Stories - Young Adult Fiction
War of the Words 2
"Let's sit on that rock," Marsha said. "Do you feel up to reading me the second chapter of the John and Jillian saga?"
"If you're willing."
"I'm always willing," Marsha said.
Wondering whether Marsha was putting him on, Fred began.
At the moment, it looks as if John and Jillian have had a falling out. John was laconic and Jillian had lapsed into lacrimal sentiments. Broken by the occasional sob, stony silence prevailed.
Like a spring shower, over before you realize it, Jillian came out of her funky mood and allowed her smile to light up John's life.
"Please," Marsha said. "Is she really that great?"
"Well, she's not as great as you are," Fred said, "But then again who is?"
"I'll let it pass. I just thought it was a bit maudlin."
"It may have verged on the maudlin but it wasn't overly sentimental, if that's what you're getting at."
"I'm sorry," Marsha said. "Please continue."
John and Jillian began to talk. At first their chatter was somewhat mindless but suddenly it became caught up in punctillious detail. It was as if they were the only two people in the world and were oblivious to everything in the universe except themselves.
"I surmise that we can make it work," Jillian said.
"I'll go you one better," John retorted.
"I am of the opinion that you and I could establish a society based on our love of honour and glory."
"You mean a timocracy," John said somewhat subdued.
"Do you really think we could pull it off?"
"I know that we both have a large measure of largess that should carry us quite a long way."
"I agree we both possess a spirit of generosity,which will be called upon I'm altogether too sure."
"By the way," John asked, "how are your Japanese lessons going?"
"Pretty well but the word order seems wacky."
"Japanese syntax takes some getting used to. It's a left branching language."
"It's coming. How's biology?"
"We're researching vestigial organs. Do you know anything about them?"
"It's not that difficult a concept," Jillian said. "Vestigial organs are mere traces. There is only a vestige left. Our appendix is a vestigial organ."
"It's the only one we have. We should take good care of it."
"Very funny. It doesn't do anything, does it?"
"It hasn't worked since Hector was a pup or maybe even longer but sometimes it functions to a degree."
"I know. It's called appendicitis. Look at the time. I've got a report to write on the origin of the ombudsman in Sweden."
"I don't know how it started."
"Look it up on Wiki."
"I've got to prepare for a Bilogy quiz on the morrow."
"Let me know how you made out with the vestigial organs," Jillian said.
"I will. Do let me know how you made out with the Ombudsman."
"Well actually, I don't really require an Ombudsman," she said. "I'm quite comfortable that my human rights are being catered to."
"I'm glad to hear that," John replied. "Okay. Let's work on our SAT tomorrow afternoon."
"Sounds like a good idea to me. Here's a list of words and idioms that you are going to need to go through."
"Got it."
Puzzles
War of the Words 2
War of the Words 2A