The Original SOUTH: Silent Tears ch 6

Okay, so screw chapter 5. This one might be the worst chapter of Silent Tears yet. The dialogue! It’s cringe worthy. Still, I hope you’ve been enjoying the origin story of SOUTH.

Also, same as usual. Nothing has been edited so expect grammar and story issues. I'm so glad I've improved in my writing. 

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A little about the story:

Minami Kyuki’s hearts a battle ground of despair. Faced with more difficulties in her life than the normal teen, Minami copes by living one day at a time. But how long before the tragic events of her past haunts her to her death?

****

Chapter 6: Crimson Regret

         INT. POLICE STATION

         It’s a slow night, there are only a few cops on duty. One of
         the cops is doing paper work, trying to suppress his tired
         yawns. Another is standing by the window, looking blankly in
         to the distance outside. Two others are talking amongst
         themselves in the corner of the room over coffee. The phone
         rings. The officer by the window gives a start, then
         regaining his posture, turns his gaze towards the phone. He
         answers the phone.

                             OFFICER TOMAS
                   Hello? … Yes, right away.

         He turns around to the other men.

                             OFFICER TOMAS
                   Alright men, we got a few missing
                   persons out there. BRENT and
                   TREVOR, suit up, were heading out.
                   TIM, notify the others, were
                   looking for 2 Asians & a set of
                   twins, all female. Let’s go!

         BRENT looks over to TIM & whispers.

                             BRENT
                   Finally, some action.

         FADE

         INT. OLD ABBANDONED HOUSE CAMPBELLTON

         MARK STAGGER sits in the corner, inhaling the white pain
         coming from his shoulder. He looks at KAYLA, who’s eyes were
         fixed on her friend lying on the floor. He turns his deep
         hazel eyes on the twins, VENNESSA and NATALIE. He places his
         hand on his injured shoulder, then looks at it, his hand now
         stained in his own blood. DEREK is still pacing the room,
         looking in the brink of insanity. He keeps rubbing his hand
         though his hair, mumbling strange words to himself, every
         now and then turning his gun towards the crowd he has
         captured in the room. MARK decides to risk talking to DEREK.

                             MARK
                   What do you plan on doing DEREK?
                   You can’t keep us all here forever.

         DEREK, startled, points the gun at MARK.

                             DEREK
                   Quite MARK. You still never told me
                   what you were doing here in the
                   first place, with ought me.

                             MARK
                   I came to my senses. So, I decided
                   to free them before they were hurt.
                   Too late for that I guess.

         DEREK takes in a deep breath, looking up. He turns his gaze
         towards MARK, his back hunched over, his gun still still
         pointing at his once friend.

                             DEREK
                   You tried to free them? Well how’s
                   that working out for you.

         DEREK puts one hand on his head, rubs it through his hair.

                             DEREK
                   Now because of you look what
                   happened. Two innocents are stuck
                   here.

         MARK speaks, but mainly to himself.

                             MARK
                   Hey, it wasn’t my idea to bring
                   them here in the first place.

         DEREK walks swiftly towards MARK, a crazed look in his eyes,
         the points the gun MARKS face; the twins and KAYLA scream.

                             DEREK
                   What did you say?

         MARK cowers in the corner, his arms raised over his head.

                             MARK
                   N-nothing man! I was just following
                   what you told me to do, leave me
                   out of this!

         DEREK turns around then screams.

                             DEREK
                   Aw man I’m in a s*** load of
                   trouble aren’t I.

                             MARK
                   No s***.

         NATALIE, still in her own world, speaks, but so low its
         almost as if she speaks to no one.

                             NATALIE
                   What do you want from us?

         DEREK points the gun at NATALIE. Her sister, shakes with
         fear for her sibling.

                             VENNESSA
                   Please…. Please, oh God almighty,
                   please. I don’t…. Please….

         NATALIES eyes are no longer filled with fear. Her mind seems
         to be in a state of shock and confusion.

                             DEREK
                   I didn’t want you, no, not you two
                   to be hurt. MARK either, but
                   now…. I had no choice. No choice.
                   Just you two!

         DEREK looks at MINAMI and KAYLA.

                             DEREK
                   You’re the ones this world is better
                   off with!

         MINAMI sturs on the floor. KAYLA inches towards the girl.

                             KAYLA
                   Mi.. na…mi?

         MINAMI, with eyes still closed, speaks softly.

                             MINAMI
                   How many drops of blood will it
                   take for you?

                             DEREK
                   Wha-?

         MINAMI slowly gets up.

                             KAYLA
                   MINA!

                             THE TWINS
                   MINAMI!

                             MARK
                   She’s alive. F****** good s***.

         MINAMI slowly sits up, KAYLA moves forward to aid her.
         MINAMI then raises her hand to her head, wincing in pain.
         She looks at DEREK.

                             MINAMI
                   How many?

                             DEREK
                   What you talking about b****?

         Spit flys from his mouth. Tears are now running down his
         eyes, his lips becoming wet from his own saliva running out
         of his mouth; his body, shaking in what seems to be fear.

                             MINAMI
                   How many others have you hurt? 1?
                   2? 10? How many? I know we
                   certainly werent the first. I get
                   you.

                             DEREK
                   NO YOU DON’T!

         MINAMI slowly stands up, staggering.

                             MINAMI
                   Yes. I do. Ive had my family ripped
                   away from me too. I feel your
                   anger, your pain.

         DEREK bends over, both hands to his head, screaming as loud
         as he can.

                             DEREK
                   SHUT UP!

         He cocks his gun and goes to shoot MINAMI. MARK gets up.

                             MARK
                   NO!

         EXT. OLD ABBADONED HOUSE CAMPBELLTON

         Gun shots can be heard, birds flutter in the distance.

         EXT.  CAMPBELLTON

         The three officers look at each other as they hear gun shots
         in the distance. They pull over their car on the side of the
         road.

                             BRENT
                   What was that?

                             TOMAS
                   Gun shots.

         TIM raises his gun and looks at his boss as to what to do
         next.

                             TOMAS
                   Let’s go.

         The men climb out of the car and head into the bushes, guns
         raised. TOMAS reaches for his walkie talkie.

                             TOMAS
                   This is officer TOMAS, we need back
                   up on that old road. Two gun shots
                   were fired. I repeat, back up…

         TIM, slightly ahead of his two coworkers, pushes through
         the bushes. He stops in his tracks.

                             TIM
                   Boss? Check this out.

         TOMAS walks past the bushes, BRENT following him.

                             TOMAS
                   Let’s check it out.

         INT. OLD ABBANDONED HOUSE CAMPBELLTON

         The three cops enter silently and switly, guns ready to
         shoot. Muffled noises can be hear from the room below.
         Whispering, TIM speaks.

                             TIM
                   Should we wait for back up?

                             TOMAS
                   No. I don’t want to risk it. You
                   stay here, let them know where we
                   are. BRENT and I will go check it
                   out.

         TIM, shivering slightly from the still ringing sounds of gun
         shots, nods. His partners leave him behind, alone, shivering
         in the darkness.

The Original SOUTH: Silent Tears ch 5

Hey guys. Have you been enjoying Silent Tears? Well, this might be the worst chapter of Silent Tears yet. Hope you enjoy the origin story of SOUTH.

Once more, nothing has been edited or altered. Therefore plenty of grammar and story issues abound. 

****

A little about the story:

Minami Kyuki’s hearts a battle ground of despair. Faced with more difficulties in her life than the normal teen, Minami copes by living one day at a time. But how long before the tragic events of her past haunts her to her death?

****

Chapter 5: Minami Kyuki

         INT. OLD ABANDONED HOUSE CAMPBELLTON

         Black with writing on it.

                             WRITING
                   How come no one ever thinks about
                   the moon rise? Is it not
                   significant enough?

         MINAMI KYUKIs body is lying unconcious on the ground of the
         abandoned house, the body of the dead boy near her side. The
         twins, NATALIE and VENNESA DOUMONT, cower next to MARK
         STAGGER, fear in their eyes.

                             MARK
                   C'mon DEREK, it’s been hours. Let
                   us go, we won’t tell.

         KAYLA nods. DEREK ignores them. NATALIE points to MINAMI’s
         body.

                             NATALIE
                   Is she… dead?

                             KAYLA
                   No, just unconscious. DEREK fired a
                   shot but missed her. So, in anger,
                   he hit her in the head instead….
                   but….  he is….

         She points to the dead body of the young boy. The twins
         gasp. Out of fear they shut them self’s up from the world.
         CU of MINAMI.

                             KAYLA
                   (Narrative)MINAMI!

         Shot of the twins.

                             KAYLA
                   (Narrative)The twins too!

         A back shot of KAYLA as she looks at DEREK, who is is pacing
         the room, unsure of what to do. KAYLA begins to cry silent
         Tears.

                             KAYLA
                   (Narrative)No…. This can’t be
                   happening. Not now. Too fast….
                   It’s all happening too fast. I
                   couldn’t… couldn’t…

         CU of KAYALAs eyes, as tears poor down her smooth face.

                             KAYLA
                   I can’t move. I can’t… can’t go
                   to my friend to help her! My best
                   friend…

         FLASH BACK of earlier days. Different shots of MINAMI and
         KAYLA hanging out together, some with the twins. MINAMI is
         seen making funny faces to her friends, making them laugh.
         MINAMI is showing KAYLA how to do some martial art moves.
         KAYLA is sick and MINAMI is helping nursing her friend back
         to health. CU of the unconscious MINAMI.

                             KAYLA
                   (Narrative) Why does this kind of
                   stuff always happen to you?

         FLASH BACK.

         EXT. SUGUARMONT HIGH STEPS CAMPBELLTON

         MINAMI, KAYLA and the twins are sitting on the steps out
         side their school during lunch hour. The sun shining
         brightly upon the horizon.

                             MINAMI
                   Hey guys?

                             NATALIE
                   Huh?

                             MINAMI
                   How come everyone always says
                   "sunrise" and “sunset” and nobody
                   ever thinks about the moonrise?

                             VENESSA
                   What are you talking about?

                             KAYLA
                   MINAMI’s being weird again.

                             NATALIE
                   But the sun is still out, why
                   mention the moon?

         MINAMI turns to face her friends.

                             MINAMI
                   My dad always used to tell me that
                   the moon rises to give people light
                   at night when they are lonely.

         NATALIE looks at MINAMI and then to the sky. KAYLA looks as
         though she is suppressing a giggle.

                             MINAMI
                   My family is there, to raise the
                   moon. Just for me. They always know
                   how to make me happy.

         KAYLA, letting out a bit of laughter.

                             KAYLA
                   OK, where does this come from?

                             VENESSA
                   I think its deep and kind of sad.

         NATALIE looks back at MINAMI.

                             NATALIE
                   Hey, you’ll always have us!

                             VENESSA
                   Hey c'mon, we got a little bit of
                   time before the bell rings for next
                   class, let’s go race to the
                   baseball field!

                             NATALIE AND MINAMI
                   Yeah!

                             KAYLA
                   Sure!

         The three friends get up and begin to run towards the field.
         CU of MINAMI

                             KAYLA
                   (Narrative) You were always there
                   for me.

         INT. OLD ABANDONED HOUSE CAMPBELLTON

         Shot of the unconscious MINAMI lying on the cold floor.

                             KAYLA
                   (Narrative) Where was I when you
                   needed me?

         EXT. SUGUARMONT HIGH CAMPBELLTON

         KAYLA suddenly stops, her hand clutching to her chest in
         pain.

                             KAYLA
                   Ahhk… Aack… gu gu…

         MINAMI, a big smile on her face, notices something is wrong
         and turns around, her smile fading. The twins hear the
         sudden change of movement and turn around.

                             NATALIE
                   KAYLA?

                             MINAMI
                   KAYLA!

         KAYLA is on her knees, gasping for air.

                             KAYLA
                   Haaaa… Gaa…. *gasp*

                             VENESSA
                   She’s having an asthma attack!

         She turns around frantically, looking for help.

                             VENESSA
                   Someone help her!

                             NATALIE
                   What do we do?

         MINAMI rushes towards her friend. She begins to frantically
         dig in KAYLA’s backpack. She takes out an inhaler.

                             MINAMI
                   Got it!

         She turns to the twins.

                             MINAMI
                   Call 911 or a teacher or something!

         She turns her gaze towards the gasping KAYLA.

                             MINAMI
                   Here.

         She gives KAYLA the inhaler. KAYLA begins to calm down. She
         begins to fall in MINAMI’s arms. Teachers can be heard in
         the distance, yelling for space. Shot of KAYLA and MINAMI.

                             KAYLA
                   (Narrative) You were always there
                   for me….

         END FLASH BACK

         KAYLA is see crouching, her arms wrapped around her legs,
         trying to form a ball.

         INT. MINAMI’S HOUSE

         LYNN, DENNIS, ROSA and DANIEL CONNERY are sitting in the
         living room. ROSA is pacing, her husband DANIEL, watching
         her.

                             ROSA
                   It’s 10:00, where they hell are
                   they?

         The phone rings.

                             ROSA
                   We should call the police.

         LYNN picks up the phone.

                             LYNN
                   Hello?

         She talks for a minuet, then hangs up the phone.

                             LYNN
                   That was the twins mother. She said
                   they left for choir practice and
                   never came back.

                             ROSA
                   That’s it, we call the police.

         She grabs the phone from LYNN’s hands and starts to dial.

         FADE TO BLACK

                             WRITING
                   The time has stopped into a
                   standstill.

The Original SOUTH: Silent Tears ch 4

A new day, a ‘new’ installment, chapter 4, of the original story Silent Tears, before it became SOUTH. I warn you, this story is so bad, (and short), that it’s funny. This one here is real gold in the way of bad writing. 

(Seriously, where did I come up with this stuff?)

Unedited, which means grammar and story flaws are plentiful. 

A little about the story:

Minami Kyuki’s hearts a battle ground of despair. Faced with more difficulties in her life than the normal teen, Minami copes by living one day at a time. But how long before the tragic events of her past haunts her to her death?

****

Chapter 4: Hostages

         INT. CAMPBELLTON AN OLD ABANDONED HOUSE

                             MARK STAGGER
                   You can’t harm them all! There’s
                   too many of them!

         DEREK reaches for something in his pocket, tightening his grip
         on the boy, who stands silent in fear.

                             DEREK BEIYIT
                   Maybe not all, but I got to start
                   somewhere.

         DEREK swiftly pulls out a gun, then shoots the boy in the head,
         killing him instantly. MINAMI, KAYLA, and MARK stand back in
         shock and fear. KAYLA falls to the ground, sobbing,
         shrieking. MARK slowly moves away from DEREK, muttering
         words only he can hear. MINAMI’s eyes widen, her hands begin
         to shakes, clenching into a tight fist.

         FLASH BACK of the murderer of her family, the gun in his hands
         as he shots MINAMI’s parents. END FLASHBACK.

         DEREK points the gun at KAYLA and MINAMI. KAYLA screams as MARK
         falls to the ground, tears pouring out of his dark brown
         eyes.

                             MINAMI
                   No…. no…. (screams) NO!

                             DEREK
                   Shut up b**** or your next.

         He points the gun at her.

                             DEREK
                   I’ve had enough of Asians! There
                   good for nothing low life’s, who
                   take away all that is good in this
                   world.

         MINAMI tilts her head, an insane look in her eyes. She is
         not herself.

                             MINAMI
                   Your no better than him.

         MINAMI slowly moves towards DEREK, her left hand moving towards
         the chain attached to her pants.

                             MINAMI
                   KAYLA, do you know why I always
                   have this chain with me?

                             KAYLA
                   What the hell? Are you crazy? He’s
                   got a bloody gun!

         DEREK points the gun towards KAYLA.

                             DEREK
                   Shut the hell up!

         KAYLA shrieks, cowering in the corner.

                             MINAMI
                   No. It’s not a fashion statement.

         She undoes the chain from her pants.

                             MINAMI
                   It’s so I can hurt people like YOU!

         She lunges towards DEREK, rage in her eyes. DEREK shoots, misses.
         He fires again, missing MINAMI but grazing MARK on the
         shoulder. MARK screams in pain. MINAMI reaches DEREK, puts
         the chain around his neck and pulls with all her might.
         DEREK chokes.

                             MINAMI
                   Who’s better now? I wasn’t able to
                   stop you then, but now

                             DEREK
                   Wha… cough… talkin ‘bout?

         She pulls harder. DEREKS eyes begin to roll back.

                             KAYLA
                   MINAMI NO!

         MINAMI looks up, her eyes change, revealing fear. She drops the
         chain. DEREK holds his neck, recovers, then points the gun
         at MINAMI. She falls to her knees.

                             MINAMI
                   Not again. Please, not again.

                             DEREK
                   I was right. You’re all insane! You
                   wanna know why I dislike your
                   'kind?’ I was 14.

         He holds the gun shakenly at MINAMI.

                             DEREK
                   Things were great. Then we went for
                   that trip in Japan.

         FLASH BACK as he talks.

                             DEREK
                   Me and my mom were having a great
                   time, but we got lost. Then this
                   man with a scar on his left check
                   came up to us. We ask him where we
                   were, then he took out a gun.

                             DEREK’S MOM
                   Please! Don’t harm my son!

         The man grabs YOUNG DEREK by his hair, throws him aside.
         YOUNG DEREK’s mom screams. The man shoots both her legs.
         YOUNG DEREK runs to hide behind a garbage can as the man
         deals the final bow to his mother. END FLASH BACK. DEREKS
         eyes tear up.

                             DEREK
                   He KILLED her! I saw her murdered.
                   The cops didn’t even do anything. 
                   He, and all the rest of the Asian
                   world will pay!

         He begins to point the gun at everyone, as if not sure who
         to shoot first. MARK is still in the corner, in pain.

         MINAMI gets up, clearly angered by DEREK’S story. She points
         to the scar on her face.

                             MINAMI
                   See this scar? See it? This is a
                   constant reminder of what I’ve
                   seen. I would count myself lucky if
                   I were you, considering that’s all
                   YOU seen. I witnessed BOTH of my
                   parents die, along with the rest of
                   my family too. So one of your
                   parents is dead. Big deal. Grow up!

         DEREK grabs MINAMI by the shoulders, pushes her against the
         wall and points the gun to her head.

                             DEREK
                   SHURT UP! What do you know, your
                   just as bad as him! You bloody
                   tried to kill me!

                             MINAMI
                   I tried to kill you? You tried to
                   kill US! You’re the one with the gun!

         DEREK cocks the gun, anger in his eyes, then points it at
         MINAMI.

                             KAYLA
                   MINAMI!

                             MARK
                   DEREK NO!

         Shot of outside the old house as a gunshot is heard.

         EXT. CAMPBELLTON

         VENESSA and NATALIE DOUMONT are seen leaving their house.

                             NATALIE
                   We’ll be back in an hour or so.

                             VENESSA
                   We just got choir practice.

         They close the door.

                             NATALIE
                   I wonder if MINAMI and KAYLA will
                   be there, they weren’t in school.

                             VENESSA
                   It’s choir. You know how much
                   MINAMI likes to sing. If she’s not
                   there, then something is wrong.

                             NATALIE
                   Haha yeah. True too.

         DENNIS comes into the scene while the twins are walking.

                             DENNIS
                   Allo les filles. Did you see
                   MINAMI?

                             VENESSA
                   No, she wasn’t at school, why?

                             DENNIS
                   She hasn’t come home yet.

         The twins look at each other.

                             NATALIE
                   We’ll let you know if we see her.

         EXT. SOMEWHERE IN CAMPBELLTON

         VENESSA and NATALIE are seen walking in the woods.

                             NATALIE
                   I can’t believe you talked me into
                   this. What was I thinking? Skipping
                   choir to go look for them.

                             VENESSA
                   Come on NAT, this is our friends
                   we’re talking about, we should be
                   looking for them.

         NATALIE stops.

                             NATALIE
                   Shouldn’t we have told mom at
                   least? Or call the cops. Yeah, it’s
                   their jobs to do this kind of
                   thing.

         VENESSA turns around to face her sister.

                             VENESSA
                   Yeah, we should, but who knows
                   MINAMI and KAYLA better than us?

                             NATALIE
                        (to herself) Their parent’s
                        maybe?

         A gunshot is heard in the distance, both twins twirl around
         to the direction of the noise.

                             NATALIE AND VENESSA
                   What was that?

                             VENESSA
                   That was close by.

                             NATALIE
                   And we should be farther away then.

                             VENESSA
                   What if they’re in danger?

                             NATALIE
                   All the more reason to call the
                   cops.

         VENESSA grabs NATALIE and drags her to where they heard a
         gunshot. Passing a couple of threes, they take a left turn
         and an old house is reveled. The place doesn’t look sturdy,
         but it stands tall and proud in the moon light.

                             NATALIE
                   We’re not going in THERE are we?
                   Exploring things is MINAMI’s job,
                   not ours.

                             VENESSA
                   Which would be a perfect place to
                   go check if she is there….

         She looks at NATALIE.

                             VENESSA
                   You go first.

                             NATALIE
                   What? Are you crazy?

                             VENESSA
                   Fine.

         VENESSA craws slowly towards the old building, NATALIE
         follows, hesitantly.

         INT. OLD ABANDONED HOUSE CAMPBELLTON

         There are muffled voices coming from the floor below.

                             NATALIE
                   Look VENESSA, someone was here!

         VENESSA and NATALIE find a door, slightly ajar. They creep
         down the stairs. They reach the bottom to find MINAMI lying
         on the floor, KAYLA screaming, a boy in the corner, another
         on the floor, blood from his head, and another boy with a
         gun. KAYLA looks up. She can barely speak from the fear, but
         utters words in a whisper.

                             KAYLA
                   Run…

         The twins stand in shock. Then DEREK turns around, faces the
         twins. He points the gun at them. Shot of the twins.

                             NATALIE
                   I really wish I didn’t let you talk
                   me into this.

The Original SOUTH: Silent Tears ch 3

The next installment, chapter 3, of the original story Silent Tears, before it became SOUTH. I warn you, this story is so bad, (and short), that it’s funny.

Again, I’ve left it intentionally unedited to show my bad grammar and storytelling back in 2008ish.

***

A little about the story:

Minami Kyuki’s hearts a battle ground of despair. Faced with more difficulties in her life than the normal teen, Minami copes by living one day at a time. But how long before the tragic events of her past haunts her to her death?

****

Chapter 3: Betrayal

         INT. CAMPBELLTON AN OLD ABANDONED HOUSE

         MINAMI KYUKI and KAYLA CONNERY are standing in a dark room, looking
         over a crumpled business card.

                             MINAMI
                   I know where I see it!

                             KAYLA
                   Where?

                             MINAMI
                   My place, the night of the murder.

         Suddenly, up above, a noise could be heard. MINAMI and KAYLA both
         look at each other.

                             MINAMI
                        (Yelling) Hello?

         KAYLA quickly puts her hand over MINAMI’s mouth.

                             KAYLA
                   What are you doing? Are you crazy?
                   What if it’s them?

         MINAMI pushes KAYLA’s hand aside.

                             MINAMI
                   What if it’s not them? Besides, who
                   cares if it is, they alone know
                   were here and it’s them who most
                   likely can get us out!

         KAYLA looks at the ceiling as another noise is heard. The sound
         is now coming form behind the door. MINAMI puts up her
         hands, ready to fight, and this time, win. KAYLA bends down
         behind her, as if to hide behind her friend. The sound of
         the lock being undone can be heard from the other side of
         the old wooden door. Slowly, it creaks open.

         INT. MINAMI’S HOUSE LIVING ROOM

         LYNN is sitting on the couch doing a crossword puzzle. She eye’s
         the clock on the VCR many times. DENNIS comes in the front
         door and enters the living room.

                             DENNIS
                   Allo.

                             LYNN
                   The school called today. They said
                   MINAMI has missed school, and it’s
                   4:30 and she’s not home yet.

         DENNIS looks at his wife, then at the clock on the VCR. He sighs,
         then turns to walk away.

                             DENNIS
                   I’ll go look for her at the school.

         He leaves, leaving LYNN alone in the house with the animals. LYNN
         picks up the phone and begins to dial.

         INT. KAYLA’S HOUSE KITCHEN

         MRS CONNERY is standing at the kitchen counter, making
         supper with a scowl on her face.  TRAVIS CONNERY comes in
         through the front door and puts his bag on the floor.

                             TRAVIS CONNERY
                   Hey mom, what’s for-?

                             MRS CONNERY
                   Don’t you ‘hey mom’ me TRAVIS
                   CONNERY.

         TRAVIS looks confused.

                             TRAVIS
                   Wha-?

                             MRS CONNERY
                   The school called today saying you
                   missed classes.

                             TRAVIS
                   I didn’t! That call wasn’t for me!

                             MRS CONNERY
                        (Sarcastically)Oh really? Then
                        who was it for then? Mr. who
                        -always-skips-school.

                             TRAVIS
                   I bet it was KAYLA.

                             MRS CONNERY
                   You know your sister is better than
                   that.

         The phone rings, interrupting their argument. MRS CONNERY looks
         at the caller ID.

                             MRS CONNERY
                   Hum… MINAMI is calling.

         She picks it up.

                             MRS CONNERY
                   KAYLA is not here MINAMI, call back
                   later.

         Just as she is about to hang up the phone, the voice on the other
         end screams.

                             LYNN
                   Don’t hang up the phone!

         MRS CONNERY puts the phone back to her ear.

                             MRS CONNERY
                   I’m sorry LYNN, I’m going to have
                   to call you back, I got 'kid’
                   issues again.

                             LYNN
                   That’s why I’m calling. Is MINAMI
                   there? I got a call from the school
                   saying she missed today and she
                   isn’t home yet. I was wondering if she
                   was with KAYLA.

                             MRS CONNERY
                   KAYLA isn’t even here.

         She looks at TRAVIS.

                             MRS CONNERY
                   I got to go.

         She hangs up the phone.

                             MRS CONNERY
                   You’re off the hook. Now,

                             TRAVIS
                   I told you it wasn’t me!

                             MRS CONNERY
                   Go out and look for your sister.

         INT. CAMPBELLTON AN OLD ABANDONED HOUSE

         MINAMI stands ready to fight, KAYLA behind her on the
         ground. The door slowly opens, and a figure emerges. MARK
         STAGGER steps into the room.

                             MINAMI
                   What do YOU want?

                             MARK
                   I mean you no harm!

         KAYLA and MINAMI give him a dirty look.

                             MARK
                   Seriously! I just came to…. 
                   Woah, wait.

         MARK points to KAYLA.

                             MARK
                   DEREK said he was going to let you
                   go this morning! What are you still
                   doing here?

                             MINAMI
                   What am I? Dried sushi?

                             MARK
                   Um, I don’t know. But I guess I had
                   a feeling that he wouldn’t do it,
                   which is why I’m here.

                             MINAMI
                   Oh. Really. You know, I live by the
                   rule, 'do to others as you want
                   done to yourself.’ I got some eggs
                   and some rocks at my house. You
                   want to come over? Oh! And maybe I
                   can find a glass bottle and break
                   that over YOUR head. Hum? Sound
                   fun, no?

         KAYLA looks at MINAMI.

                             KAYLA
                   He hit you with a glass bottle?

                             MARK
                   It was an accident!

                             MINAMI
                   …. Right…. And I suppose 'this’
                   is an accident as well.

         MINAMI does a spinning round house kick which lands hard on
         MARKS head. MARK lands on the ground.

                             KAYLA
                   Nice shot MINA!

         He gets up, rubbing his head.

                             MARK
                   Screw you *****! I came here to
                   freakin free you man!

         He wipes the blood off the newly made cut on his forehead.

                             MARK
                   Now come on, before I change my
                   mind and believe that DEREK is
                   right.

                             KAYLA
                   Right about what?

                             MARK
                   About-

         MARK is interrupted, for by the door is DEREK, leaning on
         the wall, his face grim. By his side, under his arms is a
         young Asian boy.

                             DEREK
                   About what MARK? Tell them.

                             MARK
                   Crap.

                             DEREK
                   That’s right. You can’t.

                             MINAMI
                   Oh! Great! Your here!

         MINAMI grabs to crumples business card from KAYLA’S hand and
         shoves it into DEREK’S face.

                             MINAMI
                   Who gave you that card? Where did
                   you get it? Who wrote on it? Tell
                   me!

                             DEREK
                   Ha! All you need to know is that
                   it’s from Japan.

                             MARK
                   And it’s the start of his
                   obsession.

                             MINAMI
                        (To herself) Obsession?

                             DEREK
                   Quiet!

                             MARK
                   No! You be quiet for once! I’ve
                   been with you since grade school.
                   You were the nicest guy around. But
                   then you went on that trip to Japan
                   and you’ve never been the same. Now
                   all you care about is harming
                   Asians. What’s wrong with you man?

         CU of DEREK grinding his teeth.

                             MARK
                   You can’t harm them all! There’s
                   too many of them!

         DEREK reaches for something in his pocket, tightening his
         grip on the boy, who stands silent in fear.

                             DEREK
                   Maybe not all, but I got to start
                   somewhere.

         DEREK swiftly pulls out a gun, then shoots the boy in the
         head, killing him instantly. MINAMI, KAYLA, and MARK stand
         back in shock and fear.

The Original SOUTH: Silent Tears ch 2

Continuing on with the original story of SOUTH, Silent Tears, here is chapter 2. I love looking back at old stuff and seeing how far I’ve come. This stuff is golden. 

Also, I’ve left the story unedited, so you can see all its flaws, both story wise and grammatically. 

A little about the story:

Minami Kyuki’s hearts a battle ground of despair. Faced with more difficulties in her life than the normal teen, Minami copes by living one day at a time. But how long before the tragic events of her past haunts her to her death?

****

Chapter 2: Trapped

         INT. SUGUARMOUNT SENIOR HIGH MR LANDRYS CHEMISTRY CLASS

         MR LANDRY is standing by his desk, pointing at the board, explaining
         a chemistry problem. The class appears to be bored. TYLER
         BUTTLER and MARK STAGGER are anxious, nervous looking. MARK
         fumbles with his pencil. DEREK BEYIT sits at his desk, calm,
         and taking notes from the board. He glares at MARK, who now
         looks intently at the board, staring into the abyss. VENESSA and
         NATALIE DOUMONT look at each other. NATALIE takes a a piece
         of her chemistry notes, writes down a note, then passes it
         on to VENESSA. The note reads: “I saw MINAMI walking to
         school this morning. Where is she?” VENESSA shrugs, then
         leans forward.

                             VENESSA
                        (Whispering) Come to think of
                        it, I haven’t seen KAYLA here
                        this morning either.

                             MR LANDRY
                   Girls! Passing notes and whispering
                   during my lectures?

         VENESSA and NATALIE both jump, startled by the sudden appearance
         of their teacher.

                             NATALIE
                   Sorry sir.

         MR LANDRY goes to speak when the bell rings. The twins pick up
         their things and leave the room swiftly.

         INT. SUGUARMOUNT SENIOR HIGH HALLWAY

         Students rush about to get to their next class, while some take
         their time and chat on their cell phones. Others go to their
         lockers, searching for an item they have forgotten. DEREK,
         MARK, and TYLER was seen walking down the hall.

                             MARK
                   DEREK, I think the twins are on to
                   us.

                             TYLER
                   No they are not.

                             MARK
                   Uh huh!

                             DEREK
                   Shut up! They’re just noticing there
                   not at school. They don’t have a
                   clue it’s us.

         INT. CAMPBELLTON MILL

         MR CONNERY is reading the morning newspaper when the phone suddenly
         rings, startling her. MR CONNERY looks at the phone. He
         screws up his face in a scowl.

                             MR CONNERY
                   Darn school again. What the hell do
                   they want now? TRAVIS better not be
                   in trouble again.

         He picks up the phone.

                             MR CONNERY
                   Hello?

                             SUGUARMOUNT PRE-RECORDED MESSAGE
                   This is the Vice-Principal of
                   Suguarmount Senior High, MR RODD. I
                   am calling to inform you that your
                   son or daughter has missed

         MRS CONNERY hangs up the phone, looking very unpleased.

                             MRS CONNERY
                   TRAVIS CONNERY when you get home.

         INT. CAMPBELLTON AN OLD ABANDONED HOUSE

         MINAMI is seen lying on the basement floor in the dark, bleeding.
         A dark figure is kneeled over MINAMI, hand outreached.

                             THE FIGURE
                        (Whispers) Hey!

         The figure touches MINAMI. MINAMI winces in pain, then
         slowly opens her eyes.

                             MINAMI
                   Erg... Wha? <Ow….>

         MINAMI slowly sits up and blinks.

                             THE FIGURE
                   MINAMI!

                             MINAMI
                   Wha? Who are-?

         The figure hugs MINAMI, then let’s go almost as fast. MINAMI takes
         a look at the figure, who looks well beaten. Before MINAMI
         can realize who it is, the figure speaks again.

                             THE FIGURE
                   They got to you to!

                             MINAMI
                   KAYLA? Is that you?

         The light shines on the figure, revealing her true identity.

                             KAYLA
                   Yeah. I’ve been here since after
                   the Talent show. On my way home,
                   these 3 guys came up to me and
                   started throwing rocks at me, then
                   they forced me here. I haven’t been
                   able to sleep a wink.

         As KAYLA speaks, a flash back shows her words.

                             MINAMI
                   Why? What did we do?

         KAYLA shrugs. MINAMI looks around.

                             MINAMI
                   What do we do now?

                             KAYLA
                   Get out. That’s what.

         KAYLA looks to the door.

                             KAYLA
                   The question is how.

         MINAMI gets up then stumbles towards the door. She takes a good
         look at it then does a powerful back kick. MINAMI falls back
         to the ground, but the door does not budge.

                             KAYLA
                   The door is barred on the outside
                   you know.

         MINAMI is seen rubbing her foot.

                             MINAMI
                   Yeah. Thanks for the info. Have you
                   looked around the place? Maybe
                   there’s another exit. (To herself)
                   Like a portal to another world or
                   something cool like that.

                             KAYLA
                   No. I was too afraid to move. (To
                   herself) You and your portals.

                             MINAMI
                   Well then, what are we waiting for.

         MINAMI limps past KAYLA and begins to feel around, looking
         for an exit.

                             MINAMI
                   Aha!

                             KAYLA
                   WHAT?

                             MINAMI
                   I found something!

                             KAYLA
                   I repeat, what?!

                             MINAMI
                   Hehe. A business card!

                             KAYLA
                   MINAMI!

                             MINAMI
                   I can add this to my collection….

         KAYLA rolls her eyes, while MINAMI inspects the card.

                             MINAMI
                   Spiffy. It’s in Japanese…

                             KAYLA
                   There’s got to be a way out-

                             MINAMI
                        (To herself)Hey someone wrote
                        on the back!

                             KAYLA
                   Here. Maybe if we move some of
                   those crates, (if that’s what they
                   are), we might find a door or
                   something.

         MINAMI squints, trying to read the writing.

                             MINAMI
                        (To herself) DEREK….
                        (Mumble) See you soon
                        (Mumble)(Gasp)

         KAYLA turns around to look at MINAMI

                             KAYLA
                   What now?

                             MINAMI
                   I…. I know that writing.

                             KAYLA
                   So? It’s not going to help us get
                   out of here.

                             MINAMI
                        (To herself) Well, the card is
                        in Japanese, but that’s not
                        important. It’s just a regular
                        business card for some random
                        place. It’s what on the back,
                        written in English that got my
                        attention.

                             KAYLA
                   Let me see it.

         MINAMI hands over the card to KAYLA. KAYLA takes a good look
         at the card and reads it aloud.

                             KAYLA
                   DEREK, I am so happy to have meet
                   you. See you soon. Don’t tell,
                   means no lies.

         KAYLA looks up.

                             KAYLA
                   DEREK… I think I know someone by
                   that name.

                             MINAMI
                   Well, you do. He’s the guy who
                   brought me here, and by the looks
                   of it, you too. (Narrative
                   Bubble) Where have I seen this
                   writing before?

                             KAYLA
                   That’s it, we got to get out of
                   here!

                             MINAMI
                   Snaps! I know where I’ve seen it!

                             KAYLA
                   Where?

                             MINAMI
                   My place, the night of the murder.

         Suddenly, up above, a noise could be heard.

The Original SOUTH - Silent Tears

Hey ya’ll! Ever want a good laugh at a horribly \ written story ‘cause you’re bored and have nothing better to do? Look no more! I’ve decided to share the first (and only) volume of Silent Tears here on my blog for your entertainment. 

The story was poorly planned and there wasn’t much character development. It was also written to be a comic script yet made in the style of a film script. 

Just look at how much this story changed since 2008. (It started in a high school and not college).

A little about the story:

Minami Kyuki’s hearts a battle ground of despair. Faced with more difficulties in her life than the normal teen, Minami copes by living one day at a time. But how long before the tragic events of her past haunts her to her death?

****

Also, as an added bonus, Silent Tears has a prologue and I made an animatic for it back in college.  Not only has my writing and storytelling improved, but so has my art. This is so bad I have to share:

(Just know my Japanese sucked back in 2009. It's soooo much better now). 

Side note, here is what I had in mind for the cover for the first volume. On the left was the original cover and on the right was the "special edition" version. Not sure what was going to be in the special edition besides a new cover but enjoy all the same!~ (Art by yours truly). 

---

Chapter 1: The Unwanted Gift

EXT. SUGARMOUNT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL FRONT DOORS

         The sun is setting, showing a wonderful array of colors. Random
         teens call their parents to come pick them up. MINAMI KYUKI,
         KAYLA CONNERY, VENESSA and NATALIE DOUMONT are leaving the
         school, all laughing and talking about their night. A banner
         is held on top of the entrance saying: ‘Sugarmount Senior
         High Talent Show!’

                             MINAMI KYUKI
                        (Narrative Bubble) How long
                        has it been?

                             MINAMI
                   Man! That competition was brutal
                   this year!

                             VANESSA DOUMONT
                   I’ll say. (To herself) And all they
                   got was a lame gift certificate.

                             NATALIE DOUMONT
                   It’s a good thing that magician
                   didn’t win. (To herself) I totally
                   saw that egg in his hand!

         MINAMI smiles and laughs at her friends as they walk down
         the steps.

                             MINAMI
                        (Narrative Bubble)That’s
                        right. Four years now. Four years
                        since my family was brutally
                        murdered.

                             MINAMI
                   Hey, I got to jet. My parental
                   units are expecting me home after
                   the show. Plus, I got to something
                   to do.

                             KAYLA CONNERY
                   Kay.

         CU Minami

                             MINAMI
                   My name is MINAMI 'SOUTH’ KYUKI.
                   When I was only 12 years old, a
                   masked man came into my home and
                   took the lives of my entire family, making
                   me an orphan.

         EXT. CAMPBELLTON

         An aerial view of Campbellton.

                             MINAMI
                        (Narrative Bubble) Today was a
                        special day for me. It wasn’t
                        just the day of my school’s
                        talent show.

         INT. MINAMI’S HOUSE

         MINAMI enters her house. ANGIE, the family dog, greets her with
         a lick and a bark. Two cats lay curled up on the couch where
         LYNN sits. DENNIS sits in his rocking chair, next to the
         couch.

                             MINAMI
                   I’m home!

                             MINAMI
                        (Narrative Bubble) No, it was
                        more than that.

                             DENNIS
                   Welcome home MINA!

                             LYNN
                   How was it?

                             MINAMI
                   Awesome! Say, I’m going to take a
                   shower, k?

                             LYNN
                   O.K. Don’t take too long.

         MINAMI is seen walking up the stairs, waving her hand, not looking
         back.

                             MINAMI
                   Of course! (Narrative Bubble) Today
                   was the anniversary of my parents
                   death.

         INT. MINAMI’S HOUSE BATHROOM

         MINAMI turns on the tap. MINAMI’s arms are forward on the wall,
         supporting her weight, her head hung low, looking defeated.
         CU of MINAMI’s face. Her eyes stare blankly at the floor.

                             MINAMI
                        (Narrative Bubble) No one
                        knows who the murderer was, but
                        he was said to have committed
                        suicide in the fire he
                        created.

         INT. MINAMI’S HOUSE HER ROOM

         MINAMI is seen dressed, drying her hair with a towel. A
         large array of martial art trophies decorates her room. Several
         swords hang from the wall and some drawings that MINAMI
         herself had done were on the wall as well, by her desk.

                             MINAMI
                        (Narrative Bubble) But I know
                        the truth. I saw his face.

         A flash back of when MINAMI used the scissors to cut the
         man’s mask, showing a bit of his face. Flash back end. MINAMI
         goes to a box by her bed and as she slowly picks it it, she
         sits down on her bed. She opens it up slowly. Inside the box
         contains a burnt nail, a burnt part of a newspaper, and a crumpled
         picture with water marks showing tears have fallen on it.
         MINAMI picks up each object one by one then she places them
         carefully on her bed. The last one she picks up is the
         crumpled picture. The picture shows a younger version of
         MINAMI with her birth parents. A tear runs down her face.

                             MINAMI
                   I’m going to find him mom, dad. I
                   know he got out alive. I just know
                   it! And I’ll let the world know of
                   it too, just you watch.

         MINAMI touches the picture softly as she speaks. She then places
         the picture on her bed with the other objects, then looks up
         at the ceiling, staring at nothing.

                             MINAMI
                        (Sigh) I want to see you so
                        bad. I know I have it good here
                        now, but I miss my friends, my
                        home back in Kobe. Oh mom,
                        dad. It hurts so bad….

         MINAMI looks longingly at one of her sharpest blades. She closes
         her eye’s and leans back.

                             MINAMI
                   <May you find peace.> I know I wont
                   until he pays….

         EXT. CAMPBELLTON

         Next morning. MINAMI is seen running to school.

                             MINAMI
                   Snaps! I’m going to be late! Sleep
                   through that darn alarm again!

         3 figures emerge from the shadows as MINAMI runs by. DEREK
         BEYIT smiles sinisterly. MARK STAGGER and TYLER BUTTLER
         laugh.

                             DEREK BEYIT
                   Hey! You!

                             MARK STAGGER
                   Japanese chick!

         MINAMI stops in her tracks, nearly falls over, and

                             MINAMI
                   Hiya.

         MINAMI turns to leave, but TYLER BUTTER reaches into his bag and
         pulls out and egg, then throws it at her. The egg hit’s
         MINAMI in the back of the head. MINAMI turns around, arms in
         the air in disgust.

                             DEREK
                   My name is DEREK. This is TYLER and
                   MARK.

                             TYLER BUTTLER
                   And we got a problem

                             MINAMI
                   You darn right we do. What the hell
                   was that for? (To herself) Jerks.
                   (Narrative Bubble) Something isn’t
                   right here….

                             DEREK
                   MARK here tells me it’s your
                   birthday this Thursday. How old you
                   going to be? 17?

                             MINAMI
                   <Screw you> I’m off.

         She turns to leave.

                             DEREK
                   Well, since were nice guys, we got
                   you a birthday present.

                             MARK
                   Something from the heart.

         MARK smiles as he speaks. MINAMI answers, her back facing
         the teenage boys.

                             MINAMI
                   Don’t care.

         DEREK looks at MARK and TYLER. They all pick up eggs from their
         backpacks and throw them at MINAMI. MINAMI stumbles.

                             MARK
                   We’re still talking to you stupid
                   Japanese!

         DEREK picks up a rock, tosses it in the air then throws it
         at MINAMI.

                             DEREK
                   Happy Birthday! (Laughs)

         MARK and TYLER both do the same as DEREK.

                             TYLER
                   And this is forever coming into
                   OUR country!

         TYLER throws his rock, hitting MINAMI in the arm.

                             MARK
                   And this is for being alive!

         The rock hits her in the chest.

                             MINAMI
                        (Narrative Bubble)What’s
                        happening to me? Why are they hitting
                        me this way?

         The boys continue to throw rocks at her. MINAMI goes to kick them,
         but a rock hits her on the head, knocking her down. MARK
         then picks up a glass bottle from the ground then hits
         MINAMI with it over the head, sending her to the ground.
         MINAMI stops moving and doesn’t get up.

                             TYLER
                   What the heck did you do that for?
                   We agreed just to play around with
                   her a bit! Not to kill her!

                             DEREK
                   I don’t think she’s dead.

                             MARK
                   Well what do we do with her?

         DEREK smiles.

                             DEREK
                   Same as the last boys.

         CU of MARK and TYLER, looking confused.

         INT. CAMPBELLTON AN OLD ABANDONED HOUSE

         MINAMI is seen lying on the basement floor in the dark, bleeding.
         DEREK, MARK, and TYLER are talking outside the door.

                             DEREK
                        (Muffled) She’ll be fine.
                        Let’s hurry before were late for
                        MR LANDRYS class again.

         A figure, shrouded in darkness, slowly advances towards MINAMI.
         The figure goes to reach MINAMI.

                             MINAMI
                   Urg….

I Love That Cat

Why hello there.

                                                 My name is Sorren.  

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Hey guys!

So today I'm going to do things a little different. Instead of writing about, well, anything writing related, I'm going to write about an inspiration. My cat, Sorren, is my life. She's been with me through all the bad and the good. She always knows what to say, er, meow. I also know in my heart she is my soul-kitty. She has a part of my soul in hers and I have a part of hers in mine. 

Since Sorren is such a huge part of my life in general, I thought I'd dedicate a blog post to her. I mean, she was sleeping on me the moment I finally finished my first draft of SOUTH. 

Below is a short essay I once wrote in university on my wonderful Sorren. And while this post isn't about SOUTH or any novel or writing update or advice, it is still about a topic that I admire. Also, it just goes to show you don't have to write about far off worlds to write. You can just write about what you love. It's also fun to give yourself a break from your main jam and change your mind, all while still writing. Know what I mean?

That being said, enjoy my essay about my soul-kitty, Sorren.

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I Love That Cat
by
A.M. Molloy

I’ll never forget that glorious day Sorren came into my possession. It was two days before my nineteenth birthday. She was just ten weeks old and fit in the palm of my hand. She’s dark brown, light brown, black and adorned with little white legs. Heaven knows how much I love those little white legs. To top off her cuteness, she was born with a birthmark on her tiny little nose, and the pads of her paws are a marble mixture of black and pink. She was the runt of the litter, and she was all mine. This cat, whose original name was Sugar, (she was never a Sugar, far from it), is the smartest cat I know, managing to do incredible things with computers and other various things.

            I think it’s part of the new younger generation being technologically savvy, but Sorren has always been good with computers, even if all she can type is gibberish to us. Not long after her very first encounter with my computer, she made me, what I like to call, artwork. I was sitting at my computer doing homework for some art project, with my printer sitting next to me on a flimsy table. Working away, I was distracted by a noise to my right. I looked over and the cat was standing happily on my printer. I saw she had hit the photocopy button and had perfectly printed all four of her cute multicolored paws. It was one of those proud parent moments when your young one makes art, however meaningless it might seem to others. I still have that black and white sheet of paper today, proudly owning it’s own page in a photo album. I think that might have been the first time I truly said the words ‘I love that cat.’

Sorren

Cute paw scan of 2008

      Then there was the time she literally had a conversation with one of my college classmates on MSN. I was in the shower when my friend had left me a message. Sorren was the only one around to see it, so she took it upon herself to reply. She wrote back with a bunch of number ones, and my friend responded with “Hi Sorren.” Sorren replied, a bunch of random letters and an exclamation point at the end for emphasis. My friend laughed and replied “Oh Sorren, you’re such a kidder!” This went on for a good while, until I came out of the shower to find the cat sprawled out across my laptop's keyboard, purring happily. It was easy not to be mad at her. I just smiled, gently picked her up and exclaimed to the world, “I love that cat.”
            Some time later during a weekend visit home from college, she managed to do what I thought would be impossible. Somehow, she managed to turn my laptop’s screen upside down. First of all, how did she even do that? Second, why is this even a function on the computer? After attempting to use Google upside down to solve this problem, I eventually gave up and called my computer technician friend to return my screen to its regular upright format. Still, even after the trouble she caused, I still love that cat.
            On another day, I assume out of boredom or an attempt to seek attention, she somehow managed to change my desktop background. I was impressed at that. I was even more impressed at how she one day opened up Photoshop and attempted to make me more artwork. Somehow she managed to use my laptop's track pad to create some random scribbles. Maybe she wanted to follow me in my now former career of art. She’s also tried to open her own Facebook account and is always searching for help on the Internet. Sometimes I find it unfortunate that she can’t type proper English. I’m so curious as to what she would actually write. Still, no matter what she does, I love that cat.
            She’s done many amazing things over the years, not just with computers. She truly understands me when I talk, answering with a meow or doing what I ask her to. I told her I gave her fresh water; she gave what I think was a nod then drunk from it. You can talk to her for hours without a reaction, but when you call her by name, she’ll instantly look at you, silently asking what you want. She purrs almost instantly when I pick her up, showering me with little cat kisses. She knows when I’m sad or in need of a kitty squish and will always come by my side, ready to comfort me. But you know what? In the end, it all comes down to four meaningful words said everyday in adoration: “I love that cat.”

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“Sorren, thank you for letting me love you.”

— A.M. Molloy

SOUTH: A Cast of Diversity

Every novel should have a diverse cast, and not just to make ti believable. After all, the real world isn't all white and black. There are many colours, purple, blue, green, orange, to name a few. And SOUTH is no different. It has a diverse cast of characters of all shapes, sizes, ethnicity, and sexualities -- just like the real world. In fact, SOUTH is a very grounded novel, where the characters are not only relatable, but so are the situations they find themselves in, albeit with a few exceptions. After all, how many people do you know who survived an earthquake? Chances are, not many. (Although surprisingly, I do! But that's another story).

AJ White

One of the two main characters.

Just look at the photos above and below this paragraph. AJ White and Minami Kyuki are the stars of the novel and they couldn't be more different. AJ is American. But she's not just a white girl (no pun intended). She has freckles, and piercings, and even a nice tattoo that she got in defiance to her mom! As for Minami, her face -- and body -- are littered with scars from surviving a devastating earthquake in her home country of Japan. Not to mention, she has rare deep-sea blue eyes that are sure to captivate anyone who dares to take a glance. 

Minami Kyuki 

One of the two main characters.

My point being, not every character has to be perfect. Nor does every character have to be the usual "oh my God I'm an average klutz and a nobody yet somehow the super-hot people are into me and I don't know who to choose and woe is me because I'm really nothing special" kind of person. *cough* kind of like a lot of YA that I've read recently *cough* 

The characters in SOUTH are people you'd meet on the street. People with real stuff going on in their lives. Someone you went to school with. Your best friend. The kid whose really awesome at signing but you wouldn't know it because they're too insecure to show it to anyone. The girl with body issues. The one who's a goofball and is very down to earth. The one struggling with their sexual identity with no one to talk to about it. 

This is why SOUTH will be a must read for anyone, regardless of age. The novel may be a YA, but there is someone out there, maybe even in their late 40's, who is being harassed and still doesn't know who they are. This novel is for that 40 something year old who wants someone to relate too and maybe gain that confidence they need to come out of the closet and confront the harasser. This novel is for the teenager whose life hasn't been the greatest and needs someone to talk to.

This novel is for you and anyone who reads this.  

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PS: As a disclaimer, I'm very tried and have been suffering from some weird thing that hasn't allowed me to fall asleep normally since like 2009. (I've been to many doctors, but no one knows what it is, or how to fix it. It's hard to describe, hence why I call it "the weird thing"). Anyway, my point is that this post is not like my usual style (if I even have one at this early stage) and may also be all over the place. I wrote it because it was on my mind and I just wanted to share this before I went to bed. I thought I'd share my inner ramblings so that you can see a tiny bit more into the insides of SOUTH and be just as excited to read it as I am about releasing it.