Stories - Young Adult Fiction
Reading Comprehension Index Puzzle Page
War of the Words 3
"You don't have to transform your characters into neutered nerds," Marsha said for openers.
"I thought that the name of the game was to have John and Jillian absorb a ton and a half of SAT words," Fred replied.
"Don't you think they deserve a life as well?"
"I guess so, but seeing as I don't have much of a life myself," Fred blurted, "I find it difficult to imagine."
"Let's start with innuendo," Marsha said cutting to the chase. "I'd be willing to bet that you don't even know the meaning of the word."
"Perhaps not, "Fred retorted, "but I would be willing to learn."
"That makes two of us then," said Marsha.
"Just a minute," Fred said, "Isn't an innuendo somewhat negative?"
"It is usually a hint that carries a derogatory connotation but it has never stopped me before."
"It might now that you've met Hapless Harold."
"And whom might that be?"
“You’re looking at him. Lucky at cards. Harold is my middle name.”
“I see,” said Marsha. “What have you written for us so far?”
Without further ado, Fred was glad to begin.
<i>John and Jillian had a falling out. To all extents and purposes, the relationship seemed to be over for good. John was altogether too stolid for Jillian’s liking as you dear reader shall witness in a moment.
“Life is supposed to be serious, you know,” John said.
“Life should be a blast,” Jillian replied. “You take yourself altogether too seriously.
“You are too flighty and too into the moment.”
“Be that as it may,” Jillian said. “Let’s get into this haploid business. I still don’t quite understand it.”
"Go to Biology Online, for crying out loud."
"I see," said Jillian, "but that doesn't mean that I understand it."
"Memorize the definition for now."
"Test me on it," she said. "A nucleus, cell or organism possessing a single set of unpaired chromosomes."
"Very good. Give me a definition for veracity."
"Veracity has to do with truth in the same vein as verify, verily,versimilitude, veritable and verity."
"One other thing," John said.
"What's that?"
"Could we just be study buddies from now on?"</i>
"That's a bit harsh of you," Marsha said sourly but soon brightened as a thought came into her head, one which she couldn't wait to share with Fred.
"The great thing about writing," Fred said, "is that the writer has full control over his characters."
"I've just got a great idea," Marsha said speaking a little more hesitantly than usual. "Why don't we take up where they left off?"
"Wow!"
"I simply grew tired of waiting for you to make a move."
"That's because I'm chicken. Speaking of chicken, let's go to the Colonel's for our first date."
"Wow! You really are a mover and a shaker."
"So I guess that I should start to alter my story from now on."
"If you'd like but why don't we just work on words and leave it at that?"
"The reason is this," Fred said patiently, "words have to be learned in context, not just plucked out of the dicitionary."
"Got it," she said. "Let's start with enrapture."
"That's an easy one. It's the feeling of delight that I will soon enjoy."
"I think you understand the word. Once we are safely ensconced in our relationship a feeling of ecstasy may very well become part of your future."
"Ensconced - to fit in snugly," Fred said.
"Don't push your luck," Marsha laughed. "Take me to the Colonel."