Barack Obama is US President. Joy Francis meditates on her experiences during the day the almost impossible dream became a reality.
Read why Tarell Alvin McCraney’s latest play In the Red and Brown Water both captivated and unsettled Joy Francis.
We have a double treat for you - interviews with two of the UK’s most exciting young talents - Ony Uhiara and Ashley Walters.
Michael Jackson is about to tour with the Jackson 5 and launch a new album. Julie Robinson explains her fan worship.
As Christmas is fast approaching we thought we’d give you the chance to win copies of Jackee Holder’s inspiring new book ‘Be your own best life coach’.
Veronica McKenzie
Nine Nights
The sound of heavy breathing. A girl‘s running for her life.
FADE IN:
EXT. RUNNING TRACK-DAY
16 year old MARCIE HAINES‘S face contorts as she pushes herself. Her dark brown EYES glance backwards as MICHAEL‘s face draws level. A handsome boy, beads of SWEAT form on his upper lip. They race hard. Their profiles echo each other‘s. They are TWINS. He grimaces before pulling ahead and a cheeky smile spreads across his face.
They‘re at a run down RUNNING TRACK. ATHLETES practice on the patch of green in the middle.
Michael crosses the FINISH LINE with Marcie inches behind. His professional running kit showcase his tall, lean frame. He‘s fit and cocky. Marcie‘s an inch or so shorter, wiry but tough. Catching her breath, she squints into the sun as he extends a hand. She ignores it. He flicks water at her but she‘s not in a playful mood.
MARCIE
One day--
MICHAEL
Yeah right.
They walk over to their bags.
MARCIE
Heard you sneak out last night.
MICHAEL
What me? The heat must be getting to you.
She puts on a lemon track top then notices he‘s holding out an identical one. It‘s Diamante trim glints in the sun, and she realises it‘s hers. She‘s wearing his. She grimaces at the scent.
MARCIE
(removing the top)
What is that? Eau de knock ‘em dead.
She tosses it to him.
MICHAEL
(catching the top)
Very funny.
MARCIE
You still haven‘t answered my question.
(pause)
We‘ll see what Mum says.
He puts the top on. Coolly meets her eyes.
MICHAEL
She‘ll only say you‘re imagining things.
Seeing she‘s not convinced, he pulls a bright orange PLASTIC ring from his pocket.
MICHAEL
Here. For luck in the race later on.
She turns it over in his palm, sees it‘s a wristband of some kind and is singularly unimpressed. Still wary, she takes the bribe and he reveals on his wrist a BLUE WRISTBAND.
MICHAEL
(cajoling)
I found two. See? For the terrible twosome?
MARCIE
Sure. When it suits you.
MICHAEL
C‘mon sis. It‘s me and you eh? Haines twins forever?
He nudges her and she can‘t help but smile and puts it in her pocket.
MARCIE
Yeah yeah. Haines twins forever.
© Nine Nights is the copyright of Veronica McKenzie 2008
Award-winning poet Realitie shares her passion for the spoken word and how poetry only came into her life four years ago.
The loss of one of her twin boys inspired holistic complementary therapist, artist and writer Hyacinth Myers to offer other parents a creative outlet. She highlights why.
TV and film writer Veronica McKenzie uncovers her journey from shoe design to film production in LA.
Writer and performance poet Nick Makoha explains why his creative drive led to him giving up a career in biochemistry.
After years of writing, multi talented writer and playwright Maxine Quintyne-Kolaru shows why patience is a virtue.
Writer and life coach Jackee Holder provides a candid account of the trauma and joys of baring her soul during the writing of her second book.
