The life jackets were in the corner, hidden by boat gear. Kristen pushed back a lock of her golden hair and turned to face Mr. Kingston, her teacher. He looked gawky and nervous.
"Where are the life jackets?" he asked.
Sam's cat-like eyes paused upon her. "Kristen? You had them."
Kristen's eyes blazed at her classmate. No she didn't! Before she could say anything though, Sam shook his head. "Whatever. Let’s go.”
"No!" Mr. Kingston cried. "Safety first!"
Sam scoffed. "Mr. Kingston, you and your bond with Depeter, that scary old lady who always makes up odd, crazed tales.”
As the boat started, with Sam standing by the rudder, things went smoothly. Then, after minutes went by, Sam shouted. "Uh, what’s wrong with the rudder?!"
The boat, now far from land, lurched to a stop. Sam slipped and fell into the water, managing to cry, "Help- " before going under.
Kristen stepped back and saw the life jackets that had been hidden from view. Grabbing one, she pulled it on, dived in, and latched onto Sam. As they both were pulled back in safely, Mr. Kingston let out a huge sigh of relief, "Thank goodness for life jackets!"
Malisa R., from Sicklerville, NJ, is an 11 year old 6th grader who loves the arts, such as writing, literature, and dancing. In addition, she enjoys studying business.
© 2009 Malisa R. Original for CCF. (Malisa R. grants CCF first electronic rights for one month; CCF may archive the material indefinitely and include it in an eBook anthology).
* CCF does not publish students' last names on the work they submit for publication.
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