Nomination!!

Just so you know, every other spaced-out paragraph is a flashback. Keep that in mind because my flashback symbols didn't copy very well. Ok, enjoy!

Race against a Cracker
A short story by Alex Calhoun-Haynes

“Did your mom buy Cheez-its? Because I’ve been dying to eat some since that time you ate them in front of me right after I had my wisdom teeth pulled.”
“She said she did, I’ll go check.”
“Ok thanks, Babe.”

…
The bus smelled like cigarette smoke. I sat and thought about my first day of high school. Would the halls be too crowded? Would the teachers pronounce my name right? Would people be-
“Hey, stranger!”
“Wow, you look the same.”
“No, I got taller.”
“I guess.”
She sat down in the seat across from me.

…
“Um, I couldn’t find any Cheez-its,” I told her, bracing myself for her overly-dramatic despair.
“Oh ok.” She was surprisingly calm. But I had a backup plan just in case.
“Want some reduced fat Wheat Thins?” I watched as her mouth transformed from disappointment to a smile.

…
A couple of days later, on the bus, I got the guts to sit next to her. She didn’t seem surprised. Girls seem to always know what’s going on. I wondered if she was nervous. I knew I was. She yawned.
“Are you tired?” I asked with intent.
“Yeah, I woke up early and couldn’t get back to sleep.” She yawned again.
“You could use my shoulder as your pillow.” I knew it was corny. Corniness works sometimes, right?
“Sure,” she said quietly as she rested the weight of her head on me. That was the best feeling ever.

…
I watched as she ate the Wheat Thins one by one. She’s by far the cutest girl I’ve ever met. We haven’t kissed yet. I plan on making my move tonight, though.

…
“Want me to walk you to class?” I asked her one morning. She said that would be fine. She seemed excited. I took that short chance when she was laughing to make my move. My arm weighted down as I lifted it around her waist. What would she do? Would she yell at me or return the favor? I was too nervous to look at her face for a reaction, so I waited. I think she was thinking. She moved. Oh no, she’s trying to wriggle out of it, I thought. Then I felt her arm around my shoulder. That was the best feeling ever.

…
See, we started going out on September 8th of this year. I wanted to kiss her at 9:08pm. It was 9:00. Only 8 more minutes of my childhood I thought to myself.

…
The two of us decided to go on a bike ride to the dam. When we got there, we left our bikes to go exploring in the woods. She was wearing a sexy red tank top and I wore my favorite Metallica t-shirt. We held hands as we walked ↓ the trails of the woods in the sunset. That was the best feeling ever.

…
She ate each cracker, carefully crunching with each bite. I began to worry whether she would stop eating so I could kiss her at the right time. It was 9:07 now.

…
It was a sunny day and all of the leaves had almost fallen off of the trees. It was rare to have a sunny day in the middle of fall. She and I were cuddling on her couch watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, when she suggested that we go outside and toss the football. She looked even better out in the sun. I’ve always told myself that a girl who can throw a spiral is the girl of my dreams.
“Here it comes!” I heard.
And there it went. That perfect spiraling football soared through the air.

…
And there it went. The digital clock switched to 9:08. I was shaking. She looked so beautiful. The moonlight played with her skin as it shone through the basement window. I scooted over on the couch so I could reach her mouth. I started to lean in for the kiss. She, not noticing my subtle attempt, lifted a single Wheat Thin from the box. She began to move her hand toward her mouth.

…
We spent a day at the state fair together. We watched a lumberjack show, ate corn dogs, and walked through the haunted house. Her mom gave us a ride home and we sat in the backseat under a blanket. I was as close to her as I could get. I held her in my arms with no intent of letting go. That was the best feeling ever.

…
It was a race against time and a cracker. I leaned with what felt like slow motion speed. Did she notice me? She wouldn’t really put that cracker in her mouth, would she? I could feel my heart about to burst from my chest it was beating so hard.

…
We sat in my room and I taught her how to play happy birthday on my brother’s LesPaul. He would kill me if he found out I let my girlfriend play his favorite guitar. I wasn’t even allowed to play it. She is a natural learner. Her fingers pluck with grace and I just love when she puts her head down to check where her fingers should be and hair falls in her face. I brushed it away from her eyes gently as she smiled. That was the best feeling ever.

…
I would have to beat that cracker. I leaned as far as I could and I felt it. And it wasn’t a cracker. It was another human beings’ lips. They were soft and warm. I heard the wheat thin fall to the ground. She lifted her hand up and found the perfect spot to rest it on the back of my neck. It was hard to stop, but we did. We both stared at each other, smiling.
“I love you,” she said.
“I love you too,” I said.
That was definitely the best feeling ever.

V3 A time my world changed

Caffeine

I will always love
that tempting green
can.
The mist of the opening
Sprays the air.
The refreshing cool of the liquid.
That first
Sip.
The bubbles traveling down my throat like water through a broken
dam.
Don’t drink too fast.
Savor it.
The addiction,
taking me over.
An unforgettable beauty:
That of a dry lake, a canvas unpainted,
emptiness waiting for fulfillment.
Waiting for someone to come along and-
sip.
Addiction.
Mountain Dew.

V3 what I needed to say

Liam

Liam I needed to say
I love watching you grow.
Each day you grow physically and mentally,
which helps me realize
how precious life is
and how quickly time passes.

Liam I needed to say
Your smiles are contagious.
You smile
And cares are forgotten.
You laugh
And fears creep away.

Liam I needed to say
Your hugs could heal a broken heart.
The smell of baby shampoo on your neck after a bubble bath,
And the way you run your fingers through my hair
Could make anyone melt with admiration.

Liam I needed to say
You’re truly a blessing of a brother.
When I watch you
Run
And play
And fall asleep,
It always improves my day.
Liam I needed to say.

What I needed to say V1

Liam

Liam I needed to say
I love watching you grow.
Each day you grow physically and mentally,
Which helps me realize
How precious each person’s life is.

Liam I needed to say
Your hugs could heal a broken heart.
The smell of baby shampoo on your neck after a bubble bath,
And the way you run your fingers through my hair.

Liam I needed to say
You’re truly a blessing.
When I watch you
Run
And play
And fall asleep,
It always improves my day.
Liam I needed to say.


do you think I need to add more? I feel it's a little short.

Does it bother you that the end rhymes?

A time my world changed V1

Caffeine

I’ll always love
That little green can.
The spray of the opening.
The cool of the liquid.
That first
Sip.
The bubbles traveling down my throat like water through a dam.
Don’t drink too fast.
Savor it.
The addiction.
An unforgettable beauty.
That of a dry lake
Or canvas unpainted.
Waiting for fulfillment.
Waiting for someone to come along and-
Addiction.
The addiction.
Mountain Dew.


What do you think I should add?
Did you like it? why?

10 min Play version 3!

A Painter’s Muse

The characters are at Martin’s studio. Jane had a huge crush on Martin in college but he couldn’t go out with her because he was focused too much on his art and didn’t have time for her. He later got married, but not to Jane. He invites Jane over to paint her because he felt like catching up and has no intention what so ever of getting too close to her. Jane knows that he is married, yet she still hopes that her provocative efforts with persuade Martin to fall in love with her.

MARTIN

All righty, Jane, why don’t you go stand over there and pose for me.

JANE

[taking off her sweatshirt]

Okay, Martin, dear, whatever you say

MARTIN

What are you doing that for?

JANE

That sweatshirt makes me look so frumpy, Martin, wouldn’t want to be painted like that!

MARTIN

Yes, I suppose this way would give off a more shapely feel.

[JANE lays down on the couch, beginning to get in position]

No, no, no I’ll need you to stand up and slump over like this [MARTIN slumps violently over, arms dangling]

JANE

Martin, are you crazy? Slump over like that for who knows how long? I prefer to be comfortable.

MARTIN

Now, hear, Jane! I am the artist and you are my muse. Now, go on, slump. This is to be a dramatic piece of art.

JANE

[snuggling into the couch]

I feel perfectly dramatic where I am, thank you.

MARTIN

[staring sternly]

Jane McCarthy stand up this instant, slouch over like this and dangle your arms!

JANE

Ugghh! [stands and lets her long, flowing red hair]

MARTIN

Oh good idea, yes, your hair shall dangle as well!

[JANE flips her hair and shakes her head in a provocative manner]

[not noticing her sensuality, MARTIN continues on]

JANE

[heading toward the closet]

Shall I try on some pretty hats for the painting, Martin?

MARTIN

Why, that would be silly. It would fall right off your head soon as you slumped over

JANE

Just for fun? Oh please, Martin? Can I? We have all day

[trying on a giant purple hat with feathers]

MARTIN

Oh Jane, it usually takes a day and a half for me to finish a painting such as this

JANE

[standing by a full-length mirror admiring herself and posing]

Just a few more hats, Martin

MARTIN

Well hurry up then. This is not meant to be fun and games.

JANE

[trying on a graduation cap]

Do I look younger, Martin?

MARTIN

[Uninterested]

Mmmhhmmm

JANE

More beautiful perhaps?

MARTIN

[still uninterested]

Yes, lovely.

JANE

[beginning to try on yet another hat]

How abou-

MARTIN

Enough with the hats, Jane. Take it off and put it back in the closet where it belongs. We have work to be done.

JANE

[still wearing the last hat, walks over and slumps over slowly, hoping the hat might stay on]

[hat falls onto the floor with a thump]

Happy?

MARTIN

Yes, I’ve changed my mind. I think the painting will be even more dramatic with the hat on the floor like that. It’s as if the hat is all you’ve got left, and it’s fallen.

JANE

If it truly were the only thing I had left, I’d have to be naked

MARTIN

[not hearing JANE’S comment, still deep in thought about the underlying meaning of the painting]

Well, I suppose the hat could also symbolize the world in some way or another.

JANE

Why don’t you leave it up the observer to determine the deep symbolism of the mysterious hat on the floor

MARTIN

[beginning to paint with huge strokes]

Right.

JANE

We really haven’t talked in forever, have we?

MARTIN

[deep and emotional in his strokes]

no

JANE

How is Catherine?

MARTIN

Good

JANE

Good

[awkward pause]

Why have you decided to paint me today, Martin?

[long pause]

Am I beautiful?

MARTIN

[painting faster]

Mmmmhmmm I’m almost finished

JANE

Well that was fast

MARTIN

[standing back from his artwork, pondering its elements]

Yes, I’m finished. Faster than I thought. You’re a wonderful muse. You may put your sweatshirt back on now

JANE

[standing back up, picking up the hat from the ground]

Oh I’m surprised you’ve finished so quickly. I don’t need to put my sweatshirt back on, I’m quite comfortable with the temperature now, wouldn’t want to get too hot.

[pause]

May I see what you’ve done, Martin?

MARTIN

[spins the easel around for JANE and the audience to see]

[it is an extremely abstract painting. There is no way to know what the picture is of, just a bunch of colors]

Well thank you for slumping for me. It was nice catching up. I have something to get to right now so. We’ll keep in touch?

JANE

Of course, Dear.

MARTIN

Great! Well, bye then. Sorry I’m leaving in such a rush

[Leaves the studio and closes the door behind him]

JANE

I love you, Martin. I love everything about you.

10 minute play: A Painter's Muse

MARTIN

All righty, Jane, why don’t you go stand over there and pose for me.

JANE
[taking off her sweatshirt]

Okay, Martin, dear, whatever you say

MARTIN

What are you doing that for?

JANE

That sweatshirt makes me look so frumpy, Martin, wouldn’t want to be painted like that!

MARTIN

Yes, I suppose this way would give off a more shapely feel.

[JANE lays down on the couch, beginning to get in position]

No, no, no I’ll need you to stand up and slump over like this [MARTIN slumps violently over, arms dangling]

JANE

Martin, are you crazy? Slump over like that for who knows how long? I prefer to be comfortable.

MARTIN

Now, hear, Jane! I am the artist and you are my muse. Now, go on, slump. This is to be a dramatic piece of art.



JANE
[snuggling into the couch]

I feel perfectly dramatic where I am, thank you.

MARTIN
[staring sternly]

Jane McCarthy stand up this instant, slouch over like this and dangle your arms!

JANE

Ugghh! [stands and lets her long, flowing red hair]

MARTIN

Oh good idea, yes, your hair shall dangle as well!

[JANE flips her hair and shakes her head in a provocative manner]

[not noticing her sensuality, MARTIN continues on]

JANE
[heading toward the closet]

Shall I try on some pretty hats for the painting, Martin?

MARTIN

Why, that would be silly. It would fall right off your head soon as you slumped over

JANE

Just for fun? Oh please, Martin? Can I? We have all day

[trying on a giant purple hat with feathers]




MARTIN

Oh Jane, it takes a day and a half for me to finish a painting such as this

JANE
[standing by a full-length mirror admiring herself and posing]

Just a few more hats, Martin

MARTIN

Well hurry up then. This is not meant to be fun and games.

JANE
[trying on a graduation cap]

Do I look younger, Martin?

MARTIN
[Uninterested]

Mmmhhmmm


JANE

More beautiful perhaps?

MARTIN
[still uninterested]

Yes, lovely.

JANE
[beginning to try on yet another hat]

How abou-

MARTIN

Enough with the hats, Jane. Take it off and put it back in the closet where it belongs. We have work to be done.

JANE

[still wearing the last hat, walks over and slumps over slowly, hoping the hat might stay on]

[hat falls onto the floor with a thump]

Happy?

MARTIN

Yes, I’ve changed my mind. I think the painting will be even more dramatic with the hat on the floor like that. It’s as if the hat is all you’ve got left, and it’s fallen.

JANE

If it truly were the only thing I had left, I’d have to be naked

MARTIN

[not hearing JANE’S comment, still deep in thought about the underlying meaning of the painting]

Well, I suppose the hat could also symbolize the world in some way or another.

JANE

Why don’t you leave it up the observer to determine the deep symbolism of the mysterious hat on the floor.

MARTIN

[beginning to paint with huge strokes]
Right.





JANE

We really haven’t talked in forever, have we?

MARTIN
[deep and emotional in his strokes]

no

JANE

How is Catherine?

MARTIN

Good

JANE

Good

[awkward pause]

Why have you decided to paint me today, Martin?

[long pause]

Am I beautiful?

MARTIN
[painting faster]

Mmmmhmmm I’m almost finished

JANE

Well that was fast





MARTIN
[standing back from his artwork, pondering its elements]

Yes, I’m finished. Faster than I thought. You’re a wonderful muse. You may put your sweatshirt back on now

JANE
[standing back up, picking up the hat from the ground]

Oh I’m surprised you’ve finished so quickly. I don’t need to put my sweatshirt back on, I’m quite comfortable with the temperature now, wouldn’t want to get too hot.

[pause]

May I see what you’ve done, Martin?

MARTIN
[spins the easel around for JANE and the audience to see]

[it is an extremely abstract painting. There is no way to know what the picture is of, just a bunch of colors]