Mad Monks and Blood Diamonds: Balancing Reality

By Allysina Shinestone

You know how these types of stories go, right? It starts with a new student who befriends the main character. The main character then finds something out about that new student, and that's when their world turns upside down. Well, this is true for Clairisa Vinson.

It's the second week of Highschool, and the new students comes into class during an awkward confrontation. This makes introductions easy for Clairisa, as her name is spreading around the school like a new viral video. They talk and find they have similar interests. However, this new student may be hiding something that Clairisa becomes curious about. Uncovering secrets, dangerous cults, and supernatural occurrences, she soon wishes she didn't discover these as her past reopens dark doors with stronger attachments.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Broken Keys Publishing & Press
• Release date: Jun 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9781988253596

Allysina Shinestone

Allysina Shinestone is a Canadian author. Gifted with a creative imagination, she takes personal experiences and weaves them into her stories. Author of the coming of age, paranormal fantasy series, Balancing Reality, whose female protagonist experiences the struggles of high school while coping with a bombardment of supernatural events. Balancing her two realities comes with its own unique set of challenges. Readers will recognize the local landmarks and hot-spots from Ontario, Canada.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Clairisa Vinson stepped out of her house, number 199, and down the street of Constance Way towards the main intersection where the bus would take her to Channel A. High School for her second week of the new school year. She kept a quick pace while glancing at her wristwatch for the time on each step.

I just had to stay up last night and watch another episode of Night Bite. She looked down at her watch again. And I just had to hit the snooze button this morning. She said as she hurried to the intersection and pressed the button furiously. I’ll have to move that clock over onto the desk, so I have a reason to get out of bed to turn it off. She glanced to either side of the street and noticed no cars were in sight. She looked up at the red hand signal, rechecked the road, and glanced down at her watch and swallowed. Damn it. Going for it.

Taking one last look to the right and left, Clair pushed off her right foot to start into a run as she dashed across the two streets. Reaching the other side, she jogged over to the bus stop and slowed only to see a bright orange paper over the time slots. Scanning the words, Clair got the overall message that this particular bus line was shut down for the day due to an accident or incident at one of the previous stops - delays to be expected.

Great. Clair sighed as she looked around and hoped for an answer to her problem. Noticing the sign to the nearby park, Clair glanced at her watch then to the sign nodding. If I hurry, then I can just make it for the first bell.

She took off, hoping her clumsy years were behind her as she passed by the park’s sign and into the park. The play structure and swings were empty as she followed the bike path through some overgrown bushes and low hanging trees, leading onto a large open field that she recognized as her old elementary school. Nostalgic memories started to come to her, but she forced them out of her mind as she was determined to make it to school before the first bell.

Just along the path between the two elementary schools, over the wooden bridge, and then across the street by the Max Milk, Clair said with each breath. I can make it... I can... Something out from her peripheral vision caught her attention, making her stop in time as a large golden dog bounded in front of her. What the? she asked, confused as she skidded to a halt - not wanting to collide with the dog.

Where did you come from? Clair asked, looking around the field, hoping to find an owner. As she glanced around the area, she couldn’t see anyone rushing after the dog. Clair turned back to the dog and sighed deeply. I need to get to school, but I can’t just let you run around freely. She looked around again, hoping to see some kind of indication of where the dog came from. The dog barked at her and hopped around, wagging its tail. Maybe your tag might give some kind of clue... Hey!

Clair reached for the dog’s collar and tag, hoping for some form of ID, instantly the dog barked excitedly and bounced away from her. Come back! Clair called out as she started to run off the path and chase after the dog through the field.

Come back here!

Clair blinked and looked around as her words seemed to echo in a different tone. She noticed a man running towards both her and the playful dog. As the man neared, he called out breathlessly to the dog.

Stu, come here, boy! The man breathed heavily. Clair jogged over to him to make sure he was all right, but before she could get to him, the man waved to her. Don’t worry about me, Dear. Just get that silly mutt.

Clair nodded her head and started after the dog. Stu waited for her to near him and then bolted in the opposite direction. Clair sighed as she too stopped for a quick breather. Putting her hands on her knees and breathing deeply. Movement next to Clair made her lift her head to see the man had continued the chase. She watched for a few moments until she realized that Stu was unknowingly running in her direction. His head was turned back, looking at the running man.

Clair took off her backpack and prepared to run as Stu rushed past her. Reaching out to wrap her fingers around the colorful threaded collar, Clair gripped the collar and pulled back, trying to slow the dog down from its full speed. Her feet trying to lock into the ground, Clair felt the threat of her legs giving out from the large dog’s speed and strength. Screaming as she fell, Clair hung onto the collar as she was being dragged by the large dog - through a fresh muddy puddle.

She continued to hold her grip onto the collar and scream out for Stu to stop. Suddenly the dog slowly came to a halt, sitting at the feet of a woman holding a box of dog treats. Clair looked up at the woman and thanked her. Coughing occasionally as the dog’s long tail hit her in the face.

Really, Henry I told you! If Stu gets lose, grab the treats box and shake them. The woman said sternly to the man as he jogged over, carrying Clair’s bag over his shoulder. Stu sit, stay... She said, placing a dog treat onto his nose. Stu froze, his eyes narrowed on the treat. Clair watched as the woman took the collar from her grip and clipped a thick dog leash around it. Sighing with relief, Clair rolled away from Stu and stood up.

Oh, dear. Henry frowned.

Oh, Henry, her poor clothes!

Clair looked from the worried faces down to her clothes. Her eyes widened at the amount of wet mud that stuck to her shirt, pants, and shoes. Crap! I can’t go to school like this. The realization hit her, glancing at her watch, Clair groaned. I’m going to be late for sure.

Don’t worry, Dear. You’ll make it. The woman turned to Henry, handing him the dog leash. Here, Henry. Take Stu inside and go find Jane’s old clothes from this past summer. They should be in her room. Clair took the bag from Henry and followed as the woman kept assuring her that everything was going to be all right. The woman’s calming hand patting her own didn’t reassure Clair, but once inside the small house, Clair’s attention moved to all the small antiques and figurines that lined the filled bookshelves. She found herself looking with interest at the different designs.

Henry, did you find the clothes yet? The girl... The woman suddenly poked her head into the kitchen, looking at Clair. I’m sorry Dear, I didn’t get your name.

Clairisa Vinson... But most people call me Clair.

Alright, then Clairisa. The woman said with a kind smile. Now you go into the bathroom, here. Change out of your messy clothes - Here is a plastic bag to put them in. Don’t worry, your mom should be able to get the mud out with a wash or two. There was a pause behind the bathroom door as the woman again called out to Henry for the clothes.

Why did this have to happen today, Clair sighed, checking the mirror. Luckily there was nothing on her face or hair, but she made a mental note for later to have a long hot shower just in case.

Clairisa, here are the clothes. I hope they fit. You look the same age as our granddaughter, Jane. The door opened, and the woman handed her some folded clothes. Henry will be in the car when you’re done. As a thank you, he will drive you to school. Which one do you go to?

Channel A. High school, Clair answered as she started to unbutton her jean jacket and placed it into the bag that the woman gave her.

Oh, not far at all. The woman then closed the door as Clair heard her shout to Henry about the school. Clair continued to undress, thankful that the mud and water didn’t reach her bra or underwear. Unfolding the clothing belonging to Jane, Clair looked at the clothes and blinked in confusion.

They must have just been grabbed from the closet or something. Looking at the labels of the red long sleeve shirt and dark black jeans, she blinked as the tags looked like from some designer store or brand. If she showed them to Melanie, Clair was sure that she would recognize them. Quickly slipping into the clothing Clair looked at herself in the mirror, only able to see from the waist up, she shrugged her shoulders and opened the door. Moving towards the front door, she noticed her shoes placed in a similar plastic bag, and next to them were a pair of black boots.

Oh, those look sharp on you, Dear! The woman said, coming from the kitchen with a brown paper bag in her hands. You and Jane are the same sizes. I’m glad. Clair picked up the first boot looking worried about wearing them. Don’t worry, Dear. Those are Jane’s old pair. She gets a new one each year. Hurry and get them on, or you’ll be late for school.

Clair pushed the thought to the back of her mind and nodded. While putting on the boots and zipping them up, she was surprised to find that they fit as if made just for her. She worried about being capable of walking in the boot, but once out on the small porch of the house, she found it easy to move around in - also comfortable.

Here I made you a quick lunch - nothing fancy, just a ham and cheese sandwich with a juice box and three of my home-baked cookies. I noticed that you didn’t have a lunch bag with you, so I just whipped up something quick.

This is fantastic, thank you, Clair said with a shock as the woman pushed the brown bag into her filled arms. Moving her bag onto her back to make room for the two plastic bags and the lunch, Clair shivered slightly from the morning chill.

Oh, also take this jacket. It’s going to get cold out in the evening.

I can’t take that. You’ve done so much for me already! Clair said, waving her free hand from under all the things in her arms. She started to back down the steps of the porch.

Nonsense. You’ll catch your death without a jacket. Jane won’t mind.

I’m again thankful for all you have done for me, Mrs... Clair blanked, realizing that she didn’t know the woman’s own name.

Call me Abigail, Dear.

Right, Thank you very much, Abigail. But I need to get to school.

Abigail, leave the girl alone, Henry called from the driver’s side of the car. Get in Dear, ignore the tears.

Tears? Clair asked as she backed towards the car and opened the door with her free hand. Looking back, Clair’s heart froze as the woman was crying slightly. Her hand lowered from the car door handle, and Clair found that she was walking back towards Abigail. You know, maybe I might need the jacket. Thank you, Abigail.

Abigail gave a small gasp and placed the long jacket onto the pile of things in Clair’s arms. Clair then turned and got into the car. Glancing to Henry, she noticed a grim look. He pulled out into the street, and for a while, they drove in silence until they stopped at a traffic light. He looked at her.

I told you to ignore the tears.

I’m sorry. Abigail seemed so sad, and I thought...

That you brought them on. Don’t worry, Dear, you didn’t. It’s hard for her, but Jane is about your age when she left for school.

Where did she go? Clair asked.

Back to England with her family. He replied. Since she left, this summer, poor Abi has been sad. Seeing you brought back a bit of happiness.

Oh... she didn’t really know how to respond to that. She looked out through the window to see them pulling up to the front doors of Channel A. High school. Students were still walking into the building, but Clair figured the bell had already rung.

Thank you for helping with Stu and for making my wife happy. Even if for a few moments. Henry said with an uneven smile.

Clair opened the car door, got out, and smiled back at him. Taking all her possessions in her hands, she flung her bag onto her back. Tell Abigail that I’ll bring Jane’s clothes back later tomorrow, after a wash. And tell her thank you for the lunch. Henry nodded in understanding and waited for Clair to walk to the school doors before pulling away.

Chapter 2

Clair opened her locker and placed the two plastic bags at the bottom while putting the brown lunch bag on the top shelf next to her textbooks. Hanging the long jacket on the small metal hook, she looked at the collection of books looking for her science textbook. Finding it and placing it into her extra bag used for carrying her books around the school, Clair then found her two notebooks and slipped them next to the science textbook. As the last bell rang, she placed her pencil case into the bag and closed her locker, double-checking the directional lock remained locked.

Jane’s shoes made an echoing click as Clair rushed to the science lab. Most students turned to look at her as she sped by with looks of confusion, but from the corner of her eye, Clair thought she saw amusement, and did that guy just wink at her? Shaking her head to focus on getting to class, she turned the corner of the science hallway. Reaching the door to the lab, she peaked in, finding it more comfortable in the heeled boots to not stand on her toes to look through the small slit of a window. The teacher - Mr. Smithy, hated tardy students entering his class. Luckily, Clair didn’t see any signs of him from her point of view.

The students in the class were talking excitedly as Clair entered the classroom. Jane’s boots continued their musical clicking as she walked by the lab tables. Clair glanced around the room, noticing that as she walked, more heads turned her way. Her face blushed as there was a mix of oh’s, ah’s, wow’s, and many other expressions. Clair figured to focus on getting to her seat when she noticed the back of her best friend, Melanie Avalon’s head turn, and her mouth dropped open.

Damn did you just get back from Paris, Clair? She asked, looking at her with disbelief.

That bad? Clair asked, embarrassed by all the attention.

Bad? Girl, you are rocking those boots. I saw your hips swaying from side to side. Clair rolled her eyes at Melanie’s statement. Sitting in her seat, she arranged her books and pencil case on the desk. So, what’s with the outfit? Clair turned to look back at her, almost hurt by the tone in her voice. Not that you look bad. Far from it. But you don’t usually wear brand name clothing and Clair... she paused, looking around the room as the other students looking their way. You look like a different person in them. More confident. I mean, your hips swayed!

Blame Jane’s boots.

Who’s Jane?

It’s a long story. Clair said, rubbing her forehead. Opening her eyes from the slight headache forming, Clair saw Melanie continue to stare at her. Fine. The short story is that I helped a nice couple with their dog this morning, which included me being dragged through a mud puddle. The woman was grateful for me helping with Stu....

Stu?

That’s the dog’s name. Clair said mid-sentence, Anyways. She was also sorry that my shoes and clothes were wet and muddy, so she let me borrow her granddaughter’s clothes. Her granddaughter’s name is Jane. Therefore, these are her clothes.

Ahh I see. Melanie said, nodding. Well good thing you didn’t come into class with the muddy clothes or Mr. Smithy would have used you for the next science experiment.

I was more worried about not being late to class. Clair said, sitting back. He seems to be running late again.

Must be getting that coffee that he likes to drink in the morning from the cafeteria. Melanie suggested as she looked down at her phone. Out from the corner of Clair’s eye, she noticed Melanie scratching her upper shoulder violently. Turning to ask if Melanie was alright, her eyes landed on the reddening of her skin.

Are you wearing the gift your aunt gave you this past summer? Clair asked, half already knowing the answer. Melanie looked up from her cellphone and grimaced as she pulled the top of the shirt to the side, showing Clair the inflamed skin underneath a pink lace strap. I thought you threw it out. You know it itches your skin.

I know. Melanie sighed with defeat. But I thought, why not give it a try again. I mean, that was during the hot sticky summer that I last tried it on. This is cooler weather.

Result?

Still itchy as hell. Melanie said, placing her shirt back into place.

Why not alter it? Like your other uncomfy’s. Clair suggested. She recalled helping Melanie a month after her birthday to sew fabric around the itchy parts of different bra’s that her family would give her. She chuckled as she remembered her doing all the work while Melanie spent her time stitching her cellphone number into the cup of each new bra.

Didn’t have time to do it with this one yet. Melanie said with a strange look in her eye.

If that look is to have me come over and stitch it for you, then you can forget it, sister.

Oh, come on... We can then have a sleepover after. Watch a bit of Night Bite? Melanie suggested. Come on. Think of it, a girl’s night. We can invite Kyler too.

I’ll think about it. Clair said with a grin. However, if all you are going to do is write your cell in each one again...

Hey that is important to do. Melanie said defensively. Clair raised her eyebrow questioningly at her statement. Melanie leaned in and whispered, Well when the boy band concerts come around...

I remember this tale. Clair said with her hand raised, stopping Melanie from continuing. Melanie had explained her ingenious plan of using any unused bras as - band bras. Of course, Clair was curious to ask what they were and was led to the large walk-in closet where Melanie kept two boxes covered in band logos and rock stickers from concerts that they had gone to over the years. Melanie opened one and laid out many different bras onto her bed for Clair and their other friend Kyler to view with pride.

At the time, Clair was confused to see so many different bras in many sizes, styles, and colors. Melanie explained that ever since she started growing the girls her family kept giving her different bras for her to wear. The only thing was no one in her family knew what her bra size was or what bra style she preferred. So, the Birthday, Christmas, and graduation gifts grew. Melanie didn’t know what to do with the abundance of bras until she went to her first concert.

An all-boy pop band, one she had a crush on at the time, came to town, and she went with her mother to see them. During the concert, the bandleader went to the front of the stage when something was thrown on him. The leader jumped back in surprise as a bra fell from his arm. Melanie told Clair that the group leader improvised the next bit of the song, picked up the bra, looked it over, and took it back to the rest of the group. Melanie became excited as she told Clair that she saw the leader of the band give the sexiest smile she had ever seen and even quickly smelled the bra. After the song ended, he raised the undergarment for the audience to see and thanked the mysterious bra thrower. Melanie realized that she could reuse, renew, and recycle her useless bras for that purpose. She packed the bras nicely away, and when a male musical group came to town, she would pick out the right one to throw.

She leaned back from Melanie when the door to the room opened. The class went silent with a hush as Mr. Smithy entered and walked to the front lab table in front of the chalkboard. He placed his bag and coffee on the long table and turned to start writing on the blackboard.

Clair felt a tap on her shoulder, turning she saw a piece of folded up paper lying on her shoulder. Removing it and opening it up under the desk, she saw that it was from Melanie.

Forgot to ask if you would help me study for the English grammar test during lunch?

Clair folded the paper up and slipped it into a small zippered pouch in her pencil case with other folded paper notes. Turning in her seat to eye Melanie, she nodded her head, indicating she would. Clair learned to not talk during science, for that only made Mr. Smithy angry and throw chalk at students as the class found out their first class with him.

After the first week of school, the students in her class heard many rumors about Mr. Smithy’s bipolar mood swings and sudden outbursts giving detention to students for the most ridiculous reasons. One student got a detention for having dog or cat hair on their clothes, another got one for using a pen instead of a pencil for a lab, and the one that Clair recalled this morning was the student who got one for bringing mud into the classroom. She heard that a student actually had the guts to talk back to him, which caused Mr. Smithy to explode into a rage. The rest of that class was said to have had a horrible exam mark because of that student talking back to him. It was a fact that Mr. Smithy terrified her, as she tried her best to just get through a year by not bothering the teachers in general, but when you are unsure what mood the teacher will be on that day, only made the class that more unpredictable.

I’ll take attendance. Mr. Smithy said as he turned away from the board and opened his computer to check off the names of the students present. Clair looked around the room, counting the students herself to make sure that everyone was here. The last thing her headache