NaNoWriMo (Day 21 of 30) Strangers in the Dark (43,822 words left)

So, I think I'm getting stuck in my head again, and my head is somewhere in Australia trying to convince myself that I do NOT need to revise now! But I want to so freaking bad! Like I had mentioned last week, I saw my friend Kimberli (the friend that is preparing for publication because she's a brilliant writer.) Well, speaking with her just made me realize how much more I have to learn about writing and how much my writing can still improve. She also pointed out all the "telling" in my story. (That's really my biggest nightmare!) I think I would prefer that (DARE I SAY IT!?!?!?) my manuscript be full of typos rather than be full of telling! (THE HORROR!)

But, I am going to try and move past this instead of seeking perfection on the first try because I know it's not possible. Kimberli said that her drafts always start out like mine and then she goes in later and plays around. I just have to get the basics down.

Suffice to say, I'm not completely over it and was only able to get down 86 words, but here they are.

Strangers in the Dark

(Still on Chapter Two)

What was I doing? Thinking I could simply walk out the door with a pack in one hand and a gun in the other? What did I expect? That I’d walk around the corner, see my brother or father struggling with a Recruiter, shoot the Recruiter in the knee cap, and get the hell out of here? Absolutely not. No way it would ever work out like that. Nevertheless, I stood with only one foot out the door, wishing that’s exactly how it would play out. (86 words)

NaNoWriMo (Day 16 of 30) Strangers in the Dark (43, 908 words left)

I had the day off today so it was a good day to write, but the bad news is that my car had to go into the shop :( It's making a bad noise!!! So far, it's not looking too expensive, but the people aren't done looking. Cross your fingers for me.

Other than that, I want to ZUMBA! tonight and it was totally fun and a good work out. I'm thinking of doing it every week. :)

Well, here's more of Strangers in the Dark...

Strangers in the Dark

(Chapter Two Continued...This is almost the end of chapter two. I just have one more section planned.)

Handling a gun wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. The cold of the metal, the weight of the trigger, and the kick of the shot made me feel more confident. The only thing that jolted me was the blasting sound, but I even got used to that after a few shots. Kale had built a makeshift man out in the fenced off backyard using a sturdy wooden table with two cardboard boxes stacked on top. Nora stood on top of a kitchen chair so she could be the look out, letting us know if anyone was walking by or if the shots were attracting unwanted company. Nora gave the go-ahead nod.

Kale continued with his lesson, “Now that you’ve got the feel of shooting the gun, let’s try aiming. The best way to incapacitate someone with little chance of seriously injuring or killing them is to aim for the meat of their thighs. Think of this set up as a man standing in front of you. The boxes are the man’s head and torso. You shoot there and you could be causing some serious damage. It really should be the last resort unless you really understand the body; like where the empty space and the vital organs are inside. Now, think of the legs of this table as the legs of a man. Squeeze the trigger of the gun slowly while aiming at one of the legs. Then, take a single breath, and squeeze again at the same leg.”

I did as he asked and aimed for the front leg on the right. I wasn’t sure where the first shot went, but the second nicked the inside of the leg I was aiming at. Once my ears stopped ringing a bit, I could hear Kale clapping.

“Excellent job. Nora had to try at least three times before hitting the leg, and her target was twice as big.”

“Watch it, mister. Now I could take off your pinky finger if I wanted to.”

Kale smiled for the first time since I met him. “That’s very true. Now try again, Talis. You’re doing just fine.” I repeated the same two shots with the same results. “Again.” This time I hit it with both shots. “Good, here’s a new clip. Replace it and make the same shot.” I was sloppy while replacing the clip, but I got it in there and made the same shot, hitting the leg twice again. “Now, aim for a different leg, using the same kind of shot.” I did as he said, aiming for the front leg on the right. I missed the first shot, but nicked the outside of the leg with my second shot, a near mirror image of my first try. I looked to Kale for further guidance. “You’re aim is very consistent. That’s good. Let me try something now.” He took the gun from me and adjusted the sights on the top just a bit. “Now try again, same leg, same kind of shot.” I did as he said and hit it twice, splintering the leg from top to bottom. “Perfect. Let’s try a few different shots with the rest of the clip.”

Nora jumped down from her look out spot and placed some empty pop cans on the table, on the boxes and on the ground. There were four cans all together.

Kale instructed me once again. “Now, this time, aim at the first can on the ground, shoot, take a breath, aim for the second can on the table, shoot, take a breath, and so on. Even if you miss, go to the next can.” I did as he said. I missed the first can on the ground, hit the second on the table, hit the third on the card board box, and missed the fourth by the fence, only by an inch though. “Great job. I’m actually very impressed,” he said while giving me a little hug around the shoulders. “We should stop, though. I’m sure we’ve attracted some attention and it’s getting dark. You might get the chance to practice more in the future, but spare your bullets just in case. Just remember, even though you have a gun, doesn’t mean you have to use it. Be careful, be resourceful, and defend yourself.” (716 words)

See you all tomorrow. I should have another movie review tomorrow as well. If not tomorrow, then definately Friday. Have you guys been enjoying them? I bet you can tell that I have been watching a lot more movies than reading books. I'm sad to say that I haven't finished a book in a long time. I've been reading the same book for the last two months. The even sadder thing is that it's an excellent book! Oh well!

NaNoWriMo (Day 15 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (44,621 words left)

Today was a good day.  I got two checks today--one for my jewelry that I have been selling on consignment and one for a project I did for the Chamber a few weeks ago! I got two calls about interviews for possible full time jobs!!! I got an email about a temp job for 3 months next year if nothing else pans out! I finished my paperwork for working at Express for Black Friday! I bought the final Harry Potter movie! AND I was able to write for NaNoWriMo! All in all, good times.

Strangers in the Dark

(Chapter Two Continued)

      It wasn’t the night that had me ready to jump out of my own skin, but the day. It was the longest day I have ever had to bare in my eighteen years of life. I wanted it to be over so badly. I wanted the sun to go down and release me from this lit prison. My fingers throbbed as I continued to tap them against the arm of the chair I had been sitting in for the last six hours.

“Can’t sit still for one minute, can you?” I looked over at Kale. I didn’t know how long he had been standing there, looking over me as I allowed all my nervous energy to consume me.

“You’re teasing me, right?” I knew what it was like to have a sibling. All they did was mock you in the most loving way possible.

“Yes. I know this is not the most appropriate time to lighten the mood, but it looked like you needed it.”

I laughed a bit. “Thanks.”

“No problem. Will it help to go over your plan with me? I’ve been told I am an excellent strategist.”

“Only when we are playing Monopoly, Kale,” Nora teased.

“I am the king of hotels.”

“I appreciate all of your help, but I don’t think there is anything else you could do. I know I’m not prepared for this. I don’t think anyone would be.”

Kale and Nora seemed to agree, but there was a strange look on both of their faces. They looked at one another, and in a moment, I could tell an entire conversation had occurred between them. My mom and dad used to have the same kinds of conversations. It just showed how much they knew about each other, how close they were. Kale and Nora had the same vibe. “We may have one thing that could prepare you a bit more,” Kale finally announced. “But it also may be a bit scary for you. However, we feel it may be entirely necessary for your safety, especially after what happened last night.”

     “Okay, what is it?” I asked, more curious than nervous.

Kale once again retreated from the room, this time to return with a small black case about the size of a lunch box, except there wasn’t a thermos and sandwich in this lunch box. “This is a semi-automatic handgun. I’ve owned a gun almost all my life and I’ve taught Nora how to shoot properly and effectively in the last year or so. I guess you’ll just have to get the quick lesson.”

“Whoa, hold on a minute! Who said anything about me shooting a gun? I’ve never…”

“I figured, but you’re going to have to learn if you’re planning on going up against even one Recruiter. Last night, almost every single one of those people had a gun or some lethal weapon on them. As much as they want to recruit new people, they really aren’t very concerned about sparing lives.” Kale was becoming heated, but he took a breath and looked me straight in the eye. “Just because you own a gun, does not mean you will ever have to use it. And even if you do have to use it, does not mean you have to kill the person you are using it on. Self-defense is the only reason to ever use it—when it comes down to your life or the life of someone you love.”

I paused, thinking about how unreal my life suddenly seemed. At the time, I was more likely to believe I was having a nightmare, or was stuck in a video game or teen novel. But the truth was that it was all real, and Kale was right. I was going up against people who didn’t care one lick about my life. “Teach me.” (639 words)

NaNoWriMo (Day 13 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (46,606 words left)

It's raining, a lot. A great day to hang with friends and watch movies. We watched the new Pirates of the Caribbean and now we are on I Am Number 4. Here and there, I have picked up my computer to write a bit. Here's what I got.

Strangers in the Dark

(Chapter Two Continued)

“I have to go find them, Nora. You have to let me go.”

“You’ll wait until dark,” Kale announced as he entered the room with a small black back pack. “Here.” He handed it to me. “There is enough food and water to last you a week if you are careful enough with it.”

“You don’t have to do this. I had a bag, back at the barricade. I can return and get it. Or, I can return to my house and try and find something.”

“I’m sure the Recruiters have confiscated everything that was left behind at the barricade. Apparently, they have a lot of mouths to feed.”

He was probably right, so I thanked him and took the bag. “I should go now, though. The longer I wait, the farther away they get from me.”

“No, you’ll wait until dark. From what little I know about the Recruiters, they like the light, to show off their numbers. They have the appearance of being without fear, but I’m sure there are plenty of weak links. After all, they are mostly made up on anxious, kidnapped children. Where is your house?”

“Just a few blocks from here, I believe.”

“Good. You should be safe there then. The Recruiters are mostly based in the center of the city. Their numbers will be the most concentrated there. Rumors are that they are building a wall, claiming their territory, keeping the outsiders out. Who knows what else they are planning there. Your best bet is to get out of the city all together, as soon as you can. Nora and I are heading north. The farther away from here the better. You’re more than welcome to join us.”

“Thank you, but I can’t”

“I understand. Nora and I will stay with you until dark at least. Best get some shut eye. It’s going to be a long night for all of us.” (319 words)

I'm sure I'll write more which I will either post later today or tomorrow. See ya!

NaNoWriMo (Day 12 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (45,645 words left)

Another beautiful day off. Everything in my back yard froze over last night and the frost was twinkling in the moonlight. Then, when I woke up, it was sunny, the frost was gone, and I could tell it was going to be a beautiful day. So far, so good. I got a bit of writing done, but now I must get ready to go see The Thunder Down Under! For those of you who may not know what that is, it is basically the Australian Chip N Dales. My friend Morgan, that is getting married next year, bought them all for her mom for Christmas and as a little pre-very-early-bachelorette party. I've never been to anything like this, but I do hear that the most entertaining part is the crazy women you get to see freaking out over the dancers. Should be a blast!!!

Strangers in the Dark

(Chapter Two continued)

Both their eyes darted to the corner where my voice appeared. “But you do have to let me go.”

Nora walked over to me, and cautiously laid her hind on mine. “Of course. You are not our prisoner, and I am so sorry that we mistook you for a Recruiter, but will you please allow us to make sure you are not hurt. We also need to find you some rations.” Nora looked back over at Kale who nodded his head and left the room. “Come on then. Let’s go to the living room. This room is getting cold and there is more light in the main room. The sun is coming up.” She said the last bit with a smile. The sun was really the only hope any of us had that the world was not ending quite yet, that there was still some light left.

The water was cold, but Nora made sure to wash my hands, face, and hair.

“You don’t have to do this, you know. I understand that you didn’t mean to intentionally hurt me. That day, yesterday, was terrible,” I choked. “None of us deserved to be in the middle of it.”

“Yes, it was terrible, but that does not mean we are all on our own now, that we must step over others just to save ourselves. Humanity, empathy, love, they don’t simply go away.”

“Sounds like something my mom would…would have said.” I looked out the window, in the direction of the barricade. “She was a good woman, too good. She didn’t understand this new world, how it could be this bad, almost cruel. All she was ever concerned about was taking care of me and my little brother.” I had tried a brave face, but was unable to keep it up. I cried, not only because I missed Mom, but because I had no idea how I was going to be able to find Jensen and Dad. (326 words)

As always, more tomorrow!

NaNoWriMo (Day 11 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (45,986 words left)

It's 11/11/11, everyone! Make a wish and knock on wood!

I will be working at the Chamber today (all day), but I'm working on a pretty important project with a very tight deadline so this work has actually been contracted out to me which is awesome!!! Nothing I like better than contracted work at the moment. A realy job would be better, but for now, this is fabulous! Then, I am having dinner with my parents and my aunt that is up from down state. I can't wait to see her.

With all this going on, I am happy to get this portion of my NaNoWriMo off early to you all!

Strangers in the Dark (Chapter Two continued)

It was dark, immediately reminding me of this new world I was living in, one without light, one of war, and consequently, without a mom. The pain in the back of my head was not enough to make me forget about the pain in my heart, and the tears were not enough to wash away the cinders on my hands and face. I was in agony, missing my entire family. But now had to be about my own survival if I was ever going to see Jensen or Dad ever again. I lifted myself from the bed I had been carefully placed in, a pillow had been placed under my head, my shoes removed and socks replaced, the blankets tucked neatly under my chin. Whoever my captors were, they were kind or simply diligent.

The room must have belonged to a young girl at one place. Every shade of purple and pink had been utilized, flowers and butterflies haunted every blanket and picture, and costume jewelry littered the vanity and dresser. Who was this young girl, and where was she. Perhaps she escaped, like my friend Sari, or was captured like Jensen, or lost like myself.

There were two doors in this room—two potential exits. I assumed one must lead to a bathroom, while the other would lead to a hallway, living room, or staircase? Looking out the window, which was unfortunately nailed shut, I surmised that I was on the main floor, and not too far from the barricade. All I had to do was get out of this room and I could be right back where I was earlier today—yesterday? I didn’t know how long I had been out.

Putting all my weight on the fully carpeted floor, I crossed my fingers that not a single noise would escape this room. The last thing I needed was for my captors to be onto me before I even knew where the front door was. Or, maybe, that’s exactly what I wanted to happen. I managed to stand without a sound and made my way over the vanity set, picked up the chair and smashed it into the single, nailed window, shattering the glass. Hearing footsteps running toward the door directly behind me, I dropped the chair and dived behind the dresser, hidden from view.

A glow began to grow from underneath the door, an opaque monster, lighting the way for its master in the hallway. The door creaked open, a man entered the room, followed closing by a woman that clung to his shirt.

The man surveyed the room. “She’s gone, out the window.”

“What?” the woman gasped. “But what if she was still hurt, Kale, you hit her so hard.” She almost sounded concerned.

“I thought she was one of them, Nora. I thought she was going to hurt you.”

“Well, she didn’t have a red arm band. She’s our responsibility. We hurt her and put her in more danger. We need to find her, now.” Nora turned to walk back out of the room, as determined as I have ever seen a young woman before.

“Wait,” Kale yelled after her.

“What is it? She’s going to get too far and then we won’t be able to help her. She probably doesn’t have any food or water, barely even a coat or a…”

Kale interrupted her, “She’s still here.”

I stiffened.

“There are no footprints in the snow. She did this to throw us off, in case...”

“In case we were evil people.”

They began to glance around the room, neither of them looking like they knew what to do next. There was really only one thing to do.

“I don’t think you’re evil,” I whispered. (620 words)

Well, tomorrow is another day to write, read, work, eat, love, and live! (In no particular order.)

NaNoWriMo (Day 10 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (46,606 words left)

I'm working today at the Chamber and then I have the rest of the day off. I'm thinking a little bit of shopping could be in order. What are you guys planning on doing? Oh, and here's the rest of Chapter One of Strangers in the Dark!

Strangers in the Dark

(The end of Chapter One)

“Oh, no,” I breathed.

“What?” my mom ask, desperately trying to see through the fence.

“Grenades. We’ve got to go.” I pulled on her desperately.

“No, we can’t leave your father and Jensen. Where are they, Talis? Did you see them?”

“The Recruiters have already pulled the pins, Mom. We need to leave…”

The explosion built a wall of heat that forced me away from her, pushing me onto my back and singeing the threads of my jeans and sweater. And as the other grenades went off, it began to snow.

With ears ringing, face flushed, legs weak, I rolled over onto my stomach and crawled over to my mom. The explosion had appeared right behind her. Like a fox sneaking up on a poor rabbit, no one saw it until it was too late. My hand reached hers, and despite the warmth of the burning fires around us, her hand was cold. But she couldn’t be…I cradled her head in both my arms and tried to rock her awake. Her limbs were heavy and her clothes badly burned, but still I thought she was merely knocked out. She wasn’t breathing and I couldn’t find a pulse.

Finally, I succumbed to the tears. They choked me, cutting off my breathing and my voice. I couldn’t call to my Dad, but I saw him running toward us with Jensen. There were men in black following him, though. One hit him over the head with the butt of his gun and then shot a police man that had snuck up behind him. Another grabbed Jensen and started carrying him away like a rag doll. I couldn’t hear him, but I could tell he was yelling my name, ripping his vocal cords just to get me to help him. I cried a little harder as I looked back down at Mom.

“I love you, but I have to go now.” I brushed her hair away from her forehead and gave her one final kiss, like I used to do when I was a little girl. “Good bye.”

It was hard getting up off the ground. Ever muscle seemed to be fighting me and the world looked like a blur of black and blue, but my hearing was coming back and Jensen’s voice sounded through all the fog. In moments, I was in a full out sprint towards him, skimming around the pot holes and fires in the road, jumping over the poor souls that were now lost just like my mom. Dad was still on the ground, just a few feet away, but I knew he wasn’t dead. All I had to do was get to Jensen and then we could come back for our dad.

I was almost to my brother. I paused a moment to pull a metal baton off a fallen officer; it would be something to defend myself against the man that had a hold of Jensen. I made a quick turn to face his captor, but ended up running down a young woman instead. Then, everything went black.

Chapter Two: The Awakening

I awoke in an unfamiliar room. (520 words)

That's all you get of Chapter Two today, but I sure am happy to have started it!

NaNoWriMo (Day 9 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (47,126 words left)

It's my day off and it's raining! I guess it's better than snow. So, I've been lazing around, writing a bit, just enjoying my pajamas, blankets, and pillows. Here's what I have so far for NaNoWriMo today...

Strangers in the Dark (Chapter One continued)

The air filled with the roar of men, women, and children. An organized mob formed around us, people dressed almost entirely in black with a single red band tied around their right arm, yelling war cries of a new order. The moment froze as realization hit me. These were the Recruiters. They were not a gang. They were an army.

Then, the moment was over, and reality sunk in as the deafening sounds of expelled bullets hitting concrete consumed my senses. Everyone in line scattered as the Recruiters invaded, firing at the barricade. People just like us tugged on their loved ones by their finger tips, more concerned about each other than the bags they dragged behind them. They were running in every direction, some still trying to force their way through the barricade, bumping into the Recruiters, only to be shot, attacking the police, only to be pushed down by tall bulletproof shields. Frantic, I clasped onto my mom and dragged her behind some wooden fencing. Peering through the cracks, I tried to find Dad and Jensen. I found them running for cover on the opposite side of the highway. Dad had lifted Jensen over his shoulder. I worried, thinking he was hurt. Even at eleven years old he was still so small and fragile. Dad sat him down next to him when they situated themselves in an alleyway, behind a dumpster. Both appeared to be unscathed, and even in the slew of chaos, I relaxed, feeling like we were safe.

A kind of calm took place on the highway. The guns stopped firing and were replaced by the tinkling of pins and rings falling from the hands of the Recruiters then hitting the ground below. (287 words)

I'm close to finishing chapter one! I hope to get it done today!

NaNoWriMo (Day 8 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (47,413 words left)

Today was a good day for my career. I volunteered for the chamber, went to the member's meeting for my internship and gave a presentation on my progress with their new web site, then headed off to the business expo to volunteer a bit more and network. I handed out a few resumes and got some great reception and good feedback. A very productive day in which I was able to come home and wrap it all up with a bit of writing! The work day may end, but NaNoWriMo isn't up for another 22 days!

Strangers in the Dark (Chapter One continued...Almost done!)

The line was moving painstakingly slow and I noticed more than one family being showed to the side, forced to turn around or provide further papers, especially when there were children involved, seemed the police were concerned with adults taking kids that were not their own, but I had no clue why. Jensen and I eventually grew tired and sat down on a curb nearby while Mom and Dad stayed in line, striking up different conversations with the people around them.

“This your first time in line?” A man asked Dad.

“Yeah, why?”

“This is our second.” The man pointed out his wife and young child just a few feet away from him. “The first time all we had was our licenses and our son’s birth certificate. The police wouldn’t let us take him with us, claiming we had no way to really prove he was our son. Like I’d be trying to steal kids when I can barely feed my one boy as it is. Anyway, now we’re back with pictures of him growing up, hoping that will be enough. Those your kids?” He pointed to Jensen and me.

“Yeah, Talis has her driver’s license and we have Jensen’s school ID and birth certificate.”

“You should be fine then. The police like picture IDs.”

Mom joined them. “You’re the second person I’ve talked to that has had to return with further proof for their children. What’s going on?”

“It’s the Recruiters, a gang that’s forming strong in the center of the city. There have been more than a few break-ins in this neighborhood alone. They’re collecting massive resources, food, water, lights, even cars and gasoline, but their greatest resource is children. They’re recruiting them to build their numbers. I’m surprised you haven’t heard yet, considering you have two children to watch over.”

Mom looked over at us with a sickly green face, like she was going to be sick.

“We heard about the gangs,” Dad explained, “and our house was broken into last night, our bags and car stolen. That’s why we’re leaving. I never imagined the children would be in this kind of danger.”

“Well, good luck to the both of you and your children. Hopefully, I’ll see you on the other side,” the man quipped.

As the line started moving a bit quicker, Jensen and I rejoined Mom and Dad. We were less than a block away from the barricade when the screaming began. (407 words)

I have the day off tomorrow so I'm looking forward to some relaxing and writing!

NaNoWriMo (Day 7 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (??? words left)

Well, my day has been cut short. I had a lot more work to do for the Chamber and my internship than I thought, so this is all I was able to accomplish before taking off. I am going to a private pillates session that I won (Yippee!) and then I am going to see a movie with my cousin! Perhaps, I will get home a bit early and add more, plus tell you about the movie my cousin and I are going to see. We haven't quite made up our minds yet so I have nothing to say. But here is more of Strangers in the Dark...

Strangers in the Dark (Chapter One continued)

A single warning shot silenced everyone within a half mile radius. One man began to speak, his voice reaching us before he even came into view. “Please, everyone, stay calm. Form a single file line. Have your identifications with picture ID ready. All children also must be identified before leaving the city.”

“Dad?” He answered me before I could say anymore.

“I have everything we need in the spare pack. Do you have your driver’s license on you like I asked?”

“Yes.”

“Good. We’ll be fine then.”

“Why was there a shot?” Jensen asked, but Mom silenced as we turned the corner onto the main highway.

Everything came into view: a single file line, stretching more than three blocks, a row of six or seven police cars, sawhorses lined with barbed wire, more than a dozen cops and even more army soldiers, and a single uniformed man standing on police car with a megaphone, directing the crowds to the line. Dad, Mom, Jensen, and I all stepped into form. (169 words)

NaNoWriMo (Day 6 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (48,001 words left after I made some minor additions to previous days)

I hope everyone remembered to set their clocks back last night, giving you a whole extra hour to write today! I had some technical difficulties at first today. I took off my space bar to clean underneath it and then just tried shoving it back on. I thought I had it snapped all back into place, but my space bar was only working about half the time and allmy wordsstarted looking likethis!!! Turns out I bent the two tiniest little hooks underneath the key, preventing my space bar from fully being pushed down. So, I got a needle and lifted the first hook back into place. Then, when getting the second hook back to normal, I snapped the needle, lodging a piece underneath one of the snappy-doohickies that holds the space bar into place. So, then I had to get that out and still reshape the second hookie-thing again. FINALLY! I got everything into place after I removed three other keys and one of the snappy-dookickies (<--What a fabulous word!!!). Suffice to say, everything was fixed and this is what I wrote before, during, and after the technical surgery I performed today...

Strangers in the Dark

(Chapter One Continued)

The basement seemed to tremble as every bump upstairs knocked dust and cobwebs from the ceiling down onto my blankets. Dad reached for one of Jensen’s little league baseball bats that had been stored on a rickety shelf. When he grabbed the bat though, a box full of mitts and balls came with it, hitting the ground, signaling the people who broke in above us. And just as Dad positioned himself at the bottom of the stairs, prepared to protect all of us from anyone who dared come down to the basement, the familiar squeaky hinges on the front door sounded and an engine roared to life.

“Stay here,” Dad commanded, already a few feet up the stairs. He returned but a moment later. “We need to repack. Find anything we can use. And pack light. We’re walking out of here now.

The burglars had taken the packed bags we left by the front door. They contained almost everything, our food, water, warm clothes, kerosene lamp. Luckily, Dad brought a backup down into the basement with us the previous night. It would be enough for all of us for a few days, but the burglars also got Dad’s car keys, making off in it while vandalizing Mom’s to the point that it was impossible to drive. It would be harder and longer to get out of town.

With the backup pack now split between Mom and Dad, and Jensen and I both carrying a flashlight and a small back pack of just a few water bottles, a bit of food, and a blanket we walked out our shattered front door, leaving everything else behind for looters and squatters alike. We were homeless now, or at least that was the feeling. We made it to the end of our front walkway, before Dad made a b-line towards our neighbor’s house just to the right of us. It belonged to an old man by the name of Mr. Scrivener. I shined my flashlight ahead of Dad. It was still too dark to see much of anything. Mr. Scrivener’s door was busted open like ours. Dad asked us to wait while he went in to check on things. A part of me was getting really tired of waiting behind. I knew Dad was just trying to be safe, but this world was crumbling. I knew he wouldn’t be able to protect us from everything.

Dad returned soon enough with another bag. All of us stared, waiting for some clue as to what he found. He looked to Mom and shook his head. “I think he tried to confront the people that broke in. They pushed him and he hit his head. He still managed to drag himself to this.” He handed to the bag to Mom, who then opened it. It was full of food and juice boxes.

Mom’s eyes began to fill with water. “What is happening? Is it really that bad that people are killing and dying for juice boxes?”

Jensen and I both moved closer to her, me grabbing her hand and Jensen clinging to her sweater. Dad kissed her on the cheek. “Come on, Honey. We have to keep moving.”

Somehow, I felt like that walk to the border of the city was symbolic of my entire life up to this point. It began at our house, the only home I have ever known and grew up in. Then, there was following my parents out of the house. I idolized them and everything they taught me: love intelligence, strength, courage, and independence. Just a few blocks down from our house I could make out my old elementary school playground through the dim. It was empty for the first time. Even in the snow, kids would still try to swing or climb the monkey bars. Jensen had graduated from the fifth grade there less than a year ago and was half way through his sixth year, but he still visited from time to time, forcing me to come with him. I was five months away from graduating from high school. I couldn’t wait either. Then, the world ended and no more school. Jensen was crushed. He loved school and had so many friends. I, on the other hand, couldn’t wait to get out. They idea of leaving those teachers and the people in my school behind, then heading off to college, not too far from home, but just enough, was everything. However, at that point, I was pretty much convinced that college wouldn’t be an option anymore. And, as the bullet sounds began to ring through the air, a perfect symbol of the violence of this new world, I was dragged all the way up to the present in an instant.

(791 words)

Well, regardless, it was a pretty productive day. I also made a few MINOR additions to the previous entries like mentioning that Talis and her family live in a townhouse and that Jensen has shaggy blonde hair just to let you know. Until next time! 

NaNoWriMo (Day 5 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (48,842 words left)

I'm going to post this now, just in case I don't get the chance to do it later. Today is my friend Sarah's birthday and my friend Morgan is having her first bridal fitting and I am her Maid of Honor so it is going to be another busy day. Honestly, I am getting tired of using the word "busy!" There has got to be another one I can use. Any ideas? Nevertheless, NaNoWriMo continues...

 

Strangers in the Dark (Continued)

Tomorrow came soon enough and we were almost packed. Everything was waiting by the door as we tried to get one more full night’s sleep before walking away from everything, this city, neighborhood, the only home I have ever known. It was hard choosing what to bring, and fitting our entire house into one SUV was out of the question as Dad so blatantly pointed out to Jensen. Even though he was nearly a teenager, he still came up with some pretty childish notions. Then again, he might have just been trying to be funny for the rest of our sakes.

That night, we all slept in the basement just to get away from the noises of the barricades outside so that we could all try and get one more night of decent rest. Not that we all weren’t on edge for the entire night. We were all prepared to leave at first light, but none of us were prepared for the shattering crash that echoed through our house in the dim.

I jolted up from a fuzzy sleep, my heart threatening to break out from my chest.

“What was that?” Jensen asked before he was nearly strangled by our dad’s hand covering his mouth. His other hand rose to his lips, silently telling us all to be quiet as footsteps rang throughout the length of our house.

(228 words)



See you either later tonight with more or tomorrow!

NaNoWriMo (Day 4 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (49,070 words left)

Another day, and that means more NaNoWriMo!!! Once again, I fear this is going to be another day of only a couple hundred words or so. And just when I was thinking it would be one of the biggest word count days. See, I volunteered at my local chamber today for a straight 5 hours, and usually I have quite a bit of free time while I wait for the phone to ring, plus, I didn't have any ongoing projects today. However, all the materials arived for our business expo and that meant putting together 150 exhibitor packets. So, no time to write. I did have fun though. When doing a task in which I have to do the same thing over and over again, I make a game of it, trying to find the fastest way to do something and then whipping it out. The other volunteers and I finished everything, but with little time to spare. :( Anyway, here's what I accomplished today before hitting the sack!

Strangers in the Dark (Continued...Again, still Chapter One.)



Late one afternoon, a thundering beat came stampeding down a street near our house. Jensen pulled back one of the heavy blankets we had nailed over the main floor windows to better insulate the house, and discourage neighbors from seeing any light sources we had acquired. Once the blanketed veil was lifted away from the window, that monotonous beat grew louder and louder as armored police, army cars, and mounted steeds flooded into view. They brought with them guns, barbed wire, shields, marked saw horses, anything that could be used to establish a wall or barricade.

I’m pretty sure I heard the word ‘cool’ escape Jensen’s mouth more than once.

“Come see!” He waved the rest of us to the window, interrupting Mom’s twiddling of her thumbs and the card game Dad and I had been playing for the last three days. I must admit that it was quite the sight. Within minutes, the police lined their cars perfectly diagonal to one another, creating a near impenetrable barrier all on their own as the mounted men weaved in and out, giving the grey and white camouflaged army men just enough time to place a small barricade in the intersection just down from our house. They then moved flawlessly to the next one, and the next, until they hit the main highway that left town. There, they had stationed a mix of uniformed men and women with guns and shields all facing the interior of the city.

A shiver ran up and down the entire length of my body. If only I were to walk a few blocks down the street, then their sights, their weapons, would be aimed at me, my friends, neighbors, family, and everyone else within the city.

“Why are they doing this?” I begged either one of my parents.

“I’m sure they’re just trying to be precautious,” my mom soothed.

“The last time the electricity went out like this,” Dad began, “the crime rate soared. They’re preparing for some kind of outbreak or riot. People are going to start getting desperate if the lights don’t come back on or some relief doesn’t get here soon.”

“What are we going to do?” Jensen asked, a slight wobble in his throat.

Dad wrapped his big arms around all three of us. “I don’t know about everyone else, but we’re getting out of here. Soon. Maybe even tomorrow.”

(398 words)

Yeah, I like the way this is turning out. Even though I'm not writing a ton, it's flowing for me. lol. Until tomorrow!

NaNoWriMo (Day 3 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (49,468 words left)

Day 3 Of NaNoWriMo and still going pretty strong...not in word count, but in the fact that I am still writing every day. Besides, today was a particularly busy day. I worked, had two meetings, did one of my friend's hair, went shopping, got a call that another friend had a siezure (she's doing great though), ran home, helped take care of friend's dogs while her and her family were at the hospital, saw them when they came home, all safe, went to other friend's (hair friend) for dinner, watched a movie, came home, wrote!!! Busy, busy, busy!!! Anyway, hoping everyone the best, especially in their writing! Here's my continuation...Still in chapter one!

Strangers in the Dark (Continued)



...One week without electricity and the entire city started going crazy. People I knew where banging on the doors of every neighbor, abandoned house, grocery store, gasoline station, and department store, looking for water, food, gas, blankets, lanterns, and anything else someone needed to truly survive in this new urban wilderness. Dad was smart and thought of these kinds of things weeks ago. He was always good in a crisis, knowing when to pack extra socks on vacation, or pick up egg drop soup on his way home from working at the office whenever any of us were sick. This time was no different. He had water, which we used very sparingly now that every faucet in the city had run dry. We also had canned goods and boxed items for food, anything that wouldn’t spoil without a freezer or refrigerator. It seemed we were set for a while, maybe even until the lights came back on. However, that feeling didn’t last very long. It wasn’t but a few more days and the city border started to go up, blocking almost any exit from the city... (186 words)

It's almost midnight so I better post. See you all tomorrow!

NaNoWriMo (Day 2 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (49,654 words left)

Day two of NaNoWriMo and I can at least say that it has been going much better than the first day. The soul reason being that I wrote a bit more than yesterday.

Strangers in the Dark (continued)

...It was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen, like iridescent ribbons dancing above us. I turned to look at my parents and my brother, Jensen. All of them stood with their eyes on the sky.

“What is it, Talis?” Jensen asked.

“An aurora, I think.” I looked to my parents for confirmation. Both glanced at one another, as though they were deciding what to tell Jensen and me—the truth or the farthest thing from it.

Dad spoke, “It’s something similar to that.”

Every night the colors became more vibrant—greens, blues and purples, then reds, oranges and pinks. And every night, the weather turned warmer. The Christmas snow was melting and flooding into the streets. That’s when the rumors about the end of the world started.

A few families, mainly the ones that owned a summer home in the country, evacuated the city. My best friend was barely allowed to say goodbye before her family whisked her away to safety. The rest of us still waited, hoping the beautiful colors and early heat wave meant nothing more than a little extra global warming.

Mom and Dad glued themselves to the news as every weatherman and scientist fought over their different research. The most common theory was that the sun had reached the peak of its eleven year cycle, creating some of the largest solar flares recorded, resulting in the brilliant auroras, excessive heat, and apparently unparalleled amounts of radiation at the earth’s poles. It all made sense, but what was unclear was how, if ever, these solar flares would affect us. Eventually, that concern was answered as well.

On the hottest day yet, the electricity browned out for hours until it blacked out for good, taking away the lights, the news, the phones, the air conditioning, and anything and everything that plugged into an outlet.

Communications ceased, the twenty-second century fell out of sync, and the darkness grew deeper than ever before...

(327 words)

Looking forward to more tomorrow!

NaNoWriMo (Day 1 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (49,981 words left)

The National Novel Writing Month is upon us!!! And I have finally decided to participate. YIKES!!! Shah, from Wordsinsync, is also participating, but I am not sure what her plans are for posting her work. Me, on the other hand, will be posting day after day here for all to see! I hope for all of your support and encouragement. They (random no-named people in the universe) say that you need lots of encouragement while trying to write an entire novel/ 50,000 words in a month.

My goal is to write 50,000 words in the month of November, and hopefully, that equals an entire novel. What I plan on doing is starting my second novel, Unclaimed Darkness, over completely, under a new name, with no reference to the old manuscript, and in a completely different order! I got really stuck on the old manuscript and am now looking to start anew! For those of you who have read my old manuscript, some things will seem very familar, others not so much, or at all. The fun will be in rediscovering this story with new eyes and a positive attitude.

So, without further ado! I give you my NaNo novel!

Strangers in the Dark

Chapter One: The Apocalypse

January, 2012

     On the first night, the sky filled with color...

(19 words)

Well, that's all you get today! lol. Suffice to say, I got started a little late. :) More to come tomorrow...Hopefully! This is going to be a CHALLENGE!