"What is this?" I asked, gesturing at the large, dusty, and worn book that Nana had placed in my hand. Nana's face showed nothing, which has always bothered me to no end. Nana has always been like that, impervious and stately at all times. I glared at the book, I hated reading and this leather book just 'happened' to be, the same size as my largest pillow. (In width and thickness.) I could feel Nana's sharp eyes considering me.
Nana is defined by her silence. She stands and listens, head cocked to the side with the hint of a smile playing across her face. If you were to look into her eyes, one would find the humorous light that danced there. I've often asked myself if Nana's face had always had that mysterious expression. However, that is something I shall never know.
In her youth, Nana was known as the lovely Aratelli. (Which means gold in the ancient language.) A funny thing has occurred to me, gold and light seem to run through my family's blood.
You see; I was born with an impossible shade of golden hair, thus earning me the name of Aura. Which when you think of it, my mother 'Eleanor' is also named for light. Oh, how I wish I had such a special name!
When you think about it, Aura is dull. Often I find people calling me, "Hey ya, Arya." Which annoys me, nonstop.
Dull, isn't it? So, I had concluded this problem, by having everyone call me Spark. Apparently, when I was just a little kid I loved to play with electrical appliances, which has thus earned me that nickname. Spark, because I'm almost always smiling, (skipping mention of my unruly, wild hair.) creating diagrams of (what others say are strange) inventions, that pop right out my imagination.
Personally, I don't think they're strange. (A robot that does chores, a chase-away mice robot cat, and not to forget my latest, the book summarizer) Sound like very useful and logical appliance's to me. Wouldn't you agree?
Mom has always nagged me about the obscene hours, I spent tearing apart her old kitchen appliances. But, dad never complaineed. (Because, my inventions became a multi-ability machine.) For example, I turned that old broken blender into a drill, a beater, and a useful (wait for it) fruit peeler. (Don't ask me how I managed that? It was a complete coincidence.) But that's what most business is about, luck and a risky chance. For example, I almost cut my hand off, making the fruit peeler.
So, yes I the so-called Spark of joy was very depressed. When I look back on it, I just want to laugh at myself. Which is a good thing, because at the time, this so-called disappointment was really important. I'm a healthy and stick-skinny fifteen years old teenager. While other girls my age had a long detailed list of the boys they wanted to ask out on a date, my list consisted of only one.
John Goodman, who had a perfect smile and long fingers. Which may seem ridiculous to you, but it's a key thing that his hands were large. Why? Simply because, he could get a good grip around my favorite screwdriver. One of those old-fashioned type, made of a sturdy piece of metal, with a handle that has a shiny bird in flight icon on the top.
That's another one of my hobby's, oracular observations. Birds are such beautiful creatures. Even in the year of 2050 there was no technology that allowed a human to 'fly like an eagle'. Although, in the UCS website, I did read of a scientist who had been slowly creating wings out of one million tons of bird feathers. That's a lot, if you ask me!
I've had a crush on John Goodman, since what?… the fourth grade? He was one of the nicest people in Seimour High School. He had (or still does) a crooked smile, even white teeth, and eyes that are the most kindest of browns. Anyway, since the beginning of high school, I had slowly been deepening my friendship with him. It got to the point, where other girls began to threaten me to back off. I gave them a good shocker, when they touched me.
Another thing that has contributed to my unusual nickname, is what people refer to as static electricity. It follows me everywhere, I try to avoid all metal objects at school. But, sometimes that's hard to do, considering that; practically my whole school is made of metal.
Now, the girls have learned to accept my friendship with the G-man. However, my friendship has done no good. At the time, Johnny did not think of me like a girl he would ever want to date. I think in my heart, I knew this back then, but it never hurt to hope, right?
So, I was really depressed at the time, after hearing and directly witnessing that John and Angel Zagon were going out. He had kissed her in the hall, right outside of the girl's bathroom! Now, I just can't bring myself to enter that particular restroom.
Of course, I was really shocked by that display of affection. But, that was not the worst of it, Angel began to totally dominate Johns life. My friendship with John had been in jeopardy since they had begun to go out.
Angel has never been a nice person, especially when it comes to me. I think she had forbidden John to speak to me in public. I couldn't blame him, who can argue with such a goddess, like Angel? If I was a boy, I would be just as desperate, to maintain the relationship. No one can contend with Angels straight and silky, long, black hair.
I just didn't understand why, even though he knew that she was not a nice person, why he would start a relationship with her. So, for once, my room was spotless and I had cut off all ties with the world.
It wasn't until my parents had grandma come over, where I finally came out of my room. I've always respected Grandma, so, if I could help it. I would not have embarrassed myself in front of her. I would remain strong and do the best I could. She wanted me to read the book, I would do it. No questions asked.
Giving a deep sigh I dropped the book onto my pillow. The pages split apart and I found myself on a page in the middle of the book. It had fancy gold letters with the words "The taming of the willow"
That sounded odd to me. Like grandma might of given me a gardening book unintentionally. But, since grandma had given me the book, I would read it.
From the diary of John A Brickenmore (What a coincidence, the man has the same first name as my crush.)
I've am finly done with my training. I am now serving Master James Arion. Isn't my writing wonderful? (Perhaps he's a narcissist?) This being the first night of Knighthood, I have decided to record the accounts of this day. Today Mastr James (A fin man) was called to the palace, by his cousin Prince Fenris the Sociable (because His Highness, knows everyone) I don't know what the meeting was abot, but after et, Master James, seemed preacupid. We returned to Don Mirone only to leave an hour later for a trip into the woods. (Finish it later)
I do not wish to bore you about this story. It may seem insignificant at the moment, but it's significance in my life would increase later on. However, at this point of my story; it was just a story in a book.
I was interrupted by my lovely older brother. (Gag!) Scott is a year older than me, also unlike me he is quite popular in school. I guess its because of his uniqueness, which I call arrogance. He is what I call, a definite narcissist.
"Dinner time,"
"Yeah, its dinner time, Sparky." Came a snicker from behind the door.
The other voice belonged to Nathaniel, my arch-nemesis who just also 'happens' to be my brothers best friend.
"Are you going to keep us waiting? Hurry up, lets go, before I starve to death."
"Shut it, Alien!" I snapped, glaring out my door at him. "Why don't you go home for once?" I complained loudly.
Alien's one of those guys who avoided his home at all cost. I wouldn't blame him, when you have three younger sisters, who just happen to be triplets, the bars of responsibility are set high.
Alien just smirked, opening his mouth; seeming as if he was about to say something but decided against it. Scott chuckled, as if there was a secret joke in Aliens behavior. "Just come eat Spar." He said, sliding his long hands into the pocket of his jeans.
"I'm comin'." I muttered, charging past the two.
"Poor little Nate." Scott mocked.
Alien turned a glare on my brother. "Stuff it." He muttered, elbowing Scott. (I just loved it when they fought)
The kitchen was dimly lit, meaning since my disconnection with the world, no one had been feeding the CHOMP (Complex Helpful Obliteration Machine Pro) Mom had this befuddled expression all over her face. Another thing you should know about my family. We are old fashioned. Doing things by hand was better then a machine. My mother lackd tech skill, which in the year of 2050 was a really useful thing. She much preferred to do things in her own way. My father used one of those paper filled notebooks, even though he could get one of those lapbooks for a better price. Scott, he used and still does use old fashioned shoes. He despised the shoes that have a built in spring, or one that thickened the soles of the shoe to make its wearer seem taller. The funny thing, Scott is still taller then every other boy except Alien.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but, Alien was actually one of the most naturally beautiful people that I knew. He didn't have to work out to look good. He always looked good. I don't care to explain his features. You might fall in love with him, (if you're a girl) and I want you to think of him as your enemy too.
Nana was sitting in one of the head tables, her arms in her lap smiling as she patiently waited for the food. All the other parents I knew had an automatic machine were anything you wanted could be recieved with just the push of a button. Yet, our house was the only place that didn't have one. Mother preferred to do her own housemaking. Cooking was and still is one of her favorite duties. "Because I recieve a shower of affection from my most beloved people." She always said when I showed her a bargain price on an automaker.
So, yes, my family was one of the main reasons why I was and am not a particular favorite at school. My clothes were either; a) home-made, or b) ancient. I did have contacts but I choose to wear old-fashioned glasses. You wouldn't think that my family was one of the most well- off family's in the state though, but it's true. My father is the executive president of NEPA (National Energy Practices Agency) They are the company that come up with the new energy saving devices like the CHOMP and VOLCO. So, it wouldn't be hard for my family to update itself, we just chose not too.
Anyway, I do love to babble about all of 2050's great technology but, I have a story to tell you. Back to dinner...