Stories

Derek Arriens had always been the kind of boy to help others, so ending up with a career as an EMT after high school wasn’t a surprise to him or anybody who knew him. Derek volunteered for the rescue squad as soon as he got his license at 16 1/2. Three years later something happened that made him wonder if he should consider a change of career.

One last journey to the outskirts of nowhere.

Dustin Smith isn't looking for love. He feels trapped in the black hole that is life in the Valley. Will he find light in the darkness, or will the darkness consume him?

Seven years ago, Jase awoke with the mystical power to heal people—and no memory of his past. The only clue: the number forty tattooed on his arm. Driven by a mission he doesn’t understand, Jase follows his visions to those he’s meant to save. He is convinced that the fortieth person he’s drawn to is the key to finally learning the truth.

Social worker Lucas Jacobson’s job is to protect Macy. So when Jase shows up claiming he’s there to heal the child, Lucas is wary.Then Macy is abducted, and Lucas has no choice but to trust in Jase.

But Jase is certain of one thing: if Macy dies, a dark fate awaits them all.

In the depths beneath the Everbright City lies a vast complex of caves known as The Shade. The Underking of the Shade, Salidar thulu'Khant, seeks to free the demons imprisoned in the city above and use them to unseat King Neredos, the immortal ruler of humanity. The future of the world rests in the unwilling hands of young thief and Shade native, Styx, who is thrust into the middle of a conflict which has perpetuated for centuries.

Rick Spivey had his own issues at Polk High, but when he met the mysterious Taine Maxwell, he developed an obsession which would change both of their lives forever. Something about Taine brings out both the best and worst in Rick, and in his quest to win the boy's heart, Rick undergoes a transformative journey of his own.

A short series of salty, savory cinquains for summer.

Continuation of The Scuffy

A mother sends her rebellious teen son to live with his father who abandoned him years earlier.

Growing up happens differently for everyone. Finding yourself takes time, and for some of us it's not an easy process. Sometimes it can happen fast, all too fast. Sometimes we let parts of ourselves stray behind. Sometimes things must get worse before they can get better. Sometimes much, much worse. But these are the things that define us. That much, at least, St. John Allerdyce knows. But it's one thing to know something and another to live through it.

River and Silver are back, fighting prejudice and the system to be together. With the help of Sam and his family they do the best they can but will it be good enough?