Thursday, May 21, 2020
Issue of Gay Marriage - 1216 Words
The Issue of Gay Marriage Summary This essay debates the issue of same sex marriage in the United States. It considers the pros and cons and examines the constitutional issues involved. Introduction Two strangers become friends and later fall in love. They tell their friends and family that they have each found their soul mate and they intend to get married as soon as possible. There is only one issue preventing them from getting married, not financial issues, and there are no love triangles. Depending on where they live, their marriage may not be recognized in the state they live in. The right of gay and lesbian couples to marry has been debated for many years with valid reasons supporting but the proponents and supporters. Theâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Some research suggests same sex marriages could save money for federal and state governments. And for corporate America, the costs of extending benefits to the partners and families of homosexual employees are small. More and more companies, state and municipal governments, and colleges and universities are granting benefits to homosexual workers and children. One big reason: It s cheap. On average, it would add 1-2 per cent tops to employers benefit costs. At the state level, studies by homosexual research or advocacy groups also find or predict a positive impact on budgets from same-sex marriage or domestic partner legislation. This is primarily because the changed law would reduce the number of people utilizing means-tested programs, such as Medicaid and food stamps. The incomes of domestic partners would be merged for means-testing, and some partners would look after each other without state help. Conservatives that oppose homosexual marriages discount these cost- benefit studies because they deal with the short-term impact, and not the long-term effect of redefining marriage. Many will argue that children of lesbian and gay parents do not grow up the same as children of heterosexual parents. Opponents argue that children raised by gay parents were more likely to consider homosexual relationships. Sexual orientation of a parent is critical to the upbringing of a child. Society is based on the ideal of having heterosexual parents, and it goes againstShow MoreRelatedThe Issue Of Gay Marriages1028 Words à |à 5 Pages1101-113 September 2, 2015 The Issue Of Gay Marriages Through The Eyes Of Sociologists Gay marriages have been an ongoing event in the United States for many years. It was not until June 26, 2015 when gay marriage was legalized for all states with a five to four ratio. With gay marriage being legalized, there became many controversies in the nation. The most recent controversy was when a Kentucky county clerk was jailed after defying a federal court order to issue marriage licenses to a same-sex coupleRead MoreGay Marriage and Its Issues1260 Words à |à 6 PagesGay Marriage and its Issues Gay marriage has been an issue for a very long time and since some states are legalizing it, many worry that it would soon be added as an amendment. The topic of gay marriage brings up religious, legal, and many other issues. In Whats wrong with Gay Marriage? by Katha Pollitt, the author supports gay marriage and wants it legalized. She states that there is no problem with gay marriage and its all a matter of separating the church and state. But in ââ¬Å"Gay ââ¬ËMarriageââ¬â¢:Read MoreThe Issue Of Gay Marriage1191 Words à |à 5 PagesChristina Abreu Professor Peter Lamar Introduction to Classics in Philosophy 6 November 2014 Gay Marriage Thomas Jefferson wrote about ââ¬Å"unalienable rightsâ⬠in The Declaration of Independence. What he meant was there are rights that are given to us as human beings and cannot be taken away by the government. ââ¬Å"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happinessâ⬠are among those rights that are being suppressed against same sex couples. Their right to pursue happiness with their significant other is taken fromRead MoreThe Issue of Gay Marriages918 Words à |à 4 PagesGay marriage has come to be a pressing topic in the contemporary society as more and more individuals get actively involved in discussing it. Individuals who oppose same-sex marriage are typically inclined to bring on a deontological argument or to say that legalizing the act might bring on other issues. In contrast, people who support gay marriages focus on matters related to human rights and justice. The arguments generated by each of the sides are certainly thought-provoking and it is very difficultRead More The Issue of Gay Marriage864 Words à |à 3 Pagesââ¬Å"The issue of gay marriage is one of many fronts. Looking into the nationââ¬â¢s past, an individual will realize that depriving anyone of free will and/or rights they feel they should have doesnââ¬â¢t work. A critical argument against gay marriage, is that being gay is a ââ¬Å"choiceâ⬠therefore it shouldnââ¬â¢t be promoted and spread. This is false because one who is truly homosexual is naturally sexually attracted to the same sex. A heterosexual male cannot just make a choice to engage in homosexual intercourseRead MoreThe Issue Of Gay Marriage1241 Words à |à 5 PagesAs the months pass by, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community is getting tired of the same arguments in court. They as well as many other Americans are waiting for an answer. Although the solution to this public crises is to let them have their rights, many opposing people classify their arguments as correct or valid. Howe ver clear the answer may be, it has yet to be confirmed by all the states in America. Some major factors that lead to this conflict is whether homosexualityRead MoreThe Issue Of Gay Marriage2127 Words à |à 9 Pageslonger us as Americans fighting a common enemy such as England, it was now Americans vs Americans. Multiple issues such as gun laws and religion have separated the United States since its creation. Though recently, the main issue that has caused a divide in the American population is the issue of gay marriage. In the past year the most important piece of legislation in favor of gay marriage and equal rights was created, and it all spurred off of a single court case. Obergefell v. Hodges. In orderRead MoreThe Issue Of Gay Marriage3385 Words à |à 14 PagesHistory teaches us that marriage has classically been between a man and a woman, but in the recent years, people have begun to challenge that notion. Gay marriage has been one of the most controversial topics of debat e lately, dividing our nation into those who support the idea and those who oppose. It seems as though no matter who is asked, each personââ¬â¢s opinion falls to one side or the other. States have been similarly divided in their treatment of the gay marriage issue. Voters in some states haveRead MoreThe Issue Of Gay Marriage Essay3392 Words à |à 14 PagesWell it is 2007, and we are still dealing with the issue of gay marriage being good, and not good for America. Now maybe in 20 years gay marriage will be legal in each state, and this issue will be over. However, I deal in reality. And reality tells me the idea of two men frotting inside a home with children, frankly makes people sick to their stomachs. I prefer women, but I think what two grown people do in their bedrooms is their private moral, and legal business. Just like a straight couple thatRead MoreThe Issue Of Gay Marriage2016 Words à |à 9 Pagesthem. Christians for example do not believe in gay marriage. It is no t part of their truth and most likely never will be. This is because they believe in the bible, and a god (higher power) which tells them that gay marriage is wrong. They use this information to decide what their truth is and how they will live out their lives. On the flip side of this there are many people who were raised, or influenced by people who are completely fine with gay marriage therefore those people whom they influence (the
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Friendship Is The Most Wonderful Relationship That Anyone...
Friendship is the most wonderful relationship that anyone can have. Ideally a friend is a person who offers love and respect and will never leave or betray us. Friends can tell harsh truths when they must be told. There are four different types of friends: True friends, Convenient friends, Special interest friends, and historical friends. To have friendship is to have comfort. In times of crisis and depression, a friend is there to calm us and to help lift up our spirits. There are many illustrations that show why a friend can be a great comforter. For example, if a student is going through a hard time at school, a friend can offer guidance, encouragement and support. A true friend is also someone who loves and respects us. A boyfriend and a girlfriend desire to be with each other. They love each other so much that they just want to be with each other as much as possible. This bond is also present in a good friendship because it has genuine love. Also, as friends they respect each other. They try to avoid causing conflicts. They donââ¬â¢t make fun of each other, but treat each other with respect. As friends, we all make sacrifices for each other. Some friends risk their lives for a friend. An example of this true friendship can be found in the movie, American Pie. Todd had a championship football game, but on the same day there was an All-State choir going on. Todd and his girlfriend were both into choir. He couldnââ¬â¢t be in two places at once, so he gave up his footballShow MoreRelatedFriendship Is The Most Wonderful Relationship That Anyone Can Have Essay854 Words à |à 4 PagesFriendship is the most wonderful relationship that anyone can have. Ideally a friend is a person who offers love and respect and will never leave or betray us. Friends can tell harsh truths when they must be told. There are four different types of friends: True friends, Convenient friends, Special interest friends, and historical friends. To have friendship is to have comfort. In times of crisis and depression, a friend is there to calm us and to help lift up our spirits. There are many illustrationsRead MoreThe Importance Of A True Friendship947 Words à |à 4 Pages What exactly is Friendship? this question has been asked for centuries, how exactly can you tell you have a true friend? Friendship is an relationship between two or more people who care a lot about each other. Your Friendship is something that will keep you happy and going, but its not always easy cake. Their will be some ups and downs in every friendship, but if you can bounce back from that downfall than you might realize you have a true friendship. Friendship includes time, effort, commitmentRead MoreBeing A Nurse For All Of My Adult Life868 Words à |à 4 PagesI have wanted to be a nurse for all of my adult life. I worked very hard to get my Associates Degree in Science while working full time. In 2010, I entered Regis Universityââ¬â¢s BSN program and was so excited to earn my degree. During the summer, I needed an abdominal surgery. During this procedure my abdominal aorta was severed and my small intestine was cut through in two different places. I was in the ICU for 10 days. My family was told I probably wouldnââ¬â¢t live much longer. By a true miracle of GodRead MoreImportance Of Sports1076 Words à |à 5 Pagesyourself as a person. First, playing sports helps maintain strong relationships with others. Next, it keeps you in contact with great performance levels in school. Finally, participating in sports boosts your self esteem. Continue reading to understand the importance of participating in sports. Playing sports helps maintain close relationships with others. ââ¬Å"Playing sports enable you to create friendships you otherwise might not have formed. Sports bring teens together from different schools, backgroundsRead MoreFriendship And Relationships In Hamlet919 Words à |à 4 Pagesreader a great deal about life. Shakespeare provides wonderful insight into everything from friendships to death. Of all the stories taught in British Literature, Hamlet is certainly the most important piece to keep due to the lessons in presents. It is definitely an understatement to say that friendships and relationships are complicated and difficult. Sometimes, it can be utterly impossible to know what one should do when conflicts arise in friendship. William Shakespeare gives advice on this throughRead MoreEssay on love1749 Words à |à 7 Pagesmanipulated, traded, forgotten, or stolen. Love is pure, honest, true, fulfilling, and most of all valuable. Love is not limited either. An unknown author once wrote, quot;Trying to bring pleasure to someone, because of the pleasure you feel to see that persons pleasure, is perhaps the most beautiful demonstration of love.quot; Isnââ¬â¢t amazing how something so powerful can be found in the simplest of things. In my life I have felt love in many aspects of my life. I love my family, my friends, my countryRead MoreErikson s Theory, Ego Integrity Versus Despair1209 Words à |à 5 Pagesoutcome, despair, occurs when aging adults feel they have made many wrong decisions, and may become overwhelmed with bitterness, defeat, and hopelessness (Berk, 2010). The women that I chose to interview seem to have confronted Eriksonââ¬â¢s last psychological crisis. One woman is single, never married, no children, takes care of an elderly gentleman, participates in many church activities, mentors young children, benefits from quality family relationships, bonds with her girlfriends on a weekly basis, andRead MoreLiterary Analysis : A Literary Analysis Of Essay1749 Words à |à 7 PagesAnalysis of Fatherhood Thereââ¬â¢s nothing more like it than a father and son relationship. Although itââ¬â¢s a different type of bond of friendship that you can ever have with anyone else; that helps you shape into the person that you are or becoming to be and youââ¬â¢ll never have to look up to anyone else but him. Although theyââ¬â¢re some poor father and son relationships in our society that can affect anyoneââ¬â¢s emotional heath, which can lead onto a major lead factor into their growth throughout the teenage yearsRead MoreThe Color Purple By Alice Walker1659 Words à |à 7 Pageswho had a complicated relationship with Mr. Blank, Celieââ¬â¢s husband. While Celie is immediately perceived as a weak and subjugated young girl and Shug Avery is seen as a confident and all empowering woman, it is their relationship that allows both women to grow. Due to their friendship Celie gains the confidence to break free from societal oppression and Shug Avery grows into a kinder and more emphatic women. While Celie and Shug Avery are foil Characters it is their relationship that frees both womenRead MoreArtistic Expression Should Not Be Denied Because1141 Words à |à 5 Pagesexpress oneââ¬â¢s views in any form of expression. Sommer Wadman observes that, ââ¬Å"Research suggests that when people have opportunities to explore and express who they are, they gain confidence that translates into success, both in adolescence and throughout adulthoodâ⬠(ââ¬Å"Express Yourself: Power of the Artsâ⬠par. 4). According to this evidence, expressing yourself and being able to explore the world can gain confidence. This confidence, then turns into success. 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The Indigo Spell Chapter Ten Free Essays
string(86) " talking about warning others, but donââ¬â¢t forget to look after yourself as well\." THE NEXT MORNING, I sought out Ms. Terwilliger before class to give her a recap of yesterdayââ¬â¢s adventures. She leaned against her desk, sipping a cappuccino as I spoke. We will write a custom essay sample on The Indigo Spell Chapter Ten or any similar topic only for you Order Now Her expression grew darker as the story progressed, and she sighed when I finished. ââ¬Å"Well, thatââ¬â¢s unfortunate,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m glad you were able to find the Stone girl, but that kills our lead on Veronica until the next full moon. It could be too late by then.â⬠ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re sure thereââ¬â¢s no other scrying spell?â⬠I asked. She shook her head. ââ¬Å"Most that I could attempt would alert her that I was looking for her. There is one that might mask me while Iââ¬â¢m using it . . . but it also might not be able to penetrate any shielding sheââ¬â¢s using to hide herself.â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s still worth a try, isnââ¬â¢t it?â⬠I asked. The warning bell rang, and students began trickling into the classroom. She shot me a smile as she straightened up. ââ¬Å"Why, Miss Melbourne, I never thought Iââ¬â¢d hear you suggesting such things. But youââ¬â¢re right. Weââ¬â¢ll talk about it this afternoon. Itââ¬â¢s something Iââ¬â¢d like you to see.â⬠That anti-magic gut instinct started to rear its ugly head . . . and then stopped. Somewhere, against my wishes, Iââ¬â¢d gotten caught up in all of this. I was too concerned now about Veronicaââ¬â¢s other victims to pay attention to my usual worries. In Alchemist eyes, using magic was bad. In my eyes, leaving innocents in danger was worse. With no other critical situations to contend with, I found that the day flew by. When I rejoined Ms. Terwilliger for our independent study, I found her packed up and waiting for me to arrive. ââ¬Å"Field trip,â⬠she told me. ââ¬Å"We need to work on this at my place.â⬠A wistful look crossed her features. ââ¬Å"Too bad we canââ¬â¢t stop at Spencerââ¬â¢s.â⬠Caffeine and magic didnââ¬â¢t mix, which was another good reason for staying away from the arcane. I started to point out that since I wasnââ¬â¢t working any magic, I didnââ¬â¢t have the same restrictions. A moment later, I decided that would be mean. Ms. Terwilliger had enough going on with a bloodthirsty sister on the loose. She didnââ¬â¢t need to be taunted too. The cats were waiting at the door when we arrived at her house, which was slightly terrifying. Iââ¬â¢d never seen all of them at once and counted thirteen. I had to assume that number was by design. ââ¬Å"I have to feed them first,â⬠she told me as they swarmed at her feet. ââ¬Å"Then weââ¬â¢ll get to work.â⬠I nodded wordlessly, thinking her plan was a good one. If those cats werenââ¬â¢t fed soon, it seemed likely they would turn on us. I didnââ¬â¢t like our odds. Once they had food to distract them, Ms. Terwilliger and I went to her workshop. There was little I could do except observe. Magic often required that the person doing the spell be the one to put in all the labor. I assisted with a little measuring, but that was about it. Iââ¬â¢d seen her do a couple of quick, flashy spells in the past but never anything of this magnitude. It was clear to me that this was a very, very powerful feat. She had nothing to link her to Veronica, no hair or picture. The spell required the caster to use the image in her mind of the person being sought. Other components, herbs and oils, helped enhance the magic, but for the most part, the work was all on Ms. Terwilliger. Watching her prepare triggered a mix of emotions in me. Anxiety was one, of course, but it was paired with a secret fascination at seeing someone with her strength cast a spell. When everything was in place, she spoke the incantation, and I nearly gasped as I felt power surge up in the room. Iââ¬â¢d never sensed it from another person before, and the intensity nearly knocked me over. Ms. Terwilliger was staring at a spot a few feet in front of her. After several long moments, a glowing dot appeared in the air. It grew bigger and bigger, turning into a flat, shimmering disc, which hung there like a mirror. I stepped backward, half-afraid the disc would keep expanding and consume the room. Eventually, it stabilized. Tense silence surrounded us as she stared at that glowing surface. A minute passed, and then the oval began to shrink and shrink until it was gone. Ms. Terwilliger sank with exhaustion and caught the side of her table for support. She was sweating heavily, and I handed her some orange juice weââ¬â¢d had ready. ââ¬Å"Did you see anything?â⬠I asked. Thereââ¬â¢d been nothing visible to me, but maybe only the caster could see what the spell revealed. She shook her head. ââ¬Å"No. The spell was unable to touch her mind. Her shielding must be too strong.â⬠ââ¬Å"Then we canââ¬â¢t do anything until next month.â⬠I felt my stomach drop. I hadnââ¬â¢t realized until that moment how much Iââ¬â¢d been hoping this spell would work. So much of my life involved problem solving, and I felt lost when I ran out of options. ââ¬Å"You and Adrian can keep warning the other girls,â⬠said Ms. Terwilliger. Color was starting to return to her face. ââ¬Å"At the very least, it might slow Veronica down.â⬠I looked at the time on my cell phone. This spell had taken longer than I thought. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t think we can do a round trip to Los Angeles today. Iââ¬â¢ll get him tomorrow, and weââ¬â¢ll see if we can finish off the list.â⬠Once I was convinced she wouldnââ¬â¢t pass out from magical exertion, I made motions to leave. She stopped me as I was about to walk out the door. ââ¬Å"Sydney?â⬠I glanced back, suddenly uneasy. The problem with having so many people call me by nicknames was that when someone called me by my actual name, it usually meant something serious was happening. ââ¬Å"Yes?â⬠ââ¬Å"We keep talking about warning others, but donââ¬â¢t forget to look after yourself as well. You read "The Indigo Spell Chapter Ten" in category "Essay examples" Keep studying the book. Learn to protect yourself. And keep the charm on.â⬠I touched the garnet, hidden under my shirt. ââ¬Å"Yes, maââ¬â¢am. I will.â⬠Marcusââ¬â¢s promised text came as I was driving back to school, telling me to meet him at a nearby arcade. I knew the place and had actually been to its adjacent mini-golf course once before, so I had no difficulty heading over there. Marcus was waiting for me just inside the door, and thankfully, Sabrina wasnââ¬â¢t around wielding a gun. I hadnââ¬â¢t spent a lot of time in arcades and didnââ¬â¢t really understand them. They hardly meshed with my fatherââ¬â¢s style of education. For me, it was a mass of sensory overload that I wasnââ¬â¢t quite ready for. The smell of slightly burnt pizza filled the air. Excited children and teenagers darted back and forth between games. And everywhere, everything seemed to be flashing and beeping. I winced, thinking maybe my dad had been on to something in avoiding these places. ââ¬Å"This is where weââ¬â¢re going to discuss covert activities?â⬠I asked in disbelief. He gave me one of his movie star smiles. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s not an easy place for people to spy on you. Besides, I havenââ¬â¢t played Skee-Ball in years. That game is awesome.â⬠ââ¬Å"I wouldnââ¬â¢t know.â⬠ââ¬Å"What?â⬠It was kind of nice to catch him by surprise again, even if it was for something so trivial. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢ve been missing out. Spot me some money for tokens, and Iââ¬â¢ll show you.â⬠Apparently, being an on-the-run renegade leader didnââ¬â¢t pay well. He found the Skee-Ball machines instantly. I bought him a cupful of tokens and handed them over. ââ¬Å"Have at it.â⬠He promptly put a token in and threw his first ball. It landed completely outside of the rings, making him scowl. ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t waste any time,â⬠I remarked. His eyes were on the game as he made his second throw, which again missed. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s a survival tactic. When you spend enough time on the run . . . hiding out all the time . . . well, you take advantage of these moments of freedom. And when pretty girls spirit you away.â⬠ââ¬Å"How do you know weââ¬â¢re free? How can you be so sure the Alchemists havenââ¬â¢t been watching me?â⬠I asked. I was pretty sure I wasnââ¬â¢t being watched and mostly wanted to test him. ââ¬Å"Because they wouldââ¬â¢ve showed up on that first day.â⬠He had a point. I put my hands on my hips and tried to be patient. ââ¬Å"How long are you going to play? When can we talk?â⬠ââ¬Å"We can talk now.â⬠His next ball hit the ten-point ring, and he whooped with joy. ââ¬Å"I can talk and throw. Ask away. Iââ¬â¢ll give you as many shocking secrets as I can.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not easily shocked.â⬠But I wasnââ¬â¢t going to waste this opportunity. I glanced around, but he was right. No one was going to eavesdrop in this noisy place. We could barely hear each other as it was. ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢d you do to get kicked out of the Alchemists?â⬠ââ¬Å"I didnââ¬â¢t get kicked out. I left.â⬠This round ended, and he put in his next token. ââ¬Å"Because of a Moroi girl.â⬠I froze, unable to believe what Iââ¬â¢d heard. Marcus Finch had started his great rebellion . . . because heââ¬â¢d been involved with a Moroi? It rang too close to my own situation. When I didnââ¬â¢t say anything, he glanced over and took in my expression. ââ¬Å"Oh. Oh. No, nothing like that,â⬠he said, realizing my thoughts. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s not a line even I would cross.â⬠ââ¬Å"Of course not,â⬠I said, hoping I was doing a good job at hiding my nervousness. ââ¬Å"Who would?â⬠He returned to the game. ââ¬Å"We were friends. I was assigned to Athens, and she lived there with her sister.â⬠That derailed me. ââ¬Å"Athens . . . you were in Athens? That was one of the places I wanted to be assigned. I went to St. Petersburg instead, but I always kept hoping that, maybe, maybe, Iââ¬â¢d get reassigned to Greece. Or even Italy.â⬠I was nearly babbling, but he didnââ¬â¢t seem to notice. ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢s wrong with St. Petersburg? Aside from the high Strigoi count.â⬠ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢s wrong is that it wasnââ¬â¢t Athens or Rome. My dad specifically requested that I not be assigned to either place. He thought itââ¬â¢d be too distracting.â⬠Marcus paused again to give me a long, level look. There was sympathy in his expression, as though my entire history and family drama were playing before his eyes. I didnââ¬â¢t want him to feel sorry for me and wished I hadnââ¬â¢t said anything. I cleared my throat. ââ¬Å"So tell me about this girl in Athens.â⬠He took the hint. ââ¬Å"Like I said, she was a friend. So funny. Oh, man. She cracked me up. We used to hang out all the time ââ¬â but you know how thatââ¬â¢s kind of frowned upon.â⬠I almost laughed at his subtle joke. Kind of? That was an understatement. Field Alchemists werenââ¬â¢t supposed to interact with Moroi unless it was absolutely necessary for some business matter or related to stopping and covering up Strigoi. My situation was a little unique, since my mission actually required me to talk to her on a daily basis. ââ¬Å"Anyway,â⬠he continued. ââ¬Å"Someone noticed, and I got a lot of unwelcome attention for it. Around the same time, I started hearing all these rumors . . . like about Alchemists holding Moroi against their will. And even some Alchemists interacting with the Warriors.â⬠ââ¬Å"What? Thatââ¬â¢s impossible. We would never work with those freaks.â⬠The idea of Moroi prisoners was outlandish, but it was that second part that truly stumped me. I couldnââ¬â¢t even process it. He might as well have said the Alchemists were working with aliens. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s what I thought.â⬠He threw another ball, looking supremely pleased when it scored thirty points. ââ¬Å"But I kept hearing whispers, so I started asking questions. A lot of questions. And, well, thatââ¬â¢s when things really went bad. Questions donââ¬â¢t always go over so well ââ¬â especially if youââ¬â¢re a nuisance about them.â⬠I thought about my own experience. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s certainly true.â⬠ââ¬Å"So thatââ¬â¢s when I walked. Or, well, ran. I could see the signs. Iââ¬â¢d crossed a line and knew it was only a matter of time before I had a one-way ticket to re-education.â⬠Another new round started, and he gestured me forward. ââ¬Å"Want to give it a try?â⬠I was still stunned enough by his earlier words that I stepped forward and took a ball. The Alchemists were logical, organized, and reasonable. I knew there were Alchemists who wished we could do more to fight the Strigoi, but there was no way our group would work with trigger-happy zealots. ââ¬Å"Stanton told me we only tolerate the Warriors. That weââ¬â¢re just keeping an eye on them.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s what I was told too.â⬠He watched me line up a shot. ââ¬Å"Thereââ¬â¢s kind of a learning curve to this, by the way. It may take you a few ââ¬â ââ¬Å" I threw and hit the fifty-point ring. Marcus could only stare for a few seconds, his earlier smirk vanishing. ââ¬Å"You said youââ¬â¢d never played!â⬠he exclaimed. ââ¬Å"I havenââ¬â¢t.â⬠I threw another fifty pointer. ââ¬Å"Then how are you doing that?â⬠ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know.â⬠Fifty points again. ââ¬Å"You just base your force on the ballââ¬â¢s weight and distance to the ring. Itââ¬â¢s not that hard. This is kind of a boring game, really.â⬠Marcus was still dumbstruck. ââ¬Å"Are you some kind of super-athlete?â⬠I nearly scoffed. ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t need to be an athlete to play this.â⬠ââ¬Å"But . . . no . . .â⬠He looked at the rings, then at me, and then back to the rings. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s impossible. Iââ¬â¢ve been playing this since I was a kid! My dad and I used to go to our townââ¬â¢s carnival over and over in the summer, and Iââ¬â¢d spend at least an hour playing this each time.â⬠ââ¬Å"Maybe you should have made it two hours.â⬠I tossed another ball. ââ¬Å"Now tell me more about the Warriors and the Alchemists. Did you ever get any proof?â⬠It took him several moments to tune back into the conversation. ââ¬Å"No. I tried. I even got cozy with the Warriors for a while ââ¬â thatââ¬â¢s how I met Clarence. My group has found a few dark secrets about the Alchemists and saved other Moroi from the Warriors, but we were never able to make a connection between the two groups.â⬠He paused dramatically. ââ¬Å"Until now.â⬠I picked up the next ball. This mundane activity was helping me analyze his startling words. ââ¬Å"What happened?â⬠ââ¬Å"It was a fluke, really. Weââ¬â¢ve got a guy working with us now who just left the Alchemists and broke his tattoo,â⬠he explained. He said it like it was no big deal, but I still couldnââ¬â¢t shake how uneasy ââ¬Å"breaking the tattooâ⬠made me feel. ââ¬Å"Heââ¬â¢d overheard something that matched up to something Sabrina uncovered. Now weââ¬â¢ve just got to get the evidence linking it all.â⬠ââ¬Å"How are you going to pull that off?â⬠ââ¬Å"Actually, youââ¬â¢re going to pull it off.â⬠He spoke just as I was releasing another ball. My shot went wide, missed the rings and even the machine entirely. The ball bounced off the wall and landed at the feet of some startled girls. Marcus retrieved the ball and gave them an apologetic smile, which made them gush about how it was no problem at all. As soon as they were gone, I leaned toward Marcus. ââ¬Å"What did you say?â⬠ââ¬Å"You heard me. You want to join our group? You want to break your tattoo?â⬠He looked annoyingly smug. ââ¬Å"Then this is all part of the process.â⬠ââ¬Å"I never said I wanted to do any of those things!â⬠I hissed. ââ¬Å"I just wanted to find out more about them.â⬠ââ¬Å"And I bet youââ¬â¢d really love to know if there are factions in the Alchemists working with the Warriors.â⬠He was right. I did want to know that. He caught hold of my hand. ââ¬Å"Sydney, I know this is a lot to take in. I donââ¬â¢t blame you for doubting, and thatââ¬â¢s exactly why we need you. Youââ¬â¢re smart. Youââ¬â¢re observant. You question. And just like me, those questions are going to get you in trouble ââ¬â if they havenââ¬â¢t already. Get out now while you can ââ¬â on your own terms.â⬠ââ¬Å"I just met you! Iââ¬â¢m not breaking away from the group that raised me.â⬠I pulled my hand back. ââ¬Å"I was willing to hear you guys out, but now youââ¬â¢ve gone too far.â⬠I turned and headed toward the door, unwilling to listen anymore. Yet as I walked away, his words crawled over me. Even though Iââ¬â¢d been forgiven for my involvement with Rose, my record still probably had a black mark. And even though I hadnââ¬â¢t pushed hard about Marcus Finch, had even bringing him up raised Stantonââ¬â¢s suspicions? How long until little things added up? I pushed open the doors and stepped out into bright sunlight. It chased away the darkness of what Iââ¬â¢d just heard. Marcus was right behind me and touched my shoulder. ââ¬Å"Sydney Iââ¬â¢m sorry. Iââ¬â¢m not trying to scare you.â⬠That cocky attitude was gone. He was deadly earnest. ââ¬Å"I just sense something about you . . . something that resonates with me. I think weââ¬â¢re on the same side, that we want the same things. Weââ¬â¢ve both gotten close to the Moroi. We want to help them ââ¬â without being lied to or used.â⬠I eyed him warily. ââ¬Å"Go on.â⬠ââ¬Å"Please, hear us out.â⬠ââ¬Å"I thought I just did.â⬠ââ¬Å"You heard me out,â⬠he corrected. ââ¬Å"I want you to meet the others and hear their stories. Theyââ¬â¢ll tell you more about what they went through. Theyââ¬â¢ll tell you about this.â⬠He tapped his tattoo. ââ¬Å"And when you hear more about that task . . . well, I think youââ¬â¢ll want to do it.â⬠ââ¬Å"Right. The big, mind-blowing thing thatââ¬â¢s going to unveil an Alchemist-Warrior conspiracy.â⬠He remained serious, which bothered me more than if heââ¬â¢d suddenly revealed this to be one big joke. ââ¬Å"So, what? Youââ¬â¢re going to get the others, and weââ¬â¢ll all have an arcade day?â⬠He shook his head. ââ¬Å"Too dangerous. Iââ¬â¢ll gather them in some other place and then tell you where to meet us, but itââ¬â¢s got to be last minute again. Canââ¬â¢t risk detection.â⬠ââ¬Å"I canââ¬â¢t go on some epic road trip,â⬠I warned. ââ¬Å"No one cares much about LA trips, but traipsing all over the state is going to get that unwanted attention you were talking about.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know, I know. Itââ¬â¢ll be close. I just have to make sure itââ¬â¢s secure.â⬠He was back to his excited, cheery self. ââ¬Å"Will you do it? Come join us?â⬠In spite of myself, I was curious. Even though I refused to believe in any connection between the Warriors and the Alchemists, I wanted to find out what leads this group thought they had. I also just wanted to see this mysterious group of his, period. What had Adrian called them? Marcusââ¬â¢s Merry Men? And, of course, there was the tattoo. Marcus kept alluding to its secrets but still hadnââ¬â¢t given me the details. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll do it,â⬠I said at last. ââ¬Å"On one condition.â⬠ââ¬Å"Name it.â⬠ââ¬Å"I want to bring someone with me,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"You can trust him, I swear. But after Sabrina pulled a gun on me, you have to understand why Iââ¬â¢d be a little nervous about walking into your clique.â⬠Marcus looked like he might almost consider it but then suddenly recoiled. ââ¬Å"Not Adrian?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, no. This guyââ¬â¢s a dhampir. No one whoââ¬â¢d be interested in turning you over to the Alchemists, especially if you really are working to protect Moroi. You say youââ¬â¢ve got a good feeling about me? Then trust me that you have nothing to worry about with him. Heââ¬â¢d just be there to make me feel a little safer.â⬠ââ¬Å"You have nothing to worry about with us,â⬠Marcus said. ââ¬Å"We wonââ¬â¢t hurt you.â⬠ââ¬Å"I want to believe you. But I donââ¬â¢t quite have that same good feeling you have yet.â⬠He didnââ¬â¢t say anything right away and then burst into laughter. ââ¬Å"Fair enough. Bring your friend.â⬠He shook my hand, as though we were sealing some great bargain. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll be in touch later with the details. You wonââ¬â¢t regret it, Sydney. I swear it.â⬠How to cite The Indigo Spell Chapter Ten, Essay examples
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