A Joker's Stories

A Living Breathing Work Of Art

2008-04-30T05:01:30Z

Does art imitate life, or is it vice versa? The short of it is, most people don’t care…

Some however, do, and they feel so driven to create art, that their very lives mimic it (at least to them).

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done something incredibly stupid, and then thought to myself “Now if only I had a sitcom style laugh track to accompany this mistake…” Why did I reason that way? Because art has trained me too.

I’ve even found myself cheated or wronged, and I think “It can’t end like this, I’m the good guy, and the good guy always comes out on top!” Should the situation continue, I just reason that I’m part of a very long story arc.

Even in love, I believed that my rejected state would reverse itself, and the girl would come running back into my arms at any moment (cue orchestra and credits). I surmised that the ensuing fights from my attempts to force this were all just a part of the plot…

If your life imitates art too, fear not the sad ending, for there’s always the denouement.

The Black Iris (part 17)

2008-03-14T07:50:57Z

“What lovely flowers James.” Iris exclaimed, looking at the bouquet in his hand.

“Uh, oh yes, these are for you Iris.” James said handing the flowers over to her, still surprised by the wonderful meal she had prepared.

“You got up this early, just to pick flowers for me? Now why would you go and do a thing like that?” Iris asked smiling coyly.

“Oh, Iris…” James said, bowing his head slightly. His hair fell into his eyes almost in reaction to her question.

“I’m waiting, Mr. Thorn.” Iris said drawing her face nearer to his.

“Well…” James started to answer.

“Iris, James, come quickly!” Jeremiah Thorn shouted, busting into the kitchen. “We have a problem on our hands!”

“Father?” James said startled, as Iris backed up from him. “What on earth is wrong?” He asked, composing himself.

“Raleigh is at the front door James. He wants to speak with you.” Dr. Thorn answered.

“Who is Raleigh?” Iris asked James.

“Raleigh is my best friend.” James responded. “He’s the mayor’s son.”

The Black Iris (part 16)

2008-03-14T07:21:58Z

The next day James awoke in his bed happier than he’d been in a long time. He stepped out of bed and put on his best clothes. He than ran down stairs to pick a flower for Iris from the garden.

“To think such an exquisite girl is sleeping peacefully in my home.” James said as he picked a begonia. “I shall do everything in my power to make her stay an enjoyable one.” With his flowers picked, James walked inside and into the great hall, where a delicious smell was drifting through. “My, Lily’s cooking is in top form this morning.” James said breathing in the smell.

“Why thank you Master James.” Lily said approaching with the laundry. “Though it’s not me doing the cooking this time.”

“Has mother taken it up again?” James asked.

“Not her either I’m afraid.” Lily said smiling. James continued on into the kitchen, where to his surprise, Iris placed a large plate of food on the table in front of him.

“Breakfast, is served, Master James.” She said giggling.

The Black Iris (part 15)

2008-02-24T06:29:54Z

When James and Jeremiah finished explaining everything to Iris, she looked unphased.

“I see.” she said. “Well Dr. Thorn, I thank you for not carrying out the full sentence on me.”

“Don’t thank me girl,” Jeremiah said “I owe you an apology. My actions were reprehensible.”

“How were you able to do it Dr.? How did you put me into a coma?” she asked.

“A medicinal herb I’ve imported from Asia. It’s rare, and carries with it a strong sedative. I placed you in the abandoned mansion, and gave you a new dosage weekly.” Jeremiah answered.

“You did all that just to preserve me?” she asked.

“I couldn’t kill you. Especially not under these circumstances.” he responded.

“But I’m not even swollen…” she said.

“And you won’t be, so long as you wrap your limbs in this twice daily for a few weeks.” he handed her a binding cloth that smelled of pneumonia.

“I don’t have a place to stay.” she said.

“I wouldn’t say that.” James spoke, taking her hand. Iris looked at James, and smiled. She didn’t pull her hand away.

The Black Iris (part 14)

2008-02-24T05:56:55Z

James mind began to race once he heard this. “Iris, do you remember what this Elizabeth’s last name was?”

“Dane” she answered.

“I only say this because I know an Elizabeth Dane that lives just outside of Aleford, and I can’t imagine her being a murderer. Her family is a pillar in the community.” James said.

“Of course.” Iris countered, standing up. “This is why I wouldn’t tell the police. No one would believe the testimony of a runaway found at the scene of the crime.”

“I’m sorry Iris. I’m not calling you a liar. I just don’t quite know what to believe.” he said.

With that the door to the examining room opened, and Jeremiah Thorn called out “Young Lady? Young Lady?” He entered the study and said “Oh there you are. I was afraid you’d run off. I must’ve dozed; that surgery took a lot out of me.”

“Who underwent surgery?” she asked.

“You, Iris.” James said.

“What? When?” she said growing upset. It was then that she ran her fingers over her stitches.

“You may want to sit back down for this.” James said.

The Black Iris (part 13)

2008-02-24T05:24:57Z

The girl smiled. “Iris is nice.” she said. She tilted her head down and began to speak. “I grew up with an abusive mother. One day I finally fled that house, and eventually ended up in Aleford.

I was found seeking shelter inside the church, and was taken in by a very kind family, a wealthy Lord and Lady that live just outside of town. I befriended their daughter, my first real friend.

One night, I heard the front gate open at a terribly late hour. It was the Lord and Lady’s daughter, leaving the property. I got dressed, and followed her quietly. She walked into town, and entered the church. I watched through the window.

Inside stood a cloaked man. The man seemed to say something to her. Shortly afterwards, the girl pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest. She then set fire to the body. I watched in shock as the fire grew, and engulfed the church.”

“Unbelievable.” James responded, “Do you recall the name of the girl that murdered the hooded man?”

“I believer her name was Elizabeth.” Iris answered.

The Black Iris (part 12)

2008-02-24T04:53:39Z

James stood, staring in disbelief. “Excuse me,” he asked “but are you real?” he found himself puzzled by his own words.

The girl giggled and responded “Yes. At least I hope I am. By the way, you have a lovely house, Mr…”

“Thorn” James finished for her. “James Thorn, and you are?” he said extending his hand to take hers, finally convinced he wasn’t dreaming.

“To tell you the truth,” she said “I’m not quite sure. I think at one point I knew, but for some reason I can’t recall. How did I get here?” She asked, sitting down.

“I’ll explain in just a moment.” James said sitting next to her. “Do you remember anything that’s happened to you?”

“Somewhat.” She responded softly.

“I don’t mean to pry, but would you mind relating what you can remember?” James asked.

“I suppose so.” She said, “But carrying on a conversation with you will be difficult when I don’t even have a name.”

James looked over at the black iris lying on the floor in the hallway. “How about we call you Iris?” he said.

The Black Iris (part 11)

2008-02-07T07:44:19Z

James slumped over in his chair. He could hear his father hard at work in the next room, operating on the mysterious girl. The sound of doors opening and drawers slamming echoed out into the study. Excitement and anxiety welled up in James chest.

“Will she like me?” he wondered. “Will she thank me and move on from Aleford? What if Father can’t resuscitate her? What if everything he feared was true… what if she did indeed set fire to the church?” This final question chilled him so, that he pulled his chair closer to the fireplace. As the flames crackled before him, he drifted into a light sleep.

Ballroom music played as a beautiful raven-haired girl danced before James. She was as graceful as a swan, dipping and twisting her arms to the melody. She moved so freely that her hair flowed like water. The music slowly faded out, but the girl danced on.

James sat upright in his chair, and rubbed his tired eyes. “Be still my heart.” he thought as he stared at the gorgeous girl. “This is no dream.”

The Black Iris (part 10)

2008-02-07T04:53:28Z

“Well I’m glad to see you’re not totally heartless.” James said coldly. His father didn’t respond. “However, you’ve still committed an act of violence on a girl that never got to voice her side of the story. You owe her this second chance Father, and you’re the only surgeon skilled enough to help.” James said approaching.

“I’ve always respected you. Please don’t give me reason not to now.” He said solemnly.

His father thought for a moment, then said “Bring the girl into the examining room. She’s in a coma, but her damage isn’t irreparable.”

“What on earth can be done for a girl that’s lost her limbs?” James asked as he followed his father into the next room.

“Who said they were lost?” His father answered taking the girl from James arms. “You had better figure out how she returned from the dead, because in a few hours, you will need a good explanation.” With that Jeremiah Thorn closed the door to his examining room.

James sat down in the study. “What have I started?” he said to himself.

The Black Iris (part 9)

2008-02-07T03:43:02Z

James face fell as his father spoke again.

“It was deemed by the mayor that such a crime couldn’t be left unsolved, so this young woman was tried and sentenced to be torn asunder.” His father stated.

“It sounds like the verdict was reached before she even went to trial!” James said growing angry “The mayor knew a crime like this would affect his image, so he had her killed to pacify the towns people! Am I right father?” James yelled.

“It would seem.” His father answered ashamed.

“And you went along with him, because knowing the mayor is good for business.” James said turning away in disgust. His father remained silent. “What did you do to her?” James asked.

“I gave her a powerful sedative, than removed her limbs.” His father answered softly.

“Why you? You’re a doctor, not an executioner.” James asked.

“Because I am a doctor, and not an executioner James! I volunteered, so I could leave her alive!” Jeremiah shouted.

When Clowns Die

2008-01-23T04:05:01Z

R.I.P Heath Ledger.

The Clown Prince of Crime.

If you gotta go, go with a smile.

The Black Iris (part 8)

2008-01-21T23:17:30Z

“What on earth are you talking about?” James asked.

“Does anyone know you brought her hear?” His father retorted.

“No, I was alone when I found her, and I haven’t told anyone other than Lily.” James responded.

“Not even Raleigh?” His father asked.

“I haven’t spoken to him in days. Now answer my question, why can’t you help her?” James demanded.

“Son,” his father began “10 months ago, the church was burned down by a mysterious arsonist. Do you remember hearing about that?”

“Of course.” James said. “It was the talk of the town. As to my knowledge, they never caught the man responsible.”

“Or woman…” His father added.

“You don’t mean that this girl…?” James said looking at the beautiful girl.

“She wandered into Aleford three days prior to the fire, and was found standing in front of the church with a lit torch as it burned. When questioned, she spoke nothing in her defense.” Jeremiah explained.

“So then what happened to her limbs…” James started.

”... was her punishment.” His father finished.

The Black Iris (part 7)

2008-01-21T02:04:11Z

James hurried into the Aleford Square, and turned right by the statue of The King. He ran through the gate surrounding the Thorn estate, and up to the front door. There he pounded on the door frantically. The maid opened it with a cautious look on her face.

“Oh it’s just you Master James. I was beginning to get anxious as to when you’d come home.” Just then she noticed the girl in James arms, and her entire countenance fell. “I see you’ve brought company sir. I’ll inform your father.”

“No need Lily. I’ll tell him.” James responded smiling. Where is my father?”

“He’s drinking his Sherry in the study sir.” The maid said solemnly.

James ran into the study and called out “Father! We must help this girl. Something terrible has happened to her!”

His father rose from his chair to face James. Though as soon as he saw the girl, he grew very pale. “I can’t do anything for that one James.”

“Why not father?” James asked growing upset.

“Because,” Jeremiah Thorn answered, “I did that to her.”

The Black Iris (part 6)

2008-01-21T01:28:44Z

“You’re alive?” James exclaimed standing up. The girl remained motionless, but when he placed his hand over her mouth, he could feel her warm breath exhaling. “You are alive,” he said smiling.
“I shall take you to father. If anyone can help you, he can.”

With that, James carefully lifted the bandaged girl up into his arms. Looking at her limbless body, he was moved with compassion. “Whoever did this to you is a true monster. He should pray he never runs across me.” As James descended the stairs, the bandages around her chest began to unroll, but he averted his eyes, and rewrapped them as soon as he had reached the bottom of the staircase.

It began to storm as James left the mansion, making his journey home all the more difficult, but on he trudged, convinced he must do his all to help her. As the rain beat down upon them, his arms began to ache from the strain. Lighting struck dangerously close at times. Despite this, he smiled to himself knowing that he could still save her.

The Black Iris (part 5)

2008-01-21T00:01:14Z

James couldn’t help but stare into her beautiful face, and wish he had known her. He took one last look and tore himself away. As James walked down the spiral stairs, a single tear trickled from his right eye and down his cheek.

“What’s this? A tear over a dead girl I didn’t even know?” He lingered at the foot of the stairs, and looked back up towards the second floor, but then looked away and left the mansion.

“It must be getting on quite late now.” He thought to himself, and reached for his pocket timepiece. It was neither in his vest, nor on his person. “My timepiece!” he exclaimed. “Have I left it in the mansion?”

James hurriedly ran back in to retrace his steps. After scouring the first floor, he ran up the stairs to the second. There, on the table next to the girl, lay his timepiece. James walked over and picked it up, but found himself gazing at her once again.

Suddenly, as if his body acted with out his mind’s consent, he bent over her, and kissed her on the lips. He felt her breathe softly.