Unveiling My Life Events Mentoring

The Westside Stories Journey- Episode 8
Short Story by Marita Garcia Sanchez
Category: Fiction

Review of the Past Scenes
In Episode 1, Romia, Tonie, Hoya and Charity met in a train going to San Francisco. Hoya got married there and widowed with a daughter. She volunteered to help Romia and Tonie to their destination to the corner streets of Southeast Market and New Montgomery. This is because someone helped her too when she was a newbie to that place. She knew exactly how it feels to be foreign in that place when nobody offer for help.
In Episode 4, Tonie stayed with a friend, sharing half of all the expenses in rent, light and water with separate food allowance while in that place. Romia stayed in a campus dormitory owned by a former dean of the university. Both are thinking for additional income to. Solve their expensive cost of living. They saw each other accidentally in a children's playground of a community park and Charity relayed what she intended to help Romia and Tonie on their money problems.
In Episode 6, Charity recommended Romia to the Principal to stay in the cottage intended to accommodate the football coach in the person of Charity. There will be free rent, free gas for cooking, free telephone connecting the university and WiFi services provided that she has to maintain cleanliness and light in the clubhouse lighting the fire to prevent the pipes to freeze during winter. Everything seems to fit Romia and Tonie in their growing financial problems and Romia's work with the university is also getting fine.
Scene 6- Togo The campus dog
Togo roams the campus with uncomprehending look in his amber eyes. Tonie came up on him one morning sitting under a tree with his head down on his forepaws. When he saw her, he got up and looked ashamed. He is used to be with campus boys and never been acquainted with any campus girl since he came to exist. "Hello, Dogie" "Can I call you Togo?" She said approaching him with friendly gesture. His tail wiggles and seems to like his new name told by her. "Wow you like the name Togo?" She asked. He stands and gave his two feet to her as greeting for the first time. Then after that, he went with her to the cottage and never leave since then. He became an instant bodyguard of Tonie wherever she go even during nights when they need to light the fire in the clubhouse. According to some campus girls, no one knows where he came from. He is used to eat from the food the frat boys feed him. When they drink beer, the dog also drink what they give him. He became popular in campus and being fed by anybody there including the people who lives within the community. But during summer and winter, he roams around and becomes stray dog without food to eat. Romia agreed to adopt the dog when Tonie asked her plan for Togo.
Scene 7- Going to an Escapade
It was middle of November when Charity need to go to her father's work in Farallon Island. The place is 30 miles outside the Golden Gate and 20 miles south of Point Reyes. She asked Romia and Tonie to accompany her and will be needing them in taking charge of extra driving when she has to rest. The journey is too long to be endured by her driving alone. Using a four wheeled vehicle in going to the port first before they take a private boat in going to the Bay Island. "Yes, we both knew how to drive a little" Romia said. "Thats good, you have to wear your lightweight jeans and jacket, closed shoes and long pants. Sometimes the weather is unpredictable and brings chill in the morning or in the afternoon" she replied. "What about Togo?" Tonie asked. "Let's bring him with us" Charity suggested. "Can he survive there?" Romia asked. "Yes that dog was trained before and knows many things to do in times of trouble" she answered. Tonie likes what she heard about Togo and he seems to enjoy too what they share about him. "We will be passing a community of Mexicans and Hondurans she added. And that dog would be of help to us".she said with confidence and smile. So, let's go then.
Scene 8- The Pompous Meal
After several miles of traveling, Charity needs to rest from driving. Romia volunteered to drive next. After an hour driving, she noticed that a community was celebrating a feast they call Diwali. The people there seemed to be friendly. They stopped the wheel of the vehicle and offered them free food. She didn't know what to do. But Togo was the most excited with the smell of good food. He seems very hungry and started to bark. Charity was awakened from her nap when Togo saw one familiar face of campus frat. He approached them and asked the dog to come and eat his meal. Charity recognized the guy and decided to accept the favor of dining with the people for free. "It was a pompous meal"Tonie said. " They even gave a basket of free foods for Togo and for us" she continued."And Togo enjoyed his meal too" Romia replied. They thanked the folks and later paved goodbye and proceed to their goal. While heading to the next city, Tonie continued to praise the hospitality of native people. "Even for two days, these food in a basket will feed us full and Togo" she said. "Seems that you cannot move on easily Tonie" Charity said. "Well I am just amazed with good people" she answered.
Scene 9- Stuck in a Deserted Island
While Romia is still the driver, Charity noticed that the road they are about to cross is having trouble with two gangs trying to chase from each other on the streets. " Stop and pull off for a while Romia" she said. "Why? Am I making :over sp*eding?" She asked. "No, there's this very notorious gang fighting from each other with bloody weapons. She answered. They are the street gangs. There is no way for us to pass the street without their conflict and rivalry. What will we do next. Nothing except to wait until they are finished. But their rivalry seems to getting worse so Togo step out from the back seat and ran after these gangs. The gangs used knives and sparrows. Romia was scared and confused. Hence Charity asked her to stay at the back seat and her to the driver's seat. Togo was so brave in chasing one after another until all of them were scared and went home. The street was already cleared by Togo while Tonie was still praying aloud asking for their safety especially to Togo. Running from Togo, the criminals were so afraid of the dangerous dog. For them, he was a reincarnate of the brave and heroic dog also named Togo. After the incident, Togo went back to the backseat and seems very thirsty and hungry. Tonie gave him food to eat and water to drink. "Now I know, the purpose of this basket of food. It is to keep Togo well nourished and hydrated" Tonie said with a smile. He is our light of shining armor with his paws. Then they all giggled.
To be continued....

Dish Gardens from my posts in AiPP used as characters in the Westside Stories Journey

The author is still waiting for reviews

The Westside Stories Journey- Episode 7
Scene 25: The Incredible Judge
Short Story by Marita Garcia Sanchez
Category- Fiction

This is the day to face the opportunities and consequences to be trained as a full pledge neophyte singer performer. Joining a university audition like this is far better to start a singing career. Creepy is the daughter of a well known singer performer, fine actress and producer, yet she is not exposed to this kind of business that her mom do to earn a living and send her to prestigious schools and universities. But she lost interest from going to college because of his longing of a mother's love. Since birth to date, she only see her mother or hear her voice after she comes from her overtime tapings in TV and movies. She grew with her "nanny" and almost consider her as a true mother, a surrogate despite the absence of her mom.

Creepy was contemplating whether to listen to her mother or to Ms. Romia who interviewed her after the academic entrance examination. Her feeling is like she was torn between two lovers. But she admitted, her tone is not a match to the baritone pitch of that new song she is memorizing its lyrics. She is not confident to sing this new song. As she entered the room, she saw Ms Romia waiving at her and joining the panel of judges. "Oh my God" she uttered. "Ms Romia is one of them" she added. There were five evaluators and Ms Romia is the chair of the panels. The more she got nervous and feel as if she was floating on the air. She decided once and for all to follow the suggestions of Ms Romia. The song is very popular to her because they had stage plays when she was in grade school and she played as the wicked Elphaba Tropp. "Yes, I'll sing the "Defying Gravity" she said to her mind but never uttered.

After the performance, Creepy waited the judges to say something. The first judge asked "Youre not nervous, Creepy are you?' "A little. I've never been into singing before" she replied. But we have in our homeroom some kind of stage plays without singing. We just act in a pantomime and follow the music as our director played in cassette tape". (The story was way back in 1990s). The first judge was the singing sensationalist of BJ Productions. He said "It will be over before you know it that you didn't stand out today---your eye contact and emotions are good but it needs to be appropriate for the context of the song" he added. Creepy's eyes becomes teary but she managed to control it to burst. She maintained her good composure while waiting for the next round of questions and comments. The second judge is the principal of the high school department, asked "Are you sad to hear the side comments of a popular singer Creepy?" "Well, I have to feel sad to be happy then sir," she answered. "You have a good mood of accepting harsh words Creepy". And because of that I will give you a rating of 10 over 10, is that okay with you?" He asked. "Thank you Sir" she said. The third judge asked " Are you overwhelmed, Creepy?" "Not really" she answered. "But I really appreciated it for having a perfect score from a well respected principal" she added. "Actually, I rated you 6 over 10 for that tune you made when you portrayed the wicked but your energy was heightened. You need to improve your your emotions in terms of feelings like an expression of a wicked performer. Your interpretations of the song needs improvement" she added.

Creepy cannot hide her tears anymore. She burst like a crying baby needing help from the care of a mother. "Creepy"... said the fourth judge. "But I can't control my tears. I am just in a bad mood today or what!" She interrupted him. "Do you know that feeling bad is a natural emotions?" He said. " Yes I do, I have to feel bad to be good after all" she said. "That's good then, I will rate you 9 over 10" he said. She can no longer say anything because of crying. Ms Romia interrupted. "Don't cry baby" she said. "You passed the audition, your delivery is fantastic which really separates you and makes you stand out from the crowd"."A great overall performance" she said. "Ooh really? I passed!" She asked. "Yes with flying colors! Playing confidence with your high notes and great tone of your voice" she added. After she finished her last words, Creepy jumped from the stage to the table of the judges. "Thank you so much, you know how important to me this audition. And thank you Ms Romia, you are one incredible judge!" She said as she embraced her with too.much joy.

To be continued ... The next story will be the "Little Angel Fairy"

Please review the short stories by characterization and not by anything else like confronting the author's dramatization. Advance thanks for your concern.

The Westside Stories Journey- Episode 6
Short Story by Marita Garcia Sanchez
Category: Fiction

Scene 17-The Surprise
Summer classes will end soon this August 30 and its getting cool and cloudy in the afternoon. But she has to finish her last few days training but she wears her new suit for cool weather. Romia received a surprised letter from the high school Principal with a post mark from the mission area. A name Walter Smith wants to see her as soon as she receives the letter and it is urgent. She proceeded immediately to get there after her last period of class. As she approached the high school Principal, she noticed that he was a bright, eager, gregarious little fellow with part French, Spanish-Filipino blood. He told her that the coach of football recommended her to occupy the caretaker's cottage because she is single and can afford to go to the athletic field daily from her home to coach the students but couldn't make the caretaker's responsibility of maintaining the clubhouse which is located just an opposite of the cottage. In the interval, the coach with a family should occupy it and live on the field to keep the fires up in the clubhouse so the pipes wouldn't freeze and also prevent university students and their girls from going to the cottage, using the place for their illicit love. "Well Sir, asked Romia I happen to see Ms Charity last month and she told me about this free cottage but I was not expecting that it will be too soon". "Oh yes, you could live in the cottage with rent free but in return, you have to keep the fire in the clubhouse. Electricity and gas for cooking would be supplied free. There is also a telephone for use but no long distance of course" he said. " But you have to supply your own fuel for the cottage" he added. "Okay, I accept the offer". Thank you for your generosity" she replied. "Here is the key" handing the key to Romia while requesting to take a look of it when her friend Tonie arrives. Afterwards the principal toured her to the clubhouse to show how she will be doing daily and sampled on how to put coal on the fire. "And keep in mind, its only until March next year". He said. "I understand Mr Smith", she replied over with the good bye handshake.

Scene 18- The Cottage Visit
"Its beautiful" said Tonie breathlessly "Just beautiful". Romia had her doubts. In the living room found at the ground floor, has a small table with two chairs and a telephone on the wall. The petite kitchen is also in the ground floor with a potbellied stove, and a small round table with two chairs, a wood and coal stove, a two burner gas plate and the minimum of dishes, pots and pans. The bedroom is found in the second floor with a double bed with drawers and a sofa bed with a dime store mirror above the side table with another small study table with two chairs. There is also an attic in the third floor to place some of their belongings. They can stay there while they want to see the full view of their neiborhood. The lighting in all the rooms was simple with a cord from the center of the ceiling with a naked bulb at the end. "Where's the bathroom?" Tonie asked. They looked all over but couldn't find it. A door in the kitchen which they thought it was a closet was a way to a toilet, a wash bowl and nothing more. "How do we take a bath?" She asked Romia. "Well, we have to go to the clubhouse and use the showers" "Imagine, getting dressed to go out to take a bath. That's fun". She answered Tonie. "We only have to buy our own sheets, blanket and pillows, pillow slips, and towels. "I have it all!" Tonie answered. So its only me who will buy my own then" she said. Romia thought of moving right away so after her class she bought her thick blanket and a bed sheet. She has her old towel and a pillow with a case in it. She used them in the dormitory where she stayed for almost three months. Tonie has to give notice first to her friend whom she stayed with while teaching the students during the summer term. Romia had two days of cleaning the backyard and keeping the clubhouse well maintained as part of her work to use the cottage free.

Scene 20- Tonie's moving out
It was a short grudge that Tonie hesitated to move to the cabin cottage right away. She didn't tell Romia how she feels about Mimie. But she has to do it fast because she is draining her money in paying a lot of expenses in Mimie's apartment. She has more expenses than income. She cannot say no to all the extravagant living she use of doing by using all the appliances that balloons payment of electric bills. If she is to ask about this, she would rather not to use them instead of having simple life in order to cut the expenses. "So long Tonie, I will miss you here" " Me too my friend" there was a sad goodbye releasing each others arms and they hugged. "But I need to move to the university's free cottage with Romia who is alone there" she said. "Its alright, I understand" she replied. " Well its not a bid goodbye but to wish you the best in your journey. Good luck" she said. "Thanks". Their hugs became very tight tearing apart from this scene.

Scene 21-Tonie in the Cottage
"Romia, I have a wonderful idea! I will buy some paint and a brush to paint the chairs and tables. What color do you want?" "Sis, look. We are going to give up this house when the new coach comes on March next year. We will be here only for 6 months. Do you get me?' "Sure, but even so, I'd like to.make it look nice while we are here". "Don't Tonie please, if you make it too nice, it will break your heart to leave it. Besides, we need blankets, bed sheets and cushions to make us comfortable during winter. We also need gas and coal on our fireplace especially these cold months we are approaching. And we need to cut our cost to buy our food, coffee, and more in the kitchen in order to survive". "Alright Romia, I won't paint the chairs and tables then". She finally agreed with her. Early in the morning Romia went out to buy some bread and coffee from the store near the cottage. Then she took her hot coffee and ate the bread without sandwich in it. She only toasted the bread and its done for her. Then she went to the clubhouse to check on its maintenance and took her shower and the went for a walk around the new community. While she was out, Tonie took the broom, mop and little slivers of soap that smelled like carbolic from the clubhouse to give the kitchen a thorough cleaning. She got her skirt turned as curtains and placed them to the two windows. Fortunately, there were curtain rods attached to the windows. She hunged the curtains and they looked fine. The house became better and attractive with her striped red and blue skirts in the windows.

Scene 22- Enrollment in the University
The evaluation of students during university's enrollment is the main function of Romia's job. She administers the entrance examination and prepare a report on each student entry to the university high school seniors and interview them after the exams. They attend the block sectioning depending on the performance they will show in the written and oral exams. Romia's attention was caught when Sharon and her daughter Crippy came to register. She saw them while theyare approaching the office of the registrar. She said " Ms Sharon, hows you doing here?" She seemed to forget how she met her and made her eyebrows meet as though she didn't know her, thinking where they met each other. "Romia, here !Remember? We met in a train going to San Francisco" then she easily thought of her and answered "Ah yes, I remember. You are in charge? She asked. "I am fine but my daughter has a problem, I guess" she added. "I will take her name, Here is a form. Please write all about your daughter and give it back to me" she said with a smile. "That's gracious". "Thanks a lot!" She got the form, filled out the information then returned it to her.

Scene 24- The Final Interview
After the entrance examination, Creepy was waiting for her name to be called. Seems that she is nervous while waiting she is singing a song while reading the lyrics from her notebook. Then, she was called to be next in line for her personal interview. "How do you feel Creepy? Romia asked. "I don't know what to say, I am.not really comfortable this semester to study" she answered. "Why? What is bothering you today?" She asked. "Nothing Ms Romia, I just want to pass the singing audition in the next door after this interview but I haven't memorized the lyrics of this song" "What do you like to be taking in college after your senior high school?" She asked. "I won't go to college anymore, Ms Romia". "How did you say that Creepy?"My mother will be creating a singer out of me, and I want to impress her by passing this audition" she said. "Will she drop her career just because she will be creating you as singer?" "Yes Ms Romia, she will be producing her own Record Studio and put up a Performing Arts School soon.". "Wow that's great Creepy but you will surely miss your university life. Romia resonded. "I will". she said. "I am the university representative for women's football team this spring, the reason of my early enlistment with Ms Charity this fall". She added. "You mean, you will be missing your athletic stints?" She asked. "Yes, I do and a lot of friends, classmates and teachers, missing them all" she said. "You said you do, why not try doing all these at the same time with your interests in singing, athletics and college life then?" She asked. " I love my mom so much. I missed the days that when she and I have no time for each, she was out in her setting". "Now, this is my chance to be with her. But only when I pass the audition. If I fail this audition, I will also fail mom's expectations". She relayed with awe and teary eyes. "Why don't you sing any of the songs you are most familiar with and comfortable singing then? She asked. "But my mom told me that this song is the best rendition for me to sing on my audition. However, I couldn't match the low toned pitch of this song to my voice. I sing soprano and when I try this song with my voice, Its more like singing without confidence". She is almost haft shaken with tears. "Creepy, the evaluators will be rating your confidence in singing than the type of song you choose to sing" She said. "Promise Ms Romia?" Her eyes brightened. "Yes, your confidence and your voice matters". Thanks a lot. I will do what you suggested. "That's all Creepy, have a nice day and good luck for your next evaluation. "I am done with my interview?" "Yes, if you have more questions, then ask" she said. Well and good thanks again.

To be continued....hang on.

The Mysterious Dating Garden- Episode 6
Short Story by Marita Garcia Sanchez
Category: Fiction

Scene 11- The Orange Flower
After Betty disappeared, James felt dizzy into slumber. Waking up the following day, he was still groggy. He thought that Betty left because nothing from her belongings were found. Suddenly, he want to p*e, he swang his feet off his bed then went into the john. He didn't bother closing the door while he is naked. Anyhow, he's alone in the house and everything is being private. After finishing, he turned his hands to the sink for washing. He still had a delightful experience of last night with Betty. He turned to the window and opened it. The sun poured down on his face so he immediately closed the curtains. He feels hungry. He went to the fridge and get something to eat and drink. He saw a glass of sherbet and loaves of bread. He toasted the bread and put some butter on it before he started eating. When he noticed, the flower in his dish garden was orange in color. He thought that the plant has multicolored flowers so he didn't mind at all what he observed in his dish garden. He turned to his cabinet and got his pocket notebook and pen to write something about Betty and about last night's experience. He wrote "Today is March 13. What a coincidence, when Marigold left him without permission, it was also March 13. And now, Betty left too without my permission, he thought. Then he wrote the memories and returned the notebook and pen in his cabinet.

Scene 12- Ringing Madonna, James narrating
I was in my private office in 9th street when I felt a sudden longing for a caring friend. He thought about ringing Madonna. "Good morning Madonna" how do you do now? I asked. It was like she is in a shower room when Madonna took her phone. "Have you been accepted in your job interview?" "I need to see you" why hang up?" I added. "Take it easy James" she said. I am getting ready to see my new employer at the office of the chancellor" she replied. "I have a lot of paper files to type as a secretary and I have to go"."See you later" I will visit you in your house after my office" she added. "Bye for now, take care" and the phone was hanged. I felt so sad after that. I cannot compose myself till after I ate my lunch. A young sweet sixteen girl came in. She is all orange and sun country tan and over statutory age at a glance. She said "I have a date tonight, but I can break it just for you". "No, keep it" I said. "I don't want to mess up with your plans and besides you are....quickly I did not continue what I want to say. I don't like to be rude. Then I continued but interrupted. "Okay" she said she wrote something on a slip of paper and pushed it at me. "That's my name and phone number. You can get me here before five and thereafter five" she said. I glanced at it and read. "So you are Melbourne. Can I call you Mel?" "Call me what you wish" she answered. Then she went away. When the day ends, I went to get my car in the parking area. I saw a Rent-a-Girl standing next to my car. It was Mel. You haven't call me so I decided to wait here. "Sorry, I have been busy". I said. She pouted. "And I thought you were interested" Then how about tonight?" "That is if you aren't busy".she said without a lot of doubt's. "Tonight is fine"But no more places in motels I know that could be private for us.You are young and beautiful. Be careful of your reputation".I answered. "Then, I go with you in your house" she suggested. "Wait for me there, I will talk to some folks and say that I will stay overnight in one of my friend's house" she added. I will be back home tomorrow". I winked.

Scene 13- Jame's House
She went through the whole house and was so delighted with the ambiance, a very cool place full of plants and she thought and say "its like an enchanted kingdom of a prince". She went to the bedroom without hesitation and she didn't see any sign of his being a married man. Marigold's picture frame wasn't there anymore in the bedroom or anywhere in the house. She opened her flight handy bag and got two sandwiches wrapped in plastic bag and another cellophane. " I have to hang up my dress so it won't be wrinkled" she begins to undress and went to the closet of his bedroom then to the bathroom for a shower. When she finished, she is in her slightly skinny robe wrapped around her body. "Do you smoke?" Sometimes, I said. "Good, I've got some great grass". She opened the small cellophane and say "Do you like this?" "They are fun. A wholesale drug salesman gives me of them and they're fresh, I just got them today" she said. I immediately reach for her but she slipped away from me. "Don't be in such a rush" she said. Open a bottle of champagne and prepare the glass while I prepare this grass for us". We sipped together in one glass for our shot and one rolled paper of lighted grass for our smoke. Then afterwards we are almost high I rolled my self over her body in my soft bed. She was too aggressive now than me grabbing my balls. "Oh God" she said. "They"re so full and heavy". So I started doing my own technique to get aroused. After the first round, she asked " Do you have to take a p*e?" "Now that you mentioned, I do then". I started out of it and will have our second round. She followed me into the bathroom. "Let me hold it" she said. "Be my guest. Meantime prepare me for another shot of champagne please". I said but the door rang. And I heard Madonna's voice. I immediately wear my brief and shorts with my sleeveless shirt. "Hurry, don't come out from the bathroom while you are undressed. Someone is ringing my doorbell. Madonna is here" I said and I ran towards the door excited to see her, not waiting very long. "Glad you came" I said when I opened the door. "How's going on? I am fine. I have a gift for you". She said. Its a box. She handed to me and when I opened, I saw the NIV Bible. "Please be reminded of these verses" she added. "I put a marked on them here so you can read them over and over again while you think of me". Then she opened the pages and reads Proverbs 5:21; and followed by Hebrew 4:13. " For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all your paths" while Madonna was reading, suddenly, a strong wind filled the air inside the house followed by a sound of groaning coming from the underground. She continues to make her explanation to him. If an adulterer thinks his sin is a secret, he deceives himself. Nothing is hidden from God's eyes. He sees all and He knows all. God whose knowledge matters more than that of any other person can't be fooled or hidden from the thought of the Lord, all seeing eye brings comfort to those who walks uprightly, but brings guilt and fear to those who pursue wickedness". A whirl wind finally was becoming stronger while Madonna was speaking her words from the Bible verse. And the dish garden pulled and ate up Melbourne to the dish garden and then she disappeared. Her white panty was left on top of the dish garden and Madonna and himself saw how fast the flower turned from orange to yellow and then to pink colors. I was so afraid after that. She immediately went to the bathroom inside his bedroom and say a short prayer. Then returned to the kitchen where the dish garden is and placed the Holy Bible on top of the Dish Garden for the final ritual to unlease bad spirits.

To be continued... Hang on for next week.
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