Multi-Genre

**Drawing done by Rohine Persaud**

Inspired by the poem " Magic Butter Toast Bread" written by a classmate FERMIN, JAZAEL.

Magic Butter Toast Bread

As sad as it may,

There he lay,

A dab of butter on a toasted bread,

In pain and sorrow as he could not bend.

The katana had sliced and diced his body in half

for he was two equal parts, if you know your math.

"Oh Peter, oh Peter" said the wife.

"What have we done to this poor life?"

"We were hungry, and we are poor honey please can you see.

There was nothing, not a fish, nor an apple on a tree."

Through the chatter and fight between the husband and wife.

Lay the butter toast who could pull no more might.

At last he whispered as loud as he could,

And called to the couple without hate, though he should.

Listen to your wife, Mr. Husband man,

you both did wrong but least she understands.

The husband replied "why should I Listen to toasted bread,

that looks good with coffee in my bed."

"Listen up Mr. Husband man I say this once and only I am the very powerful magic butter toast bread."

The husband interrupted and happily said

"Your tttttasty, yyyyour buttery,

I'm hungry and I'm stuttering."

The bread warned and warned but the husband ate in spite,

As he crunched and devoured with so much delight.

The poor wife looked and stared in horrific silence,

She was shook, she was scared, as she witnessed the violence.

A few moments later after an awkward walk,

The wife's stomach soon began to talk.

She smelled toasted bread fresh out the oven,

It was her husband's breath that now smelled like a muffin.

The husband was now a yummy treat,

That the wife's stomach wanted to eat.

And so she ate,

Her very first date,

And for every bite she had,

She began to grow sad.

Because though it felt right,

She knew it were husband's life.

ABOUT ME:

                                                                   My Story

             

              Hi,

My name is Lakshmi, I was born in Georgetown Guyana. Both my parents were poor, there’s nothing to eat most of the time. Whenever my mom does cook she would run off with my dad on his motorcycle and leave my brother with me alone home. My brother eats all the food and give me raw rice to eat. I was always sick from this happening a lot. Once so sick my dad said “it was a near death experience because you vomit and struggle to breathe. We took you to the doctor and you had worms, fever and there’s a lack of nutrition”. This happened 2years or 3years after I was born.

 I forgot to mention something important: “my brother and I are from 2different men. My dad is a poor man from the streets and my brother’s dad is a rich man my Grandma liked as her grandson. My Grandma did an arranged marriage for my mom at age 16.” My mom cheated on my brother’s dad and got me (SURPRISE:-P) my dad was never home and when he does come home. Both my parents would argue and my mom would always be the one left with a physical scar. She suffered a few head injuries and a broken arm from all the abuse I witness growing up. Although, my brother’s dad was an alcoholic he never hit my mom.

My mom worked as a maid and my dad was an adventurer he was as a fisherman and he loved fishing, movies spending time at the beach, board games and park. He loved everything outdoors and so did I. I was 7years old and I did a lot. I used to skip school almost every day and never got caught. Animals and bugs was my best friends when it comes to (playing) experimenting. Well, there was one time I got caught by my dad.

Anyways, one day my Dad never came home and cops came at my house looking for him. They kicked down the door and searched everywhere. It turns out he was not only involved in selling drugs but he was involved in a killing of a 9 year old child along with his sidekick brother. They also robbed a jewelry store and they had a record. Both my dad and his bro was on the run, they were in hiding. A few months later my dad was in jail. My grandma vouch at the embassy for my mother to come to New York City. My Grandma didn’t want my mom to suffer anymore abuse and she wanted both my brother and I to come to New York and get a better life. (Education)

In the year 2003, I made it to New York with my mom and brother. One month before going to the Airport in Guyana. My Dad got out of jail to see his family leave. I remember making a wish with him in a (wishing pond) near the Airport. I remember getting on the plane and feeling empty. I felt as if I was leaving something behind or I’ve lost something precious. I knew my life would never be the same again. A few years in New York my mom was sleeping around with different men. In 4^th grade, my mom would sneak me out with her to attend midnight parties so I don’t snitch to Grandma about her motherly figure towards me. I have witnessed my mom’s life with many men and can’t tell a soul. She slaps, shouts and grabbed my head and banged it 4times to the wall. She said “If you ever tell anybody anything I will break this fucking skull open” she yanked my hair and dragged me towards the bedroom door and choked me a few minutes and made me promise not to tell anyone anything.

My grandma then vouch in 2004 at the embassy for her son (Chris) with his wife and 2girls to come to New York for a better life. Chris and my mom are brother and sister. Chris would be my Uncle and his two daughters are my cousins. My grandma and my Aunt would always shout at me to be more like my cousins. They complain about how I dress and my interests are different. The way I dress is inappropriate and my interests are not feminine. They blamed my father for my attitude and everything that I know and feel describes me. They shouted and lectured me on how wrong it is for me to play basketball, soccer and track. My younger cousin about the same age as me grew up as a cheerleader in my country. Once we were playing and she said “Grandma and the whole family will hate you if you keep doing what you’re doing.” I knew I was not doing anything wrong. It didn’t feel wrong it felt right to be interested in something I like and not what they wanted me to be.

Then my Grandma would start giving everyone chores to do. It turns out my brother never does anything so I did his chores. My cousin would beg me to do her chores so I foolishly accepted it. I always did their chores sweeping the kitchen, living room, upstairs 3bedrooms and making all the beds then the dishes, vacuuming. Window cleaning started being added to my list. Slowly they all start forcing me to do everything. I was in summer school, 4th grade at this time and the cleaning took up most of my time I didn’t get to do any homework. In the night Grandma, Uncle and Aunt would come home from work and I had to lie and agree with what my cousins tell them. Both my cousins and my brother claim they did all the work when they never did anything. They all would nag and taunt me if I confess anything that I’ve been doing their chores. My older cousin the girl would beat me with the mop or broom if I don’t do the chores. While the other 2idiots laugh.

Later, my cousins moved out with their parents. They bought a House downtown and it’s a one family. Now, it’s me and my brother living with Grandma. Things got harder because my Grandma said “Your brother is a man. Man don’t need to do a woman’s job he needs to go to College and get an education. You’re in Elementary School and you need to learn to be a good housewife so stop dressing and acting like you do. Go fetch those bricks from the backyard and place it in the front yard. Take this shovel and prepare the backyard so I can plant in my garden. Full buckets of water for me and vacuum the steps, sweep the rooms, wipe the windows.” I spent my time cleaning and I’m starting to miss my cousins being here. I felt like a slave my hands would get blisters and it’s hard to write in class. I don’t get to watch T.V anymore only clean, clean and more cleaning. I would cry myself to bed thinking “why didn’t my dad call?” “Where is my mom?” “Why did my Uncle and Aunt refuse me when I ask to live with them? “A thousands questions would race my mind, I became more curious. I need answers. I start asking questions and my Uncle and Grandma said “People who ask questions will never get anywhere in life, stop asking questions, stop being curious, your cousins are not like you, you need to be more like them.” That day I packed all my things in a bedsheet duct tape around it, tightly, like a garbage and called my mom. There was a big argument over who’s keeping me. While they were arguing I sat on the steps eavesdropping. My mom shouted “I can’t keep her, she’s too much of a handful” while my grandma says “I didn’t make her you did, it’s your daughter not mines, she put a glass in the microwave and almost blow up my microwave.” While sittin on the steps I had a notebook and a pen I used as a diary. I wrote down everything I hear and see because I can’t speak my observations and be a snitch. Or else I will suffer the consequences. My mom then cave in and she decided to take me to live with her new boyfriend.  

In 4^th grade because my mom’s new boyfriend took her to Canada and she pulled my hair, slap me multiple times to forget school and go with her to Canada and parties. I skipped school during finals week. (That’s not even the best part) When I got back from Canada my Grandma, Aunt and Uncle ganged up on me to confess everything my mom’s been doing and who is this guy she is with now? Where did your mom go?” all these questions they were asking is all about my mom.” There was so much shouting and screaming going on within these adults. I didn’t know how to react. I just stand there like a crying puppet. There wasn’t a single question asking me how I was doing? How I feel about my mom or best question yet. WHY DID I GO WITH MY MOM? I couldn’t tell my teachers in school or my Grandma or anyone in the family where I was because I was afraid of losing my mom. She was the only parent I knew besides my dad whom I spent most of my time with in Guyana. I kept all her secrets and got to travel and bounce around from house to house. Trust me it was not fun as it sounds in this story. I got blamed for going with my mom and beaten by my Grandma and still didn’t tell a soul.

At age 15 my mom kicked me out of her house because her new boyfriend didn’t like me because I was not his daughter. This boyfriend was an alcoholic and he would drink and verbally start frights with my mom about me being in his presence. He hated me for being a string or a rat that follows my mom around. I was not his child, I was no blood to him and he complained about me being a reminder to him of his 2girls he abandon from his ex-wife. So I got beaten by my mom and kicked out at age 14years old. I didn’t have no shoes on so I slept on the steps outside the house in the snow. She allowed me in the house, after he passes out from drinking. My skin would have red rashes that burns from the beating and turn black later on. The second time I got kicked out was for over eating. According to him I ate too much, watch childish shows and plays too much at age 15. He shouted at my mom to find me a job. He shouted at her to place padlocks on the fridge and kitchen doors to avoid me getting access to eat. A few months before turning 16 I began drinking, smoking and cutting myself everything escalated quickly and I skipped classes in High School. But any who, there’s so much more to this story… after High School.

FLASHBACK:

 My grandma took care of my brother his whole life, he later got a girl pregnant didn’t finish college and physically abuse Grandma and his wife. My Grandma never liked me because I looked like my Dad. She said “You would grow up and become a thief or get involved in drugs just like your father” I was casted out from the family in New York. I have my father’s last name. I am the only bloodline from his side of the family who made it to New York City. Only my mom’s side of her family is in NYC and they all have a different last name from me. They said “You have the last name of a nobody”

 Since then I think about free will when it comes to taking risks and if I can live with the consequences. In the year 2015 August, I decided to travel to Guyana and visit my father. I have not seen him over 10years, I was 8years old when he last saw me.

ABOUT ME:

I enjoy anything with a party beat. I am in love with music, food and so much things outside my culture. I wear anything as long it looks great. I dress as I feel. Sophistication is a weakness of mines when it comes to my hypersensitivity. I get overly excited and I am extremely easy to get along with. The thing I value the most is honestly, loyalty, risk and faith. My Grandma is Hindu and my cousin is Christian.  Growing up with my parents separated I have struggled with finding my own identity and who I am. I know who I am NOW and it’s all Thanks to my Dad. He does not live the life anymore described above. He has a new family and kids and I keep in contact with him. He helped me understand myself better than anyone. I know who I am now and I know that when I meet people and get influence negatively. I can always remember who I am and there’s no one who can take that away. “ONECE YOU FIND YOURSELF YOU WON’T HAVE THE NEED TO SEEK APPROVEL FROM OTHERS”

 I am not very religious but I support both religions equally. I grew up attending both Hindu and Christian Church. I practice a few religious things like praying, and keeping a bible and celebrating the holidays. I honestly, do not practice all the Religious beliefs. I am not perfect nor, is my life. I just have many different interests and an enormous curiosity and love for philosophy. I am currently attending college to finish up my 2year associates degree in Liberal Arts and then transfer to a 4year college to study Vet Tech. As it has always been my goal to work with animals. I can’t and will never see myself doing anything other than helping animals. I love learning everything bad and everything good. I am a Libra. I am always misjudged by my family because of my way of life. Now, I won’t have to carry this story on my own. Although, it will always be with me. There is 3/4 major regrettable experience that I did not mention. It was taken out intentionally.  

Short Story!

DESCRIPTION OF CHARACTERS: 

Hey guys,

               I recently had a dream a few days ago based on two wanted criminals. My dream was probably inspired by a cartoon series called: "Tom and Jerry." In this dream of mine, I played three characters Tom, Kelly and in the ending Jerry. I wrote this short story based on my character's view and feelings because I couldn't control how the events played out. While I was switching characters in my dream it helped me get a better perspective on why the characters did what they did. They all acted on impulse. A friend encouraged me to write a short story based on one of my dreams. So I hope you all enjoy this one.
(THIS IS NOT A STORY FOR KIDS)

                                        Jerry’s Last Dream of Tom

                                                             

            Introduction: In this dream of mine Tom is a black and white cat; he appears to be 5’6” height with yellow eyes and a white spot on his left eye. Jerry is Tom’s best friend and they’re both strays. In this story Jerry is portrayed as a shape shifter and he can either be a mouse or cat. Jerry appears to be less than a foot (23 cm) tall brown and white cat with green eyes.   

  

On a windy afternoon Tom sits on a red and white blanket in the middle of the forest; he’s surrounded by trees while waiting patiently for Jerry to bring him food. He notices a small stream behind him, as he watches the reflection in the water from the gray sky slurp up the sun. A loud thunder strikes a nearby tree and Tom starts to shiver. He squints both eyes, while rubbing his body for heat and then he looks anxiously between two rows of trees lines up towards a white wooden house. Tom sees a brown and white little mouse running out of a rusty pipe pulling a string with his mouth. Suddenly the mouse then pauses and transforms into a brown and white cat. Tom watches the cat pull a string from the pipe that was tied to a black bag. Tom shouts “Hey Jerry…Jerry is that you?”

      Jerry approaches Tom with a black plastic bag and says, “Shh! keep your voice down, sorry I’m late again...those two twins held me up again” Tom helps Jerry untie the bag and replies: “Twins? You’re making contact now?” Jerry smiles shaking his head replying, “No…not physically, but my eyeballs were doing all the touching. The twins were getting ready for school this morning; I got the front seat of watching them shower. Oh Tom, you don’t know, what you’re missing buddy.” Tom pulls out a red sweater with a Gorillaz logo on the front and a pair of gray socks along with red and white Nikes. Tom takes a stand and looks at Jerry angrily and says “This is it? Why didn't you bring any food?” Jerry throws a black sweat pants at Tom’s feet and tells him, “Food? I brought clothes for you. Yesterday you were whining and complaining about your body being exposed. You’re a black cat. A cat is what you will always be and furthermore, cats don’t wear clothes. I go out every day to steal for you. I think it’s about time, you start stealing for me.” Jerry starts to licks his paws and Tom tries on each clothing while shouting at Jerry “You know I can’t leave this forest, I can’t go anywhere because I am too big. If I leave, people will start talking and rumors will spread. People might try to kill me, maybe worse. They might experiment on me. I am no longer a man I once was Jerry; I can’t find a woman and I’m homeless now. I can’t shape shift like you!” Jerry stops licking and laughs at Tom, “Ha...ha...ha, stupid kitty.” Jerry throws his paws around Tom and says: “I know you can’t go out in public stupid, this is why you have me. I brought you these clothes because I want you to look like a man, a man that will rob the same house; I borrowed these clothes from.” Tom smiles and looks at Jerry while saying “That is a good idea Jerry; this is why we are friends, but why that house?” Jerry points to a white house in-between two sets of trees and a young woman in her mid-twenties is standing near the rusty pipe. Jerry responds, “You see that house right there, I think that girl’s parents is wealthy… she have a twin sister, thank god they are fraternal because this one got all the ugly.” Tom looks at the girl, mesmerized by the freckles on her nose and Jerry smacks Tom behind the head and says, “Ay...stupid listen to me. We will rob that house as soon she leaves.”  

      Jerry reaches into Toms sweater pockets and pulls out a gun, while pointing the gun to Tom’s head Jerry whispers, “On the first floor of that house, you will find a closet filled with Jewelry with price tags. Once you get your hands on those Jewels, get out fast and make sure you close the window behind you. Don’t be an idiot and leave it open.” Tom looks at Jerry clueless and ask “Why don’t you trust me?” Jerry pokes Tom with the gun in the head whispering, “I don’t trust you because I saw that look in your eyes, when you saw that ugly bitch with the freckles. That look gave you away and I been your best friend far too long to ignore your carelessness.” Tom looks at the house and told Jerry “I will rob that house, just for you Jerry, only because you’re my brother and even though, I have no wife and no family of my own. You’re the closest thing, I have to family. I wouldn't mind dying for you because you’re the only family, I have left Jerry.” Jerry gives Tom the gun to rob the house. Jerry picks up a few twigs around the area, placing them around the four corners of the blanket. He then picks up a plastic bag and spreads it open over the sticks to create a little shelter. Tom finds a baseball hat in his sweater and puts it on. Jerry sits, “It’s time buddy…go get our precious jewels before the girls return home. I’ll be right here waiting until you get back. Jerry licks himself as Tom takes his leave.

                 Tom enters the backyard of the house and he slowly walks up the stairs. The wind blows heavily almost blowing his hat off. He uses his right hand to push his hat down. Then he approaches the window and lean forward. He scans the inside of the house and notices Jerry left the window’s lock open. Tom can see the kitchen from looking through the window. There was a table near the window filled with school books and above on the wall yellow sticky notes pasted all over. Tom glances at a few sticky notes; while he opens the window. He jumps over the window-sill mumbling to himself, “Homework, pages 1-15 and math book pages 9-15. Uh huh these chicks is probably sexy and smart…Jerry, Jerry, Jerry you lucky rascal you.” Tom walks towards a black closet and open the door. He picks up a Jewel box and his eyes grow dark; as if he had sniffed some catnip. Tom’s tail begin to wag in his pants each time the diamond ring shines; his eyes grew darker. Tom mumbles to himself: “$2000…Holy Shit we hit the jackpot Jerry.” Tom hears a voice and turns towards the stairs; he places the box down on the wooden floor and walks towards the stairs behind him. He hears a giggle coming from downstairs. He lean over the balcony and notices a girl in the house. 
                   
              One of the twin sisters came home early from gym practice; she leans over the kitchen counter shaking her booty to the music on her iPod and while she's text on the phone. Her short black hair is in a pony-tail. Her pink tank top is so thin Tom can see her bra color printing right through. Tom stares at the outline of her bra and his eyes begin to shake from side to side; after a glimpse of her booty. The front door slams and Tom’s claws points out sharply. He notices the other twin sister just enter the kitchen and couldn't stop staring at her freckles. Tom’s eyes grew darker and his tail curls out of his pants. He stares intently at the girl with the freckles and he then grabs his tail stroking it. She puts her purse down shout at him, “Hey…Who you are? What are you doing here?” She grabs a knife from the kitchen and approaches Tom. He makes a run to the backdoor and couldn't open the door knob with his paws. While he struggles to open the door knob; the girl approaches him with a knife behind her back. She notice the closet door was open with some Jewels on the floor. She shuts the closet door shouting and Tom pushes the door knob with his mouth; left the house running on four paws. The girl runs out the door shouting: “Hey…you thief, you came here to steal from my mother again? You better not come back here, I will kill you the first chance I get." She notice a wagging tail dangling behind him. She turns around; watching her sister texting and dancing to her music.

           The front door opens and Kelly puts down the knife. Her dad George enters the kitchen. Kelly shouts at her dad, “Dad there was a thief in the house again. They try to steal mom’s wedding ring. I tried to scare him away with this knife.” George looks at his daughter and says: "Forget about him sweetie;go take your pills."  He tries to convince Kelly this is just another hallucination. Kelly disagrees and leaves the house in search of the thief.

               Tom came running to Jerry’s little shelter. Jerry stops licking his butt and looks up at Tom asking: “What the hell did you do now?” Tom grabs his tail and says: “What make you think I did anything wrong?” Jerry searches Tom while asking, “Where is the jewels… you fucking idiot? Uh?” Tom frowns at Jerry and said: “I never made it into the house; I got hungry. So I decided to find myself some food and then I came back here.” 

            As the wind blows colder; the sky turns grayer. Jerry hears foot-steps nearby and Tom sees a girl walking their way. Tom takes off his clothes and hides it under the blanket while hiding the gun near his side. Jerry tells Tom to lay down like a cat so he can hide under him. Kelly approaches Tom and starts petting him: “Hey kitty…aw w your so cute. Have you seen a guy with a red sweater around this forest?” Tom replies: “Nope not around here” Kelly stops petting Tom in shock while stuttering: “You…you can talk; cats don’t talk. Am I hallucinating? My dad is probably right…I’m finally losing it” Tom puts his paw on Kelly’s mouth telling her: “You’re not hallucinating. My name is Tom.” Kelly mumbles: “I’m having a conversation with a cat. Yup! I finally have lost my mind completely. I officially belong in the loony bin…forever and alone.” Kelly notice a baseball hat sticking out of the blanket. She pulls it out from under the blanket waving it in the air shouting, “Uh huh… You were the one who was trying to steal my mother’s wedding ring. I should kill you.” Tom stares while whispering so Jerry won’t hear: “You were that girl? I've been waiting here for a long time. Just hoping one day; you’ll notice a stray cat and come over. I have watched you every day enter and leave from that house. Your cute freckles on your forehead. I would give anything to be human again. Just to place a thousand kisses upon your freckled nose. Every time you laugh;I can’t help falling in love with those dimpled cheeks. I would give anything to place a kiss upon them and wait a lifetime for my kisses to sink into your heart.” Kelly blushes and asks Tom: “Why did you break into my house? That closet you opened; it was filled with all my mother’s jewelry. She was a famous actress and a gang of men broke into our house and killed her two months ago. I came home late one night and saw her naked laying on her bed. She was raped repeatedly my dad said. Ever since last month, my hallucinations never stopped and my boyfriend broke up with me because of it.” Tom looks at Kelly in remorse and reply: “I am sorry for all that have happened; I apologize for breaking into your house. I am a wanted criminal. 

              My real name is Tommy. A year ago, my best friend and I robbed a bank and got away clean. Then five months later, the police came knocking at our door looking for us and they chased both of us towards this forest. In this forest we found a small cabin that an old lady once lived in; she said we will pay for our wrong doings. That day my best friend and I was both hexed by a witch. I became a cat and the old lady gave me a new name Tom. She turned my best friend in his sleep. He woke up a shape shifter. His transformation as a shape-sifter is temporary; but the witch originally turned him into a mouse. He can’t shape-shift into a human; he tried many times. We begged the old lady to turn us back but she kept shouting, when the white moon fills the red vile all hell breaks..... After those words she vanished.” Kelly stares at Tom with sorrow, “I’m sorry for everything that happened to you. Where is your best friend now?” Thunder roars and the clouds begin to move swiftly causing a light drizzle. George runs out the house shouting, “KELLY, WHERE ARE YOU?”

Kelly puts on Tom’s baseball cap saying: “Hey it’s getting late. I will come back tomorrow and will you be here? I promise, I will come back. I have to make sure your real and this isn't another one of my hallucinations?” Tom shakes his head “Yes, of course I will be here.” Jerry struggles to get out from under Tom as he watches her leave. 

                 Jerry rises from under Tom in rage, he shouts at Tom:“You fucking idiot; you think I didn't hear you? I knew you fucked up again. You’re always fucking up? I shouldn't have trusted you…What took you so long to kill that bitch? Uh uh… I knew every shit that comes out of your mouth is a fucking lie. Lies on top of lies.” Jerry takes a stand on all four legs and jumps on Tom’s chest; scratching Tom’s face. Jerry pauses and search for the gun. Suddenly, Tom takes off running in one direction on two legs. Kelly then approaches her front door and look around before putting the keys in. She saw Tom running pass her house on two paws. She opens her door and grab her father’s pistol from the kitchen cabinet. Kelly rush outside chasing after Tom shouting: “Hey, where the fuck are you going? I will kill you- don’t run away. I knew what you were saying were all lies; why else would you be running. I’m catching up with you.” Behind Kelly Jerry also is chasing after Tom with a pistol shouting: “Best friends huh…here pussy, pussy, pussy…I will fucking kill you Tom. We got hexed because of your idea to get rich and I was foolish to go along with your idea. I will hate you Tom.” 

              The rain starts to pour heavy and the wind blows heavier carrying a roar from the thunder. Trees begins to fall in the forest. While Tom runs around the forest; he catches a glimpse of a tree crushing falling down on their shelter. Kelly stops running to catch her breath. She hears a loud roar coming from the sky and watches a lightning bolt struck a tree in font of Jerry chasing Tom. Jerry runs pass her shouting “You fucking pussy, why you running like a little bitch for…I thought we’re best friends” The tree falls and a bullet flew pass Kelly striking Jerry in the back. Jerry got up off the floor and starts running towards Tom. Kelly watches Tom falls to the floor. She runs towards him and takes a knee turning him over on his back. Kelly starts to cry shouting, “Tom... I’m sorry, I’m sorry Tom…Jerry shot you; he tripped on a tree and the trigger went off in his hands.” Jerry approaches Tom saying, “Oh shit. Shit, Shit, Shit Tom it was an accident. I love you buddy. I was just trying to scare you. I might have shot you but not in your chest; not in this way. Please don’t die on me man. We’re brothers, we’re best friends, we’re family and you’re the only family I have left. You were right about that.” Tom looks at Kelly and ask “Why were you chasing me with a gun?” Kelly tries to stop the blood with her hands while replying" “I never used a gun before Tom. My pistol had no bullets in it.” Tom smiles and says: “So you were chasing me with an empty gun... you love me don’t you? Wait don’t answer that. I loved you. Way before, I got to meet you in person Kelly.” 

Jerry holds in a tear and notice the sky is clearing and the moon is setting.

Jerry watches the blood drain endlessly from his best friend’s chest. The rain water around him was fully colored in Tom’s blood. Jerry and Kelly both watches the moon’s reflection in the water beside Tom. The moons white reflection slowly fades to red. Tom’s hairs slowly sheds and his white skin turns pale. Kelly see’s Tom’s mustache and pink lips. His yellow eyes fades to blue. Tom moves his hand to hold Kelly’s hand’s tightly, filling the gaps in-between their fingers. Tom looks at Jerry forcing both his eyes open and says: “I’m happy Jerry, I’m happy my blood was spilled in your hands. I love you too buddy.” Jerry watches Tom’s spirit leaves the living body and then runs into the forest as a mouse with no shape-shifting ability.

                                                                     

 THE END 
(Logo on Tom's Shirt)

Déjà Vu (First Draft)

  Déjà Vu 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Players:

FERNANDO: A man moving into his twenties, brown caramel skin with thick short black hair. He always wears black or white suites, rarely with a tie. He’s very handsome and a body builder. Although he’s addicted to cheating and smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. He was in love with the idea of falling in love. He worked as a fisher man. He’s a kind-honest man to most, but can have a bit of a mean streak.

MICHELLE: A woman in her late twenties, love to dance and wear tight clothing. She's in love with the idea of finding true love. She's extremely scandalous and a mother of two. Her skin is white and smooth as a baby’s bottom; wrinkled free. She have short, burgundy, permed hair. When it comes to having fun; she’s not the type of person to hold back.

SUE: A bright brown eyed, playful 7-year-old girl. She’s quiet and carefree.

SUSANA:  A 17-year-old girl with a little temper. She’s quiet, honest and shy, not the type to wear dresses or skirts. She always wears Nikes and black arm warmers.

ANDREW: Sue’s only brother, 12-year-old. Short black hair and outspoken.

AIDEN: A brown eyed 16-year-old boy, short curly hair. He wears a pair of black Jordan’s or sometimes gray Polo sneakers. He carries a small-square-rimmed transition glasses, and blue slim cut skinny Levis jeans. He’s very quiet, smart, and honest. He never talk, unless he’s spoken too.

First Scene: In a New York City High School. On a bright sunny day, windows are wide open. Students are sitting in their seats with their coats, listening to instructions from the teacher.

Stage Directions:
        As the curtain rises, SUSANNA is sitting in a classroom with a binder on her lap and a pen to her chin. She’s watching the tree outside the window. On the tree two song sparrows fight over a piece of leaf. In the background, an astronomy teacher calls each student, by names to pair in groups. A cloud moves swiftly to the left causing the sun to shine bright. The brightness blinding her momentarily. AIDEN enters:

AIDEN: Hey, I’m Aiden. (SUSANNA doesn't notice) HELLO O… anybody home?

(Sits in the chair beside his partner with a book)

(Poke...Poke)

SUSANA: Oh…hey…sorry…the sun in my eyes…um…what do you want?

(Rubbed eyes with both hands)

AIDEN: Ms. Lucas, she put us together, to answer these questions… on this paper.

(Pulls out a paper, from his book with, ten questions on both sides)

SUSANA: Oh I didn't hear her. I didn't do the homework last night, so I don’t know- what we’re doing.

AIDEN: Fine! I will answer these questions by myself.

(SIGH…Begin writing his name on the paper) 

SUSANA: Wait! I need to write my name… I need credit for this group work too you know.

(Smiles)

AIDEN: OK…hurry up… and your shoe lace is untie.

(Giving her the paper while holding back a smile)

SUSANA: Thank you!

(Bends to tie shoe lace with a smile)

AIDEN: Sueee-zanna…right?

SUSANA: No! My name is spelled with an S and only one N. It’s pronounced SUE-SAY-NA. There’s no Z in my name. Don’t piss me off!

(Looks Annoyed)

AIDEN: Feisty…I see.

(Chuckled)

SUSANA: Aiden right?

(Squints both eyes)

AIDEN: Yup! That’s me…

SUSANA: How did you get that scar on your eyebrow? Yo, that shit looks cool. I wish, I had one.

(Points to left eyebrow with a giggle)

AIDEN: Oh this? I got it in a car accident.

(Points to eyebrow with a serious face)

SUSANA: Holy Shit! You drive?

(Surprised)

AIDEN: No…When I was little. My dad was driving my mom and three sisters, to see my uncle’s new girlfriend. My mom was holding me in the front seat. I was little, so the cops couldn’t see me. My dad was driving us one night and a drunk driver crashed into us. I flew out the window and landed on the grass. My dad died along with my sister. This scar was actually bigger, it got smaller over the years.

SUSANA: WOW…So, now it’s just your mom and her three kids. I really like your scar though, I saw an Anime once, with this guy. He has a scar just like that…um…I think it was Naruto. Kakashi Hatake?

(Paused in shock… smiled)

AIDEN: WOW! You watch Naruto? I never met a girl that watch Naruto…that’s rare.

(Jaw drops in surprise)

SUSANA: What? No. Of course not. I was just comparing… something… I might have seen that is similar to your scar. Whatever…forget I even said anything.

(Rolls her eyes…)

AIDEN: I like you. You funny girl, you know that…Before, Ms. Lucas called my name to pair me in a group with you. I saw you watching out the window. You always watch out the window, what were you thinking?

(Laughs out loud…pushed up glasses and leaned back in chair)

SUSANA: Thinking? What made you think, I was thinking something…what the hell? You’re a telepath now?

(Squints one eye, looking closely and observing)

AIDEN: No, but I just wanted, to get to know you, a little a better. You’re always quiet and sometimes don’t come to class. You don’t even participate in class, you’re always day dreaming. I just wanted to know, what do you dream about? When you stare out the window.

(Stares intently)

SUSANA: Well, I guess, it’s only fair I tell you…Because you just told a piece of your story.

(Slightly tilting head while biting down on lips)

AIDEN: I’m waiting…

SUSANA: Wait…You’re so impatient…I need time to gather my thoughts.

(Sigh...)

AIDEN: Patience is a virtue! Hurry up before class ends…Your trying to kill time, aren't you?

(Shakes head from side to side in disappointment)

SUSANA: Nooo…I like to draw... when I look outside the window, I try to trace, what I see. You see that tree right there?

(Talks in a gentle tone)

AIDEN: Yea?

(Turns and look out the window)

SUSANA: I drew it. I like to trace things in my mind. If, I like what I see, after-class I go home and draw it on paper. It helps me keep clam and away from here.

(Feeling pressured)

AIDEN: Why do you need to keep calm? Why do you need to be away from here?

(Respond in curiosity)

SUSANA: I have a bit of a temper... I…I hate my past and I’m afraid…what my future might be…so I prefer to dream about the good….. In this shit-hole, we call life…Maybe... if, I dream more often. My future won't turn out that bad…hopefully!

(Feeling scared, stuttered… while clenching fist)

AIDEN: Don’t stop…tell me, tell me your story…. I’m listening.

(Observing)

SUSANA: OK…I always wanted to be a writer. I always dreamed of becoming a writer someday.... But only, if, people are willing to listen. When I talk to people, they ignore me…I had many friends but, now I’m a ghost that lurks in the hallway.

(Sigh)

AIDEN: I’m listening, aren't I?

(Sits up straight and placed right ankle on knee)

SUSANA: Yeah, actually you are…Not many people would listen.

AIDEN: Duh! Because you’re always… invisible to everyone. You lurk in the shadows, but I noticed you…well, I only noticed you because I’m an observer and a listener. So I’m listening…continue!

(Smiling)

SUSANA: Okay! I’ am new at this…so don’t throw questions at me. I get nervous fast, and my hands shake.

ADIEN: OK…I’m Sorry I pressured you!

SUSANA: It’s cool…Anyways… as I was saying, I always wanted to write a novel someday. But, If, I am… considering on writing a novel. This is how it would go...

                                                     

    ACT 2:

Second Scene:

            Inside a Green and white house with bright pink steps leading to a dark-blue door. There’s three rooms, the first bedroom is white with, a king-sized bed near a Panasonic Cathode Ray Tube. A small kitchen in the second room, painted brown with a light bulb hanging from the ceiling. Below, the bulb there’s small dinner table, with two chairs. The third room is painted light-green near the door, there’s a brown closet filled with perfume bottles on top. On the right side of the closet, with a rusty padlock dangling. There’s a double bunk-bed nearby.

Stage Directions:  

     The curtain rises, SUE comes home from school, gripping her pink book bag straps in fear. After seeing dry blood spotting on the bottom of the steps, she slowly tip-toed up the stairs following, her parents voices. On the forth step she noticed the blood became thicker, and the smell became raw and fresh. FERNANDO enters:

FERNANDO: I can’t deal with this fucking bullshit! …I’m late for work… You’re always holding me back from my job! You’re always fucking harassing me, leave me the fuck alone.

(Shouting in rage…)

SUE: Oh my god!

(Whispered… Heard heavy footsteps coming down…run to hide)

FERNANDO: You better clean this fucking house, before I get back...Woman.

(SHOUTING...Slams the door shut)

SUE: Mommy. Mommy?

(Whispered while tip-toeing up the stairs, towards someone sobbing)

MICHELLE:  Sue… Is that you?

(Sitting on the kitchen floor, holding an orange rag to the head, soaked in blood)

SUE: Yeah! Yeah it’s me mommy… Sorry I came home late again, from school…what happened this time? Did daddy choke you again… because you didn’t let him get dress for work? Uh…? Did daddy hurt you again mommy? Why you not answering? …mommy…?

(Takes a knee)

MICHELLE: Yeah! He hurt me bad this time. I’m sorry, Sue…before…before daddy left today, he slapped mommy hard… so hard…now mommy’s lips are swollen.

(Stuttered, while sobbing)

SUE: …Oh…You need anything mommy? You want me to call the police?

MICHELLE: No! I need you to sit here with me, until your brother comes home from school.

SUE: Okay mommy.

(Sits against the wall…unzipping book bag, pulls out a kerchief)

MICHELLE:  I’m sorry Sue.

SUE: Mommy why-you sorry?  Here…take this rag, that one is leaking blood. But you did nothing wrong…Daddy always beats you. What did you do to make him this angry mommy? Why daddy hate you so much?

(Sigh)

MICHELLE: Your daddy don’t hate me… Your daddy is young, he’s not leaving this house to work. Your daddy left, so he can cheat on me. Your daddy is a cheater, he was cheating on me last night.

SUE: …Oh... Mommy I don’t believe daddy was cheating on you. I think daddy loved you so much… he beats you to stay. I love my daddy and I know he’s not cheating. You just make him angry!

MICHELLE: Your daddy is a good man Sue. But your daddy have too many bad friends. These friends… he keep around him. These friends… I hate so much, are the ones that make your daddy this way.

SUE: Mommy I know. I know daddy is a thief and a liar. I know daddy have bad friends, but I like to see my daddy… as...a good man. I don’t want to see the bad in him.

(Coughing)

MICHELLE: I know Sue. Mommy wished, she could see the good in daddy…but, sometimes I feel…daddy beat me so bad every day. It’s hard Sue…it’s very hard for me to see the good in him anymore.

(Loud sobbing)

SUE: I know.... I understand mommy. Mommy what happened to your hand? It’s bleeding…a lot mommy? Last night you didn't come home…after you left, looking for daddy.

MICHELLE: Last night, I went to his parents’ house. I saw his dad drinking beers, and smoking with his friends. I didn't see your grandma, nowhere. A lot of people was there drinking and smoking drugs at your grandparents’ house.

SUE: Did you see daddy?

MICHELLE: No! Most of them was your father’s friends, they recently came out of jail. I saw his younger brother and some whores touching him. Your father’s brother… is your Uncle… You remember him, right Sue?

(Coughing)

SUE: Yeah! I remember. A lot of daddy’s friends. They always babysit me, how can I forget their faces.

MICHELLE: Yeah! Well your Uncle just came out of jail. He and your dad robbed a jewelry store. But the police never caught your dad. This is why… he rarely home.

SUE: It’s okay…its ok mommy…I still have you!

MICHELLE: Since your Uncle came out of jail, your father has been hanging around there. I think, he’s looking for a way to make fast money.

(Moves her daughter’s hair from her face)

SUE: You see mommy, daddy just wanted to be with his friends.

MICHELLE: Yeah! But I don’t want your daddy to go back to jail again. This is why…I try to stop him, from hanging around there. But, he keep abusing mommy.

(Takes deep breath and exhale)

SUE: Okay mommy. I understand. You have to try and let daddy do whatever, he want. If, you don’t he will hurt you more. I don’t want to come home and not see you alive. I need my mommy here.

MICHELLE: I know…but your mommy love your daddy. You can understand that right?

SUE: Yeah! I know…but you have to leave that fucking man alone. He will kill you! Look at you, your bleeding all over. I came home and there’s always blood somwhere. And it’s your blood, not his! Is he even bleeding? Mommy?

(Sigh…holds her mother’s hand)

MICHELLE: No! My nails, scratched him last week…this is why, he throw me down the stairs and burst my head.

SUE: You see… this is your fault…If you didn’t chased after him, then you won't have a broken arm right now. Mommy, next time…you might lose a foot…it might not be an arm, next time.

(Shaking head in disappointment)

MICHELLE: You’re right Sue. Who knew my baby girl would be this smart. 

(Smiles with content)

SUE: Yeah! I learned from you mommy.

 (Chuckled)

MICHELLE: Yes! Yes you do…but your daddy didn't break my hand today. His father did.

(Looks up with a smile)

SUE: What you mean…tell me mommy…tell me?

(Moves in closer)

MICHELLE: Last night your grandfather saw me asking, about your father. Your grandfather was with your dad, talking business... You’re grandfather screamed at me. “Get –out of my fucking yard,” and I was scared. I saw your dad came out… from behind him yelling, for me to leave. It was dark and I was scared. I refused to leave, so, your father picked up a thick bamboo. Your grandfather grabbed it from him, and beat me… with it. This is why…the steps is filled with blood. I couldn’t walk up the step by myself, instead I dragged my body up the stairs.

(Aloud burst of crying sound)

SUE: It’s okay…mommy. Mommy? Please don’t cry. You’re going to make me cry mommy. Please stop!

(Tear’s begin to drip down both cheeks)

MICHELLE: I can’t stop. Your father hurt me bad this time. He beats me like, he no love mommy no more Sue. Without him I am lost. I married Andrew’s father and I left him.

SUE: Mommy stop cry…please!

(Holding back tears)

MICHELLE: I should have stayed with your brother’s father. He was an alcoholic, but he never beat me like this. This is my biggest regret. I don’t know why…why god…made me fall in love with him.

SUE: Mommy…the blood from your arm… is...is not stopping! Mommy.

(Stuttering in sadness)

MICHELLE: I’m Sorry…Sue. Your brother should be home soon. I am just so hurt Sue. The pain and rage that is now growing in my heart, only god can understand, everything your father took from me. Because of your father my arm is broken Sue. Your father did this to me. Your father threw hot oil on my face, and burned the skin off. Now…no man would even look at me, I am ugly. You’re father pushed me down the stairs, and cracked my head. Your father kicked and choked me Sue! This is the same man… you love so much…that man you call daddy slammed my head into a wall and crack my skull. How much more can I take Sue? Please tell me… How much more will god throw at me until I die?

(More, sobbing)

SUE: Mommy stop it! I know daddy was cheating okay… I am sorry, I said… he wasn’t. We all caught him cheating, on the porch one night with another woman. I honestly don’t want you to stay with him no more. Okay…mommy?

(Loud and angry)

MICHELLE: I knew, how much you love your dad Sue. But that night; when you saw your father, on the porch with another woman. I heard your father whispered something to you, before he leave. What did, he whisper?

(Sniff. Sniff)

SUE: Oh yeah…I remember. He was so angry, we caught him cheating that day. After you and him argued in the other woman’s house. He turned to me and said, “Do you want come with me?” I said no…because I wanted to stay with you.

MICHELLE: You do know your father, would never hit you right?

SUE: Of course, I’m his little princess. Daddy loves me more…so…much more than you and Andrew.

MICHELLE: Yeah! He loved you. Because you’re his first and only girl child. You should have hopped on that motorcycle with him. 

(Noises coming from down stairs)

ANDREW: MOM...MOM YOU HOME? HELLO…ANYBODY HOME? MOMMY? SUE?

(Walking up the steps)

MICHELLE: Go tell your brother, I’m in the kitchen.

SUE: Okay mommy…ANDREW WE’RE UP STAIRS…

(Shouting)

MICHELLE: I Said, go tell him…not scream. Oh god, give me faith with these two children.

(Muttered while checking hand wound)

ANDREW: What happened? Daddy beat you again?

MICHELLE: Both of you help me up…and go check, if the neighbors is home. Go tell them I need help!

ACT 3

Back to the first Scene: The teacher is lecturing in the background, while students is now being assigned to groups.

Stage Directions:   

         As the curtain rises, AIDEN is sleeping in his chair. SUSANA is trying to wake him up.

SUSANA: Hey…you there? ...Hello?

(Snaps fingers a few times)

AIDEN: Yeah…yeah I’m here?

(Opened both eyes. Looked up puzzled)

SUSANA: Why the hell are you sleeping? You know we in class right?

AIDEN: Yeah so.

SUSANA: SO…? Are you mentally retarded…? Or something?

(Shouting while standing)

AIDEN: No! I was just dreaming.

SUSANA: Dreaming my ass! You can do that on your time...move your long ass legs, so I can sit!

AIDEN: Oh. Sorry!

(Yarning while rubbing both eyes…pushed up glasses)

SUSANA: I’m SUSANA? This is the paper we gotta fill out!

(Passes paper)

AIDEN: Oh… I’m AIDEN.

SUSANA: Okay…I didn’t do the homework last night. So…you’re on your own.

(Sigh)

AIDEN: Why do I feel like this happen before..?

(Pressed pen repeatedly against chin…Click…Click…Click)

SUSANA: What you mean?

AIDEN: I felt like we met before.

(More Clicking…)

SUSANA: How can we meet before? Ms. Lucas just paired me with you?

AIDEN: You were in my dream.

(Clicking continues)

SUSANA: Dream?

AIDEN: Yeah! Before you woke me. I was dreaming about you.

(Click…Click…Click)

SUSANA: Stop! That’s annoying. Gosh. What was the dream about?

AIDEN: Oh…well….in my dream, your mom was abused by your dad.

SUSANA: How did you know that? Are you talking to friends? Are you fucking stalking me?

AIDEN: Wow. No, of course not. 

(Paused in surprise)

SUSANA: I know you stare at me a lot. I’m not stupid. You look at me weird, with those marble eyes.

(Angry)

AIDEN: I am not stalking you. It was just a dream I had.

(Chuckled)

SUSANA:  Ok… if you say so.

(Bell Rings…Gets up from seat and walk swiftly to the door)

AIDEN: Hey! Wait….Hold on.

SUSANA: Uh…

(Kept walking swiftly)

AIDEN:  Hey! Wait. SUE! I HAVE A QUESTION…

(Gets up from chair. Dropping someone’s paper…walking fast toward the door)

SUSANA: What the hell? Let go of me!

(Struggles to pull her hand away)

AIDEN: Did your dad ever abuse your mom?

(Gripped tighter)

SUSANA: Yeah! I gotta go…

(Whispered then pull away with force and left the arm warmer behind)

AIDEN: Oh…I guess my dream was true. Wow….am I bleeding? Oh shit. Wait a minute. This arm warmer is filled with blood inside.

(Picked the paper from the floor… noticed blood inside the arm warmer. Looked up and sighed)

THE END!