sorry it's a little late!!! internet died - then printer
-Vitas and Sophie stood at the airport, not really knowing what to say. What can you say, an unseen divorce and partial custody for the next year? They wouldn’t see each other again till summer, the summer of their senior year. Sophie had driven Vitas and her dad to the airport, seeing them off. Her mother had already said goodbye to Vitas. Sophie hesitated, twiddling with her long, wavy brown hair and said, “I’ll miss you Vi.”
-Vitas grinned for a second, running his fingers over his open, honest face saying “miss you too Soapie.” How do you say goodbye to a brother who you shared stupid nicknames with? It’s hard to realize something’s precious till it’s gone. Vitas checked his watch saying, “we gotta go Soph, but I’ll be in touch, dunno about Dad.” They both looked over at the middle-aged man sitting on the airport seats, staring at his plane ticket.
-“Ok, Vi. Bye Dad, I’ll miss you.” Sophie hugged her dad goodbye, choking up as he pulled her tight.
-“Bye Sophie. Know that whatever happens, Mom and I love you ok?”
-“Yeah Dad, I’ll see you.” She turned away as they walked toward the gate. As she walked off, Vitas called,
-“Soph!”
-“What Viking?”
-“Don’t go trying to take my place at Seaport!” Sophie grinned. She was really going to miss him, especially his jokes. At Seaport, Vitas was one of her best friends. Average height for a guy, girls loved him for his gorgeous looks, the eyes and brown hair that his twin Sophie shared with him. Sophie kept with a small group of girls, tight-knit, and not the most popular crowd, but she loved them. They went shopping almost every weekend, and hung out every other.
-Sophie watched planes take off from her car. She wondered exactly which one held her dad and Vitas, leaving for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a long call from Seaport City, California. She thought about every one at school, thinking of Vitas’ friends. There was Emily, his ‘just friends’ girl, a blonde from Tuson, Arizona with runway quality looks. Sophie was pretty positive she liked him, but wasn’t brave enough to say, Maria and Toby, Emily’s best friends, dating, and voted ‘cutest couple’ and Andrew, one of Vitas’ not-so-close friends, due to the fact that he was also mad over Emily, Andrew wasn’t such a hit with the girls, his average looks and terrible social skills could be held accountable. Vitas’ best friend, Luke, was also, no big surprise, crazy for Emily. Somehow they were still best friends though. Sophie however, had been crazy for Luke ever since Andrew’s beach party. They had met, and barely said 20 words to each other, yet she was still crazy for him. His golden surfer curls and bronzed California body were to die for in Sophie’s opinion. And that’s when it hit her.
-Vitas’ friends didn’t need to know that he left. As identical twins, with a little makeup, she could pass for Vitas. They had the same honey-colored hair, the same bright blue eyes, and were almost the same height, Sophie was a tall girl. Why not do it? She’d get more friends that way, her friends would support her, maybe she could give them a boost along with it. And, she’d be closer to Luke. She could tell him that there was a last minute change, and Sophie went to Harrisburg. She changed course, and went to CVS to grab makeup, cologne and ace bandages before she went home.
-She walked into her house and called her best friend. Jess wasn’t so sure of the idea. She figured someone would find out, but agreed to help Sophie. Sophie next took all of the clothes her brother had left behind and stashed them in her closet. She figured she may need to plan a shopping trip to a men’s shop in the near future. She tried wrapping her body in the Ace bandages, to dull her curves and make her body thicker and more proportionate. She stuffed her brother’s shoes with old socks and pulled on the wig she’d picked up. It fitted perfectly, not showing any of her long wavy tresses. She grinned, putting on concealer and fake eyebrows; till she let hers grow out. The concealer dulled her feminine cheekbones and showed the tan lines on her body. The greatest sacrifice was to not shave her legs, which she figured would soon become disgustingly masculine. But in California, there wasn’t much of a pants season. Sophie called Jess and asked her to come over. Jess flipped when she walked in the door.
-“GOOD GOD! You look just like Vit!!! You’re still a cute though.”
-Sophie giggled.
-“Don’t do that Soph, you’ll give it away. If you want to be a guy, play the part too.”
-Sophie tried her manly voice. Jess howled with laughter,
-“Okay, we’ll work on that one. Good thing it’s only Saturday!”
-On Monday, Sophie was nervous. She had memorized Vi’s schedule, but wasn’t sure she could make it. When she walked into Vi’s first period, she didn’t even have time to react. Luke walked up to her and grinning, grabbed her round the shoulder.
-“You missed the action this weekend bro! I thought you were leaving!”
-Luke’s presence hit her so hard she could only stare.
-“You all right man? Hey, did you shave? Looks good, that scruff wasn’t fitting you too well.”
-Sophie finally found her voice well enough to say,
-“Nah, m’ good. Sophie left instead of me, went to Harrisburg. Miss her.”
-“Yeah, your sister was cool, never talked to her much-liked what I saw though, you’re lucky to have a hot sister,” Luke paused, grinning. “Hey, do me a fav? Go talk to Emily and try to get a date for me-please? She’s right there.” He grabbed Sophie’s shoulder while she was still digesting ‘hot sister’ and spun her toward Emily.
-“You liked Sophie?” was Sophie’s parting question.
-“Yeah, just a bit. Sorry bro, would’ve asked her if she was here! Gotta have something!” Sophie was too dazzled by Luke’s smile to respond, and found herself walking toward Emily, never having asked a girl out before. She walked over and said,
-“Hey. Emily.” Emily looked up and checked her out. Another thing that Sophie wasn’t quite used to.
-“Luke wants to know if you’d like to go on a date with him, y’know, party? Soon.”
-“Umm, no thanks, sorry, unless-Vitas-right? You’re going to be there?” Emily smiled, pausing and tossing her long blonde hair for effect.
-“No-don’t think so, sorry, but Luke just wanted to know if you would. See you round.” Sophie whirled around and walked off, shoulders stiff and back ramrod-straight in embarrassment.
-As she walked away, Sophie was aware of whispering behind her back and Emily’s eyes on her back. Oh god. Why did she do this? Luke liked Emily. How could she get him when she dressed as a man? Luke used to like her, but now he thinks she’s gone. Her cell phone rang, Vi’s number popping up on the screen. Great. She walked outside into the sun to answer.
-“Hey Vi. What’s up?”
-“You’re not going to believe this Soph. I’m coming back.”
-She stood, stunned.
-“Why?”
-“Dad had a change of heart, wants to come back and live here instead. I was pretty surprised myself.” Vitas still sounded a little stunned.
-“Oh god. I have to tell you something, when does your plane get in?”
-“I’m at home now. Dad’s at the hotel. Why are my clothes in your closet?”
-“Meet me afterschool by my car, it’s in your usual spot. Ok?”
-“Umm, alright,” Vitas was a little puzzled by the abruptness. “I can’t wait to see you Soph.” he added.
-“Yeah, me either. See ya!”
-Sophie whirled around when she felt a tap on her shoulder, and started when she saw it was Emily.
-“Hey Emily,” she said cautiously, “what’s up?”
-“Vitas-I kinda have to talk to you.” She had on the doll face and a hopelessly soppy look that Sophie hoped had never crossed her own countenance anywhere near Luke.
-Good lord, Emily thought, is this what girls really come across as to guys? This is sad.
-“Bout what?” was what Sophie actually said.
-“I was wondering if you’d ever ask me out. Really. I mean, we’ve been really close for a while, and I was just thinking…” she trailed off, smiling up at her, mistaking- as everyone else had done, Sophie for Vitas. On the other hand, Sophie knew Vitas liked Emily, and didn’t want to ruin his chances.
-“Umm, can I get back to you on that? I’ll see you later.” She ducked into Vitas’ last period class, relieved. Luke was sitting there, waiting for ‘Vitas’ to walk in.
-“Hey man, I didn’t mean to freak you out or anything earlier, I just, liked your sister a bit. I’m kind of stuck between liking a girl miles away and a hottie here-though I think Emily likes you.”
-“Luke, what if Sophie actually wasn’t leaving, and was here in town?”
-“I would probably ask her out man! Why? Am I still freaking you out?”
-“No, Luke, Sophie’s here, she back, she’s not leaving. It’s cool if you like her-I think she really likes you too. In fact, I’m Sophie.”
-Luke looked at her, a little wierded out.
-“Vit, seriously, stop playing, dude, c’mon.”
-“No, really, I’m Sophie. I took Vitas’ place to talk to you, he was the one that really left. But he’s coming back. Come outside with me afterschool, you’ll see him.”
-“Seriously, Sophie? I couldn’t really tell the difference, that’s creepy. Though your face is different, couldn’t get my finger on it.” Luke tried to stare past the mask and clothes that Sophie wore.
-Sophie laughed, reverting back to her normal voice. “That must be the two tons of makeup I’m wearing-and the ace bandages I used. It’s crazy, don’t ask.”
-“So you never knew I liked you?”
-“No, we never talked, but I really like you still.”
-“So, you would go out with me if I asked you?”
-“Yes, if you asked me.”
-“I’m asking then.” Luke smiled awkwardly.
-“Yeah, I’d love to Luke. Thanks.” Sophie returned it hesitantly, not really sure what to say.
-“For what?”
-“Asking me and believing me. I’ve still got to sort out Emily Ryder, who still thinks I’m Vitas.”
-“Good luck, I’ll come over to your car afterschool, and prove it if I have to.” He winked, and went to sit in his class seat. Sophie exhaled a long breath. Thank god this only took one day. She hoped Vitas would wear the cologne she had bought though; she didn’t know what she’d do with it otherwise.
-As the bell rang, she jumped up, oblivious to Luke calling her name, and ran outside to her car – and was greeted by a strange sight. It was the real Vitas, with Emily, kissing, in the parking lot. Luke came up panting behind her.
-“Looks like everything had a happy ending huh? They look happy enough. Is she kissing the real Vitas? Or should I find that out?”
-Sophie turned and looked at him confused. Luke grinned, and bent down and kissed her, taking off the wig as he did. Sophie grinned, saying,
-“Nice. And if I had been the real Vitas?”
-“Probably would’ve beat me up, thinking I was a creep.”
-“That’s Vi for you.”
-“Yeah well. Put the wig back on, I want to see what Emily does.”
-Sophie giggled, slipping it back on. She walked over to the real Vitas and Emily, saying, “Hey Viking, hey Emily!” and giving Vitas a big hug. Vitas looked stunned. So did Emily. Luke was howling with laughter.
-“Sophie?” Vitas was the first to catch on, and began to laugh as Emily stuttered in the background.
-“Yeah. Long story, but I got what I dressed for,” she said, indicating Luke. “We’re togther, and Emily, sorry, but I think you confessed your feelings to me, not Vi.”
-Emily just stared. Sophie took off the wig. “See?”
-“Yeah, now I’m just glad that I got here to catch the REAL Vi. Yikes.”
-“You dress a pretty good guy Soph, I’m impressed.” Luke smiled, as Sophie struggled to get off the Ace bandages that were wrapped around her torso, and Emily went to assist her.
-“Beach anyone?” called Vitas from the car “Now that Sophie’s a girl again?”
-Everyone agreed to go. In the end, Sophie thought, resting her head on Luke’s shoulder and watching the sunset, legs back to normal, and makeup washed off, she was glad that being a guy only lasted one day, and she had Vitas back, along with two new friends. But would she ever pull another cross dressing? Don’t think so.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Seeing Double-Adventure Plot
-=new paragraph
Loosely based on Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night'
-Vitas and Sophie stood at the airport, not really knowing what to say. What can you say, an unseen divorce and partial custody for the next year? They wouldn’t see each other again till summer, the summer of their senior year. Sophie had driven Vitas and her dad to the airport, seeing them off. Her mother had already said goodbye to Vitas. Sophie hesitated, and said, “I’ll miss you Vi.”
-Vitas grinned for a second, saying “miss you too Soapie.” How do you say goodbye to a brother who you shared stupid nicknames with? It’s hard to realize something’s precious till it’s gone. Vitas checked his watch saying, “we gotta go Soph, but I’ll be in touch, dunno about Dad.” They both looked over at the middle-aged man sitting on the airport seats, staring at his plane ticket.
-“Ok, Vi. Bye Dad, I’ll miss you.” Sophie hugged her dad goodbye, choking up as he pulled her tight.
-“Bye Sophie. Know that whatever happens, Mom and I love you ok?”
-“Yeah Dad, I’ll see you.” She turned away as they walked toward the gate. As she walked off, Vitas called,
-“Soph!”
-“What Viking?”
-“Don’t go trying to take my place at Seaport!” Sophie grinned. She was really going to miss him, especially his jokes. At Seaport, Vitas was one of her best friends. Sophie kept with a small group of girls, tight-knit, and not the most popular crowd, but she loved them. They went shopping almost every weekend, and hung out every other.
-Sophie watched planes take off from her car. She wondered exactly which one held her dad and Vitas, leaving for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a long call from Seaport City, California. She thought about every one at school, thinking of Vitas’ friends. Emily, his ‘just friends’ girl, Sophie was pretty positive she liked him, but wasn’t brave enough to say, Maria and Toby, Emily’s best friends, dating, and voted ‘cutest couple’ and Andrew, one of Vitas’ not-so-close friends, due to the fact that he was also mad over Emily. Vitas’ best friend, Luke, was also, no big surprise, crazy for Emily. Somehow they were still best friends though. Sophie however, had been crazy for Luke ever since Andrew’s beach party. They had met, and barely said 20 words to each other, yet she was still crazy for him. And that’s when it hit her.
-Vitas’ friends didn’t need to know that he left. As identical twins, with a little makeup, she could pass for Vitas. They had the same honey-colored hair, the same bright blue eyes, and were almost the same height, Sophie was a tall girl. Why not do it? She’d get more friends that way, her friends would support her, maybe she could give them a boost along with it. And, she’d be closer to Luke. She could tell him that there was a last minute change, and Sophie went to Harrisburg. She changed course, and went to CVS to grab makeup, cologne and ace bandages before she went home.
-She walked into her house and called her best friend. Jess wasn’t so sure of the idea. She figured someone would find out, but agreed to help Sophie. Sophie next took all of the clothes her brother had left behind and stashed them in her closet. She figured she may need to plan a shopping trip to a men’s shop in the near future. She tried wrapping her body in the Ace bandages, to dull her curves and make her body thicker and more proportionate. She stuffed her brother’s shoes with old socks and pulled on the wig she’d picked up. It fitted perfectly, not showing any of her long wavy tresses. She grinned, putting on concealer and fake eyebrows; till she let hers grow out. The concealer dulled her feminine cheekbones and showed the tan lines on her body. The greatest sacrifice was to not shave her legs, which she figured would soon become disgustingly masculine. But in California, there wasn’t much of a pants season. She called Jess and asked her to come over. Jess flipped when she walked in the door.
-“GOOD GOD! You look just like Vit!!! You’re still a cute girl under there though.”
-Sophie giggled.
-“Don’t do that Soph, you’ll give it away. If you want to be a guy, you have to sound like one too.”
-Sophie tried her manly voice. Jess howled with laughter,
-“Okay, we’ll work on that one. Good thing it’s only Saturday!”
-On Monday, Sophie was nervous. She had memorized Vi’s schedule, but wasn’t sure she could make it. When she walked into Vi’s first period, she didn’t even have time to react. Luke walked up to her and grinning, grabbed her round the shoulder.
-“You missed the action this weekend bro! I thought you were leaving!”
-Luke’s presence hit her so hard she could only stare.
-“You all right man? Hey, did you shave? Looks good, that scruff wasn’t fitting you too well.”
-Sophie finally found her voice well enough to say,
-“Nah, m’ good. Sophie left instead of me, went to Harrisburg. Miss her.”
-“Yeah, your sister was cool, never talked to her much-liked what I saw though, you’re lucky to have a hot sister. Hey, do me a fav? Go talk to Emily and try to get a date for me-please? She’s right there.” He grabbed Sophie’s shoulder while she was still digesting ‘hot sister’ and spun her toward Emily.
-“You liked Sophie?” was her parting question.
-“Yeah, just a bit. Sorry bro, but she’s gone, would’ve asked her if she was here. Gotta have something!”
-Sophie found herself walking toward Emily, never having asked a girl out before. She walked over and said,
-“Hey. Emily.” Emily looked up and checked her out. Another thing that Sophie wasn’t quite used to.
-“Luke wants to know if you’d like to go on a date with him, y’know, party? Soon.”
-“Umm, no thanks, sorry, unless-Vitas-right? You’re going to be there?”
-“No-don’t think so, sorry, but Luke just wanted to know if you would. See you round.”
-As she walked away, Sophie was aware of whispering behind her back and Emily’s eyes on her back. Oh god. Why did she do this? Luke liked Emily. How could she get him when she dressed as a man? Luke used to like her, but now he thinks she’s gone. Her cell phone rang, Vi’s number popping up on the screen. Great. She walked outside into the sun to answer.
-“Hey Vi. What’s up?”
-“You’re not going to believe this Soph. I’m coming back.”
-She stood, stunned.
-“Why?”
-“Dad had a change of heart, wants to come back and live here instead. I was pretty surprised myself.”
-“Oh god. I have to tell you something, when does your plane get in?”
-“I’m at home now. Dad’s at the hotel. Why are my clothes in your closet?”
-“Meet me afterschool by my car, it’s in your usual spot. Ok?”
-“Sure, sounds good! I can’t wait to see you Soph.”
-“Yeah, me either. See ya!”
-Sophie whirled around when she felt a tap on her shoulder, and started when she saw it was Emily.
-“Hey Emily,” she said cautiously, “what’s up?”
-“Vitas-I kinda have to talk to you.”
-Good lord, Emily thought, is this what girls really come across as to guys? This is sad.
-“Bout what?” was what she actually said.
-“I was wondering if you’d ever ask me out. Really. I mean, we’ve been really close for a while, and I was just thinking…” she trailed off, smiling up at her, mistaking- as everyone else had done, Sophie for Vitas. On the other hand, Sophie knew Vitas liked Emily, and didn’t want to ruin his chances.
-“Umm, can I get back to you on that? I’ll see you later.” She ducked into Vitas’ last period class, relieved. Luke was sitting there, waiting for ‘Vitas’ to walk in.
-“Hey man, I didn’t mean to freak you out or anything earlier, I just, liked your sister a bit. I’m kind of stuck between liking a girl miles away and a hottie here-though I think Emily likes you.”
-“Luke, what if Sophie actually wasn’t leaving, and was here in town?”
-“I would probably ask her out man! Why? Am I still freaking you out?”
-“No, Luke, Sophie’s here, she back, she’s not leaving. It’s cool if you like her-I think she really likes you too. In fact, I’m Sophie.”
-Luke looked at her, a little wierded out.
-“Vit, seriously, stop playing, dude, c’mon.”
-“No, really, I’m Sophie. I took Vitas’ place to talk to you, he was the one that really left. But he’s coming back. Come outside with me afterschool, you’ll see him.”
-“Seriously, Sophie? I couldn’t really tell the difference, that’s creepy. Though your face is different, couldn’t get my finger on it.”
-Sophie laughed, reverting back to her normal voice. “That must be the two tons of makeup I’m wearing-and the ace bandages I used. It’s crazy, don’t ask.”
-“So you never knew I liked you?”
-“No, we never talked, but I really like you still.”
-“So, you would go out with me if I asked you?”
-“Yes, if you asked me.”
-“I’m asking then.”
-“Yeah, I’d love to Luke. Thanks.”
-“For what?”
-“Asking me and believing me. I’ve still got to sort out Emily Ryder, who still thinks I’m Vitas.”
-“Good luck, I’ll come over to your car afterschool, and prove it if I have to.” He winked, and went to sit in his class seat. Sophie exhaled a long breath. Thank god this only took one day. She hoped Vitas would wear the cologne she had bought though; she didn’t know what she’d do with it otherwise.
-As the bell rang, she jumped up, oblivious to Luke calling her name, and ran outside to her car – and was greeted by a strange sight. It was the real Vitas, with Emily, kissing, in the parking lot. Luke came up panting behind her.
-“Looks like everything had a happy ending huh? They look happy enough. Is she kissing the real Vitas? Or should I find that out?”
-Sophie turned and looked at him confused. Luke grinned, and bent down and kissed her, taking off the wig as he did. Sophie grinned, saying,
-“Nice. And if I had been the real Vitas?”
-“Probably would’ve beat me up, thinking I was a creep.”
-“That’s Vi for you.”
-“Yeah well. Put the wig back on, I want to see what Emily does.”
-Sophie giggled, slipping it back on. She walked over to the real Vitas and Emily, saying, “Hey Viking, hey Emily!” and giving Vitas a big hug. Vitas looked stunned. So did Emily. Luke was howling with laughter.
-“Sophie?” Vitas was the first to catch on, and began to laugh as Emily stuttered in the background.
-“Yeah. Long story, but I got what I dressed for,” she said, indicating Luke. “We’re togther, and Emily, sorry, but I think you confessed your feelings to me, not Vi.”
-Emily just stared. Sophie took off the wig. “See?”
-“Yeah, now I’m just glad that I got here to catch the REAL Vi. Yikes.”
-“You dress a pretty good guy Soph, I’m impressed.” Luke smiled, as Sophie struggled to get off the Ace bandages that were wrapped around her torso, and Emily went to assist her.
-“Beach anyone?” called Vitas from the car “Now that Sophie’s a girl again?”
-Everyone agreed to go. In the end, Sophie thought, resting her head on Luke’s shoulder and watching the sunset, legs back to normal, and makeup washed off, she was glad that being a guy only lasted one day, and she had Vitas back, along with two new friends. But would she ever pull another cross dressing? Don’t think so.
Loosely based on Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night'
-Vitas and Sophie stood at the airport, not really knowing what to say. What can you say, an unseen divorce and partial custody for the next year? They wouldn’t see each other again till summer, the summer of their senior year. Sophie had driven Vitas and her dad to the airport, seeing them off. Her mother had already said goodbye to Vitas. Sophie hesitated, and said, “I’ll miss you Vi.”
-Vitas grinned for a second, saying “miss you too Soapie.” How do you say goodbye to a brother who you shared stupid nicknames with? It’s hard to realize something’s precious till it’s gone. Vitas checked his watch saying, “we gotta go Soph, but I’ll be in touch, dunno about Dad.” They both looked over at the middle-aged man sitting on the airport seats, staring at his plane ticket.
-“Ok, Vi. Bye Dad, I’ll miss you.” Sophie hugged her dad goodbye, choking up as he pulled her tight.
-“Bye Sophie. Know that whatever happens, Mom and I love you ok?”
-“Yeah Dad, I’ll see you.” She turned away as they walked toward the gate. As she walked off, Vitas called,
-“Soph!”
-“What Viking?”
-“Don’t go trying to take my place at Seaport!” Sophie grinned. She was really going to miss him, especially his jokes. At Seaport, Vitas was one of her best friends. Sophie kept with a small group of girls, tight-knit, and not the most popular crowd, but she loved them. They went shopping almost every weekend, and hung out every other.
-Sophie watched planes take off from her car. She wondered exactly which one held her dad and Vitas, leaving for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a long call from Seaport City, California. She thought about every one at school, thinking of Vitas’ friends. Emily, his ‘just friends’ girl, Sophie was pretty positive she liked him, but wasn’t brave enough to say, Maria and Toby, Emily’s best friends, dating, and voted ‘cutest couple’ and Andrew, one of Vitas’ not-so-close friends, due to the fact that he was also mad over Emily. Vitas’ best friend, Luke, was also, no big surprise, crazy for Emily. Somehow they were still best friends though. Sophie however, had been crazy for Luke ever since Andrew’s beach party. They had met, and barely said 20 words to each other, yet she was still crazy for him. And that’s when it hit her.
-Vitas’ friends didn’t need to know that he left. As identical twins, with a little makeup, she could pass for Vitas. They had the same honey-colored hair, the same bright blue eyes, and were almost the same height, Sophie was a tall girl. Why not do it? She’d get more friends that way, her friends would support her, maybe she could give them a boost along with it. And, she’d be closer to Luke. She could tell him that there was a last minute change, and Sophie went to Harrisburg. She changed course, and went to CVS to grab makeup, cologne and ace bandages before she went home.
-She walked into her house and called her best friend. Jess wasn’t so sure of the idea. She figured someone would find out, but agreed to help Sophie. Sophie next took all of the clothes her brother had left behind and stashed them in her closet. She figured she may need to plan a shopping trip to a men’s shop in the near future. She tried wrapping her body in the Ace bandages, to dull her curves and make her body thicker and more proportionate. She stuffed her brother’s shoes with old socks and pulled on the wig she’d picked up. It fitted perfectly, not showing any of her long wavy tresses. She grinned, putting on concealer and fake eyebrows; till she let hers grow out. The concealer dulled her feminine cheekbones and showed the tan lines on her body. The greatest sacrifice was to not shave her legs, which she figured would soon become disgustingly masculine. But in California, there wasn’t much of a pants season. She called Jess and asked her to come over. Jess flipped when she walked in the door.
-“GOOD GOD! You look just like Vit!!! You’re still a cute girl under there though.”
-Sophie giggled.
-“Don’t do that Soph, you’ll give it away. If you want to be a guy, you have to sound like one too.”
-Sophie tried her manly voice. Jess howled with laughter,
-“Okay, we’ll work on that one. Good thing it’s only Saturday!”
-On Monday, Sophie was nervous. She had memorized Vi’s schedule, but wasn’t sure she could make it. When she walked into Vi’s first period, she didn’t even have time to react. Luke walked up to her and grinning, grabbed her round the shoulder.
-“You missed the action this weekend bro! I thought you were leaving!”
-Luke’s presence hit her so hard she could only stare.
-“You all right man? Hey, did you shave? Looks good, that scruff wasn’t fitting you too well.”
-Sophie finally found her voice well enough to say,
-“Nah, m’ good. Sophie left instead of me, went to Harrisburg. Miss her.”
-“Yeah, your sister was cool, never talked to her much-liked what I saw though, you’re lucky to have a hot sister. Hey, do me a fav? Go talk to Emily and try to get a date for me-please? She’s right there.” He grabbed Sophie’s shoulder while she was still digesting ‘hot sister’ and spun her toward Emily.
-“You liked Sophie?” was her parting question.
-“Yeah, just a bit. Sorry bro, but she’s gone, would’ve asked her if she was here. Gotta have something!”
-Sophie found herself walking toward Emily, never having asked a girl out before. She walked over and said,
-“Hey. Emily.” Emily looked up and checked her out. Another thing that Sophie wasn’t quite used to.
-“Luke wants to know if you’d like to go on a date with him, y’know, party? Soon.”
-“Umm, no thanks, sorry, unless-Vitas-right? You’re going to be there?”
-“No-don’t think so, sorry, but Luke just wanted to know if you would. See you round.”
-As she walked away, Sophie was aware of whispering behind her back and Emily’s eyes on her back. Oh god. Why did she do this? Luke liked Emily. How could she get him when she dressed as a man? Luke used to like her, but now he thinks she’s gone. Her cell phone rang, Vi’s number popping up on the screen. Great. She walked outside into the sun to answer.
-“Hey Vi. What’s up?”
-“You’re not going to believe this Soph. I’m coming back.”
-She stood, stunned.
-“Why?”
-“Dad had a change of heart, wants to come back and live here instead. I was pretty surprised myself.”
-“Oh god. I have to tell you something, when does your plane get in?”
-“I’m at home now. Dad’s at the hotel. Why are my clothes in your closet?”
-“Meet me afterschool by my car, it’s in your usual spot. Ok?”
-“Sure, sounds good! I can’t wait to see you Soph.”
-“Yeah, me either. See ya!”
-Sophie whirled around when she felt a tap on her shoulder, and started when she saw it was Emily.
-“Hey Emily,” she said cautiously, “what’s up?”
-“Vitas-I kinda have to talk to you.”
-Good lord, Emily thought, is this what girls really come across as to guys? This is sad.
-“Bout what?” was what she actually said.
-“I was wondering if you’d ever ask me out. Really. I mean, we’ve been really close for a while, and I was just thinking…” she trailed off, smiling up at her, mistaking- as everyone else had done, Sophie for Vitas. On the other hand, Sophie knew Vitas liked Emily, and didn’t want to ruin his chances.
-“Umm, can I get back to you on that? I’ll see you later.” She ducked into Vitas’ last period class, relieved. Luke was sitting there, waiting for ‘Vitas’ to walk in.
-“Hey man, I didn’t mean to freak you out or anything earlier, I just, liked your sister a bit. I’m kind of stuck between liking a girl miles away and a hottie here-though I think Emily likes you.”
-“Luke, what if Sophie actually wasn’t leaving, and was here in town?”
-“I would probably ask her out man! Why? Am I still freaking you out?”
-“No, Luke, Sophie’s here, she back, she’s not leaving. It’s cool if you like her-I think she really likes you too. In fact, I’m Sophie.”
-Luke looked at her, a little wierded out.
-“Vit, seriously, stop playing, dude, c’mon.”
-“No, really, I’m Sophie. I took Vitas’ place to talk to you, he was the one that really left. But he’s coming back. Come outside with me afterschool, you’ll see him.”
-“Seriously, Sophie? I couldn’t really tell the difference, that’s creepy. Though your face is different, couldn’t get my finger on it.”
-Sophie laughed, reverting back to her normal voice. “That must be the two tons of makeup I’m wearing-and the ace bandages I used. It’s crazy, don’t ask.”
-“So you never knew I liked you?”
-“No, we never talked, but I really like you still.”
-“So, you would go out with me if I asked you?”
-“Yes, if you asked me.”
-“I’m asking then.”
-“Yeah, I’d love to Luke. Thanks.”
-“For what?”
-“Asking me and believing me. I’ve still got to sort out Emily Ryder, who still thinks I’m Vitas.”
-“Good luck, I’ll come over to your car afterschool, and prove it if I have to.” He winked, and went to sit in his class seat. Sophie exhaled a long breath. Thank god this only took one day. She hoped Vitas would wear the cologne she had bought though; she didn’t know what she’d do with it otherwise.
-As the bell rang, she jumped up, oblivious to Luke calling her name, and ran outside to her car – and was greeted by a strange sight. It was the real Vitas, with Emily, kissing, in the parking lot. Luke came up panting behind her.
-“Looks like everything had a happy ending huh? They look happy enough. Is she kissing the real Vitas? Or should I find that out?”
-Sophie turned and looked at him confused. Luke grinned, and bent down and kissed her, taking off the wig as he did. Sophie grinned, saying,
-“Nice. And if I had been the real Vitas?”
-“Probably would’ve beat me up, thinking I was a creep.”
-“That’s Vi for you.”
-“Yeah well. Put the wig back on, I want to see what Emily does.”
-Sophie giggled, slipping it back on. She walked over to the real Vitas and Emily, saying, “Hey Viking, hey Emily!” and giving Vitas a big hug. Vitas looked stunned. So did Emily. Luke was howling with laughter.
-“Sophie?” Vitas was the first to catch on, and began to laugh as Emily stuttered in the background.
-“Yeah. Long story, but I got what I dressed for,” she said, indicating Luke. “We’re togther, and Emily, sorry, but I think you confessed your feelings to me, not Vi.”
-Emily just stared. Sophie took off the wig. “See?”
-“Yeah, now I’m just glad that I got here to catch the REAL Vi. Yikes.”
-“You dress a pretty good guy Soph, I’m impressed.” Luke smiled, as Sophie struggled to get off the Ace bandages that were wrapped around her torso, and Emily went to assist her.
-“Beach anyone?” called Vitas from the car “Now that Sophie’s a girl again?”
-Everyone agreed to go. In the end, Sophie thought, resting her head on Luke’s shoulder and watching the sunset, legs back to normal, and makeup washed off, she was glad that being a guy only lasted one day, and she had Vitas back, along with two new friends. But would she ever pull another cross dressing? Don’t think so.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Arson Daze-Final
http://www.c-ville.com/index.php?cat=141404064434008&ShowArticle_ID=11431401083961388
Daigh pulled a new leather glove over his fingers and flexed the stiff leather. He grinned, singing to himself, ‘the smoother the glove, the smoother the print’ On his bed were sitting everything he might need, large box of matches, two glass jars of moonshine, assorted cloths – ripped into long thin strips, and of course, his skeleton key. He carefully pushed the cloths down into the bottles of moonshine so they could soak on the walk over, making sure that none of the potent liquid spilled on his own floor. He tamped it down tight thinking of the feeling of sweet revenge that would come with the sickly, rank odor of flames and the screams of alarmed people. He stuck his materials in a large Carhart jacket with sleeves that were cut back past his elbows so not to brush in stray fluids.
Locking his door securely, he stepped out into the crisp, chilly December air and began the short mile trek to Camelot subdivisions. 528 Jester Lane was stuck in his mind like a flaming brand, reminding him of the resident, Donald Smith. Donald may not remember him, but Daigh knew that would probably be a good thing. Donald was a con man. A very experienced and convincing con man. Living modestly in Camelot subdivision, he conned men like Daigh for all they had by convincing them to buy ‘rising stock’ in oil enterprises, by taking the money himself and ‘depositing’ it in secure bank systems. Donald actually took the money (which was in Daigh’s case, about $70,000) and moved it to an offshore illegal banking sort – making it untraceable. He then changed his name and moved elsewhere in Charlottesville. Daigh’s hands began to shake at the thought of his misfortunes. He had sold his house, moving to a small apartment, losing in the process, his girlfriend, his pride and all luxuries. In addition to that, he now added a part-time job to his demanding full-time job. Daigh’s feet had led him to the walkway in front of the house. It was his time to work.
Daigh sighed, a broad grin creeping over his visage as he reveled in the 3-o’clock emptiness of the world. He walked up the front steps, inserting his skeleton key, and opened the front door with a quiet click. He had to work quickly and silently. He knew his target usually arrived home at 7-o’clock in the evening, and fell asleep around eleven. He quickly drew out the two jars of moonshine and cloth, spreading each cloth out flat in a place most likely to catch. One went to the futon, a beautiful piece of cloth weave spread over the mattress underneath, another to the kitchen, into the oven, more in the dining room on the hardwood floor, and several onto the Persian carpet and many into the guest bedroom with extra blankets and towels. He dumped the spare moonshine on any other place that would ignite, onto the computer, the chest of drawers, and on walls, near insulation. He pulled out the matches, his hands trembling inside their leather protectors, and flipped one against the rough side.
It trembled in the darkness, a wavering but deadly tongue in the middle of a pile
jumbled sticks – a poor excuse for a place to call home, for safety is never a guarantee. Daigh didn’t know what to do next. He had never committed arson, and just now was beginning to realize that his actions would bring the death of a human being, and perhaps his own. Daigh began to regret not going to the law instead. He might even have gotten his money back, and more. But he couldn’t go back now, not with all the evidence pointing to pre-meditated homicide and destruction. All this thinking had let the match burn too close to his fingers, and he dropped it as it burned him. It landed on the alcohol-soaked rag, and caught fire with a dangerous fizzle. He giggled, thinking a simple, ‘whoopsie!’ The rug underneath also began to light, and Daigh ran to the window, cracking it three inches or so, for oxygen. He tiptoed from room to room, lighting and dropping matches in each and watching them catch light on all of Donald’s worldly possessions. As the rooms began to crackle, Daigh decided it would be time to evacuate. Still hearing no noise from upstairs, he opened two more windows, and then shut the front door on his way out.
Daigh paused for a moment outside to reflect on his work. He thought of his name, Daigh Doherty, in Irish meaning ‘harmful fire’, when translated literally. He chuckled to himself, feeling a little euphoric. The house had begun to look like a massive, twisted jack o’ lantern, with flames beginning to show through the windows and smoke curling from windows and the chimney. He checked a watch in his pocket, the dial read 4-o’ clock in the morning. People would be waking up soon, and he began to walk nonchalantly away. At home, he began a fire in his small apartment, this time in a fireplace, and burned the Carhart jacket along with the leather gloves. He poured out his own remaining ‘shine and washed the bottles meticulously. He rubbed them over and over, till each tiny increment of shine was long gone, his hair flopping into is face with the frantic twisting of the dishrag. He then put his clothes into the washer and decided to go back to sleep.
Waking promptly at ten, he walked down to the diner down the block. He didn’t have to work today, as it was only two days after Christmas. The news was on as he drank his black coffee – a reporter was standing right outside of 528 Jester Lane. Fire trucks had been called at five-thirty; more than an hour and a half after the fire had been started. The reporter stated that it had been too late to save the home, and all of the Smiths’ possessions had been destroyed, but fortunately, the Smiths themselves had not been home. Daigh’s head came up, his head spinning. Not dead? It was impossible. And there was only one solution. With a calm that disturbed even him, Daigh paid for his coffee, and walked back home.
He opened the door of his apartment, and picked up the phone. He informed both of his bosses of his plan to resign immediately. He then called his landlord, and expressed his wish to sell his apartment – giving the landlord his mother’s number to wire the money in when the place sold. Daigh then packed all of his possessions into three medium-sized suitcases, and put them in the back of the cheap little Toyota he had bought after selling his brand-new Mazda when he lost his money to Smith. He started driving. He knew not where he was going; just knowing that he was leaving to start a new life, away from Charlottesville and everyone in it. As his car passed the county limits, he began to believe he could forget everything.
Daigh pulled a new leather glove over his fingers and flexed the stiff leather. He grinned, singing to himself, ‘the smoother the glove, the smoother the print’ On his bed were sitting everything he might need, large box of matches, two glass jars of moonshine, assorted cloths – ripped into long thin strips, and of course, his skeleton key. He carefully pushed the cloths down into the bottles of moonshine so they could soak on the walk over, making sure that none of the potent liquid spilled on his own floor. He tamped it down tight thinking of the feeling of sweet revenge that would come with the sickly, rank odor of flames and the screams of alarmed people. He stuck his materials in a large Carhart jacket with sleeves that were cut back past his elbows so not to brush in stray fluids.
Locking his door securely, he stepped out into the crisp, chilly December air and began the short mile trek to Camelot subdivisions. 528 Jester Lane was stuck in his mind like a flaming brand, reminding him of the resident, Donald Smith. Donald may not remember him, but Daigh knew that would probably be a good thing. Donald was a con man. A very experienced and convincing con man. Living modestly in Camelot subdivision, he conned men like Daigh for all they had by convincing them to buy ‘rising stock’ in oil enterprises, by taking the money himself and ‘depositing’ it in secure bank systems. Donald actually took the money (which was in Daigh’s case, about $70,000) and moved it to an offshore illegal banking sort – making it untraceable. He then changed his name and moved elsewhere in Charlottesville. Daigh’s hands began to shake at the thought of his misfortunes. He had sold his house, moving to a small apartment, losing in the process, his girlfriend, his pride and all luxuries. In addition to that, he now added a part-time job to his demanding full-time job. Daigh’s feet had led him to the walkway in front of the house. It was his time to work.
Daigh sighed, a broad grin creeping over his visage as he reveled in the 3-o’clock emptiness of the world. He walked up the front steps, inserting his skeleton key, and opened the front door with a quiet click. He had to work quickly and silently. He knew his target usually arrived home at 7-o’clock in the evening, and fell asleep around eleven. He quickly drew out the two jars of moonshine and cloth, spreading each cloth out flat in a place most likely to catch. One went to the futon, a beautiful piece of cloth weave spread over the mattress underneath, another to the kitchen, into the oven, more in the dining room on the hardwood floor, and several onto the Persian carpet and many into the guest bedroom with extra blankets and towels. He dumped the spare moonshine on any other place that would ignite, onto the computer, the chest of drawers, and on walls, near insulation. He pulled out the matches, his hands trembling inside their leather protectors, and flipped one against the rough side.
It trembled in the darkness, a wavering but deadly tongue in the middle of a pile
jumbled sticks – a poor excuse for a place to call home, for safety is never a guarantee. Daigh didn’t know what to do next. He had never committed arson, and just now was beginning to realize that his actions would bring the death of a human being, and perhaps his own. Daigh began to regret not going to the law instead. He might even have gotten his money back, and more. But he couldn’t go back now, not with all the evidence pointing to pre-meditated homicide and destruction. All this thinking had let the match burn too close to his fingers, and he dropped it as it burned him. It landed on the alcohol-soaked rag, and caught fire with a dangerous fizzle. He giggled, thinking a simple, ‘whoopsie!’ The rug underneath also began to light, and Daigh ran to the window, cracking it three inches or so, for oxygen. He tiptoed from room to room, lighting and dropping matches in each and watching them catch light on all of Donald’s worldly possessions. As the rooms began to crackle, Daigh decided it would be time to evacuate. Still hearing no noise from upstairs, he opened two more windows, and then shut the front door on his way out.
Daigh paused for a moment outside to reflect on his work. He thought of his name, Daigh Doherty, in Irish meaning ‘harmful fire’, when translated literally. He chuckled to himself, feeling a little euphoric. The house had begun to look like a massive, twisted jack o’ lantern, with flames beginning to show through the windows and smoke curling from windows and the chimney. He checked a watch in his pocket, the dial read 4-o’ clock in the morning. People would be waking up soon, and he began to walk nonchalantly away. At home, he began a fire in his small apartment, this time in a fireplace, and burned the Carhart jacket along with the leather gloves. He poured out his own remaining ‘shine and washed the bottles meticulously. He rubbed them over and over, till each tiny increment of shine was long gone, his hair flopping into is face with the frantic twisting of the dishrag. He then put his clothes into the washer and decided to go back to sleep.
Waking promptly at ten, he walked down to the diner down the block. He didn’t have to work today, as it was only two days after Christmas. The news was on as he drank his black coffee – a reporter was standing right outside of 528 Jester Lane. Fire trucks had been called at five-thirty; more than an hour and a half after the fire had been started. The reporter stated that it had been too late to save the home, and all of the Smiths’ possessions had been destroyed, but fortunately, the Smiths themselves had not been home. Daigh’s head came up, his head spinning. Not dead? It was impossible. And there was only one solution. With a calm that disturbed even him, Daigh paid for his coffee, and walked back home.
He opened the door of his apartment, and picked up the phone. He informed both of his bosses of his plan to resign immediately. He then called his landlord, and expressed his wish to sell his apartment – giving the landlord his mother’s number to wire the money in when the place sold. Daigh then packed all of his possessions into three medium-sized suitcases, and put them in the back of the cheap little Toyota he had bought after selling his brand-new Mazda when he lost his money to Smith. He started driving. He knew not where he was going; just knowing that he was leaving to start a new life, away from Charlottesville and everyone in it. As his car passed the county limits, he began to believe he could forget everything.
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