OMG! A story I wrote got published in the town paper!

[DarleneIllyria]

I still can't believe they put it in there. It had to be 500 words, but mine went over so I didn't know if they would print it because I went over the limit. Here's the story if ya'll wanna read it.

A Bittersweet Christmas


I always loved Christmas. Christmas was the one time a person could spend time just hanging around the house, and not have to worry about anything. I guess that all changed last year. My sister was diagnosed with cancer in October of 2000. By the time December arrived, her hair was falling out. Nicole was always the type to play it off, and just ignore the bad things going on in her life. The doctors said it was a slim chance that Nicole’s cancer would be wiped out completely. By June of the next year, she had already dropped out of school. She was too weak, and could barely get out of bed. We were very close; actually I could call her my best friend. She understood me, but I never tried to understand her. I just loved her, and considered her my friend.

December was a rough time for my family. The doctors had told my parents that Nicole was bound to die by January. I covered it up, by telling Nicole that it was going to be a wonderful Christmas. A few weeks before Christmas, I was up in her room. I started laughing and saying, “Just imagine Nic, it is going to be a great Christmas. You know what would be really great, if it snowed. That would make it an even better Christmas. We can go outside and play out in the snow.” I tried to be cheerful about playing in the snow, but it wouldn’t be very fun for Nicole. The only way she could get around was by her wheel chair. My parents had bought it for her, because they were afraid that in her weak state she would faint and break a bone. Nicole giggled and said, “That would be fun. Maybe it will snow Christmas.” She looked out the window and glanced outside, “It looks snowy today. Maybe we’ll be able to play tomorrow.”

The days passed by fast, as winter grew even fiercer. I walked through town, and braved the cold whipping wind that blew in my face. Over the days, I hung decorations around the house. Nicole was always behind me, and would wheel herself around the house. I will always treasure these memories.

Christmas Eve approached a few days later. I was up in Nicole’s room talking to her again. We read through her magazines, and talked about the upcoming year. Nicole smiled at me and said, “I’ve got you a special present this year. I hope you like it.” Nicole fingered her quilt on the bed. “Helen, I want you to know something. You are my best friend. I love you so much.” Tears had begun to stream down her cheeks as she hugged me. “I want you to know, whatever happens, I want you to carry on. I want you to live your life double. It will help me experience life, if I can’t experience it. I slowly got a sinking feeling in my stomach. I stood up, and laughed and said in a kidding manner, “Oh Nicole, always the one to be a drama queen.” I faked a laugh and a false smile. “It’s getting late Nicole. I’ll see you tomorrow. I hope you get plenty of sleep tonight, and try not to jump up and down on the bed from excitement over it being Christmas.” Nicole laughed and said, “The same with you sis!”

That night I slept very little. I got up several times, and looked out the window. The stars shone bright and gleamed down at me. I sighed as I went back to bed. The next morning, I slept later than I intended to. When I woke up, I went downstairs with a bright smile on my face. My face grinned harder as I sniffed the air filled with our Christmas supper. I stopped and looked at my parents enjoying their cup of coffee. I said in a teasing voice, “You mean Nicole is sleeping later then me? Usually I am the one that is still in the bed, and she is the one up and ready to open presents. Let me go wake her up.” I ran to Nicole’s room, and turned the light on. “Merry Christmas Nicole! Wake up sleepy head.” I looked at the clock and went over to Nicole’s bed. I shook her on her shoulder. “Wake up. Wake up.” I must’ve said that for fifteen minutes before I realized that Nicole wasn’t going to wake up. I ran back to mom and dad, and screamed that Nicole was dead. They jumped up from their chairs, and ran with me to Nicole’s room.

A few hours later, I sat numbly on the couch looking out the window. Mom came up to me and asked me if I wanted to open my presents. Tears filled my eyes as I shook my head. I just couldn’t go to the tree and open my presents when Nicole’s was still under there, and would never be opened. I heard Nicole’s voice in my head that kept saying for me to carry on. How could I carry on when my best friend was dead? In my mind, I just kept hearing her determined voice telling me to carry on. I stood up and walked bravely up to the tree. My parents were sitting and trying to keep a brave face. I sat down by the tree, and told my parents that Nicole told me to carry on. I grabbed up a present and looked at the tag on the top. It was from Nicole. I slowly unwrapped it as the tears began to form a river on the floor. It was a music box. I wound the key, and it played such a sweet tone. It reminded me of Nicole so much. I vowed I would treasure the music box with the sweetest memories of Nicole that I had kept. I ignored the rest of the presents under the tree as I walked over to the window. It had begun to snow. The music box continued to play, as I looked outside and saw Nicole and me when we were younger. Nicole picked up some snow and threw it at me, and in returned I threw some back at her. Whenever someone leaves us, we must remember that the person may leave us, but the memories live on forever.

That year Nicole had given me so many presents. The music box was one, and I’m almost certain she remembered when I talked to her about playing out in the snow. I’m quite sure the snow was one of her signs to tell me to carry on.

[Kay Scarpetta]

Wow that's awesome!!! Real cool story

[Hollow]

Dat's kewl!

[dawsongirl]

Beautiful story Jenny! Hope you don't mind my asking, but is that true? I had a creative writing teacher that was always asking me that. If it's not, you captured the feeling very well! If it is, you articulated your feelings very well!

[-*Forever*-]

OMG dats soooooooooo good!

[KerriBerri687]

congrats!! thats a reeeally good story!!

[ISmellFine]

Aww! That was great!

[DarleneIllyria]

Thanks guys. I'm glad you all liked it

Dawsongirl: No, this wasn't a true story. When I read it to my 2nd period class everybody got to crying, including me- I never knew I could write an emotional story such as this one.

[ks]

That was very touching.




ks

[Lucylover22]

great story!!

[dawsongirl]

Originally posted by Jenny
Thanks guys. I'm glad you all liked it

Dawsongirl: No, this wasn't a true story. When I read it to my 2nd period class everybody got to crying, including me- I never knew I could write an emotional story such as this one.

Well, for a girl who says she only writes good stories when they're scary, you did a pretty good drama!!

[sue z q]

What a beautiful story! Congrats on getting it published!