I'm Dreaming Of Glee: Part One

Once there was a regular girl named Emily who dreamed of being more than she was. She loved to sing, and she dreamed that one day her name would be in lights. One Christmas she was sitting by the fire with her friend, Liz who was spending the night. They were watching their favorite show Glee. Emily sung Fireworks along with Lea Michelle who dominated the screen. "I want to be like her", she said. Liz looked at her friend,  and replied, "Your way better than her." Emily considered it, but wasn't convinced. That night when they went to sleep, Emily dreamed of stars. When she woke the next morning, she was on the set of Glee in Rachel's bed. She saw Rachel's two dads bust in the room. "Good morning Rachel!", they said. Huh, I'm Emily! She thought. Then she closed her eyes, only to open them back to the two people she saw in her room. I'm dreaming! They hurried her to the school bus after singing songs on the piano to her during breakfast. School was not the same. She figured she was still dreaming, when Finn came up to her and planted a kiss on her lips. Whoa! "Finn?" Emily asked. "Is this real?" He looked at her confused. Then Emily knew this wasn't a dream. She'd wished it on a shooting star before bedtime last night, after Liz zonked. I'm RACHEL BARRY! "Rachel, are you OK? Should I take you to the nurse?" Finn was still talking to her. "I'm OK  just didn't sleep to well." I hope he kisses me, again. As they went into the quire room Tina came up and told her Mike said the three-letter word to her; the one all girls dream of their boyfriends telling them. When Will came in everyone sat down. Emily looked at herself in the mirror. She saw Rachel's brown bangs and straight, perfectly long hair. That was proof that she was Rachel. She touched her hair, until Finn nudged her in the ribs. Will had called on her to sing in front of the group. She rushed up in the center of the choir room, and started with a simple tune, ending with a long drawn out note. "Thank you, Rachel!" Will said ushering her back next to Finn. Finn said, "That was amazing!" Emily smiled. This was too cool! Then he kissed her, and Emily felt like she'd melt into a puddle. Quinn cleared her throat rather loudly, "I can't hear Mr. Schuster with all that lip-smacking going on!" Santana giggled, while Britney just stared into space, then said, "You can borrow my lip gloss." After Glee Club, Puck was eye balling her in her reindeer sweater, and rather long dress. "Rachel, Please tell Finn to show up to practice and stop drooling like a love-sick puppy." Then he also said, " And wear something sexy for a change." Emily stuck her tongue out at Puck, and brushed him aside. She was walking to Algebra when a jock came up and thew a red slushie in her face with such force that she swallowed some of it. Red streamed down her arms and hair. Emily yelled at the jock, " That wasn't nice!" He just laughed on. So she just muttered, "Jerk!" Why am I such a pushover! After School Finn walked her home, and they held hands."Finn, I'm not Rachel, my name is Emily and I made a wish, but I didn't know I'd wake up as her. How do I switch back to my old life?" Emily said. Finn had an odd look on his face. He was silent. Then laughed like it was a joke. "Finn," Emily tried again, " I am not Rachel, I'm serious. This is a TV show in my world." Finn looked around for a hidden camera, found none, and just stared. Emily  walked away, knowing he wouldn't believe the truth. He called out, "Rachel!" But Emily left. She missed her old life. She wanted to cry! Why did I make this wish!? Kurt bumped into her and she dropped her books. "Sorry" she said. "Why are you sorry? Have you been crying? Oh no, is it Barbara Streisand? Did she die a horrible death?" Kurt blurted out in one sentence! "No, it's just Finn doesn't believe me that I'm not Rachel, I'm Emily." "Is this about Charlotte's Webb in English class?!" Kurt asked. "No!" Emily yelled! Kurt was quiet. "Your not the Rachel I know, today." He replied. "FINALLY, someone realizes!" Emily shouted. "Kurt, listen, I woke up as Rachel, but I'm not her. I'm serious!"  Kurt nodded. He pulled her aside, and then started asking excitedly about what she was going to sing for Valentine's Day. She couldn't get through to anyone. She ran back to the school, where she found her way to the empty choir room. She started crying! "I want my OLD life, back!" she repeated. " I want to be myself!" As she continued to cry, Will saw her, and suggested she see his fiance' Emma, who was the guidance counselor. On the way he muttered, "You've changed, you sing different." As she entered Emma's office she told the whole story; all about the real her. Emma was quiet.

Lizzie and the Bear

Lizzie was just walking to class, as she did every morning, when a guy stepped out of the shadows. He resembled that of a bear. At first she was scared to death that it might eat her. It extended it's paw as she shook with trembling fingers. "Don't be afraid," the bear told her, " I don't eat humans,; I'm a vegetarian." She immediately opened her heart to the bear. She said,"I'm going to class, and I can't have anyone see you. Will you hide in my place. They'll shoot you if they know your on campus." So she smuggled  the bear into her apartment. His belly growled and she knew he was hungry. She gave him some carrots; the only thing she had in her fridge. He munched vigorously. As soon as he was done chewing, she locked the door, and prayed he wouldn't mess up the place when she got back.  

At class, she couldn't think. She kept thinking "HOW THE HECK COULD A BEAR APPEAR ON CAMPUS?!" She realized her thoughts were spoken and the whole class was staring at her. AWKWARD! 

As soon as she left she went to the grocery store to get food for her and the bear. The moment she walked in papers were flying everywhere. The bed was broken from when the bear tried to take a nap! The bear blushed, saying, "He was SOOOOO sorry!" Liz felt a fool to hide the bear here. He ate her homework for ALL her classes. The only thing on the floor was her math test. "HEY! You can't do that you silly bear!" Lizzie shouted! She went to plug her IPhone in but the plug was ripped apart. "OUT!" Lizzie, shouted! The bear hung his head, and walked out of the building. Suddenly she heard a protest outside; he was spotted. She ran outside realizing her mistake and shielded the bear. A bullet went through her like a grenade. She was dying. The bear scooped her up and rushed to a hospital! The doctors had a hard time believing their eyes, but they saw the girl and rushed her into surgery. 

Several hours later , she woke. Her chest hurt, and when she looked to the chair, there was the bear snoring.  "Bear?" she called. The bear woke up, right away!He looked at her with his brown eyes in adoration. He let her pet his smooth fur. She felt comforted. Then their was a knock and in, rushed her parents, shooing the bear out! He looked at her and left with a tear in his eye. Her parents where furious! After she heard all there was to hear she was dismissed from the hospital. She went back to her place, and wondered where the bear was. At the same time there was a knock at the door. It was a boy she's never seen, but his brown eyes were familiar in a way she couldn't explain. She decided to invite him in. 

As she slept he used his large hands to type a document on her computer. She awoke later to find in his place, the bear! She uttered one word, and the bear turned to see her shocked facial expression. "I'm a shifter," he said, " but you must keep this a secret!" Trying to process all this was so hard, she immediately fainted. 

To Be Continued............

Mile's Has A Darkness Inside

Miles stared at the faces looking at him. They were all puzzled. He saw Melinda; the instigator. She started this lie! He couldn't have Darkness inside of him, thought he remembered when he was the Shadow's turned him. He thought he was healed by his Mom's balm. Could it be?! He closed his eyes, and thought he felt something lurking inside him; he didn't want this to grow.HE didn't want to fight his family. He didn't know when he stepped over the Shadow's threshold that it would change him. He ran out the door quickly thinking if he wasn't around that he couldn't hurt anyone. A danger to the heart would rid the world of this thing inside him. It had to be a special dagger; wouldn't kill him permanently, just the Darkness. He knew where to go,; he'd fix this.

Meanwhile his siblings were silent as he ran. Then Katrina spoke, "He's going to kill the darkness, but with a price. We need to get to him before he does this. Mama said we had to do this together, meaning WITH Miles too. The Seven can't be severed. C'mon!" She raced after him! Each sibling followed her. She was fast, since she was a child. But her speed increases. She could smell his scent even though he tried to wipe it away. She stopped for the vision that came. "What is it, sister?" Ella asked. "I know where he is! But it's risky; demons can't be trusted to remove Darkness. It's growing in him; he doesn't know what he's asking for. Hurry!"

Miles felt his sense of direction change. What?! Something was drawing him to a demon. He spat! It was growing in him; didn't want him to kill it. Drat! Miles stopped, feeling a pain in his chest. HE doubled over; about to throw up. No, he was changing! ?He thought of his siblings but saw them as enemy's  He cried out. He wouldn't fight them! Then the Darkness seized his mind again, altering his memories. His saw nothing but hatred. His siblings never truly loved him he thought; he was a black sheep in the family. Mama always suspected when he was up to something bad. She didn't love him. His eyes turned black. This wasn't Miles anymore. He picked up at a run.

Katrina panted, " He's going Dark!" It was hard to track him. "Ella, do you have the book?" She appeared by Katrina, Dimitri behind her, as well as the rest. She opened it. The pages were alive, and suddenly stopped once more. She looked at the spell, and gasped. She started chanting without closing her eyes; she grew weaker and weaker. Dimitri held her in place. Charlie was silent as her sister was doing the spell. Alec held his held his breath, praying this would work. After the spell, Ella said she needed to sit. Dimitri let her lie against a nearby tree. Katrina got out a loaf of bread, "Take it, Ella!" She ate tiny bites, as Charlie found water from a nearby stream, and brought it to her sister's lips. She spoke, "I can see what he sees, I know how to find him." Dimitri said, " I'll carry you." Ella, replied, " Thanks, I see a demon pouring him something dark. If he drinks it he won't come back to us. The Shadow wants to break us apart." With her instructions, they ran.

Miles had a headache, someone was in his mind. "Hurry Up, Damon! We need to break the bond", Miles said sharply. He didn't know that Melinda was near by; hidden from sight. But he felt her. Miles, you are loved. Don't do this! Your not bad. Fight it while you have a chance to. He heard her words and it brought back a light inside him. But soon it tapered out like a candle being snuffed. Miles, you can do it. Your parents don't hate you. It's lies from the Shadow. He is deceitful  and wicked; that's not you; never was. A sensation came over him. The real Miles was surfacing. But he pushed him away. Melinda cried silently for Miles. Soon the siblings, came and saw Melinda. Ella knew. She stepped to touch Mile's on the shoulder. "Don't drink!" He shrugged her off. The demon couldn't see them because she made her siblings invisible. "Miles, your a good person", Katrina whispered. Dimitri saw the drink floating closer, in the demons grubby hand. He knocked it over! The demon saw them, then. "What are you doing here? You can't save him!" He kicked the demon in the stomach; his weak point. " Your not going to touch him!" Katrina shouted. They tied Miles up, so he couldn't hurt himself. Then Ella put her hand on Miles with Melinda's instruction  and chanted, while her siblings fought. Miles was falling asleep. Melinda then, picked him up to take him to the the Elders. They could heal him from this! She glowed and rose to the sky; wings appearing by her side. She would save him!

Meanwhile as his siblings fought, Miles woke in a bright room. His parents looking over him. He was confused. Melinda made him drink a white brew. "What is this?", He spoke. "You will feel better soon", Melinda is actually an angel, as well a Godmother to you. She's an Earth Angel. Sleep, son. Dream of the Light." As the brew touched his lips he slept; darkness leaving his body. He dream't, saying one word, "Mom" Katrina saw this vision and almost cried. She knew he was safe, now.

After Dimitri kicked the demon's weak point, he crumbled  to the floor, but rose up again! Dimitri was punched in the face. Blood dripped from his lip. A cry ran out. It was Miles brandishing a white sword. Melinda brought him back to us, Ella thought, smiling. The sword pierced the demon's heart, and he turned to ash, immediately. Miles helped Dimitri up, and the sword vanished. Melinda did too; not being needed for the moment. She'd be back; always watching over the Seven. Miles kept her secret, putting a finger to his lips; looking at Katrina. She kept it secret too. It wasn't theirs to tell.

That night they went back to the house, and were silent. Most of them slept hard. But Miles and Katrina talked.  Miles "I wish I could see Mom, again. It was wonderful."  Ella had stopped seeing what Mile's saw from the moment he had gone away with Melinda.. She knew that something good happened, though. She felt it in her dreams. She saw Mama, and as she spoke Ella's name, Ella cried. "Don't worry, my dear. The battle is halfway over. Be strong, my good girl. They'll need you and you'll gifts." Ella cried, " I miss you!" Her mom said, " We'll see you someday, but your purpose is still not finished." She faded out of Ella's dreams like that. Ella slept and remembered noting but the warmth of her mothers arms around her.

 Miles drifted off, as Katrina lay a blanket over him when they finished talking. Katrina wished for sleep to take her. For now she just watched Miles peaceful slumber, and a vision of what was to come. Lori stood by the stairs, watching, knowing when her sister was having a vision. "Don' worry, Kat, we'll win!"

The Calling

Ella had strange dreams in the nights after they went into the Darkness, and came out, again. These weren't Katrina's kind. Theses were normal scares passing through her mind. She shuddered in her sleep. The Shadow was laughing at her, saying she had more to be afraid of. She couldn't take it anymore, and woke up with with a cold sweat. She felt awful. Katrina was there beside her bed. This often happened. Katrina looked worried, "He's coming into the dream state, now." Ella looked shocked, " Was that real?" Katrina, replied, " He wants to scare us, but he can't physically harm you." Ella didn't think he's find a way to her this soon! She knew it wasn't over, but invading minds?! She got up and walked to the attic where their mother's book lay. The pages were turning and stopped dead in their tracks. She went up to where they stopped. It read: TO PREVENT EVIL FROM LEAKING INTO SLEEP. She chanting the spell three times, and turned clockwise. She felt immediately better! Ella went back to bed, and slept well.

When morning came so did training. Miles suggested they be prepared. She went downstairs and ate breakfast first. Then she went in search of Miles. He was in the garden with Katrina. They turned heads to look at her. Training was strenuous! They worked on physical training first, like punches and kicks, then came the magic exercises; her favorite! She passed the second part of their training. She literally froze Miles in place. Reversing was hardest! After training her muscles were aching with exerting her powers. She learned you could only used but so much til your were drained. Later she went back to look in the book, again. The book always knew what to look for. Miles came in, and said, "I think the book has a mind of it's own!" Ella agreed. She didn't see much, so she adding the protection shields again so it was safe from intruders.

Once the book was safe, Ella asked Miles if he wanted to go to the market and buy charms, and other oddities. He declined saying, he had promised Charlie to teach her how to use a bow and arrow. Ella was disheartened, but nodded politely. She was always being turned down and spent much time as a child focusing on her charms, expect when Mama and Daddy would take them to the theater to watch plays of all kinds. She memorized the lyrics and music tones. Her favorite was a play about a young woman who was haunted  by a  phantom who'd come and sing to her in her sleep. The phantom was in love with her beauty but obsessed when she met up with a long-ago fling. She imagined that the phantom was good deep down, and his intentions were based on his past of rejection by his face which was masked.

At the market, Ella past a old man selling love potions. She didn't believe in trickery being used to find true love. The man was creepy too. He had one eye missing, and crooked teeth; very long black nails too. He asked, "Do you want help in your beloved? These potions are buy on, get one free. Come on, and buy them, girl." She said "No thanks!" The next booth was set up neatly by an old women in a red hood. She was pouring  her attention on a crystal ball and writing down things on parchment. Ella went up to check on her, "What are you selling?" She didn't hear at first,but looked up, "Eh?" Ella repeated herself three times before she caught the woman's attention. She looked at Ella strangely. " You carry a bright purple aura. Your future is an important one, and you have powers growing day by day." Ella was taken aback at this. "I knew your mother, we went way back. She was a friend of mine. I see her in your eyes." Stammering, Ella asked, "Who are you?" The seer replied, " My name is Melinda, deary." Ella was surprised, but unsure of this women. "I won't bite, you'll learn that I can aid you on your travels." Ella walked to the next booth and but turned back to Melinda, although she was gone. No trace of her remained. She looked for hours but knew it was getting late. She arrived home before dark, and ran into Katrina. She wasn't surprised to see her sister. "You met someone?" Ella nodded. Katrina asked, " I had a vision earlier, a woman in a red hood was talking to you. You turned your back, and she just vanished." Ella thought, " Maybe she has powers like Mama; She said she was a seer. Do you see anything about her?" Katrina dragged her sister to the attic and they leafed through the book. They pages went wild, and stopped on a portrait of the women whom Ella met. Her likeness was very well displayed. In big bold letters, it read: MELINDA SAGE. Ella read aloud from the passage. " She's famous for the ability to see auras, and also gave aid to those who were poisoned by the Darkness. She's a friend of the Good Witch, and her husband. On their death she vowed to help look after their children, and was named "Godmother" in the will. She can be called by the spell below. Read carefully."   Katrina gasped, " We should call her. I feel it's important. We need every one for this spell."

Later on, Everyone gathered in the attic. Anxiety was on their faces from what they heard. Miles fidgeted, but remained calm. Ella and Katrina lit the incense to drive away evil spirits that the book called for. Charlie lit four candles and placed them around the circle they drew on the floor. Fire burned from the candles, as Ella told them to hold hands. The blessed each element of magic, then the chanting started. As soon as they finished, Ella proclaimed in a voice loud enough to echo around them, " We call Melinda Sage to the Circle." Soon the candles wavered, and smoke filled  the center. Everyone watched as the smoke cleared. Melinda was standing inside the circle. " Hello, darlings, I missed seeing you. Your parents raised you well. What is your concern, dearies?" Melinda looked to Ella, and she spoke for her brothers and sisters. "We want to know why you showed yourself to me." Melinda spoke, "Your parents wrote in their will that you'd need guidance and for that, I am here." Miles squirmed, and Melinda gazed at the boy. "You have Darkness in you, I'm afraid." Everyone looked at their brother in the corner. Miles showed fear. He couldn't speak.

Tested

Lori found herself in a dimly lit room with shadows on the walls, terrible and menacing. They jeered at her and made rude gestures. She couldn't see her family; they must be up ahead of me. She remembered a flashback of her mom finding her in the oddest places when she was little. She held on to that memory. Her mother knew this was important to fight the Shadow, and she did too. She was close to her mom, and somehow knew her mom was guiding her through the Darkness. Lori trudged threw a swamp it seemed, out side the room. She thought of her brothers and sisters; wondering where they were or if they were stuck to. She had to find them. That was the mission, she felt for the moment. She stumbled on something she couldn't see; confused of what was under her feet. It seemed to be a knife. She took it. Her parents never killed, but if it came to it, she would for the rest of her family. Then again she felt it would be wrong, and who's weapon was this?! It might be hexed or charmed to distract her. She let it go, finally. It fell with a sharp, "clank"! Metal was under this sludge?! she dared not reach in to feel it. She knew she was being tested, so she kept walking. Soon she saw a shape in the Darkness, "Katrina," she whispered. I sensed you weren't with us, so I went to find you. She grabbed Katrina's hand. Katrina led her to Alec, Miles, Dimitri, Ella, and Charlie. They were glad to see her; satisfied. Ella had the book in her arms, and was not letting go of it. Katrina stood there with her eyes closed, then blurted out, " I had a vision". Since a child Katrina would wake up from nightmares that were actually these "visions". Sometimes she daydreamed in school about things that would come true in a matter of minutes. "I saw Momma and Daddy, guys! They're trapped in here...We should find them!" Everyone looked at her. Miles spoke, "the enemy is probably feeding false images; remember where we are!" "But....Miles..." she replied, and then thought better not to argue; not in this place. Ella held onto the book tightly. It seemed like they were supposed to "do" something. Why else would they be here, she thought. She opened the book which seemed to glow bright in the Darkness. Everyone was astounded. The page was a map! Alec beamed, "Genius, Ella!" Charlie focused on where they were, then said, "We're are close!" They walked down what was a stairway into a cave. Odd painting were decorated on the walls; violent and creepy. Miles touched the images, and retracted his hand quick. Something bit him! He examined his finger, but couldn't see anything like blood after a cut. Dimitri put an ointment on it anyways. "Mom always kept it in her dresser. I found it when we were at the house," he spoke. Miles thought, maybe Mom put it there for a reason. She always did things like that.

After a long time in the cave, they came to a flat area with a throne, except no one occupied it. Weird! Miles then saw something materialize. "See that!" He pointed.  It took a while but then every one murmured the same thing. It was a distorted figure of a man. What?! "Who are you?" Miles shouted. Ella saw his name pop up in the book, as the man began to talk. "Shadow," she reasoned. Everyone looked at her. The Shadow sat grinning up at them. "You've come to serve me, WONDERFUL!" He boomed. "You wish," Miles uttered. He just grinned, "You will!" Miles said, "Then your crazy! why would we do that?" The Shadow said, " Not them, YOU!" pointing to Miles. Miles was compelled by a crazy feeling of anger; stepping forward without heed. As soon as he took that step, he changed form. There was a dog where Miles stood. It barked madly at the Shadow. Ella starting chanting a spell that came to her. It was so strange to hear it on her tongue. She focused on changing Miles back. But nothing happened! The dog  turned and tried to grab the book with his teeth. She held on though, and forgetting it was Miles, kicked it in the jaw. Then remembering, said, "Sorry, Miles!" The dog stepped toward the throne. Miles, NO!" Alec shouted. He licked the Shadow's hand, and in turn the Shadow, said, " That was mean what she did to you, don't worry I won't hurt you!" Alec shouted, "LIAR! Give us our brother!" The dog looked confused at his call. The dog almost walked back, but the Shadow seized him as a collar materialized around his neck. Miles, in his dog mind, found his thoughts clouded. Ella chanted again getting everyone to hold hands, "We are strongest together!" She said. Holding hands they crossed over and Alec put his hand on Mile's scruff, as they dragged him back. Miles whined! But the Shadow couldn't touch them now. All together, Ella kept on chanting. Then Miles turned back into his real form. They all chanted! The Shadow startled to sizzle in his throne. Then a puff of smoke, and he was ash; nothing more. They kept chanting, fearlessly, as they made another portal. Without breaking hands, they crossed together, light bouncing of of them. The Darkness let up a little until with it closed with a "pop!" The portal was closed. On the other side, they were back at the house. Ella struggled to get the collar of of Miles, even Alec, but it was stuck. They needed to get it off. The collar starting closing in on Miles flesh. He fell and wriggled on the ground; choking. Miles said, " Don't feel guilty, Ella, I know it was a mistake. I was tricked by the Shadow." Ella whimpered watching her brother struggle. She frantically paged to the book until it stopped. The page she looked at read: REMOVING BINDINGS. She grabbed ever one's hand, including Miles, and chanted once more. Slowly the collar loosened around Mile's neck; disappearing. When it was gone, he rubbed his neck where it had materialized. There was a scar all across his neck. Ella tearfully hugged her brother! He hugged her in back, as well. "I thought I was a goner", Miles said. Ella said, "That would never happen, Miles. We wouldn't let that happen, with every once of magic we possess." Miles replied, " Mom was right about being tested." He spat on the ground, and Shadow came out of his mouth. There, it sizzled in the light; slowly disappearing too. They knew the Shadow would plague them again but not when. Alec helped Miles up, with Dimitri. Slowly they raised him and put him on the couch to rest. They all needed strength for what would happen next. They knew that was only a form of the Shadow. He had many guises, even in their world. They wouldn't let it take over though. Ella closed the book, and carried it back to the attic, casting a shield of protection around it. She looked back and it lay across her mother's old desk. They wouldn't let the Darkness succeed.

                                                              TO BE CONTINUED

The Portal

Alec moved quick with a knife, but this stranger dodged him making the knife sink into the moist ground.
The stranger rolled over and grabbed Lori's ankle. She screamed instantly! Katrina struck him with a fallen branch knowing where he'd show up. It slowed him down, enough for Miles to get a choke-hold on him. He knocked his head into Miles, almost allowing Miles to drop him, but not quite. Miles grabs him by his tunic. "Your not going to hurt anyone!" A deep chuckle comes from within the man with no name. Miles slams the the enemy into a tree. The birds make quite a noise as the tree falls over with a crack. Lori, raises her voice, "Everyone, we can't keep doing this cat and mouse game. We're better than that; than him, at least!" Her siblings stop and consider her words. Miles say, " I give you a running start of 30 minutes, then your gonna wish you never messed with my sister". Katrina watches him stumble into a run. A grin upon her face, saying, "Looks like he knows the message, alright, but, Miles, he's tricky. He's working for the Shadow." Lori, replies in shock, "so he ISN'T the Shadow! How do we end this nightmare? I wish mamma and daddy were here, still!" Lori hugged herself as if she were shivering. All her siblings came up around her, hugging her with tears in their eyes for their parents.

They stayed there for a while when they had to move on. They went back to their summer home where they had shared so much happiness; a family again. Lori was happy to be around those she loved. When they had departed from their parents it seemed wrong, but they did it to make a name for themselves, greedily. They didn't want that anymore. Somehow it felt like a spell that they had left this wonderful place full of love. They wouldn't do so again. They sad around a round table, speaking on how to get to the Shadow, or how to know who it was. They agreed they needed to find the guy without a name first. That was the only thing they knew. Until Ella brought out a very old book from the attic she's ransacked. They looked it over. It had their family seal on it. Katrina saw in her vision her father presenting it to her mother the day they married one another. Ella opened it to a page that had a photo of all of them smiling. She pointed to a tree going back to their ancestors. "Why didn't they tell us?" Alec asked. Katrina told him it wasn't meant for them to find yet. It was meant for them to find when they were together facing a great darkness. Miles had a problem with anger, but contained it for now. They flipped through the pages. Ella shouted, " It's full of spells! I can read them!" She flipped to a blank page, filling up with writing. A letter from their parents addressed to all of them. What was queer was it was date for today; weird, though what wasn't weird about their family!? She read the letter:

Dear Ella, Katrina, Lori, Alec, Dimitri, Miles, and Charlie, 

We miss you all very much, though we couldn't let you see this until it was "appropriate". Times have changed since we were young. A Darkness called the Shadow wants to collect the worlds magic, harvest it, and rule every nation on the planet. I saw bits and pieces when each of you were born, and know I've seen it all. As you know, their are spies working for the Darkness. One whom doesn't have a name will test each of you; try to bring you over. You must restrain. Never leave each other! My time here is waning...soon it'll be up to you. I'm speaking to you by the book. Your father and I love you dearly. Are hope is in you. You can do it. Don't forget to love, and above all don't hate us for what we kept. You were under protection, and also to live a normal life til your grew up. Now is  the time to strike the Darkness. Your powers are more heightened, now. I must leave...Don't forget whats in your heart, all of you. It will be crucial to defeating the Shadow. He lives on the Other side, the Dark. If you go there through the portal on the next page, be careful! 
Love Always, 
The Good Witch

.....The letters on the page faded, until it was blank again. All were silent. Ella turned to the portal on the next page. It burned her fingers but she still held on. The heading was in all capitals: PORTAL TO THE DARKNESS. Everyone gasped at the brightly colored flames that were alive but didn't consume the book; growing larger until it was a door.  Miles looked around, and was the first to step in. The rest gasped, then followed their brother.

                                                                 TO BE CONTINUED!

The Joining of the Seven

Ella searched for the tree that was her sister, Lori. She knew someone was following her. She turned naturally, "Hello Katrina!" The face in the shadow stepped out. Katrina was Ella's sister; one of the seven children of The Good Witch and Wizard. Katrina said gloomily, "Someone is tracking us, I don't see a name on him." She could see true names on people, but not on Mr. Nameless. There was a great mystery about him. She came to acompany her sister. She was also a fortune teller as well. "Something will happen soon that will shape history," She didn't say if this was good or evil. She was a mystery even to Ella. Ella was good at enchantments and charms. She carried a flute with with Lori's energy in it. It was to track her. They wandered secretly until they found Alec kneeling by the tree Lori now had taken the shape of. That was her, alright! Ella teared up," We need to get the rest of our brothers and sisters to help her. We're stronger together!" Alec looked up,"No they'll draw attention, remember Atlantis?!" Ella was quiet and felt the tree with her eyes closed. "She says the stranger is watching, and we must move. He's very powerful. Look for the Shaman," Ella summed up. It took three days to find the Shaman. There weren't many these days, but this had been there for each birth of the seven. He was a friend of Lori's family. They knocked on a broken down door, and Alec walked right in even when Ella hissed. She thought her brother was being rude to step across the threshold of a person's sanctuary without invitation. Katrina was alert when a hand grabbed her shoulder. She whipped around fast and almost punched the intruder, only to see it was a commoner. "He's gone! The shadow took him. Leave now or your in great danger." Katrina spoke, " What is it you know about this shadow?" He looked at her with unease, "It is the great evil, a dark fae from the Realm. There's a prophecy...." Alec ran to the man, he spoke fearfully, "seven of an ancient family has the power to destroy it, but we don't belive in such a folklore, atleast not the lot in the village. They would show themselves if they were so powerful, and mighty, though maybe they don't know of this evil yet. I am a believer that an uprising will come, though. We need salvation badly."

After a couple of drinks with this man, he nodded off in a nearby tavern; the Dragon's Eye. Katrina spoke, " The prophecy is real, I know it. I think it's our family. We should contact the others." Alec had the power of telepathy. He closed his eyes, "They're coming!" He opened his eyes, sea-green, and rubbed his temples. As they waited, they leanred on some gossip of the village folk. Katrina pretending to read a book. She already knew it's contents, having finished when she touched the cover. They came soon.  Dimitri, Miles, and Charlie entered the dim lighting of the tavern. Dimitri glanced at the fireplace and fire erupted, warming them all. Miles read the minds of his siblings, even though they hated it. Charlie moved a enormous object with her mind, a wine glass.

As all of them talked, they decided to help Lori first. They needed all of them for thier magic to work. As they all put thier hand on the bark, thier was a loud popping noise, and Lori was back to her original form. "Thanks, ya'll!" Lori said gratefully. Thier was much hugging, except Katrina, who saw something that disturbed her vision. "He's here!" Lori knew whom she mean't. They didn't need to turn to hear the icy voice, "Gotcha!"

First of the Seven

In the time when The Good Witch and Wizard passed to the other world, their children were prodigies. Their were seven of them, and they were very competitive to make a name for themselves. The first of the seven to make a name for herself was Lori. She spent her childhood in the mysterious woods surrounding her family's summer house. She wandered with her harp, playing music to the animals, and plants. The woods seemed to thrive during these summers in ways that could not be explained. As she grew into a young woman, she got along well with her siblings, always trying to solve disputes. Her music soothed them into resolving numerous debates. She realized this gift could help the world.

She set out on a path one day in the woods and backpacked her way all throughout Europe, until she came to Italy. She loved this location best! She was visited by her sister, Ella, and her brother, Alec, often. They stayed a while and listened to her many ambitions. Soon they moved back to their summer home, and Lori missed them. As she was draining her glass, sitting on the Spanish Steps in Rome, eating a pastry, she took out her harp and started playing. She played a favorite of hers, Amazing Grace. Her mother sung it to her in the cradle, and she always remembered it, especially after her mom passed. She missed her mother a lot! As she played on, someone threw her some change on the steps she sat on. Then another and another. She looked up when she sensed a young man staring at her. She stared back at him with the same gaze he gave her. Then she turned her head ignoring him. He was cute! She twirled a strand of her blonde highlights. Soon she received a tap and she turned around. He was smiling at her, replying, "I love the tune you were playing, let me hear it again." She did as he told, and he gave her a round of applause. "Where did  you learn to play?" He asked. "Natural ability," Lori replied. He was stunned at her answer, and grinned; laughing. "I'm not lying," she said raising her voice. "I know", he replied. She started spending more time with this stranger. She felt drawn to him. He never stated his name when she asked a dozen times. Lori didn't give hers either; something her father taught her.

As she spent more time with Mr. Nameless, she lacked  time to play the harp.She knew this wasn't good to stop playing. On one of their dates, she saw a gleam in his eyes that wasn't there before. He was talking about running away together, but something didn't fit too well with that statement."I decline!" she said, boldly. He looked hurt, but she explained her music was important to her, as well as her family. No elaborations on their history, of coarse! She walked away happy that night and played her harp all night long. She was free to pursue her ambitions! Soon, though, she realized the feeling of being followed,so she went underground. She died her blonde hair, a deep red, and turned her brown eyes into screaming purple, with some ancient magic. Things were quiet for a while as she performed for a promising band in Tuscany. She loved it, her music helped them become BIG in the music industry.

So as she strolled the rolling hills after a practice session one day, she was grabbed from behind, and kidnapped. She knew his touch so well! She concentrated on a distant location in her mind, and vanished, quickly. Mr. Nameless, held tight, and went along with her for the ride. She knocked him off but it wasn't that simple. So when she ended up in Japan, she kicked him rudely, and transported herself back to Tuscany. She struggled to catch her breath. He'd always hunt her! She needed to do something, and NOW! She concentrated again, changing her shape until what was in her place was a tree. she realized she was stuck, and realized the mistake. She had wanted to wipe her trace so bad. He wouldn't find her now, with her towering branches, and her delicious apples hanging from her boughs. She sent a image to Ella and Alec telling them where she was. Hopefully they could reverse what she'd done to herself, and warn the rest of their sibling about Mr. Nameless.

                                                           To Be Continued!

The Good Witch Finds Love

One of the thing the Good Witch hated most was her immortality. Isabella passed sooner than she thought. She was overbearingly sad to hear this. She'd helped the girl once break a curse.  It cursed her instead. Maybe this was her fate or wasn't, but she wanted to die with the rest of her kin. She visited the grave many times. She walked the woods alone. She was reading Good Witch Digest one day and came across an article, "How to break immortality", which the flipped to on page 12. This interested her. She was to dip a stake in holy water, and plunge it in her heart. She doubted this solution, but she had to see Isabella somehow! She assumed it would work. She went in search of a wizard, since only a wizard could do it. She searched far, until she found her Wizard. She begged him, "Do it quick!" But he was reluctant so she stomped off. 

The Wizard loved her very much when she came to her. He couldn't kill her. He regretted her leaving him. So he followed her. She didn't know this, though.  She found another Wizard, his evil brother, and right when she was going to die he shielded her. She screamed, "That was my death!" He looked at her, "Don't die!" It was then that she realized what he felt for her. She didn't recognize it before. She was so fixed on breaking her immortality. Killing herself would hurt him, even though she barely knew his name. "Stefan..." he uttered, "and might I say you have many more charges to help before the true death that we all face; people like us; immortal ones." She realized this and cried as the stake stuck above his heart. "I didn't mean this to happen to you!" she yelled. Everything was so unfair, she thought. She removed the stake and kissed him on the lips once. Her body trembled inside with fear. She was tired so she lay with him in the grass, briefly, listening to his heart. 

Stefan knew he would die. But as he waiting, his heart still beat loud and clear. What?! He remembered a wise man once told him that "true love saves people even from death". He didn't believe it then, but what if this woman was his missing puzzle piece?! He thought, and opened his eyes. He was alive. The Good Witch was astonished. He winked at her, and brushed her hair behind her ear. Her pale face was confused. He told her what this wise man told him, and it made sense to him. She said she loved him, and he confirmed his love as well. They married in a meadow that they found together when walking one evening. They were bound to each other. When the Good Witch died, she passed  away with her Wizard as well. This was a long time from when they promised themselves. They had 7 kids when they passed. Their kids went on to do great things to help the community they lived in. Emily and Stefan, Witch and Wizard,were remembered well. Isabella hugged Emily and Stefan when they met on the rainbow bridge. They couldn't be happier knowing they had lived life well. Isabella thanked Stefan for helping Emily to live without her. He smiled, and kissed Isabella on the cheek, then Emily on the lips. They were still bound. 

Isabella

Once Upon a Time, Isabella was a beautiful princess in a far away land, both magical and lovely. I stumbled across her as I walked to the market. She smiled at me, stuck out her pink tongue, and ran off. I looked behind where she's ran off, and saw paw prints left in the dust. She had flowing white hair and brown eyes that could captivate you in an instant. I touched the paw print. Yep, It was real, alright! I knew she was worth finding. I wanted to talk to her because I was a scientist. I traveled far over the worlds looking for supernatural creatures. It fascinated me. Isabella had a secret. she was part-dog. She changed into full dog at the every  full moon.

Isabella was in her room. She remembered the girl that stared after her in the market place with the matching brown eyes. Did she know her secret? She suspected it. Her father couldn't found out what she was. Then she would be locked up and wouldn't find her prince. She retraced her step earlier but the girl was gone. A witch had done this to her along time ago. That night she sat by the window and howled. Other howls followed. She understood them. They were people inside. But they had transitioned into full-dog, and couldn't change back. This witch cursed many that crossed her path. Her name was Angela. Angela turned people into dogs, or in her case half-dog currently when they threatened to expose her. Isabella wished she never threatened the witch. She just thought it was wrong; all those souls being trapped. It made the witch stronger; the more she changed. The full-dogs were under her control, and obeyed orders. They were going to help bring the fall of men. Isabella thought of it as a curse, and one she must break soon. But how?

The next morning she woke up and hugged her father. She had to kiss him carefully, or he'd see her teeth. He hunted with the Royal Court on Wednesdays, as it was today in fact. The full moon was getting closer as she feared. She spotted that girl at the market, and charged her up against a shed. "Who are you? Do you work for her?" "Her, who?" the girl replied, " My name is Emily, I'm an observer, I don't work for anyone. I suspect your secret, but I wouldn't tell a soul. I've seen other creatures like you." She let her grip on Emily loosen. "You must help me break it then", she said with a growl, " I can't be this. I'm not serving the witch."

Emily agreed to help Isabella, but she didn't know what she was getting fully into. She told Isabella about the ones that were hunted by the Royal Court. They turned human again as they died. There was much talk about it in the kingdom. Emily didn't want Isabella to come to this fate. They didn't know but, the witch Isabella told Emily about was following them. Emily pulled a sword out of her bag, "Something I picked up on my travels." Isabella studied the ruins carefully. "I can read it!" she said surprisingly.  She studied it, and gasped, this is the ones they make up North. The Elder Swords." Emily cocked her head, wonderingly. "Could it kill the witch?" Emily responded. But Isabella shook her head bemused. She was hoping it very well could. Emily also pulled out potions she'd made in her lab, but told Isabella not to touch it. She wasn't done with them. Isabella sent Emily home that night when it got late.

As Emily was walking home to her shed, she saw someone blocking her path. This woman cackled and tossed her red hair so Emily saw the scar on her face. "Give me the sword or die!" Emily trembled, Why do you care? " The witch said in a quiet voice the owner gave me this, she pointed at the scar. Suddenly, Emily remembered an old legend that someone told her in a pub. "Your Ursula, the one men fear to mention...But luckily, I'm no man!" Ursula smiled ruefully, "I see you rather fight me, and die. Don't you want to help your friend?" Emily knew who she meant. " I'll give it to you, if you cure her." The witch scowled at Emily. then she admitted, "OK, I'll do it," in her most sincere voice. But Emily knew this was a trap waiting to happen since Ursula couldn't be trusted. She went over to the witch and as she released hold, she planned clumsiness, dropping the sword on Ursula's foot. She screamed in pain and wretched her claws at Emily. But Emily ducked to late. She bore the same scar on her face. Emily screamed.

 Out of no where, Isabella showed up; concerned. The witch looked at her. As she was about to run, dagger in hand,  Emily grasped the sword and pierced the witch's heart. What happened after was like an explosion of light. Emily opened her eyes when it stopped. The mark on her by the witch, healed. But Isabella wasn't there. In her place was a white wolf. Emily scrabbled to Isabella but the dog took a step back. She looked at the destroyed witch. She felt a flow of power in her finger tips. The witch must have transferred her power to Emily. Emily decided then and there, she'd use the power to help the "lost ones", as she later called them. She put her hands on Isabella and her friend was human once more. "You have to save them, the others", Isabella whispered. Then she ran off, but when she married and had kids, she told them stories of the one who killed Ursula and became the Good Witch. She told them the lives the Good Witch restored by the touch of her hands. She also told them that wolves were more than animals, since she was one for a short time. They were capable of love and compassion. The Royal Court didn't hunt them anymore. When Isabella was Queen, she banned it. People forgot fear of things unknown and lived in peace. Emily known as the Good Witch eventually cured the lost ones.

Struggle

The Vampire Ball went very well for Liz. Most of society were dressed in their finest. Everything was nice, but Liz got a lingering feeling that something was off. She looked around to see her brother dancing with a young blonde vampire. She had the most gorgeous gown. Her eyes were like silver. Her laugh echoed from ever corner of the room. Her name was Celia. She didn't treat Liz very properly when they were at school, especially the History class they shared. Liz wore her best dress and matching earrings she bought at a local thrift store. She didn't care the stares she was receiving. Another thing about being a hybrid. Suddenly the music stopped and the whole room froze, except for Liz. She sensed someone behind her. A tall dark stranger strode up to her and looked her in the eye,"Nice running into you." "Did you just do that?", She shouted at him. "I do many things", he answered. Liz was feeling creeped out, even as he moved closer to her. Something made her jump. Before she knew it two other guys came up from behind and grabbed her while she struggled. Then she went limp, and all the world was shadow.

She woke up in the back seat of a truck, wondering how she got there. She reached for her cell, but her purse was gone. She sensed movement up front in the driver's seat. "Who are you?" That's all that came out of her mouth. They were neither vampire nor human. "I'm your guardian, sweetheart," he grinned, "Your going to help us...It's the prophecy." She was confused. What Prophecy?! He seemed to read her thoughts. "I'm an elf with powers to freeze time. I had to get you out of there, and quick," he said. She didn't know elf's existed, but remembered her Nanny telling stories when she was young. Elf's were dangerous folk, her Nanny repeated. Liz said boldly, They'll come looking and when they find me, they'll kill you." "I doubt that!," he laughed. He then said, " I erased their memory of your presence among them." Now she was VERY mad! "They're my family!", She shouted, "You have now right!" He chuckled and felt something sharp prick her. A big gnarled creature stared her down, injecting her with some drug that made her feel sleepy. Soon she fell asleep, again.

Next time she awoke she was in a white room with no windows. She scowled when she checked the door only to find it locked by some sort of energy. Darn those blasted elves! The door knob turned and she was face to face with the creature in the back of the van. In the correct lighting she recognized it as a troll. The beast set a plate of food on the floor and nodded towards it before leaving. Except, Liz stuck her foot in the door quickly, and slipped by the troll. It made a roaring noise, but she was quick. She ran down the hallway, and looked around until she came to a red door. She opened it, and ran in. It was a control room of some sort. There was a figure sitting in a chair pressing buttons. "Why am I here?" She asked. "I thought you'd try to escape. Clever girl!" the figure said. "Your here because we need you to help us get the humans to rebel against the vampires. Your mother was head of our society, but you weren't told that." Liz thought about it, "My mother was in league with you!" "Yes", he replied and turned the chair around. He was an old man with a white beard. HE smiled, " Your mother was killed so naturally you are entitled to finish what she started. You are the one she chose to lead once she died at your father's hand." He looked nice, but could she trust him was the big point she was eager to know.

During the weeks to follow she yearned for knowledge of her mother. They told her in small steps as not to overwhelm her. Her mother was apart of the rebels. She was against the vampires ruling the world, and part elf, as well as human. Her name was Pearl. Liz felt the same about the vampires in the Vampire Court. They always treated her like she wasn't truly apart of them. Now she knew why. She was meant for something greater than the life she's known. It comforted her and troubled her. Her brother and Emilia were still with the vampires. She had to get them out, somehow. Emilia had always known about Liz, she was her protector. She begged to go back and save them. The rebels didn't agree; too risky. But they had no choice if she was to help them. So they planned to bring the time stopper-elf whose name was still a mystery, along for the ride. Although, Liz had to stay behind but she didn't like it. She decided to follow them when the troll came in with her dinner. She  had made a trap to fool the beast. Once she was out she borrowed a car and followed the rebels but remained out of sight. She would accompany them. Besides they couldn't do this without her, right?!

The Chosen One

Elizabeth was a rather reserved person of the Vampire Court. She was the daughter of a full-vampire who had mated twice with humans. Her and her half-brother were "hybrids" as others called them in school. She got made fun off because she didn't enjoy human blood as well as others. People called her out during volleyball. She was never popular. Her best friend Emilia called her "Liz". Emilia was human, captured when she was young by vampire-poachers. She almost died if it wasn't for Elizabeth. She spared her kind from killing Emilia by claiming her as a "pet". Liz didn't really refer to her friend by that name. She never drunk from Emilia because she didn't want to become a monster like her father. Her and her half-brother lived in a shack not far from town. Her half- brother's name was "Hunter". Once she caught him drinking off a human to impress the others at school. She put an end to it and freed the human. The human ran off to the reservations where their kind bred in fear. Liz hated that they couldn't co-exist. She tried to protest to her kind that they weren't a threat. But the President was cruel and abandoned the old-rules. Once there was peace but it was shattered when a human tried to stake all vampires, calling them "demons". A human rebellion rose up but was no match. Liz knew not all humans were like that. Some enjoyed being fed off of. Liz, being a hybrid, ate like a human. She never was tortured by thirst. Naturally, people looked down at her. Her half-brother Hunter hated who he was and wanted badly to thirst. Their mother were human, so naturally they died during childbirth. Her father didn't seem to care much. They were to him, "expendable". But, this tale takes place on the eve of the Vampire Ball. Things were going to occur that would change her world forever.

4 Years Later- Leaving

4 Years Later

 

 

 

As Emily packed her things to return to the States, she reviewed all she learned during to time she spent in Greece. She had to admit she was sad to go. But God had paved a path for her, and she must go on it where ever it lead her. Nikki and Lena hugged her like they couldn't let go, letting tears flow. "Do you have to go?", Lena asked. Emily answered, " God has a plan for you as well. Maybe we'll meet again, and if not here, in God's Kingdom. Bless you, Lena." The tears continued to flow on the plane ride. Emily recalled her brief goodbye to Marcus. He seemed stable even when she wasn't. He just smiled at her. "Your going to do much good in this world," he told her. She still didn't know where they stood. Most of her time was focused on preaching that she hardly saw him except for a few rare times. She treasured them. Once she was back on solid ground, Liz came to help her with her luggage, embracing her with a sparkling diamond on her left hand. Emily's mouth formed an O. "I'm marrying him in March." She was happy for her friend, even when she was rubbing her enlarged belly numerous times. "The baby's a girl," Liz commented. She seemed so joyous during their ride back to their hotel. "So what's the next spot?" Emily thought about it. She answered, " I believe, it's Israel. I'm a little scared, though I know God is with me always."

 

 

Emily spent her time with her family back in California, realizing her work wasn't done, and she'd be leaving again soon for somewhere new. She slept in her bed and read her favorite books and listening to the songs that inspired her. When the day came that she had to pack, she broke down and sobbed. "My life is so different from my friends, Momma", she cried. Her mom said, "I know, but your father and I are in here", she replied pointing to Emily's heart that was beating in her chest. " I know," She said, wiping her tears, " If I don't come back...", and then came more sobs. She couldn't speak of it, again. But she knew she was doing the right thing. As she walked onto that plane, her parents and friends waved. Liz smiled at her, and stuck out her tongue. It was blue from the Popsicle she had devoured. That made her laugh, and when the plane started, she kept that memory with her. 

People With Less

I went about my daily meditations the same as any day in Athens. I walked through the market to buy fish from fishermen. Then I came home to spend time with Lena, putting Marcus to rest, and thinking only of God's plan. Late one afternoon, I talked about how Jesus had wandered in the dessert while Satan tempted him. "He did not give in, though. Satan is all the evil in the world. He ruins life. Jesus knew who he was, and so he went on until he found his way out of the dessert. He was hungry and thirsty, but he knew his soul was more important, than earthly concerns." One man rose up, and talked about how he was tempted the other day to steal a loaf of bread because he couldn't feed his family. He had thought God was punishing him. "I know now that the devil had possessed me to steal. What am I to do when the little ones are starving?", The man said."Bring them to Jesus", I replied."Teach them to pray."  I concluded, " Prayer is better than hunger or thirst."

 As I thought about the lecture, I decided to go to the market again. I bought bread, cheese, and water, and lay them on the man's door step. I hurried away so he wouldn't see me. I heard excited cries of happiness as I left. "See how the Lord has blessed us", the man exclaimed loudly!

 Lena met me at the Parthenon, and sat down on the steps beside me. "I knew it was you," she said, " It was very nice." I sighed. "Many are being taxed, and have no food and water."I meditated that night on all I had seen. God was using me as a vessel for his holy work. I liked helping others. I thought of the man, and his children. I did a good thing, but was it enough? There is so much to do in this world. I prayed to God to give me courage in the weeks to come. Right afterwards, my cell phone rang on it's incredibly loud Hunger Games ring tone. I'm such a geek! I answered,"Hello."Hi Bower, It's Lizzie, I wanted to tell you that I'm moving to Florida with Sammy!."

I was happy for her delight, but I missed home suddenly."Maybe you could visit," Liz replied to my silence like she knew my thoughts. "I miss you, Liz," I said. She replied,"I miss you too! I am still trying to get over the fact that your in Greece. I mean,Whoa, when I walk over to your house in the morning, I have to remind myself your not there. But your doing God's work, keep it up!" I smiled over the phone as a single tear slid down my cheek. "There's so much work here!!!"I confessed. Liz listened, especially when I told her of Marcus. She then spoke, "It's OK to be in love and still do God's work. But I understand, love gets in the way. You have always held your focus. You still do, but I think God would want you to be happy while doing his work. He wouldn't want you to give up what makes us who we are." Liz's words held a lot of truth. "What if it doesn't work out?", I said."Well, that's life, Em, whether it does or doesn't, keep holding on to your faith."Lizzie could always say the right things when I was down. That's one thing I loved about having her as a friend. As soon as it struck, midnight, I decided to get some sleep. My dreams varied, but made no sense. Morning came soon!

Love On A Mission Trip

As I lay in bed I had visions of that day with Marcus. Why'd I have to go back? Am I not done here yet? Why did Marcus's expression make me feel like there was something else he wanted to say? I imagined what   would happen if I stayed in Greece and settled down. But I couldn't feel that it was the right thing, because others needed me to bring to them the joy of the Lord. How could I let feelings of love betray my purpose for being put on earth. I am here to serve the Lord. Do I put my silly crush above the greater good? I got up and went outside to watch the moon rise, and saw a glimmer which was a star. I wish for the knowledge of what to do. What is my path? I immediately thought of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous, love does not brag and is not arrogant; it does not seek it's own, it is not provoked, does not take into account of a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.   

I woke up the next day with a note on my pillow: Emily, I will be out with a friend, today. Take care of Lena. Love, Nikki. I sat in the kitchen, and stared at the peeling paint on the walls. I helped myself to pancakes, and waited for Lena to come in. I heard the shower running, and soon she appeared in the doorway with a towel covering her. "Up late last night?", Lena asked. I nodded. "Couldn't sleep", I replied. "Well, I heard a stone on my window, and  to my surprise, it was Marcus. Weird!" She replied back. I blushed, and she exclaimed, "I KNEW IT!" She chuckled. "It's not like that", I told her," I'm here to help people". "You need to let him know, because I think he has the wrong assumption", She exclaimed. " I will", I said. But in my heart I didn't know how to do it. Lena burst out, "Let's go swimming, Em. We could go to the beach near the island of Crete." I nodded and put on my swim suit, while Lena put on her two-piece bikini. A couple of hours later we were having a blast in the cool water. It turned out to be very hot around lunch time. I applied more sunscreen. "Don't you just love this?" She said. " I do", I shouted gleefully. We walked up a cliff and I jumped off...falling towards the beautiful blue of the sea. I loved swimming back at home.Memories flooded of Liz and I kayaking at Beer Creek in Virginia, before we decided to move out west. Those were good times. I felt a pang for my friends back in the U.S. I thought of them often during the day. The day seemed to go on and on. When we were at the market place, we saw some young men looking at us fleetingly. One came up to me, and pinched me on the rear. Lena laughed. I wanted to go dump the fish we purchased on top of his head. As I came closer to him, out of the corner of my eye I spotted Marcus staring. Oh no! What if he thought I was going up to make a move. I didn't want him to get the wrong impression of me. I turned instead, and said," Hey Marcus!" But he didn't come any closer. His eyes were filled with sadness and he left quickly. Lena saw, and patted me on the back, saying, "It's OK". I knew I needed to be patient if I wanted to ride this wave through. I didn't know if Marcus was someone I was suppose to share my life with or not. I was confused. But Lena was right that he felt differently.

That night as I combed my hair back in the oval mirror I studied myself. Was I a good person to let this happen; to watch this man fall when I didn't know if I felt the same. I tried to see what he saw in me. He was very charming, and witty, but most of all he was a good friend. I knew I'd be traveling to other parts of the world with my job. He can't come with me, for this was my path to follow. Then I thought of his children. I would miss them dearly. Children are sacred to the Lord. What will happen to them. My heart was racing, and I didn't know how to describe what I felt. I wanted to see Marcus to explain that there was someone else out there. But thinking of him and someone else made me feel pain inside. I want him to be happy, though. The next morning, Lena told her mother what happened in the market at the breakfast table. Nikki explained to me that it's hard to know what to do sometimes when you have feelings for someone, but the best thing is to be honest. I thought that was great advice! Nikki even talked about how she was dating someone currently, and in private she admitted she didn't know if Lena would approve. Her child meant everything to her. I told her if he's the right person, things will work out. Then suddenly I felt like I should follow my own advice. How could I be so blind?

I went to the market this time to seek Marcus. As soon as I saw him I knew my feelings were solid. I sunk up behind him and tapped his shoulder, " Could I speak to you? " He looked surprised, and then his face sunk in his hands. " I'm so stupid!" he said, " I shouldn't feel this way."  I decided it was now or never, and started out by saying, " I like you Marcus, but I feel it's unfair when your here, and I'm halfway around the world. Your a great guy, and I'm sorry if I hurt you or led you on." He took his time to speak, then said, "I admit I've had feelings for you that I've never felt before, but I won't get in the way of your journey or force you to feel the same." I said, quickly, " But I do feel the same, Marcus, and I don't know why since we've just begun to know each other." He took my face in his hands, and kissed my forehead. " I don't want to lose you", I finished. " Hopefully, we'll cross paths again, but for now I want you to do the Lord's work." He seemed more peaceful than ever. I marveled that this could become more, but then, to keep him waiting for me is selfish. "Marcus, I want you to be open to love. If someone else makes you feel more than you feel for me, then take the opportunity to get to know them. Promise me." "I promise", he said. With that one word, I walked out of the market, and knew I was doing the right thing, even if my heart hurt.

An Afternoon with God

The Parthenon was glorious on this July afternoon, as I stood preaching to a group of young people near my age. "Jesus died for all of us so our souls would be"eternal" if we believed the truth. You see he's the messiah. He's coming back for us who believe," gesturing to the crowd. "He loves us so much. Can you imagine a love worth dying for, a love that would erase the sins we create everyday. You see, it was sin that needed to be cleansed. So when you come back here remember: We are his people! He loves us that much!" Every one didn't speak. We sat in silence until a hand raised. It was a mother with her infant child. She came forward, " I know he loves us, but bad things still happen. Why doesn't he come to us now?" I inhaled and said, "Well, he's coming, maybe not today or tomorrow, but don't forget a lot of the people have yet to believe in him. God wants to save as many as he can. Everyone person counts, no matter what they've done. The more who believe just might bring Jesus's coming closer." I also lectured, "God's not responsible for bad things. Satan tempts us into doing things to hurt God and our community. We must not give in to it! I want all of you to pray and tell God all your concerns. God is always there to listen. Don't feel lie your burdening him. You aren't. He wants you to come to him when your in trouble or in doubt." Before I ended my speech I prayed on behalf of the group, blessing them; praying that they can look beyond our world and realize there's light as well as darkness. "That's what we act on!" I shouted, before repeating an Amen.

During lunch I opened my lunch box, and retrieved the lentil soup that Nikki had made for me before leaving the house that day. A man came to sit near me. I wasn't aware who he was until he spoke. "That was an interesting speech, Miss." The voice belonged to Marcus. I took a huge swig form my water bottle before I looked at him. "Miss, I would like it very much if you would speak to my boys. I want whats best for them, but they don't believe God exists. I believe you can help them." Marcus awaited my reply. I was speechless, but gave a quick nod in his direction. "Well, what's on your agenda today?" Marcus spoke with a gentleness in his voice. "I am on my way to go see friends of mine, other missionaries here in Athens." I said nervously.  Marcus nodded and mentioned, " Do you want to hang out afterwards?" I thought to myself whether I was here to go off with men I hardly knew, especially if he was thinking of this on terms of a "date". Maybe he just needed a friend. "OK," I said, " But I cannot be out late. The people I'm with will worry where I am."

After my meeting with the other missionaries, I met Marcus by a local fishing dock. "Have you ever fished before, Miss?", he asked. "With my father", I replied, when I was very little." Marcus laughed, "Then let me show you a brief refresher coarse!" His laugh was very attractive. I was beginning to feel stirring for this man I had met not so long ago. I am here to preach! I recited in my head ten times. I realized my eyes were closed, so I opened them, and saw a blue sea with purple clouds on the horizon. We were already moving away from the dock when I realized a storm was possibly about to come. Instead of feeling afraid, I felt calm. Perhaps, because of the time Jesus had silenced the storm with a boat full of disciples.

As we got out farther I saw lightning in the air. I was always fascinating with storms when I was little. In my teens, I thought of them as romantic, and still felt the same. As the wind blew through my curls, I reach for Marcus's hand without realizing. He looked up, so I said, "I think there's a storms coming towards us." Marcus replied, "There are always storms brewing on Earth. We just need to find the courage to paddle through them." I agreed a hundred percent from a biblical viewpoint. As we got closer, he anchored and cast his line out. As I cast my line out, a clap of thunder roared. I counted until I saw lighting. 30 minutes. I reached in my bag for my book, and leaned back on the iron bar of the boat. Without realizing, I fell asleep.

I was floating in mid air, looking down at my body. But I wasn't scared. I felt more love than could be described at the time. I felt God cradling me in his arms. Marcus was trying to shake me awake, but I felt at peace. I heard him swear, and then he was trying to bring me back through CPR. "Don't be afraid!" I tried to shout. "It's OK". But he couldn't hear me. I felt a tug on my soul. I knew what was happening. I was coming home. Finally!  Happiness surrounded me. Then I heard a voice in my ear, "It's not your time!" As I heard the voice I was descending down back towards my body, which was really an empty shell in the sea. I felt a THUMP THUMP THUMP ringing in my ears! "No, I don't want to go!" Then I felt my self breathe, and I was back in my body. 


I awoke to lips brushing mine, and raindrops dripping on my skin...or tears I began to realize. Marcus was crying. I opened my eyes. "Don't cry," I said, "Don't be afraid." Marcus said, "You weren't breathing!" I said in a peaceful voice, " I felt His presence, Marco. It's the best feeling that I've felt, though it's hard to describe." Marcus looked at me, and I could tell I frightened him. He didn't say a word, but then I couldn't think of a word to say on my way back to shore. As I stepped onto the dock, he turned me around and kissed me. I said, " Thank you for a wonderful trip." We broke apart, and the tension between us was weird. I hadn't come to the realization that there was more between us yet. So I walked back, and felt him staring at me, so I whispered to him, "God loves you. You can't imagine how much, and your meant for something great. Don't forget!"

     

Life in Ruins

I arrived at the airport in Greece. It was sunny there, and the humidity in this small  area was enough to make me sweat gallons! The pastor was waiting for me there. He smiled, introducing himself as John. I smiled back. He was so nice to meet me at the airport. We went through the Greek language and traditions to the point where I could recite it back to him. He seemed satisfied. Then we walked out into the open air and he saddled me up on a gray donkey. I fanned myself frequently. The white washed walls of the city amazed me, and I found myself amazed at how daily life went here. One person, an elderly lady, stared at me like I was an alien. We kept riding and finally I slipped off my donkey and introduced myself to the people I was staying with. A young woman introduced herself as Nikki. She was very gracious. She lived with her daughter in a small house struggling in need of repairs. Her daughter, Lena, talked about anything and EVERYTHING being in her "early-teens". She asked tons of questions. By the end of the day I felt like the family and I had known each other a long time. Her mother made a delicious green bean casserole for dinner later that evening. We talked for hours before the pastor signaled it was time for him to leave. He smiled and I smiled back, and then he drew me into a hug. "May the Lord bless you on your journey."I helped Nikki with the bed linens, as she left to go check on Lena. I realized they didn't have a phone or television. I pulled out my bible and read the instructed passages John said I should read before the next day's activities. As I closed my eyes I soon fell asleep. I was dreaming...of home: Mom was making taco salad and dad was watching the news and in a flash...ruins everywhere, no one was around. I screamed for help thinking this was a natural disaster. I turned around to see a man in gold robes. He held out his hand for me. We were flying through the sky. He had blood stains on his wrists from where nails appeared, and a crown of thorns. I knew him, and automatically wept. I cried and he held me to his chest. 


When I awoke Lena was shaking me, but I remembered it vividly. I knew the man, Jesus, sent me here to help this family realize his awesomeness, and others as well. I told Lena all of my dream. Afterwards, she stared at me watching what I'd say next, but I didn't know what to say. There were no more words. 

During breakfast, Nikki put out a box of cereal. She hadn't gotten the milk yet, so I volunteered to go into the market for her.

The market was crowed. Men were talking to each other while their wives gossiped about the increasing prices. A fisherman selling fish he'd caught was having no luck so I bought a fish with the money I had. " Bless you, ma'am!", he shouted. As I bought milk later on, there was a hole in the carton and it spilled through the bag. Ugh!!!! As I went to get another carton from the sales woman, I bumped into a man selling bread and olives. He saw my anguished state, and put money on the counter before I could protest. I looked around to to thank him but he was gone. I was aware that he dropped his wallet when he disappeared. I knew I had to find him and give it back when I saw him. There was a picture of three skinny boys next to him. I asked around to see if anyone knew him. One lady  identified him as as Marcus Bellini, an Italian merchant who came every summer to trade. She pointed to his house up the road.

As I knocked a boy came and called, "Uncle!" The man who came was indeed the man who payed for me. I handed him the wallet, as he stared into my eyes. They were sea-green and blue. "Thanks." I told him about the lady who directed me here. He nodded. Then he did something unexpected. He smiled and kissed my forehead, uttering a few words in which sounded like a prayer.

Later that night I told Nikki what happened. She told me the boys in the photo were orphans since there parents were killed in a terrorist attack. Marcus claimed to be related before they went to foster homes since he was a friend of the parents. I was shocked at the story, and even more so, because his parents worked the World Trade Center on 9/11. Marcus left Italy to come here and raise them. Their aunt had watched them while he was on business. But he visited often. He was there god-father. I knew this man was called by God to do what he did. I decided I would help him out in anyway I could during my time here. Time is limited, after all.

A Calling to Greece

I looked up at a rainy sky where a small beam of light touched my forehead . I was thinking of Christ at the moment, and how I wanted to become a missionary. "Emily?" someone called to me, pulling me back to reality. Liz was jogging over all-excited the way she gets when she she's a cute actor walk by. We lived in Hollywood so I guess that the norm, here. She didn't know what I decided, no one did. " Hey, Em, guess who I saw?" She said. "Who? That guy on True Blood?" I replied with a smile. "Yes, how did you know?" Liz looked at me puzzled. "He just walked by", I said very calmly. Then I broke out into a giggle. I thought, now is the time to tell her. She'll know soon. "Liz, I'm thinking of becoming a missionary. Isn't that great!", I said jubilantly. Liz  stared a while, and spoke, " Where are you going?" I could see she had tears rolling down as she quickly wiped them away. "Well, they called me and said they need me to travel to Greece. They're having some economic struggles and they need the Lord right now, Lizzie." There its out of my mouth now! Liz tried to smile but she looked worried. "Don't worry, I'll be back once my work is done", I added in. Although I didn't know what the future would bring. How many places would I travel. Would it be dangerous. Would I die? I pushed the thought away, because God would be with me each step on my way in the world. Christ's lessons needed to be taught, and of his disciples.

As I boarded the train all my friends rushed to hug me extra tight, even my parents. Liz was last, " I have something for you". She pressed a rosary in my hand, saying " I made it for you so your be safe." Thanks, Lizzie" as I hugged her super tight. Sara came as well, and she stood aside. Sara had tears running down her face, "Be careful", she said, and started to cry. "It'll be OK, Sara", I said, "God has a plan for all of us, and we must not stop because we're scared." Sara watched with Liz, as I boarded the plane in the JFK station. I sat in my seat, and prayed to God, "Please, keep my friends in the States safe, and bless there lives so they will live to accomplish everything they're here for. Amen." As the plain ascended, it shook a little  until it smoothly grew higher and higher til it was gone, and all around was ocean, and an endless  sky of blue.

                                                    ------TO BE CONTINUED------

Bill and George

Once there was a man named George who lived in the mountains of Montana. He was a wanderer; scoping out different and unique places. He loved Yellowstone Park. He'd spend hours there with the wild animals. He and his lovely wife Kitty Sue built a hut nearby. One day when Kitty Sue was gathering roots for the harvest she stumbled upon a buffalo. And up on it's back was George. At first she wanted to yank him off; horrified. But he reassured her things were OK. The buffalo's name was Bill. "I saved his life," George proclaimed, " and look he's also potty trained. Now, Kitty Sue wasn't happy about letting Bill come into the house and sit with them at the table, but she did whatever pleased her husband. Bill loved spaghetti, he'd be wearing it all over his face until George would take him outside and give him a bath in the lake. George loved his friend, Bill. And when they'd take walks together he'd talk to Bill and tell him all the stories he knew. " Bill became so well educated that that he started to speak in the human tongue. The only thing Kitty Sue disapproved of was "May I use your toilet?" So Kitty Sue scrubbed the house all day while George and Bill were at play. Now Bill realized that the other Buffalo weren't like him, which made him sad. He spoke to George about it. George was reluctant to send him back into the wild, but Kitty Sue kindly urged him that it was best for Bill. Finally George said he would take him back. As they walked through to woods Bill was silent. When he saw the other Buffalo he broke the ice, and said, " George, don't mourn my leaving. I am going to be with my kind again. Maybe this isn't the last you'll see of me." George nodded, as Bill walked over to a female. As he did he looked back once more at George with a twinkle in his eye, and waved.