Shakespeare High School

Shakespeare High School is a good place to go to school. You make a lot of friends there. Sometimes you meet people and you want to be more than friends. This was the case with a senior boy names Romeo, and a junior girl named Juliet. As soon as Romeo laid eyes on Juliet, he knew that she was the girl for him, and he thought she was extremely gorgeous. Juliet was oblivious to guys though, guys would drool over her and she wouldn't notice. Every guy wanted to be with her. She didn't care much, she concentrated mostly on school work, and her friends. One of them being her best friend, Beatrice. Juliet never talked to Romeo before, she knew who he was, but never had a conversation with him. She saw him around school, usually with his best friend Benedick. They were the show offs, being the biggest flirts of all, messing with every girls mind. They were the kind of guys Juliet would roll her eyes at as they walked by making dumb remarks.

One day in lunch, Romeo decided to make his move. He saw Juliet sitting in the corner, he walked over and sat down. She didn't know how to react.

“What are you doing?” Juliet asked him,

“Mind if I sit with you today?” Romeo answered.

“Sure? I guess.” Juliet replied.

They talked the whole lunch period, and Juliet realized he wasn't the hot-dog she thought he was. To her, he actually had a great personality and he was great to talk to. Before Romeo left he got Juliet's number and texted her the next day. They decided to sit together once again, learning a lot more about each other. Romeo asked Juliet if she wanted to go to the movies that weekend with him. She said yes, but if she went she would have to bring her friend Beatrice. Romeo thought that was perfect because he could bring his friend Benedick.

“Is that the kid your always around?” Juliet asked him.

“Yeah, he's my best friend.” Romeo answered.

“Well, I don't think that will work too good, Beatrice isn't a big fan of him.” Said Juliet.

“We'll make it work.” Said Romeo, smiling with excitement.

They proceeded with that exact plan that weekend, and everything went just like Juliet had said. Beatrice and Benedick barely talked. When they did it was just making fun of each other, or talking about how much they both didn't want to be there. When they were in the movie they wouldn't even look at each other, and the whole car ride there they were just texting other people and not talking to each other. It was extremely awkward. But not for Romeo and Juliet. They had fun, just like they had planned. The next night Beatrice was sleeping at Juliet's house and they had a long talk about it all.

“How could you like someone like him? Those are the kind of guys we laughed at.” Beatrice asked Juliet.

She watched her sit there texting Romeo, not even listening to her question.

“I don't know there's just something about him. I really, really like him.” Juliet answered.

That night they kept talking about it all. Beatrice admitted something to Juliet that she had never expected. She told her that she was actually crazy about Benedick. He annoyed her to the extreme, but there was some kind of feeling inside her for him. The way he walked, talked, and acted annoyed her. But she didn't want him to know the real well she felt. The next time they all hung out together she acted the same way she did before, annoyed. Like she wanted nothing to do with him. He did the same in return.

It didn't take long for Romeo and Juliet to fall in love. It happened almost instantly and no one could come between them. They were crazy about each other and it was just like people seen in the movies.

It took Beatrice and Benedick a little longer to get to that point. It took months of anonymous notes in Beatrice's locker, and many many movie dates of fighting and bickering for them to find out their true feelings for each other.

They still annoy each other ninety percent of the time, but still manage to stay together.

They all lived happily ever after, even after high school.

by Mike Zeis

A Masquerade Fit For Love

A Masquerade Fit for Love

It was a beautiful ceremony on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Beatrice was a picture perfect bride and Benedick was stunning in his uniform as always. Everyone had arrived at the reception, Hero and her love Claudio, Don Pedro, Hero’s father Leonato, and the rest of the family. Even Dogberry and Verges were able to attend.

The reception began with music and dancing. At the door, masks were handed out to put a playful twist on the event. Everyone knew of the various forms of deception that took place shortly before Beatrice and Benedick realized how perfect they were for each other. It was Beatrice’s plan to hand out the masks. Benedick disagreed with the idea, but after one of their witty spats, Beatrice won the argument and the masks were handed out.

The masquerade fun moved into the night. Beatrice was giggling with Hero by the fountain of Cupid. The fountain was old; made of marble and had been a common meeting spot for Beatrice and Hero. It was here the two girls would discuss their daily problems, and they would discuss their hopes and dreams. During many of these meetings, Beatrice wanted to confide in Hero her secret crush she had on Benedick, but she was nervous to admit it out loud. But all that has changed. Beatrice is now married to the man she had been dreaming about for years.

While enjoying another conversation with Hero, Beatrice was approached by a masked character. When this individual began to talk it was obvious that the person was male. His deep voice could not fool anyone to believe he was a woman. This masked character began telling Beatrice a story of a land far away. The story told of a king and queen that had a beautiful daughter. Beauty that had never been seen before, not even the gods posses that kind of beauty.

Beatrice & Hero are confused. They don’t understand why they are being told this story. So the character continues his story. He goes on to tell of when the princess was a young girl, a party from across the wilderness came to visit the king and queen. The party had evil intentions to overthrow the kingdom. But when the leader of the party set his eyes on the beautiful princess, he spoke through his heart. The party told the king and queen that if they betroth their beautiful daughter to the leader of the party, all of their kingdom would be spared and the king and queen would remain on the throne. The king thought quickly. He decided to agree to the proposition, but he knew in his heart that he would keep his daughter safe from the heathens that stood before him. The party was satisfied with the agreement and left back out to the wilderness promising to return in five years when the marriage of the princess and party leader would take place.

Long after the party had departed, the king devised a plan to send his beautiful daughter far away to live with her uncle. He sent her so far away that finding her would be impossible for the intimidating party. The king feared what would become of his kingdom if it was ever found out that he sent his daughter into hiding. His only other option was when five years had passed and the party returned, he would have to lie and say his beautiful daughter died in a horrific accident two years after she was betrothed.

Beatrice again pressed the character to explain to her why he would be telling her and Hero this odd story. She didn’t think it was an appropriate tale to be told at her wedding reception. It was such a sad story it had no place at a joyous event. The character begged that if he only had a few more moments, the reason would become clear. He pleaded that this story was quite appropriate for such event. Beatrice nodded and the character continued.

The five years had almost come to an end. The king feared what was to happen soon. He knew he had to warn his daughter in some way. He didn’t know if the party leader had heard about the fictitious story about his beautiful daughter or if the leader had found out the king had put her into hiding. The king set out to visit his daughter who had grown into a beautiful woman. After weeks of travel, the king finally arrived at the residence where his daughter had been staying. Upon arrival, the streets of the small town were empty, but in the distance he could hear a great celebration taking place at the largest house in the town. As the king approached where the sounds of celebrations were coming from it was obvious that the town was celebrating a union.

The king was passed by a young boy who was returning to the celebration after a brief break from the crowds and music. The king asked the young boy who the union was between. The young boy wasn’t sure of the names but he was able to describe the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and a nobleman from a town not too far away. The young boy told the king that he was welcome at the celebration. The uncle of the woman and invited everyone no matter who they were or where they were from.

Upon arrival, the king was handed a mask to wear throughout the celebration. Though confused, the king obliged and wore the mask. He walked among the guests trying to figure out who the newly united were. Then when walking past an old marble fountain he heard a voice he would never forget. It was the harmonious voice of his daughter he hadn’t seen in almost five years. He turned around and saw two young masked girls talking and giggling together. He approached them and began to speak. He began to tell his story.

Beatrice was frozen in disbelief. She removed her mask and that of the masked character. She shrilled and threw her arms around her father’s neck. Tears of joy rolled down her cheeks. She hadn’t seen her father in almost five years. She explained to her father her marriage to Benedick and how she had loved him for a very long time before they admitted their affection. The king asked to meet this very lucky man who had won his daughter’s heart. The king stayed at the fountain when Beatrice went to fetch Benedick. When she returned the King was shocked in disbelief. Beatrice’s beloved was none other than the leader of the party!

Benedick smiled and shook the King’s hand. Benedick explained to the King that he heard about how Beatrice was sent away to avoid the betrothal. And he further explained that he never had evil intentions for Beatrice. I had fallen in love with her upon first sight. He wanted nothing more than to make Beatrice his wife and treat her as a goddess. He was so affected by her beauty at a young age he fell deeply in love with her, but he didn’t want to steal her remaining days of adolescence. Hence, wanting to wait five years before their marriage, but he heard about her move. He sought out to find her to be near her. Over the years, Beatrice and Benedick socialized and Beatrice fell in love with him. The couple had never been more happy nor the King.

The King had thought about his actions: sending his daughter away, trying to fool Benedick, etc. and he could not be upset. He realized that what had become of his beloved daughter’s life was destiny. Nothing he could have done would have prevented the two lovers from their union. The celebration continued into the night. Many of the masks had come off, and the joy of the night could be felt in the air. The destined lovers had each other and the beautiful daughter had her father back.

by Vanessa Goodman

The Party

Brian Peters and Brittany Smith have known each other since preschool. The Peters' family had moved to Messina Ohio and into the house right next to the Smith's a month before Brian and Brittany would go to preschool together. Their siblings happened to be best friends but whenever they all hung out and played Brian and Brittany always would end up fighting. They could never see eye to eye and they despised one another. After a while they just never gave each other a chance and gave up hanging out. At the beginning of high school, Mr. Peters had gotten a job offer in New York and so him and his family had moved there. Brain and Brittany had said their good-byes and after a while they even missed fighting with each other. They were teens though and so they kept themselves busy by finding themselves and figuring out who they were and playing sports at school up until graduation.
Without eachother knowing they both applied and got accepted to Michigan State. Brittany was excited to go away for college and to get the dorming experience. Brian on the other hand wasn't completely happy with going away but his baseball scholarship and parents encouragement that it would be good for him sealed the deal for him. Michigan State was large and so it had been a couple of months before Brian and Brittany had even run into each other. While at college Brittany kept herself busy with school work, a job on campus and friends. Brian was busy with baseball, friends and partying. Brittany partied too but she was a lot more organized and school orientated.
It was December 16th, nearing the end of the first fall semester for Brain and Brittany. A party had been planned to be at the baseball house and people were expected to be there around 9 pm. It was 10 pm and Brittany and her roommate were in the library studying. They were getting bored and Brittany's roommate Ashley finally spoke up and said that they needed to go out and have a little fun.
"I heard there's a party at the baseball house and everyone is going to be there!! I think we should stop by, we have been studying forever. What do you think?" said Ashley.
"Ya sure, we have definately been studying forever and I can't take it anymore. Let's go!" said Brittany.
So then it was settled, they then headed back to their dorm and got ready for the party. About an hour later they were on their way to the party and once there they had a few drinks and met up and talked to a lot of friends. At one point Brittany had decided to go to the kitchen to grab some food. As soon as she went to grab a bag of chips on the counter her hand had hit someone elses who was also going for the food. When she had looked up, the hand that she had run into was Brian Peters. They both were struck with shock but then excitement had come over them. For the next hour they had asked each other various questions about the past and present. They, for the first time, had actually talked witout yelling or putting the other person down. They had made plans to meet up the next day for lunch and they both were excited. That night they both went home and thought about each other and about the past and then where they were at today.Lunch had gone well and they both again had asked more questions and they said more about their goals adn what they wanted to happen for themselves in the future.
Brian and Brittany had gone on a few more dates and they eventually started dating. Everyone was surprised but they were happy for the two of them. Brian and Brittany both did well in their first semester and they couldn't wait to go through the second one together. They were both very happy and looking forward to what the future would bring.

Much Ado About Texting

Much Ado About Texting
By Jennifer Comstock

“-Tweeting, blogging, texting.
Remember when we just talked to each other??”

Heather and Trish were in a full run to get to classes on time. They were coming back from The Dome Asylum after visiting their childhood friend, Julie, who had been a patient there for over 3 years. Heather hated seeing her dear friend lost in her own fantasy world but tried her best to help her anyway. Trish found the whole trip a waste of time and she quietly wished that Julie would snap out of it and “get with the program.” She found Julie’s longing for a dead football player sad. She found love in general just plain sad. Although Heather and Trish had been best friends and neighbors since they were toddlers, their entire view on life were exact opposites.

Claude and Ben were running from the opposite side of the campus, also pressed for time. Claude wanted to get to class early enough to talk to Heather to find out how things went with her friend at the hospital. Ben, the self proclaimed “player”, was texting yet another unknown female giving her the “it’s not you, it’s me” line like he had done after every “after party hook up.” Claude just shook his head at Ben and rolled his eyes. Fully committed to Heather, they had met about a month ago but fell for each other instantly. He never understood why his best friend since they were five could be so casual with the opposite sex. Ben, in turn, never understood how Claude could stick with one girl when they were at the time in there lives where they could party and take their pick of “campus hotties.”

All four students arrived at once just before their Human Relations class began. Heather smiled at Claude as he sat down next to her. Ben unfortunately was stuck, again, sitting beside Trish. They could only exchange quick glares before the lecture began. All four students then, as always, flipped open their phones under their desks and started texting.

Claude: How’s everything with ur friend?
Heather: She’s the same. It’s sad.
Claude: Sry to here that.
Heather: Thanx
Claude: Theres a party @ the dorms tnite..wanna go?
Heather: Yeah prob. :)

Ben: Dude! Y do u have 2b so uptight? Damn girl!
Trish: I’m not uptight, just dnt like u!!!
Ben: Aww..come on…u going to party?
Trish: Only if ur not there!
Ben: U’ll enjoy life more without that stick in ur ass u know
Trish: Jackass!

The day turned into night, and once again another week of classes was finished. As Heather was getting ready for the weekly dorm party, her phone beeped. She hollered at Trish to check the message.
Claude: Hey, hope ur bringing Trish, I think Ben is into her.

Trish stared down at the message not knowing what to think. How could she even be remotely interested in an egotistical, self righteous, idiot like Ben? The thought of going within a foot of that moron made Trish question her own sanity as she sent a message back to Claude.

Heather: Let Ben know that Trish just threw up on her stylish yet affordable boots!”
Claude: lol…feel better… Trish!

Aound eight o’clock, phones were lighting up all over campus. A familiar mix of ringtones, buzzing, beeping and blinking was the ultimate in communication to inform hundreds of people that the “prty suks, go2 Petes.”

Irish Petes was a local bar in walking distance of the campus. Catering to the local draft drinking, fake I.D. toting, last minute studying student life of the local colleges, when all else failed in social events, students could always go to Pete’s for guaranteed beer and possible unrejected interaction with the opposite sex. Claude and Heather liked the place to hang out with friends. Ben made use of the “untapped” female resources. Trish just went along for the amusement.

The foursome sat at a bar table observing as the night went on as usual. Slowly but expectedly, strangers became friends then became drunken long lost soul mates who would eventually wake up the next morning as strangers. Claude milked a coke as Heather polished off her third draft. Attempting to stand, Heather teetered a little bit giving the queue that she was not only a lightweight but done for the night. Claude grabbed a hold of her, and said good night to Ben and Trish as he guided Heather out the door and on home.

Ben and Trish looked at each other and laughed nervously then looked around the bar. Trish has no idea what to say to Ben. Especially after that text she read on Heathers phone. Ben was fidgeting with his drink, trying to think of something nice to say to Trish. For it was Claudio that told him that Trish was interested in him and her standoffish attitude was her was of being defensive and shy.
“So”, both said at the same time them looking down laughing nervously.
“I”, again at the same time.
“Listen”, Ben jumped in. “I was wondering if you would want to go out sometime. Not to a bar but out to some place nice and quiet. So we can hang out and talk. Just the two of us”?
“Benjamin? Are you asking me out on a date”? Trish said with a big grin on her face.
Ben squirmed in his chair. “Well if you’re going to be like that..”
“No wait”! Trish jumped in “That would be nice.”
Ben took a deep breath as he watched Trish stand up and start to walk away.
“W-w-w-ait! When do want to do this”? Ben hollered after Trish as she was leaving.
Trish turned and yelled with a smile. “TEXT ME!”