Update: So far I have sent out a few articles for guest blog pieces this week and have submitted a few pieces for publication. Though I’ll probably fall short of my thirty submission in the month challenge, so far, this has been a really good experience for me.
Anyway with my challenge, I’ve been trying to post more creative works that I have written on my blog. So here is a short piece I wrote a few years ago for a blog contest, where you were suppose to rewrite Pride and Prejudice. I didn’t win the overall prize, but I did place in the top five for internet votes
Pride and Prejudice High
It is universally acknowledged that high school is a form of medieval torture invented by embittered adults to retaliate against the inconvenience youth has caused them. This was never more true than for an outspoken, sharp-witted junior named Lizzi. Her unconventional dress, and various charity causes, including most recently, “What are Men Compared to Mountains: A Weekend of Womanhood and Nature Retreat,” earned her much notability and scorn among the jocks and cheerleaders that roamed the halls of Pemberley High.
Today was no different, though as Lizzi ran to her locker, and hastily pulled out her science book, she noticed a lack of mockery. Perhaps, they have finally seen the wisdom of my nature.
Then, she noticed that the halls, normally full of hormonal animals, referred to as students, engaging in mating and social rituals, which Lizzi felt were unnecessary and demeaning to an individual, were empty, save her.
She glanced down at her watch.
“Shoot,” Lizzi said. Late again. It was so easy for her mind to wander during her walk to school, and Lizzi often found herself lost in contemplation over a wayward daisy or rose that lay on her path to school. Sighing, she was about to renounce herself to the dull dribble called Chemistry when a splashof color invaded her vision.
“Hey,“ She said turning.
A boy, well-dressed in a polo and dark jeans, handsome with a brooding stare, stood in front ofher, nervously clutching a piece of paper.
“Are you new…lost?” Lizzi said. “I can show you where your classes are.”
“…I…”
“Let me help.” Lizzi reached for the paper.
The young gentlemen recoiled as her hand brushed against his.
“Don’t pay her any heed.” Caroline said, appearing from the shadows.
She was dressed immaculately, every accessory matching her cheerleader captain outfit which she adorned every day. This monotony made Lizzi’s stomach churn.
“I fear I might be ill.” Lizzi said under her breath.
“I’ll show you around and protect you from the pariahs that infest the hallways, mosquitoes on an otherwise calm June night.”
Caroline batted her eyelashes and interlaced her arm with the stranger.
He smirked at Lizzi, to acknowledge his awareness and acceptance of his and her social standing, and Lizzi suspected to rub her face in that knowledge.
“Arrogant jerk!” Lizzi exclaimed. “See if I ever help him.”
Lizzi had all but forgotten the incident by the time she arrived at Chemistry class and was entirely ready to immerse herself in the world of formulas and equations when an all too familiar face appeared at the door.
“Class,” the teacher said, “we have a new student. Meet Mr. Darcy, I assume you will all reveal your charitable nature to him in time.”
“He’s very easy on the eyes.” A perky blonde chirped.
“If you like the conceited type.” Lizzi’s laugh echoed to the corners of the classroom.
“And I hear his parents bought the mansion that had been left to dust on the corner of Main.”
“One thing in his favor, I suppose,” Lizzi replied. “Though even if he had all the money in the world that would not make up for his lack of manners.”
“What was that Miss Bennet?” Her teacher replied.
“I was just welcoming the fine and honorable Mr. Darcy to Pemberley High.” Lizzi said, standing. “We had the pleasure of meeting earlier today. I sure with his disposition, he’ll have no trouble making friends.”
Though no one else seemed to notice, Lizzi thought she perceived a slight discoloration in the new student’s cheeks.
“How very kind of you,” Her teacher replied. “And since Miss Bennet, you were the first to show the “welcoming spirit” that our school so very cleverly embodies, I’m sure you’ll have no problem honoring Mr. Darcy by being his lab partner…Kid go take a seat next to our self-appointed welcoming committee. “
“I’d be honored to be his partner.” The blonde said.
The teacher replied that she already had a perfectly good lab partner.
“Sir,” Lizzi retorted, “You and I had an arrangement regarding partnerships—
“Yes. Yes, you’re independent, and don’t need a partner because its “demeaning” to you self- esteem and sense of womanhood ,” the teacher replied. “But Mr. Darcy is in want of a lab partner, and as you are, by your own actions, the only student without a partner, there seems to be only one solution to our problems.”
Lizzi shrunk down into her seat, as the boy sat next to her.
“I..er hi.” He whispered, “this morning, I can explain, you see some of us are not as endowed—“
“Spare me your excuses,” Lizzi hissed. “Let’s just figure out a way to make it through the semester.”
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