“Acting Foolishly-stage right”

I collapsed into the arms of my gently worn chair. I tremble as I played back in my mind the scene that I had a major role in. I embrace the pity, grief, and self loathing. These traits I keep as a constant companion these days. My face moist as if I woke up out on the lawn, face down on the grass covered in dew. My countenance riddled with pride and fear. I felt as though I had been run over by a mat truck.

I know what my role was, I am an adult. How could I possibly have sent her to school? I should have kept her home and we should have talked it out until she changed her mind …although that wouldn’t have changed anything. She needed time, a brief moment to think.

What will her teachers think of me as she regales them with the tale of how she managed to go to school looking as though she had been mauled by a pit bull.

What a fool I am.

What makes me believe that of all people, I could raise her to be successful in this world?
Certainly my track record speaks for itself. All my decision I have made have failed. I’ve alienated my husband; he didn’t even sleep in our bed last night. I’ve killed every plant I ever owned, all my friendships have flickered out. Like they were a flame on a candle in the wind; gone before my fear and distrust had a chance to manifest itself.

Moments even hours have passed but, no phone calls from anyone at the school.

I thought that being a mother was something I could do, maybe even do well. Like a giant report card I see how I have failed her as I had watched her tiny frame board the bus.

I always heard them say … “Motherhood in something women are born with an innate understanding coming from within, a certain ability to be nurturing and loving.” But, with every word that comes from her mouth I hear myself, with every posture she takes I see myself, with every angry gesture… myself. How do I stop it? How do I make her understand not to follow my example? Who could I talk to? Who could possibly understand? NO ONE!

Maybe her world would be better without me. If I was not her there would be another woman to step into my role. My husband could do so much better than me.

“That’s it …” In hysteria I exclaimed, “I will go away, leave them and never return.” With the last ounce of strength I could muster I slid to my feet and staggered to doorway. There before me stood my husband, arms folded he looked smug and self assured.

“I knew I couldn’t leave you for long. What are you doing out of bed?”

What good could it do me to tell him? He would only take her side. “I’m leaving, I can’t take it anymore!” I tried pushing him aside and only fell to my knees. He hoisted me to my feet and man handled me, pulling and shoving me toward the bedroom.

“What happened now?” he exclaimed as we walked down the hall. Exhausted I proclaimed, “It’s the last straw. You didn’t see what your daughter was wearing as she left for school! I have failed her as her mother!”

Slowly I rolled, in my pitiful state onto my bed.

“But, I did see her; my dear wife. I met her at the school. As a matter of fact I helped her lay out her clothes.” Enraged I sat straight up in bed. “How could you?”

As my eyes met his he turned and with heavy steps walked down the hall. Turned the corner and went outside. The last noise I heard was the screen door hitting the door frame.

Falling into a pool of tears I realized I had finally run him off.

To my left a single step was all I heard. Lifting my head I searched for what was before me. There he stood with paper from the school in his hand.

With a snicker and a sheepish grin he held it before my tear filled eyes. “What is that?” I whimpered. Slowly he turned to the TV. He turned it on and pushed play. There before my eyes was my daughter in the lead role of the school play.

What a fool I was, she had almost missed the bus. Now I understand.

I had been ill for several weeks and completely lost track of what day it was. The outfit she was wearing was her costume. Slowly he pulled me to his side. “You would have been so proud to see her in the play. I taped the whole thing.”

At that moment I felt the blood rush from my head. Nearly fainting I felt his gentle firm hand embrace my face. “Are you alright dear?” I looked directly into his eyes “NO!”

Once again, the woman I am couldn’t hold it in… “Do you know what my morning was like? … How could you...? I am so foolish!” Pulling me to his side he said, “My darling quiet now, just watch your daughter she’s quite a star. We talked already and she understands.”

This won’t be the first or the last time I act a fool. However, realizing I acted badly is a start.

“Acting Foolishly-stage right”
Alisa Lucas aka - Max Lucas
Copyright © 2008 April 2009

"One mans dream not to live the nightmare" -inspired by a true story -this story is fiction

All my life I was told to be mindful of anyone who holds authority.

I have spent my lifetime watching over my shoulder. I am ever mindful that I will never be given a chance to live a simple life. Fear has taken over my life. The only way I can find a moment of peace is to drink and do drugs. I work so hard to stay numb.

I want to be sober. I want my life to have peace. I want to be a strong role model for my son. I have to face what I fear the most. Those people who react to my tall stature, my broad shoulders, and the color of my skin.

I stand before you an addict. I have lost so much of myself to the fear. I am a shell of a man. I don’t know who I am, what I have become, or if I have a future.

You might ask yourself what brings me here today. The judge gave me a choice it was rehab or jail. You might think it was an easy choice. From your perspective, you might think I have taken the easy way out. Come, walk a mile in my shoes and then judge me.

The influences in my life vary from a God fearing grandmother who raised me. To an abusive father who wanted to prepare me for my future experiences. I didn’t understand then as a child. I do understand now as an adult. My mother died when I was seven. No one ever speaks of how she died. To this day I don’t know. Some things are better left alone. Like many teens I scraped by and graduated high school. I worked hard for everything I earned. I played just as hard learning life lessons as I grew into a man.

What brought me before the judge was a momentary lapse of judgment. It was a day of celebration for me. Devon and I had good reason to celebrate. After an eight month layoff at the mill doors were opened and we were back on the job. We should have stayed home. There were so many of our co-workers at Sammy’s Bar. I got caught up in the tide of relief to be back to work and I let my guard down.

We threw back a couple of shots and we toasted with a few beers. We decided to head on home. We hollered our congratulations to the boys from the mill and got into the car. I should have known there was trouble when I saw headlights flash on across the street as we began to leave the bar.

That is when the nightmare began. No further than a mile down the road the car behind us gained speed and shortened the distance between us. I increased speed, at first five miles faster, then ten. Fear built up in me and my skin crawled as though the spirit of fear had possessed me. Soon twenty miles over the speed limit seemed like we were crawling. I couldn’t get the car to go any faster. I looked at Devon his mouth saying something to me, I couldn’t hear. His eyes were wide and pupils dilated.

The lights flashed blue and red. I knew what had happened. There wasn’t anything I could do to make this moment pass. I turned to Devon; I looked into his eyes and said, “Man, I am so sorry.” That was the last thing I said to him. Nothing else could be said.

I couldn’t get my foot to move off the gas peddle. I knew what was going to happen next. I had lived this before. Only this time I was on probation for striking a man who tried to stop me as I attempted to steal cigarettes from the clerk at the Halverson, Seven-Eleven. I knew in my heart I wasn’t going to live through this experience.

Devon pleaded with me to stop the car. My eyes scanned the horizon searching for anywhere that I could stop where it was public and safe. I prayed they would loose interest in their pursuit. Hoping they would turn around. In my mind I hoped these men were those who were just doing their job with honor and dignity. Not the same kind of men who hurt you first and ask questions later.

I stopped the car, no sooner as the dust settled to the ground. Devon disappeared, the bottom of his shoes rose before my eyes. My door flew open as if a tornado tore it off my car. Two hands reached for me and pulled me with the strength of ten men. The beating had begun. I pleaded first, with no response. I raised my hands above my head to clasp them behind my neck. As I tried to get to my feet…there was no movement. Both legs buckled underneath me. My bones were broken and had torn through my skin. I rolled up into a ball, as small as I could make myself. A flash of pepper spray filled the air above me as a foggy mist. The pain stopped and I couldn’t see anymore. Unconsciousness gave comfort as I was praying I would die. “Lord, take me if you have mercy for me. Lord, I want to come home.”

I remember nothing else. Months have passed since then and now I am here in your office talking with you. I am not certain why this life is mine but, I want to live a better life. I hope that you will help and counsel me so I can live free
of my nightmares.

"One mans dream not to live the nightmare."
Copyright © 2008
Alisa Lucas Aka. Max Lucas

A Halloween story -" Until Stan comes along "

Is it that time again, I thought to myself? There is a chill in the air and leaves are changing color. Tomorrow the trick-or-treaters will come to our door.

This year seems a little more thought provoking as the wind makes the leaves dance and the branches sway. I’m not as young as I used to be. Living in a small town, everything is nearby and it is so easy to get where I need to go. People are always smiling and sharing stories. However, it seems to have gotten quiet around here since the damaging tornado this summer. People just don’t seem to come over much anymore. My phone seems to have just stopped ringing. Things will change though it’s the holidays. When people are reminded to connect with those they love. Oh, how I treasure the holidays.

I wish people weren’t so busy all the time. My son and his family very seldom come to the house anymore. They always seem to be on a schedule, and very preoccupied when they stop by. It is like they have somewhere else to be. None the less my son always takes care of the things I am unable to do myself.

When he was a young boy he was always mindful of the things that were dangerous for me to do. He would go to great lengths to keep me off the step ladder. He would say, “Mom let me do that for you.” as he would climb up and knock the spider webs from the ceiling fan. I guess now that my dearly departed husband, Stan, is gone he knows when it needs to be taken care of. Ever mindful of my needs, I really cherish him for all that he does.

My grandson is truly the apple of my eye. He reminds me of his father in so many ways. Whenever he comes to visit he always has a smile. He always brings something he has for show and tell. We sit on the love seat and share smiles and giggles until he gets the wiggles and climbs down to get a juice box or snack from the kitchen.

There was a time my son used to ask me to sell the house and move in with his family. I always appreciated it, but how would they have their privacy with me around. I guess after a while he didn’t want to pester me about it, so he quit asking. This only comes to mind because of the occasional faces in the window. It is unnerving as this younger generation feels it is ok to peer into an old ladies home. It only happens on occasion, and seldom is it the same person. However, this is my home, and I don’t appreciate the intrusions on my personal space.

Oh dear, they left me. I wanted to thank Charles for his help, but I was so deep in thought I didn’t get an opportunity to say goodbye. I am glad that he put a timer on the lights maybe it will keep unwelcome peeping toms away. Being alone all the time, I don’t want to worry about intruders. This home is gently loved like I am, and it is beginning to have its own creaks and moans.

Oh thank goodness Charles left a few bags of Halloween candies for the trick r’ treaters. I won’t have to pick up any candy at the store for Halloween.
I suppose I will do a little more reading before I go to bed. What’s this, my book has been closed again? I nearly forgot what page I am on. Madeline must have closed my book. She is a dear girl, but I wish as my daughter in law she wouldn’t do that. I am sure it’s to keep Sammy from coloring on, or tearing the pages. I need to remember to put my book up so that won’t happen anymore.

It is wonderful to read stories that take me back to moments in time no one seems to remember anymore. Oh how I long for those days, a time when men were men, and it was wonderful to be a lady. Where was I, oh yes page 37. The 1947 Chevy and a Cracker Jack box…

How long have I been reading? My goodness it is so late. I have lost track of time.
Well, there’s nothing I need to do in the morning, so I… What was that noise? It must be the wind. I don’t see anything. I will leave the lights on all over the house. I will check the tree branches in the morning. If there is a branch that needs cut down Charles will take care of it. I will see him tomorrow when he brings Sammy over to trick or treat and help me hand out candies. Off to bed I go.

Oh my, I must have been frightfully tired. It is already mid day. I should check the tree where the noise came from. Maybe there is a branch too close to the window. What is this? Why are there footprints in my flower bed? Who was here? I better go call Charles now.

The phone doesn’t have a dial tone… what has happened? I am frightened now. What am I going to do? It doesn’t look like anyone is around now. I’ve got to regain my composure, watch and wait. I’ll just turn on the radio and read more of my book. Charles will fix everything.

Who’s there? Charles is that you? I walked into the foyer to find a little Sammy dressed like a pirate. His eye patch is over his forehead and his sword is strapped to his waist. His bandana covers what little hair he has and he looks ready to gather his bounty. “Oh you are a sight for sore eyes”, I said. Madeline followed close behind dressed as a fair maiden. “Oh my, you all look wonderful. Where’s Charles?” I asked. Madeline looked at Sammy as he leaned toward the doorway and said, “ Daddy will be inside in a moment ” Madeline said. “I am so glad you all are here. I believe there has been someone lurking around outside. I think they almost broke in last night. Come over to the window.” Just as I was showing Madeline where I suspected the trespassers were to be lurking about, Charles popped up in the window startling both of us. Then he called for Madeline to come outside.

Sammy was inside so I stayed with him. I could over hear Charles and Madeline’s conversation.

“Ever since mom passed away, I have worried about this home being robbed or broken into. You know honey we should make a decision about selling or moving in here. I think there are homeless people who are lurking about mom’s home. It would break her heart if she were here.”

I fell to my knees pulling the drapery off the window. “Dead! Who’s dead? How? When did I die?” I stammered. Hearing the noise they ran into the house thinking something had happened to Sammy.

There he stood looking at me. I stood and he joined me. We went to sit on the love seat.
He can see me; why can’t they? “Son, I am here!” Charles turned his head, looking at Madeline he asked, “Did you hear something? What is that…I thought I heard a woman’s voice?” Charles returned with, “Did you turn on the music?” “NO!” she replied.

Looking around the room, Madeline noticed my book. “Did you open your mom’s book?” she said, tapping Charles on the shoulder “NO! I didn’t.” Worried, she continued,
“What is going on here? Charles didn’t you turn out the lights last night and set the timer?” They both turned a pale shade of white. They moved about the house looking in all the rooms. Madeline’s voice rang from upstairs, “Charles the bed is turned down, but there isn’t any sign of anyone breaking in!”

Where is Sammy? What is he doing? They both reached the side of the love seat. Sammy pointed in my direction, he said boldly, “Grand ma!” Shocked, Charles a believer said “Mom are you there? Move something... make a noise!” Feeling a little bit ridiculous, and still a bit confused I turned off the music. They both sat where they had been just standing. “Mom, can you do that again?” I turned on the music. Eventually, it became a code. Soon their questions were answered.

Charles gained composure, and explained the freak accident that took my life. I still am not sure why I didn’t pass on. However, I know now that Halloween night is when I am the strongest. At times they can almost see me. Charles refers to that Halloween night as the night my mom came to live with me. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m delighted to stay here until Stan comes to get me.

A Haloween story - Until Stan comes along."
Alisa Lucas -Aka. Max LucasCopyright © 2008

The Show Must Go On... A Space Opera

Everyone told me it would be a once in a lifetime experience to travel. This just goes to show that you shouldn’t make life decisions based on other people’s opinions. Today was just another example of how utterly fouled up my life has become.

I just received a stellar-gram from my wife today. Commander Marsh told me to wait until after the party to read it. Did I listen? “NO!” My wife informs me that in my absence of eight months, three weeks, and four days ago; she has given birth to my bouncing baby boy. He has curly red hair (like mine), a birth mark on the tip of his nose (like mine), and very large feet (like mine). She says she was hoping he would look more like her. My family has such dominant genes. She says didn’t sign up for this kind of shenanigans and she’s had enough. She was done.
I thought maybe this might be just another one of those syndromes you read about when women go through a birth of a child. Post Partum depression or something. What can I do from all the way out here? She knew that this was what I went to school for. I couldn’t just leave my post. There was nothing that I could do. How do I explain to her that this job hasn’t been a bed of roses?

I spend most of my time trying to keep the women off my lap, removing their fingertips from my hair… isn’t that enough? I am constantly juggling between work and home. She doesn’t even consider how difficult my job can be here. Of course these are things I don’t dare mention to her. What about me? What about my feelings? I am constantly trying to satisfy the needs and keep up moral of my co-workers. I am certain she doesn’t realize how difficult it can be getting supplies out here. It is a logistical nightmare. When I get flustered and upset; I often find myself being laughed at …. NO ONE takes me seriously! What does she want me to do drop everything and just fly home? Like that is even an option.

Just last week, I was reviewing my program with one of the female staff members. She told me she just found out her fiancé changed his mind. He wasn’t going to get married to her. He was going to marry his sister. I gasped, she went on to tell me he had been living with her and his parents for the last eight years. With his fiancé being absent he has decided he didn’t want to wait for children and a family so the wedding was off. He is going to marry his sister. I was horrified, for her. Embarrassed even, she finally explained that the brother sister duo were only brother and sister legally. She was adopted by his family at the age of eleven years old. It was still awful in my eyes. I tried to console her; I told her I would show her a trick or two. She thought I was trying to make advancements toward her. What a horrible thought. I’m married I profusely explained. She said I waved about like Kermit the frog. She said she could never work on another program with me again.

Two weeks ago one of the senior staff nearly killed a crew member for removing his plate from the table before he was finished with his meal. He said that the crew member was only after his Winkie Cakes.

To make things worse yesterday, while running on the treadmill I was given a very graphic offer of an evening rendezvous with one of the grease monkeys of the motor pool. It gives new meaning to the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy.

This place is a nightmare. I don’t want to be here anymore than she wants me to be; but, I am under contract. I thought for the mega money offered with this job it would be a piece of cake. No one told me these people were so strange. No wonder the money was so good.
Here I am. All I can keep telling myself is that it is only a twelve month tour. I can survive. It’s almost over, but, what if they extend me for doing such a good job. What if they see I am the only sane one here? I have kept up some pretty good disguises. She’s mad at me because my son looks like me??!! What can I do about that?

That’s it! I exclaimed. I ran over to the escape hatch and just as I began to pull release arm. Commander Marsh placed a hand on my shoulder and said, “Son don’t, you’ll kill us all”. I let go of the handle and sat down where I once stood.

Commander Marsh took me aside and said that he could put me on the next shuttle out if I could pull myself together. He reminded me, “There was no one to blame and that seeing me again would bring my wife such great joy”. He said. “I had done my duty with dignity and pride.” I felt a surge of renewal. I knew I had my duty to perform; just one more program. The commander had renewed my sense of duty and he understood. I’ll do it! It will be the greatest show in space. No, I didn’t have any elephants, or cannons, or acrobats; but no one will ever perform as well as I will. Who could blame the first clown in space for being upset? I was proud; my newborns son destiny was the same as my own. We could be the first father son act in space. No matter what, there is no denying that bouncing baby boy is my son. From his curly red hair, his oversized feet, and the red dot on his bulbous little nose. I am proud to be his father, and I am going home. We are clowns and I know that my son and I will carry on the family legacy. From this moment forward just as my father’s father taught him; I will teach my son. We will perform with the same energy and pride as I do today. Everything will work out ok. She loves me and she will love our son. So here I go… I fluffed up my hair, gathered my balloon animals, grabbed my juggling balls and entered the room. "Folks," I hollered, “THE SHOW MUST GO ON!!”

Alisa Lucas - Aka. Max Lucas
"The Show Must Go On..."
[Space Opera-Short Story]
Copyright © 2008

TOPIC: Astrological Adventure

To all my creative writting bloggers:
I was hoping to charge your creative drive so I went alittle outside the box.

Please write an Adventure story
Place: A deserted Island
Danger sequence: to include atleast one - fire, water, jungle, earth, wind
Include a Mythalogical character: (your hero)
With the personality and who is your astrological sign:

Here is a list to know your hero's personality by -
CAPRICORN - The Go-Getter (Dec 22 - Jan 19),

AQUARIUS - The Sweetheart (Jan 20 - Feb 18),

PISCES - The Dreamer (Feb 19 - Mar 20),

ARIES - The Daredevil (Mar 21 – April 19),

TAURUS - The Enduring One (April 20 - May 20),

GEMINI - The Chatterbox (May 21 - June 20),

CANCER - The Protector (June 21 - July 22),

LEO - The Boss (July 23 - Aug 22),

VIRGO - The Perfectionist (Aug 23 - Sept 22),

LIBRA - The Harmonizer (Sept 23 - Oct 22),

SCORPIO - The Intense One (Oct 23 - Nov 21),

SAGITTARIUS - The Happy-Go-Lucky One (Nov 22 - Dec 21).

Example: My sign is Cancer - my hero is a Crab - It's personality is a protector -

I will probably use fire and water as my danger situations.

I hope this will stretch your imaginations - Alisa

Tabloid story - imagined -Headline: “Lady Luck runs out on lottery winner” –

On January 8, 2007 this series of numbers 3-7-2-8 was exactly what Aly Sue Melater needed to win the Pick 4 lottery. She lived near the small town of Rotten Hallow, West Virginia. Everyone in the rural neighborhood knew her as a cheerful eighty-nine year old woman. She was best known for her short pant legs, sunflower covered floppy hat, and her mean spirited curse of a boyfriend.
Friends of Melater claimed she thought winning the ten million dollars would help her cantankerous love bundle to be a little more amiable. Sadly, Lady’s Luck literally
ran out on her March 7, 2008. Aly Sue was found with photos of her at the present, three
ex-husbands, seven estranged children, two runaway dogs, and eight southern fried chickens, by her side. A note written in her own hand read, “I knew that donkey would be the death of me.”
Towns folk could hear Melater’s boyfriend, Steele De Cash , holler as he drove thru town on his new Jon Dear-me tractor. “No! I ain’t using my new tractor and trailer to pull her casket to the cemetery! Make the donkey do it; She killed her!” The local vet hollered back, “you gotta! Lady Luck got put to sleep yesterday.”
Other arrangements were made for Aly Sue to get to the cemetery. Rumor is that
Aly Sue finally got her wish. Her boyfriend is a kinder man now. It is said he’s sleeping better now that his mattress is stuffed with what is left over from the ten million dollars.


Original Headline: “Lady Luck runs out for lottery winner” –
National Enquirer 06/18/2008

Alisa Lucas Aka. Max Lucas
Tabloid story - imagined -Headline: “Lady Luck runs out on lottery winner”
Copyright © 2008

Sneak-A-Peek

Have you ever wanted to look somewhere that you shouldn’t? Have you ever had a secret need to see what is in something that wasn’t yours? Well,if it was the last thing we do this summer. Bobby and I were going to sneak-a-peek and make history at Lindyman Middle School.
My family is always going somewhere or doing something.We did some great things this summer. On the fourth of July my best friend Bobby and his family traveled with us to my grandparents’ house.We spent the whole day together hiking and swimming.The best part of the day was when my dad fired off a bag full of really awesome fireworks. The neighbor called the cops because they made so much noise. Last month we went camping and I caught the biggest, ugliest, catfish in the whole river. When we went to the carnival we rode every ride in the park. Bobby and I rode the Twist and Hurl, twice; it’s the scariest roller coaster in the whole wide world. Last week, at the neighborhood picnic, Bobby ate so much ice cream and cake he puked on the neighbor’s dog.
My dad says he wouldn’t call us trouble makers, but, if trouble was missing

we’d be the first to find it.
It was Wednesday and we had a lot of errands to run thank goodness Bobby and his mom where along for the ride.“Well Oliver, Friday is the last time this summer you can sleepover Bobby’s house.” Mom said. “Why?” I asked. “Well boys, school starts Monday.” I turned to look at my mom so fast I almost got whip lash. I couldn’t believe summer vacation was over. Bobby’s mom turned around, smiled, and said, “Don’t you boys remember what tonight is? It’s the open house at the middle school!” Bobby and I both lit up like someone set fire to our backsides. “That’s right!! Mr. Klingaman here we come!”I hollered.

When Tommy and Frank told us all about what happens at the open house. They made us swear we wouldn’t say anything. Tommy said that after the tour was over the parents stand around in the auditorium talking. The kids get twenty minutes to look anywhere in the school. Frank said we can look in drawers, closets, cupboards, and cubbies. Kids rule for twenty minutes.

Nothing is off limits, every year, one time, twenty minutes, and this year, it is our turn. Frank and Tommy told us about last years big finds.They said, Greg Mahoney opened the filing cabinet in the principal’s office and found a rotten apple core with a huge spider on it. Natalie Eldridge went to the science closet and found a baby pig in a jar filled with green liquid. Sarah Sanders found a three pound block of cheese, in the refrigerator with hair and mold on it. Charlie Cooper looked in the girl’s locker room he found a box marked, “Lost & Found” it was full of girls bras and panties.
Bobby and I have been thinking about where to go all summer. We decided we are going to go to Janitors closet and see what we could find in there. We just had to get through the day and the evening was ours. “So mom, where are we going?” I asked. Her reply was like listening to the principal talking on the pa. Both Bobby and I slouched in our seats. I leaned over to Bobby and

whispered, “I can’t wait until this is over.” Bobby shrugged, “me too.”We spent all day jumping in and out of the car. Our moms pulled us by our collars, getting us out of the path of oncoming carts. Listening to them say look this is on sale, let’s check it out. Rounding out a perfectly awful day we had to wait in line twenty minutes before we could sit down, order, and eat our pizza.
When we finally got to the school Bobby and I ran up to the door. A poster stuck on the door read, “You’re just thirty minutes to Sneak-A-Peek! Come on in and take a seat.” Bobby and I grinned from ear to ear then we gave each other our secret handshake. We moved quickly so we could find a seat as close to the double doors as we could get. After the teachers were introduced, we watched the slideshow, and last the principal’s speech. It was finally time, they even handed us a map. I quickly marked a great big X where the janitor’s closet was. Bobby leaned over, grinned ear to ear and whispered, “Finally.” Principal Rackshaw stood up again and made the announcement. “One more thing!” he said. “Please be careful, do not to take, break, or smash anything.” Then he made all of us raise our right hand to the square. We swore not to tell anyone except the kids who were there and our parents about what we found. All the kids paired up in rows of two and lined up at the double doors. All that could be heard was giggling and the shuffling of feet. “Remember to listen for the buzzer; your twenty minutes begins now!” yelled Mr. Rackshaw. The school buzzer went off.

Bobby and I took off like pop rockets on the fourth of July. We ran as fast as we could go.

There wasn't anyone in front of us to slow us down. When we finally reached the janitor’s closet Bobby yelled, “Bingo! We’ve got you Mr. Klingaman! Let’s see what you keep behind door number one!” Then he threw open the door. I just fell over laughing. I’ve seen Bobby act crazy but, not like that. As I leaned into the closet to begin my search a broom handle fell and hit me square on the head. Bobby almost wet his pants laughing. We looked around to see what could find. It was just the usual things you’d expect to find in a janitors closet. There were brooms,

dust cloths, pledge, Windex, floor cleaner, buckets, paper towels, and toilet paper.

There wasn’t anything special at all. Dashed and disappointed I asked Bobby, “Do you think we chose the wrong place to look?” Just then Bobby flipped on the light switch on. There before us was door number two. Bobby and I looked at each other and without another thought. Slowly we opened the squeaky closet door. There before our eyes marked very clearly above a sink built into the floor was a sign that said, “Dispose of vomit here.” There hanging on the wall was

Mr. Kingman’s boots, a container of what looked like cat litter, a mop, and a bucket clearly

marked none of your business. I dared Bobby to smell the mop to see what it smelled like.

He said it smelled like 100 year old vomit coming out of a troll’s mouth.

Not finding anything else we knew we had to look into the bucket. It was full of ABC (already been chewed) gum. I leaned against the door still disappointed. I heard a tack drop to the floor followed by a photograph. “Where did this come from?” Bobby asked. I looked behind the door and there was a third smaller door. Bobby looked at the photo. It was fantastic; the picture was of Mr. Klingaman. He held a sign that read ‘Siones Book of World’s Record holder for the largest ball of ABC gum July 12, 1980!’ Behind him was a mountain of gum. Mr. Ernie Klingaman was the Worlds record holder for the largest ball of ABC gum. Bobby and I held our breath opened the door and there it was the ball of gum.We knew no one could have ever gotten past the second room to make such a historical find.Just then the school bell rang.“We got it!!” I yelled at the top of my lungs.

It was the best Sneak-A-Peek secret in Lindyman Middle School history.”

Sneak- A-Peek [a story of a janitor’s secret]

written by: Alisa Lucas-Aka. Max Lucas
Copyright © 2008