Through the Storm

Summary: A storm of epic proportions is building in the Midwest and tearing eastward. As Lakewood’s third grade class heads to camp, this epic monstrosity comes barreling towards their home. Can anyone survive? Can also be found here on ff.net.

CHAPTER TWO

The storm was epic. That was the only way any newscaster could describe it, even the licensed meteorologists on The Weather Channel. A convergence of systems, three lows in total, meeting in the Midwest. The northern-most storms would ravage Minnesota and the upper peninsula of Michigan, while the lowest reaches would flood central Mexico, ravaging already poor neighborhoods and killing thousands. Such a thing happened in winter, systems stacking across the continent and reaching far south. But that was usually rain or snow, or a combination of both, not severe storms with more power than they had ever seen before.

Choose

Summary: Arthur and the gang face relationship issues when they struggle between specific choices. In Part One, Francine must choose to keep dating Arthur, her distant boyfriend of two years who would rather hang with the guys than see how she’s doing, or to dump him and see what else is out there.

Chapter Two
Francine was running laps with her team when the boys’ team showed up for their laps. Raymond was among them, his workout gear still flashing the logo from the Hornets. He ran with the top pack of the boys’ team, his stride long and graceful. Girls giggled as they watched him, studying his athletic form and wondering whether or not he had a date. Francine was simply impressed with his ability, a feeling that didn’t change when they all took to the field for their cooldown stretches. Raymond was definitely top-notch material, and she knew the boys’ season would improve with a gifted athlete like him on their team.

After practice, Francine sat in the gym waiting for her father to come pick her up. She tried texting Arthur to see what he was doing that night, but so far he hadn’t responded. Francine was looking through a message from Muffy when she heard a bag land beside her. She looked up to see Raymond running a towel through his wet hair.

Francine and the Loss

Summary: When Francine and the Lakewood ice hockey team lose an important game against Mighty Mountain, Francine takes it really hard. Will she be able to continue her sport or will her pride get in the way?

Can also be found here.

Francine was rushing to get to the puck. It was ice hockey season in Elwood City, a season Francine had looked forward to for the entire year. Her hockey gear felt like a second skin, and as she raced up the ice, all she could think of was the score: Lakewood 2, Mighty Mountain 4. There were three minutes left. She could get there if she tried hard enough, if time didn’t-

The horn sounded. Lakewood athletes froze on the ice. Might Mountain athletes exploded as they rushed to congratulate each other on their big win.

Francine dropped her stick. She looked up as saw the puck floating across the ice. It hit the boards, but you couldn’t hear the sound because of Might Mountain’s celebrations. Francine sighed, picking up her stick and skating over to Lakewood’s bench area.

Sophomore Sorrows

Note: You can also find this piece here on ff.net.

Summary: Arthur and the gang are sophomores at Elwood City High. Watch as they go through the ups and downs that come with teenaged life. Rated K+/PG for some violence, some language, and some adult situations.

CHAPTER FOUR

“Catherine! Go, go, go! You’re going to miss your flight!”

Francine’s parents were happy to send Catherine back to college. Her fiancé, so California schmuck, was glued to her side, and Francine knew they’d broken a house rule and slept together at least four times while she was there. Since they’d moved into a different apartment, Francine had her own room. Catherine did as well, but she’d share with Francine while she and her love were there. In short, Francine heard everything, her young ears traumatized beyond repair.