Moonlit Dinner - A Short Story

This is just a short story I did as English homework last week, thought I might as well stick it up.


The moon hung in the night sky, backed by a chorus of shimmering stars. The paved courtyard outside was illuminated beneath the heavenly glow. The seven flags lay limp against their poles, not a single breeze to move them. The courtyard was picturesque. The perfect night for romance. Too bad I was with her.
“Those restrooms are terrible. I think I saw a rat under the sink. She complained in her monotonous voice. She always complained.
“I’m sure it was just a mouse.” I laughed. She didn’t.
“Must you always be so childish?” She sniffed and turned to the waiter serving the table beside us. “Garcon.” She jabbed him in the shoulder with a stiff finger.
“I’ll be with you in a minute, Miss. He called over his shoulder, I could see him rolling his eyes.
“The service here is dismal.” She groaned, making sure the entire room could hear her. The locals at the table beside us scoffed. I found it hard not to join them.

“Now, Miss, how may I help you?” The waiter appeared by my shoulder. He didn’t seem keen on getting too close to her. I don’t blame him.
“It’s about time. I’ll have the Caesar salad.” She flung the menu at him and turned away to look over her nose at the other diners.”
“The usual?” He wrote down my order before I could even confirm it.
“Thanks, Myles. And could we have a bottle of your finest wine please?”
“Of course, Mr. Long.” He smiles at my disinterested company and leaned down to whisper into my ear. “Alcohol can tame even the foulest of beasts.” I struggled to hide my smirk.
“That’s the plan.”

“Have you talked to your father recently?” She stopped me in the middle of lifting the fork to my mouth. “I’ll take that as a no then.”
“What happened? Is he okay?” I panicked. The only time we’ve ever talked about my father before was when he became ill. The two of them never got along.
“Oh, he’s perfectly fine. In fact, he’s living with the woman who used to be his neighbour.” She shook a disapproving head.
“At least he’s happy.” I was delighted for my father, he spent years in a broken down marriage. He deserved some joy in his life. But I could no longer convey happiness, or any other emotion. She sucked me dry of it all.
“They’re getting married next month.” She dismissed it as if it were a commonly known fact and summoned the waiter to our table. “We’re ready for dessert. And that salad was dry.” She added scornfully as he picked up the plates.
“I’ll inform the chef.” He grunted, an impatient smile forced across his face.

“Will you be going to the wedding?” She raised her eyebrows high over her cup of coffee, watching me through the rising steam.
“I suppose I will, assuming I get an invitation.” I immediately regretted my answer. I slouched behind the chocolate cake in front of me in a pathetic attempt to hide.
“You suppose you will?” She rapidly lowered her coffee, nearly shattering the cup when it collided with the table. A loud clang filled the ears of everyone in the room. She gently raised her cup and tipped it towards her lips, acting as if nothing had happened.
“I don’t know yet.” I grumbled like a little boy throwing a tantrum, unwavering in my stand.
“How can you not know? You can’t just leave it to a last minute decision!” She snapped, startling the table beside us. She cleared her throat and slid her fringe back into place. “Well?”
“I want to go, I really do. I just don’t know if I can get the time off work.” Once again, I found myself grabbing at my words as they escaped my mouth. Too late.

“Time? Time is the problem?” She rumbled, rage building up from within. I cowered even lower in my seat. “I thought money would have been the main obstacle!”
I opened my mouth to say something but drew blanks. There was no way I was going to wriggle my way out of this one.
“Was it or was it not only a week ago that you couldn’t come visit me because you couldn’t afford the gas money?” She shook wildly, eyes fixed manically on me.
“That’s because I leant my money to a friend. He paid me back a few days ago.” I stammered unconvincingly, even I wasn’t buying it.
“Do you think I’m some sort of monster? Am I that horrible that you need to create little excuses just to avoid seeing me?” She flared. I didn’t answer but she could see the reply in my silence.
“And to think I arranged this lovely meal in your favourite place just so we could talk. And this is how you repay me!” She screeched hysterically. Despite the threatening atmosphere I found myself trying to suppress a laugh. Seeing all the other puffed up cheeks around me, I think everyone else was too.
“You should just be thankful if I ever speak to you again!” She howled and sprang to her feet. Grabbing her coat, she swung it over her shoulders and made a be-line for the door and a theatrical exit. The chilled night air flooded into the room when she opened the door but we were instantly warmed by the bang when she slammed it shut behind her.

Myles, the waiter, approached me slowly with a bottle dangling in his hand. “More wine?”
“Please!” I eagerly slid my glass towards him, keen to wipe this encounter from my mind.
“Mothers, eh?” He laughed dryly. We both did. I reached into my jacked pocket and carefully took out a slip of card and a pen. Turning it over, I marvelled at the illustrious, golden lettering on the top. ‘Patrick Long’s and Nadia Poole’s wedding’.
With a swish of my hand, I gleefully ticked the ‘Is Attending’ box.

Help Me Win :D

I apologise for not being posting much (at all really...) but school is extremely time consuming lately.

I got an email today about a competition where I could win an ipod and possibly the chance to meet my favourite author, Darren Shan.
If people could copy and paste this link: http://www.shankillerfan.com/killer.php?id=4ca4c10058f00

It would be greatly appreciated, you need to rate me or something like that... I'm not 100% sure to be honest xD. But please rate high ;)

On a writing note, I'm working on editting last years nanonovel, part one of a fantasy trilogy :D

Cowering Cowardly In My Corner Of Cowardice

I started a new novel just under two weeks ago. My goal wsa to have the first draft done by the end of September. It is currently halfway through August and I'm at roughly 16,500 words. I'm on track, sort of.

I love my plot. I love my characters. I love the fantasy world it's set in. I'm scared.

I've already skipped a few chapters, leaving a "TO BE CONTINUED" on the page, because I couldn't bring myself to put my main character through such a horrible situation, not at the time anyway. Alas, one chapter later she was facing another horrible situation, being a slave.

I think I like this novel too much. I'm hesitant in continuing on, that voice in my head constantly nagging at me.
"You're writing is terrible."
"You're making a mockery of this novel."
I do not like that voice...

Regardless, I'm determined to do this novel justice! Realistically, I just need to knuckle down and stop procrastinating. Hell, I could reach my August goal of 40k by the end of next week if I work hard.

Side Notes: There are many fireworks exploding outside my window, I can't sleep. School starts in under two weeks.

Plots Galore!

Typical me, my summres coming to and end and I'm running out of freetime soon. So what do I do? Out of nowhere, I get hit by two novel plots, and love them!

The first plot materialised last night at the late hours of YouShouldBeAsleep PM. My plan is to write the first draft, by hand, throughout the school year. I'm usually in school at least 30 minutes before classes start, so I might as well put that time to good use! Am I crazy taking this up in my final year? Maybe. But who cares!

So onto the plot... Nobody seems to remember the first year of their life, we just believe what we're told about it. It's a good thing Baby Rodney can't remember his first year, otherwise he'd never sleep again.
Rodney's dad, a right 'ol scumbag, is cheating on his wife with the babysitter. So what does Rodney do? Well, first he has to deal with the babysitter. And I don't mean "I'm sorry, we're going to have to let you go." I mean "Oi! You! Die you cheating, lying, slutty, vile woman!"

Yes. Rodney kills the babysitter.

But it takes two to tango, so poor Mr. Rodney (I need to come up with a surname for this family...) has to die too. Tragic, I know. That's basically it... More for entertainment than anything :D.


The second plot was invented tonight and something about it is just begging to be written.

The apocalypse is occuring. A good 'ol fashioned zombie invasion! Knowing that it's not long before the zombies leave USA and kill off the rest of the world, a last ditch attempt to kill them is made. Basically, everyone in the world who has the stones to fight the zombies is given a weapon and is sent over to USA, either via planes or boats.

Chaos follows, the main charater's plane is brought down by flying zombies near the whitehouse. Along with the rest of the survivors, he flees to the whitehouse for cover. You see, the president was holed up there with any security he had to protect his family.

The president is alive, barely. But unfortunately for him, his daughter was dragged away a few days ago. The main character takes it upon himself to track down the daughter, leading to his discovery that she has turned into a zombie, and ulitmately, falling in love with her.

The daughter knows of a certain location which the zombies can't access because of . She leads the main character, his fellow survivors, the president, and his remaining security to the location. Many deaths are met along the way, many skirmishes with the undead are had, and probably unusual 'romantic' scenes between the main character and the zombie-girl...

In the end, will he he stay in the location as a human and wait for death to take him, or maybe live in hope of a rebellion? Or will he let his love turn him, becoming a zombie and joining the president's daugther in a lifetime of undead-hanky-panky?

I Love Today

I officially love Saturday, the 24th of July. I think I'll declare it "My Day".

So I w0ke up at 3pm to the delightful comfort of my bed and wriggled around like a worm for half an hour, testing every comfy spot that exists.

Five minutes after getting up, my dad said he wanted to see Toy Story 3. Being the lovely son that I am, I gladly said I'd go with him. So we went tonight, got some Burger King, sweets, and watched the movie (my 2nd time). Once again, Toy Story 3 did not disappoint!

Earlier in the day, Dublin (my county) beat Louth in a gaa (gaelic football) match. Yes, Louth were crap. Yes, Dublin should have put the game to bed within the first fifthteen minutes. Yes, we did make hard work of it. And yes, I did enjoy every minute of it!

My dad also finished reading my nano'09 draft, we discussed it over Burger King :P. He confirmed my suspicions. The novel has a good flow, the one thing I'm good at doing in writing, but my main character might as well be made out of cardboard. When his oldest friend, who is also his mentor, dies, no bother! Mr. Main Charactor just walks on and gets on with it. Re-writes start tomorrow. Objective: Give him emotions!
Excuse the pathetic pun, but I picked up some notes on having 3Dimensional characters while watching Toy Story...

So yes, I'm one step closer to finishing my novel! Hoorah!

And on a sidenote, a guy from my school is into making elctronic music. Take a looksie if you're into that type of music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNvp6t-zpNU

5 Random Happenings Of The Last Few Days

I saw Toy Story 3 today. Brilliant. If you haven’t seen it yet, shame on you! Stop what you’re doing. Bookmark this for later. Then sprint to your nearest cinema, buy the largest, most over-priced popcorn in the world, and enjoy!

I’ve set my screenplay aside for now. A grand total of 8 pages and I’ve lost interest… maybe some other time I’ll get around to it.

I had football training last night. 5 people showed up, I guess you could say it was terrible.

My dads about two thirds of the way through my novel first draft. Wish he’d finish it already so I can run my changes in mind by him and get some feedback. I really want to start a new novel too, but I’ve not got a clue what to do. I could start the sequel, or try a few other ideas I have, or continue the adventure-ish novel I started a few months ago. Then again, I could just continue to procrastinate!

I must have played B.O.B’s album ‘The Adventures of Bobby Ray’ a billion times over the last three days. My ears have barely heard anything else, bless his musical talent. It’s probably because all of the songs seem to relate to my life at the moment really well, and I sure do love dissecting lyrics!

Hopefully my next post will bear good news… Or more ramblings :D

Inception

So last night I went to Inception - and went to bed the minute I got home because of the all nighter I had pulled before.

Let me just say this: If you could only go to one movie this summer, don't go to Inception. Now, this isn't a reflection on the movie because hear me now, it was bloody brilliant! But of course, Toy Story 3 is coming out soon, a movie that should be everybody's priority ;D.

But, if you can only go to two movies this summer, then go to Toy Story 3 and Inception!

This movie has it all. The first 15 to 20 minutes were a bit confusing, but the 2 hours that followed were outstanding. I won't say much as I fear ruining it, but please, PLEASE go see this movie.

With such a famous cast, it couldn't fail! Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, and Marion Cotilard to name a few. Marion, just to note, is currently my favourite actress.
First saw her in Public Enemies, probably my favourite movie to come out last year. Now this. I'll be keeping an eye out for movies with her in it!

I'll finish on another Fallout 3 joke, I've been playing through it again recently so some of the jokes I forgot are making me laugh a lot :D
From the robot butler: "I once visited a crematorium that gave a discount to burn victims."

I didn't sleep last night. Not one bit.

All summer I've been struggling to sleep before 5am, royally messing up my sleep pattern. So I came up with the INGENIUS idea of pulling an all nighter, and it's not the first time I've tried this over the summer.

You see, my theory is...

All nighter means I'll be tired.
If I'm tired, I'll fall asleep earlier.
If I can drag myself out of bed at 10am when my alarm goes off tomorrow I'll revert my sleep pattern back to normal.
As the meerkat himself says, simples! (I love those ads so much...)

In my sleep deprived state I started my screenplay. Nothing serious, just a passtime before I start editing my fantasy novel.

It's basically about Lewis Fondling, a geeky 18 year old, who moves to a new school. Not fitting in at all, he soon finds out about the fascination with Texas Hold 'Em poker in the area and aims to climb the ranks to the throne at the top of social status within his school.

It's more or less Never Back Down, but with poker instead of fighting...

Off to see Inception in the cinema shortly, I'll post a review of it later tonight before I go to sleep!

And I think I'll start ending with random quotes from games, music and the occasional poem, maybe even a quote from my novel will appear... someday...

In the words of Threedog, the disc jockey from Fallout 3: "Thanks for listennning chiiillldren!"

Screenplay Begins

While my first ever finished draft of a novel is being read by a trusted reader, my father, I’m going to try my hand at a screenplay!

Writing a screenplay is on my list of creativity goals, along with writing a play, publishing at least one novel, writing a compilation of poems, a book of short stories and yes, blogging.

I guess you could say I enjoy writing, in all forms. Whether I’m good at it or not… time will tell.

Right now I’m going to go and start writing my screenplay, I’ll post again tomorrow with some details on it.


Peace out loyal readers (If anyone’s out there…)