Undead Memories Part 1

I've toyed with the idea of writing a vampire story, but held back because of current trends. I finally gave in and did it for a final project. I'll post it in 3 parts. Here is the first!


From the dark trees across the street, the house looked just the same as it had the last time Edie had seen it. In her memories, she could see the bright sun filling the sky as she and Victoria played in the grass – now brown and withered. That’s all she had left of the sun these days. Memories.

The blue shutters were still there, along with the matching blue door with the gold mail slot. The red brick that made up the façade was perhaps not as bright as it was from childhood, but that’s what happened with age. Things faded.

This was risky, coming back here after all this time. Nikolai had tried to reason with her. In the end, Edie always did what she wanted. At least to the best of her abilities. It was easy for her, being Warrick’s great creation and all – not that she ever asked for any of it. But how often did catastrophic events ask permission before striking?

Warrick could go to hell for all she cared. This was not about her, or him. This was about Victoria, and seeing her one last time. It was a risk she was willing to take. They had been lingering in this town for weeks, but Edie had saved this visit until the last possible moment.

“Once he finds out you don’t plan on coming back, you know this is the first place he’ll look. And if that boy has anything to do with it, you know what he’ll do.”

Edie didn’t look over her shoulder to meet Nikolai’s reason. “Well, then I have some time,” she said, clearly avoiding addressing the subject of Landon.

She had to keep reminding herself that this was not about Landon. This is about Victoria, she thought.

“And if Warrick comes, and asks me directly, I’ll have no choice but to tell him.”

“You breathe a word before that inevitable point in time, and I’ll rip your head off.”

She didn’t have to see him in order to detect the sudden jerk of his body. There was no doubt that she could, and would, rip off that head of his. Not that she wanted to. He was a loyal officer, and was already risking his life for her.

Recycling Books = Awesomeness

In honor of my birthday (which is right now), I'm going to post about gift giving. Don't worry, it's still related to books (in case you didn't figure that out already).

This Christmas season, I've been obsessed with making gifts. Why? Well 1) it's cheaper and I can make the same thing (with slight variations depending on personality) for multiple people, and 2) no holiday shopping at crowded stores trying to find gifts that family and friends may or may not like.

One of these gift ideas involves taking an old book, preferably one that no one will miss, and turning it into nifty box. I'm making 3 of them, and I can't wait to see the look on the recipient's face when they tear open the wrapping paper and their eyes take in the title of a book that they've never heard of and never intended to read. I can hear it now: "Er, thanks, Nicole." Muahaha! They will think I'm a terrible gift-giver. Until they open up the book and see that it's been hollowed out and they can stash all sorts of secrets in there, and no one will ever find them because the book will blend right into the rest of their book collection. Brilliant!

Wait, Nicole, you're going to hollow out a book?

Yes, I am. I am going to take a book, and cut it all up. In my defense, though, no one was ever going to read the books I chose (which was why they were on sale for $1), and I'm totally recycling it! Don't worry, I still love books with a passion and own too many of them to be displayed on my bookshelf. I just think this is a whole new way to enjoy a book.

Alright, so how am I going to go about doing this? It's actually quite easy -- just reeaally time consuming. The gluing of the pages together is easy. It's the cutting out of all the pages that is what takes forever.

Step 1: I found a book.
A fat one. This book is a 500+ page book on the art of bridge. The game. Sounds like one hell of a read, right?











Step 2: Glue!

 I mixed good 'ol Elmers with some water and painted the edges.













Step 3: Cut!

 Once it's dry, it was time for the fun part. Fun for about the first 150 pages...




...and cut some more...

and cut some more...









 
Step 4: More glue! -- no picture for this -- I went ahead and glued some more, this time on the inside edges, and another layer on the outside. After, I glued the pages to the back cover.



 Step 5: Viola!

Beautiful, right? I think so.
















Here is a more specific guide to hollowing out a book, in case you want to do it yourself: How To Make a Secret Hollow Book.

And here's a video, so you can see the process in action.



Happy crafting!

Best Thing I've Ever Written

Well, okay, maybe I'm lying. This isn't the best thing I've ever written, but I was pretty impressed by my ridiculous imagination. See for yourself:


This was just a routine checkup. Working for the force, it was required. Every six months he had to go to the doctor. Or vet. They were the same thing in his mind.

"I'm sorry, Mr. McGruff," the doctor said too calmly, "but you've tested positive for rabies."

The words floated around in the air for a moment. Then, without warning, they attacked. He couldn't even howl. What would be the point?

"Mr. McGruff?"

The doctor's words made him realize he was panting. Slobber was slipping over his pointed teeth.

"I know this is difficult to hear. Do you need a minute alone?"

McGruff didn't say anything. He didn't even hear her leave the office.

But I feel fine, he thought. Fine. Better than fine. I'm at the top of my game, stronger than ever. This has to be a mistake. A damn mistake!

He suddenly heard the words of his commander: Be careful what you take a bite out of, McGruff.

Every sound suddenly became intensified -- the thumping of his heavy tale, the grinding of his sharpened teeth, the patter of footsteps in the hall, the wind against the thin window. It was all so loud. Too loud. Something inside threatened to burst out. Finally, it could no longer be contained. His head drew back, and he howled and howled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Is this pre or post rabies??