Story

In English, we wrote a series of short stories, Flash Fictions. These short stories (some only 55 words!) were then turned into graphic novels. We based our own graphic novel design on that of Persepolis, a graphic novel we studied in class. My story (below), after being written in graphic novel form, was then turned into my animation.

Harlin

Harlin sat down on the steps of Montclair High School, alone. She glances around, and then bends over to pull a notebook out of her pleather sidebag. Her blonde locks fall in front of her blue eyes. After a few minutes elapse, Harlin sees a pair of red leather Louboutin pumps stop on the step below her. She looks up, seeing the Michael Kors skirt, collared shirt, strand of pearls, and finally a face. It’s Christy Larson. Harlin is shocked. Christy is the queen bee at Montclair High School. Her family lived in the City until they moved to the suburbs a few years back when her dad was caught having an affair with his secretary. Instantly, Christy became the talk of the school and the decision maker of the social politics at Montclair. Everyone wanted to be her, especially Harlin.

“Harlin. Do you think you could do something for me?”

“Yes! Of course!” Harlin leapt from her spot on the steps. She tried playing it cool, but that message got lost between her brain and mouth.

Christy explains what she needs Harlin to do. In the back of her mind, Harlin suspected that Christy probably just using her, but the potential of becoming one of them overshadows the possible consequences of her task. However, Harlin couldn’t say no to Christy. No one could.

"Good. See you here in exactly an hour. Don’t be late, and make sure to bring it with you.”

Harlin’s exuberance soon faded when she realized the momentous task thrown at her. She didn’t even know where she could get what Christy wanted. Her parents had some, but it was kept hidden away at home. She sat back down on the steps, resting her head on her knees.

Later, Harlin meets back up with Christy and her group of followers.

“Do you have it?” Christy’s formerly cheery tone has changed to that of a demand.

“Uh… I couldn’t get it.” Harlin looked at her feet, frustrated for disappointing the girl she had put so much effort into and risk for.

“Harker, you had one task to do and you couldn’t do it.” With one final look of disgust, Christy turned on the heel of her Louboutins, and strutted away.

Harlin shrunk down, slouching into a crumpled heap. She cocked her head, and then smiled.

“Hey Christy, wait!” Harlin sprung up and ran after Christy and her minions. Christy looked over her shoulder back at Harlin.

“What do you want, loser?”

“I just wanted to say I really like your skirt...I have the same one! Target has the best clothes, right?” Harlin smiled her biggest smile. Christy’s group started laughing. As Harlin sauntered back to her spot on the steps, she could hear Christy trying (and failing) to dispute the remarks her former minions were making about the skirt that was supposed to be Michael Kors. Harlin sat down, brushed her hair from her eyes, and picks up in her notebook where she left off.