Two brothers

Authors Note: This story come from Narayan's Mahabharata, an Indian Epic. In the story, one brother passes away and the other is left too take care of his children. The brother left is extremely jealous of the children and does all sorts of terrible things. I wanted to make a story where, maybe the brother is still a little jealous but it isn't extreme and he is willing to help his family out. 

Stoney stared at himself in the mirror for a minute. He was a handsome middle aged man, physically fit, intense eyes, and a strong hairline that was only slightly greying at the temple. He was also very successful. As an investment banker, $200,000 was a bad year for him. His wife Ginger was a bonafide beauty queen, and more importantly she was entirely smitten with him, and he knew it. They had one son, Simon. By any measure Stoney should be the most content man on the planet, and most days he was. He was normally beyond content and loved his family more than words could describe, but today he was a little insecure. In truth Simon was a special child, he had muscular dystrophy. Stoney normally did not think twice about this and it could never change how much he loved his son, but Stoney’s brother was visiting today.

By QuoteValley

Jack was Stoney’s older brother. He was an active duty Green Beret, and a well decorated one at that. Where Stoney’s job had been routine but well rewarded, Jack’s had been enthralling but shrouded in secrecy. Ginger was Stoney’s only love and he was thankful for that. On the other hand, Jack had sired a strong, tall, intelligent, able-bodied daughter named Bailee. Moreover Bailee was not the product of love but of a one night stand. This was always a point of contention for Stoney, especially when the two families got together. He loved his family very much. At the same time it didn’t seem fair that Jack had such excitement and perfection in his life without even trying. To top it all off Stoney felt guilty about these thoughts, and it was a guilt that he sometimes let bleed into his family life.

Stoney was standing in the driveway holding Ginger’s hand as Jack’s car pulled up. He felt his own pulse quicken. When their doors opened Bailee quickly jumped out and she and Simon took off playing tag. Ginger and Jack exchanged pleasantries. He kissed her respectfully on the cheek before she departed to supervise the children.

“It’s good to see you brother.” Stoney said as he and Jack embraced.

“How was Kenya?” Stoney inquired.

“Just business as usual.” Jack chuckled. “the least of my worries for sure” he said with a much more somber expression.

“What do you mean?” Stoney said with great concern. What could be more worrisome than fighting Al Queada and Boko Haram.

“Bailee just got a physical and the blood tests were pretty bad….. She has leukemia. It’s very treatable but also very expensive and the VA won’t cover her since I’m not married to her mom. I can’t lose her Stoney, it’s not an option.”

“I agree.” Stoney said.

“It also isn’t a possibility. I have a friend in the Attorney General’s Office who can get you full legal rights, including benefits, within 48 hours. Failing that she is my family too, and I will spend every penny I have on her. We will get her treated, and this will be taken care of.”

“Besides, Simon would never let anything happen to his cousin.” Stoney said with a slight grin.

“I have always been able to count on you to take care business no matter what, and I have always admired that about you.” Jack said.

Week 5 Reading Diary: Another Epic

For week 5, we are reading the Indian Epic, Narayan's Mahabharata. I am liking this epic so far, a lot of the elements remind me of the Ramayana. People being exiled, love, rakshasa, gods, and goddesses. I am actually liking the plot a lot and I am already thinking about stories I could write from this. I like the concept of a friendship turning into hatred. Not in real life obviously but at least in a good story. I also like the jealousy between the cousins. That is most definitely a relevant topic, being jealous of family. It might be my ignorance but is this the Hindu version of a Bible? Is the origins of Hinduism? I believe I have asked that before. 

Arjuna statue in Bali

(image source)

I added this picture for a few reasons, okay one. It is awesome! I love that it isn't some weird painting with 10 heads. It is a super beautiful statue! I have been to many places in Europe and have seen a lot of statues but this one is awesome.

Frank and Ava

Frank and Ava

Frank didn’t understand why he had been mistreated all his life. His parents never paid attention to him and yelled at him if they did. Frank was born a beautiful baby, but as he got older his parents would throw things at him. Most of the time the thrown object was aimed at his face, scarring him for life. One scar in particular ran over his eye and down his cheek. Frank had long black hair that he grew out to try and hide the scars.

From Pinterest

As one would imagine, Frank was an angry teenager. He wanted nothing more than to know someone else was as lonely, ugly, and hurt as he was. Frank had been eyeing this girl from his school for months now. Frank obsessed over her, even stalked her. Frank knew where this girl lived, when she walked home, what time she woke up in the morning, and even what time she went to bed. Frank was going to kidnap her and make her feel like he did. She was beautiful, loved, and happy. He loathed that about her and wanted to take it all away.

*          *          *

It was a Friday evening and everyone knew the only thing to do in this 35- mile-an-hour town was to go to the party the Stephensons threw every week. Ava loved going with her friends. She envied how rich the Stephensons were and how their parents even bought them alcohol for the parties. These have been going on for six months now and it grew bigger every time. It was a great spot for the police to survey for drunk drivers and underaged drinking. Ava was feeling so alive tonight. She was wearing her favorite shirt and going with her two best friends.

They arrived at the giant house and immediately jumped in to the festivities. Ava was having a blast dancing and drinking. The music was so loud she felt it in her heart as she jumped to the beat. Taking a break from the dancing, she went over to the table to pour herself another drink. When she reached for the bottle of vodka, another hand swiped it first. She looked up and saw the emo boy, Frank.

“Oh, I am sorry, Frank,” Ava apologized. “I didn’t see you.”

“Yeah? No one ever does,” Frank murmured.

Ava felt like rolling her eyes. Frank always gave her the creeps and was always wallowing in self-pity.

“Well, I’ll take this bottle instead,” Ava said.

*          *          *

Frank was so nervous and excited he could hardly wait to grab her! Frank knew he couldn’t do anything inside, so he awkwardly took his drink and went outside to wait by her car.

Frank walked outside, drink in hand. He saw the police walking up to the house.

“Young man,” a police offer addressed Frank. “What do you have there?”

Frank froze. "What am I going to do? How will I get Ava alone if the police are here??"

“Um,” Frank started. “Noth, nothing…sir.”

“Mind if I take a look?” the police officer asked.

Frank tossed the drink in the officer’s face and started to run away. The police officer quickly pulled out his taser and shot Frank. Frank fell to the ground unable to move.

“Young man, you are under arrest.”

Frank could feel the cold handcuffs lock his hands together. "How was I so stupid??? How can I kidnap Ava now? No! This ruins everything!!!"

“Officer, please. I overreacted. I didn’t mean to run. I was scared,” Frank pleaded to the officer.

“I am just taking you in to call your parents and you can go home,” the officer explained.

Frank was overwhelmed with relief. Frank got in the police car and they drove off to the station. Once there he waited for his parents to show up. Frank was excited about his parents finding out about him being arrested. It was fun making them angry.

Frank's parents walked in with steam coming out of their ears. Frank smiled to himself. Without saying a word to their  questions he walked out with them and into the car.

Author's Note: 

I got my ideas for this story from the Ramayana. More specifically, I used the movie version of the Ramayana by Nina Paley. The main characters are the modern versions of Sita and Ravana. Sita in my story is Ava, a popular and beautiful girl. Ravana in my story is Frank. I made Frank a little darker than the actual character. I made him this way with a bad family background and more hateful thoughts. This was so I could better illustrate the reason he wants to kidnap Ava. I also wanted Frank to have something wrong with his appearance. This is because Ravana has ten heads. So in the story I had Frank have scars on his face.

In the Ramayana, Ravana kidnaps Sita and leaves her locked up in hopes he can get Sita to marry him. He does this even to the point that Sita begs for death. I did have a lot of contrast between Frank and Ravana, Frank being a troubled boy and Ravana being a lustful king. This was to make my story more believable. Ravana wasn’t a tortured child but was the ruler of a kingdom. I wanted Frank to be angry and have a reason to want to hurt someone. In the Ramayana, Ravana kidnapped Sita merely because of lust. Though this is a believable reason for kidnapping, I wanted something different. 

Sita Sings the Blues, by Nina Paley (2008), 

Week 4 Reading Diary: Sita Sings the Blues

For the originally story, I read for the first week and listened to the audio book the next. I definitely missed a few things while reading on my own, but not so much listening to it. Watching the movie for the Ramayana helped clear up some fuzzy area's that I had had for the text. For example How did I miss Ravana having like ten heads...I also missed the part about Ravana personally capturing Sita. Not sure how.

Screenshot from Youtube

The modern story could have been left out. I see the ties but it was kind of random. I mean the guy just telling the girl to not come back? At least in the Ramayana, Rama had a little bit of a reason (even though a stupid one) to not want Sita. The man in the movie had no reason to act like a jerk.

Week 4 Reading Diary: Modern and Old

For this weeks assignment I watched the, Sita Sings the Blues. It was...interesting. I did like some of the characteristics. I thought it was hilarious when the three black figures would talk and kind of narrate the story and how they would mess up on the names.

From: Indian Epics:Reading Guide

I have to admit, the version of Sita where she was just made of circles and singing, was really annoying. I honestly turned it down a lot during those parts so I wouldn't get a headache. The modern story was interesting, it added to the variety in the movie, however I am not sure it was really needed. I can see the relationship very clearly but to me it just seems like another character to dislike. 

The first part of this story seemed to have a lot of unneeded and long scenes just of the gods. For about 5 minutes I was worried that I would have to interpret how the story just through the gods dancing. Thankfully not. 

Story book writing styles

I have decided to do a love story blog. I have never actually written a love story before so it will be a challenge but I have of course read a few and seen movies. I was to include different type of scenarios. For example I like the idea of the love in Eragon. Both Eragon and Arya have a connection but they know they can be each other’s weakness and that they were destined for a life away from each other.

Dermon

I also like the love story in The Sword of Truth series. Richard and Kaylen both love each other but there are magical barriers that, at first keep the together, but is overcome and they can be together. It isn’t all lovey dovey. There are parts in the story where Kaylen betrays Richard. To the point he doesn’t want to forgive her. He does in the end, but things like that really capture my attention and makes want to read on.

Giblets

Anthology is something I would consider. Maybe having mini love stories. The only problem I see with that is I may or may not have enough time in the writing for the dramatic stuff to happen. There won’t be enough time to build up to the story or fall in love with characters. Frametale in my option would be a better option for the kind of story I am envisioning. However I’d want to actually connect them and make a story about the two lovers. Maybe have one story about the woman, one about the man, and have them meet in a different story.

Love letters could also be something I’d want to do. I am very good at writing how I speak, if fact it is the primary way I write. However I have never written a story in this context so it may be difficult. This way though, the back story would have to be told in the letters so the reader can connect. I also don’t like the fact that my lovers would be separated.

The last style I am considering is to tell the story in the point of view of another person. Maybe they live in a castle and the maid watches them fall in love. Or maybe they are on a journey and another friend watches them. The only thing with this is that I’d want my characters to have independence. I’d want scenes while they are alone. 

Week 3 Storytelling: Survivor

Emma stood before the small mirror in her dorm room. It was the very first day of her first year of college. In hindsight perhaps she had been a bit more nervous this morning than she had let herself believe. If not she never would have spent so much time meticulously picking out her outfit and doing her make up, but today was a very important day. She had to admit, she even surprised herself with how beautiful she looked. Emma needed all the pleasant surprises she could get lately.

It had been a rough few months. Her now ex-boyfriend Scott did not approve of her decision to go to the University of Nebraska and had made life hell. Through a series of troublesome events, culminating with Emma filing a restraining order, he had made his displeasure apparent. All that was in the past now. It was nothing a few hundred miles and fresh start couldn’t fix. With a sense of hope she hadn’t felt in months, she headed out her door and toward the elevator.

Emma quickly grabbed the first elevator and swiftly pressed the button for the ground floor.

“Hold the elevator!” Someone exclaimed.

Emma quickly slammed the “hold door” button for the stranger.

            “Thanks.” A voice said.

It wasn’t until the door closed and she felt the elevator start moving that Emma noticed the astonishing features of the stranger she had helped. It was a boy with a strong square jaw, cobalt blue eyes, wavy blond hair, and broad muscular shoulders atop a phenomenal physique.

            “My name is Max.” the boy said.

When he spoke Emma noticed his straight, bright white teeth, and how the way he smiled his eyes lit up. She was literally speechless.

            “Well this is my floor, thanks again for the elevator.” Max said.

Emma managed to choke out a clumsy “you’re welcome” just before the door slid shut. She was absolutely mortified. Surely no one could have handled a situation more awkwardly than she just had. As she cut across campus taking every shortcut possible to make her class on time, she was still daydreaming about the exchange. Perhaps that’s why she never even noticed Scott behind the bushes as she walked by. As she rounded a corner to a secluded the location Scott pounced. With one move he spun her around from behind and slammed something hard against her temple.

            “You will never be rid of me Emma. You belong to me.” She heard him say.

It was hard to make out his words she was so dizzy. She felt him slide his hand up her leg and rip her clothes. Instantly her mind panicked. Was this real? She wondered as she slipped in unconsciousness.

Two weeks later Emma awoke in the county hospital. Her head was wrapped. IVs ran from her veins. A stranger sat in the chair by her bed. He looked familiar, but from wear did she know him? Her head was pounding and she could barely think. Max! The elevator.

“You look surprised to see me. Don’t be afraid you’re safe now.” Max said.

           “What happened? Where’s Scott? How did you…” Max lifted his hand, insisting she stop.

           “I know it’s a lot to take in, but you were attacked on campus. Your ex-boyfriend hit you with a hammer. He was trying to rape you when I came around the corner. I’m sorry I followed you for a little while but you looked lost. I figured if I helped you find your building I could talk to you a little more. I guess it’s a good thing I thought you were so beautiful. I grabbed him and restrained him until the cops showed up. They charged him with attempted rape and attempted murder. He will be going away for a long time.”

         Emma was stunned. A few minutes of silence passed as she processed everything. She rubbed her face, it hurt tremendously. “I must look like hell she thought.”

            “I doubt I’m much to look at now.” Emma said in a low voice.

            “Your body was beautiful before, and it still is by the way. To me though you’re even more beautiful now because I can see in you a warrior, and a survivor.”






Author's Note

My motivation for this story was the ending of the Ramayana. In the Ramayana, Sita is kidnaped from the king Ravana. Rama does everything he can to find her. Sends allies to find her and even wages war on Ravana’s kingdom to get her back. When he finally finds her, he is rude and doubts the purity of her heart. Sita has to prove herself to him by walking into fire and leaving it unburned. They go back to the kingdom and everyone still accuses her of being impure. So Rama is forced to send her away, not knowing she is pregnant. 16 years goes by and Rama discovers his sons so let’s Sita return to the kingdom if she proves her purity. She then is taken by the ground and leaves Rama there alone for a few thousand years.

I most definitely did not like that ending so I created a different story, but one where the main character is still accepted. I didn’t really want the make a story where someone I tortured so I did change it up a bit. The girl in the story is taken by her crazy ex-boyfriend and the man that recues her still accepts her! The way the Ramayana should have ended. 

Brahma and Rama at the river.

Week 3 Reading Diary: The end of Ramayana

The Earth takes Sita

Let me get this straight. So Sita is taken by Ravana, Raped. Rama has to have proof that Sita remained loyal to Rama in her heart. Then even after having that proof, Everyone in the kingdom doesn't believe her and Rama sends her away for 16 years, after fighting a huge battle for her. She has his children. Rama has her come back to testify she is pure and the earth takes Sita. That is so terrible! I don't like Rama anymore. Arg, I like unconventional love stories but geez they are suppose to at least have a good ending. Geez

Week 3 Reading Diary: Sita is found

                                                       

Statue of Ravana from 18th century CE

Created by: Valmiki

I can definitely see the story characteristics in the modern world. It is very interesting and kind of funny that everything we "think of" has already existed. I really liked how they were able to find Sita. I must have missed why Ravana kidnapped Sita. But he got what he deserved! So Emily Canady went to India for an internship and she said she encountered a family that told her this was all a true story. This may be the ignorance in me but is this the foundation from Hinduism? Or is it just an Epic. I know the Odyssey has a lot of elements of Greek Mythology, is the same thing? (This Engineer lives under a book)

i included the Picture above because it was really odd how they depicted all the characters, while I was listening to the story I would click and look at the pictures of the different characters and some are so strange!