At SFIT, an extremely tall, perky young woman toiled overtime to complete her midterm chemistry project. She'd been poring over countless texts to replicate alchemy.
It remained crucial to understand how ancient chemical science operated. How else could they analyze it to modern-day chemistry? After all, everything we've discovered had to undergo numerous experiments to become efficient. Moreover, this undertaking would incorporate approximately 45% of her overall grade. Therefore she needed to finish before the midterm deadline.
Honey Lemon, the girl's nickname, was so engrossed by her project that she'd missed several calls on her smartphone. Only after class was dismissed did she realize her mother had left her roughly twenty messages.
Checking her messages, she slapped herself. She'd entirely forgotten that her mom was going out of town for the weekend. Naturally, therefore, looking after her younger siblings fell upon her.
Speeding to catch the bus home, praying her mother wouldn't go ballistic for her forgetting. Eventually, she reached her neck of the woods with only an hour to spare. Her mother occupied the doorway. She was tapping her foot impatiently for her daughter to return. "Well, it's about time, young lady!" her mother admonished, which made the towering girl struggle to shrink.
"I'm sorry, Mama! I've been so occupied striving to finish my midterm project at school! I honestly forgot! I'm sorry!" she rapidly apologized, though it was self-evident that meant squat to her Mama.
"Nevertheless, young lady, you've equally significant obligations at home. Not just in your schoolwork. Now, do you remember all the rules?"
"Yes, Mother. No dessert until everyone finished their chores, plus homework. Zero sugar after seven. No matter how much they plead about it. In addition? They cannot go on social media or visit their friends until their schoolwork and chores are done. No exception. Save if they require the computer for schoolwork, bedtime is at 9:30. No parties or sleepovers while you're gone. You'd like to be called three times a day to check on everyone. Have I missed anything?"
"No, you're not. Now I made a lasagna for dinner. You have to heat it. Now I've to go. My taxi is here to take me to the airport. I'm counting on you. Don't fail me."
"Yes, Mama. I won't disappoint you." with that, her mother hauled her suitcase to the cab. Then, slamming the door shut, the taxi drove out of sight. Sighing, Honey Lemon went to heat supper before her siblings got back. Half an hour later, her three younger siblings came home—the twins Amanda and Cocoa and her younger brother Diego. Taking a deep breath, she started to set the table.
"What are you doing here? Where's Mom?" demanded Amanda rudely. Her twin scowled at her before replying.
"Mom is visiting her hospitalized auntie this weekend, remember, Amanda? She informed us two weeks ago."
"Oh, I forgot. So, consequently, I presume Honey Lemon is in charge?"
"Yes, I am, Amanda. Now go properly put your things away. Then wash your hands so that we can have dinner. After dinner? You all go upstairs and do your homework.
Don't even attempt to sneak downstairs to watch TV or steal cookies. Get to it," as she went back to finish setting the table. Reluctantly her siblings proceeded upstairs, complaining how high-and-mighty their sister was. Honey Lemon shook her head while she finished filling everyone's plates.
Twenty minutes later, they're all sitting down for dinner. Honey Lemon insisted they pray before they ate. They hadn't done that since Dad moved. However, Honey Lemon felt it was essential to show gratitude.
"So, how is school going for you guys?" as they started to eat. The teenage twins glanced at each other before speaking. "Well, our mathematics professor is a big jerk." Amanda began to answer before taking a bite of her food, so Cocoa concluded, "He's got a Napoleon complex. Little man, big ego. Honestly! How are we supposed to learn anything with his big ego?"
Six-year-old Diego spoke softly, "My teacher Mrs. Plum is extremely nice. Today she showed us the picture of her baby in her stomach." Honey Lemon smiled brightly, hearing her brother's story. After that, the conversation went from talking about schoolwork to their friends. Just idle chit-chat. However, the twins got Honey Lemon's full attention regarding something they viewed on Facebook.
"Hey, Honey?" Amanda asked to which her sister gazed at her. "Yes, Amanda? Is something wrong?"
"What's human trafficking?"
Her sister went incredibly pale, "Why do you ask that?" she inquired guardedly.
"Someone posted on Facebook that the law enforcement agency is investigating a potential human trafficking ring. What does that mean?"
Honey Lemon wasn't sure how to explain this one. Considering it was a susceptible subject. Finally, deliberating for a few moments, she answered her sister's question. "Do you remember how they're slaves in the South? You must have learned about the Civil War by now."
"Yeah, we've studied that more than once," Cocoa acknowledges. "What does that have to do with the news article?"
"Human trafficking is modern-day slave-owning. People are abducted from their homes, then purchased for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it does include sexual purposes.
It's a ruthless, heinous crime since its the nearest thing to hell on earth. That's why we must always be careful no matter where we are. Considering we don't know if immoral people are around the corner."
"Why are they so mean? Why would they do such a bad thing?" Diego asked, not thoroughly understanding the topic. Given he was six, it wasn't surprising.
"I'm afraid, Diego, there isn't a logical reason why those people exist. Or why they commit such unspeakable acts. However, please don't fret about it. You're safe. Now let's clean up dinner so you all can get to your homework, shall we?"
Honey Lemon started to do the silverware while her siblings went upstairs to do their homework. She'd check on them after she got done in the kitchen. She turned on the radio to listen to some music. Instead of music, she heard a chilling report.
"The reported cases of missing children are gradually creeping into the hundreds. In addition, the rumors of a brand-new human trafficking ring seemed to be ringing with truth. Law enforcement is looking for two suspects in these cases—Lilian Smithian, a career criminal, and her girlfriend, Genesis Lopez.
Lilian Smithian is Caucasian with long blond hair. She's been charged in the past with theft, baby-snatching, and homicide. Her girlfriend is a slightly older Hispanic. She's described as a sadist.
Both are considered extremely dangerous. A special hotline has been established to report any information regarding the two or the missing children. The police chief and mayor are considering issuing a curfew for San Fansokyo. We will report more news as it comes. Until then? Constant vigilance, San Fansokyo!"
Honey Lemon's heartbeat even faster after hearing that report. She didn't feel safe at all. Quickly snatching up her smartphone, she called her boyfriend, Tadashi Hamada.
Her boyfriend, Tadashi? Smart as a whip, compassionate, and overall an amazing young man. He always had the right words to say to calm her down. He did his best to convince her that her family was perfectly safe.
After all, they're in their own home right now. It wasn't likely that her siblings be snatched out of their home. So they should be satisfactory. He suggested she use a taser or mace when out if that made her feel any safer.
After thanking him for comforting her, she went upstairs to check on her siblings. They're all still safe in their rooms. They were doing their homework as expected. So satisfied they were safe for the time being. She went back downstairs to finish the dishes.
When Saturday morning came, Honey Lemon immediately realized they need make a grocery run. But, still unnerved by last night's news report, she decided to protect herself.
Utilizing her skills in chemical science, she promptly devised a few surprises. First, she proceeded to give her siblings three chemballs apiece. Telling them if anything bad happened to throw them then run like hell.
Nodding, the family headed to the grocery store. The twins kept checking their social media accounts while Diego played with his yo-yo. Finally, after walking twenty minutes, they arrived at the nearest supermarket.
"Okay, we shall divide and conquer. Here's half the list of what we need. Amanda? You and Cocoa will get one half while Diego and I get the other half. We'll meet at the checkout line. Sound like a plan?" when they nodded, she said, "Okay, see you two in roughly twenty minutes."
The twins glanced at their half of the list. They're supposed to get farm-fresh fruits and veggies. Plus cereal and bread. "So how do we know what's the freshest produce?" Cocoa inquired to her sister as they proceeded over to the produce section.
"Do I look like I'm a fruit bat? I think we have to look at them. Then decided based on appearance. Now you get the green goods in the next aisle over, and I'll get the fruit."
"Okay, don't have to be so high-and-mighty," as she went over to get tomatoes and black peppers.
Her sister spent five minutes picking through some boxes of strawberries. Finally settling on one, she moved through the rest of the fruit. It only took her ten minutes. She immediately checked her timepiece then twisted her head to see what was keeping her sister.
It shouldn't take that long to get some vegetables. However, she couldn't see her twin anywhere. Wondering if her sister needed to use the bathroom, she started to head to the back of the store.
She didn't make it even fully down the aisle when she felt someone grab her. Then a tiny prick and she was out. A woman wearing a red wig smirked at her latest victims.
Men rightfully worshiped teenyboppers. Two for one sale indeed as she dragged the unconscious twins to the waiting vehicle outside. The sexy Hispanic in the front seat smiled devilishly.
"Let's split quick, girlfriend before they check the CCTV!" as her girlfriend slammed the door. Then ran more then three red lights.
By this time, Honey Lemon noticed her sisters weren't at the checkout line waiting. So getting more anxious when they did answers their cells, she went looking for them.
To her horror, she discovered their dropped phones. Plus clear indications that they'd been drugged and dragged. Since there were scuff marks from their shoes, and someone left behind a tiny needle.
The manager immediately called the police, who rushed down. They already sent out patrol cars trying to locate the suspicious vehicle. The witnesses said fled. Honey Lemon was praying her sisters were alright.
She kept her little brother glued to her hip while the CCTV was reviewed. Her mind was racing at the speed of light! Her sisters had been kidnapped! What was she going to do?
It then hit her like a bolt of lightning. She immediately informed the cops regarding the chemballs she'd given them. If they still had them, then that vehicle should be light up like a Roman candle! The automobile would easily be tracked because of the phosphorous laced into the chemballs. So no matter where they went? Anything the twins touched would be visible!
Immediately getting three choppers in the air, they scoured the city. Thanks to Honey Lemon's genius, not only did they find her sisters? They managed to find and shut down the human trafficking ring!
Honey Lemon was praised as a hero, getting interviews for the paper and news! She took in stride and was quite humble regarding the entire thing. Her mother was grateful she protected her sisters! All in all? Honey Lemon was a decent babysitter!
Amanda and Cocoa: Myrna Velasco- Carla Delgado- Elena of Avalor
Diego: Ian Inigo: Young Esteban- Elena of Avalor
An Exercise In Breathing
Having the ability to breathe is what gives us life. And because breathing seems so natural for so many of us? We forget the power our breaths have.
Take deep breaths often. When you find yourself anxious, angry, or deflated, try this breathing technique to bring yourself back to a place of calm.
Inhale and exhale fully. Then, take a deep inhale and visualize a white ball of light moving up your spine. Hold your breath for two seconds. Is it comfortable? Then, exhale,
Next, visualize that same white light moving down your spine. Repeat for ten rounds. Allow each breath to get a tiny bit longer on each round. Now noticed the difference you felt afterward.