The official Oscar nominations have been announced, putting an end to months of speculation. Although I think that Jake Gyllenhaal is missing from the lead actor list, many of the others are well deserved. Check out this look at the nominations for the 2015 Academy Awards in all the major categories and then check out local theaters as many films, including: Best Picture American Sniper Continue Reading
This is definitely a year of biopics and one of the top contenders for an Oscar nomination in a category looks to be The Theory of Everything, a look at the life of renowned genius Stephen Hawking. Currently playing at The Arclight Pasadena, The Theory of Everything stars Eddie Redmayne as the physicist and Felicity Jones as his very patient wife. To be honest, I've never thought much of Continue Reading
"How are you doing, Vince?" Mr. Gregory asked as he looked over Vince's shoulder to take a look at the painting he was working on. "That looks really good, so far." He paused, examining the piece further. "I think this might be a good piece for the art show. Keep it up."
"Okay, there's about ten minutes of class left. It's time to finish what you're doing and start cleaning up," Mr. Gregory announced as he walked back to the front of the classroom.
Judith had gathered her paintbrushes and was washing them in the sink at the back of the room when someone came up close behind her.
Judith cast a quick glance over to see David standing next to her. Trying to recover her dignity she quickly snatched up the brushes and resumed washing them.
"I get it. You want to play it cool," he said with a wink. "But I just wanted to let you know that I'm cool with it," he said smugly as his eyes scanned up and down, sizing her up.
Judith drew back uncomfortably. "I am not into you," she said a little more loudly than she had intended. Noticing a few nearby students, including Vince, turning their heads to see what the commotion was, Judith carefully lowered her voice. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"My brother?" she said confused. Then it came to her. "Maura . . . I'm going to kill them both," she muttered under her breath.
She turned back to the sink to gather her brushes. "There's been a mistake. I'm not interested." Before David could utter another word, she turned and walked back to her desk without giving him another look.
When the bell rang, Judith was the first student out the door. She was determined to find Maura or Jeremy and give whichever she found first a piece of her mind.
"No, but I just heard last period that the results from the cheerleading tryouts are up. Come with me and see if I'm on the list."
"I'm too nervous. I need moral support," Meghan insisted as she hurried after her cousin. "It will only take a minute. Please?"
"Fine," Judith sighed, seeing that Meghan wasn't going to give up. "But if I see Maura or Jeremy along the way, you're on your own."
When they reached the cafeteria, Meghan pushed Judith forward. "I can't look. See if my name is there."
As Judith impatiently scanned the list, Meghan couldn't take the suspense and was peering over Judith's shoulder.
"I'm not," Meghan said, coming to the realization herself a half a second later. She was outraged. "That can't be. There must be some mistake. I was the best one there."
Meghan and Judith turned to see another girl behind them. "I was hoping I'd run into you," the girl said. "I saw the tryouts and you were definitely one of the best freshmen there."
"I'm Jasmyn. Co-captain of the spirit dance squad. I was at the gym watching the tryouts. I noticed your auditions. You have some good moves."
"Thanks," Meghan replied. "I should. I've been in dance practically since I could walk . . .But what do you mean it wasn't a mistake that I didn't make cheerleader?"
"I've overheard some things. Namely that Melanie and her friends have it in for you. They had already decided before the tryouts were held that they weren't going to let you on the squad. I'm not sure what you did to get on their bad side, but you're definitely on their enemy list."
"If you're interested, there's a spot for you on the dance team. We could use someone with your talent."
Jasmyn nodded. "We meet in the gym after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you're interested stop by," Jasmyn said as she started to walk away.
"I guess that worked out after all," Judith replied drily. She was ready to leave Meghan's drama behind and get back to her own business.
"Yeah," Meghan said, but her optimism began to fade as she saw Melanie and her friends walking and laughing with Julian. The sight of them and the flirty way Melanie seemed to hang off Julian made her blood boil. She would get back at them and she was beginning to formulate a plan how. "But this isn't over yet."
"I have been hearing a lot of good things about you lately from your teachers. They've seen a huge improvement in both your effort and your attitude. I'm very proud of you. Keep it up," she said with a smile as she walked away.
Vince was feeling good about himself and happy with how this day was turning out when he heard another student call out his name.
"Nah, I can't. I've got to stay after. I don't think I'm going to be able to hang out for a long time. Sorry, man."
He nodded slowly, but stared at Vince through narrowed eyes. "Just making sure. We'd hate to lose you, man, and I'd hate for you to forget that our business stays with us."
Vince walked back into the school with an uneasy feeling. He felt like he was walking a tight line between two very different worlds. One false step could mean disaster. He had to continue playing it cool. But he was determined. He had something to prove.
Mr. Gregory looked out at the boys as they sauntered away. "I've had friends like those before," he remarked. "Maybe I'll tell you about it sometime . . . Are you heading out or will I see you at the art club meeting?"
"Maura! How could you?" Judith hissed as she approached the pair. She was still outraged, but she didn't want to make another scene like she nearly had during her encounter with David.
"He acted like a total creep," Judith answered. "It was awful. You shouldn't have said anything. He wasn't supposed to find out . . . not, like this anyway," she added quickly.
Judith avoided the question. "Oh, and I suppose you'd like it if I said something to Jeremy about you." As Maura seemed to think over the idea, Judith felt her anger and her argument starting to lose steam. "Anyway, I just thought you should know that nothing is ever going to happen between me and David. I don't want it to. I've decided I don't like him after all. Okay?"
"So, what are we going to do about the concert now?" Maura asked. "Jeremy said he would go . . . is there anyone else you might like? I promise I'll be more subtle this time. We'll set it up your way. However you say."
"Well, I'll think of something," Maura said. She was determined to see this plan through, she just had to figure out how.
5/27/18 - Still slowly, but surely working at it. I have the next few episodes started, but I can't promise they will be completed anytime soon. You know the drill. Thank you for visiting and reading! I appreciate those of you who continue to support this story even with such sporadic updates. :)
Why did I think I needed to install the sickness mod again? I thought, let’s try it for the... - Why did I think I needed to install the sickness mod again? I thought, let’s try it for the winter. One season (three days) can’t be too bad … It was p...
Chapter I-XIII - Seeking out the Past - Trevander wandered the village, feeling out of place. The streets were wild with activity as the villagers celebrated the downfall of the tyrant and mour...
An Introduction - Coming Soon (I hope!) . . .﻿ Status Update (9/20/13): This story has been delayed indefinitely. I had the first several episodes filmed and the first two ...
Winter 2012 - D'Sim - *Shawn (47), Jane (32), Shane and Imogene (4)* Jane was very happy with her family and her life, especially now that the twins were growing out of the tod...
Part 6 - Chapter 1 - Suspicions and Doubt - The young woman knelt by a still pool. As she leaned forward to collect a bucket full of water, she caught a glimpse of her own reflection. Her face look...