New Year's Eve...New Year's Murder?

I spent my New Year's Eve not as Isaac Butler, but as mysterious French banker Cheque Penee at a murder mystery masquerade party. How'd you spend yours?

1. Katie B sends her regards to all of you
2. THERE IS SNOW IN LAPANADA
3. More sonnets, Aims:

Love me no more, now let the god depart,
If love be grown so bitter to your tongue!
Here is my hand; I bid you from my heart
Fare well, fare very well, be always young.
As for myself, mine was a deeper drouth:
I drank and thirsted still; but I surmise
My kisses now are sand against your mouth,
Teeth in your palm and pennies on your eyes.
Speak but one cruel word, to shame my tears;
Go, but in going, stiffen up my back
To meet the yelping of the mustering years--
Dim, trotting shapes that seldom will attack
Two with a light who match their steps and sing:
To one alone and lost, another thing.

You loved me not at all, but let it go;
I loved you more than life, but let it be.
As the more injured party, this being so,
The hour's amenities are all to me--
The choice of weapons; and gravely choose
To let the weapons tarnish where they lie;
And spend the night in eloquent abuse
Of senators and popes and such small fry
And meet the morning standing, and at odds
With heaven and earth and hell and any fool
Who calls his soul his own, and all the gods,
And all the children getting dressed for school...
And you will leave me, and I shall entomb
What's cold by then in an adjoining room.
-Millay

Oh Lord.

This is what my old school has turned into. God help us.

Funny Girl. Watch this clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4pYENXT9Ek

Hallelujah: Heather Williams

This song is all about waiting on God through trying situations. I thought I'd share the lyrics with you. And I totally recommend that you listen to it. It's beautiful.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX2uM0L3Y1A



Jesus, please come

please come today

hear me

heal me

be near me I pray



I have fallen so far

flat on my face

I'm in need of your grace today

I stumble and fall

but in spite of it all

your love always stays the same

Hallelujah

Hallelujah



Jesus, please come

please come today

break me

mold me

use me I pray



but don't give up on me now

I'm so close to you now

I'm in need of your grace today

wipe the dirt off my face

hold me in your embrace

your love always saves the day



Hallelujah

Hallelujah

On my knees here I fall

in spite of it all

Hallelujah

And though it seems hard

I'm still trusting you Lord

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

I have fallen so far

flat on my face

I'm in need of your grace today


Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Sing Hallelujah

Sing Hallelujah

Sing Hallelujah amen

MERRY CHRISTMAS! WATCH THESE NOW!

Boys: http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/poUcQ0utxvWRrfAy?cmpid=ey_url

Girls: http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/W2S1Zm329V4bfZeA?cmpid=ey_url

Enjoy Christmas, favorite elves of mine :)

Here is a preview of the joy to come when you follow the links:

Merry Christmas!

Hello my lovely friends :) It being almost Christmas eve (by my time at least) I wanted to wish you all a merry christmas and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! In regards to the boxing day skype date, i am so in if i am not busy! love you all :D

~Kailyn

GAH THAT'S MY SONG!

So I was surfing Youtube (like you know I all do) and I found this video!

Skip to 4:30 (even though the entire video is incredible) and watch the girl dance to Shadowfeet! She's amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkgNVcfNYo8

WOOT WOOT SKYPE PARTY!

So, in a BEAUTIFUL turn of events, a skype sesh that began with just myself and Avery extended into a lovely woot woot skype party with Morgan and Isaac as well. YAY! It seriously made my day to get to interact with everyone! Some pictures were the result of this interaction. It also involved Christmas tree viewing, MOMS, ipad noises, the reveal of some chubby and awkward baby pictures, critiquing of "the list", snacking, SNOW!, missing everyone else, talking about everyone else, sleeping/napping discussions, annotations, more plans for the Mediterranean beach house, Logan Lerman/Johnny Daigle (Don't ask), decisions on how to pay for said beach house, being marriageable, and much much more. Here are the photographs.

Now, to my DEAR DEAR other friends who I love and miss SO MUCH (for real. I'm like dying here. Not literally, but kinda figuratively. Pittsburgh is relatively boring [especially now that LiMo is in fricken HAWAII!!!]) We all need to have a group skype sesh soon!!! QUITE SOON! So, we were all thinking how about boxing day?

Wouldn't that be smashing? A lovely boxing day skype sesh? Let's do it. So for anyone who is available, on December 26 at a time that we will decide upon at a later date, we will have a massive family skype party. Woot Woot Boxing Day Skype Party!!! (WWBDSP for short) It will be a lip-bumpin, head smashing, nap taking, hungergamewinning GOOD TIME!

And bt to the dubs, HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE! Enjoy Jesus' birthday with your family, and may all your Christmasses be white (mine won't. CURSE YOU GLOBAL WARMING!)

Love you all, and miss you like madcakes. Really. Can't express that enough. Merry Christmas!

THE LIST! For Morgan :)

- park!

- psych

- movie/tv show

- improv show

- jukebox show

- talking about Isaiah's kiss

-Monday–Wednesday, 10:30–5:00

Thursday, 10:30–8:00

Friday–Sunday, 10:30–5:00

Free Family Wednesdays

The Art Institute of Chicago is free to Illinois residents on the first and second Wednesdays of every month. The museum continues to be open Thursday evenings until 8:00 p.m.

-find Isaac

-segway around Chicago

-anything in Chicago

-sardines in Science Building

-Zoo

-dog park

-lets go fly a kite, up to the highest height

-real bean picking

-ice skating

-roadtrip

-hide n' go seek anywhere and everywhere

-oregon trail part 2

-texting 101 with Dr. Moore

-shopping

-finding furry hats

-game. first person to skip from Wheaton to downtown Wheaton wins something awesome.

-build a snowman

-snowball fight.

-snow angels

-caroling

-s'mores

-nutella

-clubbing

-picnic

-igloo

-make a music video

-community

-squiffer for fun

-sledding

-karaoke

-be lady gaga

-set Avery up on a date and then watch the entire date.

-see a show!

-go to a free concert

- don't do drugs

-no bonhanza

- no word games ever

-being a whore

-sudoku

-dye isaac's hair blue

-tackle someone

-steal pies from saga

-steal cookies from saga

-make a pie

-make cookies

-make up our own recipe

-shave amy's head

-pierce Isaac's ears like in the parent trap

-tramp stamp for Isaiah

-get amy some hooker heels

-teach avery to be less violent.

-teach avery to say both

-teach EVERYONE english

-get colored contacts for Morgan

-piggyback rides all the way to yoyoland

-rearrange all the furniture in fischer

-flash mob

-flash mob again

-do lisa's geology lab

-acknowledge that lisa is a girl.

-get Andrew from Traber

-learn Japanese from Andrew

-teach Avery not to threaten people's lives

-teach Isaiah not to screw people over

-make sure Isaiah crashes and burns

-watch Aristocats with Sarah Guidera

-go to Texas with the girls soccer team

-go to Pittsburgh

-make sure Avery and Isaiah are friends again

-build a mot with alligators

-teach Isaiah to rant

-make Isaiah rant in middle English

-suck it

-beans suck

-everyone is screwed because of beans.

-better card games

-dice games

-put Isaac on America's Next Top Model

-teach Avery self control

-protect Isaiah

-be a bean whore

-shut up about red beans

-shut up about garden beans

-shut up about wax beans

-stop talking about beans

-shut Isaiah's face

-make sure Avery calms down

-teach Isaiah to take his turn

-kill a turkey

-sing Christmas songs AFTER THANKSGIVING

-be thankful

-make cupcakes

-make Avery a cake (she likes cakes and it is the way to her heart. she will probably calm down)

-teach isaac and avery to stop being sassy

-be a bean pimp

-kill beans

-make more popcorn

-dance on a table in the middle of saga

-be punny

-block evil juice boxes

-buy more juice boxes

-drink juice boxex

-make isaac shut up

-give Isaac a papercut

-learn Laurel-isms

-stop hurting Lisa's head and nose

-shut up about stink beans

-watch veggietales

-make home videos (college videos)

-talk in a scottish accent without being offensive

-play in the snow

-nap in the snow

-go camping

-dance at Sams with Lisa, not making fun of her

-fingerpaint

-teach Avery to make more seductive faces

-get fur coats and walk into every closet in smith traber

-go to narnia

-become friends with beavers

-play frisbee

-go to the aviary

-teach Isaiah to focus

-analyze everyone in Wheaton with the uglemeter

-go to Canada

-hang out with the Amish

-make Isaac laugh at Lisa's jokes

-stare into Morgan's eyes for five minutes

-eat everything in the fishcer kitchen

-punch Avery

-make Avery get a life

-teach Isaac patience

-go to bed before Kailyn

-stop snapping at Avery

-go to the circus

-go to an amusement park

-terminate Amy

-call Isaac mama

-plant faster

-climb out of windows

-play in the rain

-go clubbing again

-go to a drive-in movie theater

-travel the world

-go on a boat I'M ON A BOAT...

-teach Lisa how to whistle

-be passive aggressive

-hug Sarah in her red box

-ok just kidding...stop calling Isaac Momma

-stop calling each other and wasting time. and annoying everyone else

-watch a steelers game with Lisa

-be sexy

-go rock climbing

-go to the trampoline place

-clap for lisa

-drive to mexican border and get japdrew and Isaac women

- wear drug rug

- snorkle in pond (lake? lagoon? ocean? stream? pool?) at the park

-find Isaiah's wallet

-take illegal pics in urban outfitters again.

-steal papers from urban outiffers wallets

-boy shopping

-kill all the rats at the park (they aren't muscrats)

-clean up the goose poo and our shoes

-ZIP LINE

-NEVER TAKE PICS ON THE ZIPLINE

-Mennonite lessons

-Create MennonLite (very lucrative beer company for Mennonites)

-do not let amy sit in dryers

-do crazy things in the prayer chapel

-do crazy things in the scary prayer chapel

-buy fischer a new piano

-and tune the new piano please

-burn old piano

-tribal dance around the fire

-segway to niagra falls

- write dissertations on segways

-j-walk

-watch fireworks

-make it rain

-stick it to the man

-yell LAPAN whenever

-stick it to LAPAN

-videotape isaac tribal dancing with a washcloth

-play just dance 3

-take Isaiah's clothes off of amy

-jog

-pick flowers

-paint the piano purple

-play musical chairs

-go clubbing yet again

-get new pet fishes

-don't kill new fishes

-shut up.

-tell the nations a story

-do madlibs!

-do pooplibs

-mosh a pit

-roll down a hill

-go mini golfing

-climb a roof without killing anyone or doing illegal things

-see heads

-find and befriend (maybe marry) a hobo

-street performance

-tie Lisa's shoe

-teach Lisa how to finish texts in a timely manner

-spray yourself with Pam

-make bagels

-teach baby gap

-have a pillow fight!

-wear clothes

-go to improv on friday

-pay 50 cents to "watch" Isaac

-send crazy fun surprising things through CPO

-learn how to spell

-beat Isaiah in words with friends

-read hunger games

-hold hands with Mr. Dr. Gibson

-stop stripping

-wear clothes again

-stop doing illegal things in the Christmas closet

-make Amy live alone forever

-allow Amy to steal only one baby

-buy snow shoes

-buy more furry hats

-learn to dance like Beyonce

-make snow shoes out of dental floss and saga forks

-learn to lip sync like Isaac to n*sync

-woot woot party party

-watch isaac perform

-learn to perform like isaac

-shimmy your shoulder

-don't die from table diving

-don't be stupid

-do guy things

-be beyonce

-eat at los burritos

-borrow peaches car

-puppies

-find peaches some CREAM

-he broke up with the last quart

-marry some one and have a great marrage and then they die after five yrs = lisa sad

-MOUNTAIN TOP PROPOSAL (maybe europe)

-stomp

-leagalize dancing

-make brownies and make disney puzzles on the floor whist waiting

-buy a pool table and set it up on a highway. and play pool

-take all our old junk in cars, drive to a field, catapult it out and then free for all.

-blow up a

-watch movie in igloo with hot chocolate

-sedate lisa and ave theyre crazy

-so what

-get lisa checked for narcolepsy/sleep probs

-Glen Ellen

-See premier of Perks of being a Wallflower

-Watch Amy flirt with Logan Lerman

-Be a judge on a tv show like isaiah's cousin

-Be America's best dance crew

-wait for it

-look more impressive

-get a core of steel

-be athletic

-at least look athletic

-make out on stage

-ask about euphemisms

-go up

-well, thats a lot. we'll make some more

The Card's Here!

The Christmas card came in the mail today. My mom had (and is still having) a panic attack. She called me to see it, she called my dad to see it, she called my sister and brother to see it, she called my brother's FRIENDS to see it. She's going off her rocker with excitement. So thank you, Amy. It really is great!

Ups and Downs

Hey Everyone!!

So as you can all guess, Amy and I had a great date/ice-skating experience/sleepover. Here is another video we made for you all. It is a little more normal(eh...kinda) and shorter. Enjoy!!

Obviously we missed you all, and we wished you were with us.

After saying good-bye to Amy, I picked up one of my close friends from Carnegie Mellon University!! It was nice to catch up with her. AND GUESS WHAT?!?! YOU ALL HAVE TO SEE THIS:

This is called a NAP POD. It is in their library. You rotate the top of it, sit in it, and nap. I am not kidding. It is a beautiful invention, and I think Wheaton should invest in some nap pods.

After dropping off my friend, I was surprised/kidnapped by my two other friends. And I got to meet my one friend's new kitten! She is so small! My friend's mother and brother rescued her from a storm drain.

On the down side, I came down with a high fever and horrible cough. But I think I am getting better!! So I have been sleeping/resting a lot.

Prayer request: one of my best friend's mother has a brain tumor, and she has been battling it for 4-5ish years now. She will never be the same, but this past year has been really hopeful. However, a couple days ago we found out that her tumor is growing again. Please pray for her, my friend Jen, and her dad.

Love you all!

Mountains!

Well, I'm back from my first trip up to my mountains! It was less than 24 hours, and it rained all of today (goodbye snow, hello ice), but it was still gorgeous and fresh and HOME. Despite the determined drizzle, I spent some quality solitude time down on my grandpa's dock. It was a refreshing reprieve from the oppressive flatness of the Illinois landscape.

Highlights from Nashville

So its been a pretty uninteresting break so far... I'm still in Nashville drowning in Southern country music and food containing more greasy than any other nutrient, but its been fun seeing family. Andddd... seeing undercover Santa at a McDonalds???



and my own restaurant?



But that's about it so far. Missing you all; I greatly enjoy all your posts! Yes, even your videos, Lisa and Amy. ;)

Shadowfeet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4KiGN1j1No

Shadowfeet has been on my mind a lot this week. This song, for those of you who don't know, has been adopted by me as my "life song". The lyrics describe how I view God so well, and I thought I'd share it with you, even though I'm sure you've already heard it.

Love you guys.

Baby!!!!

This is Nina :) She belongs to a friend of ours and i got to hang out with her all afternoon :)

~Kailyn

A few haikus for you's

Sometimes we get weird

but, then again, we're all weird

so pardon us please.

I just miss you all

like Holly Golightly missed

cat when he ran off.

Yes. I just made a

Breakfast at Tiffany's nod.

I'm kind of obsessed.

But not in a bad

way. I'm obsessed in a good

way. It is brilliant.

I am reading the

Truman Capote novel

currently. SO GOOD.

See, I love Audrey,

but the Holly in my head

is different. Duller.

The Holly in my

head is sadder. But hopeful.

Audrey is sparkly.

So that is what I've

been up to. That and being

crazy with Lisa.

I wish I could be

crazy with ALL of you guys.

Everyday friends.

But you're all so far

away from me. From Pittsburgh.

Break is just so long.

Family is great.

Really. I love them a ton.

But, but, but but, but

It's hard. For months at

school, I've created a new

family. You guys.

My heart is split. Half.

Between home and school. Two beds.

Two lives. Me, between.

Wheaton is dear to

me. But home is just as dear.

More dear. But, different.

I've changed, but home has

not. I am a new person

but home is the same.

Old problems return.

Insecurities arise.

Things I thought I solved.

Absence makes the heart

grow fonder. Proximity?

Tougher to stomach.

Maybe this makes no

sense. Maybe you feel the same.

Either way, miss you.

It will all be fine.

I am enjoying old friends

and comfort and joy.

Our connection is

less constant but ever strong.

Thanks for being you.

Woot Woot Sonnet Party!

Here you go, Amy:

Time does not bring relief; you all have lied

Who told me time would ease me of my pain!

I miss him in the weeping of the rain;

I want him at the shrinking of the tide;

The old snows melt from every mountain-side,

And last year's leaves are smoke in every lane;

But last year's bitter loving must remain

Heaped on my heart, and my old thoughts abide.

There are a hundred places where I fear

To go,--so with his memory they brim.

And entering with relief some quiet place

Where never fell his foot or shone his face

I say, "There is no memory of him here!"

And so stand stricken, so remembering him.

      -Edna St. Vincent Millay 

Dear world,

No. We did not break the covenant by drinking or getting high. Anyhow, that wouldn't even be an issue at this point, since the covenant no longer pertains to us throughout this holiday season. Hot dog!

We miss being silly and goofy with you beautiful people. So this is us making up for it. Please join us next time!! Group oovoo session?? YES PLEASE

We should go to bed.

warning: the videos you may watch...should not be watched.

but maybe they should. it's up to you. And how strong your stomach is. And your soul.

promise to not judge us. hardcore. parkour.

we are in a silly mood...i am sure you will all understand.

sorry that there was no poetic or romantic description of our enchanting evening on the town. That may come at a later date. When we are awake. And coherent. And not high on lady love (???)

we love you soo love

Love,

Lisa and Amy

Unfortunate. Welp...we love you!

please forgive us.

this isn't normal.

yea.

will you still love us? please say yes. sorry we are obnoxious. we are doing this because we love you. TRUE DAT PUNKS SUCK ON THAT SILLY GOOSES.

YOU AND I. this is what girls do in the dorms...

I am still so so sorry.

Coherent? maybe

Should we be making videos? probably not.

Should we spam the blog? probably not.

yet...here we are.

Again. Sorry.;

Sorry.

You guys don't actually have to watch this.

Instead of writing when we are tired, we videotape ourselves. Probably a mistake. definitely. probs.

Sorry.

Love you!

Love,

Lisa and Amy

HAWT SKYPE DATES

People that I love: let it be known that Lisa and I have requested all of you on Skype (except for Andrew. We are protesting his skype name). Speaking from experience (I'm on the...skype? Inter-phone? anyway, I'm chatting with Amy and Lisa RIGHT NOW), it's a pretty epic way to keep up with this zany crew. There is singing, dancing, and whole lot of attractive. JOIN US. We love you. ALL OF YOU.

Christmas Party = :s

So I have been home not quite 3 full days and so far it has been more stressful than relaxing. We had a Christmas party last night at my grandparents house which turned out to be pretty fun but the prep work was ridiculously stressful. Saturday was spent at my grandparents in an attempt to prepare the house for the party. Box after box was pulled down from the attic full of Christmas decorations. I am talking enough decorations to decorate 3 large houses. And of course my grandmother wants to cram all of it into their one (already very full) house. The day was supposed to be "relaxing" and "fun" but rather it was one filled with people complaining, talking loudly (i had forgotten how loud my family is) and throwing christmas decorations willy nilly around the house. Sunday mornning was not much better. We went to the church I grew up in (we left for Germany when i was 11). There is next to no one i remember there and the church itself has been so remodled it isn't even what i remember. It was time to pull out the smiling face of the missionary kid and greet all these people who either simply know me as a postcard on their refrigerator (does anyone else find that slightly creepy?) or names that I smile and say I vaguely remember you when the question is put to me. Finally that is over and we head 'home'. To the apartment that i have spent a handful of nights in and that makes me want to burst into tears when I walk into the kitchen for a glass of water and realize I have no idea where the cups are. After lunch, i curl up next to my mom and we watch a few tv shows (best part of the day so far :). Then back to the grandparents for a crazy afternoon of preparing food and last minute vacuuming. Then the party. It turned out to be almost worth the stress of the last few days. It was all old friends and little kids running around.
So that has been my first few days home. I am sincerely hoping it will get better and easier to live here, even if I don't feel at home.
Love you and miss you all!!!!! I do hope that your break so far has been less stressful than mine.
<3 Kailyn

A Hummingbird on RedBull

As you all might expect, knowing me, the arrival of winter break has hardly slowed down a thing for yours truly. "Downtime" isn't word—at least not yet...-_- Immediately following my flights from O'Hare to Charlotte (NC—don't ask) to Newport News (VA), my youngest brother Daniel, mom and I wake up early to drive for 11 hours to see two of my MK friends from Japan get married. Every soul I have ever said this to has expressed surprise in some way: I had never been to a wedding before December 17, 2011. Yeah, get over it.

So I spent one day in Kentucky to catch up with my childhood friend Kevin, now a married United States Marine.

7 am yesterday, we begin the drive back "home" to Williamsburg. I enjoyed every bit of the trip despite driving twice as long as we were actually there. :) So now I'm back in my room writing a blog post with the hour of free time I have before my next adventure, Washington DC! Another overnight, this time with my dad. I get to hang out with my classmate from Tokyo tonight too!
The title of this post is hardly accurate or even relevant. While I haven't stood/sat still for...a long, long time if you disregard the act of driving, I would never drink Redbull. Or coffee. yuck. I'm also under the weather and groggy as a result of it. So I suppose I'm a sick—but happy—hummingbird on Benedryl.

Love,
drewbear

And While I'm Still Up...

Me and my friend Ruby (yes Amy, I've got a Ruby too!) were working together on a short story. It never got finished, but I just found it and had a little nostalgia moment. It's long, but here it is. Enjoy reading it, if you choose to.

DOWNTOWN

CHAPTER I

A gull cried in the distance.

The shrill response of his companion carried over the waves, thinning as it hurtled across the dark surface and eventually enveloped by the cyclical pounds and sweeps of the shoreline. Waves pulled and gathered like so much indigo silk against the rocks, creeping tendrils of pale foamy trim up the bare face before tumbling back down, exhausted from the effort.

Clumps of moss, with wispy antennae-like weeds sprouting from their centers that thrashed wildly in the wind, crouched sulkily in the cracked cliffside. Coarse dark buffalo grass fringed the edge.

The night had set in, and so all was seen as if through a shadowy, monochrome lens. No stars were visible through the thick layer of iron-grey cloud.  

Beyond the crash of the waves and the rough whisper of foliage and the wind whistling through the rocks and the lonely calls of the two gulls, was a very faint crackled string of music. It wafted through the cool air like a half-remembered memory of something important: demanding attention and yet not strong enough to inspire recollection.

The source of the song was easy enough to locate: a stretched hourglass of yellow light pivoting upon the narrowest point, sleepily sweeping across the bay as a bottle slowly spins when nudged by a toe. The light was positioned high above the ground, solemnly carried by a tall cylinder of mortar and brick.

The sea thundered, the weeds rustled, the wind and the gulls sang along to the broken tune that drifted through the darkness.

CHAPTER II

To reach Downtown from the edge of the Line was originally a short trip, but over time the deteriorating landscape and crumbling buildings had made the trek lengthy.

To prove the case: despite the encouragingly intact outer ring of buildings and clear streets (save for the burnt-out shell of a school bus on Warrington Avenue), within four blocks the street was impassable, as that was the tomb of a toppled skyscraper. For one educated in history, perhaps knowing the layout of the old city, this was extremely frustrating: it was the halfway point of the original road to Downtown.

The only two possible remaining routes on the intersection were either left or right along Portrush Road. The right would lead straight into the dripping mouth of a curious collection of thugs and villains called the Cutter Clan. Passage was possible, but rare and strictly monitored.

Thus left it was.

This would lead away from Downtown for a good two-mile detour through the ghostly Business District before it was possible to cut across a dried, caked canal bed and turn right again down Lettice Street.

Though the path would again appear to be blocked by fallen debris, the direction was obvious for those who knew what they were looking for. The entrance to the sewer lines is directly behind a large neon hamburger lying on its side in the gravel. It had flickered for years, only recently having fallen dark at last.

The sewer would wind on deep in the dark and dank for a good few miles. It is usually just before the last bend when one gives up hope entirely on ever reaching the elusive Downtown. However, if you had the courage to take those final steps, you would see the light!

Not too many steps mind you, for the light marked the rim of a mile-deep crater called The Abbey (it was said that those who fell in found religion before they hit the bottom).

A rickety zig-zag of 617 twisted metal steps would bring you at last to the 9 block grid located at the top of the cliff: Downtown.

In retrospect it is a very long journey to a place where no one wanted to go, really. A colourful mess of wrappers, cans and cardboard boxes; of hobbling men, hunched women and children scrambling out of second story windows like rats; of burnt out lights and ripped awnings. It was hard to say whether it was heaven or hell.

The layout was simple, as there were very few established institutions. Many of the stores lined the edge of the crater. The view was considered very upmarket in Downtown. There were the mechanics and the scavenge-shops, as well of the few sources of entertainment for the angry crowd. For convenience’s sake, the aptly named World’s End Bar was located a mere two blocks from Dame’s. It was hard to say which was more popular, so perhaps we should ask a regular patron of both houses.

Constantine Thale was a very hard name to pronounce when drunk, thus it was usually shortened to either Mr. Thale or simply Costa. In his rarer sober moods he preferred Mr. Thale, but fairly often he did not have the luxury of being quite so clear-headed. Costa, like so many, hadn’t survived through any special physical skill or higher intelligence: just sheer dumb luck. Indeed, these days he tried to keep himself fit, which was done through a combination of attacking, defending himself and escaping.

Thus Costa had a rather muscular physique from all of this running, hauling, leaping and the occasional punching, and glistening brown skin from the unchecked ultraviolet sunbeams. He had a square, bristled jaw, with dark eyes almost hidden under thick, bushy eyebrows, and a shaggy mop of blond hair. A sweat-stained white long-sleeved shirt, a pair of faded, torn jeans and ancient brown builder boots had been his attire for the past few years, and he didn’t plan on changing his style any time soon.

Presently, Mr. Thale was slowly pulling himself upright, lolling an arm at the furious barkeep who had thrown him onto the dusty street. It was still afternoon, but no one stared. Another drunken mishap joined him on the curb five minutes later. It was a common sight, day in day out.

“Constantine Thale, yer’d bett’r not show yer face ‘ere again ‘till yer’ve got sumtin’ that clinks, y’ear?”

Costa (now on his feet and swaying dangerously), gave the barkeep a very rude hand gesture, which the barkeep ignored, disappearing back into the depths of World’s End.

For a moment or two, he didn’t know what to do with himself. So he stumbled over to the curb and sat down. There he remained to watch the dust motes, illuminated by the afternoon sun, drift through the air in lazy curls.

Perhaps Costa had dozed off, for he certainly hadn’t seen them coming. His eyes fluttered open just in time to see a skinny long-limbed boy soar over his head. Costa was most bewildered by this, and twisted in his seated position to watch the boy skid around the corner and out of sight. Costa blinked stupidly at the place where the boy had vanished, for an instant forgetting the world in which he was living and he wondered what he could possibly be running from.

Another child (unseen by Costa, for his back was to him) appeared, and attempted a similar stunt.

Maybe it was the fact that the boy’s legs were not as long as the first, or that he wasn’t as athletic, but most likely it was because the child seemed to regret his decision almost instantly, losing heart in mid-air.

Whatever the cause the result was the same: the boy’s foot collided rather hard with the back of the drunken man’s skull. Costa fell flat on his face, his head hitting the cement with an audible smack. The child landed heavily on his side but was up again in an instant, scrambling for a foothold as his bare feet slipped over the litter-strewn pavement.

Costa moaned, gingerly raising his head. His vision was blurrier than usual with spots of black and white tainting the image of the boy scooting around the corner. Mr. Thale’s nose was bleeding heavily, a stream of angry red dribbling over his chin and onto his shirt. Just another stain.

“Wotten kith!” he gurgled, mouth full of hot blood, which he promptly spat onto the pavement. Costa swiveled about and hollered across the street: “Two!”

There came no response. What few people were out and about paid him no heed. Instead, they kept their eyes on their feet and shuffled on with their daily lives.

Eventually, Mr. Thale’s mind slowly limped to the conclusion that remaining on the curb was a dangerous idea, and he crawled across the pavement back towards World’ End. There he rested his back against the crumbling redbrick wall and succumbed at last to sleep.

CHAPTER III

“Costa?” The voice came from far above. He tipped his head back and squinted into the blackness. A window was thrown open: a dull yellow square on the third floor.

“Maybe,” he grumbled. “Who’s there?”

“It’s me,” came the reply. His expression brightened.  

“Zeina?” There was a short pause.

“Uh… No. Shahd.”

Costa grunted in disappointment, looking back at the pavement. “Hello.” He stumbled backwards in shock as a crunch split the silence. Someone had apparently jumped from the window and landed a few feet before him.

“Hello,” said the someone.

“That was quite a drop, surely you would have-“

“I climbed most of the way.”

“Oh.” The invisible litter on the ground beneath them crackled as figure took a step towards him. Costa sighed wearily. They had been over this.

“Shahd,” he begun, and she stopped.

“I’ve heard that tone before,” she said glumly. “You’re going to lecture me again.” Costa frowned.

“I’d rather not.” Another telltale crinkle told him she had taken this phrase to mean encouragement. “Look, I’m really not in the mood for this. Could you just-“

“Go get Zeina.” Her voice was cold.

“Go get...” He deflated, pleased she’d caught on quick enough. “Yes.”

“Can’t.” Costa felt a stab of annoyance. She was doing this purely out of spite. Valuable time was being wasted, something which Shahd knew very well.

“And why not?” he asked irritably. The darkness shifted slightly as she shrugged.

“She’s talking to Dame.”

“Dame isn’t in right now, you little whelp!” he hissed. Costa groped blindly before him and she gasped in surprise as his paw closed about her neck. He yanked her about and slammed her against the wall. “You think I’m stupid or something? That I would even be talking to you if he was here? Huh?” She tried to speak, but all that came out her mouth was a choked cough.

Costa swore loudly and released her. Shahd fell against the wall with a heavy thud, remaining silent. Her overcast eyes followed his frustrated pacing.

His fist curled and uncurled experimentally as he considered perhaps beating her into submission, but instead ran his hands down his face. Costa chanced a glance at her through his fingers: a shaft of yellow light cast across her face from the open window above highlighted her expression, or rather lack thereof. He couldn’t scare her anymore. This was a fact he noted with a sliver of admiration, but mostly disappointment. It was going to be a lot harder from now on.  

“Look,” growled Costa. “I want to talk to her. Go tell her I’m down here.”

A long silence reverberated between the two, during which Shahd wordlessly peeled herself from the wall and drifted back towards the drainpipe which she’d shimmied down earlier.   

Costa didn’t breathe easy again until Shahd had vanished through the window.

He waited all night, but Zeina never appeared.

CHAPTER IV

The hut was constructed entirely out of cardboard and tin scraps and so the rabbits had a hard time fixing it up after it rained. Long needles of sunlight stuck through the thin roof, stabbing into the ground on sharp angles.

 

Nick the Greek’s feet were propped up on a large can as he chewed thoughtfully on a colourful plastic chip. The stool on which he sat rocked dangerously on the uneven floor. At last, he twirled the chip between his fingers and let out a low whistle.

“All out, you say?” He grinned nastily. Costa scowled.  

“I am.” Nick the Greek removed his feet from the can and gave the man a long curious look.

“Didn’t you ask Damien for more?”

“Damien and I don’t exactly see eye to eye.”

“You work for him don’t you?” When Costa remained silent, the Greek’s grin widened. “I see,” he cackled at last. “Such a shame, I remember when I got you into that joint. Now that took a lot of convincing. After all, no one really wants idealists on the dumb staff.”

“Will you have me or not?” snapped Costa. Nick the Greek waited what appeared to Costa an entirely inordinate amount of time before answering. He leaned forward, scratching the long grey bristles on his broad chin.

“Have you ever read Dickens, Mr. Thale?” Costa rolled his eyes and heaved a sigh.

“No sir, I haven’t.”

“Ah!” crowed Nick the Greek, sitting back into his stool in a self-satisfied manner, all the while stroking his beard. “Then you would not know of the plight of poor Oliver Twist!”

Costa glowered at him.

“Oliver Twist?” he answered mechanically.

“Yes, Oliver Twist!”

“Who, pray tell sir, is Oliver Twist?” The alien manner of speaking sounded strange and thick on his tongue, though the well-practiced conversation had echoed daily throughout his childhood.

“Oliver Twist, my boy, is the principal character in one of Dickens’ iconic novels for which the precious manuscript was named!”

“Go on, sir. What great events did pass as written in this praised literary work?”

“One scene comes to mind…” Costa had an inkling of which scene Nick the Greek was about to describe. He swore under his breath, looking instead out of the makeshift window. Nick the Greek, eyes closed and swaying as if in some kind of religious trance, didn’t notice. “Young Twist, starving and underfed, approaches the soup-giver in the mess hall. He says to him:” Costa’s lips mouthed the words automatically as the Greek spoke. “Please, sir, I want some more.”

There was another unnecessary gap in the Greek’s speech. When he spoke again, his voice was low and hoarse. “And what do you make of this infamous statement of young Oliver Twist’s?”

“I cannot say, sir. Please tell me.”

“Was it fair of the spoiled little brat to ask of the poor soup-giver for more rations?”

“No sir.”

“Did he take into mind that the soup-giver would have no soup for himself if he gave Oliver Twist what he so rudely demanded? That he had a reputation to uphold, and a family to feed?”

“No,” said Costa through gritted teeth, still focused furiously on the empty window pane. “No sir.”

“And yet,” continued the Greek dangerously. “You deem it reasonable to come here and demand of me something you know that I cannot give?”

Costa turned on the floor, looking the old man square in the eyes. Nick the Greek smiled his toothy, unpleasant smile, and began to chew on the rim of the chip again.

“You’re far too old, Constantine. You know that. And besides, I have all the help I need.”

As if on cue, the tattered curtain flapped as one such rabbit skidded into the shade. He blinked as his eyes adjusted to the sudden darkness, before bowing stiffly to Nick the Greek. The Greek didn’t appear to notice, still chewing and leering down at Constantine Thale, who did notice.

Costa’s eyes popped furiously and his hand moved subconsciously to his nose. The boy paled, his mouth dropping open as he remained rooted to the spot by pure panic.     

“Oh it’s you, Eight.” Said the Greek lightly. The boy’s attention snapped back to Nick the Greek, instantly forgetting about Mr. Thale. “I was hoping it was Two. But then again he never made such a ruckus as you.” The boy flushed. “I hope you’ll excuse me for a moment, Constantine. I have to deal with this one quickly.”

With a crooked, mottled finger, Nick the Greek beckoned the boy closer. Trembling, the boy approached him.

“S-sir?” he stammered.

“What have you got for me this morning, hmm?”

“N-nothing, sir.”

“So then why have you returned, in the middle of a meeting with an old friend, nonetheless?” The boy gaped, terrified.

“I-I-I- T-two sent me, h-h s-s-said to tell you that T-t-t-thirteen…” His voice choked off in a squeak.

Nick the Greek sighed impatiently, rubbing his temples. “Oh dearest Eight,” he crooned. “You had better not make me get up.”

The boy shook his head feverishly.

“N-no sir!”

“Tell me, child. What is Two doing right now that is so incredibly important that he has sent you in his place?” Eight’s brow creased in confusion.

“Two, s-sir? I-I don’t know.”

“You don’t know. Well, perhaps you can answer this simple question, you thick skulled, narrow minded cretin. What is it he has asked you to tell me, in as clear and fast speak as you can manage without tripping over your own tongue?” The boy swallowed.

Costa took in the transaction with what can only be described as a considerable amount of smugness. Two had arrived far after his time with the Greek, but Costa could easily recognize the tactic that had been employed by the top rabbits after his departure. Obviously the news this miserable creature had to tell Nick the Greek was less than satisfactory, otherwise Two would be here himself.

“Let me get you started,” continued the Greek. “Something about Thirteen.”

“Yes,” said the boy slowly. “T-thirteen, he… We were on the path, sir. Like you told us, and he t-t-tripped on the ladder-“

“Did he fall, Eight?”

“Um…”

“Answer when spoken to.”

“Yes.” The boy’s voice came as little more than a shrill.

There was a long silence. Nick the Greek wove his fingers together, propping his elbows on his knees as he leaned forwards. Costa sat up a little straighter, now extremely curious of the situation. Admittedly too, he was a little eager to see the finish.

“I t-t-think he broke his l-leg, sir.”

Nick the Greek pondered this last bit of information for a moment.

“Thank you for telling me this, Eight. You did the right thing.” The boy’s shoulders sagged in relief. Costa’s face twitched a knowing smile. “Did you leave him there?” The boy nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes sir,” he chirped. “Just how you told us- Look sir! I remembered to take his findings too, see? I have the pouch and the chips here, sir! Also the crowbar, and his shoes!”

Nick the Greek patted Eight’s arm, turning away from him and back towards Costa. “Good boy. Now, if you wait outside I’ll be right there to give you a little reward.”

Eight froze, and his jaw became slack. Even Costa regarded the Greek with a fraction of alarm.

“S-sir?” peeped the boy.

“Go on, child. I’ll only be a moment.” Ever so slowly, Eight backed towards the curtain, his eyes slowly filling with tears as he looked from Nick the Greek to Costa. Neither looked back. He raised his little fist to his mouth, biting hard. A bead of blood trickled down the back of his hand.

“Hurry up!” The child vanished.

Costa raised an eyebrow at the Greek, who had a dazed expression over his face.

“A little early for rewards, don’t you think?” he said stiffly. Nick the Greek tittered softly.

“Perhaps, but I haven’t given a reward in a long time… Barely seventeen since Four, do you recall?” Costa’s eyes briefly clouded.

“Yes,” he said darkly. “I do, sir.” Nick the Greek hummed contentedly.

“Hmm, well, you never earned a reward, did you. You were a particularly ugly child.” He laughed harshly. Costa remained still. “Yet,” continued the old man, peering dreamily out of the window. “You remain today one of the best little rabbits I’ve ever had. That is why I will help you today.”

Costa raised an eyebrow as he got to his feet. He dusted the back of his jeans.

“Thank you, sir,” he said at last. “This is most… I’m in your debt.” The Greek giggled.

“Silly Costa, you’ve always owed everything to me.” Nick the Greek got to his feet, scuttling towards the curtain. He pulled it open, graciously offering Costa the exit. “You go about your business Constantine Thale. I’ll send a rabbit with my contact. It was so kind of you to pay a visit!”

“The pleasure was mine,” replied Costa politely, tipping his head in gratitude as the old man pressed the tattered, slimy chip into his open palm. He pocketed it quickly.

Stepping outside, Costa squinted in the bright light. The curtain flapped closed behind him.

He wasn’t surprised that Nick the Greek hadn’t followed him.

Rewards were given out back, away from the eyes of the public. But that didn’t soften the rhythmic cries of Eight.

CHAPTER V

“I removed the drainpipe last night.”

Shahd looked at her feet guiltily.

“Why?” she asked in mock curiosity. At this point she knew that trying to feign her innocence would be of no use, yet out of habit the feat was still attempted.

She took the slap in silence.

“There is only one Dame’s in Downtown, missy,” growled Dame, leaning in close. Shahd continued to glower at her feet, trying to ignore the sickeningly sweet scent of mouldy perfume. “And I do not appreciate your pathetic attempts to sabotage it, do you hear me? These little nightly crusades of yours will end. Is that clear?”

Shahd remained silent.

Dame sighed dramatically, throwing his arms around her and drawing her into a bone-breaking embrace. Lost somewhere in his chest hair, Shahd choked: the scent was overwhelming.

“What am I going to do with you, hmm?” he crooned, stroking her hair. He paused for a moment, looking at the top of her head curiously. “One more week and I can have you on staff, but do you really want to work here that badly?”

Shahd dared not to open her mouth for fear of swallowing some of those itchy orange wires dripping with rotten fragrance.

“Oh Shahd. Why don’t you go back to your father? Why do you stay here with me and the girls?”

Shahd frowned, tilting her head back to look at him.

“You don’t want me here?” she asked slowly. Dame relinquished his hold on her, pulling her instead into his lap, where he began to braid a strand of her hair.

“Oh honey, you have the most darling curls!” he said brightly. “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you chopped them off of Zeina’s head!”

Shahd braced herself by resting her hands on his shoulders, eyes loosely fixed on the wall behind his head. Some of the brick was visible beneath the faded, peeling wallpaper. Dame often told the girls that, as this was a class establishment, it was of French design. Shahd had never bothered to ask him what that meant.

“It’s because of Zeina, isn’t it,” muttered Shahd after a long moment.

“What is, sugarplum?”

“The reason you’re being so nice to me? The reason why you don’t want me to stay?” Dame continued to braid away. When he finished, he unwound the hair, beginning anew.

“Listen babycakes,” he said at last. “Your sister is something special. She’s gorgeous. Stunning.”

“Are you saying… I’m not pretty enough?”

“No, no of course you are, darling! You’re practically her twin!” Shahd beamed over his shoulder.

“Really?”

“Of course! But you see, honey, that’s not what it’s all about. Zeina has what we here like to call ‘the vibe’. Do you know about ‘the vibe’?” Shahd said nothing. “She’s got the stuff. The right stuff for what she does. But you know what? Zeina doesn’t have the right stuff for the streets. Not like you, dear! You’re good with your hands!”

“Mr. Thale says Zeina’s good with her hands,” muttered Shahd darkly.

“That’s something different, sugar,” said Dame quickly. “You can fix things! Like your Papa! That’s what you should be doing, not being cooped up inside a stuffy old building with me and the girls.” He took a deep breath, unwinding her hair again. “And another thing. Zeina? She’s our top dog! She brings in more business here than all the other girls combined. Without her, we’re all in trouble! And the thing is, because she’s such a sweet girl, your sister- well, there’s the problem right there. She’s your sister. She spends so much time taking care of you, making sure you’re okay, that she’s been slacking off lately. Now, we can’t have that-“

“Zeina hasn’t been slacking!” Shahd protested loudly. “She’s been working harder than ever! She-“

“Sweetie-pie, she spends so much time on you when she could be contributing to the house! Don’t you understand?”

“I do, I do!” Shahd said desperately. “But Dame, can’t I stay here? I won’t be a burden anymore, I promise! Like you said, I can work for you next week, right? I’ll be old enough then! I’ll look after myself, and I’ll learn ‘the vibe’! I’ve been working already-“

“Shahd, honey,” said Dame softly. “You haven’t had any customers.”

Shahd gaped at her, blushing furiously.  

“Yes I have!” she said indignantly. “I’ve had lots! How would you know, anyway?”

“Schnookums, I’ve been in this business a long time. Believe me, I can tell.”  

Shahd’s shoulders drooped sadly. A long silence ensued.

“I can learn it, can’t I?”

“The girls I take on,” murmured Dame gently. “They’ve all had experience of some sort. And as for ‘the vibe’, I’m afraid it’s something you’re just born with. And no matter how many times you sneak out at night that’s not something you’re just going to pick up.”

“Dame?” she asked softly.

“Mmm?”

“I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”

“Thank you, sweetheart. That’s all I wanted to hear.”

“So… Will you put the drainpipe back?” Shahd shrieked as the little patch of hair that Dame had been twisting and the piece of skin on which it grew was ripped clean from the scalp.