Short Story

 Hello my fellow Bookwanderers! Today I have a special short story to give to you by, yours truly, me! I was assigned to write a short story for my literature class at my co-op, Kairos Christian Classical, and in the end it turned out I did not loath creative writing as much as I thought I did. It was nine pages long when I typed it on Google Docs so this may take a few minutes for you to read but I hope you enjoy it. (Fair warning: I wrote this in 8th grade and it was my very first short story, so don't expect Jane Austen writing;)





                                                         Booktopia by Audrey Wohltmann                             

    It was a bright sunny, spring, Saturday afternoon. Warm weather with only a few stray clouds up in the bright blue sky, birds chirping, trees steadily swaying in the light breeze, the day was truly a beautiful one. All was calm in Booktopia. You may wonder what kind of place Booktopia was, but the answer is quite obvious. Booktopia was a place filled with people who love to read books. They had bookshops and libraries, so many of them, crammed floor to ceiling with books of various genres; they had restaurants with many themes of different books and stories, along with bakeries. Everyone's house resembled a certain book as well. There was an Anne of Green Gables house, a Little House in the Big Woods house, and even Mr. Lemoncello's house from the book Mr. Lemoncello's Library. They had any type of house from any type of book you could ever imagine.
Booktopia also had one main type of transportation called Bookwandering. Each family who lived in Booktopia would have at least one bookshelf full of special books which led you to various locations in Booktopia. All you must do is open one of the special books to the page that has the location printed on it, knock three times, a bright light would burst out of the book and finally, you would hop into the beam and away you go through the void and to your location. The only danger was if the book was damaged, even by just a rip in the page. If that was the case you would have a difficult time getting free from the void. That is why in Booktopia they have trained people called the Exterminators to free people from that desolate place.
Booktopians, as we call the people who live here, cherished their books like a pirate cherishes his gold. Everyone loved to read, loved books, and loved anything associated with books or reading -that is-except for one person: Brielle Wiley.
Brielle was a tall, slender thirteen year old girl with wavy chocolate brown hair flowing down to her hips. She has beautiful hazel eyes and a pale complexion with freckles dotting her arms and legs.
You would think she would enjoy reading, especially if you had met her parents Della and Barrett. Della was a librarian and Barrett was a famous author. (Although most authors were famous in Booktopia.) But alas, Brielle was not a reader. She was actually the first person in Booktopian history who did not enjoy reading and often was criticized for it.
Brielle lived in a quaint little farmhouse that sat by a babbling brook with her parents who were avid readers. This farmhouse was a mimic of Anne of Green Gables: It was white and two stories high, having a gorgeous white wraparound deck and railing, a forest green roof and matching forest green shutters, complete with a white picket fence.
Brielle was homeschooled, but her co-op had just let out for the summer, so she was home lazily lounging around the house while her parents were relaxed outside catching up on their ‘To Be Read’ pile. While her parents were busy Brielle had nothing better to do than invite her best friend Brooklyn over for the remainder of the day. After phoning her friend she scampered upstairs to change out of her sparkly unicorn nightwear. As she was heading back down she heard a knock at the front door and raced down to find Brooklyn patiently waiting on the front porch.
Brooklyn was a slender 13 year old with an average height for a girl her age. She had slightly curly blond hair going slightly past her shoulders and had stunning teal eyes and a honey colored complexion with no traces of scars or bruises of any kind.
Brielle welcomed her into the house offering some water or cookies as they walked to the kitchen. Brooklyn gladly took up on the offer and snatched three round and squishy chocolate chip cookies out of the dish on the counter and crammed one into her mouth. Brielle then scooped up a few for herself and led Brooklyn outside to their favorite sitting area. This area consisted of a giant oak tree with the babbling brook flowing beside it.
After chatting for a bit Brielle suddenly said “You know how my parents bug me about reading or doing something of the sort?”
Brooklyn nodded a yes as she finished her last cookie.
“I don't appreciate being bullied because of that. And yes, I do know that I am the first person in Booktopian history to not enjoy reading, which is probably one of the main reasons I am often criticized and bullied; however, that does not make it right.”
Brielle paused to take a breath. “So, I have thought about this and have decided that I must do something to change it.” finished Brielle.
“Ok, so may I ask what you are going to do to change it?” Brooklyn said.
“I… have positively no idea.” Confessed Brielle. “That is why I brought this up, to see if you would be willing to help me figure out an idea.”
“Sure, I’ll help you. It could be fun.” Brooklyn said reluctantly.
Brielle thanked her.
The next day Brooklyn walked over to the Wiley’s house to speak to Brielle about her idea. Brielle was eagerly waiting under the oak tree.
“So, I have an idea but I don't know how much you will like it.” confessed Brooklyn.
“Just tell me!” Brielle urged.
Ok… Well, you could write a persuasive essay and present it to the council. I could assist you of course. We would have so much fun.” Brooklyn exclaimed excitedly.
“Uhh..” Brielle said slowly.”Brook, this is a good idea but we just got out of school for the summer and the idea of having to write something so soon is…unappetizing.”
“Oh come on! Just listen to me for once. Do you have any better ideas or even any at all?” Countered Brooklyn.
“Fine, we can do it. It better not take all summer though.” Brielle grumbled
“Oh right, let's do this. Like I always say, If you want something to change you better be willing to do the work.” Brooklyn said enthused.
“You sound like my mother.” muttered Brielle
“I’ll take that as a complement.” laughed Brooklyn

On Monday Brooklyn and Brielle met up at the park to brainstorm. Brielle had brought writing supplies and Brooklyn had brought snacks because she preferred to have snacks on hand whenever she would write. The two girls sat at a picnic table shaded by a canopy of trees. “Oh righty, let's get this over with.” muttered Brielle.
Hearing her, Brooklyn replied “You know it takes time to write a good essay right? If we work diligently for the next week we may get it done by next monday at the earliest.”
“Wait, you mean this will take all week including the weekends?” complained Brielle.
“Unless you want it to take even longer then yes. At least I’m willing to help you out. You're lucky to have a best friend who relishes in writing. Just please stop complaining or you are going to make this miserable for us both.”
“Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry, I just was not in any way looking forward to writing so soon after school let out.” replied Brielle with a slight smile.
“You are forgiven, your highness.” Brooklyn told her with a laugh.
After laughing out the tension the work began and work they did until that evening.
A busy week had passed and it was Monday once again. The girls met up at the Wiley's house that day to finish their essay. Once they did, Brielle and Brooklyn headed down the stairs to present it to Della and Barrett. On the way down they could smell the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies and they sprinted the rest of the way to the kitchen to see a platter heaped with chocolate chip cookies. Their mouths watered at the sight of it. On top of being a librarian Della was the best baker around town as far as the girls were concerned. After munching on several cookies and chugging down some freshly squeezed lemonade Brielle presented her essay to her parents and Brooklyn.
“Wow, you girls did an excellent job. It was convincing of the fact that people should be free to do other things besides reading.” Commented Barrett after she finished.
“Thanks, Brooks also helped a bunch. You know how much I loathe writing. I came up with a lot of the reasons and she helped me articulate them into essay form.” Brielle replied modestly.
“Like I said, I’m impressed. That's why we keep you around Brooklyn, to help Bri with her writing skills.” said Barrett jokingly
They all laughed and then Brooklyn asked the question the two girls had been pondering: “When and where will we present this essay to the council?”
“That is a good question. I’ll see if I can set up an appointment sometime this week, but don't be disappointed if I can't make it work. You know how busy they get at this time of year.” Della informed them.
“Oh yeah, the annual book festival is next month.” Brielle said.
“I love the festival! It's not until June though, I’ve heard that they use May to hash out the details of the festival.” Brooklyn told them matter of factly.
“I just hope they can make room to meet us before the annual three day book festival.” Brielle commented with a sigh
It was Friday and after four impatient days an appointment had been set for that day. The two friends were gathering their things to meet with the council at City Hall. The Wiley and the Freiden parents both told the girls they could meet with the council without parent supervision as long as they bookwandered there and back and would be mindful of their surroundings once they arrived.
Once Brooklyn and Brielle arrived at City Hall and traipsed inside they could not hide their awe of astonishment, for they had never stepped foot inside of City Hall before. The walls were a smooth soft yellow color and along the walls in gorgeous frames were stunning paintings of books. The floor was a shimmering and smooth marble, so glossy Brielle was sure she would be slipping and sliding if the only thing on her feet were socks. The stairs were so wide and grand and about as sleek as the floor. Hanging from the ceiling was a shimmering chandelier made of diamonds. When the sunlight filtered through the gigantic windows and bounced off of the chandelier the whole room looked as if you were stepping into a palace from the fairy tales because the room glimmered and glowed.
After admiring the architecture of the building they found their way to the secretary who led them up to one of the three councilor’s offices. The two girls were ushered inside and the secretary left them and shut the door with a click. Brielle and Brooklyn observed the immense room around them in awe. This room was polished and shiny just as it had been downstairs, so of course Brielle automatically assumed the councilors must admire the splendor of sparkles.
A councilor had been sitting at his desk when he politely coughed to alert the girls he was there.They jumped in surprise forgetting for a moment why they were there in the first place. “I’m sorry sir, we didn't notice you were here. We must have, uh, glazed over you in this humongous room.” Brielle stammered while Brooklyn was still at a loss for words.
“It is quite all right. I was enjoying the stunned looks on your faces. It was actually quite amusing.” replied the councilor in an accent Brielle could not quite place. “My name is Eli and I am to assume you girls are Brielle Wiley and Brooklyn Frieden?”
“Yes, I’m Brielle and this is my friend Brooklyn.” Brielle told councilor Eli.
After the introductions Eli summoned for councilor Caleb and councilor Clarette who showed up a few minutes later and thus began another round of introductions. Finally Brielle was able to share her essay. It took a good seven minutes but in the end it was worth it. “That was an excellent essay. You both wrote it well.” applauded Eli.
“Yes, it was persuasive and I do agree with you. No one should be bullied because of their distaste for reading.” Clarette agreed.
“I agree, but we must do what is right for the benefit of the people. We shall discuss it and get back to you promptly.” Caleb told the girls firmly.
“We appreciate you coming to us with this matter and hope you will keep trusting us. Would you like us to usher you to the door or did you bookwander here?” asked Eli.
“We bookwandered here.Thank you for the offer though.” Brielle told him.
“Yeah, and thanks for the willingness and taking the time to hear us out.” Brooklyn added.
“Our pleasure.You will hear from us soon.” Eli said with a smile as the girls were whisked away into the book.
Once the girls arrived back at the Wiley's house both sets of parents were waiting for them on the front porch with lemonade and cookies wanting to hear about their experience. Brielle was about to snatch a cookie when her mother asked “How did it go?” Of course it would be disrespectful to ignore her mother so Brielle and Brooklyn went into an explanation about their meeting and how stunning City Hall was. By the time the parents were done peppering their kids with questions it was nearly dinnertime and to be a good hostess Della invited the Friedens over for dinner. While eating the parents let the girls know that Brooklyn would be staying with the Wileys for the next week while her parents were out of town.
The weekend came and went and on Monday morning Brooklyn showed up at the Wiley's house with her suitcase and sleepover gear. As they were setting up Brielles room for that night a call came for the two girls from councilor Eli inquiring if Brielle and Brooklyn were available around noon. They agreed to the meeting with parental permission from Della and Barrett telling Eli they would be at City Hall at twelve o’clock sharp. Once the best friends were ready they rushed to the bookcase filled with the bookwandering books. It was already 11:55 and they could not afford to make a bad impression and in the hurry they were in, the girls had forgotten to inspect the book for any signs of damage. They opened the book, knocked three times and stepped into the blinding light, which seemed to be brighter than usual Brielle noticed, when all of the sudden BOOM! The light that had been blinding went out and the girls were enclosed in the darkness of the void. They could not see anything, even when they put their hand inches in front of their face there was only blackness. It was as if all light, and not to mention sound, had been sucked into a vacuum and left the world to defend for itself in the pitch blackness with the only sound available for hearing was your heart hammering inside of your chest with fear and confusion. The only thing they could feel was the warmth of each other's hands. They only dare to let go as they hung there blanketed in darkness for fear of never seeing eachother again. “What happened? Where are we? Why is there no light?” And most importantly “Will we ever get out of this place?” thought the girls fearfully.
Inside Eli's office, councilor Eli was getting antsy waiting for the girls. It was 12:15 and they were supposed to arrive fifteen minutes ago. “They probably lost track of time. I'll go down to the secretary's office if they are not here in five minutes.” He said to himself.
12:20 came and passed so down traiped  Eli hoping that the girls had only lost track of time and nothing worse had happened. The secretary told him she had not seen any young kids come through, so the next step was to call Barrett. Eli went back to his office dialing Barretts number once he sat down at his desk,asking if the girls were still there. To his surprise they had left the house thirty minutes ago. Barrett was sounding worried now as he told Eli that he had watched Brielle and Brooklyn stepping into the light, noting that the light had been brighter than usual and didn't think anything of it until now. “Do you think they are trapped in the void?” asked Barrett perturbed.
“It’s possible and since you seem so sure they wandered into the correct book I’m willing to call the Exterminators to see what they can do.” Eli imparted.
“Ok, good. Do it quickly so we can get my daughter and her friend back to safety.” snapped Barrett. “Della and I will be over shortly.”
“Fine, see you soon. Come by car or walk though, we don't need to have someone else to rescue.” Eli snapped back, his agitation showing.
“How foolish do you think I am?” retorted Barrett angrily.
While Barrett and Eli were wasting time bickering Brielle and Brooklyn were still floating in the pitch blackness. They were both pondering the same thing. “How much longer until we’re free of this desolate place?” It was as if time had stopped but on the other hand it was as if they had been floating in the void forever. Their legs were beginning to ache from hanging for the past hour and their hands were so sore from the amount of time they had been squeezing onto each other's hands.
Back at City Hall Barrett and Eli had finally finished arguing and summoned the Exterminators. Once they had arrived Eli, Clarrette, and Caleb showed them to the vault.
The vault was where the council stored all of the books that take you to any location in Booktopia. It also housed the records of all the places everyone bookwanders to, for the purpose of finding the people who bookwandered and were trapped in the void.
The Exterminators went to work while the councilors waited for them outside the vault to give them some space. Suddenly, they heard hurried footsteps and they belonged to Della and Barrett. Once the worried parents caught sight of Eli they immediately started inquiring about their daughter and Brooklyn. “Are the Exterminators here? Are the girls out? Are they safe? Where are they?”
“Whoa, calm down! Eli calmly shouted. “The Exterminators only arrived fifteen minutes ago and I don't know anything else because we all know that they prefer to work without the interference of others.”
Back in the void Brielle and Brooklyn felt something shift. They did not know what it was but they knew that they had felt something. It almost felt tingly, like pixie dust had been sprinkled over them. All at once a blinding light flashed, they felt a tug on their legs and were yanked into the light. They closed their eyes letting themselves be dragged away and PLOP! They fell into a heap onto the floor. “The real floor.” thought Brielle with a smile.
Both girls slowly blinked opened their eyes and took in their surroundings. Standing in front of them were four men in bright yellow uniforms. Brielle knew exactly who they were. Her and Brooklyn slowly stood up and staggered to the door with the help of the Exterminators. Once spotted by Della and Barrett they rushed in for a hug. After the reunion and many thank yous, everyone, with the exception of the Exterminators, trooped upstairs to Eli’s office for the meeting that was supposed to happen hours ago. As they took a seat Eli acknowledged them and then said “My fellow councilors and I have come to a conclusion concerning your essay.” Both girls fidgeted nervously. “We hope you will agree that this is the best decision for the community, including you girls.” Announced Eli.
“As counselors we want what is best for the people of Booktopia. This place was created for readers. For people who loved to write and wished to become authors.” Caleb continued.
“We do know that this is not for everyone and that we shouldn't force people to deal with it or tell them to move away. We, as councilors, would like our people to be safe and happy here in Booktopia.” Clarrette told them.
“We have been questioning how we should go about this, so in conclusion, under careful consideration, we will lift law section A number twenty seven, which as you can see is on the whiteboard in front of us.” Eli concluded.
Brielle was speechless. Never in a million years had she expected this to be the outcome of her essay. Her voice returned and she exclaimed “Thank you so much! Pinch me, I must be dreaming.”
Brooklyn pinched her and Brielle yelped. “I didn't mean that hard Brooks.” she muttered as everyone laughed.
After discussing the terms and conditions the Wileys and Brooklyn drove home. It was dinner time by the time they arrived and Della fished out the pizza in the fridge and they had a celebratory dinner. That night the Wiley house was full of festivities in celebration of what Brielle and Brooklyn had completed and things in Booktopia were only going to get better.


—--------------------------------TheEnd—----------------------------



                                   

                                 




                                  Acknowledgements

Thank you to my parents for answering some of my questions concerning this short story. Thank you to Mrs. Ginger Throckmorton for having us write these short stories because I have now found that I do not loathe creative writing as much as I used to, apart from the dialogue. Many thanks to several books including Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger, Pages and Co. The Bookwanderers by Anna James, and to Masterminds by Gordon Korman for some of my inspiration behind this story. And finally, thank you to God for creating me or else you would never have heard this fantabulous story.