Talentmania Fan Fiction Entry #17

by Aryanna Falkner

We collapsed when we reached the top of the hill. Daniel was breathing hard but I felt like I could keep running for miles. Daniel was lying on his side and I gently lowered myself next to him. I closed my eyes, enjoying the feel of the grass on my exposed arms. It had rained earlier and the ground—looking more of a dying brown color than the vibrant green it typically looked in the spring—was still slightly wet. I waited several moments as Daniel caught his breath.

When I finally couldn’t stand the silence between us any longer, I turned my head to face him. He was closer than I expected and I breathed him in. His natural scent intoxicated me as I leaned in a bit closer. He didn’t kiss me, though we were certainly close enough. He just stared. Slowly, he lifted his head to look at the clouds. I copied his movement and traced them with my eyes until his quiet laugh broke the peace.

“What?” I asked him.

His hand caught mine. “That cloud,” he said, pointing to a stray cloud that struggled to keep up with the others, “looks like a zombie bunny chasing a carrot.”

“A zombie bunny, huh? That is odd—even for you, Daniel,” I teased him, shoving his shoulder slightly. He wrapped his arm around my waist, sending a shiver of delight through me.

“Do you have a better suggestion to what it is?” he questioned. It took more effort than it should have, but I turned and looked at the small wisp of a cloud.

I nodded. “I was going to say that it looked like a wolf.”

He cocked an eyebrow at me but then smiled as if he couldn’t agree more. I studied the sky. It was the perfect time of day to watch the colors it cast. Most of the sky was cluttered with clouds and a blue background. The sun had almost set completely, causing an incredible pink color to swirl around the blue that was darkening.

“Like cotton candy,” I muttered. I looked at Daniel; his eyes showed me that he understood what I meant. It was one of the things I loved about him: I didn’t have to express what I meant or how I viewed the world. He instantly understood me.

“It’d look great if you painted it,” he stated matter-of-factly. “I could help you, if you wanted. We can take a break from training for a day or two. I wouldn’t mind resting,” Daniel added almost inaudibly—but I could hear everything.

I subconsciously brushed the moonstone necklace, which nestled into the base of my neck, with my finger.

Daniel saw my movement and didn’t let it go unnoticed. “Grace—” he began before I cut him off.

“I’m fine,” I said with a small smile on my lips. “I was just… reflecting on everything.”

His eyebrows pulled together and he opened his mouth to speak but I just squeezed his hand, knowing he understood the look in my eyes, asking him not to say anything. He shut his mouth with a small pop. I quickly turned my attention to the sky.

I stood up to face the scenery. I reached my arms down and pulled him up to stand with me.

“Look at the view. You can almost see our houses from here,” he joked. His tone suggested that he was slightly annoyed that I interrupted him, but a smile danced on his lips which said that I was forgiven.

“Maybe you can,” I mumbled. He stood much taller than me, especially on this hill with my feet finding uneven craters in the ground. “Some of us are of average height.”

He just laughed and spun me into him. For the first time in a while, I tripped on my own feet. He caught me and I fell into him. His heartbeat was steady but my heart was clattering around in my chest. It was a wonder that he couldn’t hear it. He tipped my chin up and my eyes fluttered shut automatically. His lips brushed mine—a whisper of a kiss. Then he pulled away, chuckling low in his throat.

“Gracie,” he spoke my nickname in a breathy voice. “Race you down the hill!” he exclaimed suddenly as he ran down the hill, and it looked as if he could reach out and touch the setting sun.

Talentmania Fan Fiction Entry #18

by Selene Smith

Giggling, I hid behind a tree. Daniel was searching around, trying to find me. Leaves and sticks snapped as I heard him approach the clearing I was in. Peeking out, I saw him gazing around in concentration. His lips were pursed and his forehead was crinkled. I could tell he was starting to feel frustrated, but I was having fun playing hide-and-seek with him. When he turned around to face the other way, I sprinted toward another tree, trying not to trip and grinning all the while.

Laughing quietly to myself, I went to reach out toward the tree when something stopped me. A pair of arms circled around me from behind. Gasping as he pulled me to his chest, I struggled to break free, but he was stronger than me.

“Let me go Daniel,” I giggled, struggling some more.

Smiling, he shook his head against my shoulder. “No can do.”

Grumbling in mock irritation, I struggled against him. “Danny!!”

“Gracie!” he imitated, laughing a bit.

Throwing my arms up in the air, my shoulders slumped and a pout formed on my lips.

“Why did you have to catch me?” I whined. “You’re no fun.”

Chuckling, he nuzzled my neck with his nose; tickling me and making me squirm.

“You’re cute when you try to act annoyed,” he murmured, kissing the side of my neck.

Crossing my arms across my chest, I tried not to react to his affections, but prolong my stubbornness. I knew he was just trying to distract me like all the other times we were in this position. Daniel was like that. He was always trying to live in a no problem world, but he was easy to be around. He made me feel blissful and at peace. He was the one person I could rely on. He could be a little stubborn too sometimes, and possessive, but it was endearing. He might have been a wolf, but he was my wolf. He tried to explain to me I’m not safe with him. I shrugged it off and told him I didn’t care. He could try to separate me from him, but at the end of the day, it wouldn’t happen and he knew it. I loved him and always would.

Pouting still, I waved my hand in the air. “Yeah, yeah.”

Laughing, he held on tighter and lifted me off the ground a bit, swinging me around. Squeaking at the sudden movement, I threw my arms around his neck and hid my face in his chest, giggling as he twirled us around. Right then, everything was right in our world, so very right.

* * * * * * * *

Groaning, I stretched and tried to move, but found I was restricted. Glancing up, I saw Daniel peacefully asleep still. Smiling slightly, I stared at his face, contemplating.

Fear.

It should have been the one emotion that spiked through me every time I was around him. What he was should have been the one thing that caused me to sprint away in fright or disgust. But for some reason when I was with him, I didn’t feel that fear. I felt…safe? It was crazy to have known he had a wolf in him that could break out any minute and damage me beyond compare, maybe even kill me if wanted, and felt completely and utterly safe with him.

Maybe I was insane and losing my mind. Maybe the crush—no, the love I felt was blinding me…but that wasn’t it. It had to be something else, but…whatever it was, I was grateful for it. Never would I have thought that I would be with the little boy I had a crush on for the longest time and who tried to make me kiss him when we were children. Never would I have thought that he’d come back and we’d be like this: boyfriend and girlfriend.

The dream Daniel was so different to this Daniel. The dream Daniel was vivid and carefree. He’d do anything. Read me a poem, paint me a picture, or even act out a scene where both of us were running at each other in slow motion. He was perfect and anything I’d ever want. Reaching up, I traced the lines of his face, tilting my head in serenity and smiling softly.

But nothing was better than the real Daniel.

Talentmania Fan Fiction Entry #19

By Amber Ramirez

Every bone in my body was tingling with joy under the full moon, being in wolf form felt so different….so free. The faint scent of tree bark and fresh winter air overwhelmed my wet wolfish nose with a pleasure I could only feel in a dream. When I’m in wolf form, there are no boundaries or walls to contain me; it’s just me and the open wild. Daniel never did mention what an amazing experience it would be to become a wolf. Soggy grass beneath my four paws. Dirt grazing under my belly from kicking so hard was a comfort. Tonight Mother Nature is welcoming with her damp earth, blessing us with a soft snow. Nothing feels better right now than just running….running from everyone, running from everything……even life. As if the sweet taste of freedom demands to be felt. The snow…. Why is the snow stained red? Snow is white, not red. Red is the color of blood, or sometimes roses. Snow is white. So why is it red in here? That taste in my mouth, I don’t like it. Daniel make it go away…..pleas? Daniel please help me. Daniel……Daniel!

Sunlight crept into the room letting me know that it was time to wake up. Immediately my head felt swollen, with an unbearable throbbing pain. Sounds were echoing through my heightened sense of hearing, a dog barking a few blocks away, some cars driving by. It took me all but two seconds to realize that I wasn’t home or that I didn’t have any clothes on. I was in Daniels apartment, but no Daniel. Slowly lifting myself up with the sheets covering myself, I scanned the room, until I found him on the couch fast asleep. Not wanting to wake him, I grabbed the bathrobe next to the bed. Walking into the bathroom to freshen up I caught a glimpse of my reflection. Clearly the mirror wasn’t working, because the person I saw couldn’t have been me. The bathroom door creaked open and I realized that I must have woken him up.

“Gracie, your more than welcome to use the shower and get cleaned up, while I fix you some breakfast, than we need to talk” Daniel said in a grim tone. I didn’t even realize what a mess I was with all the dirt and grime caked on my face. Without saying a word in response I nodded closing the door behind him. Water so hot it created a blanket of steam around my naked body. Once I started washing off my body that’s when the stained blood began to drip into the shower drain. Gingerly stepping out of the shower I glanced at the mirror once more. Immediately the first thought that came to mind was, you murderer. What will your father…a pasture say to this? Another voice came just as quickly. It’s not your fault…it’s in your nature. You have no control. Salty tears streamed down my eyes. Stepping out of the bathroom, the scent of pancakes filled my nostrils. Daniel was already sitting down waiting for me.

“Did I…really kill someone?” I choked. It proved harder to say than I anticipated. Daniel looked down into his lap, and lifting his head slightly up he nodded a difficult yes. Fear struck, the only thing I did was put my hand over my mouth in disbelief. With weak knees, and a heavy pain in my chest I collapsed into the chair. There was no way this was real.

“April covered for you and told your parents that you went over to her house, so everyone thinks you’re with her, and when I found you this morning. God Gracie you looked horrible. There was nothing I could really do except get you out of there.” Daniel mumbled. “Why would you go out by yourself like that? I was so worried” He said raising his voice.

“I don’t know what to say, other than I feel horrible” I answered.

“Well, as long as your safe, we can get through this together” Daniel said and reached for me, taking me into his warm embrace that always gave me a feeling of safety. There was nothing I could do now, but accept what is and be grateful that it wasn’t anyone close I suppose.

Talentmania Fan Fiction Entry #20

Betrayal
By Malyza C.

Mudpies were the last thing I saw before he left me, and they were beautiful, peaceful and heartbreaking. Daniel died as if he felt so much love for the sky. He died looking at me, his eyes showing more love than I can ever convey.

I wish I could have been selfish, and kept him for a while; but I loved him too much to do that. Daniel and I were cataclysmic lovers, and we always have been, ever since he was that little boy who asked me to kiss him, while I was that little girl in love with her brother’s best friend.
Are my thoughts wrong and sinful this whole time? Do I resent killing Daniel for my own selfish reasons? Daniel selflessly died for our love; therefore I should hold on to the strings of life with as much courage as I can muster.

But I am hypocritical, cowardly, and I don’t understand. Our love is tragic, and if one dies, the other should follow suit. But is the tragedy of our love being left alone, or the broken bridge of never finding each other? I wander in life, wondering where my faith has gone, but my faith died with Daniel. Everything died with Daniel.

Daniel always made sure to come back for me, and this time, I’ll come back for him; and we’ll be together. I at least owe him that. But if I let go, I will be betraying my God. If I don’t let go, I will be betraying my true love. So which betrayal shall I choose?

I was angry for many days, and my father said it was normal. Nothing was normal, because Daniel died because of me. He died at my hand. I could not understand why God, one whom I have been so faithful to, could never give us a chance.

I smoothed the sides of my bed spread as I stared at the white blank walls. Everything is white, a form of confinement. They thought they could confine me, but this confinement made me feel as alive as ever. My mind had time to think, and had time to fight through its inner conflict. The conflict is everywhere, all throughout my body, a fight I’ll lose either way. Shall I die for God, or shall I die for Daniel?

I am so lost and the medication they give doesn’t help. I asked Dr. Schields at times what has been buzzing in my brain. I told him it would kill me, and it comes at night to haunt me. All he did was up my dosage.

I’ve been left alone to die. My parents chose Jude over me, and they cared for him, sending me here to wither away with my mind. They said I was too broken and delirious after Daniel’s death. I called them on their lies, claiming that I’ve always been broken.

Everything I did and everything I will do is for Daniel. And everything that happens along that is an obstacle of our broken love. But see, love itself has always been broken, and it masks itself into the element of happiness. Love is a pathological liar, that’s why we believe in it, because we find so much confidence within in it.

But to choose love over God is pathetic and easy. The route with God seems so much harder. But there was so much I couldn’t understand. My life is pathetic; I am pathetic so I should choose love. But my fear of betraying God overrides everything. But my love for Daniel also surpasses everything else.

I’ve hidden the dagger for months now. It’s still with me after all this time, stained with his blood. I eyed it thoroughly, trying to imagine the pain, but I can’t.

I will always choose Daniel. Always.

I plunged the dagger into my heart, with the pain so unbearable, but the last thing I saw are his eyes, those mudpies. And that’s when I finally figure that it’s worth it, because I, Grace Divine, will be with Daniel.

~*~*~*

Nurse Amelia mopped up all the blood. She took the bloodstained sheets and pillows. Clicking her tongue, she turned to Dr. Schields.

“Do you think she’s at peace now?” Dr. Schields shook his head, bowing it.

“I think she was more at peace with deliria than she will ever be.”

“Do you think she’s with him? Daniel?” Amelia pried, eyeing the Doctor curiously.

“All we can do is hope.”

Talentmania Fan Fiction Entry #21

Fearing Unforgiveness

Jackson Porter

The night is bitter, and the moon shines upon me like the devil’s spotlight.

I didn’t mean to bite him. I never meant for it. One moment we were talking, the next we were arguing, and now all I see is his bloody body lying in a twisted heap at my feet.

I wrap my arms around my naked body, hoping that by doing this I’ll conserve some body heat.
I thought by bringing his body back would help me feel better, but it hasn’t. I still feel exposed. I still feel evil. I still feel lost.

They won’t want me when they figure out what I’ve done. They will hate me. They’ll want me dead. I can’t go back to them. I can’t face them. I can’t torture them with my presence.

They are sleeping calmly in their house just feet away. All I have to do is ask them for their forgiveness. A small part of me knows they will be forgiving, but I’m so scared, so confused.
They will never forgive you, the wolf snarls in my head. You are evil for doing what you have done tonight. You have cursed this boy, almost killed him. You think they will forgive you? I can hear the wolf’s receding laugh echoing in every corner of my mind. Eventually it fades away completely, and I’m left with only myself.

I have no family. I have no friends. I have nowhere to go to hide from the moon, from myself. Where will I go?

I’ll just go.

The option is too easy. I’ve done something so terrible, and God is giving me a free way out. I should not be allowed to run like this, to get away from the punishment that will one day catch up to me.

I should not run like I am about to.

But I run anyway, the wolf inside me pushing me on. The moon chases me like a shadow and I embrace it, energy flooding my body.

As I get farther and farther away the guilt continues to build. I eventually have to stop because I feel so guilty.

“I am a coward,” I say aloud to myself, to the wolf inside of me.

It’s the truest thing I’ve ever said.

Eventually I get up and begin running again. Maybe if I can get far enough away I’ll be able to forget about all of it. Forget about the family that was so good to me, the family I betrayed in the end.

Maybe I can forget about the body I’m running from.

Maybe I can forget Jude Divine.