Sneak Peek of: Meaningless Chapters

Sneak Peek of : Meaningless Chapters
By: Lauren Grossman

Introduction/Prologue:

Bam. The alarm clock strikes and I'm rolling back and forth on my bed, not wanting to wake up. I just wanted to glue my eyelids shut. The alarm clock is going off and off, reminding me it's time for me to get out of bed for school. I take a deep breath, and slowly get out of my bed, wincing from the pain in my shoulder.

"How're you this morning?" asks my mom. This is the same typical response my mom asks on a morning, when I walk into the kitchen in my solid colored T-shirt with a solid grey hoodie. My hair is always tied in a side pony-tail. I'd wear the Nike sneakers that I've been wearing for two years. Everything was the same of how I looked, dressed, and the environment around me. My mom gives me that lovely smile, being very awake in the morning, making pancakes and scrambled eggs. I sit down onto the kitchen counter and steal an apple. My mom puts four plates on the table, one for me, my big sister, and my dad. My mom always serves herself last and serves two pancakes on a plate and a couple spoonfuls of scrambled eggs. My dad comes with a briefcase, showing me his morning smile, with sleep in his eyes. He's usually tired from working at the office late. He sits down, straightening his tie, and begins to eat his breakfast.

"Eat your breakfast, sweetheart," says my mom. It's like everyday she has to remind me to do so. I sit at the table next to my dad, placing the apple next to my plate, and pick up my fork. I take a couple bites of my pancakes, and swirl my fork through my eggs. I put some in my mouth, and while I'm swallowing, I'm thinking how I'm tired of everything. I'm tired of looking the same, I'm tired of dressing the same, I'm tired of tasting the same thing, I'm tired of everything, and I think why can't something different happen in my life? The reason for that is because I have no luck and I just continue to believe that everyday as I go through the same routine.

"I'm not that hungry," I say, as always. "I probably should be heading out." With a worried look on my mom's face, she knods, not wanting to start the day with a fight, and gives me a kiss on the cheek. My dad gives me a hug. "Have a good day," I say, while my mom stays at home, cleaning the house, gardening the flowers, or making something in the kitchen that smells bland. My dad is off to work at the bank, with his smart brain of his counting numbers. This is my life and this is what I go through everyday.

I head into the living room to grab my backpack, and head into the kitchen to go out the door. There's a maroon stain on my backpack, and I hide it so my parents don't see it. My backpack is heavy with all the books I have and it irritates a small bruise on my shoulder. I try not to show I'm wincing of pain, and I go out the door, walking to the bus stop. Here's to another day of school, getting hurt, emotionally and physically, getting C's on tests, talking to only three people and having a great relationship with a teacher who actually know I exist in school. Here's to another day, another boring chapter of my life. 

Lauren Grossman's Creative Writing Research Story

Mixed Together

Introduction/Prologue-Laura

All I remember as a baby was a white face looking down on me, his bare, cold hands picking me up. He took me in a car or something, and that’s all I remember. Now, I’m in a house, with beautiful ceilings. I’m with a man, whose skin color is the opposite of mine, like chocolate and vanilla. His name is Richard. He didn’t bring me here for a servant, to rape, nothing like that. Richard took me in because he cared. He protected me. He was like...my father.

Chapter 1-Laura

Being a baby was a blur. Not just because I was a baby. I do remember hearing crying and screaming. That’s all. I then don’t remember how I ended up with a white man, but I did. It was hard to believe we were together because of the color of our skins. This man would serve me when I was six chocolate ice cream and I couldn’t see anything the same with the color of my ice cream and the color of his skin. This man tried getting me into a school with white people, but it wasn’t allowed. I’d get made fun of because I was with someone white.

This man I lived with, life was tough. He’d read me stories and I’d sit on his lap. I was ten, and we were reading a story about a family.

“Richard?” That was his name.

“Yes, honey?” He asked.

“Where are my parents?”

He just didn’t know what to answer. “Why, you have a loving family right here, kiddo.”

As ten years old, I didn’t know much what a loving family was. Richard didn’t seem to have a wife, but two kids were always in the house, doing chores and such. One of the kids was a boy, and he was friendly to me. The other, his sister, was kind of mean; she didn’t seem to like me because I was black, or something. So not all was loving. Richard was just avoiding the question.

Richard taught me everything-from writing, reading, to math, with addition, and times tables. He taught me right from wrong.

Now, I’m almost sixteen, and Richard’s been great with me, like a father. His children Jack and Jacklynne, Richard and I, would do family things; like a carnival and the picnic. Now that I’m almost sixteen, why can’t I just find out what really happened?

Chapter 2-Richard
My wife worked a whole bunch, but it was hard for her because she was pregnant, and finding a job was very hard. My buddy, Al and I would have a beer or two, at the best bar in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is a place with freed people, it’s just great. I was sipping up my beer, talking to Al about my unemployment.
“I was having trouble with unemployment too, Rich, but now I got this new job.” Al said, with excitement.
“Really, where at?” I asked.
“It’s in Ohio, I’m flying in this week.”
“Ohio, Al? That’s pretty far from Philadelphia.”
“But, this is a great job. I’m like the boss. You should come on the road with me.”
“All the way to Ohio, Al?” Yes, I desperately need the job due to my wife Claire being pregnant with twins, so she can’t work a lot of hours, and I don’t know if I want to be that far from her.
“It’s worth it, man. We get paid lots of money an hour.” I sipped up the rest of my beer, thinking about the offer.
“I’ll think about it, Al,” I said.
I talked with Claire, as she’s going to her mom’s, I’m heading to Ohio for my job. Sooner or later Al and I were at Ohio. It took hours and hours to get to the plantation we supposedly have to work on. As i came to the puke-green grass, I could not believe my eyes what I was seeing. Black men lined by lined, chained up, moaning, whips. The noises I heard gave me the chills.

“Al, what is this?” I asked.

“Why, we’re helping the niggers.”

“N-n-what?”

“Niggers. Ha, these are all ours now.”

No, this isn’t what I wanted. This is not what I came to Ohio for. Al never mentioned this. I was shaking so. How can you treat someone like....a slave?

Chapter 3-Laura
Richard decided we should learn some African American history. Richard never really taught me much of African American history, not sure why. I came to the table with a pencil and paper to take notes. Richard came to the table with a few text books saying, ‘African American                                                                                                                                                                          History.’
“Alright, Laura,” He said. We’re going to be learning about slavery.” Slavery, that seven letter word gives me the chills. I didn’t know much about it, but I knew it was horrible towards blacks. Richard tried protecting me from slavery as much as he could, throughout my childhood. Well, that is what he told me.
“First, what is slavery?” It’s when blacks get taken away and are used for labor.”
Richard went on and on about slavery. I think he even spent too much time. He went over important slaves like, Harriet Tubman. “She escorted three-hundred slaves to freedom on more than twenty separate missions. She was struggling and had a hard time.” (Whispers of Angels: Biographies) There were other slaves, such as Harriet Jacob, “who was born into slavery and her mom died. When she was six, he moved with a physician and he wanted unwanted sexual advances.” (About Harriet Jacobs-Biography) At least she had a mom who she knew. I was very sleepy on the table. It was eight-o’clock at night, and I was getting very tired. We spent ours on this lesson.
“You know,” Richard said, coming back to the table with two mugs of  tea. I tried sitting up and drank my tea. “Whites weren’t always the bad guys,” he continued, then sipped up some tea. “There was one guy, Benjamin Lay. He was a Quaker who saw slavery as a “notorious sin.” He was an anti-slavery activist.” (Abolition, Anti-slavery Movements, and the rise of the Sectional Controversy)
“Richard,” I said, lying my chin almost in the tea. “I’m tired, got chores in the morning. “We’ve been here for hours.”
“I know, but I just want you to know all about slavery. And that white men weren’t all so bad,” Richard said. He really exaggerated on his last sentence. I tried sitting up.
“Rich, why am I learning all this?”
“You’re going to be sixteen in  very soon. You need to know the truth.” That woke me up.
“W-what do you mean ‘the truth?’”
He stared down at his tea and it looked like it was hard to say something.
“About your parents.”
Now I was fully awake.
“M-my...parents?”
“Laura...your parents...they were...slaves.”
I stood up in shock. Now knowing my flesh and blood was a slave, I was shaking.
“They were a s-slave? Wait, does that make me a s-slave?” It looked like Richard was going to choke up.
“Yes, honey.”
“How do you know this?” I was getting really upset and I knocked down my tea. It kept spreading and at this point, I didn’t care.
“Calm down, Laura.” He looked like tears were coming. “I was there.”
My heart felt like thunder. When you hear it, it’s unexpected and sounds hard. That’s how my heart felt.
“I was a slave, MY PARENTS WERE A SLAVE, and you WERE THERE?” I was really hurt now. “How wonder you said whites weren’t only the bad guys and they’re important. Yeah, right, now you aren’t important.” I left the spilled tea and ran upstairs. It was hard to see from the blurriness of my tears. I ran to my room and cried. I heard him shouting my name, but all I could hear was this one question going on in my head; why did Richard take me from my parents?

Chapter 4-Richard

I was in charge of preparing the slaves food. I didn’t even know what I was serving. It was pretty gross. I’ve spend a month here, in Ohio, and I just didn’t like it there. The slaves, they were just treated horrible. I witnessed one dying...and why would people treat others this way due to the color of their skin?

I walked into the poorly conditioned rooms the slaves were in. I handed them their food. One of the slaves, I just don’t like that word “slaves,” looked at me, right into my eyes. It was so heartbreaking to see. His eyes looked so weak, and he just looked sad, and then the tears began to spill.

I walked to the other rooms and a woman was crying panting. Some of the other women were helping her. I stepped closer, and the woman was having a baby. My wife is pregnant, and I’m going to be a father. I could not imagine my children who are going to be two more people brought into this life, living in the environment like this, in Ohio on the plantation. It was really risky having the baby, because who knows what they will do to it. I came closer to the woman.

“Ma’am,” I said. I made sure I wasn’t going to get caught having a conversation with the woman. She screamed, seemed like she was in pain. “Is there a father to the baby?”

“Yes,” she said, out of breath. “He’s...” and she gave more pushes, trying to breath and talk at the same time. “Here, in the other room, with the men. I wish he was here right now.” She gave me a scared look in her eyes. No other white man would ask her that question, and no other black girl would tell a white man something like that.

“You’re-you’re not going to take my baby, are ya?” She cried. One more push, the baby was out. I looked at the baby, the woman’s tears, and I was thinking of the day when my children are going to be born.

“No Ma’am.” I replied, in a gentle tone. I’m not.”

The master came in, with two men behind them, and he gave me eye contact, then looked at the woman. I stepped away for my protection. This master, named Mr. Price, he’s a real mean man. He could care less about anyone, and all he does is put those men and women to work. Rumor has it, he had raped 4 girls. The baby was out of the wound and crying, bleeding. The women wrapped the baby around a cloth. The master came in, giving an evil look to the woman with the baby.

“Men,” he said, in a strict voice. “Take the baby away! No baby is allowed here with the mother.” The men came forwards, and the woman screamed, yelled, in tears.

“MY BABY! NO, DON’T TAKE MY BABY, SIR! PLEASE, NO!” She was crying heavily, and she was on her knees pleading, going towards the men with the baby. The master took the whip that was slipped in his belt loop, and whipped her. She kept talking, and whipped her until she was quiet. The baby was crying, and all of this screaming and everything I just witnessed, made me almost get tears to my eyes.

“Richard!” Said Mr. Price. His voice made my heart race. “Hold this woman back! Don’t just stand there!” This woman just wanted her baby, and I didn’t want to hurt her. I went to her, holding her, but I made sure I wasn’t going to hurt her. Mr. Price put the whip back in his belt loop, and walked away with the two men, with the woman’s baby. The woman was crying hard. She turned to me, holding my arms, looking into my eyes.

“Mr.! Please, I need my baby back, please. All my husband and I wanted was a family. And I ended up here. Mr, please! PLEASE, I’M BEGGING YOU!”

I took a big breath, and looked at her.

“What’s your name, Ma’am?” I whispered, just in case Mr. Price was nearby.

“Janay. Will you help me, Mr.? Please!” I studied her eyes and my chest felt tightened.

This woman, Janay, she made me realize, I just don’t to work here anymore. I’m tired of the abuse men and women were getting here.

“Alright, I’ll try my best. But I can’t guarantee I will.”

“Just please, promise me you’ll try?”

“I promise. I think what’s best is you just relax. You don’t want to be getting through any trouble, or just anything.

“Oh, thank you, Mr.! What’s your name?”

“Richard, Ma’am. Um, what’s the baby’s name, Ma’am?”

“Laura, Laura Johnson.” She gave me a slight smile and went back down on her bed, recovering from the pregnancy, and her child being taken away from her. All the women were staring at me, and I walked out of the room, giving the rest of their food, with my stained T-Shirt from the woman, Janay’s, tears.

I walked to go to Mr. Price to find something else to do. He probably would want me to clean up some blood that spilled, or something that I just want to vomit from. Before I even got to the master, I saw the two men who were just in the previous room, and they had the baby. It looked like they were gonna take her to another plantation, out of Ohio. I stared at the men, and I tried thinking of an idea to get that baby. I wasn’t breaking a promise, and I just didn’t want working here. Yes, money will be strongly tough since my twins are being bored and my wife isn’t working because of that, but I’m so sick of being desperate.

“Men.” I called. The men’s eyes looked towards me. They did a head nod, which is meaning hello. “Hello, where is the baby going to?”

“Not sure yet, sir, we’re finding out right now,” said one of the men.

“How about I take care of it, I know a perfect plantation for this baby to go.”

“Where at?” Said the other man.

“Doesn’t matter. What matters is this baby right here won’t be with her mother.” The men decided to give me the baby. Idiots. Did they really think I would go to some place? Nope. If I brought that baby back to the room with her mother, yes, it would be my fault, but because Janay is black, it’ll be her fault no matter what. This baby isn’t safe with anyone but me. I will make sure she is safe with me.

I carried the baby, but I wasn’t making it obvious. I had to tell the master I wanted to quit, but he would of seen the baby. Where could I go? I put Janay’s baby in a box, but with the lid opened. It was such a stupid idea of mine, but I couldn’t have the master, Mr. Price find out. I got a box that had basically dust in it, and emptied out the dust. I gently put the baby in there.

“You’ll be out there in no time sweetie, I promise.” I’m the kind of guy who makes promises, and tries my best to keep them. I started walking gently with this box and I heard crying.

“Shh, baby girl, shh. Just wait and then you’ll get out of there, shh.” I gathered my things and softly picked up the box. There was the master. I was scared of this gentlemen. I was so scared holding this baby. I wish I could save all the babies, but this one, for some reason in my heart I needed to save. The back of my neck was sweaty, including my hands; hoping the box wouldn’t slip out and fall. Mr. Price had that evil look that gives me the chills.

“M-Mr. Price?” I said. You could hear the nerves in my voice.

“Yes, Richard? Shouldn’t you be working?”

“About that, sir, I...I’m afraid I can’t work here anymore.”

“What do you mean you can’t work here anymore? I did your buddy Al a favor by letting you work here and now ya wanna leave?”

“Yes, sir.” I had to think of something. I decided to use my wife as an example. “Uh, sir. My wife is having twins soon, could be any day now, and I really need to get back to check on her. I just needed...uh...money for this month. My wife will be workin’ soon.”

“You’re just gonna leave ‘cause of a wife having kids? Le’me tell you something Richard, I hate children. So I could care less why you have to go.” I was getting really angry and then the baby made a little wince.

“What was that?!” asked Mr. Price.

“Must of sounded over there. Any babies being born?”

“So far only one Richard and you were there.”

“Why do I hear crying though?”

“I better not!” Mr. Price went to his left, checking on the “noise” he heard, and I was running, not as fast because of the baby, but I was running to get away from this scary place. I quickly went into my car and put the box in the passenger seat. I didn’t know what to do, I had no baby seat. I could've just took a taxi, leaving the car here, but I wouldn’t of been able to afford another car; being barely able to pay this one. I picked the baby up.

“I promise sweetie, you’ll be out soon. Just relax.” I put her in the box, right next to me strapping it up. I put all my belongings and jacket right beneath her just in case she fell, god for bid.

“Sweetie, next stop, Philadelphia, and I promise, you’ll be safe there, kiddo”

The drive took about a couple days. But I had to stop a lot to feed the baby and make sure she was okay. It was quite a hassle; but I wasn’t giving up.

I got home and put the baby down gently on the couch, with some blankets underneath. I know my wife would complain why I have a black baby in the house. She doesn’t really care about blacks. She always says; “What’s the point of a nigger?” I always hated when she said that. I called my mother-in-law to talk to my wife. I dialed the numbers, somewhat slipping due to the heat and sweat on my fingers. My mother-in-law answered.

“H-hello?” She answered. Her voice seemed weak, and sad.

“Hi, Mary? It’s Rich.”

“Oh, Rich, so glad you called! Are you still in Ohio?”

“No, I’m in Philadelphia.”

“Oh, dear.” Something was wrong and I started getting more anxious than I already was.

“Can I talk to Claire please?”
“No.” It sounded like she just started to cry.

“Mary, what’s going on, is Claire there? Did she have the twins?”

“Well...”

“MARY!”

“Rich...she died, giving birth to the twins.” My heart sank. No, this can’t be happening. No, now taking care of three kids? Not having Claire, my love? Yes, we have been fighting lately, and she didn’t like the idea of me going all the way to Ohio, but we needed the money. But I did love Claire, but she’s-she’s gone?

“Richard? Are you there?” asked Mary. “There was a possibility the twins weren’t even going to make it. But they did and Claire just...” Before I could hear her, the baby made a noise.
“What’s that?” Mary asked.

“Nothing just...I got to go, I’ll call you back.” I hung up the phone and I started crying. I cried. I looked at the baby, forgetting that her name was Laura, and cried. I put Laura in my arms and cried.

Chapter 5- Laura

I was getting nightmares that night when Richard told me the news about my parents and I. Richard told me a story about a slave Henry Brown. “He was born as a slave,” like me. (Henry Box Brown) “He was separated from his family and sent to a factory in 1830. He earned money working and escaped from slavery by being inspired to be shipped in a box to Philadelphia.” (Henry Box Brown)  Now I live in Philadelphia. It’s a good place, ol’ Philadelphia. Use to be racism, but not much anymore. I felt safe in Philly, well somewhat, sometimes it was hard living there. Henry Box Brown, “was sealed in a wooden box, 3 feet 2, and one/half ft. deep, 2 feet wide.” after me in Philly? Well anyways, my dream was like this Henry Brown, and (Henry Box Brown) I was in that box. I was so claustrophobic and I couldn’t breathe. Henry Brown became free “26 hours later.” (Henry Box Brown) In my dream, it didn’t seem so. Henry Brown seemed successful, by being an author and all that, but in my dream I wasn’t. As I was in the box, the ship I was aboard on, stopped. I heard footsteps and then all the sudden a bright light had come into the box; it was opened. They pulled me out, not even gently, and it hurt so bad. They chained me up, and I was becoming a slave. I was finally there at the plantation and I was crying. I was in a line chained up, (Richard told me about that) and I was crying hard. The master comes over with his whip and as soon as he started to whip me, I woke up. I sat up on my bed, tears in my eyes, sweat on my forehead. It was such a scary dream, and I didn’t know if I would be able to fall asleep again. I gently laid back on my pillow, and I started turning and tossing. It was going to be a rough night.

I got up about 6:00 AM. It was pretty early for me to get up, but since I couldn’t get sleep, I decided to do my chores early. I went to the kitchen to get a bucket of water to clean the floor in the living room, but as I walked in, the kitchen table looked like there was something on it. I swept my index finger on the table, and it looked brown. It was the tea. I swept it up with a sponge that I grabbed from the kitchen sink. As I was scrubbing, Jacklynne came in.
“What are you doing up?” Jacklynne asked in a snotty tone. She always likes to find out stuff in my business.
“Oh, hi Jacklynne. Thanks for asking, I’m good too.” I replied. I really wasn’t in the mood to talk.
“Hi. Now I asked you a question.”
“I couldn’t get any sleep. Why do you care why I’m up?”
“I could care less about you. Why would I care about some black girl?” This wasn’t the first time I heard her make a remark like that to my face. She has been worse. She put her hands together and did a crack. The sound made me jump.
“Dad’s letting me go out in town to get some sewing materials. They open around this time.” I rolled my eyes and continued scrubbing the table.
“Why don’t you just go down later and work on chores? So they’re out of the way?” I asked.
“Shut up, Laura. I can do whatever I want. Dad lets me do whatever. I. want.” Jacklynne really likes to irk me. She says ‘Dad’ strongly, to put it in my face that I don’t have a dad. I wonder if she knows the reason why Richard took me in.
“Jackie,” I said. Richard calls her that so I decided to. She gave me a harsh look.
“Only my friends and family, oh do you know what that is ‘cause I’m sure you don’t have any, call me Jackie. And no black girl is either.”
“Whatever, do you know anything about why Richard-”
“My Dad-”
“Let me talk! Do you know why he took me in? Why am I here?”
“Who cares. Whenever it comes to you, I don’t care. Look, I’m wasting my time talking to you when I could be down town already” She took her pocketbook that was lying on the kitchen counter. She opened the purse and took out money; counting it.
“Did Richard give you that money?” I asked. It was a good handful of money.
“No! I work and have a job, unlike you. But who would hire a nigger?” I clenched my fists so tight shaking about to put my hands on her.
“Jack!” she screamed. “Jack! Come on, we’re wasting time already?”
“Jack’s coming down with you?”
“Yes, he’s going to help me carry my things.” I feel bad for Jack. He’s such a nice guy. We don’t talk a whole lot because Jacklynne will take him away from me. Jacklynne will take anything away from me. There are some nights when Jacklynne falls asleep on the couch in the living room, and Jack and I go upstairs, to my room, look at the stars, and just have a nice talk. He’s just so nice, and I could tell him about everything and anything. He knows the way Jacklynne treats me, and doesn’t like it. I feel bad for him, Jacklynne bosses him way too much, and Richard doesn’t always pay attention to him because of her. Jack doesn’t care I’m black. Richard always told me when I was growing up that he didn’t either. So, should I believe him? I guess if Jack doesn’t care, then what Richard said wasn’t false. I just really needed a talk with Jack, but Jacklynne of course has to take him. So that leaves me with Richard, perfect. I thought about all this as I was scrubbing the table, then I kept thinking that I was a slave. I looked at the small puddle left of the tea. Why did Richard not clean this up? Was it because now he wants me to be a slave? I threw the sponge on the table, some water spitting out, and I sat down, angry.
“JACK!” Jacklynne screamed. “Oh, Laura, you missed a spot.” She did an evil laugh and as angry I was, I ran to the staircase.
“I’m coming, I’m-” Jack met me half way down the stairs.
“Oh, sorry there, Laura.” said Jack. He gave me a slight smile. “Are you alright?” he asked.
“Fine, just fine.”
Jack looked at me, knowing me by now, that I wasn’t okay.
“JACK!” yelled Jacklynne, for the millionth time.
“Want to come with us, Laura?” asked Jack.
“NO WAY!” Yelled Jacklynne.
“I’ll just stay home,” I told Jack. He stared at me for a minute. I turned back and plopped on the couch.
“Hey, Laura,” Jack whispered as Jacklynne was at the door, ready to leave. “She’s going to be tired ‘cause we got to do all this walking, so we’ll talk later, okay?” He put his arm on my shoulder, gave me a smile.
“Okay,” I replied. I smiled at him, and he left. I just wish that I could talk to him like a normal person in front of his sister.
I was about to walk upstairs, but then I heard footsteps; Richard. I ran back to the couch, acting like I was doing something; even though I was picking at my nail. Richard came down, and looked at me.
“Morning, honey.” He said. “What are you doing up?”
“Couldn't get sleep,” I replied. I really didn’t feel like talking to him. Richard came next to me. He sat there and looked at me. “Look we got to talk.”
“Okay,” I said. “Let’s. Let’s talk about why you took me from my parents, why I’m here to this very day.”
“Honey...” He tried putting his hand on my shoulder, but I shrugged it off. “Laura, kiddo, I was protecting you.”
“How, am I here for your slave? Did you know your daughter was going to make fun of me? She barely does chores! Am I your slave, Richard? Am I?” I was fired up.
“Not at all, Laura! I tried talking to Jacklynne. I don’t know what’s bugging her.” I rolled my eyes. “Laura, last night, you didn’t let me finish. Laura...I hated the idea of slavery, hated it. My old buddy took me to Ohio, told me nothing what the job was about. I tried getting out of there, it was hard. Plus, I needed the money because my wife...” Richard began to choke. I looked at him. I never seen him cry before. He’s one of the strongest people I know “She was having twins, my twins, and I needed the money, she wasn’t in good condition to work. I’m sorry Laura. But there was one thing that was good that I was there.”
“How?” I asked.
“Well, I saw your mom give birth to you. I was there giving the women their food.” My eyes widened. I sat up and was ready to listen for more. “Well, the master came in and took you. Your mom, her name was Janay she told me, she asked me to find you. I never break a promise, Laura. They were going to take you to another plantation. It wasn’t just a promise that had me take you. I couldn’t picture seeing my children taken away, so I took you and took care of you. It was sneaky, but I would of took that risk. I knew it was a risk for you, but I would've done anything to protect you, honey.” Tears filled my eyes. He really did love me. He cared about me. Tears began to fill his.
“You knew my mama?” I asked, wiping my tears.
“Yes, I met her. She was so scared when she lost you.”
“But...Richard...you didn’t keep that promise. I’m going to be 16, and, and where are my parents?” Richard seemed a bit hurt at that.
“I know you miss your parents, I do. I’m still trying now, it’s hard, but because I love you, you’re like a daughter to me, I’m not giving up.”
“So, you really did care, Richard.”
“Yes, no matter you’re black or white. When my wife died.....it was hard. I raised three children. Three! It was hard, but I enjoyed it, and for some reason, you made me happy. My mother-in-law, she helped. She wouldn’t take care of you because you were black, but I took care of you. I protected you. From all this time in your childlife I protected you, why would you think I would hurt you know?”
“Tears filled my eyes, and Richard put his hand on my shoulder. I didn’t shrug him off this time. I looked at him, with both our tears, and I hugged him. I hugged my...my...Dad.

Chapter 6-Richard
There were two people who meant a lot to me, not just my wife. It was Mr. and Mrs. Edwards. They were two couples in love, happily married. The Edwards were the nicest people. They were black, but actually, no one judged them on the color of their skin. They were good friends of mine. The Edwards worked at a corner store near the house. I remember always going in there. Claire would always have a craving for these chocolate candies with caramel inside, and I’d always buy 2, and The Edwards would give me one for free. Claire didn’t really worship or fond black people, but she did like The Edwards for some reason. I could most likely come to these people for anything. I was holding Laura in my hands gently, and I walked to the corner store. I was hoping that maybe the Edwards could watch Laura during Claire’s funeral, until things cool down. I’m not ashamed of being with Laura, but for now I’m doing what’s best for her.
I walked into the corner store and right away the Edwards laid their eyes on me, smiling, then saw the baby with a surprised look.
“Hello Mr. and Mrs. Edwards,” I said, nodding my head. The Edwards were standing in back of the counter, and the caramel filled chocolate candies were right there. I felt like I had a lump in my throat.
“How are you doing, Richard? We’re both sorry about Claire. She was a great person, and I knew she meant a lot to you,” said Mrs. Edwards. She gave a sympathetic look, and Mr. Edwards was still looking at Laura. She winced a little and I rocked her, making sure she didn’t make a lot of noise.
“Thank you, um, the funeral is tomorrow, and I really hope I see you guys tomorrow, I think it would mean a lot to Claire,” I said.
“Of course we will,” said Mrs. Edwards. The baby made a louder cry, which caught Mr. and Mrs. Edwards even more.
“Richard,” said Mr. Edwards. “Whose baby is that?’
“Well,” I said. “This is my baby. I rescued her,”
“Oh, god bless you Richard,” said Mrs. Edwards. She came around the corner and gave me a kiss.
“I was wondering if I could ask you both a favor.”
“Well, sure thing, son.” said Mr. Edwards. I took a deep breath, trying to avoid the sweat on my forehead. I looked down in Laura’s eyes, how beautiful they were. It was going to be hard to let her go. I wanted her safe. But I trusted Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, and it’s just a risk I have to take.
“I was wondering...if maybe you can watch...Laura. Until things cool off. I haven’t even met the twins yet-”
“Congratulations about the twins son!” said Mrs. Edwards.
“Monica, let Richard speak,” said Mr. Edwards.
“Sorry,” she said.
“No, it’s okay. So I was wondering...if you maybe can watch Laura for me? She behaves really well and I’ll tell you everything about her.”
“Haven’t you only known her for some days?” asked Mr. Edwards.
“Yes, but I’ve known her so well.” I looked in her eyes and smiled. “She likes to be rocked when she is crying, she loves to be sung at, don’t worry, she’s a good baby.” Mr. and Mrs. Edwards looked each other for several minutes.
“Yes, of course we’ll help. Since our kids are grown up, I miss havin’ a baby around. Anything for you, Richard.” said Mrs. Edwards
“Thank you, so much, both of you!” I said, getting a relief over my shoulders. “Do you want money or anything?” I asked.
“No, it’s okay son, you have enough to worry about. You come when you need.” replied Mr. Edwards. He looked at Laura. “How do you sit her in the car?”
“Yeah, that’s been difficult.” I went in my pocket and took out some money. “Here’s some for the baby seat. I got to go to the twins now to see them.”
I looked down at Laura one more time. “I’m going to be gone for a little,” I whispered. “You’re in good hands now, I promise I will come back.” I gently, slowly, and carefully handed Laura to Mrs. Edwards, and the Edwards smiled at her, and were paying attention now to Laura. “I promise,” I whispered. I left the store, going on my way to see the twins. I promised Laura I was going to come back, and that was a promise I was going to keep.

Chapter 7- Laura
It was weeks and weeks later. Things were getting even better with Dad and I. Dad told me that he had a surprise. Yes, I call him Dad. I realize that all my life, Richard treated me like a daughter, so doesn’t that make him a Dad? I sat on the couch impatiently waiting for Dad, wondering what the surprise was. Dad came into the living room, as I was on the edge of the couch, from the stairs.
“Dad, you’re here! What’s the surprise?!” I said, wiggling my legs back and forth. Dad smiled and sat next to me.
“You’re birthday is tomorrow, right?” He asked.
“Yeah, yeah? What is it!?” I was now out of my seat, all excited.
“Relax,” Dad said, laughing, pushing me by the shoulders back down on the couch. “How about we have a party celebration for your birthday?”
I screamed. I was so excited. “Seriously, Dad?” I cried.
“Yes. We’ll have food, dancing, games.”
“Dad, you’re the best! I love you, Dad!” I hugged Dad, and he slowly put his arm around me. It was like that Dad felt that it was the first time he heard those words. There was an awkward pause as I was in my dad’s arms, and I decided to break the pause.
“So, who’s invited?’ I asked.
“Do you have any friends in mine?” I looked down, thinking I honestly don’t have any friends really. I don’t have a real mom, a dad by blood, nor a brother and sister. I really don’t have much anything.
“No, I don’t,” I replied.
“Okay, then it will just be the four of us!” Dad gave me a smile, rubbing my arm.
“The...four of us?” I asked. I really didn’t want Jacklynne to come. I’m sick of the way she treats me.
“Yeah, you, me, Jack and Jacklynne.” Jacklynne, that name gives me the chills.
“Did they know you were giving me a surprise?”
“I told Jack, and I tried telling Jacklynne, but...she didn’t seem to care.”
“Oh. Glad you told Jack though.”
“Listen, sweetheart, kiddo, I tried talking to Jacklynne, she’s just not listening and I don’t know why she treats you that way. I hate is as much as you do-”
“Dad, all my life I have gone through racism and poor treatment. I thought it was getting all better, but because of Jacklynne, it now is not.” There was a pause. “I’m going to my room.”
“Okay, but come down so we can work on the preparation of the foods and decorations.”
“Yeah, okay,” I said. Did he really just care about food and decorations? I ran up the stairs, not looking back at Dad’s reactions, and was on my way to my room. As I was about to walk into my room, I bumped into Jack.”
“Oh, sorry,” I said.
“It’s no problem, hey,” said Jack.
“Hey.”
“Are you okay, Laura?” Jack looked deeply in my eyes, I loved his deep blue eyes. Jack would've known by now if I was lying, so I figured to tell him the truth.
“No, not really.”
“Come in my room.” Jack took my arm and pulled me in. He motioned me towards his bed, and I sat down, and then Jack sat right next to me.
“What’re we doing in your room,?” I asked.
“Tell me, what’s wrong?”
“Huh?”
“Laura, I want ya to tell me what’s bugging you, everything. You’re turning sixteen tomorrow. That should be exciting! What’s the matter?” He touched my chin so I could look at him. His hand on my chin felt so soft and smooth.
“Life, Jack. Life. Ever since I was a little kid, I been growing up with racism. I grew up not knowing my real parents, knowing if I had any brother and sisters. I grew up missing, unknown. I’m sick of feeling that way, Jack. You’re sister treats me horrible, she treats me like I’m nothing just because I’m black. I just want to know who I really am, Jack.” I turned my head the other direction. It felt really good to get that off my chest especially to Jack. He took my chin again with his smooth right hand and had me look his way.
“You don’t know who you are? Why you’re Laura Johnson. You’re a pretty girl, who’s smart nice, amazing. You’re someone who means a lot to me. I could care less of the color of our skins. Dad told me what you went through, and it stinks, it really does. Having trouble getting into schools, making new friends, I know, that sounds hard. Most people say, yeah, I understand, but really, I don’t. I don’t understand, and I wish I did.” My cheeks felt burning. I really wished more people were like...Jack. “Laura, there were a lot of slaves who went through a lot of hardships, but became successful. ‘Ellen and William Craft, for instance. Ellen looked white and was able to dress a southern slaveholder. William and Ellen Craft were escapers. Their freedom was good, and they went to Boston, a free black community. Their peace got disturbed by the Fugitive Slave Act and went back to slavery.’ (William and Ellen Craft (1824-1900; 1826-1891)) But when they got back to freedom, they become successful, strong. You’re one of the strongest people I know. Ignore Jacklynne, she’s jealous of you.” He was such a smart, sweet person. And what he said About Jacklynne, made my eyes widen.
“She is?’ I asked.
“Yes, she is, because Dad pays attention to you and loves you. Dad loves all three of us and she can’t understand. She thinks you’re smart, pretty, she’s just...jealous.” I felt so much better, I really did.
“Jack,” I said, I moved closer to him. “You’re amazing.”
He got even closer to me. “So are you.” He then kissed me. His lips were moist and warm, and we just kept kissing. I really liked Jack, and I think he liked me. We were holding on to each other and kept kissing. It felt so nice to be in someone’s arms. It was someone who cares about me, and I cared about him. I started putting my hands through his shirt, then we stopped.
“Laura!,” He said, panicking.
“W-what?” I asked. I put my hands down to myself.
“You’re going too far.”
“I’m sorry, I really am, it’s just...are you mad?”
“No, I understand. You’re upset, confused. You killed the moment.” I took a pillow off his bed and threw it at him, he smiled.
“It was an amazing moment. Jack, I never told you how I feel about you.”
“And that is...?”
“You’re amazing, caring, sweet, you’re someone I love.”
“Y-you love me? Laura, are you sure you’re not just saying it because you’re upset, confused, miserable?”
“No, I mean it.” He leaned over again, and my hands were on his chocolate colored bushy hair, and we kissed, for about an hour, stopping, to talk. We were then kissing again, to laugh.
“I have something for you,” said Jack, getting off the bed, going into his closet.
“What?” I asked. “Where are you going?”
He walked back from the closet, with a box and a bow. “To get this.” He put it on my lap, and my face was excited, I wanted to cry, from tears of joy.
“I wanted to give this to you just the two of us. Happy early Birthday, open it.”
“I looked at him, and I opened it. My eyes were amazed, when I saw a pillow, that had a message saying “Laura, stay strong,” with a two hearts on it.
“Jack! Oh my, I love it! Where did you get this?”
“When I was at the sewing shop with Jacklynne, I got it. You can request patterns and buy it. So I did.”
“It must of cost you so much money!”
“Eh, it was okay. It was worth it.” I gave him a kiss on the cheek, and we just ended up talking, looking at the stars the whole rest of the day and night.

Chapter 8-Richard
I rushed to the hospital. My heart was racing, hard. I couldn’t feel my hands or legs, I was nervous. I got a call from the hospital down the street from the Edward’s corner store and got told that Mr. and Mrs. Edwards was in a car accident. When I heard that, I froze. My name must of been on their emergency list. And what also went through my head right when I heard this, Laura. Because she’s a baby and small, of course she would die before any of the Edwards, not that I want the Edwards to die, I just hope none of them will die.
I went right to the counter and asked the lady where were the Edwards, what was going on.
“Hello, um, where is Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, I need to see them!” My forehead was sweating hard and I couldn’t breathe.”
“Not sure where they are, sir.” Said the counter lady.
“Please, you need to find out! My baby is in there! Please! Please!” My face was getting all red and the lady looked kind of scared for me.”
“Ms. Jenny. I got it,” said a voice I heard. I turned around and saw a guy, little taller than me, with a white coat and stethoscope around him.
“Doc, where is Mr. and Mrs. Edwards?”
“Richard,” he said. I wasn’t sure how he knew my name, but then I realized because I was on the Edward’s emergency list. “Son...Mr. and Mrs. Edwards...they died.” I think my heart stopped beating. I felt like I couldn’t breathe.
“What, how did this happen?”
“A truck was turning and smashed right into them, and both were in the driver and passenger’s seat.”
“No...this can’t be...” I looked all around and people were sad, somewhat...tearing. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards were two very known, sweet, caring, people; who’d do anything for you. “W-wait, the baby!”
“What baby, Richard?”
“There was a baby with Mrs. and Mr. Edwards. They were taking care of her....DID SHE DIE?” I was freaking out, I could feel the wetness of my hair from the sweat.
“Son, there was no baby with them.”
“What?”
“Do you mean this baby?” I heard a deep voice, rather new, and turned over.
“Laura!” I said, jogging over. “Who are you?”
“This is yours?” He examined me from head to toe...”My big sister told me so much about me...even told me what you did for this sweetheart of yours.”
“Thank you so much, Mr. Edwards. And I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. I think this little girl belongs to you.” Mrs. Edward’s brother gently gave me Laura. I smiled at her, it’s been awhile since I seen her, due to Claire’s funeral. I seen the twins couple days ago, and holding them gave me a smile that everything is going to be okay. Knowing I have three beautiful children, it’s going to be a tough thing to do.
“Thank you, can I ask you a question?” I asked.
“Why, yes,” He responded.
“How did you get Laura?”
“Well, my sister dropped her off, they were getting some groceries at the store, and the truck that had some of the items in it, well...it crashed into the front of the car. The window is shattered, the car is a disaster.”
“Oh, my, well thank you, sir.” I said. “I better be going now.” I took Laura with me, holding her, blessed she’s here, and holding her for comfort because the Edwards are gone.
The funeral for the Edwards was two days later. Laura was with me, and I was shushing her, rocking her, doing what I guess a dad does. I was trying to be the best father for three children. The funeral made me choke up. There were over fifty people at the funeral, because of such wonderful people the Edwards were. Such wonderful things people said, and now...they’re gone. I looked down at Laura and she smiled, which made everything ten times better.

Chapter 9-Laura

It was the day of the party, the four us. Ever since that moment with Jack...I’ve just felt...better. I was dancing around the house, putting up decorations, Dad and I making appetizers, even though it was toothpicks dug into cubes of pineapples. Jack was hanging up “Happy Birthday” sign that he made himself. Jacklynne was just sitting there on the couch, counting the money she makes from her job.

“You know, Jacklynne,” said Jack. “You could help with the decorations. This is a special day for Laura.”
“Leave me alone Jack, I could care less,” she said. Dad came out of the kitchen and overheard.
“Jacklynne!” said Dad. “You help with getting everything ready. She went to your 16th birthday party, and you can go to hers.”
“I don’t want to be with that nigger.” That crossed the line, I was about to slap that girl, but as I came towards her, Jack stopped me.
“No, Laura!” cried Jack. “It’s not worth it.”
“What did you just say young lady?” asked Dad.
“I. said. N-I-G-G-E-R. Loud and proud Dad.”
“You do not talk that way to Laura. You hear me? She’s apart of our family. She helps everyday in this house, more than you do. She tries being so nice to you. What is your problem?” Jacklynne was ignoring her, looking down at her money. “Girl, you better look at me.” Dad took his hand and took Jacklynne’s face, facing him.”
“Ow, Dad, that hurts!” she cried.
“Dad,” I said. Don’t do it too hard!” Dad let go of her face, going back to the kitchen.
“YOU KNOW WHAT! HAVE HER DAD! HAVE HER! SHE CAN BE YOUR ONLY DAUGHTER AND I’LL BE GONE. IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT?” Jacklynne was in tears. Dad came back out into the living room as I was next to Jack.
“You think I like Laura better than you? I love you all three the same. Do you understand what Laura went through, you don’t. Your brother works so hard around here. Just give Laura and your brother respect. Give me respect, Jacklynne. We all love you, you just got to give us all respect.” Dad put his hand on her shoulder, gave her a small kiss, and went back into the kitchen. I looked at Jacklynne, staring down in space. I turned towards Jack, and he gave me a squeeze. I gave him a kiss on the cheek, and he smiled, laughing, not to kiss in front of Jacklynne.

“What’s so funny?” asked Jacklynne.

“Nothing, Jackie,” replied Jack.
“I know something’s going on between you, fine, have each other!” She wiped her tears and ran upstairs.
“Just ignore her.” Jack came towards me to give me a kiss. I stopped him, going upstairs. I went into Jacklynne’s room. It was all girly, never really been in there.

“Jacklynne?,” I said, softly.

“What?” she replied, a little harshly.

“Look, I don’t even know why I’m up here because you’ve treated me so horrible and I just wanted to see if you’re okay. But I can see I’m not wanted here...so goodbye.” I started to leave the room.

“Wait!” said Jacklynne. I stopped at the doorway and turned around. “What?” I asked.

“I’m sorry.” I never heard those words from her, never.

“You’re what?”

“I’m sorry! For everything! It’s just...your beautiful, amazing, likeable...you’re so strong. I’m sorry. I was...jealous...I guess.”

“It’s okay. Thanks.”

“No, Laura! It’s not! I been horrible to you. I mean, look, I’m such a bad person.”

“Jacklynne, all my life, it was rushed as it was. You had to make it worse. Dad and Jack helped it out, and you didn’t.

“I know, I feel horrible...I’m so...sorry.” She really did mean it. I was going to forgive her...for now. I gave her a little smile, walked away into my room, plopping on my bed. I cuddled with the pillow Jack gave me, and did some heavy thinking.

Jack and I did some dancing, the night of the party. He twirled me around, and it was fun. I even did some dancing with Dad and it was a great night. Jacklynne came down the stairs, and she joined the party. I was having such a good time, being glad that everything was getting better, (hopefully it would stay that way). Then, the doorbell rung.

“Who’s that, Dad?” I asked.

“No clue,” he replied. Dad went to the door and opened it. I was close with Jack, Jacklynne behind him. Jack had his arm around me. When Dad opened the door, two black fellows were standing at the doorway, not knowing who they were.

“Can I help you, both?” asked Dad.

“Is, is there a Laura here, Sir?” I didn’t know what I was hearing. These weren’t whites, not here to take me away. I stood back, behind Jack and Jacklynne.

“Who are you?” The black lady spotted me and came in. “Laura!” She ran to me, with the gentlemen behind her, both of them hugging me.

“Excuse me? WHO ARE YOU?” asked Dad, he was getting very worried.

“What’s his name, John? I forget,” said the lady. “You’re...Richard, is that right?” I was getting so freaked out.

“Yes, who are...”

“She’s Janay, my wife,” said the man. “He doesn’t remember you. Why, Richard, we’re Laura’s parents.” Dad, Jack, Jacklynne and I all looked at each other, in surprise. I was about to pass out.

“M-mama? P-pa?” I said, hesitantly. They came running towards me, breaking Jack off of me, and moving Jacklynne. “Laura, how we missed you! We been finding you for days and days! God bless the Lord!” I was happy too see them, but then I saw Dad’s face, looking a little heartbroken.

“Please, get off of me,” I said, politely.

“Aren’t you happy to see us?” They both said.

“Yes, but I live here. This man, Richard, my Dad has been here for me ever since. I cannot just leave him. I love him. I appreciate you finding me, but I can’t leave. I just...can’t.

Richard studied me hard, putting his arm around me. “Laura, sweetie. I love you too, so much, but you belong with your parents.” He started choking up, as well as Jack.

“NO! I want to stay with you!” I gave him a big hug.

“Sweetie, I promised your mother Janay that I would get you back to her.”

“Dad, I know you keep promises, but already Mom and Dad missed my life. How are they going to catch up? How are they going to know every little detail that happened?” I turned towards my “real” parents. “I appreciate you coming, but I’m not ready to go with you, I’m sorry.”

My mother and father looked at each other, looking like they wanted to cry. “Well, you’re old enough to make your own decisions,” said my mother. She took out a paper and pen and wrote down a number. “If you ever want to visit or call us, here’s our number. Like ‘William Still, the slave, his mother was captured with four children and his mom was forced to leave her two sons. The boys got sold, but later William Still found his two brothers.’ (Whispers of Angels: Biographies) That was luck, Laura, and finding you was luck. But we do love you” Her voice was weak, and more tears of mine came out. I ran to my mama and papa, hugging them, and said goodbye, which is something I never thought I was going to do.

“Take good care of her, Richard.” said my father.

“I will, sir.” said my Dad.

They were about to walk out the door, then my father turned around...”Oh, by the way, Happy Birthday, sweetheart.” They walked out the door and I cried, Jack holding me. They came all this way, they knew it was my birthday. Look at this birthday gift I just got. That number they gave me, was going to come in handy.

Chapter 10-Richard

Yes, life was difficult, raising three children. My mother in law helped, but only helped with the twins. Mrs. Edward’s brother, Ronald, helped me take care of Laura. He was a really nice man.

I give a lot of credit to Laura as she grew up. Getting her into a school was a hard, they would only put her with all blacks. She would get rocks thrown at her. I would witness that, and it was such a horrible feeling. I did all I could to protect her. Even time to time I got harassed because I had a black girl as a daughter; but I didn’t care. Laura was a brave little soldier. She didn’t always get the best treatment from Jacklynne, but Jack and her did get along.

All up to Laura being ten, I tried looking for her parents. It was very difficult. All I could have known, they could of been dead. I did all this paperwork, phone calls, pretty much anything. I would stay up late, go searching while Laura would stay with Ronald and the twins would stay at their grandmother’s; and I’ll be searching. But things just got harder and harder to find them. I didn’t want to break the promise, I didn’t. Maybe some day Laura’s parents would come to the door, and we’ll see what Laura chooses.

Chapter 11/Ending/Epilogue-Laura and Richard

“Life was hard growing up.”

“I tried everything for Laura.”

“Couldn't get into schools.”

“The thought of losing her, hurt me”

“Jack was caring.”

“She was like my daughter”

“Jacklynne wasn’t.”

“I struggled everyday with her and I wasn’t going to lose her.”

“A part of me feels missing”

“Would I feel missing if I lost her, I already feel missing without my wife and the Edwards?”

“I try to be the best.”
“I love the twins, but there is something is special about Laura”

“Seeing my parents for the first time made me speechless.”

“Seeing Laura in her parents arms, made me speechless.”

“But I wanted my Dad, and Jack”

“But I would of missed Laura.”

“My parents would of lost so much.”
“I didn’t want to miss more of Laura’s life.”

“Did my parents care about me?”
“Were Laura’s parents mad at me?”

“Richard is like my dad to me.”

“Laura...she’s like a daughter to me.”

“Black and white...”

“White and black...”

“Means nothing.”

“It makes something special between us.”

“I love Jack.”

“I love my wife and miss her.”

“I guess the past makes you stronger, and there’s a chance of success.”

“I guess what you’ve done in the past makes you stronger.”

“I guess I just gotta take life day by day.”

“I guess I just gotta take life day by day.”

The End

Work Statement-I had an assignment for English to get research, and incorporate it into a creative writing story. This is what I got and I love the result. Got a 100 on it! If you'd like to see work cited, I can add this. I think out of all stories I written, this is the best. Enjoy! (=