My Best Friend's skateboard

(AN: Was gonna use this for school but I figured I'd post it instead. Tweet me what you think <3 Also, I'd encourage you to read it without any noise or background music. Focus while you're reading, feel the words. That way you'll get the most wanted reaction. Thankieees :>)

Curses, bike rings, wind chimes of early morning restaurants, and the angry honks of taxi cabs trigger the excitement of a brand new and typical New York day. You can sniff out the burning rubber and the intoxicating smell of the mixture of busy people’s cheap perfumes and sweat that haven’t been wiped off from the day before, as if tomorrow can’t get enough of yesterday here in Manhattan.  Along one of the streets of the skyscraper-ridden city are two young boys whose mothers met at the hospital they were born in.

“Look at it, Kevin. Isn’t it beautiful?” One of them said, practically drooling in front of the store, eyes locked on a hot-rod skateboard as if it was golden.

“Andy, if you’re going to look at it any longer it just might melt.”

“Very funny.”

“I know.”

Andy rolled his eyes and tapped his wallet in his back-pocket, “Oh if only I’d have enough spread for that baby. I want that skateboard.” He pressed his face on the glass, “Look at it, sitting there, mocking me to buy it. Oh if only I-“

“Yeah Mr. Glass-Face, it’s not like we have school in 30 seconds or anything.” Kevin said as he started to walk away. “Besides, you can never buy that. All my life I’ve lived with you and you’ve never, ever, ever saved for something and succeeded.” Andy raised his hood and sighed. He didn’t say anything until they arrived at school.

“Andy! There’s a phone call for you!”

Andy raced down the stairs and snatched the phone from his mom’s hand.

“Manners, Andy. Manners.”

“Sorry mom.” Andy chuckled and attended to his call. “What’s up, Kev? Uh-huh. No, no not really. Alright, I’ll be there. Bye, fart-brain.” He smirked at his own remark, he thought of himself as the cleverest man in the world as he put down the phone.

“Goin’ somewhere?” his mom called from the kitchen. “Yeah, gonna meet Kevin at the skateboard park. Bye!” and Andy’s mother heard his son slam the door.

The park was empty, just as Andy leisured. Kevin knew this, of course, that’s why he invited him. As the Saturday night went by, the boys skated around to their hearts’ content and afterwards paid a visit to the nearest yogurt shop.

As they slowly skateboarded home, fingers sticky from the dripping yogurt sundaes, they happen to pass by the shop that Andy was drooling ever the morning before. He quickly went up to it and it was as if his eyes glistened over the store window and his breath fogged over the glass.

“Hey Mr. Glass-Face, you will never buy it I tell you.”

“You didn’t have to be so encouraging.”

Kevin looked at him and smirked. “What?” Andy replied, wide-eyed.

“Your sarcasm’s getting better.”

“Thanks. Hey, wait a minute, was that sarcasm too?”

But Kevin already skateboarded away.

Monday came quickly. The subways were once again filled, the newspapers were once again sold out, and the fast food restaurants were once again in business. Weekends give a refreshing veil all over New York, as if it was asleep for 48 hours. Nevertheless both boys never really liked Mondays, and by tradition they always wake up 20 minutes later than usual. Also by tradition, they always have detention. At the end of the day they would peacefully skateboard home. But the skies were dark that day, and it was as if fate was not being very friendly.

The boys were by the streets, minding their own businesses, when a woman suddenly screamed at the other side of the sidewalk. 

A kid was chasing a ball in the middle of the road.

And in the middle of the road was a big pick-up truck speeding closer with wheels so high that the driver could not see the innocent 4-year-old. By instinct, Kevin ran to the middle and pushed the kid out of the way. And in an instant, Andy was losing his best friend.

Beads of perspiration were on Andy’s forehead, his thoughts rushing to his brain all at the same time, crowding, screaming, and shouting. The siren and the slight sway by speed of the ambulance were making him dizzy. His hand was on his best friend’s; he was clenching it, caressing it. He whispers silent prayers of hope that was never even there.

Kevin groaned. He wanted to say something.

“Kevin, stay with me bro. You don’t have to talk, just stay with me.”

With a slight tug on his wrist made by his whimpering buddy beside him, Andy knew he had to remove the oxygen mask off Kevin’s face.

“What is it buddy?” Andy sniffed, holding back his tears.

“I…” Kevin blinked extra hard and coughed up more blood, “I bought it…”

Andy could feel his best friend’s hand weakening its grip and he whispered, “Don’t do this to me buddy, you have promises. You promised to teach me how to do sarcasm, remember? Please, man.” His tears fought their way out. “Please.”

Kevin, with all his injured might, forced himself to get as close as possible to Andy’s face. “For you…” 

He inhaled his last, “I bought it for you…” 

Andy closed his eyes as hard as he could, he imagined it all to be a dream, and he would wake up to his bedroom, pick up his phone and text his daily morning insults to Kevin. There was no kid, there was no pick-up truck, and there was no ambulance. But when he opened them, he drowned in misery to realize that Kevin was gone.

“No!”

Years passed by, and Andy grew up to be a dashing young man. He went to college, graduated and moved to California. He had the most amazing life he could ever dream of. People would look at him and think that he was a man who never experienced sadness. But they have no idea.

It has been 15 years since he decided to set foot on New York soil again. He went to his mother first and had all the proper long time greetings. “Goin’ somewhere?” His mother, now old and frail, asked jokingly. When her son replied with a door slam that echoed all across the house, she knew he still hasn’t changed.

The wind chimes made a rusty sound as he entered the same store that he drooled over 15 years ago. It seemed rather forgotten, lost for the past 15 years.

A sly boy, about more or less 19 years of age approached him, “Something I can do for you, mister?” He eyed Andy. “You’re not from around here are you?”

“I used to be. What’s your name?”

“Tim. Although people like to call me TSB; short for The Saved Boy.” He chuckled.

“The Saved Boy?”

“Yeah, 15 years ago a fella named Kevin saved me from being squashed by a truck. He died because of it.”

Andy gulped, “Do you know any more of this Kevin guy?”

“All I know is that he had a best friend named Andy. I heard he moved to California or something. Anyway, I always hated myself for Kevin dying. It was my entire stupid fault.”

“I’m sure Kevin wouldn’t want you to hate yourself.”

“How would you know?”

“My name’s Andy.”

Tim’s mouth dropped to the floor. Without a word he immediately ran to the back of the store and came back with a wrapped box. It was dusty and the print was turning yellowish. “This is for you.” He whispered.

Andy took it with slight doubt and started to unwrap it. What was inside was something he never expected. It was the hot-rod skateboard he always wanted, brand new and unscratched even from age. He couldn’t believe his eyes. 

With the box was a note that said:

Hey Mr. Glass-Face, I told you you’d never buy it.

“What’s that supposed to mean, Andy?” Tim said from curiosity.

“He bought it for me.”

Fangirling/Fangirls (or Fanboying/Fanboys)

Now, you must have come across this word before if you have been socially active with the internet.

I know I know, before I begin, there are such things as Fanboys too but I'm expressing on the fact that Fanboys do not Fanboy as much as Fangirls Fangirl. Hope you got that. So what I'm going to do is to TRY to explain the activity phenomenon nowadays known as...Fangirling. Or Fangirls.
Definition:

According to the Urban Dictionary, a Fangirl is:

	A rabid breed of human female who is obesessed with either a fictional character or an actor. Similar to the breed of fanboy. Fangirls congregate at anime conventions and livejournal. Have been known to glomp, grope, and tackle when encountering said obesessions. Hmmm, not bad. The truth is, I think fangirling is the new term they got for someone expressing their "love" for their idol. And they can include pretty incredible and terrifying stuff.

Activities:

The action of Fangirling is usually done when the creature or fangirl/fanboy sees, hears, touches, tastes and smells anything related to their idol.
It is commonly known, or as I put it, as the Fangirl Effect Theorem. 
It is stated in the Fangirl Effect Theorem that automatically when a Fangirl is exposed to a topic concerning the idol the Fangirl is now affected by the Fangirl Effect which is talking and ranting non-stop about their idol in ever which way possible. Beware.
(The Fangirl Effect Theorem is also applicable to Fanboys) 

Habitat:
Fangirls/Fanboys are usually found in their rooms which always comes with a computer set and internet connection. It is very rare and unlikely to find a specie without such in their habitat.
They use these tools to feel closer to their idol, even though it is only by the form of pixelated and virtual contact.They believe that things such as Tweeting and Twitcams are helpful in making their idol know they actually do exist. SOME very, very lucky and very, very rich fangirls however will get to meet their idol in real life.
Other than their tools of trade, also one of the most common things you are sure to find in a fangirl's habitat are certain things related to their idol such as pictures, collectibles, posters, books, cd-s, etc. Some species actually use their habitat as well to show-off or compete their "love" to their idol.

They can form their room into a shrine of some sort, overnight.

Loyalty and Capability:

Fangirls and Fanboys are such interesting breeds because they can go to multiple heights in the terms of idolization. Over the last few internet years fangirls have already proven domination towards human minds.

It is amazing how humans are loyal and hardworking and dedicated enough for this kind of activity.

Even though Fangirls/Fanboys are usually kind in nature, heed my warning, they are very protective and can be very dangerous.

They can cause massive stampedes wherever their idol is, they can scream so loud your eardrums will bleed, they will bully/attack anyone, and I do mean anyone, that hinders them from their idol or even insult their idol. Some huge fanbases have been known to end someone's career. Imagine that!

They are also a part of the stalker specie, because they will probably know more about their idols than they know about themselves.

 

Overview:
All in all I can say that fangirling/ fanboying, or being a fangirl/fanboy, or being a part of a fanbase or fandom or fanmily isn't bad, but these species should ALWAYS get a healthy does of Respect :) 
And this includes all the other forms of respect, respect to another fanbase, respect to your idol's privacy, respect of rights and judgement and many more.

Although it is okay to protect your idol from those mean haters and useless opinions, we (YES, I am a fangirl) should always remember to be reasonable in those terms and not pressure them too much that they'd become a hater.

(Main causes of haters are actually the fans.)

Alright to give you a better understanding I will leave you with a usual example of a possible fangirl /fangirling situation, as so:

*meets idol*

Expectation:
You guys are such wonderful and incredible people and I really appreciate your talent!
You have changed my life and you guys inspire me to try and live out my dream in any way!
Thank you so much for all your hard work and I really appreciate it!
Can you please sign this autograph?
Thank you! Let's take a picture too, please?
I'd like to hug you as well, that would be amazing!
Thank you so much I'll never forget this!

Reality:

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

HHHHHHHHHHiloveyouhavemybabiesHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*faints*

The Legend of True Power

So we got this Performance Task for English in which we hafta write a story for our Modern Day Atenean.
It could be whatever you want it to be, so the story goes in your way.
Shoutout to my chosen Modern Day Atenean, Luanne Borras :)

So here goes, The Legend Of True Power..

In Mealea, a distant land trillions of light years away from the Milky Way Galaxy, there lived a population that look just like humans, except they’re an image of perfection and their eyes are in shades of colours not included in our visible spectrum. At one glance, they would look like harmless, beautiful and peaceful creatures but beware; each of them have unique powers and are capable of dangerous things. The inhabitants of Mealea, called Mealeans, are ranked on a special social class that are based between how exemplary your power is. The highest of which, is their king, King John. And the lowest, or so they say, is Luanne, for she does not have powers at all. This hierarchy is a cruel one. Because of being hatched without powers, Luanne was often discriminated by other heartless Mealeans. She would be bullied and teased of her weakness. She was called an outcast, a misfit, just another stick in the mud.

She was someone who didn’t quite fit in.

Although Luanne wasn’t so alone for she had faithful friends, Lyen & Dianne, two of the most powerful Mealeans in the realm.

One day, an evil witch from another galaxy, Florianne, decided to claim the wonderful land of Mealea for her own evildoings. She kidnapped King John and sent a poisonous air virus throughout the land that will poison every single Mealean who had any powers. Within short days, the poison took effect and the whole powerful population of Mealea was poisoned. None of them could even stand to fight.

Except one, Luanne the Powerless.

Realizing she was the only person that could save the entire realm, she set out to Florianne’s Burning palace and face the wicked witch herself. Sure, she would seem weak; she would seem useless, defenceless and easily defeated. But she didn’t survive all those years without powers for nothing. She knew that being underestimated is one of her advantages against the witch. As she arrived at the Burning Palace, she was able to cleverly distract the guards and divert herself directly to Florianne’s room. There she found the witch cackling to herself “Soon, oh very soon, Mealea would be mine!” She mocked of laughter.

Unable to resist herself, she snapped, “Not if I can help it.”

The Witch immediately turned around and eyed Luanne. She squinted and focused on Luanne’s beautiful Mealean features. Then she tilted her head to one side and curved her lips into an inhuman smile.

“You? A Powerless Mealean?” She laughed, “You must be kidding.”

Luanne smiled back savagely and shook her head. In a split second she withdrew a weapon from behind her that looked like a boomerang, except the sides were made of sharp, deadly swords. She flung it through the air. The Witch was startled by the fast hurdle of the weapon. She managed to move out of the way, but without the sharp boomerang cutting her black feather cape first. She shrieked a sound that could make a baby cry. She glared at Luanne, and threw a green orb the size of a billiard ball towards her. Then she threw another, and another.

Luanne managed to somersault her way from the first few orbs, but alas, one caught her to the chest and she flew backward. The sound of the Witch’s laughter echoed through the palace walls. She was now on her knees, her face red with anger and embarrassment. The orb was a solid form of evil energy that hit her so strongly that she may not get up.

“Quitting so soon, Powerless Mealean?” Florianne mocked ferociously.

Luanne stared hard at the sharp boomerang in her hand and threw the weapon to the Witch. The Witch just raised her hand, and before the boomerang could get any closer, it stopped in mid-air and vanished into a thick cloud of dust. “Pathetic.” She murmured at the sight of Luanne.

She moved closer to unmoving Luanne, mocking her as she took her each step.

“You are of no power. You cannot defeat me.” She took one step closer.

“You are not as special as your kind. You are an ugly misfit.” She took another step closer.

“You are not as beautiful as the others; you do not deserve to live.” She was now only a foot away from Luanne.

The words of the Witch echoed through Luanne’s mind. Could she be right? Did she not deserve to live with the others? Does their social class really determine her life?

No.

No matter what others would say, she should never be ashamed of who she is. She should be proud of herself, of what she’s done and what she’s capable of. There’s nobody else like her and nobody else should convince her otherwise. She managed to come here and defend her race, although she thought she has failed and she closed her eyes to prepare to die.

Suddenly she was glowing. Blue and Gold sparks were illuminating from her hair to her arms to the tips of her fingers. The Witch’s smile faded and she took a step back, “What is happening to you, powerless Mealean?”

Luanne suddenly felt the pressure on the hit vanish, her strength slowly generating back. She felt the crackles of short electric currents in the tips of her toes. She slowly started to stand up. Her face was the most beautiful sight Florianne had ever seen and the Witch backed away, the look of worry slapped on her face. She was startled by the sudden aura of energy coming from what was supposed to be a weak, powerless being. She decided to toughen up and threw another, a much bigger, green orb at Luanne. But the orb stopped and faded away before it hit the Mealean.

“I’ll tell you what’s happening.” Luanne said in a clear and powerful voice. “The Legend of True Power is coming true.” Then her lips curved into a sweet but savage smile which made Florianne’s eyes widen in horror as the Witch mouthed, “It can’t be.”

The Legend of True Power simply states that the true extraordinary power comes from within. It was only an old myth that the Mealeans’ Social Class didn’t really believe in. It can only be done when one finally understands that insecurities and flaws shouldn’t bring you down, that the true beauty is in your attitude and understanding towards others.

Although Luanne didn’t believe in such an old myth, it was happening to her right now, which sent chills across Florianne’s spine. Luanne was getting more powerful by the minute as the sparks ignited a thin layer of powerful energy around her body, and she was feeling better than ever before. If the Witch wants to regain control, she should act fast. She decided to make one last powerful attack in the hopes of stopping Luanne’s transformation process. She gathered all her sorcery knowledge and her power was building up on her palms. She knew if she’d do this she’d be in danger of destroying herself for using too much of her own power, but she was willing to take the risk. In a minute, she had created a big purple ball of evil energy and with all her might, she flung it towards Luanne.

Luanne raised one hand and the ball stopped, almost as quickly, it retraced its steps back to Florianne. The Witch ran as the purple ball she created herself was chasing her across the room, and Luanne watched in delight.

Florianne tried to run as fast as her feet could take her, but she was exhausted by calling in the large orb and couldn’t take a step further. The purple orb splashed as it reached her and a loud clap echoed throughout the castle as the Witch disappeared into tiny sparkles of glowing purple energy. Luanne blinked in surprise for everything happened so fast.

She looked at herself in her reflection at the Witch’s crystal mirror beside the door. Her eyes, face, arms and hair were somehow different.

“It is done.” She smiled to herself. Now that the Witch was gone, the air virus that poisoned Mealea will now fade and she would easily be able to save King John and bring him back to restore peace in Mealea.

And also she herself has changed for the better, and she knows that no one could ever hurt her again.

She never felt so alive.