Fiction 59: Kids in the spotlight

Favorite short stories from the Bailey kids

This article was published on 11.10.16

The familiar faces of Fiction 59 regulars, the Bailey kids: (from left) Cedar, Colin and Clover (with bunny friends Little and Thunder).

For the past few years, if the CN&R was having a writing contest, readers could be certain to read at least one piece by a member of the Bailey family. Whether Fiction 59 or Poetry 99, the Bailey boys—Colin (13) and Cedar (11)—regularly place in the top three, and dad Scott and 6-year-old sister Clover (who loves horses and bunnies) have been chosen as honorable mentions. Even mom Jill has submitted a piece.

The well-balanced kids enjoy reading and writing as much as they do the great outdoors—skateboarding for the boys, horseback riding for Clover. They got their start writing for the contests as part of class projects at Sherwood Montessori (Colin now attends Chico Junior High).

Since this was an odd year for Kid and Junior High entries for Fiction 59 (the Bailey kids were the only youngsters who submitted stories), the CN&R decided to simply showcase the judges’ favorite submission from each one.

Back Talk

Tired anxious energy spits through an angry tongue. Clenched teeth hiss with unanticipated sarcasm.

The lie, “I hate you,” dies before it leaves his lips; retaliation never worked with her. He bit down bitterly on his pride.

“I’m sorry …” inaudible sounds mumble from his suppressed outrage.

Tears roll down her flushed cheeks, though from anger or embarrassment neither knew.

-Colin Bailey, 13

Stressed GPS

Oliver and Andrew were best friends. They made a wrong turn on Vallombrosa Avenue. The GPS was rerouting when Andrew’s phone started to vibrate as if steam was coming out its ears. She started to disfunction and snorted “I’m lost,” “Are we there yet?” “Nice driving guys,” and “What, are we going to Guadalajara?” Illegally, Oliver made a U-turn.

-Cedar Bailey, 11

Toothless

Ruby had two front teeth that were really loose. One had been loose for five weeks. She turned her head really fast and hit her brother’s shoulder. They both came out. The Tooth Fairy brought four dollars. The next night Ruby wrote, “Please give me my teeth back,” and she put the money under her pillow. She saved them.

-Clover Bailey, 6