Black Sheep in Society.

A Black Sheep’s Music Taste: A Scene.

liz
New Lounge Featuring Jamaican and American Comfort Food Local Art, Live Music & Events Comes to Park Slope, BK | Newswire

Micah and Rosie enter a small lounge in the trendy part of Brooklyn. Live music is being played in the background and people sit around eating food and sipping on drinks while socializing. Rosie looks around the place, taking in the atmosphere. Micah guides the two towards a table, where he pulls out a seat for Rosie. She looks at him weirdly, but accepts the offer and takes the seat.

Rosie: This is a cool spot.

Micah: I typically come down here just to chill and vibe.

They both look around the venue until a waitress comes up to their table and asks what they would like to order. Rosie, not knowing anything about the place, looks at Micah to answer for them.

Micah: I’ll take a swirl cherry milkshake, and the lady will have… *to Rosie* are you allergic to anything?

Rosie shakes her head, which Micah thumbs up about.

Micah: She’ll take the peanut butter cup swirl milkshake.

The waitress writes down their order and walks away from the table. Micah looks back at Rosie.

Micah: I hope you like milkshakes, because theirs are to die for.

Rosie: I mean, it’s been forever since I had once, but I don’t knock a free milkshake.

Micah laughs and shakes his head; Rosie is amused by Micah’s reaction. The two stay silent for a moment until Micah finally speaks up.

Micah: So, what made you want to come to New York? Isn’t Philly like the New York of PA?

Rosie: I needed a change of scenery. Philly was just becoming too much for me so I left after I graduated high school.

Micah nods his head in agreement.

Rosie: How about you? You lived in New York your whole life?

Micah: Born and raised. I would want to do some traveling in the future, but I honestly know that this is home for me.

Rosie: Even if a place, like LA, is more suitable for your career path?

Micah: I’ll find a way to do what I wanna do in New York.

Rosie nods to the statement. The waitress comes back with the drinks ready for the two young adults. They both thank the waitress. Micah digs into his milkshake and Rosie does the same. He looks up at Rosie, who is enjoying the milkshake a lot more than he realized.

Rosie: *wipes her mouth* This is the best thing ever; holy shit.

Micah: *laughs* I told you! These milkshakes don’t play any games with us!

Rosie puts her spoon back into the glass and crosses her arms on the table, leaning in on Micah.

Rosie: So why bring me here? This very much feels like a place you’d bring your supermodel girlfriend.

Micah: She doesn’t do milkshakes, or anything with too many calories.

Rosie: Wow, you didn’t correct me when I called her a supermodel for once.

Micah: Because no matter how much I correct you, you’re gonna say what you wanna say.

Rosie: Ahh, now you are learning the ways of Rosology.

Micah: *laughs* Wait, “Rosology?”

Rosie: Yeah, the methods and ways of Rosie.

Micah: Well, I’m glad to have gotten a lesson or two already if Rosology.

Rosie cocks her eyebrows up, which gets Micah a little nervous. He pulls back a bit, going in for more of his milkshake.

Rosie: So, is this your music taste?

Micah: Whatcha mean?

Rosie: Like, do you like the alternative, indie band folkish type of music?

Micah: *confused* You think I like that type of music?

Rosie: I don’t know, that’s the only vibe I’m getting from this place.

Micah: So what kind of music do you like then?

Rosie shrugs her shoulders and goes into her milkshake once again before answering.

Rosie: I listen to a lot of heavy rock. Y’know, something that I can feel in their voice when they sing.

Micah: I respect it. Music is music, no matter what, and people express it in ways that they want or need to.

Rosie: Exactly. People think it’s like devil music but it’s like, yo chill out with all of that, I like the music because the vocalist is singing his heart out about something meaningful to him.

Micah: Kinda like rapping. Like, Rap music isn’t just from the streets and gangs and violence and all of that. These people are spitting bars about things that matter to them the most, and you just gotta respect it.

Rosie nods her head in agreement.

Rosie: So what kind of music are you thinking about making?

Micah: *ponders* Shit, anything really. Like, I just want to make music for everything and everyone, no matter what you are and who you are. Music has no specification for it, it can be enjoyed by everything and everyone living in this earth.

Rosie: Okay Moses, that was philosophical.

Micah: I just spit facts.

Rosie and Micah sit there, enjoying the atmosphere and eating the rest of their shakes. Music plays in the background, and other people are chilling and vibing to the music. One guy, though, sits in a corner and takes pictures of Micah across the room.

The "Something" Series

Something Therapeutic: A Monologue.

liz

The Winter was never the best season for me. It was the time of year when things got too complicated; family was suppose to be the most important thing in your lives and the holiday season was meant for gratefulness and all that shit that I couldn’t ever have.

I was tired of feeling sorry for myself. I was tired of not being able to just take the step forward and get my life together. I didn’t want to live the rest of my life knowing these regrets would be the only thing about me.

Seeing my mother being able to come back to my dad after her regrets made me realize how things aren’t always lost in the world, that things can be forgiven and lives are able to move on from the bad. My mother swallowed her pride and came back to the city to undo her wrongdoings and now she has back everything she once thought was gone forever.

But, I was different. My mistakes were different. My regrets felt like they were too out of my control to try and undo them. In a way, I felt like the product of a mistake that only ever made mistakes of her own, hurting people in the process…

I shut my eyes and flashback to the last couple of years of my life. I worked at a law firm and thought that was what mattered the most in life, until I met Max and things got complicated. I still remember being at the firm covering up my growing belly with chunky cardigans and dresses just so that people wouldn’t ask me or notice anything weird between Max and I. The firm was all I knew back then, and the thought of a child now being in the way of that terrified me. Max couldn’t do anything about it, no matter how hard he tried to get me to take care of myself for the sake of our kid. It was selfish of me to really overwork my body when it wasn’t just mine anymore. I know how worried Max got when it landed me in the hospital after the case was finished. Things weren’t the same after that night; they never were.

“Grace Ashmore?” A woman calls out from the reception desk. I opened my eyes and immediately got up from my chair. The door opens next to the desk and I walk into it. It’s about time, Grace.

I walked down the hall of offices; most of the doors were closed besides this one particular office. I already know this was the office I had to walk into. I took a deep breath and lightly knocked on the door. The woman sitting at her desk looks up at me and gets up from her desk. She smiles and greets me.

“Hi, Grace; I’m Dr. Davis. It’s nice to meet you,” She softly greeted. She extended her arm to shake my hand, in which I quickly shake her hand back. She smiles and guides me towards the seats at the other side of her office. I nervously sit down in one of the seats, placing my coat on the seat next to me. Dr. Davis closes the door of her office and sits across from me.

“It takes a lot for people to go and get any type of help they may need, so you being here today is a great step forward,” Dr. Davis reassured. I faintly smiled and took a deep breath has Dr. Davis gathered her paperwork. Is this really happening? Am I really here about to just pour my issues to a complete stranger?

“So, tell me a little about yourself,” Dr. Davis asked. I crossed my legs on the seat and began to fidget with my fingers.

“Uhm, well… I live in the city and run a dance academy in midtown…” I didn’t know what else to say besides that. I mean, who I am if not my job at this point? What else do I have in my life that says otherwise?

“Oh wow, that sounds interesting. Have you always been a dancer?” Dr. Davis asked.

“I got back into the business about a year ago.”

“Oh, what did you do before?”

“I was a lawyer,” I said, swallowing hard right afterwards. I already knew there was going to be some sort of judgment once I said that; it always does. It’s like people look at me when I say that for the first time and think I did some unethical thing to stop being a lawyer. Nope, I just was fucking my life up some more because of the job.

“How was being a lawyer like for you?” I looked at Dr. Davis, kind of shocked she didn’t ask me the typical “oh what happened” questions. Maybe she knows that’s not how to go about things. She is a therapist after all.

“It was a lot of work,” I started. “After law school, I jumped right into a firm and got put on a trial case.”

“That must’ve been a lot for you, considering you were just out of school,” Dr. Davis responded.

“Tell me about it. But, it was an… experience.”

“So what was the change of heart?” There we go. There’s the big ole question, just formatted in a more polite way.

I adjusted in my seat and gathered my thoughts. What truly was the reason I quit the firm? It couldn’t have been my health; if my health was what got in the way of my job, I would’ve left a long time ago; right after I found out I was pregnant with Willow. But it wasn’t.

Willow. I had to ask myself if I quit my job because of her. I want to say it was, to get that “good mother” compliment mothers get when they sacrifice themselves for the sake of their children. But again, if that was the case, I would’ve left a long time ago. I’d be living with Willow, being her full-time mother instead of her part-time one.

“I left for me,” I just said. “I wasn’t the healthiest when working at the law firm.” Dr. Davis starts typing things into her computer, and I immediately get aggravated. “Oh what? You’re going to be one of those people writing everything that I say down?” Dr. Davis looks up at me and stops typing.

“Not everything, just the important things for your record,” she politely answers. I don’t say anything back, I just cross my arms across my chest and sit there. “Let’s talk about your personal life; do you have any children?”

“Yep,” I said with no emotion. She’s not about to have me sitting in this chair talking about the one thing I hate talking about to complete strangers. Of course, she writes it down.

“Sons? Daughters?”

“Daughter.”

“That’s nice, and how old is she?”

“She’ll be 4 on April 16th,” I answered her. I really wanted to get off this topic, but–

“Married?” Ugh. I close into my body and begin to shift uncomfortably in the seat. This is the worst part of therapy; having a therapist get to know all your flaws and all your fuck ups and use them against you when you’re having a mental breakdown. It’s why I stopped going to one in the first place.

“No,” I coldly answered. Dr. Davis continues to type on her computer, and occasionally looks at me. Once she stops typing, she turns her chair to face me now.

“On your evaluation, you stated you and your daughter’s father co-parent. She lives with her father, correct?” Dr. Davis said.

“If it’s in the file, then it’s in the file,” I replied.

“But I would like to hear it from you.”

“Well the file is correct,” I spat out. I was ready to leave. I didn’t want to get into this; not just yet.

“And what’s your daughter’s name?” I stopped when she asked. Why is this the hardest thing to talk about?

“Willow,” I quickly answered.

“What a lovely name; was it inspired by a relative?

“No.”

Dr. Davis continued to type on her computer. I felt like I couldn’t breathe in that office anymore. I felt like this was the worst idea I’ve had in while. Who the hell was I kidding, thinking this was actually going to work this time? Nothing was going to change anything; I was destined to just be this way for the rest of my likfe.

I began to gather my things; I was done talking to this woman about my life. She stood up from her chair and spoke.

“Grace,” she started. “I’m not here to make you talk about things you don’t want to talk about. I would like to get to know you and have you become comfortable in this space, in hopes that one day you are ready to talk about things that you want to do.”

You need to fucking do this. I stood there, not really knowing what to do next. I needed this. I needed to let everything off my chest and just talk to someone. I couldn’t breathe.

“Grace,” Dr. Davis softly said. “It’s okay.”

I don’t remember much about that session. I don’t remember everything that was said after that, but here I was again, two weeks later, at the same office. Dr. Davis opens the door to her office and smiles at me.

“Hi, Grace! It’s nice to see you again.”

Creative Pieces

Future Plans for the Writing Series!

liz

Dear, guys – welcome back to Letters From Liz!

I’ll keep this post pretty short since it’s more so an update for the readers who follow the series’ running on my blog currently!

As you may know, The Teenage Tell-Tale has wrapped up! Milo and Sophie and the rest at Beverley Junior High are now moving onto high school; Waverly High to be exact! While I really did enjoy writing the story of these teens, I definitely felt like I wasn’t having fun writing them as much as I used to because this chapter of their story was coming to an end. So, I decided to end the series… momentarily!

I really adore these characters and this universe for many reasons, but the main reason is that it brings me back to my own teenage years and it allows me to really reflect on how teens behave and react to different things in their lives. I also hold Milo and Mollie close to my heart; they’ve been characters of mine since I was in 8th grade, back in 2008. I love writing about them, and you even get to see them in other series that are happening within the blog as we speak! (I mean, Mollie is Grace’s mother in The Something Series as well as Milo being Emerson’s father!) My point being is that I love to write and view their lives at different stages within them, which is why I decided to take a little hiatus on this series to gather up some ideas to continue their story, but now in high school. It will definitely bring a different and more mature perspective (as well as more serious situations) into these characters’ lives and as a writer, I just need to do some brainstorming.

In the meantime, I am focusing on getting more of Black Sheep in Society written and posted because Micah and Rosie also hold special places in my heart and their story is something that I never really did before! There’s so much more to come within that series, and I’m excited to sit down and start writing more of their story and develop the series even more. In the meantime, this series might be moved to Tuesdays, just so that Saturdays can go back to Overexposed. But yeah! I really do enjoy writing about Micah and getting to know him better as a character since he is fairly new in the universe I’ve created in my mind for them! Rosie was actually a character I wrote as a supporting character in a short film I was writing back in college in my screenwriting class. Her story is definitely inspired by that universe I created in that screenplay, and I hope you guys love her in the way that I love her!

As for The Something Series, we will be wrapping up season 1 next month! To be quite honest, I felt a bit worried about the future of that series because there’s so much that needs to be done, and I sometimes feel like I don’t have time to execute it the way I would like to. So, I decided to write the season finale, and my God, I hate myself for being this cruel. But, it’s sparked inspiration for the series and started to write Season 2 and I’m so excited for it to be released! Season 2 will be posted in April (I believe the end of April?) and hopefully, answers about Jamie and Grace will be provided because let’s be honest, Those two will be the death of me. But like the other series they are constantly running through my mind and ideas are always forming – it’s just knowing how to write them in a efficient and realistic way.

I think that’s all for now! Stay tuned for the Something Series and Black Sleep of Society later this week, and I’ll see you on the other side of the writing universe. Again, thank you so much for your support in me and in the blog.

Black Sheep in Society.

The Black Sheeps’ Adventure: A Scene.

liz
Experience College of Staten Island - CUNY in Virtual Reality.

It was later in the afternoon, and class for Micah and Rosie has been let out. They walk out of their building together, exhausted from their long lecture.

Micah: Wow, that had to have been some of the worst lecturings I’ve been through since being in college…

Rosie: Tell me about it. Like, how could you spend an hour just talking about primary colors?

Micah: Wait, was that what he was talking about? I just thought he really liked red, blue, and yellow way too much.

Rosie shakes her head and continues walking away from the building towards the sidewalk that leads to the front of the college. Micah follows along.

Micah: Are you done for the day?

Rosie: I am. You?

Micah: I dropped a class for this one because I just didn’t want to stay here until 6.

Rosie: Makes sense.

Micah nods and continues walking with Rosie. She looks to her side where she sees Micah right beside her.

Rosie: So you weren’t joking when you said you don’t drive to and from campus?

Micah: We live in a city where parking is non-existent. Plus, the bus is just cheaper to do.

Rosie: *scoffs* You just don’t seem like you’d be riding the city bus home.

Micah: Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to get my license and a car just so that we don’t have to walk this long walk towards the front anymore.

Rosie laughs and shakes her head. Micah’s phone vibrates in his pocket, to which he takes it out and looks at the notification. It’s Kalia, telling him that their plans for tonight have to be postponed. Micah’s smile fades away, and Rosie notices.

Rosie: Damn, it looks like your girlfriend dumped you or some shit.

Micah: *rolls eyes* She didn’t dump me, she just dumped our plans for this afternoon.

Rosie: Bummer.

Micah: It’s whatever.

The two silently walk along the sidewalk; they don’t say anything to each other until Micah looks back up at Rosie.

Micah: So, what does your day look like after class? Go home to your family? Play with a pet?

Rosie: I don’t live with my family. They… live in Philly.

Micah: Oh? I didn’t know you weren’t from here.

Rosie: I’m just here for school, so I live… with a roommate…

Micah: That’s cool! Do they go to school here too?

Rosie: No… they, uhm, go to another school in the city.

Micah nods his head.

Rosie: How about you? Going to band practice in your mom’s garage or something?

Micah scrunches his eyebrows and laughs.

Micah: No, I don’t do “band practice”. I usually just make something in my room or do some writing.

Rosie: You’re trying to become the next big Soundcloud rapper?

Rosie laughs and Micah just looks at her. He laughs along as well.

Micah: You deadass think you have jokes, Roe.

Rosie: *defensive* Hey, I said don’t call me that.

Micah: But friends give each other nicknames like that.

Rosie rolls her eyes and stops walking. Micah stops with her.

Rosie: Why are you so determined to be friends with me?

Micah: I think you’re pretty cool, and I like having cool friends.

Rosie starts walking and shakes her head.

Rosie: You don’t want to be friends with me.

Micah stops Rosie from walking to look at her.

Micah: Let’s hang out.

Rosie: What? Are you insane?

Micah: What? My plans fell through, you’re not working at the bookstore today, and the day is still young. Let’s go hang out and do something like how friends would.

Rosie ponders the thought. She’s confused and concerned.

Rosie: Me? You actually want to hang out with me?

Micah: I did offer to. plus, it’s not like we have any serious homework to do for this lame Art class anyway.

Rosie: *deep sigh* You’re not going to let this go if I say no, so I guess we’re hanging out.

Micah smiles and continues to walk towards the front gate, to which he sees the bus pulling into the bus stop. Both Rosie and Micah run towards the front, in hopes they don’t miss the bus.

The "Something" Series

Something For Yourself: A Scene.

liz
HD wallpaper: Cities, Cities: Skylines, House, Night, Snow, Street, Winter | Wallpaper Flare

It’s a snowy night in New York; Grace sits on a train with her daughter, Willow, heading to upstate. Willow sits on her knees, staring outside the window. Grace watches her daughter.

Grace: You see all the snow on the ground, Willie?

Willow: *nods* I do, Mommy!

Grace: You’re going to make snowman when we get to daddy’s house?

Willow gets excited and starts to bounce in her seat, which makes Grace laugh. Willow continues to look out the window when Grace’s phone begins to ring. She looks down at her phone to see it’s Emerson.

Grace: Hey, Em.

Emerson: Hey, Grace! I just wanted to see if you’re coming to Cami’s baby shower next weekend.

Grace: Oh, yeah, yeah… I’m still coming…

Emerson: That sounds like you forgot. Come on, Grace, you know this is important to me and Cami.

Grace: *annoyed* Look, I’ll be there. I gotta go though.

Grace hangs up the phone and puts her phone in her bag. She looks towards the window of the train.

…

The front door of a house opens and Willow runs up to her father. Max picks up his daughter and greets her. Grace walks up the front steps with Willows overnight bag.

Max: Princess! Daddy missed you!

Willow: Hi, daddy! Can we build a snowman?

Grace finally walks up to the front door.

Max: We can build one tomorrow when the sun is out.

Willow: But mommy said I can when we got home.

Grace’s face flushes red. Max laughs.

Max: I promise we’ll build one tomorrow, okay Princess?

Willow: Okay.

Max kisses Willow on the head, and then opens the door wide for Grace to walk in.

Max: There we go, darling.

Max closes the door behind them and finally greets Grace once he puts Willow down.

Max: Hey, Grace.

Grace: Sorry about Willow, I promised her a snowman when we got here and–

Max: *laughs* You’re fine, Grace.

Grace doesn’t say anything, but she immediately looks up when someone walks from the kitchen.

Miriam: I heard a little rascal run in the kitchen– *looks at Grace* Hi!

Miriam wipes her hands on her apron and extends her arm for a handshake.

Miriam: I’m so sorry for not greeting you at the door! I’m Miriam.

Grace looks at the woman in front of her and extends her arm to accept the handshake.

Grace: Hi, I’m Grace; Willow’s mom.

Miriam: Oh I can tell Willow is your daughter from a mile away! She’s practically your clone.

The statement makes Grace laugh.

Max: Hey, she has my traits too!

Miriam looks up at Max.

Max: Maybe when she gets older, she will.

The women laugh as Max rolls his eyes and takes Willows overnight bag upstairs. Grace gets uncomfortable when she’s alone with Miriam.

Miriam: Grace, you can come into the kitchen if you’d like.

While Miriam walks towards the kitchen, Grace slowly follows behind. She enters the kitchen and looks around; it’s been a long time since she’s been in this kitchen, it never looked as organized and lived in as it does now. The cooking smells great, and the kitchen table is already prepared for guest to eat dinner.

Miriam: I’m so sorry if it’s last minute, Max told me a little too late that you were coming by with Willow for dinner.

Grace: Oh, it’s okay, everything looks great already.

Grace takes a seat at the table and looks around. Miriam puts down the kitchen towel and proceeds to sit with Grace.

Miriam: Max has told me so much about you. He told me you run a business?

Grace: *nervous* Uhm, yeah. It’s sort of a family business, and I decided to run it.

Miriam: Wow, that sounds exciting! My parents run a little store near Buffalo; it was definitely a first job that I didn’t tell most of my friends.

Miriam laughs, and Grace smiles back.

Grace: So, you grew up in the Buffalo area?

Miriam: *nods* Yeah. I went to school in Cornell to get away from the border for a couple of years, then took up teaching in Yonkers. Are you from the area?

Grace: Oh, no no… I live in the city; I’ve been here for about 10 plus years already. I grew up in Virginia.

Miriam: Oh wow! You definitely seem like you’ve been in New York City for your whole life!

Grace: People tell me that all the time. My parents were from the city.

Miriam: The city is a beautiful place to visit. Max and I visited the Christmas tree back in December and it’s more beautiful than the pictures do it justice.

Grace doesn’t say anything; she takes in the information that Miriam shared with her. Her and Max never did the cute holiday things in the city when they were together. The only time she went to see the tree at Rockefeller Center was when–

Miriam: Willow is such a wonderful girl, by the way. You and Max are raising a very great girl.

Grace: Thank you, Miriam. Do you have kids of your own?

Miriam: I don’t, but Willow definitely fills the place! *laughs*

Grace laughs uncomfortably, she shifts in her seat.

Miriam: Oh… I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that…

Miax walks into the kitchen and greets the two women.

Max: I put Willow down for the night.

Max kisses Miriam on the forehead and takes a seat next to Miriam. He puts his arm around her, and Grace watches on.

Miriam: Grace was telling me how she’s only been in the city for a couple of years!

Grace: *awkward* Heh, yeah… Uhm, so how did you two meet?

Miriam: *smiles* We teach at the same university.

Grace: Law?

Miriam: Oh no, I teach Chemistry.

Grace widens her yes in shock; Miriam doesn’t look like she would teach such a difficult subject.

Grace: That’s… interesting.

Max: *to Miriam* Grace was in the law business until she took over her family business.

Miriam: Oh! Does your family run a law firm?

Grace doesn’t say anything back right away; she tries to word it as best as possible.

Grace: No, it’s… uhm… a dance business.

Miriam’s eyes widen as she nods her head; Grace immediately begins to feel judged.

Miriam: That’s—

Grace: I honestly should get going. It’s a long trip back to the city and it’s getting pretty late…

Miriam: But dinner isn’t ready yet!

Grace: I’m sorry, but I really should go. *to Max* I’ll call you to set something up with Willow next time.

Max: Grace…

Grace: *to Miriam* It was nice meeting you.

Grace gets up from the table and grabs her bag from the walkway. Before she can leave, Max walks over to her.

Max: Grace, please—

Grace: This has nothing to do with you and Miriam. I think she’s great for you.

Max: Then why are you leaving so early? Something is clearly bothering you.

Grace closes her eyes and slowly opens them before saying anything to Max. She puts on her coat before finally saying something.

Grace: You don’t need to worry about me, Max. I’m okay. Really.

Max doesn’t fight it; he watches Grace open the front door of his house and walk outside into the dark night. She doesn’t look back, but she wipes off a tear falling down her face.

…

A couple of hours have passed, and Grace finally arrives at her apartment. She drops everything down on the floor near her door, and walks away. She heads over to the sofa and sits there in silence. She squeezes her eyes shut and holds them, immediately screaming in frustration. She doesn’t move from the sofa, she just sinks into it, hoping to fall asleep for the night.

The Teenage Tell-Tale.

The Teenage Graduation (Pt. 2): A Scene.

liz
Reynolds Auditorium | Services | HBLL

The graduating class of Beverly Junior High sits in the front of the auditorium while the parents and guests sit towards the black. The Principal makes her speech about this year’s graduating class. Every now and then, the teachers have to quiet down the chatty class, but for the most part, the graduation ceremony proceeds just as planned.

Principal: I would like to introduce this year’s valedictorian. She’s a phenomenal scholar and will be continuing her studies as a classical instrumental major at Waverly High; the city’s highest honor performing arts school. Please give a round of applause to Sophie Lee!

The auditorium claps as Sophie stands up from her seat on stage. She nervously walks to the podium, looking out to the audience. She looks around towards her classmates as her stomach begins to knot up. She doesn’t say anything when she stands at the podium; an awkward silence fills the auditorium.

In the audience, Milo watches Sophie on stage, worried for her. He looks around and sees her former friends talk and laugh at Sophie. Milo gets mad and instantly stands up from his seat.

Milo: *shouts* Woohoo! Sophie, you got this!

Sophie looks towards the crowd and sees Milo standing up from his seat. The other graduating classmates look towards Milo. She smiles and takes a deep breath. The teacher quiets down the class and looks towards Sophie. Sophie looks back out towards the auditorium and closes her eyes. She pictures herself at the park with Milo on the stage while they were working on their exit project. She remembers Milo running out towards the audience to tell her to play her violin without any worries at the audience.

Sophie opens her eyes and looks towards the audience once more. She takes a deep breath and looks down at her speech.

Sophie: Good morning, Class of 2022. We are here today to celebrate us ending a chapter in our journeys to start a new one; one where we will learn more about ourselves as people, and one where we will carry our academics and talents to other realms of the world. We all have a unique story to tell, and telling our stories can help those who feel too scared to tell theirs, or those who can’t speak theirs out loud.

Sophie takes a pause and looks at Milo. Milo, in the audience, smiles and nods his head at Sophie. She looks back up, and continues with her speech.

Sophie: My mom met my dad in Korea when he was living there to teach. They both lived in Korea in her small apartment, facing the challenges most interracial couples face in a country where foreigners are not looked at too kindly. My mother, who wanted her children to learn about her roots and culture, also wanted better for us and to learn that passion and determination and courage comes from wanting to going against the norms in society.

Sophie looks down at her paper and shifts in her stance. She continues, even though she appears more nervous than before.

Sophie: I want to thank my mom for always encouraging me to challenge myself and be the best version of myself I can. For us to move from England to the United States within the last year, she taught me that all that I needed to know moving on from middle school and going into high school. Because of her, I am more determined to continue my story and share it to those who may not know me well, and not know that I came to America because my mom wanted me to have a better life and more opportunities to explore my full potential.

Sophie looks back up, feeling confident in her words.

Sophie: So to the Class of 2022, I hope that our next chapter gives us the opportunity to better ourselves and explore life on different paths. We have all worked hard to be in these caps and gowns today, and if no one has told you how proud of you they are today, I will be the one to congratulate you and your accomplishments, because we did this together as one. Thank you and congratulations!

The auditorium applauds and SOphie takes a bow. She shakes hands with the principal as she goes back to her seat. She looks towards Milo in the audience, who gives her a thumbs up.

…

After the graduation ceremony, all the graduates and their family are in the schoolyard, taking pictures with one another and handing them gifts for their graduation. Milo walks out and looks around the schoolyard for Sophie, but doesn’t see her right away. He hears someone calling out his name, and when he turns around he sees his family.

Jennifer: Congratulations, Milo!

Jennifer hugs Milo and Milo Sr. ruffles Milo’s hair up and smiles.

Milo Sr: We’re so proud of you, bud.

Milo: Thank you.

Milo continues to look around the schoolyard.

Jennifer: Oh! Mollie is with the rest of the family, let’s go and meet up with them.

As the two adults walk in the opposite direction that Milo is looking in, hoping to see Sophie, but fails in the process. He suddenly looks disappointed.

Milo and his family meet up with Mollie and hers. Mollie fist bumps Milo when they meet up, congratulating each other for graduating.

Mollie: We did it! We survived middle school!

Milo: *laughs* Who would’ve thought, right?

Shortly after, Milo and mollie’s friends join them to take pictures. Before they take the first picture, Milo notices Sophie through the crowd of people, in which he quickly jumps out of the group photo an runs towards Sophie. He reaches Sophie and taps her shoulder, in which she turns around and hugs Milo.

Sophie: Congratulations, Milo!

Milo: You too! You did amazing with your speech.

Sophie: You think so? I was really nervous that it was going to sound stupid or dumb…

Milo: It was great. You shared things that were personal and you chose to tell your story. That takes courage, and you totally out beat your stage fright.

Sophie smiles at Milo’s kind words. Sophie’s mother comes towards Sophie and greets Milo.

Ms. Lee: Congratulations, Milo!

Milo: *shyly* Thank you, Ms. Lee.

A woman calls out for Milo, which makes him turn around to see Jennifer and Milo Sr. walking towards his direction. Milo’s face fushes red, embarrassed for his parents to come and meet him when he’s talking to Sophie. Jennifer notices the girl with Milo, and notices the girl’s mother as well.

Jennifer: Hi! I’m Jennifer, Milo’s parent. And this is Milo Sr, Milo’s dad.

Sophie: Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Kamalani. I’m Sophie, Milo’s friend.

The adults smile and begin to introduce each other and have a small talk. The two teens walk away from the adults, towards a secluded area where no one is. They sit on the edge of a railing.

Sophie: We’re officially going into another summer, huh?

Milo: We are. Can you believe it’s been a year since we became friends?

Sophie: It definitely feels like it’s been longer.

Milo: *laughs* Right? It’s been one hell of a year.

The teens share a silence between each other and then look at each other and smile.

Sophie: Thank you, for everything you did for me this year.

Milo: You don’t have to thank me. We’re friends, and that’s what friends do.

Sophie smiles and then takes a deep breath.

Sophie: You think we will still be friends in high-school?

The question catches Milo off-guard.

Milo: Of course! Why would you think that we wouldn’t?

Sophie: *shy* I don’t know… what happens if we don’t see each other in school? Or don’t have the same classes? Or what if we have new interests and new friends and we forget about each other–

Milo: *laughs* Scout!

Sophie stops talking and looks at Milo. He shakes his head and smiles.

Milo: Something tells me we’re going to be together for a really long time.

Sophie smiles and doesn’t say anything. A slight tension is now between the two teens. They look at each other in the eyes. Slowly, they both kiss each other on the lips and pull away.

Sophie: *embarrassed* I’m so sorry Milo, I didn’t–

Milo: No need.

Milo smiles wide to reassure Sophie of his feelings at this exact moment.

Milo: I… liked that.

Sophie takes a deep breath out of relief.

Sophie: I… did too.

The two teens smile big, excited for what’s to come. Milo gets up from the railing and extends his hand out for Sophie.

Milo: Shall we go back to everyone else?

Sophie grabs his hand and holds onto it. Their hands stay interlocked with each other’s as they walk down towards the crowd of graduates and loved ones.

— The End —

Black Sheep in Society.

One Black Sheep, Two Black Sheep: A Scene.

liz
CSI Center for the Arts - Staten Island, NY - Meeting Venue

Micah sits on the balcony ground of the performing arts building. He waits for his new class to begin in an hour; he scrolls through his phone until he hears someone call out his name. He looks up to see that it’s Tanner. Tanner walks towards Micah and sits on the ground next to him.

Tanner: You’re here early.

Micah: I needed to get out of the house. My brother and his family are staying over and I couldn’t take the noise.

Tanner nods and understands Micah’s view.

Tanner: Did he ask you about Kalia?

Micah: When doesn’t he? It’s like he purposely brings her up just to piss me off.

Tanner: He probably doesn’t know the dynamic between you two.

Micah deadpans at Tanner.

Micah: What dynamic? As a couple?

Tanner: Well, a couple where one is practically famous.

Micah rolls his eyes and continues to look through his phone.

Tanner: Did she actually show up this time?

Micah: No. She basically had some meeting with her dad that she couldn’t miss…

Tanner: Ouch. That’s embarrassing in front of the fam.

Micah looks at Tanner.

Micah: *sarcastically* Wow, what would I do without you as a friend?

Tanner smiles, thinking he did something good. Micah laughs and shakes his head, going through his phone. He stops midway when he sees an article pop up on his timeline.

Micah: What the fuck…

Tanner looks at Micah, then down at Micah’s phone.

Micah: Kalia is being considered for the main role in this big-time upcoming movie…

Tanner: Whoa! That’s amazing!

Micah: She never told me she auditioned for this movie role.

Tanner: Maybe her father helped her get it?

Micah: *shakes his head* Kalia purposely wants to make her own name outside of her dad, she wouldn’t have let him help even if it was the better option…

Micah looks up from his phone, still dumbfounded. Tanner begins to get up

Tanner: Well, I have to get going to my next class; Dani and I are gonna be in the study lounge around 2 if you’re still around.

Micah: Yeah, I’ll see what I’m doing later…

Tanner fist bumps Micah and walks away. Micah leans his head back on the wall and closes his eyes. He opens them when he hears someone walk down the hall. He looks at the person and immediately wakes up. The person walking towards Micah begins to slowly approach him, stopping near his legs.

Micah: *sing-song tone* Gooood morning, Roe.

Rosie: I told you to not call me that.

Micah: But we’re friends, and friends give each other nicknames.

Rosie sits down next to Micah, which surprises him at first.

Rosie: Who said we’re friends?

Micah: I did.

He extends his hand to go in for a proper handshake.

Micah: Nice to meet you, friend.

Rosie rolls her eyes and half-smiles. She’s amused. Micah laughs and looks forward towards the balcony railing.

Micah: So, are you off today?

Rosie: Yeah. Today I have classes so, I just go to them.

Micah: Cool, cool… Shouldn’t you get going to it?

Rosie: *confused* This is my class…

The two students look at each other, realizing the same information at the same time.

Rosie: You? Taking “Introduction to Art”?

Micah: It’s an elective; how about you? Aren’t you, like, majoring in art or something?

Rosie: It’s a part of my coursework, dumbass–

Micah: I’m just asking a simple question!

Rosie gets up from the ground while Micah watches her.

Micah: Where are you going? Class starts in like 20 minutes!

Rosie: *while walking away* I’m going to smoke a cigarette.

She stops midway down the hall and tries to search for the pack of cigarettes in her bag. She struggles, lifting her knee up so that her bag is closer to her as she digs deep in her bag. Micah gets up from the ground and walks towards Rosie. He reaches into his jacket and takes out his pack of cigarettes, lifting the lid open. Rosie looks up from her bag and sees Micah offering a cigarette. She kindly takes one.

Rosie: Thank you.

Micah nods, and they both walk towards the exit of the building.

The "Something" Series

Something Like My Mother: A Scene.

liz
A Running List of Boston Restaurants That Are Temporarily Closed in 2020 - Eater Boston

Grace sits on a bar stool in a cafe. She sips her coffee and looks around the slightly busy cafe; she takes in a deep breath and looks down at her mug.

Moments later, the stool next to her is occupied. Grace looks up and sees her mother.

Grace: Hey, mom.

Mollie: Hey, sorry that I was late, the subway was delayed.

Grace: I totally understand, it’s fine.

Mollie orders the hot chocolate and then looks at her daughter.

Mollie: Are you okay? You seem a little down today.

Grace: When am I not down?

Mollie: Hey, now. I don’t like when you talk that way.

Grace doesn’t say anything back.

Mollie: Clearly something is wrong. What is going on?

Grace sighs loudly and puts her mug down on the counter.

Grace: Just going through a lot of things.

Mollie: You called me over here to do some mind-reading?

Grace: Mom…

Mollie: How are things with Willow?

Grace: She’s well.

Mollie: When will be the next time we can see her?

Grace: Soon, mom. Soon.

Mollie puts her hot chocolate down and looks at her daughter.

Mollie: If you’re not going to talk to me, I’m just going to head on out…

Grace: Wait! Wait!

Mollie sits back down next to Grace. Grace traces her finger around the rim of her mug, nervous to finally talk about things.

Grace: Mom… how did you get to where you’re at now?

Mollie: *confused* What do you mean?

Grace: Like, how were you able to get back on your feet after… y’know…

Mollie: *sigh* It wasn’t easy, and it doesn’t always happen the way you expect it to go… is everything okay, Grace?

Grace: Things haven’t been great. Max is now seeing this girl and they are getting pretty serious… I think he’ll marry her.

Mollie: But you guys weren’t together for awhile now.

Grace: I know, but… I just didn’t think he would see someone else.

Mollie: *confused* But you were seeing someone else?

Grace: *deadpanned* Mom.

Mollie: I’m sorry. I know it must be hard to see your ex move onto another person. But, Max deserves to be happy, just how you deserve to be happy.

Grace doesn’t say anything, she still looks worried.

Grace: I’m afraid Max will take Willow and move away from New York.

Mollie takes in a deep breath before speaking to Grace.

Mollie: That’s something you have to talk to Max about. But no matter what happens, Willow is your daughter and you’re in her life.

Grace doesn’t seem convinced.

Grace: I just don’t think I’m meant to be happy.

Mollie: Stop it. I will not allow you to talk to yourself like that.

Grace: I’m serious though. I’m slowly losing my daughter, I’m losing my friends, I lost-

Grace ponders on her next thought: Jamie.

Grace: I just don’t understand why I break everything around me.

Mollie: Grace, you gotta be gentle with yourself. You can only try your best and-

Grace: *annoyed* That’s not good enough, mom! I feel like my best isn’t enough, that no matter how hard I try, I just can’t keep anyone in my life.

Mollie: Then maybe you gotta start making changes in your life. It’s not easy, but it can happen.

Grace doesn’t say anything back.

Mollie: Sometimes, you have to admit to yourself when things are too far gone to try to solve them. You just have to try to make things right for you.

Grace drinks her coffee, pondering in her thoughts.

…

Jamie sits at his kitchen table, trying to focus on the case files in front of him. He holds his head in frustration, trying to concentrate, but nothing is working. His phone rings, which takes him out of his work. He picks up his phone to see that it’s Mina, his oldest sister.

Jamie: Hello?

Mina: Jaemin-ah!

Jamie: Hi, noona. How’s everything going?

Mina: It’s going well; I’m at Mom’s house with the girls.

Off-screen, Mina calls out for her mom, Sejeong, in which she walks into the room. She walks over towards Mina and looks at the screen. Jamie smiles in response.

Sejeong: Is that my son?

Jamie: Hi, eomma.

Sejeong: Jaemin-ah, how have you’ve been? Coming home anytime soon?

Jamie: Still working on that case, hopefully it’ll be done soon. How are you?

Mina walks off-screen when she hears her children in the other room acting up. Sejeong stays in front of the screen.

Sejeong: I’m doing well. Lia is getting married next year. Did you hear?

Jamie: *hesitates* Uhm, yeah, yeah. She called me to tell me…

Sejeong: You’ll be here for her wedding, right?

Jamie: I’ll-I’ll see what I can do, eomma.

Sejeong’s smiles fades, but tries to keep it together in front of her son. Jamie already knows his mother can’t hide her emotions well.

Sejeong: You know, I’m getting older and…

Jamie: Please don’t talk like that.

Sejeong: It’s true. I’m lucky to see you for the holidays.

Jamie: I’m trying my best…

Sejeong sighs, and tries to shrug it off. Jamie bites his lower lip and sighs.

Jamie: I’ll make it back home for Lia’s wedding.

Sejeong: I’ll see it when it happens.

Mina calls out for her mom in the back, which makes her look behind her. She faces up at the screen.

Jamie: I’ll talk to you later, eomma. I love you.

Sejeong: I love you too. Take care of yourself, son.

Jamie smiles and then hangs up the call. The smile quickly fades away.

The Teenage Tell-Tale.

The Teenage Graduation (Pt. 1): A Scene.

liz
High School Graduation Dates 2019 | Eagle County Schools

It’s graduation day for the seniors at Beverly Junior High. The graduating class all gather in the gym; they are all in their caps and gowns and taking pictures before the ceremony begins. On one side of the gym, Mollie and Ronnie are hanging out and talking to one another with their other friends, Davy and Jonah. Milo walks into the gym and looks around the room full of his classmates. He hears his name being called by Mollie, who he spots waving her hand across the room. He walks over to Mollie and greets her with a fist bump.

Milo: Happy graduation, guys.

Mollie: Finally, we’re out of here!

Ronnie: Goodbye, middle school, hello high school!

The two girls hi-five each other. Milo smiles and looks at his phone. He turns around and walks away from the group. Mollie looks confused.

Ronnie: I guess she’s here?

Mollie: Yeah, I guess.

Milo walks towards the entrance of the gym and greets Sophie. She smiles and hugs Milo. His face flashes red. He notices the special sash that only the honor students get.

Milo: Hey there, Sophie “Valedictorian” Lee!

Sophie: *giggles* Well hey there yourself!

Milo: Are you ready for your big speech?

Sophie: *nervous* I feel like it sounds really ridiculous and cheesy.

Milo: You’ll do great, Scout.

Sophie smiles and takes in a deep breath. Milo does the same before saying anything else. He grabs Sophie by the end and walks further into the gym. Sophie is confused but follows Milo.

Sophie: Where are we going?

Milo: I want you to meet my friends.

Sophie stops in her tracks, in which Milo looks back at her; Sophie looks worried.

Sophie: Your… your friends?

Milo: Yeah. *smiles* They’re gonna like you, trust me.

Milo reaches out for Sophie’s hand once again. She looks down at his hand and then takes it. They continue to walk towards the other side of the gym together.

When the two teens walk towards Milo’s friends; Ronnie, Davy, Jonah, and his best friend Mollie. The other teens look at Milo with Sophie. Sophie stands behind Milo, nervous and shy to be in front of his friends.

Milo: Hey, guys… you all know Sophie, right?

The friends nod their heads; Mollie doesn’t move in her spot. Milo takes a deep breath and begins to pull Sophie close to him. She nervously looks up at the group and then backs down towards the floor.

Milo: She’s a friend of mine, so she’ll be hanging out with us today.

Milo looks at Sophie, who looks at Milo with comfort. She looks towards the group of friends and shyly waves.

Sophie: *nervously* H-hi.

The group of friends says hi to Sophie, which makes her feel more comfortable. Mollie rolls her eyes and walks away from the group. Milo watches her leave.

Milo: *to Sophie* I’ll be back.

He walks after Mollie, calling her as she was walking away.

Milo: Mol—

Mollie: *turns around* Don’t “Mol” me! How could you? On graduation day?

Milo: She’s my friend, Mollie.

Mollie: And I’m your best friend!

Milo: Look, just because we are best friends, it doesn’t mean I can’t make friends with other people. She’s really nice and cool, and I wish you would give her a chance because she’s… she’s…

Mollie: The girl you like?

Milo’s face turns red; he definitely didn’t think Mollie was going to say that.

Mollie: I’m not going to sit around and see you swoon over a girl that is just going to use you in the end. Girls like Sophie don’t like guys like you.

Milo: No, girls like Laurie don’t like guys like me. Sophie isn’t like Laurie, and you would know that if you gave her a chance.

Mollie doesn’t budge, but the teachers call out for the students to line up and get ready for the start of the ceremony. The two friends separate and go in their spots in line for the ceremony.

Milo goes to his spot across from Sophie, who looks at him. He looks at her; looking flustered. He sees how pretty and long Sophie’s hair looks and how cool her sash looks on her gown. He looks at her face, who is smiling back at him.

Sophie: Everything’s okay?

Milo: Yeah, yeah… everything’s fine…

Sophie reaches out for Milo’s hand, which instantly calms him down.

Sophie: Let’s do this.

Milo smiles at Sophie as the two lines begin to walk towards the auditorium.

Overexposed: A Self-Love Project.

Overexposed: Seven Months.

liz

Sometimes I think to myself: how was July just seven months ago? I guess when you’re focused and concentrated on something important happening in your life, you notice the day-by-day activity and time just feels like it’s going slow. I feel like that’s what happened to me; I’ve been so focused on this journey of mine! I’ve been learning how to eat differently and according to my new stomach and improving my relationship with food as a whole. It’s been a journey of ups and downs (still is) but it’s still so crazy to think that seven months have passed by since having gastric bypass surgery.

Hi, my name is Liz and I lost 80 pounds so far within my weight-loss journey.

First and foremost, I want to say this to get this out in the air: me talking about the amount of weight I’ve lost does not mean I hate the person I was when I was heavier. Talking about my size these days does not mean that I am “much happier” being smaller than when I was bigger. Me expressing my weight loss journey by trying on old pieces of clothing and having them fit does not mean I do not acknowledge the body I had before. My body isn’t a before and after. I am not a different person just because my body is changing.

One of the major things people have asked e in the course of seven months is if I feel any different, or if I feel better. I won’t lie; I tell every person that asks me that I feel so much better and so much of my age. It’s simply the truth. I was fine when I was heavier and I didn’t have major self-esteem issues behind my weight, but the more I gained weight, the more I felt limited in my movement in my everyday activities. During the quarantine period back in 2020, I gained 20 more pounds, resulting in me being 323 pounds. That was my heaviest weight ever. I returned back to my very physical and active bookstore job 5 months later and felt like I couldn’t keep up with the rest of my coworkers anymore because of my weight. It was stressful being a 26-year old woman feeling like they were actually 46-years-old. So yes, losing 80 pounds in seven months after having surgery has me feeling so much better and more of my age.

But, I tend to feel extremely anxious talking about my weight loss and sharing images of my body nowadays more than ever. The more I lose weight, the more I see my body changing. I am excited to see the changes, to feel the changes, and sometimes I will feel like sharing my journey can be toxic for others who struggle with their weight or don’t have the option to go for weight-loss surgery.

Your body is beautiful no matter what size it is, and I’m not saying that because I keep losing weight. My body was just as beautiful as it is now; like I don’t have a completely new body, it’s still me in my own body at the end of the day. Again, I know singlehandedly how hard it is to lose weight on your own; I’ve struggled my whole life trying to lose weight. I started dieting when I was just 12-years-old, thinking that if I only ever drank water and did not eat food I would lose weight. I would count my calorie intake on my phone during my freshman year of college because I gained the “freshman 30” instead of 15. I started Weight Watchers one too many times and failed because I was now anxious about my “points” for the day and week. I gave up trying to lose weight, which then resulted in me gaining 100 pounds in 6 years. I was so ashamed of myself when I hit 300 pounds because I thought I would never get to that point. That was just my standard; being only 5 feet tall and weighing as much as I did was extremely unhealthy and led to me being pre-diabetic. I knew that I needed more help in order to get healthy and lose weight.

I simply talk about my journey because I am serious about it. I am serious about keeping the weight off once that 2-year mark comes and then losing weight doesn’t just happen as it does now. I talk about my journey in every aspect because no one else has. Everyone will show you the pictures and videos of their bodies (and I’m not innocent of doing that either), but no one talks about the mental side of it all. No one talks about how it feels to have your birthday cake in front of you and can’t even have a piece with the rest of the family because you can’t have sugary sweets. No one talks about the constant vomit that happens within the first 3 months of surgery because you still don’t know what foods your body can handle and how much it can contain. No one talks about how people will call you pretty and beautiful now, but have never said that to your face when you were bigger. No one talks about these things, and I deemed myself as the person who would share this information with everyone. I told myself if no one else will tell me these things, then I will tell myself.

So here’s to seven months on this journey. Here’s to the 80 pounds I already lost whilst on this journey. Here’s to the next 5 months that will lead me to my first year since having surgery. Here’s to me shouting at the top of my lungs about my journey and my life and everything that comes with this chapter of my life. Here’s to being okay with my success and being proud of how far I’ve come without holding any guilt.

Here’s to me.