The Swamp Cat (1)

By Shuke Wang

It was not till 1895 till a careless owner freed 7 fierce cats in to the swamp to cause commotion. Then he dialed 911 and the cops came to trap the cats. They came back with only 6. But that’s where the story began. The owner married a beautiful girl named Shelly. One day when the owner was walking around, the last cat came to him begging for food. Sadly, the careless man kicked his cat in to the swamp and it was never to be seen again.

The husband and his wife had a child. He was a miracle. An A+ on every math test, gifted, and well known as popular. Little did he know that he would never forget the horrible “last vacation”. If you don’t want to be crying, it would be better to put this book down and go read something else happier. Only the bravest kids would survive this, and only the bravest ones would make the smartest moves like Jake’s.

Chapter one

Jake glanced out the window of his car seat. It was unfair. He didn’t have a good amount of time to finish his math project, and when he came back from school, he’d surely got in trouble. Everyone knew he was the smartest kid in the class, but his teacher Mr. Eagoa kept giving him harsh feedback, even on A’s. Jake knew that he had no choice because this was his last vacation before he would move all the way to California. His mom liked Canada, but his stepfather was reluctant to stay in Ontario. They did have stinky neighbors but so what? What about Jake’s happy life with his friends and his tire swing? What about the sunny days in Aurora every morning? Jake grumbled and buried his head in his sweatshirt. At least he was going to visit his real dad. Jake’s parents were divorced and he was living with his mom, but he really like his real dad's house. He and his new wife had a mega sized swimming pool and a mansion sized house with extra large bedrooms. It was awesome.

“Jake! You took my shoe, didn’t you?” Shari accused. Jake’s two friends Neige and shari had tagged along because they were endless about seeing Jake’s cousin, too. Neige was Jake’s best friend but he suddenly started to ignore Jake. And Shari- was a “girl”. Not a boy.

“Why would I take your shoe?” Jake asked bitterly. Shari was just too annoying.

“Tell me the truth Mr. Forcia!” Shari demanded. “Or off with your head!” Jake gave Shari a hard shove and she bumped in to Neige, who without warning, glared at Jake angrily.

Before Jake could say anything, his stepfather pulled the car around and edgy twist and stopped.

“We’re here!” He announced grandly. Then he frowned. “It stinks alright? It’s nearly as stinky as a swamp.” Then he smiled. “Oh, yeah! Mr. Daken lives in a swamp anyways. He probably farts a lot!”

His wife Shelly joined in with the laugh and motioned for Jake to join the laugh. Jake stared frustrated at his mother, and then his stepfather.

“He’s my real father you know?” Jake shouted angrily.

“And I’m your real stepfather! Did you know?” His stepfather giggled. His mother laughed even louder. With tears stinging his cheek, Jake opened the door and stomped outside, closer to his dad’s house. He hesitated for a few seconds and then knocked on the door. A woman with curly brown hair and dark musty-colored hair answered the door.

“Mrs. Daken!” Jake shouted excitedly. His stepmother smiled warmly. Her name used to be Ms. Feodo before she married Jake’s real father. He hated his stepfathers’ last name and would get really annoyed if Shari ever called him Mr. Focia.

“Where are your parents?” Mrs. Daken asked suspiciously.

“Well, they’re slowpokes.” Jake said casually. His stepmother nodded strangely and led him inside to his father.

“Oh! My darlingness boy has returned to save me from these lonely lifeless days. But with your prosperous kindness, you shall save me from thy evil mysterious cat!!” Jakes’ dad chanted eagerly.

“What cat?” Jake asked curiously. But his parents and his friends had already entered the building and Jake’s father ran off to greet them.

“Umm…. Why Shelly? How come you have circles under your eyes?” Mr.Daken asked bitterly. Jake knew that his father was JUST TRYING TO MAKE Jake’s mom look bad and feel unconfident. He saw his stepmother scowled at his dad. Surprisingly Jake’s stepfather spoke so sternly.

“Now watch your mouth Tom.” Jake’s stepfather demanded. Tom was Jake’s real father’s name. With his head high in the air, Tom marched out of the room, upstairs. Jake’s step dad and his mom stood there stunned as Ms. Daken apologized to them. Jake stood there too, shocked. Suddenly, he heard a slap fall on his shoulder and he grinned.

“Hey Shari!” He called, “Lets go explore the swamp!” Jake challenged. Shari shrugged and walked out the door without anymore hesitations. Jake ran after her and started following her.

“Let’s walk over there!” Shari yelped.

“No!” Jake yelled coming after her. “It’s dangerous! My dad told me!” But it was too late. Shari had stepped into the muddy surface of the vinyl swamp. Jake stumbled after her and tripped in the mud. He was about to yell at Shari but then he saw a shiny speck buried in the mud two blocks away from him. He rumbled towards it and then wriggled the shiny thing through the mud. After Jake got out the main face, he tugged at the necklace and it slithered out like a snake.

“Hey look at what I found!” Jake cheered. There was no response. “Shari?” Jake began to worry. He stepped further into the soggy mud and peered behind himself. Jake took another step forward. This time, he was very wrong. He felt himself sing into the mud below. Oh no! Jake thought. He had left Shari hopelessly lost in a swamp. And yet, he wasn’t even old enough to die. Oh nooooo!!! Jake thought. He wasn’t even prepared to say good-bye yet.

(To be continued)