The Charm Braclet

Mary was given a charm braclet for her 15th birtghday by her mother. The charm braclet came with a single charm, a swan. Mary loved swans.

From then on every single charm had a story. Her best friend Anne, for instance gave her a butterfly charm when they graduated, her husband John gave her a linked hearts charm when they were married and her daughter Nancy's godmother Helen gave her a little bootie charm when Nancy was born.

Other charms included a music note from her goddaughter Carol, when they went to their first piano concert and performed together and an angel from her younger sister Dorothy when Mary had to go to hospital for a few days and be away from her.

Nancy was given the charm braclet when she was 15. Mary added a dolphin charm to it, as she knew that Nancy loved dolphins.

Nancy's boyfriend Robert gave her a car charm when she got her liscence and he later gave her a cupid's arrow charm when they were married. Her best friend Shirley gave her a ballet shoe charm when Nancy's daughter Lisa was born, and Robert's sister Barbra gave her a football charm when her son Michael was born.

Just like Nancy had when she had turned 15, Lisa recieved the charm braclet on her 15th birthday. Nancy had added a horse charm, as she knew how much Lisa loved horses.

When they were engaged, Lisa's fiance David gave her a heart charm. A ribbon charm was added by Lisa's best friend Kimberly when Jennifer was born, her brother Michael gave her a ball charm when her son Christopher was born and a little bonnet charm from her youngest daughter Jessica's godmother Michelle when Jessica was born.

A dragonfly charm was added when the charm braclet was given to Jessica on her 15th birthday. Jessica's husband Matthew gave her a drum charm when their son Jacob was born. Jessica's best friend Ashley gave her a flute charm when her daughter Emily was born. A rattle charm was given to her by her brother Christopher when her son Joshua was born and a dummy charm was given to Jessica by her husband Matthew's sister Amanda when her youngest daughter Emma was born.

To this day, the charm braclet is still with Jessica as she awaits her youngest daughter Emma's 15th birthday, when she will recieve the charm braclet and carry on the legacy.....

Loveland

When 5 year old Carla asked her mother where people in love go, her mother told her Loveland.

15 years later, Carla became a travel agent for Verdant Vacations, one of the top travel agencies in her area.

A couple came in to see her one day, and asked if Carla could reccomend a location for their upcoming honeymoon.

"Yes." Carla said, thinking of the land her mother had told her about all those years ago. "Loveland." "That sounds interesting." Said the man. "But we've never heard of it before." "Can yo research it for us?" Piped up his girlfriend. "Mabye give us a pamphlet?" He added. "Sure. Of course I can do that. I'll get right on it. If you come back in two weeks it should be ready by then." Carla informed them, ushering her out of the small office she worked in.

As soon as they left, Carla got straight got to it. Dhe typed 'Loveland' into a search engine on the internet and found that Loveland wasn't really called Loveland, but rather it was just said to be the city of love. Paris in France. So, Carla proceeded to look up Paris.

When the couple returned to her two weeks later, she gave them the information on Paris and they went on their way.

They later reported back to Carla that they had had a wonderful time. After hearing this, Carla ended up going to Paris as well, and she too had a wonderful time.

THe Mystery of Lake June

Sophie lived at Lake June. Lake June was normal. That is, it was normal until it started to turn purple. Sophie discovered it one Sunday, when she went down to feed the ducks. Just like she did some Sunday's after church.

Her daughter, Lana who loved science decided to do some tests on the water and the surronding conditions of the lake.

After many tests, and collaboration with her science teacher, Lana still could not find what was causing the discolouration of the lake.

After 3 weeks, the lake was still purple, Sophie took the matter to the council. "I'm afraid I can not believe you." Said the environmental minister of the council when Sophie told him. "If I bring you proof, will you believe me?" Sophie asked, desperate and growing frustrated. "Depends on what the proof is." He was testing her now. "An image of the lake, and the results of the scientific tests my daughter conducted." Sophie explained. "Bring them tomorrow. Nine o clock. Sharp." He finally agreed. "Of course. I'll see you tomorrow then." Said Sophie and left.

So the next day, Sophie met with the environmental minister, armed with the proof she had promised him the day before.

"Hmm." He said after examining the picture and test results. "Do you believe me now?" Sophie asked. "Yes of course. This proves you were correct." He began. "My apologies." "Something will be done about this. Thank you for informing me." He thanked her, and left.

Sure enough, the lake was closed 2 weeks later. It was clened out and re opened 3 weeks later, and to Sophie's great delight, a grass area full of picnic tables had been built next to the lake and a path built around it.

Eversince, the community have taken great care of Lake June and it's surrondings and it was never discolourated again.

A Special Someone

Laura is a priceless, invaluble and a more than special person in Sarah's life. Sarah and Laura were once torn apart when Sarah almost had to move schools. She spent the night her mother told her crying her little heart out, and then crying herself to sleep.

"I'm sorry Sarah. There's nothing I can do." Her motheer told her.

But then a week before they were due to leave, Sarah's mother realised how upset Sarah was about having to leave Laura, so she decided that they could stay.

Sarah was so happy that she couldn't contain it. And she also realised how wonderful Laura was in her life and how very much she loved her.

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Dedicated to Elizabeth. You are the most beautiful, invaluble, wonderful person I have ever met.

True Friends

Emily had friends. A few. But not countless. Not numerous. Everyone hated her, it seemed. Emily thought it was just because she had a disability. Her mother always told her that children her age always picked on people who were different. They did. It was true. Her mother was right.

When Emily had been attending Colourvale High for 2 years, and she was in year 9, she found her true friends. Lyndall, Olivia, Danielleand Marcus.

Lyndall was two years above Emily, and loved reading books. Just like Emily. She also loved Emily's gorgeous dog just as much as Emily did.

Sam was always there whenever Emily needed to talk. When Emily was in trouble, he knew just what to do and always made her feel better when she didn't feel great.

Danielle was always there for Emily. They had the same disability, so she knew and understood everything Emily was going through. So they could help each other out and give each other advice.

Marcus was the one who cheered Emily up and made her feel good when she felt bad. He made her laugh and best of all, he joked around with her a lot.

And when Emily found this friends, she felt extremely greatful to have each and every one of them.

To this day, Lyndall, Sam, Danielle & Marcus are still the best of friends.

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Dedicated to my real true friends & inspiration for this story:

- Simone- Thanks for being a really good friend to me

- Roger- Thanks for helping me as much as you do and being the wonderful, perfect friend you are

- Jane- Thanks for being there for me in tough times and understanding and being there when I need to talk

&

- John- Thanks for making me laugh and being the wonderful, humorous friend you are.