A Mighty Quill

A page of whisper

My name is Quinley Morrace, and today is my birthday. As I walked through the school hallways, a sense of anticipation filled me. I was almost certain my mother was waiting at home to give me my gift. I didn't expect much, but she had been asking me questions and dropping subtle hints here and there. Oh, please spare me a birthday party. The last thing I wanted was awkward encounters and having to clean up all night.

You see, my mother always had good intentions, but sometimes I'd prefer just curling up with a book and some silence. It's been her and me for the longest time. My dad left when I was young, and it has been just the two of us ever since.

I have two friends, Courtney and Penelope. Courtney is the sporty one, always up for an adventure, while Penelope is the free-spirited type, constantly seeking to escape any form of discipline. They were the only ones I wouldn't mind having over. Perhaps a party wouldn't be that bad, as long as it was just my mother, Courtney, and Penelope.

Lost in my thoughts, I arrived at my locker. To my surprise, there was a gift waiting for me. It was wrapped in brown paper and tied with a delicate quill. Curiosity piqued, I carefully untied the ribbon and opened the package. Inside, I found a beautifully crafted journal.

A sense of mystery surrounded the gift. Who could have left it for me? And what did the message mean? "Happy Birthday Quinn, remember every stroke has consequences..." The words were written in elegant calligraphy, adding to the enigma.

As the day progressed, I couldn't shake off the feeling that someone was watching me. Whispers and glances followed me wherever I went. The journal remained in my bag, waiting for the right moment to reveal its secrets.

Finally, the school day ended, and I rushed home with a mix of excitement and apprehension. As I entered the house, the familiar scent of freshly baked cookies greeted me. My mother had prepared a small celebration, just as I had suspected.

But as I looked around, I noticed something different. The living room was adorned with fairy lights and colorful decorations. My heart sank. It seemed my mother had invited more than just Courtney and Penelope. I could already envision the chaos that would ensue.

Trying to hide my disappointment, I put on a smile and joined the festivities. As the evening progressed, the noise and laughter filled the room. I found solace in the corners, observing the interactions from a distance.

Suddenly, Penelope approached me, her mischievous grin widening. "Quinn, let's make this party unforgettable!" she whispered, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

A surge of adrenaline coursed through me as I realized Penelope's intentions. Maybe a party wasn't so bad after all. With Penelope's help, we orchestrated a series of games and challenges that had everyone laughing and bonding. The awkwardness I had feared was nowhere to be found.

As the night drew to a close, I found myself surrounded by friends and loved ones. The journal remained in the back of my mind, its secrets still waiting to be revealed. But for now, I was content with the newfound joy that had filled my birthday celebration.

Days turned into weeks, and the journal remained untouched. The mysteries it held became a constant reminder of the unknown. Finally, curiosity got the best of me, and one quiet evening, I decided to open it.

How strange, it's empty…

I've been fretting over a journal. I could not help but roll my eyes and scoff at my usual overactive imagination but with that, it helped me write on my first page…

Journal entry

Today is my birthday, I've just turned 16 and as usual my mother spared no effort to make me smile. I am truly grateful for all her hard work, I don't think I thank her enough. She works too hard and at times, I just wish she would relax and enjoy life more perhaps even get the job of her dreams or enough money not to work EVER. I think option B is better, that and a nicer school perhaps a car for my birthday… Wishful thinking, no matter, I loved today. I had my best friends and my mother. What could be better than this?

Quinley

Sometimes I can look at the stars for hours, the moonlight trickling into my room and the silent breeze. It's as if God and the entire world is listening to me, quiet enough to hear my heart's desires. Clenching my new book, I nodded off on the chair but I was woken up by slight whispers and a sore neck. Never sleep at the window bench even if it's as beautiful as it is tonight.

The next day I woke up, the house was quiet which is strange normally mom would be yelling for me to get up and OMG I AM SO LATE!!!

Thus causing me to bolt to the bathroom, brush my teeth, do my hair, get dressed and pack my bag. I nearly fell running down the stairs but there mom was making breakfast ever so nonchalant. Spatula in one hand and bacon in the other…

"MOM! Why didn't you wake me?" she looked at me simply smiling and said "Good morning sleepy head… I always try but you never listen to me, you're 16 now, shouldn't you be waking yourself? It's part of growing up, embrace it."

I don't know what has gotten into her but I cannot embrace being late today! I had to leave the house looking absolutely horrible with a great sigh and a long walk, all I could do was contemplate my life and try not to injure myself on the way. I stopped by the local store to get a drink and the shopkeeper handed me a brown bag full of groceries "Your mother forgot these, she was supposed to pick them up this morning but never came. It's very unlike her, is she okay?"

I too, would love to know what's wrong with her but instead of discussing it, I simply took the groceries and made my way back home. This is just not my day. I got back home and unpacked the groceries, my mother came out smiling, helping me unpack and she found a lottery ticket. "Oh… Do you have anything I could use to scratch this?" I thought about it for a second and took off my lucky pendant, it's a coin with a clover on both sides. She scratched it and suddenly screeched so loud I'm pretty sure it scared half the neighbours.

"What???" She could not stop jumping up and down, she didn't say much but grabbed her keys and scurried off