Good morning, friends! Today I have the exciting responsibility of posting the first place winner of my 2018 Beauty for Ashes Story Contest! I am thrilled to be featuring "I Am New" here today and hope you will enjoy... The princess's hair blew golden in the wind as she wrapped her arms around the prince. The horse’s legs pumped as they rode into the sunset-- Emily Connors' hand jerked on the last word as she wrote. She glanced up to see her younger sister, Harmony, looking down at her from where Emily sat. “Um, doesn’t it look like I’m busy?” Emily asked, motioning at the notebook. “You’re always busy,” Harmony answered. “I wouldn’t bother except Momma said to. She needs you in the living room.” “Can’t you just do whatever Momma wants?” Emily snapped. She instantly regretted it when she saw the pained look on Harmony’s face as her lower lip begin to tremble. Emily reached out and pulled her sister toward her into a hug. “I’m sorry, Harmony. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” “I know,” Harmony nodded her dark head, wiping her small tear on her older sister’s shoulder with that motion. “You never mean to.” Emily wondered what Harmony meant as she pulled away. Her younger sister was only nine, yet so sure of herself. The dark hair was relieved by the brilliant blue eyes; her small pointed face was covered with freckles. Emily got up slowly and followed her sister reluctantly. Emily herself wasn’t ugly, but she didn’t look like the heroine of her dreams. There was no way you could make the brown hair into gold, or the hazel eyes into an indigo. “Emily?” Her mother asked from where she lay on the sofa; her long brown hair falling off of the edge onto the floor. Her face was pale, yet gentle and submissive. “Yes, Momma?” Emily stood by the side of the sofa, and reached out to touch her mother’s hair. “I’m not feeling well. Do you mind helping out a bit?” Emily chewed her lip—she really wanted to finish that story idea—She moved her feet together silently. “Please, Emily?” Her mother’s eyes met her own. I wish I didn’t have a family! I wish--Emily scowled, even though her mother’s eyes reproved her. With a shrug, she nodded her head, the action seemed to relieve some frustration. “Sure,” Emily said aloud. “What do you need me to do?” Her mom handed her the list of chores that were to be done. Emily worked the whole evening; washing dishes, doing the laundry, and cooking the dinner. Around five, her father arrived home. “Thank you for taking care of the housework, Ems,” Mr. Conners placed his hand on Emily’s shoulder. For one moment, the work was worth it. But the next moment, when Emily thought of the prince in her story…No, it wasn’t worth it. The evening wore on. Their dad tried to keep them cheerful, but a heavy cloud seemed to overshadow them. Perhaps that’s the reason Emily stabbed her food viciously. Perhaps it was actually because she was having a pity party. “Kiddos, I’m going to check on your mom, okay?” Harmony looked up at her dad from the coffee table before nodding. Emily sighed heavily from where she sat as their dad ascended the stairs. “Harmony, do you ever just get tired?” Emily tossed the book she had been reading from her. “Sure, but then I go to sleep.” “You know that’s not what I mean, Harmony,” Emily sighed again in disgust, as she laid her head upon her hand. “Then what are you talking about, Ems?” Harmony got up from her puzzle, and walked to her sister. “Why are you tired?” Harmony laid a hand on her older sister’s leg. “If I knew that I would stop being tired!” Emily exclaimed, waving Harmony away. “I meant—“ What Emily meant Harmony never knew, for at that moment their father rushed into the room. “Emily, your mother is very sick—” their dad grabbed a blanket from the back of the couch before turning towards them. “I need to take her to the doctor.” “Oh?” Emily asked, her heart beating a bit. Momma never needed to go to the hospital. “I need you to babysit your siblings. You can put them to bed.” “Daddy, will Momma be all right?” Harmony had caught her father’s hand with an imploring look. “Of course, just pray for her. We’re leaving now,” Mr. Connors turned to leave. “Bye!” Harmony cried after his retreating form. Turning to her sister, Harmony said, “We need to pray, Emily.” “Later,” Emily shrugged it off. “I have stuff to do.” Emily took care of the boys before Harmony decided go to bed as well. “Why are you going to bed so early?” Emily asked before sitting down and taking the pen in her hand. “I pray best when I’m in bed,” Harmony answered seriously. “Are you sure you’ll be all right by yourself?” “Of course,” Emily rolled her eyes. “I’m not a baby.” Harmony bade Emily goodnight before climbing up the stairs. Emily didn’t respond; she was too busy writing her story. The sunset’s golden beam reflected life—wonderful, carefree, and golden. The princess sighed. Life was exactly as it should be-- Emily jumped up startled. Who would be ringing the doorbell at this hour? Emily slowly walked to the front door. Should she open it? She peaked through the window to see to men in official uniforms—policemen. Emily had always been told to trust policemen, so she decided on opening the door. “Hello?” “Hello; is this the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carter?” One of the policemen asked. He was young, perhaps twenty-five. The other man was older. “Yes,” Emily said slowly, wondering why they were there. “May we ask if you are related?” The older man asked respectfully. “I’m their daughter…” Emily was wondering where this was going. “Can we come in?” The younger man asked. He expression was full of sorrow…and pity? “Uh, sure?” Emily stepped back to let the officers into the house. They walked into the living room and sat down. Emily stood awkwardly by the door. “Sit down,” the older man instructed gently. Emily did as she was told without question. The young man cleared his throat before starting. “I’m sorry, but your parents were in a car wreck.” Emily blinked rapidly. A car wreck? What? The sound of small feet made them all look toward the door. “A car wreck? Are they all right?” Harmony cried. Her big blue eyes were worried, and her face was as pale as a sheet. The young police officer’s throat seemed caught, so the older man continued. “I’m sorry, but the paramedics couldn’t save them.” Emily’s gut lurched. That couldn’t be true! “Emily, what does that mean?” Harmony’s young face was full of shock and pain. Emily felt the tears stinging her eyes; her face twisted painfully. “Harmony, it means Momma and Daddy went to see Jesus.” Harmony took one sharp breath. Her lip started to tremble and a tear rolled down her face. Emily couldn’t take it. Grasping her younger sister closer, she ran her fingers forcefully through Harmony’s hair. “We’ll be all right, Harmony. Don’t you worry. We’ll make it.” Emily’s voice sounded as if she were convincing herself as much as her sister. “Do you have any relatives in the area?” The older policeman asked after they had calmed. “Yes,” Emily brushed a tear, trying to think. “We have Aunt Megs.” “May I have her number?” Emily nodded her head. She told the man the number before the older policeman left the room with his phone. The younger policeman scooted to the edge of the sofa. “We’re going to stay and help you until your aunt comes. Is there anything I can do for you?” Emily was about to shake her head when Harmony spoke. “Mr…Um?” “Harper, I’m Officer Harper,” the young man introduced himself. “What is it you would like me to do?” Officer Harper asked. “Could you pray with us?” Harmony’s face was white with tears streaming down it. Harper looked uncomfortable as he sifted his weight. “How about you pray? I’ll join with you though.” Harmony bowed her head, but no words came. Only the broken sobs of a broken heart. “Don’t, Harmony,” Emily shook her head, crying as well. Her voice was laced heavily with pain and disbelief. The older policeman entered the room and looked at Harmony sadly before saying, “Your aunt is on her way. I told her the news over the phone,” the officer informed. “Are you the only ones in the house?” “No,” Emily shook her head. She felt dull, numb, and hurt inside. “Justice is seven and Ernest is two. They’re both in bed.” “Anything else you need?” Harper wanted to know. The girls didn’t think so. They both had been so kind to them. However, Emily again felt the heartache when Aunt Megs arrived. “Harmony, Emily, I’m so sorry,” Aunt Megs clasped them to her tenderly. Emily shook her head as the tears started. Aunt Megs looked so much like Momma! The pain was so real, the heartache so fresh. Emily pulled away from her aunt, and ran toward the door. Rushing outside…rushing to where she wouldn’t hurt anymore, Emily tripped in the dark and fell to her knees. Everything hurt so bad. Why? Why would God let this happen? “Emily,” Aunt Megs placed her hand on Emily’s shoulder. “Go away,” Emily shook her head and tried to push her aunt’s hand away. “It hurts too much.” “I know,” Aunt Megs’ voice broke a bit before she took a deep breath to continue. “I know, but it will get better. You’ll manage; you’re a strong girl, Emily.” “I don’t want to. I’ve been strong long enough.” "That’s what you told your aunt?” Mrs. Anderson asked. Emily and her siblings were staying with Reverend and Mrs. Anderson until all the papers could be filled out with their aunt. “Yes,” Emily nodded her head numbly. The funeral was over, the sympathies payed, and Emily felt so…alone. The sound of the children playing in the background only made her feel more alone. “Then why don’t you stop trying?” Mrs. Anderson pressed. “I don’t understand,” Emily shook her head. Stop trying? “There comes a time in all of our lives where we feel a little bit broken. Because the truth is that we live in a broken world. Disappointment shakes us, heartbreak crushes us, loss devastates us. We have all lost someone or something that we love,” Mrs. Anderson explained gently, taking Emily’s hand in hers. “But I don’t want this world to be broken,” Emily cried, shaking her head. “I want it to be golden sunsets and laughing brooks; I want it to be joy.” But, Emily added mentally, it sure didn’t seem joyful now. “God did too, Emily. God doesn’t enjoy our sorrow, and He didn’t want Adam and Eve to sin. That’s why He sent us a way to make beauty out of the ashes of our life.” “He did?” Emily dashed a tear from her face. “What did He send?” “Who, Emily, who did He send? He sent Jesus—“ “I’ve heard that in church,” Emily turned her face away. “He’s supposed to be good and a comfort. But, Mrs. Anderson, it still hurts!” “I know,” Mrs. Anderson’s face mirrored Emily’s. “I will miss your mother as well. But, our Kind Heavenly Father sent His Son to take away the pain of this world. Someday, you may be able to meet your mother and father in heaven again.” “Mrs. Anderson, how can I be sure?” Emily asked. “How?” “Repent and believe. Tell God that you believe. Cry out to Him, and ask Him to help your unbelief.” Mrs. Anderson watched as Emily fell onto her knees in prayer. Emily’s prayer was simple and pure, but meaningful. “Lord, I believe…help my unbelief.” A few days later as Emily found her notebook. Scratching out the pages about her princess dreams, she wrote, I am a new creation…and now I have a new song to sing. Amie Woleslagle (age 13) Amie is a wild, crazy writer who is either day dreaming or talking a hundred miles an hour. When she is not doing those two things, she is probably reading or jamming on one of the four instruments she plays. Writing is her overwhelming passion, but she is also passionate about horses, music, photography, blogging (her blog is https://crazya.blog/), and living life to glorify her Creator and Lord. She is the second oldest of seven children and enjoys being dramatic with her four sisters. Whether it is in writing or in her words, she enjoys making people laugh. Tell Amie what you think of her story in the comments below! 3/16/2018 08:12:23 pm
My goodness, this was epic! It made me want to cry, but it had such a great message, I mean, just wow! This definitely deserved 1st place!!! This was amazing, Amie! <3
Chalice
3/18/2018 12:29:01 pm
Wow, beautifully written! You did an amazing job, Amie! :D Keep up the good work! 3/19/2018 10:49:43 am
Well done, Amie! Love how you incorporated some of the phrases from Bella's prompt. :)
Anna P.
3/30/2018 09:33:32 am
This was. so. good!!! I agree with Grace F. completely! You are so talented, Amie!! This story was one of the BEST stories I have ever read--great job! Comments are closed.
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This page of my blog is dedicated specifically to writers. I've been writing for over half of my life. I live and breathe writing. Because of that, I'm passionate about helping other writers grow, develop, and succeed. This section of my blog will include blog posts dedicated to writing, encouragement, and resources. Feel free to read through some posts and my contact form is always open if you ever have any questions or need encouragement! ♥ Archives
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