I wrote this for English class this year, I thought I'd share. I wanted the story to be a lot longer, but it was only supposed to be a few paragraphs to begin with. I read this out loud in class, so it isn't a FINAL draft. Paragraphs aren't really there, spelling and grammar I'm sure are messed up, but you can still read it (I hope). Enjoy. Tell me what you think. I got an A+ on this and after I read it some kids in my class asked me what magazine I got the story from. That made me happy 
A Better Life - Jon Del Sesto
So here I was in the ShopFast, a place I’d been to a million times before. This time was different though. I was on my way home from work when I had the sudden urge for one of their 64 oz sugar filled ice junkies. I pulled into the parking lot, pushed open the door and heard the familiar jingle of the bell above the door. I walked to the back of the counter and started to pour myself an ice junkie. “Uhh, excuse me sir, you shouldn’t be back here.” said a rather unfamiliar voice. “What?” I turn around to see it wasn’t the regular Bob I was used to, it was someone else. Their nametag read ‘Hello, My Name Is: Frank’. “Sorry, uhh…Frank? I didn’t mean to cause any trouble…Errm, you wouldn’t happen to know where Bob is would you?” I said in a shaky tone. Frank looked at me in a way that people only look at crazy people and said “Bob? You mean the guy that USED to own this joint?”. I responded to him in a confused voice. “What do you mean USED to own this place? Where is he now?”. “Bob moved on. He said he found a place where ‘life is better’ or some crap. I don’t know exactly what the guy was talking about, but the bottom line is he doesn’t own this place anymore, so if you need to talk to him, I can give you his number, then if you will, please be on your way.” “Sure…I guess” I replied. Frank then scribbled down a phone number on a napkin next to the ice junkie cups and handed it to me. I took the napkin, thanked him and went to walk out the door. “Excuse me…sir?” Frank stopped me in my tracks. “Yes?” I said as I turned around slowly. “Do you plan on paying for that ice junkie?”. I felt embarrassed. I placed a five dollar bill on the counter and before I could get change I ran out of the store and back to my car. On my drive home I kept looking down at the number on the napkin…did Bob really leave? Oh well, I’ll find out soon enough I thought.
I decided to call Bob that night and find out what is making his life so much better. The phone rang and rang and I impatiently twisted the wire around my finger and tapped my feet. Finally he picks up! “Hey Bob, this is err, well actually this is Jon, you know me. I used to be a regular customer of yours at the ShopFast.” For a second I couldn’t believe I was calling the ex-owner and clerk of the ShopFast, but by the time I could think any further I got a response. “Oh, Hey Jon! Fancy hearing from you. I guess it’s good to hear from you, but uhh, how did you get this number?” he said. “Frank gave it to me.” I replied. “I was wondering why you left? Frank said you found something that made life better?” “Ah, Yes! Actually it’s a place, my friend!” He responded as if he had just remembered something important. “You should come to one of the meetings” he said “It’s amazing. I heard about it from a friend of mine. It’s a secret club, but don’t worry, I’m allowed to invite someone. Would you like to come?” Bob seemed happier then ever. I didn’t know what he was talking about but whatever it was it really seemed to be working. Then again, I’m sure anything is more fun then cashing out people buying gum all day. “I guess so Bob, maybe just for one meeting.” I couldn’t believe what I just said. I agreed to go to a secret meeting with the guy from ShopFast. I felt like a kid going to a club, but then again I was rather curious as to what could make people so happy. I continued with “When is this meeting and how can I get there?”. “Don’t worry” said Bob. “Just meet me at the ShopFast at 9pm and I’ll drive you there.”. “Woah, woah, woah! Tonight?” I exclaimed. “Of course, why not?”. I stopped to think for a second. I don’t know why I acted so excited, I felt like a moron. “Err, no reason. Yeah I guess I’ll be there..well…see you around Bob” “Okay, Jon, see you there. Bye” “Goodbye” I hung up the phone still amazed at what just happened. Part of me couldn’t wait to get to the meeting, the other half of me, probably the more sensible half was wondering what mess I was getting myself into.
I arrived at the ShopFast at about 8:50pm, Bob was already there. I got in his car and silently we drove to the ‘meeting place’. He took a lot of backstreets and roads I’d never heard of, I don’t think I was supposed to know where we were going. Bob seemed like a totally different person from when I talked to him on the phone. The ride was quiet and dull, even a bit awkward at times. We arrived at what appeared to be a closed down factory at about 9:30pm, now I REALLY felt like a kid wandering to a secret hideout. Once we arrived, Bob showed me to the rusty metal door and said “This is where life gets better.” I didn’t know how to respond. I was in front of a rusty door…I figured it looked better inside so I went to open the door. It was locked. “Um, how do I get in, Bob?” I said with a puzzled look. He looked back at me and laughed. I didn’t see the humor. Maybe because I just drove a half an hour for nothing, but mostly because…no actually it was because I just drove a half an hour for nothing. “What do you mean, hahaha? How do I get in.” I said trying to contain my anger. “You see, you can’t open the door” said Bob. “Yes, I can see that Bob. How do I open the door!” “You don’t open the door.” Said Bob. “I haven’t even opened the door myself.” By this point I was about ready to kill Bob, but since I already wasted all this time I figured another few minutes wouldn’t hurt. “So, where is the meeting Bob? How does my life change, Bob!? Bob!” I was pissed. “This is the meeting” he said calmly as can be. “Me showing you the door is the meeting. My friend who showed me the door, that was our little meeting too. Now don’t say another word. I know your confused. Trust me. Life will be better when we finish.” “Finish what? With w- Okay Bob, can we just go back to my place or something?” Bob looked at me and started to laugh again. “Hey, that kind of thing is illegal around here buddy. Haha.” My left eye twitched and I think my heart skipped a beat. “Oh shut up, you know what I mean. Go back to my place so we can talk about this whole LIFE situation!” “I know that” said Bob “I’m just trying to joke around a bit.” I just stared at him, I wasn’t in the mood for jokes. I just looked at him blankly. “Get in the damn car Bob.” “Fair enough” he said. I think he was getting the point. We both got in the car and with complete silence we drove to my house.
We arrived at my house, I went upstairs and ran for my liquor cabinet. I needed a drink. I found a bottle of 50 year old scotch. It was expensive, but it was also a gift so what did I care? Bob stayed at my house until 3:00am. He explained to me the way this thing worked, the door and everything. Apparently, whatever is on the other side of that door is really worth it. He handed me a book. On one page was what had to be done in order to open the door, on the other pages, were names. Names of all the people who now have better lives. There were at least 50 names, and that was enough to convince me that what I was about to do would truly make my life better. The list of things to do was simple. I had to attend a small meeting every Thursday night from 8:00pm – 9:00pm. Also, when I say meeting, I mean a real meeting, not just a chat at a locked rusty door. The second thing on the list was a list of films that I was to watch, and when I had to watch them. Most of them I hadn’t even heard of. They seemed to be independent and underground films for the most part. I recognized one film though. It was called ‘Roots’. The last thing on the list was a list of places not to go to and a list of products not to buy. I couldn’t eat at McDonalds or Burger King, and I couldn’t buy products from Nike, Sprite, or Nestle. Overall, this list seemed odd, but it wasn’t anything I couldn’t do. I signed my name under the other names in the book Bob had, and then Bob left. I spent the rest of the morning thinking about what was on the other side of that door. I couldn’t wait to see it. I bet it was spectacular.
I went out and rented the movie Roots, it being the first on my list. I had seen it before, but that was way back when I was a kid. I hadn’t realized how powerful this movie was, and mostly how long it was. 9 hours and 30 mins long. I was in tears by the end of this film. I finished watching Roots only a few hours before my first meeting. I returned the massive film to the movie rental place and proceeded to the meeting. I arrived at the meeting a few minutes late. No one seemed to mind, in fact I don’t think anyone even noticed. I opened the door and waited for a second to gather my thought. “Hello everyone, I’m Jon.” A group of people turned to me and then turned back to each other chatting and screaming away. One man stood up and extended his hand to shake mine. “Hello Jon, you must be Bobs friend…Please sit down. Your just in time.” I was feeling at home already. I sat down and slowly raised my hand. “Yes, hi. Like I said before I’m Jon and I watched Roots again..like your book told me to. I was wondering w-“ I was interrupted by a loud voice “Oh, don’t even get me started on that cinematic piece of waste.” I was appalled. Another voice arose from the group. “I agree. Any movie that praises those freaks is a piece of trash in my book!” Those freaks? I was confused. What did they mean? Once again another voice from the group. “It all started when we gave them the right to vote, you know that don’t you, Jon! It’s the whole dang culture that’s ruining society!” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I tried to speak up. “Are you people trying to tell me that all the problems of society come from th-“ “Niggers! That’s right” shouted one man from the group. Shivers went down my spine when I heard that word. I couldn’t believe this so called ‘meeting’. I ran out to my car in a furry, drove home and immediately called Bob.
“Bob!” I screamed as he picked up the phone. “What? Jon? Is that you? What do you want?” he said. “I want to know what kind of crap I’m getting myself into!” I yelled. “Calm down Jon, what happened?” said Bob. “I was at the meeting like the list said, and I was confronted by a group of racists! They said the N-word, Bob!” Bob seemed puzzled. “Well what are we supposed to call them Jon? Did you know that 60% of all crimes are committed by these people? Did you know that the crime rate has gone up since rap music became popular? Did you know that Jon? Companies and major corporations like Sprite, McDonalds and-“ I interrupted him “Nestle?” I said. “Exactly.” Said Bob. “These companies only encourage this lifestyle by designing their advertisements to appeal to this culture, and we are supposed to respect them?” I had to think for a second. “Well, I guess not, but I mean, how do you know that isn’t all lies?” I asked. “Simple, said Bob. Because I’ve seen it first hand. My father was killed by these people. They broke into his house, killed him and robbed him. You know what they stole from him Jon? They stole his wallet, which had not more then 20 dollars in it! These people don’t care about anyone but themselves. They are bottom feeders, that’s all.” Bob continued to talk about the economy and education. He went on for almost an hour about how it’s their fault America is turning into the wasteland it is. It started to make sense all of a sudden. The media is trying to convert people over. There are already white adults and teenagers that are embracing the black culture, and you see most of them on the news for one bad reason or another. Well I decided I wasn’t going to be one of those brainwashed fools, I was going to continue the tasks I was given and join the rebellion against this scum.
It’s been almost 6 months now since I first started my tasks. Meetings are now held twice a week and for a half an hour longer then before. During this time Bob taught me about the slaves, and how Abraham Lincoln was corrupted by bribery and threats. The only reason that Lincoln agreed to free the slaves in the first place is because he was promised a large portion of land. He was promised the land that is now known as Mexico as well as parts of what is now Canada. All the crap in history books is just a cover up of the truth. John Wilkes Booth was hired to assassinate Lincoln before one of his big speeches. Rumors were spreading that Lincoln was going to free the slaves, so something had to be done before it got out of control. Booth never got the chance to kill the president before his speech, but he got his revenge soon enough. Bob called me yesterday and told me that I was going to receive my key next month. I can’t wait. The moment I get my key and open that door, things are going to change. Bob claims that on the other side there aren’t any filthy bottom feeders, just a better life.
It was the day that I would receive my key and open the door that I had been working so hard to get. I went through my closet the night before and picked out my nicest suit with my best shoes. I slicked back my hair and I even waxed my car just so I’d look good arriving. I don’t know why it mattered so much; I mean the door was rusty anyway. On the other hand, a better life was waiting for me on the other side. I was nervous, but at the same time I could barley hold in my excitement. I drove up to the door and slowly stepped out of my car. I was surprised to see only Bob, I expected more people to witness what I had accomplished. Bob smiled and handed me a box. I slowly opened the box and inside it was a silver key. I held the key in my hand, it felt lighter then I expected. I turned towards Bob and shook his hand for the last time, I smiled at him turned around and placed the key in the lock. Click. I slowly open the door and what I saw next shocked me more then anything. It looked more like a prison then a place of dreams. No it didn’t look like a prison, it was one. It was filled with people just like me, I was confused. I turned to Bob, and he grabbed me by the shirt and threw me in the jail cell. “Bob, what are you doing?! What is this!? Life is supposed to be better! You said it yourself!” I was trembling, tears were rolling down the side of my face. Bob just looked at me and said “You decided to believe in the lies, now it’s your time to deal.” Bob turned around and closed the door behind him, locking it for good.
A Better Life - Jon Del Sesto
So here I was in the ShopFast, a place I’d been to a million times before. This time was different though. I was on my way home from work when I had the sudden urge for one of their 64 oz sugar filled ice junkies. I pulled into the parking lot, pushed open the door and heard the familiar jingle of the bell above the door. I walked to the back of the counter and started to pour myself an ice junkie. “Uhh, excuse me sir, you shouldn’t be back here.” said a rather unfamiliar voice. “What?” I turn around to see it wasn’t the regular Bob I was used to, it was someone else. Their nametag read ‘Hello, My Name Is: Frank’. “Sorry, uhh…Frank? I didn’t mean to cause any trouble…Errm, you wouldn’t happen to know where Bob is would you?” I said in a shaky tone. Frank looked at me in a way that people only look at crazy people and said “Bob? You mean the guy that USED to own this joint?”. I responded to him in a confused voice. “What do you mean USED to own this place? Where is he now?”. “Bob moved on. He said he found a place where ‘life is better’ or some crap. I don’t know exactly what the guy was talking about, but the bottom line is he doesn’t own this place anymore, so if you need to talk to him, I can give you his number, then if you will, please be on your way.” “Sure…I guess” I replied. Frank then scribbled down a phone number on a napkin next to the ice junkie cups and handed it to me. I took the napkin, thanked him and went to walk out the door. “Excuse me…sir?” Frank stopped me in my tracks. “Yes?” I said as I turned around slowly. “Do you plan on paying for that ice junkie?”. I felt embarrassed. I placed a five dollar bill on the counter and before I could get change I ran out of the store and back to my car. On my drive home I kept looking down at the number on the napkin…did Bob really leave? Oh well, I’ll find out soon enough I thought.
I decided to call Bob that night and find out what is making his life so much better. The phone rang and rang and I impatiently twisted the wire around my finger and tapped my feet. Finally he picks up! “Hey Bob, this is err, well actually this is Jon, you know me. I used to be a regular customer of yours at the ShopFast.” For a second I couldn’t believe I was calling the ex-owner and clerk of the ShopFast, but by the time I could think any further I got a response. “Oh, Hey Jon! Fancy hearing from you. I guess it’s good to hear from you, but uhh, how did you get this number?” he said. “Frank gave it to me.” I replied. “I was wondering why you left? Frank said you found something that made life better?” “Ah, Yes! Actually it’s a place, my friend!” He responded as if he had just remembered something important. “You should come to one of the meetings” he said “It’s amazing. I heard about it from a friend of mine. It’s a secret club, but don’t worry, I’m allowed to invite someone. Would you like to come?” Bob seemed happier then ever. I didn’t know what he was talking about but whatever it was it really seemed to be working. Then again, I’m sure anything is more fun then cashing out people buying gum all day. “I guess so Bob, maybe just for one meeting.” I couldn’t believe what I just said. I agreed to go to a secret meeting with the guy from ShopFast. I felt like a kid going to a club, but then again I was rather curious as to what could make people so happy. I continued with “When is this meeting and how can I get there?”. “Don’t worry” said Bob. “Just meet me at the ShopFast at 9pm and I’ll drive you there.”. “Woah, woah, woah! Tonight?” I exclaimed. “Of course, why not?”. I stopped to think for a second. I don’t know why I acted so excited, I felt like a moron. “Err, no reason. Yeah I guess I’ll be there..well…see you around Bob” “Okay, Jon, see you there. Bye” “Goodbye” I hung up the phone still amazed at what just happened. Part of me couldn’t wait to get to the meeting, the other half of me, probably the more sensible half was wondering what mess I was getting myself into.
I arrived at the ShopFast at about 8:50pm, Bob was already there. I got in his car and silently we drove to the ‘meeting place’. He took a lot of backstreets and roads I’d never heard of, I don’t think I was supposed to know where we were going. Bob seemed like a totally different person from when I talked to him on the phone. The ride was quiet and dull, even a bit awkward at times. We arrived at what appeared to be a closed down factory at about 9:30pm, now I REALLY felt like a kid wandering to a secret hideout. Once we arrived, Bob showed me to the rusty metal door and said “This is where life gets better.” I didn’t know how to respond. I was in front of a rusty door…I figured it looked better inside so I went to open the door. It was locked. “Um, how do I get in, Bob?” I said with a puzzled look. He looked back at me and laughed. I didn’t see the humor. Maybe because I just drove a half an hour for nothing, but mostly because…no actually it was because I just drove a half an hour for nothing. “What do you mean, hahaha? How do I get in.” I said trying to contain my anger. “You see, you can’t open the door” said Bob. “Yes, I can see that Bob. How do I open the door!” “You don’t open the door.” Said Bob. “I haven’t even opened the door myself.” By this point I was about ready to kill Bob, but since I already wasted all this time I figured another few minutes wouldn’t hurt. “So, where is the meeting Bob? How does my life change, Bob!? Bob!” I was pissed. “This is the meeting” he said calmly as can be. “Me showing you the door is the meeting. My friend who showed me the door, that was our little meeting too. Now don’t say another word. I know your confused. Trust me. Life will be better when we finish.” “Finish what? With w- Okay Bob, can we just go back to my place or something?” Bob looked at me and started to laugh again. “Hey, that kind of thing is illegal around here buddy. Haha.” My left eye twitched and I think my heart skipped a beat. “Oh shut up, you know what I mean. Go back to my place so we can talk about this whole LIFE situation!” “I know that” said Bob “I’m just trying to joke around a bit.” I just stared at him, I wasn’t in the mood for jokes. I just looked at him blankly. “Get in the damn car Bob.” “Fair enough” he said. I think he was getting the point. We both got in the car and with complete silence we drove to my house.
We arrived at my house, I went upstairs and ran for my liquor cabinet. I needed a drink. I found a bottle of 50 year old scotch. It was expensive, but it was also a gift so what did I care? Bob stayed at my house until 3:00am. He explained to me the way this thing worked, the door and everything. Apparently, whatever is on the other side of that door is really worth it. He handed me a book. On one page was what had to be done in order to open the door, on the other pages, were names. Names of all the people who now have better lives. There were at least 50 names, and that was enough to convince me that what I was about to do would truly make my life better. The list of things to do was simple. I had to attend a small meeting every Thursday night from 8:00pm – 9:00pm. Also, when I say meeting, I mean a real meeting, not just a chat at a locked rusty door. The second thing on the list was a list of films that I was to watch, and when I had to watch them. Most of them I hadn’t even heard of. They seemed to be independent and underground films for the most part. I recognized one film though. It was called ‘Roots’. The last thing on the list was a list of places not to go to and a list of products not to buy. I couldn’t eat at McDonalds or Burger King, and I couldn’t buy products from Nike, Sprite, or Nestle. Overall, this list seemed odd, but it wasn’t anything I couldn’t do. I signed my name under the other names in the book Bob had, and then Bob left. I spent the rest of the morning thinking about what was on the other side of that door. I couldn’t wait to see it. I bet it was spectacular.
I went out and rented the movie Roots, it being the first on my list. I had seen it before, but that was way back when I was a kid. I hadn’t realized how powerful this movie was, and mostly how long it was. 9 hours and 30 mins long. I was in tears by the end of this film. I finished watching Roots only a few hours before my first meeting. I returned the massive film to the movie rental place and proceeded to the meeting. I arrived at the meeting a few minutes late. No one seemed to mind, in fact I don’t think anyone even noticed. I opened the door and waited for a second to gather my thought. “Hello everyone, I’m Jon.” A group of people turned to me and then turned back to each other chatting and screaming away. One man stood up and extended his hand to shake mine. “Hello Jon, you must be Bobs friend…Please sit down. Your just in time.” I was feeling at home already. I sat down and slowly raised my hand. “Yes, hi. Like I said before I’m Jon and I watched Roots again..like your book told me to. I was wondering w-“ I was interrupted by a loud voice “Oh, don’t even get me started on that cinematic piece of waste.” I was appalled. Another voice arose from the group. “I agree. Any movie that praises those freaks is a piece of trash in my book!” Those freaks? I was confused. What did they mean? Once again another voice from the group. “It all started when we gave them the right to vote, you know that don’t you, Jon! It’s the whole dang culture that’s ruining society!” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I tried to speak up. “Are you people trying to tell me that all the problems of society come from th-“ “Niggers! That’s right” shouted one man from the group. Shivers went down my spine when I heard that word. I couldn’t believe this so called ‘meeting’. I ran out to my car in a furry, drove home and immediately called Bob.
“Bob!” I screamed as he picked up the phone. “What? Jon? Is that you? What do you want?” he said. “I want to know what kind of crap I’m getting myself into!” I yelled. “Calm down Jon, what happened?” said Bob. “I was at the meeting like the list said, and I was confronted by a group of racists! They said the N-word, Bob!” Bob seemed puzzled. “Well what are we supposed to call them Jon? Did you know that 60% of all crimes are committed by these people? Did you know that the crime rate has gone up since rap music became popular? Did you know that Jon? Companies and major corporations like Sprite, McDonalds and-“ I interrupted him “Nestle?” I said. “Exactly.” Said Bob. “These companies only encourage this lifestyle by designing their advertisements to appeal to this culture, and we are supposed to respect them?” I had to think for a second. “Well, I guess not, but I mean, how do you know that isn’t all lies?” I asked. “Simple, said Bob. Because I’ve seen it first hand. My father was killed by these people. They broke into his house, killed him and robbed him. You know what they stole from him Jon? They stole his wallet, which had not more then 20 dollars in it! These people don’t care about anyone but themselves. They are bottom feeders, that’s all.” Bob continued to talk about the economy and education. He went on for almost an hour about how it’s their fault America is turning into the wasteland it is. It started to make sense all of a sudden. The media is trying to convert people over. There are already white adults and teenagers that are embracing the black culture, and you see most of them on the news for one bad reason or another. Well I decided I wasn’t going to be one of those brainwashed fools, I was going to continue the tasks I was given and join the rebellion against this scum.
It’s been almost 6 months now since I first started my tasks. Meetings are now held twice a week and for a half an hour longer then before. During this time Bob taught me about the slaves, and how Abraham Lincoln was corrupted by bribery and threats. The only reason that Lincoln agreed to free the slaves in the first place is because he was promised a large portion of land. He was promised the land that is now known as Mexico as well as parts of what is now Canada. All the crap in history books is just a cover up of the truth. John Wilkes Booth was hired to assassinate Lincoln before one of his big speeches. Rumors were spreading that Lincoln was going to free the slaves, so something had to be done before it got out of control. Booth never got the chance to kill the president before his speech, but he got his revenge soon enough. Bob called me yesterday and told me that I was going to receive my key next month. I can’t wait. The moment I get my key and open that door, things are going to change. Bob claims that on the other side there aren’t any filthy bottom feeders, just a better life.
It was the day that I would receive my key and open the door that I had been working so hard to get. I went through my closet the night before and picked out my nicest suit with my best shoes. I slicked back my hair and I even waxed my car just so I’d look good arriving. I don’t know why it mattered so much; I mean the door was rusty anyway. On the other hand, a better life was waiting for me on the other side. I was nervous, but at the same time I could barley hold in my excitement. I drove up to the door and slowly stepped out of my car. I was surprised to see only Bob, I expected more people to witness what I had accomplished. Bob smiled and handed me a box. I slowly opened the box and inside it was a silver key. I held the key in my hand, it felt lighter then I expected. I turned towards Bob and shook his hand for the last time, I smiled at him turned around and placed the key in the lock. Click. I slowly open the door and what I saw next shocked me more then anything. It looked more like a prison then a place of dreams. No it didn’t look like a prison, it was one. It was filled with people just like me, I was confused. I turned to Bob, and he grabbed me by the shirt and threw me in the jail cell. “Bob, what are you doing?! What is this!? Life is supposed to be better! You said it yourself!” I was trembling, tears were rolling down the side of my face. Bob just looked at me and said “You decided to believe in the lies, now it’s your time to deal.” Bob turned around and closed the door behind him, locking it for good.
Think while it's still legal.