If you, the reader, are wondering what the meaning of the featured image is on this page, I will tell you:  It is a penlight and travel alarm clock that is EDCed by my main character, Owen Sullivan.  The ink pen signifies that he is indeed a writer.

I started writing this in the Summer of 2009, while on lunch breaks at the job of which I was employed.  The rough draft was completed some time in 2009 and I fine tuned the editing very recently.  Over the years, the most significant changes I made were to the names of the characters.  The core of the story remained the same, which is a high school senior who is an aspiring writer and his newly found girlfriend who is struggling just to get by.  The school administration, namely the corrupt school president, does not approve of the young man’s writing and therefore persecutes him.  That is why this story falls into my “Public Displays of Affection” category.  Yes, there is some fornication in this story and I know as a Christian, I should not write about that.  However, this was penned in 2009, when I was a much more immature Christian than I am now, plus I feel that this story teaches an important lesson about corruption in high places.

PS, the featured image is the items that my main character would EDC on his person, as is noted.

Without further ado, here is the story:

On a cold but sunny February afternoon in the city of Melody; Owen Sullivan was walking home. He was a senior attending an extremely strict roman catholic school. Owen’s dream was to be a writer and he would frequently walk around Melody, to get inspiration for his mind and exercise for his body. By his peers, he was considered a wonderful writer. He had written several love stories and many girls were turned on to him. His work made it to the point that some of his male peers were jealous and they began to spread false and disgusting rumors about him. This caused him to be admired but undesired. Many of the girls that were turned on to his work were also afraid of him. In turn, Owen was a very affectionate but lonely person.

As he went on walking; he thought about all this: his loneliness, his dreams, his works, and his school. He attended Seven Hills Catholic High School. Life at school was especially hard on Owen because the teachers and administration knew of his writing talents. They felt angered and even intimidated by his potential influence. Many times the school president had found his works on the Internet severely punished him. This was an attempt to make him conform and break his spirit.

The sun was shining brightly in the winter sky that day, as Owen was wandering around the north side of Melody. While out walking, he came upon a low-income housing complex. There was a beautiful girl, staring down at him from her balcony and sweetly smiling at him. He looked at her and she looked at him. Both were happy at that moment. Time seemed to stand still. Owen was greatly attracted to her and could hardly believe that she was looking at him, much less smiling. The girl waved at Owen and he waved back. Again they stood for an awkward moment until Owen looked at his pocket-watch and was shocked by the time. He realized his parents would be worried and that he needed to get home. Sadly, Owen made his way home. He walked in the door and headed to the loft. Upon entering, he pulled his penlight out of his side pocket and a composition book from his backpack. He began to write down all the inspirations that occurred during the day, which he used as notes for his love stories.

In the meantime, the girl, Ellie Pritchard, began to cry. She was riddled with hurt from what she assumed was rejection. Here she was, very lonely and finally someone pays attention to her. But, then he leaves suddenly. The reason for Ellie Pritchard living in a low-income apartment was that she had been declared disabled. She suffered from severe schizophrenia and received an SSI check each month. She took medication to keep her said illness at bay, but it had caused her to gain weight. This combined with the fact that she was alone in life and struggling to make it, brought on depression in her. Ellie spent the whole night crying, wondering if that boy would ever come back to her.

Meanwhile, Owen was writing in the loft by the light of his penlight about the day’s events. He was also working on fantasies about the girl he saw. He wrote until the batteries in his penlight died. While walking down the stairs from the loft; he looked at his pocket watch. While looking at the time, he thought of that girl. In anguish, he pondered how he might have just thrown away a chance at happiness. Many thoughts were racing through his head such as if that girl and he could have been an item or if she was upset because he walked away. Owen’s night was completely restless; until finally the next morning came. He grabbed his backpack, put new batteries in his penlight, placed his watch in his pocket, and headed off to school.

The day at school proved to be excruciatingly slow. Owen was feeling the urge to go walking, in hopes that he would see the girl again. Finally, 2:53 pm struck and the dismissal bell blared. He grabbed his backpack and once again headed to the north side of the city. He prayed over and over for another chance to see the girl.

Meanwhile, Ellie was sitting up in her bedroom and noticed that it was now afternoon. She too prayed over and over again to see the boy again. Ellie went outside and sat down on the bench in hopes that he might come back. Like clockwork, Owen came through the grounds of the complex. This time she said softly and shyly to him

“Hello, I have seen you here before.”

“Yes, I came here yesterday,” Owen replied as he blushed

Ellie asked, “Why do you come here?”

Owen answered, “It gives me inspiration for my writing.”

“This place? Why?”

“Not just this place but the whole city. Mostly just the motion of walking inspires me.”

There was a brief uneasy silence but then she motioned for him to sit with her.

As she did, Owen asked, “So, what is your name?’

The girl answered “Ellie Pritchard.”

Then said, “And yours?”

He answered her “Owen Sullivan.”

Ellie, feeling more confident, asked “Would you come back tomorrow?”

“Sure, I would like to see you again,” Owen answered as his voice shook slightly. Ellie blushed. Owen continued “I am so sorry I left you yesterday, it’s just I didn’t want to worry my parents.”

Ellie nodded understandingly, then asked, “Do you live around here?”

Owen answered, “Yes, I live in Melody.”

There was a brief silence, then Ellie asked “I think it is awesome that you are a writer. Why don’t you tell me one of your stories?”

Owen replied, “Sure, I would love to share my work with you.”

Immediately he pulled a composition book out of his backpack and began reading. He got to a very sensual part of the story which caused Ellie to tingle and twitch throughout her whole body.

Uncontrollably she lunged over to Owen, threw her arms tightly around his body, and kissed him. She giggled and said, “Let us re-enact this story!”

Owen, filled with a mixture of infatuation and lust, said “Oh, baby! Your wish is my command!”

They began to hold and kiss each other with strong affection. Ellie made several passion marks on Owen’s neck. Owen rubbed Ellie’s face and played with her long strawberry-blond hair. Ellie kissed Owen’s forehead and petted his curly, dirty blonde hair. Owen then rested his head on Ellie’s soft belly and she put her hand in his shirt and rubbed his bare chest.

For the first time in what seemed like forever; Ellie felt happy again. Owen felt completely ecstatic. It was as if he was living out one of his written stories, but it was much more fulfilling than he ever imagined. They continued to caress each other with great affection, all while Owen was still in uniform. Soon, the winter sun was setting.

Owen became filled with anxiety, looked at his pocket watch, and spoke with passionate sadness. “I need to go now, but I promise I will be back tomorrow.”

Ellie spoke sadly and with an affectionate pout said “I wish you didn’t have to go. How old are you anyway?”

Owen replied “I just made 18. And you?”

Ellie answered him with happiness “I’m 20. Hey, since you are 18, you can legally stay with me.”

Owen replied “I would want that too, but the school president would expel me if he found out I was shacking up. Then my parents would have lost a lot of money they paid for my tuition.”

He paused and continued “It would be worth it all for you.”

Ellie smiled and said, “Just consider it.”

Owen nodded his head then kissed her goodbye.

She happily remarked, “I’ll be waiting for you.”

Owen walked home and once again went up into the loft. He wrote again until the batteries in his penlight completely died. He then went to bed and dreamed many beautiful dreams about Ellie. On the other hand, Ellie felt sad, yet hopeful, as she prepared her dinner. She ate dinner, took her medicine, and then went to bed dreaming of Owen. Both woke up in great pleasure and prepared for the day ahead. Ellie had truly fallen for Owen and truly wanted for him to stay with her. Owen had also genuinely fallen for Ellie and wanted to stay with her, but was afraid of repercussions from his school president. He lay in bed sometime between twilight and dawn, wrestling with the idea of moving in with Ellie. Finally, dawn was breaking and Owen made up his mind. He loaded his backpack with several changes of clothes. He also packed his writing tools, composition books, penlight, and pocket watch and set out on his way to school. Owen was now set to go anywhere and do anything his situation would require.

A half-hour later, He walked into class just before the morning bell rang. This day seemed like the slowest day yet. Owen was filled with anxiety and he did not pay much attention to the teachers. The only thing, or person rather, on his mind was Ellie Pritchard. After what seemed like the longest school day ever; the bell finally rang. Owen headed straight for her apartment. Upon arrival, she greeted him lovingly. She grabbed him and kissed his face repeatedly. They sat down on the bench, holding hands.

“I’ve decided to stay with you,” Owen said with great affection.

Ellie was ecstatic as she replied, “You really will?”

“Of course, I will!” Owen replied with assurance.

Ellie held him even tighter and said “And you’ll be my one and only!”

Owen nodded and began to read to her. “I wrote this for you!” He said.

When he finished, there was another uneasy silence.

Ellie felt tingles and twitches throughout her whole body.

Soon, the winds from the north began to increase. They were just enough to make both Ellie and Owen uncomfortable. Both were shivering from the chill in the air and Owen reached for his pocket-watch.

Ellie broke the silence as she offered “Why don’t we go inside.”

Owen simply nodded in agreement and followed her.

As they walked inside, Ellie walked to her portable heater and, bent over and turned it on. The light blue jeans and a white cotton shirt she was clothed in showed off her curves. Owen stared at her with admiration and lust. She then motioned for Owen to sit with her.

He asked “You mean we get to snuggle? It would make me most happy to do so.”

Ellie giggled then said “Sure, that is very sweet of you. I am overjoyed that you want to snuggle with me.”

With that being said, they were covered up in a dark blue blanket. The sunset faded through the window of the apartment, and soon they fell asleep in each other’s arms.

At seven pm they awoke to the gurgling of each other’s stomachs. Ellie fixed a simple meal of canned white beans for both of them. When the food was prepared, they ate on Ellie’s coffee table. After their first dinner together, they sat on that convertible sofa and conversed with each other. All was going great until the subject was Ellie’s illness.

She said “I ran away when I was 18. I went to a shelter and then was committed. The doctors diagnosed me with schizophrenia. After my release, I was set up with this apartment. I’ve been all by myself ever since.” Ellie paused then said “I hope I don’t scare you off by talking about my illness. It is well controlled with my medicine.”

Owen reassuringly replied “It doesn’t bother me at all. I read many times that people with that illness are very kind and creative. You’ve already given me plenty of inspiration with just your touch. I can only imagine what’s in your beautiful mind and soul. You could help me write many amazing things!”

Ellie then asked, “How will your parents react when they find out you have decided to move in with me?” I hope they wouldn’t be too worried and I pray that they will understand and accept me.”

Owen replied, “I will try my best.”

Ellie then said “Of course, if they don’t, you are legal and you can stay with me anyway. I want you to keep me company and love me.” ‘

He spoke to her “Wow, you make me feel overwhelmingly blissful. I have wanted you ever since I first laid eyes upon you.”

Ellie blushed and rubbed her face against his.

She then replied, “I never thought this would happen to me, but I am glad it is.” She paused, and then continued “I never thought I would find that special someone.”

Owen simply smiled and said nothing. Ellie continued, asking him “You truly want us to be together right? I pray your answer is yes.”

Owen smiled and sweetly replied “Of course I do. I can envision us, together, against the world. It sounds wonderful to me. I want to be with you and I hope my parents accept that. If not, I will still stay with you.”

Ellie threw her arms around him with a joyful smile and twinkling eyes. She then asked, “So you really will stay with me tonight?”

Owen replied, “And tomorrow night, and every night until the end of time if you wish.”

With great excitement, Ellie wrapped her legs around Owen, then sucked his mouth in a passionate kiss.

Owen said, “You know one day I will pay both our ways with my writing.” He stood up for just a moment looked at his watch. It indicated 8 pm. He then began to pace around the room.

Ellie cried in distress “Please stay here.”

He rushed himself to her and “Of course I will stay, and forgive me for upsetting you. It’s just I need my uniform washed. I still want to finish school you know.”

Ellie replied, “Sure I can have that done.”

With that, Owen removed his shirt and was feeling quite chilly. He pulled another tee-shirt from his backpack. Ellie gave him a pair of unisex sleeping pants. They then walked out of her room and down to the laundry room, with their hands on each other’s backside. Owen and Ellie set their clothes in a washing machine and turned it on. While waiting for the clothes to wash, they decided to sit down on that same bench where they first talked to each other. Ellie sat up straight while Owen rested his head in her lap. They cuddled affectionately together until two athletes from Owen’s school arrived. They came to the complex to buy prescription pills. When they spotted the couple, both decided to make trouble.

Owen became nervous.

He said “Those are two boys from my school. Austin Dupont and Al Hardy. They make trouble with me all the time. What are they doing here?”

Ellie replied with a whisper “Coming buy pills. There is a pusher who lives in this complex. They meet with him all the time.”

“You don’t say. They could be expelled for that.” Owen replied. He paused then continued “Actually no, forget it. It would get someone like me expelled, but the school president would allow them to do it because of their athletic skills. Not to mention their families are filthy rich.”

“Just keep quiet,” Ellie whispered.

But it was too late. They had been spotted.

Austin said loudly “Look at Owen Sullivan, with his nut case girlfriend.”

Al followed with “That’s probably the best he could do.”

Ellie was reduced to tears when Owen said in anger “Get the hell out of here or I will call the cops!”

Austin mockingly said “Oh look he’ll call the cops. My family knows the police chief they won’t do us anything.” Ellie handed Owen her mobile phone and showed them the digits 911.

Owen then said, “I’m not playing, if you two good for nothing excuses for human beings don’t get out of here right now, I will have you thrown in jail.”

They continued to mock and taunt.

“Wait, you’re both going to catch a disturbing the peace charge for sure. And I know you’re both dirty, so probably a drug possession charge as well.”

They attacked Owen and he dropped Ellie’s phone.

Ellie quickly picked it up, pressed the send button, was connected, and explained the situation to the dispatcher.

Austin and Al continued attacking Owen.

In a short while, a unit from the Melody PD arrived on the scene. At first, the policeman tried to make the two boys leave. They refused and explained their connections.

Owen told the responding officer “Check them for drugs, they came to buy pills.”

Austin cursed the cop lower than a dog and spit at him, to which he was arrested. Pills were found on him. Al also was found to be dirty and punched the officer during the search. Additionally, Owen pressed assault and battery charges on them as well. Al and Austin were eventually detained and dragged off.

After the two troublemakers were taken from the scene, Ellie was still in tears as she spoke with grief, “I’m not good enough for you, I am a nut case.”

Lovingly, Owen wrapped himself around her and kissed her tears off of her face.

He spoke, “I think you are wonderful and I don’t give a damn what anyone thinks. Please let me stay with you.”

In total comfort, she smiled and gently hugged him, then said, “Of course, you can stay with me! I was just afraid you would be turned off to me.”

Owen replied “If anything, I am very turned on to you. You saved me from serious injury by calling the cops. I am in debt to you!”

Another silence came upon them until Ellie said, “I love you, Owen. Do you love me?”

Owen gently replied, kissing her “Ever since I first laid eyes on you, I’ve had feelings for you, but now I can honestly and truthfully say that, yes, I do love you as well, Ellie!”

She smiled sweetly and kissed him with great passion. The temperature had dropped even more, so they decided to go inside.

Both began to physically express their feelings of love towards each other as soon as Ellie closed and locked her door.

She then said, “I want to make love to you, but I’m a virgin, so don’t break my heart.”

Owen replied “So am I. You must know I would never dream of breaking your heart. I want you until my last breath.”

Ellie grabbed Owen and pulled him to her with great strength. They then began their lovemaking. After many hours of cuddling and intimacy; they went down to get their laundry. Upon arriving back in the room Owen checked his watch, which indicated midnight. Momentarily he felt distressed, but then felt the stronger feelings of his love towards Ellie.

Owen set his alarm, then said “Let us sleep now, as it is a school night for me.” Ellie nodded her head in agreement and kissed him. They climbed into her convertible sofa and lovingly fell asleep in each other’s arms the whole night through. 5:30 am came damn too quickly and Owen woke up in Ellie’s arms. He began to kiss her until she woke up.

“Please come back to me today.” She said with a cute smile and puppy dog eyes.

Owen replied, “Not just today, but every day until the end of time.”

He then looked at his watch and said, “I have to go now.”

“Just come back as quickly as you can!”

“I promise you, I will!” Owen replied, then put his penlight in one pocket and watch in the other then kissed her and headed off to school. He made it just in time for the first bell.

As Owen was sitting down in class, daydreaming about Ellie. The school president’s voice suddenly came in over the intercom and said, “Please send Owen Sullivan to my office with his books.”

“He’s on his way,” The teacher replied, and motioned for him to leave the classroom. Owen grabbed his backpack and headed for the office. He was filled with anger because the administration had harassed him many times before. Knowing this was about him and Ellie and the boys that were making trouble with them; he was going to stand up for himself this time.

When he arrived, the president spoke with a fit of very disturbing anger, “My sources are telling me that you are the reason some students were arrested. Start talking-now!”

Owen replied in an irritated voice, ¨Yes, it is true. I had them arrested because they were harassing my girlfriend and me. Then they beat the hell out of me. Not to mention they also bought prescription pills illegally.”

The president backed him into a corner and said angrily, “Those two boys come from families that keep our school functioning financially. They are also fine athletes.”

“Yeah, they probably take those pills because of all the sports injuries they sustain,” Owen remarked.

“Shut your mouth. That is none of your business!” The school president shouted, paused, then continued, “Furthermore, I have witnesses saying that you and that girl were carrying on in a lewd way, while you were in uniform. I can expel you on the spot for that. I will, however, give you another chance and let you graduate, if you agree to drop the charges and break up with that girl. It’s all up to you.”

Owen said in distress, “You don’t understand, I love her.”

The president replied with anger, “Save it for your counselor because I don’t care. Furthermore, you have misrepresented this school and you must be punished.”

“What about Al and Austin? Will anything happen to them? They beat me up you know!”

The president answered, “How dare you question me?! They and their families contribute plenty to this school. What do you contribute? Absolutely nothing! All you do is write those trashy love stories that disrupt the learning process and reflect negatively on this school’s image.”

Owen said, “I may write them and you may not like them, but many people do. For whatever unjustified reason you are obsessed with control.”

“Regardless of what you say or believe, you will break up with that girl and drop the charges if you want to graduate.”

“I can drop the charges, even though that is flagrantly unfair. However, I cannot break up with her. I love her and she loves me. Not to mention she is a schizophrenic. If I did leave her she might harm herself.”

The president then said, “Good, then that would mean one less moocher that my tax dollars have to pay for.”

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