Hadassah / Chapter One

Hey everyone, I know I said I'll post a chapter next Friday, but I felt bad for not writing 

any story today, so here you go, presenting, Hadassah!!

C H A P T E R   1— C H E S N U T   M A R E   &   T H E   T A L K

Hadassah brushed the mare’s soft coat. It was smooth with the color of chestnut. That was Hadassah’s favorite color for a horse. Hadassah wanted her own horse one day. But she knew her parents would never allow her. She knew they had enough money and space, but for some reason Hadassah felt her parents didn’t want her to be happy. A beautiful chestnut mare was just what she wanted more than anything else in her life. Not to breed for financial reasons, or bring it to carnivals and fairs to win ribbons—but just to have as a friend. A friend to talk to when no one else is around. A friend to go to, when her parents seem like she’s in their way. 

Hadassah picked up an empty bucket that sat on the ground and filled it up with water from the well. She attached the bucket to the rope that was wrapped around the arch of the well, and lured it up After the water seeped into the bucket, she pulled up the rope and detached it from the bucket. She picked it up and headed back to the little stable. She poured the cool water into the trough. The mare neighed happily and dipped its nose into the medal tub. Hadassah sighed. “I wish you were mine.” She whispered under her breath. She knew she could never get the mare, even if she was allowed. The mare wasn’t for sale. 

She was owned by a man named Harris Heartwell. He owned a tackle shop near Hadassah’s house and after saving up for years and years, he bought a stable and a horse. That horse was Hadassah’s best friend. One day, Harris wanted to get many horses and open up his own ranch. He wanted it so bad, he lived in a tiny house with a few acres of farm. He could’ve bought a fancy house with a hundred acres, but instead he chose to live simply and buy a small place to live. When Hadassah was older, she wanted to do the same.

Hadassah blinked back to real life. Her father was calling her. 

“Hadassah! Come inside! We’ve got to talk to you!” Hadassah sighed. “I’m sorry, girl. I’ve gotta go.” Her arms left the mare’s warm head and Hadassah walked back to the house. The reason her and her family were at Harris’ home, was because he was off on a road trip with his wife and two kids. The Rudders were looking after his farm and caring for his horse. 

Often Hadassah thought about Harris and his family. She wished so dearly that she could be part of those trips they took. The laughter they shared, the joy that filled their home. Hadassah was lonely with no siblings and no friends, but the chestnut mare. Her parents were always on business meetings and having important phone calls. Hadassah was always left out. Whenever she went someplace social or in public, (which took place very rarely) she was always just there. But she was never actually a part of anything. But Hadassah accepted it and chose to be friends with the characters in the books she read, and the animals she knew and loved.

After walking for a moment, she reached the little brown cabin and rambled up the wooden steps that lead to the front door. She stepped inside and saw her parents standing there, waiting for her. Her Mother was sitting on the old ragged armchair and Father was standing behind it, placing his hands on Mother’s shoulders. 

“You called for me?” Hadassah said after an awkward moment of silence. Father cleared his throat. 

“Hadassah. I’m afraid we have to go on a business trip again.” Father got to the direct point. “We may be gone for quite some time. The meeting takes place in Iowa.” 

Though Hadassah wasn’t very close with her parents, she still missed them when they went away. She just thought maybe they didn’t miss her.

Hadassah looked down. “Again?” She said quietly. 

“Again.” Father answered. Mother chimed in. 

“But we have a surprise for you. Instead of staying here all by yourself, your uncle Henry has willingly accepted to take you in! You’ll finally get to meet your cousin!” Mother was happier than usual. Hadassah was confused. 

“What cousin? What uncle? You never mentioned me having other relatives! Why didn’t I know? I’m fine here, I don’t need to leave and stay with people I’ve never even met!” She was angry now, her face hot and red. 

Mother came over and gave her an empty hug. “Look. Their house is just a day away. You can get there through a taxi. The expenses are all paid. You’ll be leaving in two days, so make sure you’re all packed. Ok?” 

Hadassah was almost shocked at how her mother completely ignored what she had said. 

Hadassah just nodded and stood there silent.

 Father said one last thing before they went back to their day. But all he said was, “We’ll miss you darling.”

Ending of P&POI

 Hi, everyone! 

I know a lot of you have enjoyed reading my story, but I've decided to end it and maybe one day rewrite it into a novel. 

I've ran out of ideas and I just don't want to continue it. Please try to understand. 

Starting, every other Friday, I'll release 'Hadassah'. 

Until next time!

-Elena

Prince & Princess.........

Hi everyone!

I was recently reading over my stories, 'P&POI' and I feel like it's a little too much comedy and fun conversations. 

(I love writing conversations and playful arguments(: )

I also feel like there's not enough descriptive parts, and not enough growth in the characters, meaning, they're kinda supposed to grow up sooner or later and mature.

So, what I'm trying to do is, make the chapters a little longer, with smaller words, and make it a little more serious.

I'm hoping to one day, rewrite this entire thing and make it into a novel, so this is kinda just temporary. (I say kinda a lot. Sorry.)

Just wanted to let you all know!

-Elena 

Kyla's Journey (The End)

 P a r t   Se v e n

   -S E C R ET’ S   R E V E A L E D- 

Kyla had been staying with Rachel for more than two weeks. Kyla never thought to tell Rachel the truth. But she knew she would have to one day one way or another. She couldn’t sleep right, and her appetite was gone. 

One day, Kyla woke up and saw Rachel sitting at the table looking through the newspaper. Suddenly she stopped and stared at the paper before her.

Missing Girl

Name: Kyla Morrison 

Age: 14

“K-kyla. Is this you?” She held up the picture of her in the newspaper. “I don’t understand.” Rachel said. 

Tears trickled down Kyla's face. She couldn’t bear it a moment longer. She dashed out the door and down the street, before Rachel could do anything. 

“Kyla wait!”

Kyla ran to the nearest bus stop and snuck in without paying any money.

She felt miserable. She had been away from home for months now. She felt like a whole different person. She had cut her hair so no one would notice her. She was also wearing different clothes, Rachel had given her because her old ones were ripped and stained. 

Why am I doing this to myself? 

She decided it was time to go home. Her face was wet with tears as she looked at the window. Then she saw something. A cop talking to Rachel, holding a newspaper and pointing to the picture of Kyla. That’s how I’ll get home! I can go home!

“Please sir, I need to get off!”

She hopped off the bus when it parked, and ran to the police. 

“Please sir! I’m Kyla! Please take me home!” The cop looked at Kyla, who was crying, and then at the paper. He smiled and called someone to tell her parents, “we found the missing girl.”

P a r t  E i g h t 

-H O M E-

Kyla returned home and her family was in tears. Mica ran to her and hugged her. “Why did you leave?” She said crying. Her parents gave her a long hug. 

After that, Kyla found out that Mom and Dad had been living together all this time when Kyla was away. They had found God and had been praying for her

"God protected you darling." Kyla was amazed her dad would ever say that.

       Kyla cried tears of joy when they told her they decided to be married again.

As for Rachel, she came and met Kyla’s family, and she became a life—long family friend. 

And best of all, Kyla became a christian.

The End

Heads Up About Kyla's Journey

 Hey everyone!

 Just wanted to let you all know, that 'Kyla's Journey', is actually a story I wrote about 

half a year ago. So, it's very short and needs editing. I wasn't going to put it on here, but 

I'm really hoping to fill each category with tons of stories. 

      When I finish it and start 'Hadassah' I promise it will be more descriptive and edited. 

Hope you all enjoy my stories!

-Elena

Kyla's Journey

 P a r t   F i v e

-F A R   A W A Y-

Kyla slept at Malachi’s house for two days, and then headed on the road. Lisha and Ryan offered to find a safe place for Kyla, but Kyla didn’t want others to know too much about her. Kyla was all by herself in a huge city. She took a bus to the library and stayed there for hours reading books, and wandering around. Kyla found a book called, ‘Midnight Mystery.’ She went to the librarian and asked to borrow it for twelve dollars. 

      “Actually dear, that book isn’t one of ours. We are renting it from a much bigger library in Rucversville.” The kind lady said. 

Kyla sighed. “Ma’am, is there any way possible to rent the book from them? Maybe you could give me directions to Rucversville?” Kyla said earnestly. 

The lady thought about it, and then responded. “Yes you may. There’s a bus going to Rucversville this afternoon at three.” The lady handed Kyla the book and put it in a bag. “Take this straight there. No stealing.” 

“Yes Ma’am.” 

Kyla had gotten used to the idea of watching out for herself. She kind of enjoyed it.

That evening at three, the bus came and Kyla was one of the first ones to jump on. She told the bus driver her destination, and gave him the amount of money she owed him. As Kyla sat in the back of the bus, a thought came into her mind. Each mile the bus goes, the farther and farther I get away from home. Kyla was nervous all the sudden. I’m so far. But I’ll get back. I’ll get back. I’ll get back. “I’ll get back. I’ll get b—” 

“Something wrong back there, miss?” The driver asked. 

“Uh, oh no, no. I was just thinking.”

 “Okay, miss. Just checking.”

The bus drove another hour but then finally it arrived at the Rucversville Library. Kyla woke up, when the bus hit a bump on the road.

“Hey, Missy! I ain’t gonna wait here much longer.” The driver said. 

“I know, I’m coming.” Kyla quickly went to the front of the bus and hopped out. 

The library was huge. It had two beautiful glass windows, and about twenty big white stone steps leading up.

After asking to rent the book, Kyla walked around and explored the place. She wasn’t looking where she was going when she bumped into a lady carrying a leather purse and a few books. “Oh, I’m sorry.” Kyla said. The lady smiled. “You’re very polite. My name is Rachel, what’s yours?” Kyla was always taught to never tell a stranger her name. So she simply said, “my name is Leslie.” Leslie was Kyla’s middle name. 

Rachel then asked, “where are your parents Leslie? Are you all alone?” Kyla didn’t know what to say. So she said, 

“I have parents here somewhere.” She quickly walked off.

      Later that day, Kyla was trying to find someplace to sleep when she came across Rachel again. Rachel was very kind to her and offered to help her. “It’s okay Leslie. I don’t want to hurt you. But I need to know where your parents are. Rucversville’s a very big city. I don’t want you getting hurt.” Kyla felt comfortable around Rachel. 

“To tell you the truth……my name is Kyla, and……” Kyla thought. Was she really going to lie, or tell the truth? “I don’t have any parents.” She lied. Rachel bent down, and gave her a hug, offering to let her come to her house, or to find out where she can go. 

Kyla began to love Rachel. Kyla hadn’t loved anyone for a long time. Not even her dad. 

Rachel made tea for them both, and made her a bed on the couch. 

      “Don’t worry. I’m going to find you someplace safe.” Rachel reassured her. Kyla thought about if she should tell Rachel the whole truth. 

Another Sneak Peek!

 

Hi Everyone! I have already made the cover for 

Hadassah, but I thought it'd be fun to make 

something, that's sorta like a cover, but not 

exactly. Also, here's a little bit about Hadassah,

and the storyline. . . . . . . . . . . 

Join  H A D A S S A H  on her emotional and spiritual journey, 

as she learns to move on, and act as Jesus would during 

tough  struggles. 

Come along as  H A D A S S A H  discovers the true meaning of 

trust, loving others the way Jesus would, and forgiving them

 no matter what.

Prince & Princess of Ireland

  Chapter  Seven- Escape to get Free

Torin quickly turned around. 

"Who are you and what do you want?" Asked the man behind them. He looked like a chief.

"What do we want? We were only tryin' to watch!" Elda exclaimed.

Torin shushed her. "Keep your voice down, ok? And remember, you promised to let me do the talking." He whispered.

Another man came over and tied them in ropes. 

"We didn't do anything!" Torin yelled, trying to get free. What he saw, was a huge fire. He hung his head. "I can't believe I thought we were going to be royal. What a dream that would've been! Living in fancy castle, eating delicious food, sitting on a royal throne!" Torin almost cried.

Elda rolled her eyes, and looked him straight in the face, and firmly said, "you're a Braygan, Torin. And we Braygans don't hang our heads and throw pity parties. We stand up tall, and never give up!"

Torin looked at Elda. "You're right, sister. Always have been. Let's try to get free."

      They were tossed in a pile in the corner and were left there to starve. When the island people were hungry, they would...............I shouldn't say more.    

They sat there silently, until they saw a dark figure approach them. It was a girl. A girl with dark brown eyes and long black hair. She bent down next to them and whispered in Torin's ear, "take this knife and cut the ropes." She whispered. She said the same thing to Elda. 

The three walked far back behind the huts and tents.

"Now. If we get caught, tell them this was my idea. My father will be mad, but you shouldn't have to take the blame." She said sternly. 

"Was the man who grabbed my shirt,"

"And tied us up,"

"And tossed us in corner,"

"And tried to starve us, your father?" Elda finished. 

The girl sheepishly nodded. "Sorry for all that. I'm Migdalia. Who are you?"

"I'm Torin Braygan, and this is my sister Elda."

Migdalia's mouth fell open. "The prince and princess's names are those." She exclaimed. But then she looked sad. "It's a shame they're dead."

"They're not dead! In fact, they're alive and need your help! And by helping us, you're really helping them." Torin said in a persuading voice.

Migdalia sighed. "Listen up. I know well who both of you are. And if I were you, I'd run."

"Why?"

"Because about fifty men are chasing you."

Torin and Elda exchanged glances. 

"Well, it's been a nice stay, see ya!" Elda said waving as she ran away. They ran to the water. 

"Oh, no, where's our boat?!" Elda yelled.

"If I knew, we'd have it!" Torin yelled back. By that time they were surrounded. The twins held hands. "Well, Elda. It's been nice, fighting with you and going off on adventures together." Torin said. 

Elda smiled. "I've enjoyed correcting you, and driving you crazy." She said.

"Yeah, I could tell. Also, I'm sorry about the time I looked through your journal." Torin said. 

Elda face turned bright red. "You what?!"

"I thought you knew!"

"Well, ya thought wrong!"

The Chief banged his staff on the ground. "I have a very important message. This will decide your fate, whether we will eat you, or not." He said firmly. "And that message is,"

A little boy stepped out from the mist of the crowed. "Are you really the prince and princess of Scotland?" 

Isaiah 41

 I s a i a h   4 1

-S T R E N G H-

The Helper of Israel

Hi everyone, this chapter from the Bible was originally in Kyla's 

Journey. 

It kind of goes along with the theme. 

This is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible and I hope it's one of yours!

41 

“Be silent before me, you islands!

    Let the nations renew their strength!

Let them come forward and speak;

    let us meet together at the place of judgment.

2 

“Who has stirred up one from the east,

    calling him in righteousness to his service[a]?

He hands nations over to him

    and subdues kings before him.

He turns them to dust with his sword,

    to windblown chaff with his bow.

3 

He pursues them and moves on unscathed,

    by a path his feet have not traveled before.

4 

Who has done this and carried it through,

    calling forth the generations from the beginning?

I, the Lord—with the first of them

    and with the last—I am he.”

5 

The islands have seen it and fear;

    the ends of the earth tremble.

They approach and come forward;

6 

    they help each other

    and say to their companions, “Be strong!”

7 

The metalworker encourages the goldsmith,

    and the one who smooths with the hammer

    spurs on the one who strikes the anvil.

One says of the welding, “It is good.”

    The other nails down the idol so it will not topple.

8 

“But you, Israel, my servant,

    Jacob, whom I have chosen,

    you descendants of Abraham my friend,

9 

I took you from the ends of the earth,

    from its farthest corners I called you.

I said, ‘You are my servant’;

    I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

10 

So do not fear, for I am with you;

    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

11 

“All who rage against you

    will surely be ashamed and disgraced;

those who oppose you

    will be as nothing and perish.

12 

Though you search for your enemies,

    you will not find them.

Those who wage war against you

    will be as nothing at all.

13 

For I am the Lord your God

    who takes hold of your right hand

and says to you, Do not fear;

    I will help you.

14 

Do not be afraid, Jacob,

    little Israel, do not fear,

for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord,

    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

15 

“See, I will make you into a threshing sledge,

    new and sharp, with many teeth.

You will thresh the mountains and crush them,

    and reduce the hills to chaff.

16 

You will winnow them, the wind will pick them up,

    and a gale will blow them away.

But you will rejoice in the Lord

    and glory in the Holy One of Israel.

17 

“The poor and needy search for water,

    but there is none;

    their tongues are parched with thirst.

But I the Lord will answer them;

    I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

18 

I will make rivers flow on barren heights,

    and springs within the valleys.

I will turn the desert into pools of water,

    and the parched ground into springs.

19 

I will put in the desert

    the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive.

I will set junipers in the wasteland,

    the fir and the cypress together,

20 

so that people may see and know,

    may consider and understand,

that the hand of the Lord has done this,

    that the Holy One of Israel has created it.

21 

“Present your case,” says the Lord.

    “Set forth your arguments,” says Jacob’s King.

22 

“Tell us, you idols,

    what is going to happen.

Tell us what the former things were,

    so that we may consider them

    and know their final outcome.

Or declare to us the things to come,

23 

    tell us what the future holds,

    so we may know that you are gods.

Do something, whether good or bad,

    so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear.

24 

But you are less than nothing

    and your works are utterly worthless;

    whoever chooses you is detestable.

25 

“I have stirred up one from the north, and he comes—

    one from the rising sun who calls on my name.

He treads on rulers as if they were mortar,

    as if he were a potter treading the clay.

26 

Who told of this from the beginning, so we could know,

    or beforehand, so we could say, ‘He was right’?

No one told of this,

    no one foretold it,

    no one heard any words from you.

27 

I was the first to tell Zion, ‘Look, here they are!’

    I gave to Jerusalem a messenger of good news.

28 

I look but there is no one—

    no one among the gods to give counsel,

    no one to give answer when I ask them.

29 

See, they are all false!

    Their deeds amount to nothing;

    their images are but wind and confusion.

Kyla's Journey

 P a r t   T h r e e

-R U N N I N G   A W A Y-

Kyla found a seat on the bus next to a Spanish lady holding a book bag. Kyla was very nervous, but she couldn’t go back. Not now, at least. 

After two more stops to pick some people up, the bus drove to its destinations. The bus driver yelled back to Kyla. “Where you be going li’l missy?” 

Kyla stuttered at first. “Uh—I—I’m try—trying to go—” 

“Yer gonna have ta speak up, ‘cause my hearing ain’t that good.” The driver hollered back. 

Kyla got up her courage and tried to holler, “please take me to the farthest city in the state.” 

The driver hollered back, “that’s about fifty some dollars miss. Are ya sure you can pay that much?”

 Kyla quickly counted her money, and answered, “yes I’m sure.” 

Kyla was the last to get off the bus because her destination was the farthest away. She finally reached a city called Charleston. She hopped off the bus confidant but as soon as the bus drove away, her courage sank and she became afraid. “Bus! Bus! Come back!” But it was no use. The bus was far down several roads, probably never to be seen by her again. The story will continue on following page

P a r t   F o u r

-F E E L I N G   C O M F O R T-

Kyla walked on the sidewalk thinking about what had just happened. “I can’t believe this happened. I can’t believe I did this. I—” 

“Can’t believe what happened?” Asked a little boy, about eight or nine. “Sorry, it’s just that I heard every word you said and it made me curious.” 

Kyla stopped, not knowing what to say back in reply. “No, you don’t have too sorry. I was just upset, that’s all.” 

The boy came closer. “Upset about what? Do you have a home? Do you like goldfish? Are you married?” 

Kyla laughed. “No, no. It’s just—” Kyla paused for a moment. Am I really going to share important information with some little kid? Kyla decided she would. Maybe he could help her. 

“Actually, I don’t have a place to sleep, and the only supplies I have is a blanket, some water, and a box of peanuts.” The boy’s face lighted up. “My name’s Malachi, and I know a place. You can sleep at my house. My parents won’t mind. They’re really nice, and right over there!” He pointed to a couple buying some cotton candy, about ten twelve feet away. They soon walked over and handed one too Malachi. 

“Here’s some flavored cotton. Happy Birthday Malachi.” The wife noticed Kyla. 

“Who’s your friend, Malachi?” 

“Oh, that’s just Kyla. She ain’t got no place to sleep, so I said she could sleep at our house tonight.” The couple looked at each other and then at Kyla. 

“That’s fine with us. In the morning, we’ll try to find you someplace you can stay. Alright?” 

Kyla smiled with gratitude. “Thank you.” She said nervously. 

On the way to their house, the two people introduced themselves. 

“I’m Lisha.” 

“And I’m Ryan.” Kyla felt comfortable around them, and almost forgot her own family.

Kyla's Journey

 P a r t   T w o

-T O U G H   C H O I C E S-

Kyla ran into the yard, her face burning with tears. Why is this happening to me? She thought over and over again. Why? Why did Mom and Dad have to split up? Why do we have to move away from our home and leave Dad behind?  “I just want things to go back to normal.” She said through her tears. 

Kyla was never the one to cry or get teared up all time, but these last three months she had become so emotional and quiet. 

That thought about Mica wanting a new Dad, ran through Kyla’s mind a million times. She pondered them over and over again. But then thought: Once we move to Ohio, Dad will get our house here in South Carolina. Then— Kyla paused. “Am I really doing this? Yes. I have to. I can’t leave Dad behind.” 

Kyla had made her decision. I’m running away. But only for a little while. Once my Mom and Mica are in Ohio, then I’ll come back here and live with Dad. Ever since Kyla’s parents divorced, Kyla drew away from her Mom. Since it was her Mom’s idea to get a divorce, Kyla just stopped talking to her as much as she used to. 

Kyla snuck inside the half empty house, and found a random bag lying on the dusty floor. She picked it up and stuffed a water bottle, a box of peanuts, and a little blanket. 

I won’t need a lot of supplies, since I’ll only be gone about a week or two. Somehow, the thought never occurred to Kyla that her Mom and sister would never leave the state, knowing that she was missing. 

It was getting dark and Kyla knew a bus always drove through her neighborhood picking people up. This is the fastest way out of here, she thought. To get on the bus, it was about thirty dollars. To get someplace really faraway, it was usually about fifty dollars. Kyla had the money in her hand and waited for the bus. 

Meanwhile, Mom, Mica, and even Dad were still loading things into trucks, and cleaning up the house. Mom was going to check on Kyla, but Mica had told her Kyla was upset and wanted to be left alone. 

The bus finally came, and Kyla inhaled a deep breath. Here I go. She said to herself. And the second she stepped on that bus, her life would change forever. 

Kyla's Journey

 

Kyla’s Journey

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you

He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31: 18

P a r t   O n e

-C H A N G E-

Kyla lifted up her bronze dresser into the moving van with her sister Mica. Then they lifted the bed frame, along with the mattress. When they were done with Kyla’s bedroom furniture, Mica went inside and decided to start bringing out her bedroom stuff. Kyla sat on the swing thinking. “I can’t believe we’re really moving. Away from everything! It just isn’t fair.” Kyla stood up and went inside to get one last look at her old room. She walked down the cold empty hallway glancing at the bare walls that used to be filled with pictures of their family, a photo of their dog, and an owl clock that would go: hoo! Hoo! At every hour. Kyla remembered a time when she was three or four and asked her dad to lift her up, so she could see the owl’s eyes go back and forth. She also remembered her being afraid the first time. She remembered her dad’s beard, brown and scratchy. 

I miss Dad. She thought. She stood there lost in thought for a moment, when Mica peeked her head out from her open doorway. “Hey Kyla! Gonna help me or not?” Kyla tried to blink away her bad memories and answered, “sure I’ll be right there.” 

Kyla was thirteen and her sister Mica was ten. Sometimes they could fight so hard. But sometimes they were the best of friends. 

Kyla walked in and saw Mica sitting on the carpet less floor. 

“I thought you were working,” Kyla said. “I was a minute ago. Right now I was just thinking about how nice it will be when we go back to being a family.” Kyla closed her eyes and hoped she couldn’t believe what her sister was saying. “What do you mean, when we go back to being a family?” “Aw, you know, when Mom gets married again.” Kyla turned to leave so upset. “I can’t believe this! Mom’s not gonna get married again! How could you even think about something like that? You want Mom to just completely forget Dad and just marry someone else? You want a stepdad when you could just have your real one? I don’t understand!”

With that, Kyla rushed out the door and went outside crying.

To be continued

Prince & Princess of Ireland

   Chapter  Six- The  First   Step  of  the  Journey

Torin woke up. Had all that talk been a dream? No. Torin looked around the room. He was in one of the many rooms in the mansion. Torin woke up Elda.

"Elda, psst. Psst!" Elda sat up. 

"What are you pssssssting me for?" She said crossing her arms.  

"Never mind about that. We have to leave." 

"Already? The sun's not even up. What about breakfast? We have to say goodbye, and pack some food."

"And pack some food we will, so let's go." 

"We didn't even ask, Torin! That's not the Irish way to steal someone's food."

A mischievous grin lit up Torin's face. He said three words and then hopped up from the bed.

"We're not Irish." Was all he said. Elda tightened her fists. 

"Ohh, alright. You win this time. Let's go."

      The two snuck downstairs and packed some sandwiches, dried fish, and some other stuff. They put it in a bag and headed out. They walked for a while in silence and then Elda spoke up.

"Do you think there's really a castle waiting for us?" She said, her voice sounding unsure. 

"Of course there is. I'm sure there will be food. In fact..........." Torin hesitated. "There's going to be a lot of food. Good food too." He held his stomach.

He secretly reached his hand into the bag and carefully-

"Ohhhh no you don't!" Elda slapped his hand.

"Hey, what was that for?" Torin said rubbing his hand.

"We have to savor the food for as long as possible. Now, no touching it, or I'll slap ya again. You hear me?"

Torin crossed his arms. 

"Whatever." He mumbled under his breath.

They finally reached the shore and their boat was still there. They got in and began rowing. The sun was now peeking over the trees and they began to row faster. They rowed and rowed forever until they saw what they thought was land. They rowed closer and found that it was land. They had been rowing for a whole day and a half now. They were very far from the mansion.

When they reached the island they spotted a campfire. Torin whispered to Elda.

"Look. There's people here. Be on your best behavior. And also, let me do the talking!" 

"Fine. I won't talk unless you say something stupid." 

"Fine."

"Good."

The two walked closer and closer to the campfire crouching behind bushes and trees, trying to not be seen. They kept sneaking and sneaking until they heard a sound, and felt something grab their-

Sorry! I guess you have to wait 'til Friday to find out!

Have a nice week!

-Elena