Juliet's Shadow

By Jena Page

When Grandma brings a special gift back for Breanne, things begin to get complicated!
School. Best friends who are no longer best friends. The bothersome boy who thinks he’s her boyfriend. Then, the accusations of stealing! Things compound to complicate Breanne’s life just in time for summer holidays. She has big plans—and her mom’s away leaving her to look out for her younger sister, Katie.
Clutching the special gift to her chest, Breanne whispers, “I miss you, Mom.”
Poof!
Join Breanne as she finds herself on a journey that only she is destined to take. Juliet needs her help and she needs to be there to save her...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dream Write Publishing
• Release date: Dec 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9781988723280

Book preview

Dedication

I dedicate Juliet’s Shadow to my mom who taught me to appreciate the writings of Shakespeare, especially Romeo and Juliet.

I am grateful to all my family and friends who never questioned my writing goals, but only supported and assisted me to believe in a dream, one I greatly cherish. Here’s a list of some of you, some others who have been inspirational in my life, and some others who have been just great (in alphabetical order): Allen, Benjamin, Beven, Beverly, Brenda, Carla, Carol, Carolyn, Cienna, Cindy, Colin, Cooper, Dale, Darrell, Diane, Donald, Doug, Dwyane, Evan, Hanna, Jared, Jason, Jerry, Jackie, Kaileen, Karen, Kevin, Lexi, Lisa, Maureen, Mindy, Morris, Nick, Patty, Rhonda, Rick, Sammi, Sharon, Sheila, Sheri, Sherry, Susan, Tori, Yolanda.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Chapter One

Breanne pulled the leg of her jeans down over her tied runner. She always wore jeans, even in the smouldering summer heat. She never put on shorts.

Katie, we’re late, she shouted. Grab your backpack and come on.

Breanne, you’re too bossy. Katie scrambled to find her old runners.

Mom won’t like you being bossy.

Katie, Mom isn’t here.

Katie’s curly dark brown hair tumbled over her dreary, blue-grey eyes. She won’t be back for my music recital, will she?

Breanne didn’t respond to her younger sister, but her mind raced. Surely Mom will be home soon. The note Mom left on the kitchen table said she needed to care for her sick aunt in Africa. Her shoulder struck the front door, making her mousy brown hair swing. Mom better be home soon because I’m making big plans this summer – without Katie.

Scattered rays of sun beamed across the front yard. Katie turned herself into a shadow like a tiger tracking its prey. Every step, she copied Breanne.

Breanne reached the end of the crooked sidewalk and stopped.

Katie stopped.

Breanne clutched her canvas book bag and took a huge step toward the puddled alley.

We don’t walk this way, Katie said, taking a similarly huge step forward.

Today, we are. Breanne picked up her pace.

Not fair. Katie blew through her teeth, exposing braces full of French toast bits.

Katie, stop getting so close. Breanne slowed and spun around to stare down on Katie’s five-foot-two inches.

Nose to neck they stood.

Splash.

The sound of feet hitting puddles burst on Breanne’s ears. She held her breath and bolted for the nearest bush.

Shh. She waved at Katie to follow. The girls fell to their knees, and Breanne shoved the prickly, spindly branches aside to stare.

I don’t want to go this way, an urgent voice pleaded. Shaunalet, these shoes are my only cool runners.

Clarice, Breanne’s best friend’s voice echoed. Breanne’s eyes narrowed. Why’s she with Shaunalet?

Clarice, if you watched where you walked, you wouldn’t need to complain. Shaunalet waved her index finger in front of Clarice’s pale face.

But, I saw something glowing in the bushes over there. Clarice pointed to where Breanne and Katie hid.

Breanne cringed and let go of the branch as Shaunalet ran toward their hiding spot.

Clarice, I don’t see anything glowing.

Clarice backed up into a puddle. Look there. She pointed.

Breanne saw a flash of light in a bush. It drifted toward Shaunalet.

Not ever, Shaunalet shouted. I don’t want to help you.

Why’s Shaunalet talking to the glowing light? Breanne shook her head as the flash of light vanished right in front of her bewildered eyes.

Shaunalet, Clarice whispered. She pulled her feet out of the puddle and dashed away from the bushes.

Seconds later, Shaunalet ran after Clarice.

Let’s go. Breanne clutched Katie’s hand. She jumped to her feet and brushed dirt off the knees of her jeans.

"Why is Clarice with her? She’s your best friend."

Breanne ignored Katie’s comment. She pulled a clean t-shirt from her latest book bag. Come on, stand up, so I can wipe off your bare knees. Katie was so lucky to not have been born with oblong, ugly-looking knees like hers. Breanne wore jeans – to cover them.

Yeah, she’s Clarice. Katie peered briefly at the two girls scurrying away. Why did you take the pictures of you and Clarice off your wall?

How’d you know about my pictures? Breanne scrubbed her sister’s knees with the orange t-shirt. Were you spying on me, again?

Me? To spy is only for the birds flying in the sky. Katie rolled her eyes.

Yeah, I get it. Start moving. Breanne shook her head at her sister. Katie often gave ridiculous answers when she didn’t want to say yes. Katie knew exactly when Breanne tacked a new picture on her wall, took one down, or made any remodeling change in her attic bedroom. Their dad, Len Starling III, had reluctantly cleaned out the attic after Katie and Breanne’s mother, Verna Starling, left to help her sick aunt the last time. Breanne loved her own space instead of having to share a room with Katie.

Breanne eyed the alley full of puddles. If she and Katie walked their normal route, they’d be entering Partavue’s elementary and junior high school grounds. However, they spent too much time watching Clarice and Shaunalet, and Breanne worried they’d be late for their last day of school.

Katie don’t forget your lunch. Breanne dropped her left shoulder and swung her book bag forward. Unzipping the inner closure, she revealed a paper lunch bag.

What did you make me? Katie caught the lunch bag from Breanne’s easy toss.

I made your favourite P B and J sandwich. Breanne made the weekday breakfasts and lunches for Katie and herself because their dad left before seven a.m. for his janitor job.

What time are you picking me up? Katie took a few steps in the direction of the elementary school’s side door.

Usual time on Fridays… two o’clock, Breanne answered. She couldn’t risk her and Katie missing their Grandma Harriet’s arrival from Peru. Grandma Harriet planned to stay the entire week. Breanne felt ecstatic at the thought of showing off her attic bedroom where she planned to display whatever gift Grandma brought her. Breanne suspected the gifts would be cool. Last visit, she received a golden wedding ring from Ancient Rome’s catacombs where ghosts hung out. Grandma later gave her six semi-precious aqua-coloured stones she’d purchased from a Madagascar man. The man vowed the semi-precious stones were acceptable currency anywhere in the world and any time in history. Dad believed the gifts looked great, so he’d placed them on the living room’s stone fireplace mantel.

Oh crap, not Chris Long. She scowled as she spied a familiar form. Think I can avoid him.

Hey, Breanne, wait up, will yah, he yelled and raced to catch up with her.

Crap.

Did you get the last question of the quiz? he panted, falling in beside her. Yeah, I considered I got it wrong. Nah, should’ve known. I’m right.

School is over, Breanne whispered.

Bre did you say something? Chris walked faster to keep up with her. So, I got them all right… it… His brown eyes opened wide, and he flushed a rosy red.

Yeah, I got to go, Breanne said.

Yeah, okay, see you in class.

Breanne wasted zero time heading for the junior high school’s east entry. The east side remained the oldest part of the school and built of brick and stone.

Hi, Breanne. The math teacher frowned at her as she reached for the door handle. No one should be entering through these doors.

Sorry, Mr. Glenn. I have a valid reason today. Breanne wanted to avoid any chance of running into Shaunalet and Clarice.

Mr. Glenn opened it wide for her. Okay Breanne, this time I’ll let you.

Thanks, Mr. Glenn. Breanne darted through the open door into the dark, shadowy corridor. Normally, the east side remained off limits to students, except for emergencies. Breanne knew the rules. As she turned left down the longest corridor, she spotted Tammy Lee and Bruce Grehan. They looked alone, not huddled with Shaunalet and Clarice.

Hi.

Love your jeans, Breanne said to Tammy. "Are they from Audrey’s?"

Shaunalet appeared and bum checked Tammy. Whew, believed we’d be late. Let’s go. She sounded breathless as she smiled at Tammy and Bruce.

Breanne followed the group down the long corridor to their classroom. Sliding her book bag from her shoulder, she sat in her seat, second desk from the back row. She thought about how lucky she was because Grandma Harriet arrived today. She didn’t want her ten-year-old sister following her around for the summer.

Breanne, do you have anything to add to Chris’ comment?

Oops. No, Miss Murit.

Well, okay and thank you, Chris. There are ways to improve your grades over the summer holidays. Preparation for grade eight is the best way to approach your studies, Miss Murit said.

What will Grandma Harriet say when I want to be alone? She let her attention wander. Summer holidays are for exciting times, and there will be plenty of time for hallmark moments after. Grandma always brought her such cool gifts. She wondered what Grandma brought this time.

Okay, your report card marks and pertinent comments will be sent out tonight, Miss Murit said. Your parents will have access through the school’s website. Make sure you sign the authorization cards before you leave. And yes, you’ll be dismissed at lunch.

Oh, right. She frowned. She needed to stick around and wait for Katie. She wouldn’t be done with school until two o’clock.

Breanne sat back in her desk chair, glancing at Miss Murit. Her eyes drifted to Tammy, who sat in the desk across from her. She wore the latest clothes – designer wear. Something she couldn’t afford to buy. Breanna made a face then perked up. Shaunalet turned around and whispered something to Tammy.

Breanna watched Shaunalet wink at Tammy and turn forward again. Shaunalet borrowed her sister’s clothes. Oh, these are mine… she always said. And this I got yesterday at the city Dragonstone Boutique. But Breanne knew she lied. She’d seen her older sister in grade nine wearing the same clothes before Shaunalet wore them.

Chris, please hand these out for me. Miss Murit passed Chris a bundle of printed sheets.

Chris placed the first sheet of paper on Shaunalet’s desk.

Shaunalet examined the paper. Yeah great, so what’s this? Shaunalet faked a giggle.

I think it’s pretty clear. Miss Murit’s tone sounded severe. The owners of the belongings on the list want those clothing items back and are asking for our assistance with the matter.

Silence filled the room. Breanne noticed several students staring at their lists of stolen clothing.

Who’d want size eight female panties? Jeremy asked from a backrow seat. Especially, in a weird light blue colour. Mom wears white and…

A-And we don’t need to know, Chris interrupted. Okay, big guy? From his seat behind Breanne, he smirked at her. No one cares.

I care. She stared at the list. So weird. The underwear was her size and favourite colour. Someone else wore the same underwear as she did, and it got stolen. No one better take her clothes.

Okay, guys. Pay attention to the clothing items on the list, especially the blue jeans and t-shirts. If you spot these stolen items, use the contact information on the bottom.

Okay, Miss Murit, Tammy spoke up.

Someone knocked on the classroom door.

Breanne watched Miss Murit drop the list of stolen clothing items on her desk to answer the side door.

You’re the last class in need of these heavy yearbooks, said a tall young guy in the doorway, struggling to hold an armful of the plastic wrapped books.

Okay, Chris, Bruce, and a few others come here and help Adam out, Miss Murit said. Five eager students joined Chris and Bruce at the front of the classroom.

I wonder how my picture turned out? Grade eight was supposed to be the greatest year of her life. Grandma Harriet said so.

Thanks, Bruce. Breanne wasted no time opening her yearbook to her grade seven class. My picture is ugly. It shows my acne and yellow teeth. She crossed her arms and tried not to scowl. It proved unfair. Her dad wouldn’t let her get her teeth whitened.

Hey, Chris, check this daft one out. Tom sprang for Chris’s desk to show him a picture of the two wrestling during an outside gym class.

Yeah, cool one. You drank mud that gym day. Chris laughed.

Breanne barely paid attention. She watched the yearbook guy leave through the side door. He’s kinda cute. Miss Murit called him Adam. She looked down to examine the photo of her and Clarice taken at the beginning of the school year. It happened the second day of grade seven after they’d finished their lunch pizza subs and entered the east doors for Mr. Glenn’s math class. Neither girl felt thrilled about his class. Mr. Glenn asked students to take turns solving math problems on the front whiteboard. Breanne and Clarice slumped low in their desk chairs, hoping not to be called on by Mr. Glenn. The picture brought her back to the awesome day, snapped outside the east side doors. Breanne thought she would never forget her and Clarice laughing together. Then she spotted Shaunalet’s picture. I don’t care to see her picture. She slammed her yearbook shut.

Did you want to check out my new HD, Breanne? Chris asked. My parents won’t be home ‘til later. They’re at Dad’s cop bowling league tonight.

Breanne ignored Chris nudging at her runner underneath her desk chair. Afterwards, someone yanked her hair.

Ouch.

So, uncool, Chris. Even I could do better, whispered Bruce.

Breanne didn’t answer, hoping Chris would leave her alone.

I get it. After class… Chris lowered his head and whispered, We’ll talk later.

Breanne ignored him. She showed no interest in talking to him later. She focused her attention straight ahead where five students gathered around Miss Murit.

I’ll sign these yearbooks when I can, Miss Murit insisted.

She didn’t feel like lining up at Miss Murit’s desk. But her teacher would label her the worst person if she didn’t ask her to sign her yearbook. She frowned. No way was she going to let her see her ugly picture when she signed it. Maybe if she hid her picture. Breanna stopped worrying about it when she observed Tammy, followed by both Shaunalet and Clarice, pushing their way in between the other students to see Miss Murit.

I’m not paying attention. I don’t care. And why should she? She planned the whole summer to spend her life without her little sister tagging behind her.

Breanne listened to the other students’ conversations. She heard Devon Wells asking Rwona out, but Breanne knew Rwona would say ‘no’ because she totally loved Ron. Ron didn’t know it yet, but Rwona planned to call and text him every minute, all summer. Breanne knew because she’d heard Rwona telling Michelle how she’d bother him until he gave in and asked her out. Breanne spotted Samantha Hubb annoying two other students named Moe and Laura. Samantha swore she witnessed Moe and Laura kissing behind the baseball diamond. However, the loudest, most shocking conversation occurred between Bruce and Clarice.

Clarice, you should have told me. I would have stopped her from stealing stuff, Bruce said, hesitantly, before his voice got harder and louder. Shaunalet…

Don’t, not here… Shush. Clarice tried to calm Bruce, but other students quickly circled them, like piglets surrounding breakfast scraps.

What? Shaunalet asked.

Breanne debated whether she should run and rescue Clarice from the swarm. However, she remained stone cold as Miss Murit backed the students away from Clarice. No point in interfering. It looked like Miss Murit only allowed Shaunalet to stand beside Clarice and talk to her.

Clarice, you don’t need to freak out. I’ll take care of this problem. Shaunalet rolled her eyes at Bruce. Then she turned, and her eyes gleamed like fireballs as she stared at Breanne. Shaunalet opened her mouth and pointed. I know the clothes thief. It’s Breanne Starling.

Right then, Chris, with nostrils flaring, leaped in front of Shaunalet.

Chapter Two

After 2:00 p.m., puddles accumulated again from the rain.

You’re late. Katie frowned, her backpack on the sidewalk in front of her.

Katie, come on, let’s go. Breanne grabbed Katie’s backpack and threw it over her left shoulder. Breanne knew her excuse was valid for being late. After class, she believed she’d never get away from Chris.

She walked home the normal route on the paved