Sorry, Pumpkin. Fall Frenzy Contest
Kaitlyn Sanchez ("Math is Everywhere" Blog) and Lydia Lukidis (NO BEARS ALLOWED) are hosting the annual Fall Writing Frenzy.
Fall Frenzy stories are inspired by a selection of fall images that range from from funny to spooky and must be 200 words or under, written for children (BB to YA,) posted by October 3 before midnight, and by non-agented writers only.
I hope you enjoy my cringe-worthy entry inspired by a pumpkin and my awkward adulthood. I mean adolescence. (Who am I kidding? STILL AWKWARD!)
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| Halloween- Credit: Samantha Hurley / Burst |
Sorry, Pumpkin
By Lauri C. Meyers
200 words
I tugged the pumpkin top, but orange fleshy strings clung
to the sides, desperately trying to keep itself together. I felt like the
pumpkin, as I struggled to fit in with the cool girls at Hannah Hamilton’s party.
Gemma and Ari were already scooping out globs of seeds. I had to keep up. Sorry, pumpkin. I yanked the lid free, then heard a squeal. Three wet seeds stuck
to Hannah’s cheeks and forehead.
Mental minutes passed as I watched one seed slide off
her face and imagined the repercussions of this blunder. Obviously, I could
never eat in the cafeteria again. My daily uniform would be hoodie up, strings
pulled. Moving to Peru needed to be seriously considered. I opened my mouth to
say goodbye, but then a splash hit my nose and bitter pumpkin slime dripped onto
my tongue.
“Yum, pumpkin spice,” I said. Laughter erupted around
me.
“What face are you going to carve?” Hannah asked, as
if I was welcome to stay. She pressed a paper towel into my hand. “I hope it’s
hilarious, like you!”
“Like a huge grin with braces?” I said.
“LOL!” she said. “Instagram us!”
Sorry, pumpkin. Time to put on a smile.
Acceptance! I love the outcome. And of course, she had options if Hannah banished her. There was always Peru. Very nice voice, Lauri. Good luck to you. --Melisa Wrex @mowrex (Twitter)
ReplyDeleteThank you Melisa! Yes there's always Peru, though I hope she has more agreeable parents...mine never humored my attempts to run away!
DeleteLove the title and the emotion you conveyed in this piece,Lauri! Terrific!
ReplyDeleteI have middle schoolers right now, and I tell ya some days I feel like a pumpkin getting my guts ripped out. :)
DeleteLove the voice in your story. So fun!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to write with a middle grade voice!
DeleteWhat a great outcome!
ReplyDeleteAt least for now... you can never tell with the cool crowd.
DeleteGreat story, Lauri! And gosh, I remember those days of feeling so unsure and worried that you're going to slip up and embarrass yourself in front of everyone ... wait, I still feel like that sometimes :D
ReplyDeleteThat is so true- I didn't have to dig deep into history, trying to fit in is pretty fresh!
DeleteGreat job, Lauri. Love the voice of your main character. Been there, done that. Good luck!
ReplyDelete