams. I think the waterfall symbolizes my tears; daddy’s telling me that it’s ok to cry…the waterfall in mid air meant that I am holding them back. And the weeping willow, I think daddy was trying to tell me to reach out, even if that only means talking to him.690
{Kristina felt a tear roll down her cheek}691
Mr. B., I need you more than you know. Thank you so much for being exactly what I need…my friend. I’ll talk to you later…692
{signs her name and dots her i’s with hearts as usual}693
Hugs and Kisses, Kristina694
Window open and the sun rising with such beauty, Kristina got ready for school. Today is Friday…Kristina walked across the street in her combat boots and black fingernail polish. The brisk air drew the students into the cafeteria where some of them were finishing their homework and some were in groups of three or four headed to the break room. Sitting at a table in the far corner was Daniel. Kristina wondered why he was alone.695
[Daniel notices Kris and a smile crept upon his face]696
DANIEL: “So, what’s going on Kristina? Do you think you’ll be able to sneak out tonight…{sarcastically} or has your mom nailed your windows shut?” {laughs}697
Thirty seconds before the warning bell and most of the students begin to filter out into the hallways, like a swarm of bees searching for their workstation. [Bell rings]698
KRISTINA: “Well, uhm…I had kind of a hectic morning Daniel, can we eat lunch together? I’ll explain, I promise.”699
The air so thick with something so mysterious, so elusive that Daniel had the strangest look on his face…he agreed and quickly pulled his backpack to his shoulder and gently nicked Kristina’s shoulder and went on his way to class.700
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“Scene Six”704
Time seemed to crawl at a snails pace every time Kristina would glance at her Mickey Mouse™ watch; a special gift that her daddy bought for her before his untimely death. Not to mention her English teacher, Mr. Davis…the epitome of a Chatty Cathy™ on her eighth cup of coffee. Although that’s kind of a question in gender, but how could anybody honestly know since the girlfriend question seems to always be avoided each time it’s brought up.705
MR.DAVIS: “Alright people, clear you desk. Pop quiz time. {With that empty mile plastered on his face} All you need is a piece of pare and you writing utensil…don’t worry I’ve got plenty if you are in need. {Smirks}706
--A knock on the classroom door—707
For some odd reason Kristina’s mom was on the other side of that door. Her mom pulled her out of school for the remainder of the day.708
MR.DAVIS: “Kristina please gather you things…your mother has requested you go with her”709
It’s like she’s psychic. No matter what she does….in someway she’s always interrupting her daughters plan, especially if they consist of Daniel…You know, the bad influence on Kristina’s social life. Well, what tiny circle of friends that she currently has right now.710
[It wasn’t even lunch hour yet!]711
KRISTINA: “Okay mom, what’s the problem this time? You can’t keep doing this…I’m going to fail my classes…Do you want me to fail? Just because you dropped out, doesn’t mean that I’m going to follow in your foot steps.”712
MOM: “Krissy, don’t! I’m not in the mood, alright? I came to get you because I need to talk to you... {Sniffles and repeatedly wipes her nose}I don’t know what we’re going to do, honey. I really don’t know what we’re going to do this time.713
-- Interrupts --714
KRISTINA: “Whoa…what happened mom? And what do you mean by “this time”? {Tries to calm Grace down} Mom you have got to calm down…{Grabs the keys out of the ignition just long enough so Grace can compose herself – for God’s sake they were still in the school parking lot!}.715
GRACE: {Keeps wiping her nose} “Sweetheart…”716
KRISTINA: “No, mom! You listen to me for once, in that alcohol and drug induced world that you seem to consider a part of who you are. Let me try to help you, okay? Now please just try to take steady and slow, deep breaths. You can do this mom; I’ll help you if you help me.”717
Kristina felt that her mom was calmed down enough to drive home, so she put the keys in the ignition. On the way home, they took a shortcut, which caused Krissy much concern. For some odd reason Grace stopped in front of a house very unfamiliar to her daughter…718
KRISTINA: “Mom?? Why are we stopping here? We need to get home right now.” {She witnesses her mother exchange her wedding rings from dad for a small bag with white rocks. Totally about to fly off the handle when her mom seemed to be making sure it was the real thing…guess it was because she sealed the bag and stuffed it down her bra}719
The drugs turned out to be laced with PCP and had an adverse reaction on Grace because before she drove to the school she downed a half bottle of vodka. It’s amazing that she could even drive. Although they lived only across the street, the shortcut was actually a mile away.720
Signs, landmarks and innocent people were destined to be a target. Sadly, only a block and a half away from home, there would an accident that was life-threatening. Grace was in bad shape, more than likely because she failed to put her seatbelt on. And Kristina walked away with a few cuts and bruises. She was taken into the hospital for observation…721
722“Scene Seven"723
Doctors and Nurses were scrambling to the emergency room next to Kristina’s. Just moments before, a nurse tended to Kristina by cleansing her wounds and pulling out a chunk of windshield glass, which was the result of Grace shattering the very thick glass of the windshield in front of her, out of her eyebrow. Before the nurse left she gave Kristina a couple Percocet to ease the pain, and then left abruptly as the intercom announced a code blue in room E2. E2 was right next door to Kristina’s, separated by a paper thin shower curtain, a drape you might say.724
Quickly becoming lightheaded and exhausted, Kristina remembers these words, “It doesn’t look good for her.” Obviously she knew exactly who they were talking about. That’s it, then Kristina was knocked out, she fell right to sleep.725
A CBC (cell blood count), along with every other test under the sun, pregnancy came back negative and so did diabetes. The most evident chemicals found in her blood tests were liquid methamphetamines, marijuana and a cocktail of other substances. {It was recorded in her file, but it was almost as important as her death”. Grace died on the operating table.726
--Musical instrumentals were played upon the intercom only seconds after time of death was announced by Grace’s surgeon—727
By this time Kristina was coming to and with her eyes only half opened she heard her mother’s voice…728
^j^Grace: “Sweetheart, don’t worry, I’m alright…just know that I never meant to hurt you or your daddy. Please forgive me, Krissy. I didn’t mean for this to happen.”729
KRISTINA: “Mommy?? Are you here with me?” {Still very much out of it, she attempts to sit up, but still feels very weak and lies back down.”730
NURSE: “Kristina honey, I think you need to know that we did everything we could for your mom, I’m sorry sweetie.”{She began to give Kristina a shoulder to cry on as the main surgeon walked into the very cold room}”I’ll be right back; I’m going to get you another blanket, ok Kristina?”731
GRACE’S SURGEON: “Hi Kristina {Taking off his surgeon’s cap} how are you feeling? {Pulls the bedside chair closer as he sat down to tell a child that he couldn’t save her mom} Kristina, do you remember how you got here?”732
KRISTINA : {Notices the bandages on her hand and says}, “Uhm, mom came to get me from school and she said something about not knowing what we were going to do and of the last things I remember is…mom traded her wedding rings from my daddy for white rocks, I’m assuming that it was some type of drug. Then I remember being here, but not how…and I also overheard the doctor’s saying that they didn’t they were going to be able to save her. I have a tearing feeling it was my mom that they were talking about…”733
SURGEON: “Yes it was your mom {as he gently held Kristina’s hand} he continued, we did everything we could, but your mom overdosed and compounded the situation by having the car crash.”734
A tear welled up in Kristina’s eyes, and was assured that it was okay to cry, so her tears began to flow. Now she knew that she was going to have to leave everything her life was about and live with a relative. This is an extremely emotional time in her life. Though, it was certainly not the only thing she will have to face. It was bad enough that her daddy died but, now her mom was gone now too.735
736“Scene Eight”737
It’s been only 5 days and Kristina’s family took care of Grace’s funeral It was closed casket which was so hard on Kristina, since she never got to tell her how much she really meant to her, she didn’t get to hug her once more and most of all she didn’t get to say I love you mom and one last goodbye.738
[Flashback to funeral]739
That Sunday afternoon, when Grace was buried seemed to have a sky filled with angel wings. Clouds with a palette of God’s pastel hues were scattered across the sky. They shared their presence with sun rays that filtered down to Earth. Kristina was going through Grace’s personal papers. She was trying to be responsible by taking on the adult responsibilities.740
[Kristina’s thoughts of the way her mom used to read to her when she was little brought tears to her eyes. Tears were the least of her troubles.] 741
[Mr. B. was her only outlet now. So she picked up her golden pen and began writing…]742
Dear Mr. B., 743
Mom passed away last week...I'm scared to even close my eyes, wishing that this was all a nightmare. I don't know what to do Mr. B., I'm just a kid. I need my mom....as much as she probably thought I hated her, I truly didn't. I loved her but I hated what she was doing to me, herself...our family. Why did she have to die? Why didn't I just walk her home instead of letting her drive...I must be the most stupid person alive. I feel like it is all my fault. Mr. B., you're all I have left. Let me tell you now so you know..."Mr.B., without you I'd truly be lost...you've been a part of my life ever since I was a little girl. You're the one that has truly understood me for so many years. You'll always be in my heart Mr. B., please don't ever forget that."744
In the morning I'm going to have to go through all mom's papers and get everything in order as far as any bills needing to be paid and anything else that is of importance. I'm going to be looking for a job too. I can't lose this house...this is where I grew up and the last place I saw both my parents together...they seemed so happy. I guess I'll never know what happened.745
Well, I'm getting sleepy, so I better go to bed. I've got a long day tomorrow. Thanks for listening Mr. B.746
[Dotting her eyes with hearts]747
Hugs and Kisses, Kristina748
Boxes of financial receipts and records were piled on the dining room table and some extra boxes were stacked against the grandfather clock. Being an only child was more or less overwhelming because Kristina felt burdened by the aspect that she needed help and absolutely had nowhere to turn.749
--A knock on the door and an additional doorbell—750
[Setting down her pen and soda]751
KRISTINA: said loudly, “Who is it?!” she could hear a guy’s voice on the other side. “It’s me Kris, it’s Daniel. Can I come in?”752
[Kristina opened the door immediately and embraced Daniel]753
DANIEL: “I just came over to see if I could do anything to help and to give you my condolences about your mom.”754
KRISTINA: "Come on in Daniel, I could use some help with all these papers. I think mom was a packrat...Look at this mess! Grab a chair and we'll talk while we go through this, okay?"755
[Daniel grabs a dining room chair and pulls it out to sit down]756
KRISTINA: "Oh, where are my manners...Guess my head isn't even attatched these days. Daniel, can I get you something to drink? There's soda in the fridge and sweet tea as well."757
[Kristina wades through all the piles of paperwork and boxes into the kitchen...]758
DANIEL: "Uhm, sure...whatever is handy, as long as it isn't diet. Diet sodas are very disgusting to me...always have been."759
KRISTINA: "Yeah, I hate them too...so don't worry nothing diet here.{A smile actually found its way to her face}760
--Handed Daniel a tall glass of iced sweet tea--761
It seemed hours had passed since they've began and hardly a dent was made. Daniel spotted a photo album and started to flip through it's pages. Nothing out of the ordinary...looked like a normal family. Kristina looked up and saw Daniel going through an album and stopped going through her box of files.762
KRISTINA: "Whatcha got there?"763
[He looks up then picks up his tea for a sip.]764
DANIEL: "One of your family photo albums. You all look so happy, so normal....every kids dream."765
766“Scene Nine”767
A hollow knock at the front door quickly gets noticed. Only seven days after Grace passed away. Functioning is a difficult task for Kristina, but she’s afraid to stop for fear of that inner tidal wave. Emotions she kept inside. A painted smile would hide her tears for now.768
-- Kristina answered the door. Instead of a familiar face she was presented with sixteen red and one white rose along with two foil balloons that read “Happy 18th” and the other one shaped in a heart said, “I Love You!”—769
By the time Kristina turned to pay the delivery person, they had already gotten in their van and drove away.770
DANIEL: “Who’s the lucky guy, Kris?”771
It wasn’t evident but Daniel was a bit jealous. Though, he had no idea why. Kristina walked over mounds of paper and set the beautiful crystal vase on the fireplace mantel. She retrieved the card from the golden lined envelope.772
--She read it to Daniel—773
KRISTINA: “I totally forgot that today is my eighteenth birthday.” She first read the card to herself, then again to Daniel. “It says, “To my Dear Daughter, Kristina. You deserve the very best and have a lifetime of birthdays, but you’ll only have one eighteenth birthday. Enjoy your birthday and remember how very much we love you.” Love Mom & Dad…Hugs and Kisses.774
“Wow, mom must have had these on order for me.” Tears flowed down her cheeks, but quickly wiped them away. She didn’t want Daniel to see them.775
DANIEL: “Well, Happy Birthday Kris! The roses are beautiful, but I have a question…if you are okay with it?”776
Looking at Kristina putting the card back into its sleeve and smelling her roses and pulls the white one as she glides its velvet petals down her cheek.777
KRISTINA: “Sure Daniel, what is it?”778
Of course now, Daniel felt as if he was prying and being really nosey. He figured if he didn’t ask, then he’d never know, so he continued…779
DANIEL: “Okay, please don’t get upset. But, why is there only one white rose among eight red roses? You don’t have to answer. I don’t mean to be nosey, Kris”780
Daniel picked up his glass of iced tea and finishes it off so quickly, that there were still half melted ice cubes in his glass. He felt as though his question was a bit intrusive.781
KRISTINA: “Daniel, you know you can ask me anything, I’ve absolutely nothing to hide from you. You’re my best friend, you know that.”782
Kristina pulled a dining room chair over beside Daniel and still held onto the white rose. She raised it to her nose and inhaled such a sweet fragrance. Then she looked up at Daniel with tears in her ice blue eyes.783
DANIEL: “I was just wondering why you got eight red roses and only one white one? That's all...” [Standing by the fireplace mantel; he continued to admire her gift. He felt bad for forgetting his best friend’s milestones in life.]784
KRISTINA: ”You’re not being nosey silly! I’d love to share my story with you…See, being my eighteenth birthday and all, that’s the gift from my mom and the white rose is special because my daddy always bought me white rose. So, the single white rose represent my daddy’s undying love for his little girl…I miss him so much, Daniel." Embarrassed, Kristina let a tears stream down her face.785
[Daniel did the only thing that he knew to do. He embraced Kristina and assured her that it’s okay to cry.]786
Everything, at that moment seemed to pass in slow motion. That terrible, uneasy feeling was beginning to break Kristina’s wall of tears. Once she began, there was no stopping the streams from turning into a very dark and painful river.787
Time seemed to go by so fast…788
[Daniel already had to leave]789
Kristina was getting ready for bed when she sat down on her bed and put her hand on Mr. B., then grabbed her gold pen and began to write…790
[Turning the pages until she found her next writing page thirsting for the ink that would soon become words]791
Dear Mr. B.,792
I’m very depressed today. I miss mom so much, I hope she can see what she’s done to my life! Why did she leave me all alone? I have to take care of all of her debts...I'm nearly out of school, but that doesn't make me an instant adult. Graduation is going to be hard...everything from now on is going to be hard because I won't have family to share it with. Tomorrow is a new day and the tears that fall on my pillow tonight will disappear by morning. My whole life, all I ever wanted was to have a family that lived for each other and not for themselves.793
Well, I have to pull myself together and each day as it comes. I know that I can do this...I've got to do this, whether I want to or not. Getting sleepy now Mr. B. so I'm going to bed. I'll let you know what happens tomorrow, ok? 794
[Dotting her i's with hearts and crescent moons]795
--Hugs & Kisses, Kristina--796
797“Scene Ten”798
Kristina woke up in a sweat. She had a very disturbing dream about her mom. In her dream, she assumed it was her mom’s rosewood casket being rolled through the back door, down the hall and into the living room. A beautiful center piece on the casket of red and whit roses {Kristina’s idea, her way of having Grace and Nathan together one last time symbolically} Afraid to open it up, she knew her fear was true. There was a golden name plate on one side that identified the corpse. It said “Grace Hanson, born in 1963, died in 2003, Age=40yrs.old”.799
Suddenly she awoke with this dream burned into her brain. Kristina quickly picked up Mr. B. and began to document her dream thinking that there was some significance. Here is her entry;800
Dear Mr. B.,801
Okay, this dream truly affected me. It seemed as if I was hovering from above as my mom’s body was being rolled through this house. Now, you tell me that you think this isn’t frightening! Do you suppose it’s some kind of sign? What if she’s stuck in between here and Heaven? Maybe she wants me to forgive her…802
Not to change the subject like this but, I wanted to tell you what happened while Daniel was here earlier. We were going through mom’s important papers; at least I can be grateful there wasn’t anymore. (Ha-ha!) Anyway, there was a special delivery for me…it was quite unexpected. Can you believe that I actually forgot about my own eighteenth birthday? 803
--Interrupted--804
MR.B. “Considering everything that you’ve been through, Miss Kristina, I am very sympathetic. I have been so quiet lately because805
I can feel your pain. It’s making you bottle up…even as your tears fall upon my pages. Kristina, you need to forgive your mom. You’ll always find a way to blame yourself and it’s not healthy for you or anybody else.”806
{Kristina realizes how selfish she’s been to everybody around her and continues with her thought, cursing under her breath} Even though she knew Mr. B. was right as rain}807
“Before I was so rudely interrupted…ahem 808
[Continued to express her experience into her emotional words]809
I got a flower delivery, eight red roses and one white rose surrounded by baby’s breath. I guess mom had them on order for me. My eyes welled up into pools of loneliness, especially after seeing the white rose. My daddy always gave me a single white rose on special occasions. I felt like they were both present; a powerful feeling. 810
I’m sitting here, a legal eighteen years old…I am allowed to vote! Yet I still feel like a little girl. I want my life back…this is so unfair!811
{Once again she finds herself doodling around her name]812
Hugs & Kisses, Kristina813
[Shuts her journal and gently puts her thoughts in her bedside table drawer]814
Kristina likes to keep her bedroom window cracked while she sleeps. She lay there in the dark and watched her sheer curtains slightly moving. There was a soft cool breeze tonight. Slowly Kristina fell asleep.815
816“Scene Eleven”817
Dawn broke and the sweet smell of honeysuckle lingered in Kristina’s bedroom. Another day…could have been a nightmare, if Kristina had her way. You know she does think everything, no matter how small, is her fault. 818
[Daniel was knocking on the door, so Kris quickly grabbed her flannel robe, then she answered the door]819
DANIEL: “Well how’d you sleep last night? Ohh, I brought you your favorite, French vanilla coffee from the coffee shop that you love so much.”820
It was 7:50 am and whether she liked it or not, Kristina had to be an adult and make a list of her income, balance sheet and an annual net income so she can do Grace’s financial duties, along with her final income tax.821
[Daniel noticed that Kristina took down all the pictures off the wall and confronted her about it, since he could relate to the same circumstances. He knew that she was taking it really hard and he was willing to whatever it took to be there as a friend and somebody that actually cares.]822
Coffee was heavenly to Kristina’s lips. A warm comfort that sent such a loving feeling, thanks to Daniel and Mr. B. A box of cocoa pebbles was their breakfast. Kristina saw that her dear friend was becoming a very solid rock.823
Every once in awhile, as they ate breakfast together, Daniel would keep sneaking a boyish glance into Kristina’s eyes. That’s it…he knew. What he felt was much more than friendship. 824
{Oh boy…What am I supposed to do now?} 825
These thoughts lingered as did the scent of his hormones. He dared not confront Kristina yet. This was definitely not the right time he knew that he had to get a hold of himself for both of their sakes.826
KRISTINA: “Oh, guess what Daniel? I’m going to be starting work soon! I’m really pleased because mom left behind much more debt than I first thought.”827
She got up and started to gracefully dance around the room while she and Daniel laughed together. Daniel got up to join her. They continued to dance and frolic, without a care in the world.828
DANIEL: “I’m really happy for you Kristina! What kind of work will you be doing? If you need any other help, I’ll be more than happy to offer my hand if you need an extra hand.”829
Exhausted, they both plopped down on the emerald colored couch. Daniel sat down first giving Kristina plenty of room, although, Kristina fell into Daniel’s arms, breathing very heavily.830
KRISTINA: {Pulling her hair out of her face} “Well, don’t get mad…I applied to be an exotic dancer at the bar uptown. Are you grossed out now?”831
DANIEL: “I’m concerned about you Kris. You know, I can help you. You don’t have to work that kind of job. I really wish you wouldn’t.832
[Of course, Daniel wants to help…he actually wants to move in, but he is terrified that she would be insulted. He keeps trying to drop subtle hints anywhere and everywhere he can.]833
Still sitting on Daniel’s lap, Kristina wraps herself around his muscular body and sighs as she lays her head on his shoulder.834
KRISTINA: “Oh, Danny you are really sweet, I wish I didn’t have to work this job, but I need a lot of money quickly, unless you’ve won the lottery.” {Laughs & giggles}835
Uh-oh Daniel was getting very nervous. As he held his best friend in his arms, his urge was quickly expanding. He couldn’t take the restriction of his senses any longer. He turned sideways and gently laid Kristina on the couch while he removed his clothes.836
He grew even more excited seeing that this wasn’t bothering her at all. In fact she, in turn, stood in front of him implying he undress her with more than just his eyes. He did so, ever so gently caressing her face first and working his way to her neck. They both stood without any barriers between them.837
Instead of the couch, Daniel laid Kristina on the plush carpet, as he started to sensually kiss her. Kristina was completely submissive. She didn’t even realize how much she cared for Daniel until just moments ago. Unclothed and racing heartbeats were soon to become one.838
Writhing bodies entwined while moving in a rhythmic motion. Suddenly Kristina began moaning, which caused Daniel to become more rigid than before and pushed deeper with every thrust.839
KRISTINA: “Oh Daniel! I’m almost there, please don’t stop!!”840
Continuing to pulsate and throb, Daniel aimed to please and had youth on his side. He kept going…sometimes teasing and mostly pleasuring Kristina in multiples.841
DANIEL: “Kris, good gosh, you are so hot! Feels so…oh, oh, oh, I can’t hold it! Hope you’re ready my sweet Kristina…here it comes!!! Ahhh, ohhh, mmmmmm! My goodness, Kris, give me a few minutes and I’ll842
be more than happy to do it again. You sure made my entire year. Wow!”843
[Panting heavily and trying to catch their breath]844
KRISTINA: “Whew! Daniel…oh my God! Do you have any idea how long I’ve been keeping that secret? I’ve wanted you for so long, but I knew we were way too young. But now…I want you to know how special that was to me. Danny, I saved myself for you…I was a virgin until now. I’m so happy that you were my first.”845
846"Scene Twelve"847
[Thoughts were racing in Kristina's head]848
{"Oh my God, does he think I'm easy? Maybe I am...Did I just ruin our friendship? Everything is going to change now, I just know it!"}849
The living room was a wreck. It's now near lunchtime and only five more hours until she started her new job uptown.850
[Still thinking as she sat in a hot bubble bath]851
{"Daniel was so gentle, so caring...he treated me like I'm very special...I don't want to lose that"}852
Bubbles, bubbles everywhere! Like tiny diamond droplets, they surrounded Kris with such luxurious pillows of air that were scented by lilacs. Not to mention the beautiful glow of clustered pillar candles that she had placed on the end of the tub. She wished she could enjoy this all day, but knew better.853
Hair all wet and wrapped in a white towel, Kris sat down on her bed and picked up MR. B. out of her nightstand. Licking her lips she just had to tell Mr.B. about what had just happened only a few hours earlier.854
Hey Mr.B.!855
I wanted you to know something...My life is changing so much and to be honest, I'm kind of scared. Do you remember as I was growing up all I ever hoped for was for Daniel to notice me? Well, we did more than just notice each other this morning. I felt like I was doing the right thing. I'm pretty sure he did as well. Okay, okay...we made love Mr.B. and it was perfect because I actually felt safe in his strong arms.856
--Interrupts--857
MR.B: "Miss Kristina, I have to ask...Did he..."858
KRISTINA: "Mr.B., of course he used protection...even if he didn't, we're both old enough to take responsibility! Now, please don't judge me Mr.B, it'd mean alot. Are you going to let me finish my entry?"859
[Continues to pen her thoughts]860
When I told Daniel that I found a good paying job, he was very happy for me, at least until I told him what kind of job it is. Oh, I haven't even told you yet...I'm an erotic dancer at the bar uptown. It pays real well too! If you saw the finances that mom left behind, then I hope you understand that this job is only temporary. Since my pay is very attractive then, it won't take long at all to pay off mom's debts and put some aside for college. I want to be a nurse...to help others besides myself, like mom seemed to pound into my head...it was one of her last wishes. Kinda...well, she came to me as an angel when we were both in the hospital.861
Anyway...I better go...gotta get ready & I don't want to hear a bunch of negative things from you about what I decide to do, ok? I need to go.862
Lots of Hugs & Kisses, Kris863
[Leaving a big heart by her name with Daniel's name scribbled inside]864
865"Scene Thirteen"866
4:45pm and Kristina was putting on the last bit of lipstick before she headed out the door. She was very nervous, but thinks that all those times as she was growing up of dancing withj her friends would surely help.867
[At the bar, before Kristina gets there]868
The bar keep was cleaning some glasses with a linen cloth. His name is David and has a very stocky build and is around 35yrs. old. He's the one that accepted Kristina's application.869
[Almost 5pm]870
Kristina walks into a very dimly lit bar room. The only light sources were the flourescent lights and the neon signs strategically placed around the smoke filled room. Of course the stage looked as if it was the center of attention.871
KRISTINA: "Is this where I'll be dancing?...on stage?"872
{She felt her heart beating so hard, like it was going to leap from her chest}873
DAVID: "Are you Kristina?"874
KRISTINA: "Yeah...I'm Kristina, but that's not what I want to be called on stage, okay?"875
DAVID: "Whatever you want, doll. What shall we call you princess?"876
Sounded to Kristina that this guy was a real gem. She wasn't worried, she's got an attitude as well...877
KRISTINA: "First of all, I'm not a doll! Dolls are stuffed inanimate objects and second, NEVER refer to me as your princess or anybody else's for that matter. I want you to refer to me as Isabelle, alright?"878
[Smirks all around]879
Definitely caught David's attention because he was tripping over each and every word that spilled from his disrespectful mouth.880
DAVID: "Yes ma'am, sure whatever pleases you...Isabelle. Now get to know my other girls, they'll show you the ropes...One more thing, Good luck tonight."881
Headed towards the back Kristina ran into one of "his" girls and not a single word was exchanged. Pushing back the black curtain she realized that she had come to far to back out now.882
Smells of hairspray were almost too much, not to mention all the883
make-up, fake eyelashes, and the costumes may as well have been called swatches, they were so tiny.884
Butterflies were definitely getting the best of her. Such anxiety caused her to look as though she were frozen, like a manican. Just then, one of the girls introduced herself to Kristina (Isabelle).885
JASMINE: "Hi, you must be the new girl. My name is Jasmine, well that's my stage name. How about you? Are you ready for the grand tour?"886
KRISTINA(Isabelle): "Uhm, yeah...I think so. As ready as I'll ever be. By the way my stage name is Isabelle, nice to meet you Jasmine."887
Jasmine began by introducing Kris to the other girls, one by one...six in all. They finally got to Kris's own place to get ready. It wasn't very private to say the least all it really was, was a big lit mirror a counter for all the accessories and a chair...nothing fancy at all.888
JASMINE:"Okay Isabelle, that's the end of the tour, nothing special, but at least it pays the bills. Good luck tonight. Your costume is laying on your chair. If you're uncomfortable changing out here, then you can always use the back bathroom."889
{Thinking to herself (Kristina)...what have I gotten myself into?}890
Uncertainty was hanging over her head as she continued to get ready. First she did her make-up, then she quickly grabbed her costume and ran into the bathroom.891
Kris was struggling to distinguish the front from the back. Finally, her costume was on. All that was left was fixing her blonde curley hair and putting on some very uncomfortable high heel shoes. 892
Using hair combs detailed with tiny flowers and baby's breath, Kris pulled one side back and inserted the comb. Then let the remainder of her hair just be down. Kris's hair is past her shoulders. (Very sexy)893
Almost time to go on stage...Kris was extremely nervous, but you'd never be able to tell it, because she looked very solid and ready to tease...894
[5, 4, 3, 2, 1...red light blinks alerting the next dancer to come onto stage]895
KRISTINA: Please dear God, don't let me fall and help Daniel to understand my choice to do this. It's now or never...here I go."896
To Be Continued... 897
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Jani J. Fraim 913
Adding your comment:
I thought I was going to do it in the morning tomorrow... I just got too into it. I could picture everything very well. You sure know how to write and how to make the reader feel. When Kristina's mom died, I almost had tears, it was powerful and very sad. And when she got the roses for her eighteenth birthday, my oh my, many emotions went through my mind! I would love to read what you have yet to write about... I'll be patient until then. Hehehe. Thank you very much for sharing this. Love you sis and take good care of yourself.
^j^Honesty 
^j^Honesty 
Write s'more! 
Pwease?
You have such talent with writing stories! Each word is breath taking and you have created such images in my mind! You have made me speechless, yet words keep coming from my mouth! I can't even begin to explain EVERYTHING about how this made me feel! I am in tears.
