#37 The Lost Colony

I bet most of you have heard of the lost colony of Roanoke but, I can almost guarantee none of you have heard the actual story and i’m here to tell it to you. The real story of how this colony disappeared is an odd yet very entertaining story involving a young lad named Jerrick Patterson. Jerrick was a young boy of about 17 years of age, he and his family were very respected around the colony. His father was the only blacksmith on the whole island, it was a scarce profession but it was one that the colony needed greatly especially in the times they were in. Two years ago the colonists got involved with the Anglo-Spanish war which looking back is the beginning of this prosperous colonies downfall.

With Jerricks 18 birthday coming up he and his whole family knew the only thing he wanted for his birthday was to have permission to join the war efforts. His older brother Daniel is 22 and he has been helping out in the war since day one, and has been put in a pretty high position for his dedication and hard work. Growing up Jerrick was always compared to his brother, his brother Daniel could do no wrong but everything Jerrick did was the wrong thing to do, so he thought he could join the colonies militia and maybe become a war hero and finally stop being compared to his brother. Jerricks mother was reluctant to let her youngest boy join the war and was extremely worried something bad would happen to him. So on the day of Jerricks birthday he left his party early to go signup and get checked out to make sure he was able to join the militia. To no one’s surprise he was signed up within the next hour and was ready to embark on a tough journey trying to save his colony.

It's been a year since Jerrick joined the militia and they are no closer to ending the war then they were a year ago. Over the past year Jerrick became close friends with his bunkmate Phil. They have been on countless missions together and have an almost unbreakable bond or so everyone thought. During one mission Jerrick caught Phil doing something a little suspicious, he saw Phil giving intel to the enemy. Jerrick was in shock and he didn't know what to do, he could either rat out his best friend or he could tell his brother and possibly stop the war.

Jerrick knew no matter what he chose to do he would hurt someone, so he thought about it the whole ride back to the barracks. When they arrived back at the barracks Jerrick asked Phil about what he thought he saw and Phil told him that he was assigned to be a mole for the colonial militia and relay false information to the enemy. Jerrick felt awful that he even thought for a second that his best friend would betray the colony. For the next couple weeks the war got worse and worse every battle the militia would engage in would be a complete slaughter the colony was down to the bare minimum of people, they started letting 14 year olds join the war effort. Jerrick always catches himself thinking about that day even though Phil assured him that he was working for the militia he couldn't help think the worst for his friend. After a few more days Jerrick went to talk to his brother about what he saw that day, “I think he's lying” said Daniel. Jerrick was so confused because normally Daniel sees the good in everyone and never thinks bad of anyone, but this was different Daniel immediately said he was lying it's almost like he knew what was really going on.

Jerrick started to really think that Phil was lying to him so he went and talked to his superiors and told them that he knew why the war has gone completely downhill, they stood in shock and silence and tried to explain that they appointed him as a mole for the colony but Jerrick stood firm in saying that Phil was a mole giving the enemy real secrets. The generals convened and talked it over and decided to make Jerrick leave the militia for treason and turning against not only his best friend but his colony, Jerrick was distraught and confused because he did absolutely nothing wrong. Wondering why this happened to him he talked to his brother and his brother told him something that changed his life, “Jerrick I'm sorry but I couldn't have you around to find out what is really going on,” Jerrick was not only furious but very confused. So with his brother not telling Jerrick what his plans were Jerrick left, he got on a boat going back to England, he didn't tell anyone that he was leaving and it might have been for the better. When Jerrick returned to the colony everyone was gone except his brother Daniel, he found Daniel and tried to make him tell him what happened but Daniel wasn't breaking.

“Whatever you did to them I'm going to do to you ten times worse,” Jerrick said. Daniel looked at him and said these words “I'm sorry little brother,” then pulled out a little glass bottle and drank the contents. Daniel hit the ground in a matter of seconds, but before he was finally gone he handed Jerrick a piece of appear with his plan on it. After reading the plan Jerrick was dumbfounded that his brother would poison the colony's water supply, he had no one to tell this information to so he found a boat and was leaving when he realized that if something were to happen to him there would be no one who knows what really happened to the once great and prosperous colony. So as he was getting ready to leave he carved the name of the poison that killed his colony which was Croatan. He left the colony and on his way to England he was met by some enemy boats and they quickly took care of him without remorse.

When a cargo boat came back to Roanoke to deliver some supplies everyone was in shock when they showed up to an empty island with the word Croatan carved into a tree. No one knew what really happened until now. In honor of Roanoke the King of England made a special day for the lost colony and all the people who lived in it.

#36 Home Alone

Home Alone

“Come on Molly were getting ready to leave!” Yelled my dad. It was a Friday night and my parents were wanting me to go to a Halloween party with them but It’d be so embarrassing and boring to go to a stupid party with my parents and all their old friends. “MOLLY!!” “Okay, okay I’m coming!” I walked down the stairs in my pjs and walked into the kitchen where I saw my mom finishing up here dish to pass for the party and my dad finishing up his frankenstein makeup.

“Do I have to go? Why can’t I just stay home? I whined.

“Well I suppose we could call your Aunt Jessica and see if she would wanna come stay
here with you while we’re gone.” My mom said.

“Ugh no mom, why can’t I just stay home alone like all my friends? I’m fourteen years
old, I’m not a baby anymore.”

“Well Scott, what do think? Should we let her.. We’ll only be gone a couple of hours and
there are ramen noodles in the cupboard that she can eat.”

“Well I suppose she can, but make sure you call us if you need anything! We won't be
gone very long, you need to be in bed by eleven.” My dad said.

“Yes! Thank you thank you thank you! Now go have fun with your friends bye!”

My parents said their goodbyes and finally I was alone. The clock hit eight and I decided
to make some ramen and watch Fuller House on netflix. I grabbed a blanket and walked over to our big sectional couch and cuddled up with a blanket and ate my ramen. I started to get tired and realized it was nine-thirty, so I stayed on the couch where I then started to doze off, I awoke instantly to a big bang hitting either the door or the window. “MOM? DAD?” I yelled, but never got a reply. So I figured it was just the wind and decided to go back to sleep, once again I was almost asleep and heard a big bang but this time is was followed by a sound of shattering glass, my heart felt like it was beating one-hundred miles an hour and I was shaking. I slowly got up and crept into the kitchen where I saw a man in all black standing, brushing the glass that he just broke.

“AHHHH, who are you?” I screamed.

“Well hello there, you’re exactly who I came here for” He growled.

I screamed again and ran up the stairs to the hallway closet and started moving towels to hide under hoping he hadn't saw where I ran to. All I could hear was my heart beating and footsteps creaking across the wood kitchen floor. I could hear him getting closer so I quickly reached in my pocket to grab my phone to call my parents when I realized that my phone was no longer in my pocket, I must have dropped it when I ran up the stairs. The closet door suddenly opened and my heart started racing faster, the mysterious man pushed a couple things out of the way, I was holding my breath hoping he wouldn't hear or see me. The door slammed shut and I jumped at the loud noise but he kept walking and I thought it sounded like he was in my room. I knew that now was the only chance I had to get downstairs and call my parents. I slowly opened the closet door and looked both ways and ran down the stairs where I saw my phone.

I quickly grabbed it and read “two news messages” I swiped over and they were both from my mom, one said “me and your dad will be leaving the party in ten minutes” the other said “almost home you up?” I quickly clicked call and listened it it ring for what felt like hours, finally I heard “hello.” 

“MOM!” I shouted. “Where are you, you need to get home there is a......click. Called failed. I was furious and turned around to use the home phone and there he was my six foot three, two hundred pound neighbor. Before I could do anything or even try to run he grabbed me, I screamed and kicked and he started to drag me to the front door, “you’re coming with me” He spit. But when he opened the door there were my parents staring right back at him. “MOLLY!” My parents screamed. Instantly the scary man jumped through the broken glass window and went running down the street. My dad tried to catch him but he wasn't fast enough.

My mom called the police and they had me come in the next morning and file out and police report and explain to them what he looked like. About a week later the deputy called my mom and had us come into the station and pick him the right guy, there were five other men but I knew exactly which one to choose. They then asked if we wanted to press charges and we said yes, he had to do two years in prison. I was happy that he got locked up, but I know I won't be staying home alone again for a long time. 

#35 The Pig and the Bunny

The Poop and The Bunny

The killer bunny only has three legs since the day of war. In the heart of Texas, he was just minding his own business when it happened. Everyday since that war, he has been afraid and scared of what could happen to him if the monsters got ahold of him. I mean sure he has been stealing all of the chickens from the farm but that doesn't mean that Mandy had to take his leg off. Mandy was a short girl and had high hopes when growing up on the farm, she wanted money. Her father had always said she could become anything she wanted, but let's be honest, everybody's parents say that at one point in life.

One day as Mandy was waking up I heard a noise coming from the barn. It sounded as if the chickens were in distress. Then I saw it, the killer bunny. Now I have seen a lot of bunnies but never a killer one. I’ve also heard a lot about this killer bunny they speak of. He was mean, very mean, some say it was because his family left him others say he was just born that way. I personally believe he just needed a little love in his life. But then again I don’t want to go near him. At this point I might have to face him really soon as I could see him getting closer. Next thing you know he is all up in my grill.

“Woah,” I said. “What has you in a big hurry?”

“I am not in a big hurry, I’m just hungry, now can you move it before I eat you instead,” he said.

“As if I would listen to you,” I said.

He just gives me a glare and I said, “What are you gonna do I’m not scared of you.” Which I really was, but who was gonna admit that they are scared of a bunny.

Next thing you know he is biting on my leg right above my hoof.

I said, “OUCH! What the heck, you stupid little bunny, GET OFF ME!”

Well that didn't help because he clenched down even harder. I am kicking my leg all around and the dumb thing wouldn't come off. I hear Mandy coming for her everyday rounds at the chicken barn. I squealed as loud as I could to get her attention. She looks over at me and laughs because of the way I am bucking around like a donkey. Then she realizes that there is a flipping bunny on my leg and starts running over to me.

“What and the sam heck is going on here?” she says.

She then got out this weird looking thing and aims it at the bunny. Then, the bunny just looked very sad as if he knew what was going to happened. He jumped around and let go of my leg finally. I started running away but I wanted to see what Mandy was going to do to him. I stood there and watched and as I stood I was trying to find out what it was that Mandy was pointing at the bunny. Next thing you know a I hear a big boom. I was so startled I accidentally ran into an electric fence. But then, I looked over at the bunny and he is just layin there. I felt so bad i went over to Mandy and squealed my heart out until she picked the bunny back up and helped him out.

The bunny was very happy from that day on. I think that when she shot his leg off he became a new bunny. We named him Piggie and by we I mean Mandy because she doesn’t understand anything I say. I tried to help name but she just wouldn’t listen so I finally figured out that I wasn’t actually a human and she can’t understand me at all, which in fact is quite stupid because I just want to be heard like any other animal. Piggie and I also became best friends and same with Mandy she loves her new bunny it kind of annoys me that she spend all her time with that bunny. At the end of the day I still love both of them just as much as another animal or person.

#34 The Boy of Fall

“Do I really have to do this?” I asked my best friend Cameron.

He nodded at me then said, “You lost the bet.”

I sighed as I clicked on Instaface, which is the most popular form of social media. The bet was if I didn’t land the bottle flip, I had to make an account or I would have to go against the entire varsity football team and I’m only a freshmen. “Ok, fine,” I grumbled. First question: Name- Josiah Grey, insert a picture of yourself; i put in my football picture from this year. Second question: describe yourself (outward appearance)- I’m tall, blond hair, blue eyes, strong build, straight smile. More questions: goals- I said to become a starter this year. Habits/quirks- I bite my lower lip when I’m nervous, likes: football, dislikes: math. Relationship status: none but I only really like this super attractive sophomore named Mary Jane but i doubt that she even knows who I am….

The next morning we got up and went to football practice. When we got to practice, all of the football players were standing around looking at the cheerleaders. Asher was mad, as usual; he was always kind of a hot head and thought that the attention should always be on him, so to get the attention on him he decides to say that he is talking to Mary Jane. Everyone started freaking out and was like no way, but I just stood there quietly and thought No way is right, a sweet girl like that would never be talking to an arrogant guy like you….

I waited for Mary Jane after I got done with practice, when I saw her and I went over and said, “Hi, I’m Josiah Grey, I know that we haven’t talked very much but are you talking to Asher Jones?”

“No I’m not,” she said, I gave a sigh of relief. “Why?” she asked.

“Oh, um, no reason, it’s not like I wanted to date you or anything, I mean you’re pretty but you aren’t looking for a boyfriend right now, unless you are?” I said biting my lower lip.

“You’re too cute, if you wanted to go on a date with me you should’ve just said so, what were you thinking?” she said cutely, which made it even harder to respond to.

“I was thinking that Homecoming is coming up and I was wondering if you had a date yet?” I asked curiously.

“I don’t have a date and I would love for you to take me,” she said as we both exchanged numbers and then waved goodbye, today was finally my day…….

Most people don’t know this but I struggle hard core with math so my parents thought that it was a good idea for me to have a math tutor. Her name is Ashlynn Green and she’s pretty cute I mean nothing compared to Mary Jane but I like a girl with a brain too. She came over to help me tonight and we talked a little about Homecoming. “I’m going with Mary Jane, can you believe this Ash I mean you probably can’t but still, I can’t believe that the prettiest girl in school wants to go to Homecoming with me,” I said excitedly.

“Jo, is that all you care about? A girl who can look good infront of all of your friends?” Ashlynn said sassy. Even though I am terrible at talking to girls Ashlynn was one exception, in fact she’s the only one that I let call me Jo instead of Josiah.

“What’s wrong Ash?” I said in a concerning tone.

“Josiah Grey if you can’t realize why I’m upset then you never will, I hope you and Mary Jane are very happy together!” she exclaimed as she grabbed her stuff and stormed out of my house leaving me all confused…..

Mary Jane and I thought it would be best if we met each other at the dance. We found each other we started dancing right away and then a slow song came on. All of a sudden Asher comes over with his face as red as a tomato, he was really mad.

“Grey! What are you doing with my girl!” exclaimed Asher.

“Your girl!” I replied, “I don't know what your talking about but Mary Janes my girl tonight.”

“Mary Jane, will you please tell this idiot that you're mine!” demanded Asher.

“I… I,” Mary Jane studerred.

“Spit it out Mary Jane!” yelled Asher.

“Don't talk to her like that man,” I told Asher.

“Don't tell me what to do Freshman!” Asher announced loudly and then started to shove me. We started fighting until the point when the teachers had to come over and break us up. By that time we both had messed up hair, our ties were everywhere, and he had a bloody nose and I had a bloody mouth. We were in a lot of trouble but after I went and sat down on the bleachers I saw everyone look over at the doorway, it was Ashlynn and she was so beautiful. I went over to her and she tried to ignore me but then she saw my busted lip and looked like she felt sorry but then replied sassily, “well it serves you right, Jo, for fighting over a girl.” Then we both started laughing and she gave me a hug, I looked at her and asked her if she wanted to dance and she said yes. I was now at the dance with the most perfect girl for me and nothing could ruin this moment.

But then…. Mary Jane came over and explained how she accidentally told Asher that she was going to the dance with him and apologized for the inconvenience she caused me. I told her it was fine because I was with Ash now and everything was fine.

#33 The Complications of Moving to Illinois

The complications of moving to Illinois

When I was 17 my family wanted to get a change we wanted to move we were tired of the same old drama in California. So we have decided to move to Illinois. It's 5:00 in the morning and we are waiting until my father gets here with the moving truck. Finally my father gets here we load the truck and head out.

We get to Oklahoma when all of the sudden my dad decides to stop and get some rest at a hotel. When we got there my mother said we could walk around for one hour. As we were walking my sister and I were walking and talking about the move we started arguing whether or not I could start over the guy that had already taken the starting job. My sister stormed off because I upset her.

About 1 hour until I started to get worried. I was walking around the corner when I saw my sister getting kid napped by a tall trucker. I ran back to the room. I tell my mother and father what I saw. We rush down the stairs and get in the car and take off to get my sister. We were following the trucker all the way until Utah. Figuring he would eventually have to stop for fuel. But he wasn't stopping we called the police to help.

All of the sudden he stopped we walked up to the truck to see my sister scared out of her mind sitting in the passenger seat. When all of the sudden the trucker was gone he never opened the door. As we were driving we were wandering where he went we googled recent deaths. We were shocked. It turns out there had been a fire and 4 girls and 2 parents were killed in the fire. The occupation of the father was being a trucker for joe Gibbs trucking company the same truck that stole my sister.

As we got more curious we googled missing people and sure enough 3 girls were kidnapped just a two weeks before my sister and she was the 4th. We finally get to Illinois and settle down I tend to stay really close with my sister. To assure nothing bad happens to her. The first day of practice went by and the coaches loved. I was named starting quarterback of the panthers.

I went on as a top draft pick in the NFL. Still to this day I don't for get about the ghost trucker. I am glad that I have my sister as my favorite sibling. I will never let anything happen to her again. I never argue with my sibling because of that day.

#32 The Meaning

The Meaning

“There are three types of baseball players: those who make it happen, those who watch it happen, and those who wonder what happens.” Tommy Lasorda.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. November 2, 2016 was the greatest day in history. Most of you have no clue what I’m talking about, so let me start from the beginning. The day started out normal for most people, but to me, Trick Jacobs, it was moment of truth day. I’m the starting shortstop for the Illinois Bullets and today was the state championship. As soon as I woke up that day I called my coach to see how his day was. Coach Henry has been my coach the past three years and this is his first time going to a championship. He was an old fart but he sure was a fantastic coach. He taught us not just how to win but the meaning of baseball. This was his last year coaching also, it was my last year playing for the Bullets. After High School I would be traveling to University of Illinois to play baseball.

Later that day, as we were sitting in the dugout and Coach Henry was giving us our pre warm up speech like he does every game. I was sitting in the corner visualizing the trophy we were bringing home for Coach Henry. I wasn’t worried about anything else. I didn’t care about how my performance turned out to be even though the University of Illinois scout was in the crowd but that really didn’t matter. In my eyes what really mattered was the big fat grin that we were gonna put on our coaches face. As the time rolled on coach finally walks up to me and says, “I want you to go out there and give it your all, you have some important people out there.” That didn’t make me feel better what's so ever. This game wasn’t about me, it was about Coach Henry.

As soon as I blink it’s bottom of the ninth, two outs, and I step up to the plate. The score is tied and I have been hitting the seams off this ball. As soon as I get up they do a pitching change. They start throwing their lefty Denzel Valentine. I’ve been struggling to hit him the past four years but I’ve been studying him. His release point, the way his fingers are gripped on the ball, and how fast he brings up his leg. I know they won’t walk me because the bases are loaded. My hands are sweating and my mouth is dry as the Sahara Desert. I step up to the plate. I spit my seeds out and kick some dirt on the plate. I see his fingers start to move in his glove. Everyone is staring down at me from the stands. The first pitch comes.

Now you're all thinking you can’t stop there, well actually I can because I’m the author of this story. The moral of this story wasn’t about winning or losing. It was about about not being selfish and being a team leader. It was about doing what’s right. A wise man once said, “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.” Now all I can say for Denzel Valentine is first rule in baseball never hang a curveball to a power hitter.         

#31 Miami Florida Breakup

Miami Florida Breakup

“I’m heading on my way to the airport. So excited to go to Miami, Florida for a little vacation!!” @amandafrinkajean posted two hours ago. Uggghh. I hate airports. There are so many people. Let me give you a little background on how I arrived at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport. About a month ago, my boyfriend, Bryan, wanted to take a break in our relationship. He was a handsome guy with brown hair and blue ocean eyes. I thought he was the one. We had been together for five years when he said that he wanted to take a break from us. I was like, “WHAT, why are you doing this?” All he said was he needed to figure things out.

For a couple of weeks, I was an absolute wreck. I cried myself asleep thinking about how much I still loved him. Suddenly, I woke up one morning and knew I had to get my life back together. I decided to go on a vacation. What better place to go to than Miami, Florida! Now I am currently at the airport with two screaming kids behind me. It is so annoying. This is a perfect time to remind me why I am never having kids in my LIFE. They are horrible monsters. Finally, I get through the line and hand the lady my ticket. She smiles and says, “You are good to go.” I go through the security checkpoints and get on my flight without any problems. “Heading for takeoff. Heading for takeoff.” I'm finally in the air! It’s a good thing I'm not afraid of heights because we are really high up in the air. This is really relaxing, though. Why didn't I do this a long time ago?

“Ma'am. Uhh, ma'am. You have to get off this plane now. You're flight is over,” a flight attendant politely says.

“Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was over. I must have been sleeping. Oops!”

Wow! How did I sleep through a whole flight? Well, I'm here Florida! I get up and off the plane. As soon as I walk out the airport, all I can see is beautiful palm trees, huge buildings, and breathtaking beaches. It is the prettiest thing in the world. All I can think is Bryan would be so jealous right now. It is also extremely hot, though. I take a cab to the hotel and settle in for the night. The hotel is full of couples, but it doesn't bother me. I can have just as much fun by myself and I will. In the morning, I decide to go down and eat breakfast. They have pancakes, waffles, bagels, muffins, sausage, eggs, and so much more! I take all that I can get and bring it back to the table and eat. Afterwards, I decide to go out and shop. There are so many amazing stores to see and go inside to look around. I also see some beautiful sites along the way. Before I realize it, the day has gone by and night has come. I go back to the hotel and decide to order room service. I hear a knock on the door and I answer it.

“Bryan. What are you doing here?” I asked surprised.

“I'm here to get you back. I realize I can't live without you. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me!”

“I don't know what to say. I'm in shock.”

“Just think about it. I'll be here for the night, but I'm leaving in the morning. I booked a room next to yours,” Bryan smiled.

“Ok.”

“I love you.” He left. I lay on the bed thinking about everything. Why now? It has been a month since he wanted a break from us. I don't know what to do. I couldn't sleep that night. It seemed like forever, but it turned back into morning. I woke up and knew what I had to do. I couldn't wait so I went to Bryan’s room right away.

“I have made my decision. I don't have any feelings for you anymore. I'm sorry.”

“Oh. Ok. I knew it was a long shot but I had to try. Take care of yourself.” I could tell by the look on his face that I had broken his heart the same way he broke mine a month ago. I left that room feeling horrible, but I knew it was the right thing to do. After that, I packed up my stuff and went back home. It didn't feel right to stay. I wasn't in the mood to vacation anyways. I never saw Bryan again. I always wondered what we could've been.

Two years later, I married and had a kid shortly after. How ironic that I would have a kid, right? I guess they aren't so bad after all.