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Collaborative Story

18K views 132 replies 17 participants last post by  Mercy98 
#1 ·
I don't know if anyone's done this on here before, but I thought it would be kind of cool if we could all write a story. You can write as little or as much as you like, as long as it makes sense with what's been written before. It'd be nice if before you post you've read the story beforehand, just so it flows a bit better than if it takes a completely random impossible twist.

Oh, also, please do make it your own words, no copying from books that someone else has already written :)

OK, I'll begin:

The sun broke sleepily above the snow-capped mountain, bathing the world in red and gold. Dapples danced staccato beats, born from the gaps between the sluggish autumn leaves; a deer turned its eyes to the purple sky and skittered into the cool depths of the great green forest, and the last dawn star fell into the sea, heralding the arrival of the morning.

Outside, the rooster crowed. Eryss groaned and snuggled deeper under her bright patchworked quilt, trying to ignore the glowing rays streaming through her window.


Carry on :) Let's see if we can finish it!
 
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#57 ·
I was thinking that too wen I first read it but the second poster went in a completely different direction...
we could start another but state a setting (specifically that of the time variety)
 
#58 ·
Yeh i wasnt really thinking about pricing the halter when i was writing that bit, i just really wanted to get my thoughts down. Well, lets pretend its the bst halter in the shop and that the shop is overpriced :)
 
#59 ·
"Hey Grandma Clare's mum needs someone to help in her cafe on weekends is it okay if I take the job?" Eryss asked her Grandma as she swept the front verandah.
Her Grandma walked over to her pot plants and started watering them,"If you think that you can keep up your other chores and your homework I don't see why not".she said.
'Thankyou Grandma and don't worry I'll keep up my other chores and my homework'. Eryss said giving her Grandma a hug.
...
'Aspen, ASPEN where are you Eryss called out looking into to the big empty paddock' she had gone to feed him only to find his stall empty, she was starting to panic when she heard Grandpa calling put to her,'Its okay he's here with me in the arena'.
Eryss breathed a sigh of relief and ran toward the arena when she stopped dead in her tracks right in front of her was a snake 'GRANDPA come quickly there a snake' screamed at the top of her lungs.
She stood as still as she could and waited for Grandpa who came running around the corner with a rifle in his hand ' stand absolutely still ' he told her as he aimed the gun at the rattle snake. Eryss nodded her head she hopeing like never before that he wouldnt miss it.
He fired and hit the snake just behind its head it fell into a heap.
'Its still moving' Eryss exclaimed pointing to the snake.
Her Grandpa walked over to her and put his arm around her shoulder ' that's just it's nerves now are you okay ?' he answered.
' yes just a little shaken that's all , what were you doing with aspen?' said Eryss.
'come and see ' he replied smiling.
They walked over to the big arena and there was Aspen tied to the rail with an old saddle on his back.
 
#61 ·
'Grandpa can he be ridden yet?' Eryss asked gazing at Aspen ' No sweetheart he's just getting broken in to the saddle, now I want you to put a saddlecloth on his back every morning and evening okay' he answered her.
Eryss nodded her head and walked over to Aspen who was chewing his lead rope.
'Hey boy what do you think of your saddle ?'Eryss asked almost expecting him to answer her.Aspen just looked at her and then went back to chewing the lead rope.
 
#62 ·
'Eryss could you please set the table for tea Please' Grandma asked setting platters of cold meat and vegetables down on the table.
'Yes Grandma'Eryss answered counting out the knives and forks, 'When do you start your job at that cafe you were telling me about?' asked Grandma
'Umm.. On Saturday I think I'll ask Clare tomorrow' Eryss told Grandma
 
#63 ·
Eryss was shaking as she picked up the phone.

She couldn't do it. She'd never had a job. She didn't know one end of a job from the other. What was she supposed to do?

This is silly, she thought, staring down at her trembling hands. She began to sweat. It's just a job.

I can't work a job! I've never worked an honest day in my life! She reached out to return the phone to its holder but it slipped from her grasp and fell with a crash to the floor.

Eryss dived after it, her heart dropping. Scooping it off the ground, she turned it over. When it had hit the wooden planks, the first number in the address book had dialed. It must have hit talk on impact.

Who is this? Eryss thought, listening to the ringtone.

"Hey, this is Clare. Who's speaking, please?"

It was full steam ahead now.
 
#64 ·
"hello?" Clare called from the other end.
"Oh, uh h-hey Clare! it's Eryss" Eryss stumbled on her words "um...Is your Mom there please?" She asked
"You okay Eryss?" Clare asked concern lacing her voice. Shoot. Eryss wasn't hiding her nervousness as well as she thought, it wasn't like Clare to ask such questions. Clare was caring and not at all indifferent as some thought her to be, she'd just been raised not to react to every slightly off syllable of a person's voice.
"Yeah, just kinda nervous." Eryss explained "I've never had a job before"
"No" Clare agreed "But you've met my mom before and she loves you."
"your Mom loves everyone, Clare" Eryss pointed out
"She does." Clare agreed "But she really likes you, she asks after you more than anyone else."
"Really?" Eryss breathed.
"yup" Clare assured her "and I talked to her about you working her, she thinks it's a great idea but she does want to do a mini interview so you have the experience. You have the job though."
 
#65 ·
'Oh okay, what time does she want to do it?' Eryss asked trying not to let her voice tremble.

'Just come at about 2:00 pm and that will give you enough time' Clare replied not noticing her friends voice.

'Okay I've got to go now'. Eryss said looking out the window at her Grandpa who was lunging Aspen.

'Bye see you tomorrow then' Clare said.

Eryss hung up the phone and walked to her room, your a complete idiot, what's wrong with you, she said to herself.
 
#66 ·
Eryss switched off her alarm and stared at the ceiling, today was Saturday and she was starting her new job and she was excited and nervous mixed into one.
Slowly she fumbled around trying to switch on the lamp,Get over yourself,it's just a job She thought to herself finally finding the switch.

" Here Aspen enjoy your breakfast, you deserve it. " Eryss told her horse.
She been putting the saddle cloth on him for almost a week now and Aspen didn't like it at first but he now didn't even flinch when Eryss laid it on his back.
She felt proud of herself, knowing she actually accomplished something without it going wrong!
 
#67 ·
"Now lightly squeeze him with your calf muscle".Grandpa called out.
"Okay" Eryss yelled back, she was having another riding lesson and she was trotting around the arena on her Grandpas horse.

" Okay now lope ", she whispered to the horse as she squeezed lightly, and Captain the horse she was riding went from trotting to a nice lope.
"Good boy, good boy " she said gently to the horse.

"Well done Eryss " Grandpa called out,"now drop one rein and hold the horn on your saddle".

Holding onto the horn she dropped one rein and Captain swung left.
"YIKES" Eryss shrieked as she gripped on to the saddle as if her life depended on it.
Then remembering how to stop the horse she lightly pulled the reins back and obediently Captain slowed to a halt.

"What did you think?" Grandpa asked walking up to them.

"I nearly came off when he swung left but it was fantastic".She laughed trying to think what she would have looked like.

"You'll get use to it but that's enough for today, now go cool him off and put him away" he said rubbing Captains ears.

"Okay and thanks for the lesson" Eryss said giving her Grandpa a hug.
"Come on Cap let's go cool down a bit" leading him toward the arena gate.
 
#68 ·
The front door of the ranch home blasted open and a blur flew through it. When it slowed to a manageable speed, Eryss was standing over the couch.

"What time is it?" she demanded.

Grandmother lay down her knitting needles on the cushion beside her. "There's a clock on the wall, dear. Go and have a look."

"Don't you have a watch?"

"What do I want one of them for when I have a clock, child? Heavens, you look agitated. Are you all right?"

"Bah!"

Eryss was not in a good mood. Captain had bitten her on the arm when she had undone his girth and her toe was still throbbing from his heavy hoof when she lead him to the stable. She marched over to the wall and spent a minute puzzling out the time from the clock.

"Quarter to TWO?" The wail wound its way through the house. "I needed to be gone FIFTEEN MINUTES AGO!"

Grandmother turned and looked at the clock as well. "Why, dear, I do believe you're right."

"Aargghh!"
 
#69 ·
Eryss reached for the phone and dialed Clare's number as quick as she could.
"Hurry up and answer the phone"Eyrss grumbled to herself.

"Hello this is Clare" the voice on the other end said.

"Hello Clare it's me Eryss, um.. I'm going to be about fifteen or twenty minutes late ".
Eryss said looking at her watch.

" That's fine thanks for letting me know, Mums a bit late anyway" Clare replied.

" Thankyou bye". Eryss hung up the phone and ran into her room.

Can't belielve I'm going to be late on my first day to.she pulled on a t-shirt and grabbed her shoes.
Ten minutes later she was seated in her Grandpas pickup truck heading over to Clare's house.

"Thanks Grandpa, I'll ring when I need to be picked up " Eryss called out as she jumped out of the truck.

" Okay sweetheart, and have a good time" he called back.

"Eryss over here" Clare called from the door.

" Coming " she yelled back trying to stop her voice from shaking.
Eryss jogged over to her friend so her voice would sound puffed rather then shaky.

"What's that mark on your arm"? Clare asked pointing to her arm.

"Oh that.. that was my Grandpas horse who decided he didn't like me" Eryss said in a sarcastic voice.

"Ouch that must of hurt, anyway come this way over to the Cafe" Clare said taking Eryss by the arm leading her over to a footpath that led to the Cafe.

Calm your self down its only an interview Eryss thought to herself as she waited with Clare in the office for her Mum to come.
 
#72 ·
I can take a stab at it, though I quit writing a few years ago and, yeah. I hope this is feasible/usable for you guys! And that you like it. :)
-

Eryss nervously fidgeted with her fingers, letting her eyes wander around the room. 'Relax' she thought to herself, pressing herself more deeply into the office chair, 'breathe.' She inhaled when she prompted herself to, closing her eyes and settling on a rhythm to drum her fingers to while the wait pressed on. She told herself to think of Aspen, to focus on the profoundly tranquil feeling she had had while walking Aspen up and down the ranch's drive. She was shocked to feel the relaxation come over her; a wave of easy breathing hit her, she felt fine.

"I'm so sorry I'm late Eryss!" Clare's mother exclaimed as she entered the room and found her way around the office desk. "It's not a very professional way to start the professional aspect of your life, is it?" The woman laughed as she settled into her office chair, simultaneously opening drawers and shuffling with paperwork. She grabbed a sheet and slid it across the desk to Eryss, who nervously reached across the desk and took it, not knowing what to expect.

"Th..ank you, Mrs. Schiller. I'm sorry but I have to be honest.." She started to say, leaving her eyes on the paper, "I was late too, by twenty or so minutes," she glanced up to see the woman's reaction. She was shocked by a grin.

"Thank you for your honesty Eryss. You'll find that honesty is the best policy when you apply for jobs. The last thing you want to do is start your professional relationship on a lie, it leaves room for bad blood and a lack of trust. Especially if you're caught in a lie."

"Oh! Ok.. I get it. I just didn't want to get in trouble for lying." Eryss said, blushing and dropping her gaze again.

"Alright, so let's get this interview on the road. Eryss, I'd like to remind you that you already have this position guaranteed and that this is just so you get the practice of a true interview." Mrs. Schiller said before pointing at the piece of paper she slid across the desk, "That is your interview guide. It's a kind of cheat sheet that I use with my children when I first introduce them to interviews. Your task right now is to read it and get a gist of what'll happen in this interview. It's a list of what kind of questions I'll ask and why I'll be asking them. This is a tool that will help you in the future, as well as in this mock-interview." The woman winked at Eryss, dismissing her from the office so that she could do as asked. Eryss nodded and left the room, reminding herself how to walk, how to breathe, and where to go as she did. Her nerves hadn't waned since Mrs. Schiller had entered the room, the formal tone in her voice didn't help.

Ten minutes later, Eryss reentered Clare's mom's office with a renewed sense of vigor. Her soon-to-be boss hadn't lied. The cheat sheet told Eryss almost everything she'd need to know about how and why the interview would be working the way it did. She felt calm now, her nerves abated and relaxed as the fear of the unknown left her body. "Mrs. Schiller, I'm here for my interview." She boldly declared as she stood beside her chair, waiting for the response she'd read would be given. She couldn't help but notice a smile forming on the woman's face as she rose from her chair.

"Ah, yes, you must be my 2:40." Mrs. Schiller said, shaking Eryss' hand and opening her arm in a sweeping gesture toward the office chair, "please have a seat. My name is Georgette Schiller, I'll be interviewing you today for the position of dishwasher and prep-cook in my cafe."

"Yes, ma'am. My name's Eryss." She said awkwardly, trying to remember the information on the cheat sheet.

"Eryss, you said? That's a pretty name, how'd you end up with it?" Georgette asked sincerely, giving Eryss direct eye contact...
 
#73 ·
That's really good, NeryLibra! :)
_____

"Um, I'm actually not sure, Mrs Schiller. I do know that my mother had it all chosen out for me even before I was born though. It seemed very important to her."

"I see..." across the table, her stern eyebrows drew together.

There was a moment of silence, broken only by the slow ticking of the clock. Who knew each second could be so long? Eryss began to squirm.

The quiet was shattered by Mrs Schiller's next words. "What do you hope to gain from this job, Eryss?"

Be honest, or lie?

The truth may be slightly awkward
, thought Eryss. How do I say, "I come from a very dodgy background. I got in trouble at school and almost with the police. I got sent here as though I were in exile and my parents dumped me with Grandma and Grandpa. I want a job so I can look after a horse I've fallen in love with."

No, she couldn't say that.

"I want to be...responsible," she said. "And I want to...help others. Yes, that's right. And help others, wait, I said that...um...and build things. Yeah, I wanna go into construction...and work in a kitchen, I love cooking. Did I tell you about the time I sloshed Grandma's soup outta the pan? Yeah, that's how much I love cooking, I mean wait! No, that was a one-timer, I put it all back in the pan..."

This was not going well.
 
#74 · (Edited)
Tick.

Eryss groaned inwardly and set to work berating herself while adjusting her seat. Even from across the table, Mrs. Schiller's disapproval was glaringly obvious. It wasn't Eryss' fault that her history was messed up! It wasn't Eryss' fault that she was dumped at her grandparents because she was difficult to deal with! It wasn't Eryss' fault that Chicago had taught her to be bad! It wasn't her fault that her mother had given up on her!

Tick.

But.. it was Eryss' fault, all except the choice to live in the city. Sudden memories rose to the surface; arguments with her mother over her failing grades, arguments with her teachers over her attendance at school, walks to the principle's office, traipsing around the city with her "gang" when they ditched, the police escort home that led her to the ranch. The realization came like a slap to the face. Photographic memories of her mother's distraught face, memories of the disappointment in her mother's voice, of the true hopelessness Eryss had grown accustomed to hearing whenever Eryss' future is a topic of discussion between her parents. Her choices to traipse around, be rude and disrespectful, to do so much damage to her own future.. were all hers and no one else could take the blame for them.

Tick.

She had been so modest so early on in the interview, about being late for the appointment itself. It was one thing to be honest about being late, but something entirely different to be honest about a history she wasn't even sure Clare had shared with her mother. What if her dodgy history was bad enough to make the woman, who held so much power over her financial future, change her mind about giving Eryss the job?

Tick...

Eryss gulped and raised her eyes to meet the stern and disappointed stare waiting for her at the other end of the desk. "I just want some responsibility and.. some.. experience." She nearly whispered, shifting her position and sitting on her hands before lowering her gaze again.
 
#75 · (Edited)
Eryss looked down at her hands which had started to sweat You Idiot just tell her...no she will think I'm Stupid nothing but trouble and I won't get the job.... I thought you wanted to change but your acting the same as you used to. Thousands of things were running through her head.
'Eryss are you okay, you look a bit pail?' Mrs.Schiller asked looking at Eryss straight in the eyes.
'Im ...I'm ..' She couldn't keep it in any longer and she poured the whole story out.
Eryss tried to hold back tears when she had finished telling her long story, she couldn't look at Mrs. Schiller in the eye, expecting that she would tell her to leave.

'Eryss I want you to know that I'm very proud of you for telling me what I'm guessing is very personal to you and that like I said before telling the truth can get you very far in life, I think that's the end of the interview you can go and start by stacking the dishwasher then chop some cheese,tomatoes ,and corn beef please'.Mrs.Schiller said smiling in an understanding way which made Eryss feel better about the whole thing.

'Thank You so much Mrs. Schiller' was all Eryss managed to say as she got up and left the room.Okay I think that's the best thing you've ever done she said to herself walking toward the cafe.
 
#76 ·
For the first time in a long time, Eryss felt good. Not just good, she felt genuinely good about the way things had happened. She had told an adult about her shoddy past and the adult hadn't held it against her like she was some worthless crook. The adult hadn't chased Eryss into a corner only to reprimand her and make her feel like nothing she did could ever be right. The adult hadn't held something she wanted over her head, goading her into a confession, only to whip what she wanted away when she gave the confession the adult was fishing for. The adult actually took Eryss' accounts of the events for what they truly were; the past. Her past was left behind this time, not used as reason to withhold something she desired. Eryss felt free from the little girl she was in Chicago. She felt like she could finally transition into the more mature young lady she had been striving to be ever since she met Aspen. She was ready for a change, and to apologize to her mother, and to grow up, and to earn money in order to buy Aspen's "thank-you" halter. She was ready to be better.


As she made her way into the kitchen, Eryss was greeted with a warm hug from Clare and a "Schiller's" apron, brandishing the cafe's colors of orange and brown.

"Mom gave me a text that said your interview was done," she started, helping Eryss properly tie the apron on before handing her a hairnet, "I'm here to get you trained for your job. Mandatory stuff, but all really easy to do. Put your hair in a pony-tail and then put the hairnet on, we've gotta chop the veggies before we do the dishes 'cause it's almost time for the dinner rush." Eryss fumbled with her hair while following Clare around like a lost puppy, trying her best to soak up each instruction. She scrubbed her hands as shown, spent a good five or so minutes getting accustomed to proper knife management, chopped more veggies than she ever thought she could handle in one 40minute session, only cut herself once though! The girls chatted about horses while they worked, and how to handle an influx of dishes to scrub while the dinner rush was in full effect. She quickly learned that she hated the dishes part of her job, in which she had to pre-scrub the dishes before throwing them in the washer for sanitizing rather than actual washing.

"I thought that a dishwasher was supposed to do the hard work," she complained at Clare, only earning her a raspberry blown her way.

"Nope! Dishwashers are actually supposed to be use to sanitize your dishes, not scrub crap off of them. That's why we hire dishwashers you know. Okay, so you have the chopping part down.. time cards.. dishes.. you're going to start bussing tables later this week because we have a busser out and a waitress out, but for tonight all you have to worry about are the dishes and the trash. I'm waitressing, but if you have any questions you can stop me when you see me. Or ask Cody, he's one of the line cooks and he started in your position." Clare turned to walk away and get prepared for her shift, "Oh and Eryss? Please don't be shy!" She called over her shoulder before exiting the kitchen.

Eryss groaned, hunting down a landline to call her grandpa. It was going to be a long evening...
 
#77 ·
'Hi grandpa its Eryss I'm going to be later then I thought okay'? Eryss said after her grandpa answered the phone.
'That's fine and thank you for ringing I'll feed Aspen for you' grandpa replied
'Thank you bye' Eryss said hanging up the the phone then running back to the kitchen.
When she arrived back at the kitchen there was already stacks of dishes waiting for her,groaning she filled up the sink and started washing them.
 
#79 ·
Eryss groaned as she plonked another stack of plates into the sink and stared scrubbing them,"Eryss you've almost nothing I need you to speed up a bit" Clare said to Eryss placing another stack of dishes beside her.
"Clare you don't understand I never had to wash so many dishes in my life" Eryss whined .
 
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