Where Knowledge Rules

Home:

Creative Writing

Get a Widget for this title

Novel excerpts: Death of a friend

Samantha gazed lovingly at the small toddler drawing beside her, watching his chubby little hands wield the pencil with a skill far superior than she had seen any other four-year-old possess. His face was fixed in a focused expression, his brows furrowed, his eyes carrying an intent glint. He was adorable.

"It's God." He said proudly as he laid the pencil on the table, and displayed his picture to his mother. Samantha leaned over to observe, and somehow managed to identify God's kind figure in the jumble of scribbles and disarrayed circles.

"That's nice, honey." She smiled, and patted his hand. He flashed her a grin, and set back to his drawing with a serious look.

She leaned back in the reclining cushioned chair. Looking at Kevin shift and turn struck a chord in her heart, as if she had seen someone do it before. Something about that mass of dark curls toppled upon his head triggered something painful in her memory. Something long ago, but not forgotten.

Sadness overtook the proud look in her eyes as she remembered that day eleven years ago, when she had been only sixteen. Her eyes closed slowly, as if to shut out the memories. The memories kept flooding. She remembered a boy; a classmate with an extremely contagious smile and a head full of dark curls

*

"Hey, Sam." The voice on the other side of the phone said cheerily, a familiar drawl evident in his voice.

"Jake Ellis!" Sammy laughed, thinking about her outspoken sixteen-year-old friend. "How have you been?"

"Great, Sammy. Hey, I reckon you're free tonight?" Something about his voice startled her. He sounded somewhat apprehensive, if that were possible with Jake. He never sounded that way.
Still, Sammy shrugged it off. It probably wasn't important, anyhow.

"Yeah, I think so. Why, have you got something in mind?" The voice on the other end suddenly went quiet. Sammy waited for Jake to reply, but it seemed he had forgotten he was having a conversation with someone. "Jake?"

"Huh?" Jake sounded startled. "What's that?"

Sammy gave a little smile. "I said, what do you got in mind?"

"Oh. Well, nothing really." He hesitated. "Just thought of maybe picking up some pizza and heading to the creek."

"Alright. Sounds cool. Seven sound good?"

"Sounds fine. See you, then."

"Yeah. Later!" Then, Sammy hung up. She wondered what was wrong with Jake. He had never before in his life sounded so hesitant. Afraid, almost.

No matter. She had to make sure her mom knew before she left. Still, she had a feeling that Jake wasn't just going to complain


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Novel excerpts: Death of a friend

  • 1 of 16

    by Kevin Hall

    Peering out of the side window, he saw the shadow of his plane racing along the ground. It passed over rooftops of houses

    read more

  • 2 of 16

    by Stella Kaye

    THE RETURN FROM LESBOS from the novel: Prayer to Aphrodite.

    Balmy evenings were spent strolling along the seashore, occasionally

    read more

  • 3 of 16

    by Olivia Emisar


    Darrel

    It was 1971 and he lit up the room when he walked through the front door. His smile was wide, generous and sincere.

    read more

  • 4 of 16

    by Branwen Cloward

    Samantha gazed lovingly at the small toddler drawing beside her, watching his chubby little hands wield the pencil with

    read more

  • 5 of 16

    by Vannase Cary

    As I walked in to the room I saw Dolores lying on the bed with such peace on her face as though she were dead. I asked in

    read more

View All Articles on:
Novel excerpts: Death of a friend

Add your voice

Know something about Novel excerpts: Death of a friend?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

125283

Featured Partner

ICED

Breakthrough has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a cause. Browse Breakthrough's featur...more

What is Helium? | Buy Web Content | Contact Us | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA | User Tools | Help | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA