Clear Waters | Digital Book Series

Vol.1

Clear Waters | Digital Book Series: Image

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Get to Know the Character's

Get to know the Clear Water’s cast and their background. Let's start with Journey Walker. Journey is a super kind teenage girl who is fairly petite with long brunette-colored hair. Journey’s style is usually a blue jean skirt, a cute blouse, and her favorite floral-printed sneakers. Jay, short for Journey, loves to express her joyful self through her style. Jay is known for her bubbly and joyful personality which her oldest brother Sidney does not enjoy. Journey lives with her Mom Allison, her Dad Joseph, her older brother Sidney, and her little brother Hayden. Journey’s family is originally from Kansas and when Journey was younger, they moved to Clearwater, Florida. Kansas weather can be extremely cold and snow-packed to the brim of your window, so moving to Florida allowed Journey and her family to grow a love for the outdoors. Journey and Hayden loved the outdoors and so did Sidney, until his senior year at Spring Hill High School. Sidney met some ‘bad news’ friends, and his relationship with Journey started to decline. One time she was riding with Sidney and his friends in the car and they were discussing a cool spot to hang out after they'd dropped Journey off home. One friend of Sidney's suggested the latest party that was going on around the corner and Journey quickly interrupted and said "I don't think you want to do that, there's nothing good there. You guys should just go bowling! How about that, I remember when Aunt Linda used to take us back to Kansas. We would get those cool bowling shoes, kinda like the ones I have on now, check them out-" and before she could even stop, Sidney interrupted with "Journey… can you just stop talking". Journey doesn't even get offended anymore, she just remains quiet and puts in her headphones the rest of the way home.

Sidney is Journey’s oldest brother. Sidney is one of the jock kind of guys who doesn't play sports but is still fit, somehow. Sid, short for Sidney, is a Senior at Spring Hill High School, so he is about ready to graduate. He's laid back and likes to hang with his easygoing friends who aren't such a good influence. Sidney is a very intelligent guy but chooses not to apply it in school and in most situations. Sidney has been through a lot over the past few years and has been extremely different. Everyone notices it, even Hayden, their 8-year-old little brother. Sidney always avoids going to family events and even church (which he really enjoyed before). So his parents as well as Hayden and Journey make sure to keep Sidney in their prayers.

The next character is Shy'ane, pronounced “Cheyenne”. Shy’ane is a very cautious and wholesome teenage girl. Shy’ane is known for her wavy auburn hair and simple but cozy style with a bright assortment of colors. She adapted some styles from her hometown in Brazil. Shy’ane was originally born in Brazil and around age nine they moved to Clearwater, Florida. Shy'ane loves the outdoors and going fishing, relaxing in the sun, going for kayak rides, and setting the Sunday dinner table at her Avo’s house (her grandparent’s home). Recently they moved closer to Shy'ane's cousins (Miles and Eden). Shy’ane and her family always go to Summit Creek Park and spend all day there. That's how she met Miles's friends (Miles is her cousin), who are now her friends. Tyler, Journey, and Grace. She was a little iffy at first because she grew up babysitting her twin little sisters all the time and she didn't have time for friends. Now that her little sisters are a little older, she's not on edge as much.

The next character is Miles, who is Shy’ane’s cousin. Miles is a teenage boy with brown eyes and black hair, which he dyed a section of. Miles is the brains of the group. He enjoys tech and research and loves the outdoors. Miles and his family are originally from Clearwater, Florida. They've been there for a while. Miles lives with his mom, his little sister Eden, and his Dad who works full-time as a first responder. Since Mile’s Dad is so busy the last time he can remember all his family being together at once is when they were at Summit Creek Park having a family day. His dad and his pop-pop (Grandpa) were fishing, but his grandma suggested they just catch it and fry the fish at the park. After that, the family hasn’t come together in a long time. After a while, when he came to high school, he met Tyler and Tyler introduced Grace as well as Journey. Miles grew to love them all as family, besides Shy'ane of course, that's his actual cousin.

The next character is Tyler. Tyler is a tall 6'0 Teenager. He has blonde hair and loves wearing his soccer jerseys. Tyler is Humerus and enjoys adventure. Tyler is outgoing and loves rock climbing, hiking, playing soccer, and cycling with his parents on the weekends. Tyler and his family are initially from Michigan. Now that they moved to Clearwater, Florida there aren't too many places to do those activities besides playing soccer and cycling. Just a blazing sun and mostly days that feel like fall... In the winter. Tyler and his family enjoyed living in Michigan in their huge home up by the snowy mountains with all the snowboarding equipment you can imagine. They moved because his parents, Evan and Amanda, got a huge Job offer. Tyler’s parents thought that since Florida has great colleges, they decided it would be a great move. On the other hand, Tyler is focused on joining Spring Hill High School’s soccer team.

The last character is Grace. Grace is a teenager who is very kind and humble. She has long wavy hair with beautiful freckles on her skin. Her Mom's roots are from South Africa and her Dad is from the United Kingdom (UK), so he has a small accent. Her family used to live in Tennessee so Grace’s love for the outdoors grew. Grace also was very active when they lived on their Grandparent's farm for a short time. Grace was always taking care of the animals and riding ‘Georgia’, the family horse. Since Grace’s family moved, the farm hasn't been on her mind. It's her grandma Eema's sweet peach cobbler. Aden Jr (Grace's little brother) and Grace would always go pick the plumpest peaches from her grandparent's garden back in Tennessee but, since they moved to Clearwater, Florida it seems they don't have time anymore. Usually, they would just head to the local grocery shop for peaches that look almost like plastic ones on display. Since Grace, Aden Jr and her parents left the farm, food hasn't been the same for them nor adapting to the changing weather. Her Dad has been sick with a feverish cold for a couple of days now. They've tried so many home remedies because her mom doesn't like going to the hospital or emergency rooms at all. It wasn't until they went to visit Summit Creek Park. They had a family picnic and didn't know it was abandoned until they got there. They wondered why it was pretty empty. They continued to stay and make sandwiches on a rusty table. A few days later, Grace and Aden Jr's Dad came down with a cold. Where they used to live, you didn't find too many abandoned parks or ever-changing weather. Moving down from Tennessee to the South has been a tremendous shift but on the bright side, Aden Jr and Grace met some cool friends. Even though they're not outside at the farm, it still feels like home to them. One thing Grace can say is that they enjoy being by the water in Clearwater, Florida. The water reminds them of the pool their grandpa made for them back at the farm.

While all of the characters were preparing for their second year of high school, they all changed their old High School to join a private school, Spring Hill High. The Clear Water’s cast all took similar classes and bonded through a conversation about how most of them had to overcome a trial. Whether it was not wanting to leave their old home or having to adjust to their new one. Journey met Grace and Tyler, Tyler met Miles and Miles introduced Shy' ane to them all. During the beginning of the summer, Journey soon invited them to her church back in Kansas. After coming back to Clearwater, Florida they found a new Church near them that they enjoyed and could fellowship at. Soon they all began to go to church together and hang out day in and day out, wanting to make an impact on the world by spreading the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They all enjoy the outdoors. They want to start taking care of their community, then to the world. Towards the middle of the summer, they all Left Clearwater, Florida (except for Miles and Shy’ane) and went back home. Tyler back to Michigan, Journey and Sidney back to Kansas, and Grace back to Texas. They have a great idea of how they can be a service to their community and to their brothers and sisters through Christ Jesus once they get back to school. There's a huge project to tend to.

Clear Waters | Digital Book Series: Imprint

Setting

Spring Hill High School & Summit Creek Park

Time

Modern-Day Clearwater, Florida

PART ONE

Here at Spring Hill High, it is everyone's first week back to school. During the 4th block, students sat around in their geography class. Mr. Jerome, the geography instructor, began to speak.

“Settle down, settle down class. Take out your Geography One study book, and flip to page 15,” announced Mr.Jerome.“What about 5-10, we didn’t read through those yet,” said a student who had a face full of confusion, looking around for reassurance. "Monday I instructed you to read those pages for homework. If you had done it, you would know that. Now, I need you all to read from pages 15-35. I will be back to check on your progress. I have to run to the teacher’s lounge to replace some documents.” said Mr. Jerome walking out of the door, and heading towards the teacher’s lounge.

Soon after, the class began to pull out snacks and talk across the room. “Guys come here,” yelled Journey calling over Tyler, Grace, and Shy’ane. “Doesn’t it feel weird being back in school, I felt like I was just in Tennessee, riding our family horse 'Georgia'.” Grace said as everyone laughed. ”no way Grace that's so cool, do you race 'Georgia'?” Shy'ane asked. "No-" Grace said immediately. “Guys focus, do you remember what we talked about over the summer?” Journey said interrupting. “Yes, we were, “ Tyler said pausing mid-sentence. “Not out loud, everyone’s going to hear,” whispered Journey.

“ok, whatever," Tyler said. "when should we ask your brother, Sidney, for a ride?” Tyler Continued.

“After class, he has lunch and there usually in the courtyard. We can run down there,” suggested Journey. "Are you sure he’s going to do this for us, you know how he gets?" Shy'ane said with an assertive expression on her face. “well…” mumbled Journey. ”Stop worrying about it, he’s going to help us out.” Tyler said with enthusiasm. “Guys we should just ask someone else,” said Shy'ane. “Uhh, who?” Tyler and Grace exclaimed. "fine, I’m just saying if he says no, we should have a plan.” said Shy'ane. “Have faith Shy, we’ll be just fine!” Tyler purposed. As Mr. Jerome walks back in, the class scurries back to their seats.

“Guys look in our group message,” said Journey whispering. "Students, finish reading the rest of your study book for homework. Now, I will pass out your class worksheets on “What does Geography Mean to You”. Only 30 minutes will be available to you, and then we will close out the class. You may start as soon as you get your paper.” said Mr.Jerome. “Excuse Mr. Jerome, may I use the restroom before we begin the test?” Journey asked. “Hurry, you have five minutes,” replied Mr. Jerome. As Journey walks out the classroom door, she pulls out her phone and messages the group chat.

*The dialogue between their group messages*

Journey: “@Journey24: Guys I’m going to stop by Miles's classroom on the way back from the restroom”

*ping*

Shy’ane: “@itsShy’: Can you do all of that in under five minutes?”

Clear Waters | Digital Book Series: Imprint

PART TWO

*Ping*

Miles: @MysteryMiles15: Did you forget I can see our messages? Journey, why are you coming to my class?

*Ping*

Journey: @Journey24: I'll tell you soon, just hurry Miles. Can you meet me near the entrance of the hallway, by the large bay Window?

*Ping*

Tyler: @Tylertheskater: what are you trying to hide Journey?

Ping*

Grace: @GivingAllGrace: What are you hiding? (With laughing emojis trailing behind)

*Ping*

Journey: @Journey24: Guys focus on the worksheet, Miles did you ask to leave yet?

*Ping*

Miles: @MysteryMiles15: I thought you were coming here.

*Ping*

Journey: @Journey24: Mrs. Jane's room is pretty far. Even though I love her class, it’s all the way upstairs. The five minutes will be up!

Miles: @MysteryMiles15: Wait, one second. By the time you get up here, I’ll be in the hall.

As Journey begins to head out of the restroom, she walks toward Miles's class and sees her oldest brother Sidney with his group of friends. Out the large bay window, she spots him on the football field. The group scurrys around sneakily with a mild smirk on their faces. She finds the nearest exit and tries to yell her brother's name from the building. ”SIDNEY….…. SID!” but Sidney couldn’t hear her and proceeded to walk further and further along the field. “I’ll just wait until lunch to see him,” Journey mumbled under her breath.

She continued to walk up the short stairway running into Miles. “Oh, there you are, what’s up?” Miles asked in a hurry. “Do you remember what all of us were talking about this summer?” Said Journey.“Yes,” Miles said. “Tyler’s mom already bought the supplies, all we need is a ride. Oh, that’s it! Did you ask Sidney yet?” Miles said. “I just saw him on the football field. I called him but he didn’t hear me so I thought I would just wait until lunch,” said Journey. “Jay, we told you not to ask by yourself. You know how he gets!” Miles said refraining from his opinion. “I don’t know, I keep thinking he will change and finally have it to where he’s not yelling in my face and telling me to go away,” Journey said. “He may be doing that because of his friends you know,” responded Miles.

“That's why it’s better if all of us go together, he loves us!” Miles said jokingly. “Seriously Miles,“ Journey said sarcastically. They continued to have hope that there would be an opportunity to ask Sidney for a ride. The only thing is that Sidney can be, well, strong-minded. Everyone just needs Sidney to help out with the project and his extra set of hands. As Journey looks at her phone she realizes 10 minutes have passed by. Miles and Journey hurry back to their classroom in just enough time.

“I apologize Mr-“ Journey said scurrying into the classroom.

“No, no, and no, save it. since you have decided to skip my class, detention!” Mr. Jerome announced. “But Mr!-“ Journey said abruptly. “Go, now!” Mr. Jerome exclaimed. “Wait what, Journey wouldn't skip class.” Tyler and Shy’ane said. “She couldn’t even explain what happened.” Implied Grace. “Silence! You guys can follow her out as well, now!” Mr.Jerome said.

Clear Waters | Digital Book Series: Imprint

PART THREE

As all four of them walk out of class with their heads down, they all begin to ruminate on what just happened. Journey messaged Miles and told him they were being sent to detention. It’s like they’ve been on a streak all summer planning this huge project and getting everything together for it but, this is slowing them down.

The scrutiny they had already faced about their idea, now this? Journey’s intentions were not to skip class but eventually give back to the class, with the help of her friends and family, to give back to their community. This idea would truly move Spring Hill High and Summit Creek to new heights. Even when some said, “You are only teenagers, what can you do?” or “Who are you to try and help out anything?” they still pushed on. Detention would disregard what they all were trying to do here.

Now, they are sitting in the front office waiting to be called on. As Journey, Tyler, Grace, and Shy'ane waited for the line of students to clear, they began conversing about what just happened. “I can’t believe this,” Journey exclaimed.

”Remember on the first day back to school, Mr. Jerome shared a story with us. When he was in high school, he had a vast idea to share with others. There were people who heard this and didn’t like what he was trying to achieve. People that were closest to him, made sure he didn’t go through with any of it. So once he graduated, Mr. Jerome didn’t go through with the idea, the vision. Instead, he went into his backup plan.” Grace said.

”I do remember that, it makes sense as to why he does not want us to share the idea and follow through.” Shy’ane said.

“You guys can come up here. Is it Grace, Tyler, Journey, and... Shyanna?”

Ms.Karla, the front office worker, said. “It’s Shy’ane, but yes ma’am,” Shy’ane said correcting her name. ”You all are free to go back to class.” Ms.Karla said. “ A student by the name of Miles told Mrs. Jane about you all being sent up here. She spoke to Mr. Jerome about it, and told him the truth.” Ms.Karla explained.

“It is lunchtime so you don’t have to go back to his class, but stay encouraged and keep pushing through even when confusion and misunderstanding happen. Have a great day, guys!” Ms.Karla said reassuring them. “Thank you so much”. Journey, Tyler, Shy’ane, and Grace said.

As they rush out of the office to thank Mrs. Jane as well, Journey turned to Ms.Karla.

“We really appreciate your kindness, it’s been really hard to-, “ Journey said mid-sentence. “Really hard to stay encouraged when things and situations discourage you, I understand. Keep that vision, keep going!” Said Ms.Karla interrupting.

“Yes, you get it! Did Ms. Jane tell you about our idea?” Journey asked. “What Idea?” Asked Ms.Karla. “So if you didn’t know, how did-“ asked Journey. “Never mind, thank you for your kind words Ms. Karla, we truly needed it.” Said Journey.

Clear Waters | Digital Book Series: Imprint

PART FOUR

They all run to the cafeteria searching for Sidney, they spot him at the round table with his friends. “Hey Sid, so we need you to help us with something,” Journey said hesitating. “Are you talking about the Summit Creek Park remodeling project? No one has visited Summit Creek for years.“ Sidney said.

“Well, um, yes. could you take us there and give us a helping hand? Asked Journey. “Yes, sure I’m going to burn my gas for all of you guys without any money, no!” Sidney said sarcastically. “Sidney, you know Dad gives you gas money every month. What are you talking about?” Said Journey with a hopeful expression on her face.

“Relax Jay, I’m just joking I’ll take you guys,” Sidney said. “Wait really? Thank you so much, Sidney!” Journey said rushing in with a big hug. “Sidney, are you okay? You are usually not like this.” Shy’ane asked. “I just got accepted into Uphill Summit Creek University today! I’m just missing community service hours.” Sidney replied. “Yay! That’s awesome Sidney, you could help us and that could be your community service hours.” Grace said.

“Wow, you guys came in at the perfect time,” Sidney replied. “We get out of school right after lunch today, it’s a half day so go get your bags and lunch before we leave.”

After the dismissal bell rang, they ran to Sidney’s car and headed to the park with their supplies.

Once they get there, they find trash, gunk, and beetles crawling over their shoes. Not only that but there was their once, favorite lake, now filled with filtered brown liquid.

The filtered brown liquid was originally clear water from the beautiful streams that used to flow so easily. The playground was almost broken into pieces, leaves from the fall still there, and the spider webs infesting the trees.

Was this too hard of a task for them?

Clear Waters | Digital Book Series: Imprint

PART FIVE

The sun slowly began to set and the crickets began to yell even louder than before. “Maybe we should come back tomorrow,” suggested Miles. “Ouch!” Tyler yellowed out falling into the mud pit. “No, Tyler!” Miles yelled before Tyler splashed into the dreary brown mud.

“There's a puddle of mud there,” Miles said slowly, realizing his reaction was too late. “I see that now,” Tyler said, straining to get up while also being covered in thick mud. “Ugh, now the seats are going to be soaked in mud” Sidney exclaimed in concern about his car.

“Oh Sid, it will be fine”, “We brought trash bags so we can simply lay them across the seats,” Journey added. “Yes! Good Idea Jay, I’ll go grab them from the trunk. Tyler come with me to the car.” Sidney said.

Sidney and Tyler walked over to the car, which was originally parked on a hill with the trunk closed. Now, the trunk is wide open, and a raccoon is squirming around in it.

“oh no, no, no!” Tyler exclaimed. “Relax, it’s just a harmless raccoon,” Sidney said nonchalantly. “What! Harmless…. raccoon?” Tyler questioned rhetorically. “Let me get..” Sidney said being interrupted. Before Sydney could get a word out the raccoon jumped out the back of Sidney’s trunk and ran, taking the last few garbage bags with him. “He has the trash bags, Sidney!” Tyler said.

“Oh no… wait!” Sidney said, chasing after the raccoon. “Don’t chase him!” Tyler said yelling across the hill.

The raccoon squirmed across the muddy pond Tyler originally plopped into. As Sidney approaches the raccoon he leaps in to grab the trash bags while missing and scaring the raccoon away. “No, the raccoon dropped the trash bags in the mud!” Sidney said disappointed while also being drenched in sweat.

part 5

PART SIX

After finally getting cleaned up and finding more trash bags, everyone began to continue cleaning before the sun had completely gone down. The girls; Journey, Grace, and Shy’ane, raked the old leaves and pulled the seaweed out of the frog-infested pond while the guys; Sidney, Miles, and Tyler, refreshed and refurbished the picnic tables along with the restroom stalls.

Once the crew finished cleaning, they built a book box filled with hundreds of children's books and miniature Bibles for anyone to grab and read. They wrote on the side in bright pastel colors Grab, Read & Grow. The last step of the whole cleaning project was to place colorful printed-out biblical scripture around the park including the entrance.

Once the final scripture was placed, they all took photos and shared the big news on their website “Clear Waters; Summit Creek Park Remodeling Project”. Once everything was complete, Sidney drove everyone home. Once Sidney and Journey finally came home, Sidney received a message from his friends he’d been hanging out with earlier that day.

*Ping*

Sidney’s Friends: Hey Sid, where were you? I thought you were hanging with us tonight! Why are you with your little sister, I thought she always bugged you just like she bugs us. What’s wrong with you?

Sidney replied: Nothing’s wrong with me, I actually had a really great time, and yes, Journey bugs me sometimes but she didn’t do anything to you guys. I think it's best if we no longer hang out. I’m sorry but I I don't want to spend my time on things that won’t help me grow anymore, but to spend time with my sister, my family, and with friends who love Jesus Christ and are doing good which encourages me to love Jesus Christ and do good. Maybe you guys can join sometime, I think it would be fun.

*Sent*

Journey noticed Sidney typing and asked, “Is everything okay?”.

“Yes, it actually is,” Sidney said cheerfully leaning in to give Journey a hug.

“Why are you hugging me?” Journey giggled.

“Thank you for letting me help you guys with the park, that was the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”. “Sidney…. Are you sure you're okay?” Journey said jokingly. Journey and Sidney both laughed side by side walking into their house, running to tell their parents about the day they just had.

Part 6

PART SEVEN

The next day Miles, Sidney, Tyler, Grace, and Shy’ane sat in the lunch room talking about the project waiting for Journey so they could tell her some exciting news. As Journey walked into the lunch room towards the group, they yelled “Check the Website!”. “Wait, what happened?” Journey exclaimed.

“Just check!” Miles, Sidney, Tyler, Grace, and Shy’ane shouted.

*Website Comments*

@JoyReeder3: “This is Awesome, you guys should come to my town next!”

@KingsDaughter: “AMAZING, the mayor saw it and reposted it on their homepage!”

100k + comments

“Wow guys, it's all about God!” Journey said rejoicing. “I can’t believe the mayor reposted the pictures of the park project” Grace acknowledged. “Glad I could be a part of this.” Sidney chimed.

After the first bell rang Journey, Tyler, Grace, and Shy’ane all began walking to their 4th-period class with Miles and Sidney tagging along.

Their 4th period is Mr. Jerome’s class, and they all gather themselves before walking in. Once they walked in Journey exclaimed “Mr. Jerome, we all want to apologize about yest-” Journey said being interrupted by the entire school packed into their classroom clapping, including Mr. Jerome. “Congratulations!” Their classmates shouted.

“Congratulations, you students did very well, I’m shocked and impressed.” Mr. Jerome added. “Wow, you’ve seen the park project too?” Shy’ane said rhetorically.

“We hope this inspires you to do the same thing. You know, faith as small as a mustard seed can grow into a beautiful fruitful tree. Mr. Jerome would love for you to join us in our next proj-”

Grace said being interrupted by an announcement on the school’s speakerphone.

“Could Miles Johnson, Sidney Walker, Tyler Starkley, Grace Barrera, Journey Walker, and Shy’ane Sousa Johnson come to the front office?” Announced Ms. Karla. As the group walks into the front office, they see their principal, the mayor along with college sponsors.

“So these are the bright students who cleaned Summit Creek Park, one of the most damaged and abandoned national parks in Clearwater, Florida. We want to acknowledge you for your hard efforts and time. We present to you all $25,000 worth of scholarship funds!” The Mayor reported. Later that day, a News reporter began to report on the park project’s success.

“Here at Spring Hill High School, six students who attended cleaned up one of the most damaged national parks here in town. They posted the sighting on their blog website titled Clear Waters; Summit Creek Park Project and almost everyone in their community was able to enjoy the park again. What will you do for your community?”. The News reporter exclaimed.

Part 7