The wrong way to live.

Hey it's Sabrina Black. This week I have been filled with questions about trusting people. Trying to figure out who my real friends are or who I know won't turn their back on me. This inspiration came from Rachel's Challenge being an impact of how I look out on life and my choices. The challenge opened my eyes to new perspectives on life and changing the way I think. Hope you guys like it.

“Trust?”

I lie quietly in my bed. Silence fills the room as thoughts of the day ramble through my head, thinking of what I did wrong and right. Then the thoughts get much deeper as memories come alive like vivid flashbacks. People who I love come and go through my head, except for some who I’ve hurt, chosen to ignore, or felt betrayed by.

Why did I meet them in the first place? Can I wish that I’d never met them…to prevent all the conflict and betrayal that occurred?

Why did I trust you? Why did I share secrets? Why did I ever tell you anything? You took something from me…

Regret is always there. We make mistakes, and we can’t fix the past. We make enemies to build hard hearts filled with hate and no forgiveness. Why would you torture yourself like that?

You only have one life to live. So, why live with hate?

Sabrina Black

APLIW

Diving headfirst once more

Weeks ago, I started posting videos to YouTube as part of a project to give you all a little change in the Life In Fiction routine.

Unfortunately, college got in the way, and things have been a little hectic since move-in day. But.......

Don't fear!

I have three new videos to share with you (one will be posted each week).

This first video is a simple reading of a relatively new piece, titled: "Pete Rose".

Enjoy!

Also, be sure to check out the Kindle version of my book. Until Sunday, the download is free, and (for a limited time) the full paperback edition is being offered for a discounted price of $12.00.

Be sure to get a copy while you can!

Fate drives me.

~Chris

"There can only be one!"

Hey everyone, Chris here.

Aulene's having some technical difficulties and won't be posting this week. 

Instead of just letting the day pass with no word from us, I thought I'd share a free-write with you all.

"Highlander" by Sugar-for-sale

To put this in context, I just wrote this a few minutes ago while watching Highlander. That should speak for it all, honestly. 

"Killer Instinct"

“Scatter the acid across my feet.

These people only want us dead.”

I mutter and stutter to my son

While the patriots’re filled with lead.

“No dad! Don’t say such things!”

My son replies in a tragic way.

His face’s distorted and wrecked

With every sound the gun brings.

“Don’t be so soft, my son.”

I shake my head lightly.

“You don’t understand life

Or all the horrors I’ve done.”

____________________________________________________________

Be sure to check back in on Thursday for a special surprise.

Fate drives me.

~Chris

A new Perspective

I've got the world before me!

 Its not the end of the world because certain things in my life have crumbled!

There are better things coming!

Homeless but not heartless

Hey guys its Sabrina Black this weeks piece is inspired from whats going on in the world right now. The two main topics that have been popular is bulling and the economy plummeting. This is a story of a blind man who is trying to survive in any way he can. He gets bullied everyday but that doesn't stop him from believing the second chance he is hoping for. Life gets tough and hard but just know it will get better and the sun will come and give you another day to see.

“The Poor Man”

Smell the smog. Listen to the cars go by on a busy Monday morning. Feel the vibrations of footsteps walking past him. All he can see is shapes and shadows of unseen faces.

A man sits on a busy sidewalk, wearing nothing but rags, a ragged knit cap , and gloves missing fingers. A tin cup lies beside him, filled with the precious metals of a greedy man. This cup is his lifeline before being taken by death. Doesn’t anyone care for the poor man on the corner of main street?

A bakery across the street fills the air with childhood memories. The man can see them in his mind. He can see again. He’s with his family, laughing and joking. Then burning fire appears, and it grows dark. Now he fends for his life on the corner.

Every day he sits on that corner at quarter-past 7, patiently waiting for hope, the next meal, or to live a better life. People, with their money-making pride, look at the poor man in disgust. Men spit at him and carry on with their pride. Kids take his money and move it to a different spot. He’s confused and follows the sound of the coins while delinquents kick him, busting his ribs. How much pain can one tear hold?

He doesn’t give up. Every day he is there, waiting for his second chance. Is there no one who cares for him?

Suddenly, the patting of little feet approach the blind man. A boy delivers him a loaf of bread and says, “I brought this for you from the bakery I work at.”

The man can’t believe that such kindness can come from someone so small. He gladly accepts and asks, “Why do you show such kindness to me?”

The boy replies, “A little love can go a long way.”

Cynical Me

Hey everyone,

I was supposed to be bringing you a new video this week, but all of my work (and dormmates) are destroying my productivity. I should have a video up this weekend, so just keep watching.

This week's piece is a free write I did some time ago. Let me know what you think.

"Cynicism" 

Throw caution to the wind,

Life's about to begin.

Either the cold or the drought,

Something makes me doubt. 

I'm an island among a sea of broken souls.

Their hearts have paid hefty tolls,

but the night goes on...

...and on...

...and on...

Smiles never quit;

Lovers don't show whit. 

It's sick,

but, hey! 

I deal with tragedy in my own way.

Oh Fate,

Just take away...

...or destroy...

...my broken heart...

Time counts below zero.

Samael seeks redemption

Sanity's nowhere near.

I lack fear,

Or something just as obscene,

Like those dangerous faces on the screen. 

They've painted pictures way too bright,

Keeping realism nowhere in sight.

It's the world that'll burn down

Before you ever-fucking-touch this frown.

Fate drives me.

~Chris

Make it Worth it

Hey guys it's Aulene!!! Sorry I missed the last week or so. I have been super buisy with school and junk.

Anyway!!!!

So I got the insperation for this peace from someone who I truly care about. He lives in colorado. I have known and liked him for four years already. I never got to be with him because my dad is in the Army so we moved to Georgia.

Anyway!!!

I get to be with him but it will be 9 months. This piece just questions weather the wait will be worth it.

I hope you like it!! Thanks guys I love you!!! Comment and tell me your experience with it. I would love to here it and I wonder if any of you guys will make the wait worth it. I love you guys!!!! <3

Make it Worth it

I cant's see you,

Touch you,

Feel you.

So make it worth my wait

So long till I can feel your warmth

Feel your love

Your desire

So make it worth my wait

When I say " I trust you "

It's rare

Don't make me regret it, make me love you

Make it worth my wait

Laugh at me whenI fall

Just to pick me up and say

" Baby I love you "

Make it worth my wait

Call me baby

Text me in the mornings

Sing me to sleep

Make it worth my wait

Remain faithful

Show me off

Count down the days

Make it worth my wait

Do you love me enough

Enough to wait 9 months

Please tell me im worth it

Please tell me im worth YOUR wait.

~Aulene

~APLIW

If they stop needing you, I'll still need you

I just want you to not let me go.

Is that so much to ask?

I don't want to fail you, I know it's going to happen.

I'm not a perfect girl.

But I'll love you.

I'll love you with everything in  me.

and I do.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Stuck in darkness

Hey guys its Sabrina Black this weeks piece expresses how we get in the tangled web of the past. Never move on to the futre instead rather dwelling on the bad things that happen to us. Until someone helps you nothing matters to you. You rather watch the world go by around you and expect a spec of hope to come. Say somthing get help its not healthy for you heart to be in a black hole. Talk to a friend and thier there to listen.



“Trapped”

Tossing. Turning. Nowhere to hide from the pain. Fetal position in the safe corner. Head buried in your arms.

Silence. Neither a song bird nor a quake creaks and grinds from the old hinges. No way out of these walls. Your desperate for air, the sound of a kind and gentle voice.

You’re alone; sleep is your only friend. You cry every night. Then a flash of your past. You’re with your friends smiling; being happy; seeing the world. Your dream becomes a nightmare. Everyone around you disappears or dies in a tragic accident. You’re the only one left.

The only light is a small window if you’re lucky you see a person’s feet pat lightly across the cracked pavement.

Cry out. No answer. Sliding against the concrete wall in despair. Arms are scratched and battered to make the painful past marked in your veins. What could you have done better to prevent or save yourself?

You look out the window wanting a kiss of sunlight. The days pass on. What day is it? What time? Suddenly you hear footsteps by the window coming right towards you. A girl with angel-soft hair, blue eyes, ripped jeans, and a ragged shirt missing buttons. The blue eyes stare at you. She asks: “Why are you trapped in the past?”

~Sabrina Black

APLIW

Something Else

photo by Kristen Nicholl

Sit with me.

Cry with me.

Love with me.

Die with me.

Believe in me.

Just trust me.

I know I’ll be

Everything.

Fly with me.

Lie with me.

Talk with me.

Run with me.

There will be

Just no need

To ever think

Twice.





Fate drives me.

~Chris

Annie

First of all, let me remark at the name change was completely unexpected and strange to see when I had no clue it was about to happen. That being said, we’ll just have to go with it.

So you guys know that little piece I wrote called 'Annie'?

Well, I decided to flesh it out into a larger story instead of a twisted, third-person narration. This is the first part I have. Don't worry, it doesn't stay normal. Things start getting weird, trust me. :P

Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this piece and I will be working hard on the next part.

Grace be with you all,

Jonathan

"Annie dear, it's time for breakfast!" her mother called out from the bottom of the stairs. Awakening to the sound of her mother insisting that she wake get up along with the smell of freshly cooked pancakes and bacon, Annie quickly grabbed some clothes and ran downstairs to receive her prize. Not missing a beat, Annie swung on the banister, sliding across the kitchen floor and landing right into her seat where she was faced with a plate piled with pancakes and bacon.

"Is this all for me?" Annie asked teasingly.

Her mother chuckled, "No, sweetheart you gotta save some for your father, now go ahead and grab a plate and eat up. School starts in a half hour."

As she was eating her pancakes, in the background she heard her phone go off in the family room. Annie dropped her fork and ran into the next room with a mouthful of pancakes.

"Annie, who is that this early in the morning?"

She first gulped down her last bite and said, "Oh, no one just a spam message."

But they both knew she was lying, luckily her statement wasn't questioned, rather ignored. Annie sat on the couch, and looked at her phone. That's weird, this number is blocked. How do numbers get blocked on texts? That doesn't even make sense; this stupid phone is probably glitching again.

She continued to read the message, 'ARE YOU READY?' it read.

Ready? Ready for what? She had to know who this was.

'WHO IS THIS?'

Her phone vibrated only seconds later.

'MICHAEL'

Her face became pale, and she just sat there in silence, wishing it weren’t true. 

Unimportantance

Is there such a thing as someone unimportant? Is there anyone who really is less than someone else?


You feel like you don't matter. You have all these dreams and suddenly things start to look more grey.
You decide those dreams are pointless. You know you'll never get anywhere with them. They're not going to change anyone's lives. Why bother?! Why waste time?! 
Someone is just going to do better than you anyway. why try?!
....
You are more.
If you could push these thoughts away you'd see that.
Quit putting yourself in the background. Live your life to its potential. It is beautiful, you just haven't released it from that cocoon yet.
Let it go. Breathe, and show the world your stuff. They have yet to hear something magnificent, that magnificence could come from you. 

A new storm

Hey it's Sabrina Black for this piece the inspiration comes from a struggling past full of mistakes that I've seen with people around me but for me its the mistakes that anger my heart. You look back and think man why did I ever make that choice or why did this happen the way it did. Though life questions like this ponder and make you have a curious mind. You can't change the past but what you can do is change your future though what you have learned. Hope you guys like it  and can  relate to my piece.

“Storm”

Tears fall out of the night sky above souls that have pain in their hearts. Light that touches the bare ground strobes. The sound of power vibrates the earth. Like horses pounding wild and free—like thunder over the land—there’s a storm inside all of us.

No shelter, no protection, exists from the hidden pain inside all of us—a feeling of chains bound to our hands and feet. No one to turn to. A feeling of loneliness and no future. Can’t face another day without knives in your heart. For what you did is unforgiveable. Shame covers your heart; a darkness consumes you. Drowning in pain and suffocating slowly. Can’t turn back time.

Suddenly a ghostly shadow wearing white appears. He whispers: “Where are you, my child? I love you and now you are free and saved. The sun will come and dry up your tears.” This mysterious figure is saving you from the shadows of your sin. Take his hand and let him in your stormy heart.

You will find love. Love will come to you in ways you won’t expect it. Don’t give up. You’re too precious to quit. The light of another day will bring you new delights.

Now you write it.

Sabrina Black
APLIW

Sun-gazing

photo by Kristen Nicholl

I find myself at a time of huge inspiration drawn from a completely wonderful friend...but hardly do I have any time to write. It's kind of pissing me off... Oh well, I guess that's the life of a college student, eh?

This next piece is about a week or two old and was drawn from the ideas generated by the picture to the left (which is also the blog's background image).

Let me know what you think. Next week will be another video installment from me and (hopefully) some fresh writing. 

Enjoy!

"One like no other"

“She puts too many thoughts in my mind,” I whisper, half dead. My back against the stony ground, my will against the world…The sun comes down so brightly, and the dull ache in my skull only worsens. “I wonder if she knows what she’s doing.” I sigh, the heavy motion pushing another stone into my back. I wince but convince myself to leave it. “At least pain means I’m still alive.”

“Hi!” she whispers in my mind. “What’s your name?”

“What’s my name, eh?” I smirk. “Like that ever mattered.” Back-track a few months, back to when we first met on a bet from my best friend. “ ‘Go get her!’ he said. ‘You’ll have fun!’ he said.” My heart jumps as I remember the first kiss we both enjoyed. The sweet taste of the raspberries she enjoys still lingers. “Why couldn’t everything be so good?” And so the sun shines down. “I swear I’ll never fall for her again.” So I get up and brush the stones from my bare back.

“Steven!” she yells from our house not far away. “Come back in, there’re clouds rolling in.” I follow without concern, a heavy mind dragging behind.

The rain soon follows and so do my regrets. By our humble fireplace her eyes shine so radiantly, I can’t help but want a taste. A stunning smile and a jealous kiss. How could I possibly resist? I’ll always be falling and wanting her on my mind.




Fate drives me.
~Chris

Patience: Vlog

Hey, this is Alex reading you one of my poems, Patience. There is supposed to music playing in the background, but that didn't work. So just so you know "Sunshine of your love" is what is supposed to be playing. haha :) Anyways...Enjoy!
Grace be with you,
Alex S.

Can't sleep, Can't Speak

When you just want to turn around and run back to where you came from. Back to where you started, back to who you were, who you knew, and what you so loved. But you can't. You mustn't. You can't get anywhere with focusing on the past, it just drives you into the ground because you want things to go back to the way they were but there's no chance, no way, no how, they could be the same.

I get lost, ya know? I'm getting older and losing grip of time. I feel nostalgic listening to this song. Part of me goes numb. When I sit alone, my thoughts conflict each other. One side says: "Oh, if only I could be who I was, or if I could relive that..." The other says: "Don't waste your time. You know you can't go back. Things are just going to have to progress whether they get better or not."

I've been going through a rough time right now with someone I love..They tend to take advantage of me being here for so long. When a few years ago I was everything to them, I want to feel that way again.

Stressful Times

Hey guy,s it's Sabrina Black.

Basically this piece comes from the heart. It's about how a fatherly figure or some you trust gets too caught up in their work and their success and forgets what's important to them.

Working too much can cause stress and anger, which causes them to say hurtful words to you. I have gone through this many times and it hurts and puts you down. Just know that he loves you with all his heart and talk to him. Have a one-on-one conversation. Tell him how you feel, he will sacrifice work for you. YOU are more important to him than anything else in the world.

"Tears" by Marissaa

“Do You Remember Me?”

You are always angry, always filled with stress. I wish you could spend time with me. I wish you would just take a minute to stay with me.

You ignore and neglect me. You yell, hurt, and cloud my day. I wish we could go back to the old days, but sadly I still withhold the memory. Every moment that we shared is a fading memory. I wish we could create more lasting ones...

Why are you so stressed?

Why are you so mean?

Do you even hear yourself talk? You make me sad and imperfect. Every little thing is upsetting to you. Sometimes I have to question: do you remember me?

You never spend time with us.

You are always in a bad mood. I’m just tired of hearing an excuse for everything.

Why do you blame it on me? I didn’t make you this way, you did.

Why are you so stressed?

Why are you so mean

You’re supposed to protect me in all of my troubles. Understand me, be there for me, comfort me, but do you even remember me?

 ~ Sabrina Black
APLIW

"Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown On A Bad Bet"

Life changes quickly. It's almost unfortunate sometimes that we have to change with it. 

From friends to lovers to awkward acquaintances, back to friends and then just two people wishing for the past to come back. Changes in relationships are possibly some of the worst things in my life, especially when emotion is involved. 

Right now feels like one of those times, although I can't pinpoint why...Anyway, this next piece attempts to capture it all by playing off of my uncertainty and blending it with some Fall Out Boy lyrics. 

"Lovers" by Slagophoto

“Pete Rose”

(It's a story about cheating. Get it?)

            I walk into the room. You’re splayed out on the couch, begging me to come closer. “C’mon,” you whisper, “have a taste.” You lick your lips and the universe leans in to catch my response.

            “Sounds delicious,” I state with a smirk. Give up on conscious thoughts. I’ve no need for my brain. All I want is to become closer to who you are—lie closer to you. And so I creep closer. I straddle you and cuddle you. Like a drug addict, my conscience must’ve gone out the window with the intoxicating feel of your lips against mine; the alluring smell of that perfume you shower in before each of our meetings.

            My mind’s stuck on the possibility of getting inside…inside that mind of yours. But I swear I wouldn’t…I shouldn’t…I couldn’t…I can’t seem to resist your charm. Your naked body against mine. Your warm breath against my neck and soft voice urging me on. All of it sends me into a fervor. “Harder…” You gasp. “I want it rough.” I attend only to your needs, for my thoughts are concerned with the longevity of this affair.

            I groan in pleasure but know I come second in this two man race for your love.

            After all, does your husband know what we do? Does he see our heated embrace in your eyes each night? Does he…Does he even know the words that could stop me cold?

            You promised he hurt you, that he means nothing,  and you need something new. Still, I have to promise myself that I’ll never fall into this trap. Oh, how I love you…I need you…I want you, but I could never end up like him. Although, probably, behind my back I already have…

            Now you sigh with that layer of sweat upon your skin. No doubt you’re now thinking about him… “That was great!” you exclaim with a smile before thrusting once more oh so teasingly. A smile is drawn upon my face with the ecstasy held tightly between our loins.

            A car door slams outside. “I thought you said he wouldn’t be home for another few hours,” I start with terror.

            “I…He wasn’t supposed to be. I don’t know what’s going on.” Fear enters your eyes as you hand me back my clothes. “Here put these on. I’ll distract him while you sneak out.” I know the routine, but it always stings to hear it come from you each time.

            “Tempest in a teacup” for lack of a better phrase. The chaos that follows reminds me of a race to escape death. “Jess! I’m home!” your husband yells in the next room over. The way you clean up…You’d think he’d suspect something…Why be with someone so dense, hun? Why…Why…Why…Have you ever thought that maybe you peaked early?

            He’s seduced as he comes through the door. I can almost hear the sound of his fingers sliding against your soft skin, his lips colliding with yours. It makes me sick. Does he even understand what’s happened? Can he guess the words that I long to hear?

            No, he can’t…How could he understand our love when he doesn’t even know I exist? And, so, I creep out the back, wondering if it’s all worth it.

            I swore I wouldn’t end up like him. Yet, in a sick, sad way, I already have. You cheat him for me but still cheat me for him. Just know that I’ll still be here. (I’m not going anywhere.) But next time be sure to keep a calendar—this way you’ll know the next he’ll come through. No matter how long it takes…Oh, darling, just know that I understand what you’re going through.

Fate drives me.

~Chris

Whats wrong with me

"What's Wrong With Me?" by Poison~Theft

Hey guys it's Aulene!!!!! I wrote this piece a year ago but it applies to everyone in life everyday. We have all met people who make fun of you or dislike you for no reason. It made me really mad, but that is how life is.

I know you have had someone like this. Comment and let me know what has happened to you and your experience with it. I would love to connect with all of you a little more.

Thanks I love you all! Thanks for all the support! <3

Whats Wrong With Me?

What's wrong with me?

What did I do?

You ignore me

Make fun of me

For what?

Does it make you feel better

Feel good...

About you

You and your sad life

You have to torture me,

For what?

To be popular,

To seem cool?

Well I'm done

I just want to know why...

Why the laughs,

The looks,

The absence of a direct voice

But a crowd behind me

Is it the way I look,

The way I dress...

Maybe the way I talk?

Give me some reason

Something that gives you the right

So I ask one last time before I break...

What's wrong with me?

~Aulene

~APLIW

First post ever!

Hey guys I'm new to this. My name's Kristen Nicholl. I'm a freshman in college just trying to find my place but taking life as it comes.

Art has been apart of my life for as long as I can remember. I take photography and write about fiction or just plain fantasy. I do draw, but only when I am inspired. I put meaning behind every photograph, it's something I really take pride in. 

 I'm excited to join you all in Life In Fiction. 

________________________________________________

I have a series of photos I have started called "Scenes." They are photos that I have made an inspirational quote to match. Here is one of my first ones:

"Sometimes the hardest part of a new chapter in your life isn't the chapter itself, its getting the courage to open it and go at it with full endurance, that's the tricky part."

I also come up with songs to match sometimes. This all relates to me this past year.

 Cheers, fellow artists.

-Kristen. <3