Limerick Drama
Lauren's P.O.V.:
It was a pretty much normal day today here in Brooklyn meaning Tuesday since the dance contest was on Saturday. Now I know what you're thinking why did I skip Monday? Well, I had school and homework going on so there was no mission to write about for that day. Well, it what is some times. Anyway, Sean and I were hanging out working on math homework while Jess and Hector were playing a game of chess and both were in control at the moment. "Hey Lauren, can I ask you a quick question," Sean asked me. "Sure buddy what's up," I asked. "Is Hector okay about today," Sean asked me noticing Hector a little edgy. By edgy I mean, not himself to be quite honest. "I think he is. Yet, I think today is bothering him," I replied. Today was no ordinary Tuesday in Brooklyn. Nope, a neighborhood limerick slam contest was being held today and Hector used to be a champion when it was at the diner. I don't remember much since I was three at the time, and Jess was four. Jayden and dad were there too when Jayden was pretty much the same age as Hector.
Hector loved doing limericks when he was young, it was like his passion and evolved into rapping from there; yet the time he was going up against Manny Spamboni caused him to lose the championship thanks to a distraction and we had no idea what it was even to this day. From that time on, Hector vowed to never do a limerick again, even when we encouraged him to bring it up again; but he made the vow and when someone makes a vow, they stay true to their word. I knew this brings bad memories for my brother but I wanted him to be okay. "Lauren," Sean said snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Oh sorry," I said getting back into reality. "No need Lauren, besides, I feel the pain Hector's going through even when tough competition gets to you," he told me. I nodded and soon looked to see a familiar person arriving on his bike. "Oh no, the champion is coming," I groaned. "More like cheater," Sean muttered as we got up and walked over to Hector and Jess. "Here comes trouble Hector," Jess muttered. "I know, but I'll distract myself," he told her and us. "Hello Hector, Lauren, Jessica, Sean," Manny sneered at us. "Manny," I replied back. "What are you doing here," Sean asked. "Asking Hector what today is," he answered. "Ordinary Tuesday Manny, goodbye thanks good riddance," Hector replied. "No, it's not ordinary Tuesday, I'm talking about the greatest competition here in Brooklyn," Manny answered. "The dance off," Sean asked. "No the Limerick Slam it's today," he told us. "Oh now I remember. That's the one every single year you win. Oh wait, cheated in," I told him. "May I remind you Lauren, you don't have proof I cheated," Manny told us. "Please, like we do Remember the bug you had a few years ago," I shot back and he just zipped up at that moment. "Okay, so how does this work with my brother and what the heck is a limerick," Jess asked. I looked at my sister.
"Jess, I thought you remembered," I told her. "I was four and my memory span didn't start until after," she answered. "Ah," Sean and I realized so did Manny who gave the agree nod. "Well Jessica, a limerick is a special poem with a unique structure. Allow the king to demonstrate. I once met a boy from the city, you know who's always charming and witty, yet when he time to create a rhyme, it wasn't pretty," Manny explained swarming around Hector like a cat who just caught a mouse. "Forget it Manny, I won't go through it again and you remember the vow I made," Hector pointed out. "That was years ago," Manny replied. "You do know he never goes back on a vow when one makes it right," Sean asked. "Then again I stand corrected," he realized. "Told ya," Sean whispered to me. "Come on Jess, I feel upset about this. I want to go home," Hector told her. "But Hector, your still playing chess, don't you want to calm down some more," I asked. "I do Lauren, but out here is uncomfortable," Hector answered. "Easy for him to say, besides if he can't do it then who will," Manny laughed. "We would," I said looking at him. Hector looked at me and Jess. "Are you guy's crazy? Jess you don't how to limerick," Hector told us. "Lauren does," Sean pointed out. "True," he admitted. "Well Lauren, prove it give me a limerick with the word star," Manny challenged. "Okay, you know I once met a popular star, who I have to admit went very far, yet she fell down and goofed like a clown, and knows she won't go far," I said clearly. Hector looked speechless and shook it off at first and so did my sister even Sean.
"Impressive," Manny smirked. "I knew a good one when it comes. Now where's the signup sheet," I asked. "Right here," Manny said holding it to me and I signed my name. "Lauren, what are you doing," Hector groaned. "I'm signing up for the slam," I replied. "I can't let you do it sis," he told me. "Hector come on, you're over reacting over nothing. Just let Lauren try, she can win for you," Sean pleaded. "I know but ever since "it" happened, I can't let another family member get the bad luck I got," Hector told me. "Oh would you look at that, Hector is to coward," Manny sneered. "Okay that's it Manny. Don't talk to my brother like that," Jess defended. "Yeah come on Manny I can beat you in the limerick off fair and square along with getting Hector's championship title back," I snapped. "Oh I know you can Lauren, but what about Jess," he asked. "So, I love to rhyme and keep it time, so you like what you see, take it on me and don't even cry," Jess told him.
"Sorry can't take it," he told her. "It's invalid," Sean pointed out. "No wonder you'll lose Jessica, because you don't have it," he laughed. "Think again, she'll learn," Sean pointed out. "Fine. I'll meet you both at three o clock in the theater," he told us. "We'll be there," Jess and I replied. He soon left and Hector looked at me with a smile of concern but Jess he looked upset and I could tell he wasn't happy. "Hector, I'm," Jess started to say. "Just call them," I told my sister. "HEY YOU GUYS," she yelled and we walked over to the diner.
Hector's P.O.V.:
"Jessica Maria Ruiz, are you crazy of signing up for the slam with Lauren," I scolded my sister as we were walking. "I'm not Hector. I just wanted to help my brother get Manny back," she defended. "I know you did but you may get choked up on stage and you would not be happy," I told her. "I was born for the stage Hector," she told me. "Yeah by rapping not limericks," I shot back. "Hector, come on give Jess a chance. I know your bummed right now, but you have to live with it," Lauren pleaded. "Come on bro. Lauren doesn't want to see her brother upset or uncomfortable," Sean told me as we arrived at the diner. "Hey gang, let me guess salads," Leo asked us. "Yeah," I said.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
"What's up with Hector? He's usually in a cheery mood," Leo asked me. "Not today. It's limerick slam day," I answered. "More like the day that haunts me," Hector moaned. "Hector, pull yourself together please," I asked. "I'm sorry Lauren, I can't," he told me. "Hector, what the heck is your problem with limericks," Keith asked. "Look Keith, I don't want to talk about it. It brings me bad memories," he answered. "Okay, I think I got this. There is a lunch I like the most, it's lettuce and cheese and seven grain toast. So add some mustard on a plate and bam you have a good lunch for a tummy ache," she told us. "Wrong," Sean told her. "Sorry Jess, not a valid limerick," I told her. "Come on you guys I tried," she told us. "True. But you got to have the structure right. Now will everyone talking about limericks, it's making me go back on my vow," Hector groaned. "You're reacting over one little distraction that shouldn't bother you," I pointed. "WELL TRYING ME THAT BEFORE I GOT DISTRACTED," Hector yelled and everyone at the diner looked at him. Tears welled up in my eyes and I wasn't happy. "Lauren," Jess asked. I soon started to cry and ran out of the diner.
Hector's P.O.V.:
"Way to go Hector, you made Lauren cry when she was just giving you advice," Sean told me as he ran out of the diner to catch up with Lauren. "Hector that wasn't nice what you did to Lauren," Jess told me. "Well, she went past my point," I defended. "No you did, that's why you yelled," Jess told me. "Okay, I going to ask this one last time, Hector can you please tell us what happened," Lisa asked. I looked over at Jess. "Tell them," she told me. "Back when I was five, the limerick slam was usually held at the diner. I remember Lauren and Jess along with my dad and Jayden being there cheering me on along with the rest of the neighborhood. The second one was starting since the first one occurred the previous year. I was a champion and was going up against Manny Spamboni, he wished me luck but it was a trick. I stepped to the microphone and stared at my family. The director told me to think of a limerick with the beach in mind. I started to do it clearly with grace and soon this buzzing sound came into my ear and I said the thing that cost me my second championship," I explained remembering the memory.
"What was it," Keith asked. "I am a chicken pot pie," I replied. Lisa and Keith chuckled but I stared at them and they shushed. "Manny, was soon declared the winner and taunted me that day. After I got home, I made a personal vow to never get involved with a limerick slam or do a limerick ever again," I told them. "So that's why you're holding the grudge," Leo asked coming over. "Yeah pretty much," I answered. "Ever since then, he wouldn't take him head on," Lauren's voice sounded and we turned to see her standing by me. "Lauren," I said getting up and hugging her. "I'm so sorry for yelling at you sis, it was wrong. I was so fed up and I had to take it out on you," I told her.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
"No need Hector, I know how you feel. I shouldn't have pressured you," I told my brother in the embrace. "Thanks sis, but you can do it," he told me. "Do what," I asked. "Take my place in the limerick slam," he told me. "What do you mean Hector," Lisa asked. "Well, Lauren's right. I over reacted on that little thing and it got me upset so I think it's time my sisters take back my title as champion but I still feel worried," he told us. Music soon swelled again this time it was a somber song.
Hector singing
Ever since that day I felt, more upset than I've ever been.
It bothered me even like a giant wave, that couldn't crush down.
On the sand of that shore, it rose over me with its strength,
Still I lie now awake, knowing my title is at risk today.
Sean, Jess, Keith, Lisa and Lauren in the background: Woah-oh, Woah-oh
(Back to Hector)
My title is at risk today.
Sean, Jess, Keith, Lisa in the background: Woah-oh, Woah-oh, yeah
Lauren: Hector you can do it just try, don't worry teach Jess and I.
Let the world listen to me now, I feel the pain still and with glory.
Still I control, on who lives and sings my own story.
I know I have failed, yet that doesn't mean to my siblings
They can take this head on and bring me back my title today.
Sean, Jess, Keith, Lisa and Lauren in the background: Woah-oh, Woah-oh
Bring back my title today!
End song
Lauren's P.O.V.:
I hugged my brother after he sang and he looked at me with a smile. Soon Jess's phone beeped and there was Manny with a message for her. "So I met a girl named Jess, I have to admit her limericks can impress, so she could have Hector to protect her; but he was just a mess," he said. Hector soon looked at the message and remembered the sing he just sang. "Hector," I asked looking at my brother. "This is war and this is time to make a stand, Lauren, Jess are you two ready to become the next limerick slam champions and dethrone Manny," he asked us. We both looked at each other. "Bring it on Hector," we said to him. "Good guys, we'll need all the help we can get and we can do this," Hector told us. Everybody cheered and we soon walked out of the diner and went to the park where Hector would teach Jess the art of limericks. I would be joining in on some parts along with Sean and we knew this would work for sure. "Okay Jess, welcome to limerick school 101," Hector told her. "Thanks Hector, so how do limericks work," Jess asked. "Glad you asked that question, the key to learning limericks is that they have their own structure," Hector told her.
"Structure," she asked. "Yep," I said adding in to the conversation. "How does this imply," she questioned again. "Well, you see the rest room building over there," I asked. "Yeah," she answered. "Just like that building limericks have a structure like a foundation, base and all the other things that go into a building," Sean added in. The three of us looked at Sean. "Lauren's teaching me," he explained. "Oh," we realized. "Okay, now that I got that, how do you build a perfect one," she asked. "Well, you got to," Hector said thinking. "Use the wall Hector," Sean told him. "Oh thanks bro, okay Jess here is an example so I'm standing beside this wall, it's good to throw a ball, yet I'm teaching how to limerick now, and I hope you learn it all," he explained throwing word balls on the wall. "Oh I get it, so the first words have to rhyme together along with the ones on the second line then the last word has to rhyme the same way as those on top," Jess clarified. "Yep," I told her. "So basically this is the blueprint for the structure so want to take a try," Hector asked. "I'll give it a whirl. Hector can you step aside please," Jess asked. "Of course," he told her.
"Okay, so here is a limerick queen, she's a girl at age thirteen, she's learning to rhyme she does it every time, you see what she means," Jess tried. "Eh, eh invalid sis," I told her. "What do you mean guys? I got the structure right did I," Jess asked. "Well you did, but you forgot another key element that comes to limericks," Sean told her. "What's that," she wondered. "Rhythm. You got to keep it time," Hector told her. "Okay, how would I do that if I'm saying the limerick," she asked as I looked to see Shock coming over to us.
"Hey Shock, what brings you by," I greeted. "Lisa gave me the heads up of what's happening so I thought I come down to help you guys. Plus I'm on my lunch break," he told us. "Perfect, mind giving us a beat please," Hector asked. "Can do," he answered and soon started to beatbox. "Okay, Jess so take a listen to the rhyme structure without words," Hector told her as he started to place the structure back on the wall this time with some sayings with the music. "Alright, so if I keep in that time frame. I think I got it now, may I," she asked. "Be my guest," Hector told her. "Okay there once a limerick queen, a girl at age thirteen, she knew how to rhyme and keep it time, now you know what just she mean," Jess said and it worked perfectly.
"Ding, ding that is valid sis. You did it," Hector cheered and hugged her. "Thanks guys, I knew I could do it," she told us. "Well Hector, I must admit she's ready," I told her. "Yeah, just like I am," he told me.
Hector's P.O.V.:
"Wait, what do you mean Hector," Lauren asked. "Yeah what are you saying big brother," Jess asked. "I never had the chance to say thanks back at the diner; but you were right Lauren. I fretted over that one little thing in life when I should have moved on from it and I can overcome it," I told her. "I know you can Hector, and when the time is right, you'll get over it," she told me with a hug. "I will and thanks again Shock, we needed the help," I thanked him. "No problem guys. Anything I can do to help, just let me know," he told us. "Oh, there is something I need approval on," Lauren was saying. "What's that sis," I asked her. "I'm thinking of an idea for an Electric Company video," she told us. "Yeah, so picture this," she said starting to explain the idea for a video. "I like it," I smiled after she finished. "Second," Jess added. "Third," Shock and Sean agreed as we chit chatted away for a few minutes. I looked at my watch and it was almost three. "Shoot, Jess we have to go," I told her and we headed over to the theater with Shock joining along including Lisa. "Where's Keith," I asked. "Leo needed help back at the diner," she told us. "Oh," Lauren said to her. Everyone in town was sitting in once we arrived and the director was already at his chair ready to start.
"Okay Lauren, Jess, listen up stay focused on this and you two can put your names on that plaque for limerick slam champions and if you need backup remember trust in God and I'll be on side of the stage if things get drastic," I told them seeing the plaque. Ah brings back amazing but a haunting memory for me, but I know Lauren and Jess can do it. "We will Hector, family prayer circle," Lauren told us. Sean was sitting down but came to the three of us as we held hands. "Let us pray, Almighty ever living God, look graciously down upon thy servants Jessica and Lauren as they prepare for the limerick slam, give them the grace to choose words carefully and quickly, resist temptations that come their way and not get distracted. Send thy Holy Spirit upon them for council and knowledge, for we make this prayer through Christ our Lord," Sean prayed for us.
"Amen," we replied and soon they looked at us. "Alright hands in guys," I told them putting my hand in the middle. "Okay Ruiz on three, one, two, three, RUIZ," we cheered lifting our hands up and Jess along with Lauren soon took their seats.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
We took our seats and I knew this was going to be exciting. 'Alright limerick fans, welcome to the 10th annual limerick slam," the director announced from his chair and everyone applauded. "For some of you who don't know me, I am Dominic Lopez, director of the Brooklyn English Department at Brooklyn High and it is my pleasure to welcome you today. Now please welcome your contestants, returning champion Manny Spamboni," he announced and Manny got some applause as he walked out.
"And for the challengers, Lauren and Jessica Ruiz," he introduced us. Everybody cheered as we came on stage waving to the crowd and sitting on the chairs. "Okay competitors, each of you will compose three limericks on the spot, with a word corresponding to your limericks, I will give you a ding sound if it's correct and an eh if it is wrong, any questions from each of you," he asked us. We nodded no and it seemed good. "Okay, let the limerick slam begin," he told us. Everyone applauded while Hector was standing on the left side of the stage. "Rules apply we start with Manny our champion, please come to the mic," he asked him. He soon came up with a smirk on his face. "I think he's planning something," I whispered to Jess. "I think he is," she whispered back. "Alright please make a limerick with the word poet," Mr. Lopez told him. "Okay poet, my name is Manny and I am a limerick poet, and I am good boy do I know it, yet some want me to make a big mistake, so sorry I'm not going to blow it," he spoke. "Ding, ding that's valid," he told him and everyone applauded. "Luck," I muttered. "Now Lauren and Jess since you two are together which one of you will go first," Mr. Lopez asked. "I will," Jess volunteered. "Go sis," I whispered cheered. She smiled at me and I smiled back. "Alright Jess, please make a limerick with the word dozen," he told her. "Alright dozen, so I went to store with my cousin, to grab 12 eggs which equals a dozen, we thought we heard flies but to our surprise," she started to say hearing the buzzing.
Hector looked uncool at the moment and I just stared to pray so did Sean. "Don't blow it sis," I said to her as she was fighting it. "All that was there was a buzzing," she finished. "Ding, ding that's valid Jess," he told her. Hector and I gasped and just smiled then cheered. "Yes," Sean cheered happily and everyone applauded. "Nice job sis," I said to my sister. "Thanks Lauren but that sound is back," Jess told me. "We need to call a time out," I told them and soon nodded to Hector who came out onto the stage. "Time out please," Hector called. "I allow it," Mr. Lopez agreed. Hector ran onto the stage and got the two of us together. "Okay, so it sounded like the sound's back," Hector told us. "It is, but Jess conquered it," I said happily hugging her. "I appreciate it Lauren, but right now we have to focus on what is causing that sound," Jess told me. "I know; but I think it's the bug, wait a second. I thought it sounded familiar," I realized. "What is it," Hector asked. "The buzzing sound. It must have came from the same bug that distracted you when you were five," I told Hector. "It is," he asked. "Sure is," Sean replied adding on. "Okay, but how does that explain, wait if it is the same bug when I was five then," Hector started to realize. "Then what," Jess asked. "Lauren, Jess go distract everyone for a second, I think I got an idea," Hector told us. "Okay," we told him and went back to the microphone. "Hi everybody listen, we want to thank everyone for coming this means the world to us," I started to say and so Jess stepped in thanking the diner and all that fun stuff. Hector soon looked at us and we quickly went back before everyone became confused. "What you got," I asked. "Well, Lauren's right it is the same bug back when I was five so that means if someone was not playing by the rules which means no distractions," Hector concluded. "And there is one person that we know who doesn't follow the rules so that means," Jess started to say. "The person who's been doing this to win is really," Sean realized before we all gasped. "MANNY," we whispered. "But how we do catch him? He'll deny right on the spot," I asked.
"Don't worry Lauren, I got this," Hector said before he walked onto the stage. Everybody was stunned. "Hector," Mr. Lopez asked. "Hi Mr. Lopez. Uh listen, I know its sort of late in the competition but if its okay with your permission. I would like to take Lauren's place for this limerick," he asked into the mic. "Hector, I will allow it for you. I know you can do it kid," he replied.
"Come on Chicken pot pie, mess up again," Manny taunted. "Okay Manny, cut that out. You don't have any right to talk to our brother like that," I shot at him and he shut up right off the bat. Jess and I walked off the stage and silently prayed this would work. Sean came behind us as well. "Alright everyone, this limerick slam involves a tag team twist this year and Hector I know you had trouble with this before, and you can do it. Please make a limerick with the word hair," he asked him. He stood frozen as far as we can see and I held my sister's hand. "You think he's got it," I asked Jess. "I hope," she said gripping my hand.
The buzzing soon came again and we closed our eyes hoping for the worst but Hector got the bug in his fingers. "Huh," we asked stunned and pretty much everybody. "Hair, so I caught this thing out of midair, and it buzzed right near my hair, so this maybe weird but it has to appear that someone is not playing fair," Hector said calling out Manny and staring at him. The three of us looked at each other in shock and gasped then cheered and jumped up and down while hugging. "That's valid Hector, you did it," Mr. Lopez cheered and the three of us came running onto the stage and hugged Hector. "You did it," I cheered for my brother. "Way to go bro," Sean said high fiving him. "Bravo, he did it now give the bug back," Manny slow clapped then demanded. "Manny, what bug is he talking about," Mrs. Spamboni asked. "This bug Mrs. Spamboni which has been distracting us today and the one he used on Hector when he was five," I explained. "And been using it to cheat in the slam," Sean added. Everyone soon gasped and looked at Manny who was red as a tomato. "MANNY SPAMBONI, what did I tell you about playing fair," his mom asked.
"Because I should do that and know better," he smirked. "I'm disappointed in you Manny. No, more like really disappointed in you. You know better! Were going home right now, and you owe the limerick slam committee an apology," she said dragging him. "No mommy," he whined getting walked away. "Well, after this evidence I think I can declare this year's champions are Hector, and Jessica Ruiz," he announced. Everyone smiled and cheered as all of this was going on. "Wait what about Lauren? She deserves credit too," Jess asked. "No need Jess, I did help you but Hector took my place and overcame something he overreacted on. But, I know he deserves the honor," I told my sister wrapping an arm around his shoulder. "Indeed sis," Hector replied with a smile.
"Well then, ladies and gentlemen give it up for your winners," Mr. Lopez announced and everyone cheered. I hugged my brother and so did Jess. The plaque was presented to us and Hector grinned holding it high in the air which everyone cheered and I couldn't help but smile. We looked to see Hector and Jess's name engraved in the hold and it just was surreal to me. "Well, Hector I have to ask, How do you feel," I asked him walking back to the diner with Lisa and Shock. "More confident and relieved than ever. Thanks again Lauren for teaching me to understand better," he replied. "No problem bro, you're my brother and I love you," I told him. "I love you too sis," he said to me as we arrived at the diner. We opened the door to see Keith waiting for us with a smile and everyone cheered for us as we came in.
"What's all this," Hector asked surprised. "We were watching the live stream of the event and decided to throw a little party," Leo told us. "Aww, you guys didn't have to do that," Hector told them. "We did because you're our friends," Keith told him. "Yeah, so, show us," Leo asked. We showed them the plaque and I have to admit it looked great. "This is going in the trophy case," Keith said to his dad handing over the plaque. "It sure is," he smiled. "So, Hector how does it feel to be back in the limerick scene after so long," Sean asked Hector as we sat down
"I have to admit Sean its great being back in the limerick scene again. I learned that you have to learn from your experiences not let them haunt you," Hector told us. "It sure does dude, and I think I can you say, you never felt more confident," Sean said as well standing beside me. "I agree Sean. I agree," Hector replied. "Hey Hector, question for you," Keith told him coming over. "Fire away Keith," he smiled. "I was wondering do you think I can participate in the Limerick Slam with you next year after all, you're really good," Keith asked. "Hmm, what do you think you three," Hector asked us. "Answer him Limerick style," we told Hector. "Well Keith I must admit you asked a great question, but let me give you a personal recommendation, if you want to learn from the best take a lesson from Lauren and Jess because you want to know why," Hector said. "Why," Keith asked. "They made quite the impression," Hector told us. I smiled and soon blushed.
"Come on Hector Lauren didn't even participate this year, you did," Sean argued. "Well, she did in her way and I give her credit," Hector argued back. Soon Sean and Hector were arguing again. "Brothers," Jess and I muttered and soon laughed as we celebrated a limerick win.
There you have it Limerick drama is complete! This chapter was really fun to write in my mind, since I wanted to give you guys a vulnerable side to Lauren and Hector, so hope you guys enjoy that! I will be jumping back and forth between my other stories so stay tuned for those. Next up will be Guys, I popped an easel. By the way I got to credit to Hamilton History has its eyes on you for the Hector's anthem call my title is at risk today. Hope you all enjoy for now and happy Championship Sunday!