Writer's Journey

  Loud music blared through the speakers, and colorful flashing lights blinded the eyes. The scent of flowery perfume invaded the nose, intermingling with the stench of sweat and alcohol. Hannah was beginning to develop a headache, she decided, massaging her temples. A nightclub was the last place Hannah Pelham wanted to be on a nice Saturday night. She could be curled up at home with a book and her cat, or watching a nice show with her husband. But the powers-that-be decided that she wasn’t allowed to enjoy a relaxing weekend. Thankfully, her job was nearly done. She had participated in the dancing and pretended to enjoy it as much as she could. Alcohol was where she drew the line, though. She was technically still on duty. She merely pretended to take sips of drinks the whole night. Standing up from her seat, she placed her untouched margherita on a table and walked out of the club. When the doors shut behind her, Hannah breathed a sigh of relief. The music was muffled now. The w...

  The tired teenage girl in ratty sneakers and a faded T-shirt stood in stark contrast with the rather opulent living room. Her foot tapped the ground impatiently, and she looked distinctly annoyed. The bags under her eyes only made her look more frustrated. The woman across from her looked at the girl in distaste. Madam Pauline sat elegantly on the couch, dressed impeccably. It seemed like she had noticed the difference as well. “Are you sure this will work, Ms. Stillons?” Amy Stillons stopped tapping her foot. Looking up at the rich lady, she sighed. “Look, ma’am. I’ve been doing this for a long time. Don’t you trust Sir Richards’ recommendation?” By bringing up the billionaire’s name, a large portion of Madam Pauline’s worries calmed. But some still remained. Although the girl had a good reputation amongst wealthy people within her circle, she couldn’t help but doubt her. Dismissing her concerns for the moment, the woman opened the small ornate jewellery box lying between them. ...

  Carlos felt like puking. The waves tossed the little boat around, and his stomach churned in time with the sea. With one hand holding on to the railing for dear life, he only barely managed to stay standing upright. Even then his knees shook and he stumbled. “What did I say?” complained the captain of the tiny sea vessel, Haddock James, glancing in distaste at the little boy. “There’s nothing out here. No sailor knows these seas as well as me, and there ain’t any island in these parts.” Carefully steadying himself, Carlos sighed. “I’m paying you, aren’t I? Just trust me.” The man with the greying beard snorted. “Yeah. If it wasn’t for the generous pay, I wouldn’t have even listened to your stupid request.” He looked at his customer in suspicion, eyes narrowing. “Say, how did you get solid gold bars?” The seasick boy panicked. Thankfully, the sound of the only other crewmate on-board shouting saved him from answering. “Captain, you won’t believe this! There’s an island here!” Capt...