Category Archives: short story

#BlogBattle: Distance – Week 27 – Close the Distance

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Tuesday = #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  Feel free to join in, or click here to read the current week’s stories and vote for your favorites.

This week’s word:  Distance

Genre:  Romance

Close the Distance

Evelyn boards the plane hoping she won’t end up sitting next to some older woman who wants to chat incessantly about her grand kids.  She finds her seat with out any trouble, and is relieved when she notices the person in the next seat, Oh good a sleeping man. Just then the flight attendant appears behind her and asks if she needs any assistance.  Evelyn puts her finger to her lips and says in a whisper, “I’m fine thank you, I don’t want to wake him…I don’t want to have to talk to him during the flight.”

“That wouldn’t be so terrible,” The man says with a mischievous grin, without opening his eyes.

Evelyn chokes back an expletive as she stores her carry on bag.

The flight attendant smiles and says, “Have a nice flight.”

“Oh…she will,” He is now fully awake and looking right at her.  She has a difficult time not getting lost in his blue eyes.

Evelyn takes her seat.  With a hand to her chest she pleads her case for forgiveness, “I am sorry, I hate to fly…I’m just a little anxious.”

He holds up a hand, with a sincere smile, he says, “It’s fine, we don’t have to talk.”

“Well that would be just awkward now.  Let’s start over…Hello, my name is Evelyn Rhodes,” she extends her hand.

“Hello Evelyn, I’m Jack McAllister, nice to meet you.”  He gives her hand a somewhat firm shake.

“So Evelyn, are you traveling for business or pleasure?” he inquires.

Trying to ignore the effect the smoothness of his voice has on her, she stammers, “Uh….both.  Whenever my company sends me somewhere, I like to tack on a few extra days to take in the sights, and get a break. What about you?”

“Friends wedding…at the Grand Hotel.” He says with little emotion.

She didn’t want to mention to this stranger, albeit a very handsome stranger, that she was also staying at the Grand Hotel.

As the plane prepares to take off, he notices that she is visibly uptight.  Her hand is gripping the armrest so tightly, her knuckles have turned white. She leans her head back against the seat and closes her eyes.  Her lips are frantically moving, and he thought she was praying until he heard the whispered affirmation repeated over and over, “I am a calm airplane passenger” which totally belies her posture.

Trying not to laugh, Jack gently takes her hand in his, and calmly says, “Evelyn, look at me…relax, and just breathe. Tell me about your job, but no matter what, don’t take your eyes off me.”  His uses his other hand to rub a tiny rhythmic circle on the top of her hand, which pleasantly calms her down.

As the flight continues, they talk about where they currently live, and are both surprised to find that they only live blocks away from each other.  Jack keeps the conversation going and asks if that is where she is originally from.  When she explains that she is from a small town he probably never even heard of, but yet he has, he let’s go of her hand, and says, “Just stop,” He turns in his seat to angle his body so that he is almost facing her.

Evelyn looked nonplussed, “What? Stop What?”

With an eyebrow raised he suspiciously asks, “What street did you live on?”

She cautiously responds. “I lived on Willow Street…Why?”

“Seriously Evelyn?  I lived on Birch.” Jack continues to look at her until his words sink in.

As understanding dawns on her face she says incredulously, “Jack, no way…that’s well within walking distance from each other…like where we live now.”

“We have probably been passing each other on the streets our whole lives, what are the chances that we end up meeting on a plane taking us to another state?” asking the rhetorical question.

“Jack, this actually wasn’t my original destination.  I only found out yesterday of the change in plans, which rarely happens.  My boss knows how I am about sticking to a plan, but it couldn’t be helped.”

He quietly laughs, and takes her hand in his again, and says “Evelyn, be my plus-one for my friend’s wedding.”

“Gee…so charming, how can I resist an invitation like that?  Where is your original plus-one?”

“I found out yesterday that all her late nights at work had nothing to do with her job.” He replied flatly.

“Oh…I’m sorry Jack.”

“Eh…it happens.  I’m serious Evelyn, this has to be fate, destiny….kismet, serendipity….or whatever word they use in romantic movies to get the girl to say yes.” He says while waving his hand back and forth to punctuate each word.

“Since you put it that way” she smiles and then murmurs, “and I happen to be staying at the Grand Hotel.”

He let’s out a triumphant “Yes,” with a single fist pump, and says, “You see Evelyn, I’m telling you…it’s fate.”  He wiggles his eyebrows up and down.

“Is it too late to get a refund from the Charm School you attended?”  She teases, shaking her head this is definitely not what I had planned.

~ ❤ ~

Later that evening, Evelyn exits the elevator and begins to walk through the lobby.  When Jack turns around wearing a gorgeous black suit, the sight of him stops her in her tracks.  He sees her and quickly closes the distance between them.  When he is right in front of her, he takes her hand and steps back so he can admire her.

She looks back at him and declares, “Oh my, Jack McAllister, don’t you clean up nicely?”

He kisses her hand and says, “I’d say the same to you, but my charm must accommodate my attire.  Besides, mere words cannot express how stunningly beautiful you are.  Thank you for being here with me.  Shall we?”  He places her hand in the crook of his arm and leads her into the ballroom.

With a nod and an alluring smile, Evelyn says, “I guess charm school paid off after all.”

“You don’t even know,” his words are flirtatious but filled with promise.

Later when he leads her to the dance floor, she places one hand on his shoulder, and the other in his hand, leaving enough space in between them so their bodies do not touch.  When he places his hand on the small of her back, and draws her close, he whispers in her ear, “I don’t know about you, but I don’t want anymore distance between us.”

© 2015 Carrie Ann

#BlogBattle: Legumes – Week 25 – Legume Languor

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Tuesday = #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  Feel free to join in, or click here to read the current week’s stories and vote for your favorites.

This week’s word:  Legumes

Genre:  Comedy/Humor

😦 I have missed the last two weeks of battle, but I’m back with some of my favorite characters.  Since my last couple of stories were a little melancholy, I thought I’d lighten things up a bit.  Happy Reading.

Legume Languor

Nita walks into the Cosmetology school and heads towards the break room carrying her coffee and donut.  Her and her friend Michael usually meet up early so they can take a moment to chitchat before they have to start their day.

When Nita enters the break room, Michael isn’t there yet.  She puts her purse in her locker and gets out her white lab coat.  Just then Michael enters, and she greets him cheerfully, “Good Morning Michael.”

Michael replies with less bravado than usual, “Good Morning Chickpea,” he cringes at the moniker and shakes his head hoping Nita doesn’t notice.

Chickpea?  That’s not right, usually my nicknames are sweet desserts…something’s wrong…he looks really tired.  “Michael…what’s the matter?” Nita questions gingerly.

Michael shuts his locker a little too forcefully, he looks at Nita and says, “It’s the legumes,” he draws out the word legumes as if just allowing it to roll off his tongue leaves a bad taste in his mouth.

Nita echoes flatly, “The legumes.” Having no clue to what he is talking about.

Michael lets out a sigh and says, “You remember I went to visit mumsy at the vineyard, Green Bean.” He winces, not waiting for her to reply.  “Well, all she served to eat all weekend were foods cooked with legumes…you know…peas, beans, nuts…I mean everything, even dessert.”  Rolling his eyes he continued, “Her new beau was there, he’s a transplant from California, some old surfer dude named Wade.  Because of him she is embracing the vegan lifestyle.  It was dreadful, I tell you, simply dreadful.  But then…she brings out the brownies…you know how I love brownies…so I think this is her, extending an olive branch.  Nope…they were Garbanzo. Bean. Brownies.” He says with horror, and drops his head to his folded arms on the table with a loud thud.

“Oh Michael, I am so sorry.  Here…you need this more than I do.” She slides her coffee and donut towards him with great reverence.  When he looks up, she thinks she sees a tear in his eye.  He nods his head in thanks as he breaks off a piece of donut and places it in his mouth.  He closes his eyes, chews slowly, savoring every bite.

Nita didn’t want to interrupt him, but she wasn’t going to be in class that morning, her regular patron, Sophia was coming in to get her hair done before her trip.  She quietly says, “Michael…I’ll have to catch up with you after class, Sophia is coming in this morning…are you feeling any better?”

He nods his head with a little more enthusiasm and with a content smile he says, “Thanks Sugar Snap.”

“See…you are better!!” She says with excitement.

“Not quite…Sugar Snap is a pea.” He says with no emotion as he lifts the cup of coffee to his lips to drown his despondency.

“Oh…you’ll be OK?…I have to go.” Nita says reluctantly.  She really didn’t want to leave him in this state.  Without looking at her, he waves his hand like he is swatting at a fly to dismiss her.

~ ~

By the time Nita is combing out Sophia’s shampoo set, Michael is back from class, and begins setting up his workstation.

Sophia looks towards Michael, and then eyes Nita in the mirror with a questioning look.  Nita explains, “He’s not himself this morning Sophia, he spent the weekend with his mother and all she fed him was food made with legumes, he’s having meat withdrawal.”

With wide eyes, Sophia says, “Oh Michael dear, it can’t be all that bad.  Your dear sweet mother probably made some fabulous dishes, I know that Vegan diet can be very flavorful when prepared correctly.”

Nita leaned down and quietly said in her ear, “She made him Garbanzo Bean Brownies.”

Sophia literally gasps and clutches her pearls that are draped around her neck, “Oh no…NO…that’s just wrong on so many levels…Michael you poor dear.”

To add to the drama, Michael is leaning on his workstation as if it were the only thing that could keep him vertical, then he says to Nita, “Is it lunch time yet?  I think I need a McDisaster.”

Nita replied with a scolding tone, “Michael.” As she cut her eyes at him.

Sophia questions Nita, “Did he just say a McDisaster?”

“Yes, yes he did.”

“What…is…a McDisaster?” Sophia asks not sure she wants to know.

“It doesn’t matter…he’s not getting one.” Nita says with great resolve.

With a faraway look, Michael slowly says to Sophia, “A McDisaster, my dear Sophia, is when you put a McChicken, between a McDouble, to create the McDisaster,” using hand gestures to indicate each layer, as his expression turns to pure euphoria just talking about it.

“Michael!!  That’s not real food, how can you even think to eat such a thing?” Nita says with fervency.

Sophia chided, “Nita is right, Michael…that fast food will kill you.  What you and Nita need to do is go to the Greek Island Restaurant for lunch.  Hank and I just love the Greek Island.  You can get one of those Gyros, now that’s some real meat, and the desserts they have?  They are to die for.”

Nita agreed. “That’s a great idea Sophia.” Nita turns to look at Michael, and notices he is slumped in his chair, with his eyes closed, she loudly says, “Michael,” to stir him from his melodramatic stupor, he startles, then she says, “Michael, I’m taking you to the Greek Island for lunch, my treat.”

With a little more energy he says, “I don’t care where you take me Peanut, I just want some real food. Is it lunchtime yet? Can we go now?” Sounding not unlike an impatient child.

Nita answers with a calmness she has to muster, “Let me finish up, meet me in the break room.”

She puts the finishing touches on Sophia’s hair, and says, “I hope you and Hank have a wonderful trip.”

Sophia replies with a smile of pure joy on her face, “Oh Nita dear, we will.  Be sure to take care of that one,” she says with a chuckle as she points her thumb in Michael’s direction.  She hands Nita a larger than normal tip and says, “Here’s a little extra, be sure you get that boy some real dessert…it’s on me.” She gives Nita’s shoulder a little squeeze as she leaves.

 

© 2015 Carrie Ann

 

#BlogBattle: Time – Week 22 – Sparkles in Time

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Tuesday = #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  Feel free to join in, or click here to read the current week’s stories and vote for your favorites.

This week’s word:  Time

Sparkles in Time

“It’s time Mr. Jensen.”  The nurse quietly says as she gently rests her hand on my shoulder.  I look up into the most caring eyes I have ever seen.  How can she do this every day and still be so compassionate?

I pull myself up from my chair, and she says kindly, “Go down to the end of the hall, make a left and it’s the first door on the right.”

I begin my journey down the pristine hallway, brightly lit with a faint scent of disinfectant.  Behind my eyes flash all kinds of memories; sparkles in time like fireworks that split the night sky.  Memories of our walks along the beach, with the sun warming her face, and the cool water splashing her feet.  She always loved nature, I ‘m not sure which season she liked best, crunching leaves in the fall, walking in the first snow fall, or finding the first flower bud of spring.  She also loved being with her family, on holidays, during the mundane day to day tasks, or just watching movies…and oh how she loved our kids, how she would do anything to comfort them and keep them safe.  My heart is heavy as I try to fathom how we will manage without her.  I loved how she would greet me each day when I came home; you could just see the love and joy radiating from her body.  But how can I be sad when I know she had a perfect life, filled with happiness and love, she, the perfect companion.  I am then taken back to the first day I laid eyes on her.  I was introduced to her on Christmas Eve, and how fitting it was that her name was Holly, and she even wore a red ribbon, this memory causes me to smile, she looked so adorable.

Just then I reach out, my hand grasps the door handle and the cold steel jolts me from my reverie, and plunges me into reality.  I know once I cross this threshold, my life will be changed forever.

I open the door, and there I see my wife.  Our eyes lock and its almost as if time stands still.  Even though her face is blotchy, her eyes are the most vibrant green I have ever seen, probably intensified by the red puffiness that has overtaken her lids, but she has never looked more beautiful to me.  The absence of tears makes me realize that she is now trying desperately to be strong, which makes me love her even more, if that is at all possible.  My arms ache to hold her, so I quickly close the gap between us with two long strides.  When I reach her, she collapses in my arms, all I can do is hold on tight.  I strengthen her with my embrace and then I look down at where Holly is lying, her breathing a bit labored.  I stroke her soft, auburn fur, and I say to her, “Hey girl, it will soon be over, we’ll miss you so much.”  Together my wife and I continue to caress her fur, whispering comforting words as the vet injects the serum that will bring her peace.  Her eyes flutter closed and she takes her last breath.

That same nurse is there by our side, she ushers us into a room where we can spend a few more moments to grieve.  Before she leaves she places Holly’s collar in my wife’s hand.  The familiar jingle of her tags, which once symbolized vibrant life, now clanged with a hollow sound of a life gone but never to be forgotten.

Holly was my wife’s Irish Setter, a gift I gave her the Christmas after she started her chemo treatments.  My wife always wanted an Irish Setter, and Holly was there by her side on the good days, and the bad.  I knew that love from family and the unconditional love of a pup would strengthen my wife during her battle.  Holly grew to be the life force in our family, always there for each one of us, with a warm nuzzle or just her comforting presence.  My wife is now cancer free, though the irony is not lost on me the fact that the reason Holly was brought into our life, is the same reason she was taken out of it.  I am grateful that her cancer came later, after she lived a full life and that she didn’t suffer long.  Still, knowing that will not fill the whole in our hearts.  Only time will mend that void in our hearts with memories that sparkle so bright from a love so pure.

© Carrie Ann

Monday’s Muse: Writing Prompt for 07/20

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Monday’s Muse: Writing Prompt for July 20

I am joining in with the super-creative Candice Coates for her Monday’s Muse.  She provides a photo and an opening line on Monday, then posts her results on her blog on Thursday.  Guidelines on how to join in are at the bottom.  (The opening line provided is in bold).

My Peaceful Sanctuary

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“It’s a simple room, but it will be perfect for what you need.” Their warm hand rested upon my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.  That’s exactly what I needed right now…simple.

Ruth was such a friendly person.  She was asking me all kinds of questions about myself, not trying to be nosy, but genuinely interested. I hoped she believed what I was telling her, because I was trying to convince myself.  I heard the words I was saying, but they were foreign to me.  I guess over time that would become easier.  I was still the same person, only the facts had changed, the ones you see on paper.  Ruth continued to talk and tell me about herself.  She had such gentleness in her eyes.  It was as if she could look deep down into my soul and knew exactly what I was guarding in my heart.  She gave me the keys to the room, and with a welcoming hug, she said, “If you need anything dear, don’t hesitate to ask.”

As I stood in the middle of the room, I hugged myself tightly, not because I was cold, but because I was trying to contain the emotion that was trying to overtake me.  I could finally breathe easy.  Allowing me to rent this room for practically next to nothing, was more than I could have dreamed of.  This place would become my sanctuary, where I could lose myself in my painting, to awaken my creativity that lay dormant for so many years.  I rented a small cottage on the other side of the woods that adjoined both properties.  The daily walks on the trail with the peacefulness of nature, the fresh air, and the transcendent beauty would lend itself for inspiration.  Yes, it was perfect, exactly what I needed…I needed a place where I could lose myself in my art…I needed the peace and solitude…I needed to heal.

Because no one, ever, left my husband’s family and lived…until now.

 

© 2015 Carrie Ann

 ______________

Join Monday’s Muse:

• Using the opening line and the picture provided, (Or one of your own choosing) create a story (or even a poem) within 15 to 20 minutes.

• Once you have finished your super awesome masterpiece, add your story’s link in the comments section here, for others to read.

• Also include a link on your page back to this original post for others to follow along and write with as well. In your “tags” section, add the tag “Monday’s Muse.”

 

 

 

 

#BlogBattle Week 13 – Rope: It Can Only Get Better

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Happy Tuesday!!  Here’s my contribution to #BlogBattle.

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by Rachael Ritchey.

 

It Can Only Get Better

Kate enters her apartment with a stack of mail.  She flips through the envelopes, letting them pile up on her desk to sort through later.  But the last envelope gives her pause, “Discover Card?” she says to herself. “I don’t have a Discover Card,” literally talking to herself.  She drops it on the pile with the others in exasperation.  This time she cries to the heavens, “How much more? I’m at the end of my rope here…barley hanging on by a thread!!”

As she gets ready for work, she thinks to herself, my life wasn’t supposed to be this way.  She fell in love, married young, started a family and was content to live her happily ever after.  How was she to know that her Prince Charming was really just a frog, with a wandering eye, and a compulsion for spending?  Oh, she knew…she saw the signs, but chose to ignore them.  What she didn’t see coming was him up and leaving her, just walking away, leaving her, the kids and a huge amount of debt.  She lets out a sigh, and says, “No time to dwell on the past, it has to get better.”  She laughs to herself and thinks she really needs to stop talking to herself.

It was super busy in the restaurant, she has no idea how many people she served during her shift, smiling and making small talk, but it helps pass the time quickly.  As she finishes up, she walks over to collect her tips, and several of the other servers are all crowded around her manager, Michelle, having a rather animated conversation. “What’s going on?” Kate asks as she approaches.

Michelle replies, “You might want to sit down for this.”

“Sit down for what?” She asks looking from Michelle to the other servers.

Michelle slowly says, “Someone left you a thousand dollar tip.”

“Yeah right.” Kate snickers.

“It’s true.”  Michelle contends as she hands Kate the receipt.  Next to the tip line, printed in neat handwriting she reads aloud, “Thank you.  Keep smiling, it brightened my day.”

Whoops and squeals sound from the small group.  Then the speculation begins of who could of left such a tip, and if it is indeed a secret admirer.

“It doesn’t matter who left it, I’m not looking for a man…I’m tired, and I’m going home.  Good night ladies.” Kate says cheerfully as she leaves.

* ~ *

Edward’s sister calls to see if he wants to go out to dinner.  “Sure, why not.” He replies.  He disconnects the call and thinks to himself, it’s a Friday night, and I’m having dinner with my sister.  This isn’t how his life was supposed to be.  But he can’t blame anyone but himself.  Why would his wife stick around when he was working all the time, and never home.  Ha!! A beautiful home only afforded by his hard work and long hours.  Once the kids were off to college, she decided to travel Europe, to find herself, to eat, pray and love…whatever that means.  He shakes his head, as if to clear this unproductive introspection.

The evening is enjoyable with his sister; the food is delicious as always.  What was especially intriguing to Edward was his server.  She introduces herself as Kate.  She has the most beautiful ocean blue eyes, that sparkle when she smiles.  His sister engages her in small talk, finding out she has a son in college and a daughter heading there in the fall.  Edward got the sense that she was the type of person that put everyone’s needs before her own.  He notices no wedding ring.

At the end of the meal Edward insists on paying, even though this obviously offends his sister, but he doesn’t care.  He waits in line to pay the check, and catches a glimpse of Kate, as she laughs and chats with the other servers.  Not an impulsive guy by nature, when it’s his turn to pay his check, he fills in the tip section with a generous amount and adds a note.  He realizes it’s been a long time since he has been attracted to a woman, and it really didn’t matter if anything came out of this.  She deserves a nice surprise; besides, he knew what it took to put kids through college.  It’s time he used his success for some good.

* ~ *

Sunday afternoon, Kate heads over to her friend’s house for a barbecue.  There was no getting out of it, Tori doesn’t take no for an answer.  She walks up to the beautiful house with the meticulous lawn, and heads towards the backyard where she can hear music playing.  Tori spots her right away and rushes over and gives her a big hug, talking a mile a minute, “Kate!! So glad you could make it.  Food is over there, drinks are over there.  Lisa is here too, she is saving a spot for you at her table over there.  I’ll catch up with you later, there’s someone I want to introduce you to.”  Ugh, she’s playing matchmaker again.

The food is delicious, and Kate enjoys catching up with Lisa. Tori comes over, and grabs Kate by the arm.  “Come with me, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

We walk up to a handsome man, who is dressed like he just stepped out of Tommy Bahama catalogue, looks to be a few years older than Kate. Tori says, “Edward Lewis this is Kate Foster, my dear friend I was telling you about.”  She says to Kate,  “Edward is good friends with the hubby.  You two enjoy yourself, I need to check on the food.” She quickly disappears with a dramatic flourish of her hand and a “Ta-Ta.”

“Is it me, or do you feel like this was a complete set up?” Edward says conspiratorially.

“I agree totally.  She feels it’s her duty…helping the single friend,” Kate admits with a laugh.

“Yes, I know what you mean, same here.” Trying to diminish the awkwardness Edward says,  “Well…I was heading over to see their solarium, it’s actually roped off to the other guests, but Tori’s hubby told me to go check it out,” He smiles and shrugs his shoulders playfully saying, “What…I know a guy. Come join me.”

Laughing at his silly attempt to impress her, Kate says, “Sure, how could I possibly resist.”

As she turns to walk towards the solarium, he gently puts his hand on the small of her back to guide her through the crowd.  She tries to hide the affect that simple gesture has on her.

Once in the solarium they find a bench, sit down and continue to talk.  The conversation flows easily between them.  Kate finds herself genuinely having a good time, it’s been so long since she has felt like this.

Edward interrupts her musings saying, “I have really enjoyed your company, Kate, I hope we can get together again.  We can take it one day at a time, no expectations.  I would much rather go out to dinner with you than my sister.” He quietly laughs.

“That sounds like something I’d be interested in,” she casually says as she flashes him one of her smiles.

He briefly closes his eyes and slightly shakes his head and says, “You are truly beautiful Kate, and that smile of yours, it just brightens my day.”

Her heart almost stops, barely getting the words out she says, “What did you just say?”

He looks at her intently, answering the question she didn’t ask, “Yes, Kate.  Your smile brightens my day.” With a knowing smile, he gives her a wink as he takes her hand.

 

© 2015 Carrie Ann