Tab 1
Long Lost (Lila) Loser
"MOM!!!" I shouted, as I stomped down the stairs.
"What is it honey?" she called from the kitchen where she was making breakfast.
(6) "Jacob took my toothbrush!"
"Jacob, give it back to your sister!" mom yelled.
“That's going to help,” I thought as I rolled my eyes and walked into the kitchen. Mom's hair was wild and her pjs were still on. (4) Rushing around, she grabbed some plates while juggling a pan of scrambled eggs. I reached our breakfast table just as Jacob sprinted down the stairs. I took one glance and lunged. I grabbed his shirt and demanded he return my toothbrush.
“GIVE ME MY TOOTHBRUSH BACK!!” I screamed.
“Okay, okay, chill out!” he whimpered, handing it over. “Mom, look what she did to my shirt,” he whined, stretching his collar so my mom could get a closer look at his rumpled shirt.
“It doesn’t seem that bad, just put a sweater over it,” she dismissed.
I smirked and happily inhaled my breakfast while reaching for my book. I rapidly read page after page of my favorite book. After I finished my food I pushed my book into my backpack's pockets. I grabbed the sleeve of my sweater and wiped it across my mouth. I ran upstairs and deposited the toothbrush in the bathroom. (5) As I hurried out the door, I popped a piece of gum into my mouth. Mom and Jacob were already waiting for me in the car. On the drive over to school I and Jacob continued to bicker over whose music was worse. It was a relief when I was finally able to be dropped off and free from not only my ridiculous brother but the confines of the car. The sharp air blasted into my face and ruffled my hair. Amelia and Bobby waved me over to where they were standing at the gate. (1) I strolled over to them and greeted each with a hug. Amelia and I had known each other since kindergarten and she was the exact opposite of me. She wore a shiny pink dress with blue flowers and slightly heeled shoes. My outfit on the other hand, was all black and baggy. Her smile was always bright, whereas I barely smiled. We are the literal definition of opposites attract.
"Hey hottie,” she flirted as she hugged me.
"Hi!" I responded, a slow smile spreading onto my face. Amelia always knew how to make me laugh. I high fived Bobby, who I had known almost as long as Amelia. Just then, the warning bell rang and we moved with the flood of kids trying to get to their classes. Amelia and I walked Bobby to his class before heading to ours.
We sat through our torturous class with Mr. Gabriel while he jabbered on about inaccurate historical facts. Since Amelia and I weren't idiots and already knew all about the U.S, we instead passed notes and tuned out his drawling. Our savior, the bell, rang and we flew out of that room as if lions were chasing us. The next two classes weren't as bad, especially because I was lucky enough to have at least one of my best friends with me. (2) By the time all my classes were over I was completely exhausted and done with school. I yanked open the car door and slumped into my seat.
“Tiring day, honey?” my mom asked.
I nodded and rolled the window down. Resting my head against the frame, I stared out and watched the small suburban houses blurr. In the blink of an eye, I recognized the familiar shape of our house. (5) As soon as I reached home I trudged up the stairs into my room. (3) Unfortunately just as I was about to sit down, my mom yelled from downstairs, "Go down into the basement please, I need the pasta maker for dinner!"
(4) Groaning, I barged down the stairs. I passed the main floor and went even deeper until I reached the big brown door guarding us from the basement. I swung open the door, switching on the lights. I moved down the last few steps and started rummaging through boxes. My eyes scanned through the first few but there was no pasta maker. At last I reached a box in the far corner. (3) Carelessly I unfolded the flaps and looked in. I was about to move on when I saw something unusual. Inside was an important looking document. I picked it up and started reading. (5) As I took in what it said my mouth dropped open. I've never really looked much like my family. I have short blonde hair and light green eyes while everyone else in my family has black hair and brown eyes. So when I read the document, it all made sense. The dreadful document that I was holding was adoption papers for a girl born on the very same day as me. Could it be? (1) I dropped the papers, scattering them across the floor.
“Sweetie, what’s taking so long?” my mom called from the top of the stairs.
I scrambled to pick up the papers and shoved them roughly back into the box. I hastened to find the pasta maker. (3) Luckily I found it in the box lying right next to me. I cradled it in my arms and scampered up the stairs. (4) Tripping on the last step, I dropped the machine and threw my arms out in front of me.
"Are you okay honey?" my mom worriedly asked. No that's not right, she isn’t my mom. I looked up at the person I thought I knew.
"Yeah I'm fine," I mumbled, not meeting her eyes. I grabbed the pasta maker from the floor and handed it over. (4) Ignoring her concerned look, I dashed to my room. I flung myself onto my bed as tears slid down my face. Could this really be true? Were these people I've known forever lying to me? I pushed my face deeper into my pillow and let my sobs escape. It felt surreal. Memories from before flash in my mind of all the times I've laughed with my family. I remember baking brownies with mom and working on dirt bikes with my dad. Each memory makes me cry harder. I stayed there until dinner was ready, just crying my eyes out. (5) When dinner was ready I hurriedly went into the bathroom to quickly get ready. I scrubbed my face with some water and practiced smiling in the mirror, trying to make sure that I can hide the pain and betrayal. Satisfied that I looked happy, I walked down the stairs. I pulled out my chair and sat down as my brother, mom, and dad migrated into the room. Oh right they aren't my family. Who I once thought was my mom was now Sara to me. The same with my "dad", he only deserves being called by his first name too.
"How was your guy's day?" Micheal asked.
"Fine," I mumbled while picking at my food. I look very happy, I sarcastically thought to myself. I started giggling hysterically.
"Everything alright sweet pea?" Micheal inquired, looking both amused and a little worried.
"Don't call me that," I abruptly snapped.
Micheal looked so offended but I pretended not to care. (6) Inside, it broke my heart. I pushed back tears, a sob building up in my throat. I absent-mindedly poked at my food, my appetite lost. The silence that filled the air was dreadful. I got up suddenly, startling my brother, who was seated right next to me. (6) Well, not my brother. It's going to take me a while to get used to that. I walked past the strangers and went to my room. (4) Overlooking their shocked faces, I rushed up the stairs. I sat on the bed while my emotions churned inside me. (6) My anger boiled up. Why had they decided to never bring it up? (6) I would’ve understood. My sadness was like a waterfall, dousing and drowning me. But then the fire of anger got re-kindled. I didn’t know what to do. Should I confront them? No, they’d just lie to me again. What else could I do? (1) I racked my brain for some kind of solution. Something, anything. I need proof. Then it came to me. Tomorrow after school, Sara is going to be out with Jacob and his friends at the park; and Micheal will be at work, as usual. There’s my opportunity to snoop around. Just then, I heard a faint knock on my door.
"Hey are you alright?” Sara’s voice carried softly through the door.
“Yeah, I’m fine, just tired,” I replied, trying my best to sound nonchalant. I can’t give them any reason to be suspicious.
(2)After a moment I heard muted footsteps gradually become quieter. I got up and switched my lights off. Flinging my face back onto the slightly damp pillow, I shut my eyes and felt more tears drip down my face. As my tears slowed, I slowly drifted into an uneasy sleep.
(2)In the morning I drowsily got up and rubbed my eyes. Then everything from last night came rushing back. I felt the weight come crashing down on my shoulders. I grabbed my towel and stepped into the shower. Turning on the cold water to wake me up, I shivered as the freezing water ran down my body. When I got out of the shower, Sara, who usually wakes me up, was surprised to see me awake.
“Wow, somebody’s up early today,” she called.
“Yeah, I didn’t want to be late for school,” I replied. Then I realized I screwed up when Sara gave me a weird look. I had never wanted to go to school early before! I was #1 lazy, and she knew it.
School was ten times more excruciating today. I sat through every class longing to go home and find answers. Amelia knew something was up. After all, we’re best friends. Even Bobby noticed. But this was something I couldn’t share yet.
“Didn’t get enough sleep last night?” Amelia asked.
“Yeah,” I said with a sigh of relief, eagerly using her excuse. I felt a little bad for not telling her everything, but I just couldn’t bring myself to say it. Amelia, who normally would probe for answers, seemed to understand and left me alone.
When the end-of-school bell rang, I jumped into the car and rushed Sara to drive.
“Don’t you have to go soon? Start driving!” I impatiently tapped my foot.
“Jeez, why are you in a rush?” Sara asked, stomping on the gas.
As soon as we got home, I jumped out of the car before it even fully stopped.
“You’ll be fine alone right?” Sara asked worriedly.
“Yeah yeah I’ll be fine,” I assured her.
I ran into the house and fumbled with my set of keys in my hurry to get inside and away from Sara’s watchful gaze. It finally slipped in and I shoved the door open, banging it shut behind me. I took a deep breath and listened for the car engine to rumble away. As soon as it did, I crept over to the basement door. Then I remembered that I was home alone. I stood up straight and walked purposefully forward. First I took out the box and grabbed the papers at the top. I read through the names and scribbles, not understanding most of it. Some of the ink was washed out as if someone had spilled water on it. Frustrated, I set down the papers and moved to see what else was in the box. I reached in and felt something soft. Pulling it out I saw that it was a tiny pink onesie. Identical to the one in the pictures Sara always showed me. This solidified my guess but it still wasn't undeniable proof. I put my hand back into the box and grabbed an object surrounded by bubble wrap. Carefully unveiled the small clay feet. I ran my hands over the smooth surface and held it up to the dim light. The miniature toes were the size of peas. my phone died
Tab 2
Characters: 15 yr old girl
Stereotypes: tomboy, kids nowadays are always on their phones, girls have long hair
Plot
Problem: Find parents
Attempt 1: Goes back through basement
Attempt 2: Goes to hospital
Plot twist: Not for her but for a girl her parents adopted when she was little but died
Solution: She finds the grave
Moral: Don’t jump to conclusions
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