HE HAD DONE IT AGAINST ALL THE ODDS
His eyes prickled as the sun shined against his tender skin. Joshua opened his eyes to the blank ceiling. He tried rising up but his wounded legs were as stubborn as a mule. Joshua closed his eyes, desperately trying to eliminate the incident of the night before out of his mind. However, he couldn’t stop thinking about how he and his family had met with a horrifying road accident and how he was the only survivor. Tears trundled from his drained eyes, he had no one, his parents were dead and he could run no more. He shivered as he recalled just two days back when he was running across the sturdy track, preparing for Inter-College Athletic Championship. Joshua had been waiting for this opportunity his whole life and just when he was three months away from his goal, his legs had given up on him, they were paralyzed.
“Joshua, how are you feeling? I am very sorry about your parents and I know this isn’t a very good time to ask, but do you have any guardian who will be willing to take care of you?,” the doctor inquired; receiving no response from Joshua he continued, “Don’t worry about your legs champ, we’ll have them fixed in no time.” Joshua smiled bravely but his eyes deceived him.
“How long will I take to recover?” Joshua croaked. The doctor exchanged glances with the stiff nurse.
“Uh, I am going to be very frank with you. It’s going to take at least four months with another few months for physiotherapy” At that moment Joshua’s felt his dreams shattered, his soul felt so numb that he could feel no more. All the hard work that he had put in for the past two years was going to go in vain. He wanted the mantle of the fastest man in the U.K. Collegiate championships so badly. It would have secured him a scholarship. With a feeling of sheer hopelessness Joshua drifted off to sleep.
He was awakened by a sound of hearty chuckle and as his eyes gradually opened he saw a blurry image of a cheerful and ruddy blue-eyed boy. The little boy had a gentle smile d on his freckled cheeks. “Hi! I’m Eric, we’re sharing the same ward I think. What’s your name? Oh and what happened to your legs?” he looked at Joshua with anxiety. Overwhelmed by the warmth of this pleasant, young stranger, Joshua opened up to Eric and shared with him his misfortune and how his legs had got paralyzed. “Oh I am so sorry. By the way what does paralyzed mean?” Eric squeaked.
“It means my legs have stopped working, they can’t move. Anyway, why are you admitted here?”
“I have cancer, but the doctor says I’ll be okay in no time, so no worries for me!” he chirped innocently. Just then a sombre looking nurse called Eric for his daily check-up. “Well, I have to go now, I’ll catch you later! I know we are going to have a great time together Joshua. Bye!” he waved and left the ward. Joshua struggled to prop himself up in his bed, confused and unable to react to what he had experienced. The stark contrast between him and Eric made him introspect. Here he was feeling sorry for himself for losing his legs and there was Eric full of hope and optimism. Despite being a cancer patient, Eric had the courage to face death with equanimity. No frustration, no helplessness; just hope.
As Joshua lay staring across the misty, black sky, his weary mind kept wandering back to Eric. Eric’s positive attitude towards life gave him hope. With Eric’s encouragement, Joshua started making a conscious effort to stay optimistic all times and started feeding his mind with positive thoughts. Despite weakness in his legs, Joshua started making a determined effort to exercise them. As weeks passed, Joshua’s legs healed rapidly, and then one day he felt movement in one his legs. That night he slept peacefully for the first time in weeks…
The next morning was a shock. Joshua was told by the nurse that Eric was very critical. At that moment he felt as if someone had stabbed him in the heart. Eric was the only family he had, he couldn’t bear losing him too. As Eric drifted away from the world Joshua stood by him and held his hand. “Promise me Joshua. You are going to get okay and start running again soon. You promise?” he breathed.
“I promise,” Joshua whispered as tears welled up in his eyes.
It was three months since Eric had passed away and Joshua could almost walk now. Every day he would break free from the silence of the hospital and sit by the nearby track watching the youth train with dedication. He would focus mentally and go through the work outs with them. The same people who once used to look up to him would now just ignore him as if he didn’t exist. One day, just as Joshua was leaving the tracks, a familiar, heavy hand gripped his shoulder. Joshua halted. “Joshua, I have been watching you and I can see how much you are missing the track. I don’t think you can do sprinting anymore but just have a look at this advert, it’s for the London Marathon. Whether anyone believes in you or not, I do,” said his old coach with a confident voice. Joshua was startled. The London Marathon?
“But I’m a sprinter, coach, not a long distance runner,” Joshua said with uncertainty. His coach gave him gentle smile.
“Well your passion is running. It’s not about winning this time, it’s about running.” Still noticing traces of doubt in Joshua’s face, the coach continued, “Come to my office, let me show you something.” Video on The London Marathon was an eye-opener for Joshua. He was amazed to see that the field consisted of runners from all walks of life… young athletes running shoulder to shoulder with elderly sportsmen, women, children and even people on wheel chairs were all running for the love of it. Joshua was inspired by the video and he thought to himself, that if people with conditions much worse than him could do it, then so could he. “We’ve got 2 months. Training starts tomorrow 6 a.m. sharp,” his coach said with a light grin. As the days progressed Joshua worked harder than he had ever done before. He practised like a man possessed. He was determined to fulfil his promise to Eric. As the D-day got closer Joshua’s will to succeed became equally stronger. His confidence in his ability grew when he first managed to complete the gruelling 42 km course. Thereafter, there was no looking back.
The buzz in the air was deafening. Thousands of excited runners stood at the starting point dressed in a riot of colours. Standing next to his coach, Joshua could feel his heart pumping. His coach squeezed his hand and wished him luck. Joshua heard the shot-gun being fired and the mass of runners surged forward in one wave. Joshua took a deep breath and started to run. He felt the cool breeze from the Thames hit against his face. His legs were in full motion and as he over took other runners, he felt a deep sense of freedom and joy. He had done it…against all odds. He was free.
VAMPIRE DREAMS
Samantha woke up with a start. Her throat was parched. Her hands were sweaty. The vivid memory of those emerald eyes, blood-red lips and shiny, shimmering, silver hair just like a horse’s mane, made her restless. Sam wondered whether the monster growing in her body was now overpowering her mind too.
Eight months ago when the doctor broke the news that she was suffering from blood cancer, Victoria entered her life, rather her dreams. She was assertive, exciting and wild. Victoria had been her companion all along but now she made Sam uncomfortable. Victoria had a dangerous side which menaced Sam. She told her that she was her blood-sister. Though, how could that be? Victoria was a vampire.
Rebecca Collins burst into the ward, leaving the door swinging behind her.
“Good Mornin’! How you doin’ today Sam?” she inquired cheerfully.
“Rebecca, do vampires exit? I mean is it possible?” Sam questioned.
“Oh Sam! You and your nightmares! Anyway,” Rebecca continued, changing the topic, “you don’t look too well today, why don’t you go back to sleep?” Reluctantly, Samantha crawled back into bed, her body was as stiff as an arrow. Gently, closing her eyelids, Sam was soon deep in sleep.
There she was, that pale face. Sam shivered at the sight of Victoria.
“Come with me Samantha,” she whispered, stroking her ice cold fingers on Sam’s cheek, “this is what you have been waiting for all these years, to be a vampire!” she chanted.
“No!” whispered Sam. Not sure if she was dreaming or if this was for real. She could sense Victoria’s cold presence in the room. Nervously, she opened her eyes and there stood Victoria. Her enchanting eyes glowed in the dark room.
Raising her deep voice, she said, “You will be immortal, you will suffer no more. I am your sister! We are destined to live forever!” Grabbing Sam’s weak shoulders with a vice-like grip, Victoria pulled her face next to Sam and whispered,
“It won’t hurt, don’t be afraid.” She opened her mouth and Sam could see her sword like fangs, glistening in the darkness.
“Never!” Sam echoed, pushing Victoria away fiercely, “I would rather die than betray my family. You’re a monster, a beast! I hate you!” she shouted. Suddenly Victoria just vanished from the room, from her life. Forever!
Months slowly went by, Samantha’s condition gradually deteriorated. She was in constant pain due to the chemotherapy; however, her nightmares were over. She was peaceful from within and not even a flicker of regret touched her face. Rebecca was amazed at the calmness with which Sam was facing her impending death.
It was time. Sam was on her death bed. Seeing her inconsolable mother and the deep grief and sheer hopelessness in her father’s eyes, Sam wondered. What if she had accepted Victoria’s offer and made the decision to turn into a vampire? She would have become immortal. There would have been no more pain. No more suffering.
As life ebbed away from her frail body, Samantha questioned herself…
Was her decision worth it… after all?
NIKKI
As I forced my eyelids open I felt a tinge of nervousness, it was my first day at high school. I slowly rose and placed my feet into my comfy slippers, wriggling my toes. Not having a uniform felt awkward since my whole life there was always something laid out for me to wear. As I saw a glimpse of the school bus coming I quickly grabbed my bag and left the front door swinging.
Crawford High School was a stately building from the outside; however, its inside was a different story. Graffiti everywhere, broken down lockers and geeks busy on their laptops. I peered around nervously clutching my books…
Suddenly, out of nowhere came a girl. She was gorgeous with chocolate, brown hair flowing down her shoulders, flawless skin and emerald eyes. I stared at her with fascination as she walked down the hallway. Boys hooted, girls whispered words of envy and it felt everything and everyone had just paused in her presence.
During my English lesson my attention was focussed on Nikki Collins, the same girl who had mesmerized me in the hallway. She seemed so perfect! Yet, there was an air of vulnerability about her. I wanted to get to know her and maybe one day become her friend.
I had never thought I would do this on my first day but I just couldn’t resist following her. She seemed to be in a hurry and I had to struggle to keep pace with her. She moved into a rough neighbourhood and entered a rusty, filthy looking motorhome. For a second I couldn’t believe my eyes. Nikki Collins lived in this trash box!
Out of curiosity I peered through the clouded window and suddenly the door burst open. “Can I help you?” snapped Nikki. For a second I was paralyzed.
“Um, are you Nikki Collins? From Crawford, is this where you live?” I stammered. Abruptly her calm expression changed into panic.
“You go to Crawford? I can explain. Just don’t tell anyone, please!” she practically screamed. Suddenly I heard a heavy, grumpy voice.
“Nikki, who’s there? I told you not to ever answer the door without my permission! Now get inside before I kick you.” A middle-aged man with a stubble and unkempt hair pulled Nikki inside. Frightened, I fled the scene.
The following afternoon I found Nikki sitting alone. I sat down next to her and gave her a comforting smile. I held her hand but she didn’t resist and I knew she trusted me. Over the next couple of days we talked and shared and then one day while walking back from school she told me everything…
I couldn’t sleep that night. The thought of Nikki suffering at the hands of her father made me sick. She had been abused ever since her mother had died. I knew that I had to help her!
It took a while to convince Nikki to come live with me until we could contact her aunt. I cleared up the dusty attic and set up a make-shift bed with a few essentials. The plan was to sneak Nikki into the attic after school without my parents knowing.
As planned Nikki moved into the attic and I became an expert at sneaking food for her. We managed to contact her aunt who assured us that she would come soon. That night I slept peacefully until I heard screaming sirens and the doorbell ringing furiously. I ran downstairs like the wind. What I saw literally took my wind away!
There stood Nikki’s father with a troop of grim looking policemen. “Are you Alice Madison?” said an intimidating policeman. Before I could say anything my mom stepped forward.
“Yes she is. And may I ask what you are doing here?” she inquired.
“This gentleman,” said the burly policeman pointing to Nikki’s father, “has made a complaint that his daughter, Nikki Collins is missing and your daughter has helped her abscond.”
“This is unbelievable! There’s no Nikki living here. If you don’t believe us you can search the house!” exclaimed mom with outrage. The policemen started searching the house. I quietly slipped past the action, moved Nikki into our old shed and hid her under a few bags of manure. After an hour of searching the policemen finally left along with Nikki’s father. Later, my parents asked me what was going on and I told them everything. They agreed to help.
My dad called Nikki’s aunt and finally one morning she arrived. It was time to bid farewell, I hadn’t realize how close we had become. It hurt but I knew it was for the best, Nikki’s nightmare was finally over. She was moving to Mexico.
