New Story

This story is kinda along the same lines as my last one. A romance with a hint of Tragedy. Well, more than just a hint, but thats all I’m saying. You’ll have to read it to find out the rest )

Heaven’s Peak.

Morag sighed blissfully as she snuggled into Darren’s arms. She looked out over the view of the snow covered peaks around her and closed her eyes. Darren stroked her face and said softly
“Isn’t this amazing baby?”
“MmmHmm” she sighed, and lifted her head to look up at him. Darren grinned cheekily down at her, that wide grin she knew so well, and cherished.

Morag and Darren had met a year earlier at a skiing show in Toronto. Darren had been in charge of a stall selling skis, whilst Morag had been looking for a new pair. Both of them were avid skiers and hikers, and had gotten talking as Darren showed her ski’s best suited to her. Before they knew it, they’d been talking for over an hour, and when Darren’s collegue came by to take over the stall, Darren had asked Morag out for a drink. She’d agreed immediately. She had been captivated by his warm open face and cheeky nature, whilst Darren was intrigued by Morag’s mysterious nature. Darren had taken Morag to a quiet quaint little place that had all the charm of a small village Pub. They’d sat and talked and laughed, and at the end of the night, shared a very tender kiss. Morag was smitten. So smitten that 2 weeks later she found herself and all her belongings on a West Jet flight to Vancouver, where Darren resided. She was moving in with him.

Morag took her Camera out of her backpack and snapped a picture of Darren stood at the edge of the peak, then placed the camera back in her heavy backpack and hoisted it onto her shoulders.
“We should make a move if we want to make the base by nightfall” she said.
“Yeah that’s true” sighed Darren, “But I wish I could stay up here forever, just me, you and this stunning view” he whispered fiercely, pulling her close.
“Hey, whats brought this on?” Asked Morag. Darren looked like he was about to burst into tears at any moment.
“I’ve just never ever felt this way with anyone before Morag, if I ever lost you it’d kill me” he whispered.
“You’ll never lose me babe, you’re stuck with me for life” replied Morag with a tender smile on her face.
“There’s no place I’d rather be stuck” replied Darren, the smile returning to his face.

As they started to make their way back down with Morag in front, she thought back to the weekend they’d just spent together. They’d hiked up to the peak of Mount Seymour on Friday, and set up Camp. They’d made love in their tent on Friday night, and gone exploring the peak on Saturday, taking picture after picture, including a couple of the two of them using the timer on her camera. Saturday night, they’d made love again, and had dismantled the Camp this morning, preparing to make the hike back down to base and their car. Morag smiled to herself. They’d had a fabulous time. A breeze ruffled the trees, and clumps of snow fell off with a rustling noise. Morag glanced up at the sky, it was turning a steel grey colour and the clouds were coming lower. She stopped and turned to Darren looking a little worried.
“Looks like we might be in for it” she said.
“It shouldn’t be too bad” replied Darren hopefully, “The man at Base said there was nothing bad forecast for the weekend” he finished.
“Well we’d best keep going, we don’t want to be stuck out here in a storm” replied Morag turning and setting off again.

The two of them trudged through the deep snow in silence, and the wind picked up till it was howling through the trees around them. To make matters worse it started snowing, falling heavier and heavier till it was whirling around them in a frenzy. Visibility was almost zero.
“Darren, we’ll have to try and shelter, we’ll lose the trail soon” screamed Morag over the howling wind.
“Keep going” yelled Darren back, “The trail markers are bright Orange, we can’t miss them!”
Morag turned back into the wind and trudged forward again, leaning right into the wind. The snow blew straight into her face and she bent her head a little against it. The temperatures were dropping alarmingly and Morag gave thanks that they’d had the good sense to pile on more layers of clothing before leaving Camp this morning. She kept an eye out for the trail markers but didn’t see any. If she didn’t see any in the next 10 minutes, she’d check her compass to make sure they were headed in the right direction. Visibility was completely zero. The storm was now a whiteout, the worst conditions to be out in for any hiker, even experienced ones. She and Darren weren’t experienced by any means, but they weren’t beginners at all. Both of them had hiked for a good few years and were well aware of the dangers that faced them when they were out on the mountainside. Morag stumbled a little as she hit a patch of deeper snow, and leant against a tree to catch her breath. Taking out her compass she peered at it, and discovered they were heading too far west. Pulling herself upright, she stuck her head round the tree trunk to tell Darren this. But he wasn’t there. She was on her own.

Morag squinted through the swirling snow looking for Darren. She knew she couldn’t miss him, his coat was bright Red and Yellow. He’ll be along any minute she thought, he probably stopped just back there to catch his breath too. Morag waited a couple of minutes, but there was no sign of Darren at all. Now she began to worry. She retraced her footsteps trying to see where there were two sets but couldn’t make them out. Darren had been using her footsteps as a guide and the falling snow had already started to cover them up. Morag knew she had no choice to keep going down towards the base if she didn’t want to get hopelessly lost, and panic rose in her like a tidal wave. Where the hell was he? She wondered, he’d never just leave her out here on her own, and if he had to stop he always told her. He never let her go on without him, it was a rule of thumb that they didn’t separate whilst hiking together. She yelled his name over and over above the wind, but she heard nothing in reply. Sobbing, she turned to retrace her footsteps, she’d have to go down to base on her own, and get the Mountaineers to send out the rescue team.

“Okay guys, are we all ready here?” Asked Tony, the team leader.
“Almost Tony, we’re just checking the equipment” replied Andrew
Tony nodded and turned again to Mike, who’d been working in Guest Services on Friday when Darren and Morag had set off out.
“Okay Tony, their names are Darren and Morag, they were heading up to the peak on Friday, and said they were heading back down today, their car is still in the parking lot, and I have the keys here. The man is wearing a Bright Red and Yellow coat with Matching Pants, The woman is wearing Bright Blue and Green pants and a Bright Blue coat, easy enough to spot in the snow, but this freak storm has taken us all by surprise. I hope they’ve managed to take shelter somewhere”
“Don’t worry Mike, we’ll find them” Tony assured him, “We have the dog search team coming out too, so chances are good”
Well you have radios, so radio me with the conditions up there, as soon as it’s cleared up somewhat I’ll send out the Chopper” replied Mike.
He felt awful, the young couple had seemed so excited about their trip together, and it was obvious they’d been deeply in love with each other. He’d only been on the job two months and this was the first time he’d seen the Search Team being sent out. It scared him. He hoped the young couple were safe, the forecast had been clear and he’d told them so. If they were dead, it was all his fault.
Tony gave Mike a close look. He looked terrified.
“Mike, don’t blame yourself okay, it’s a freak storm, nobody saw it coming, which happens often on this mountain, and we have one of the best rescue teams in the province, heck even the country. We’ll find them safe and well”
Mike nodded but couldn’t answer.
A bark was heard from outside, and Larry stuck his head in the door.
“Ready when you are Boss” he said
“Okay, lets get this show on the road boys” replied Tony, and the team of six men headed out into the storm with huge Flashlights, Radios, Emergency First Aid kits, and Sleds trailing behind them, tied sturdily to their waistbelts, whilst the dogs bounded ahead of them.
Mike sent up a silent prayer for the young couple and collapsed into a chair, rested his head on his arms, and wept.

Morag lifted her head suddenly. Was that a bark she’d heard? Looking around her wildly, she tried to determine where the noise had come from, if in fact she’d heard it at all. Deciding it must have been the wind howling, she sank back down against the tree trunk and sobbed uncontrollably. Shivering and shaking with a mixture of cold and fear, she wished for oblivion. The storm hadn’t lessened any, and she had finally realized that Darren was lost and missing. He didn’t have his compass because Morag had brought hers, and she was also hauling their tent, so he wouldn’t have been able to find shelter from the wind. She only hoped and prayed that they’d just lost each other, and that he wasn’t injured at all. She couldn’t live without him. She heard a bark again, this time clearer and closer, and she was certain it was a dog. Scrambling to her feet, she stood peering through the snow, then she saw it. A light, coming closer through the trees, and directly in front of it, 3 dogs sniffing the ground. The dogs caught sight of her, and yapping loudly they bounded towards her. Then loud voices were heard and Morag, sobbing uncontrollably again slipped and slid her way towards them as the dogs jumped round her.

The team saw her and quickened their pace. As they reached her she sank to the ground crying and sobbing, and two of the team quickly pulled foil blankets around her and lifted her to her feet.
“Are you Morag?” asked a bearded man.
Morag nodded, unable to speak.
“Morag, I’m Tony, where’s Darren” he asked.
“I don’t know, we lost each other somewhere along the way” gasped Morag.
“Okay Morag, you’re safe now. We’ll have two team members take you down to base and have you checked over, and the rest of us and the dogs will continue to search for Darren. We’ll find him, don’t worry” he said kindly.
“Larry, John, take Morag down to Base please, I’ll radio Mike to have the Medics on standby” said Tony. As the rest of the team headed into the storm, Larry and John had Morag lay down in one of the sleds, wrapping her in warm blankets, they strapped her in, and started heading back towards base.

Mike radioed the Medics, his whole body trembling. Tony had just radioed in saying they’d found the woman, she appeared to be unhurt, just suffering from shock. The medics were ready.
“Yeah, we’re ready Mike, no problems” said Howie over the Radio, “And when you have a few spare minutes, maybe you should head on over too, ou sound as though it’s affected you somewhat.” He finished.
“Yeah, maybe I’ll do that” replied Mike weakly. He wasn’t so sure he was cut out for this job anymore. He couldn’t wait to get home to his wife and two children.

Morag slipped under the sheets of the bed. She’d been checked over by the medics who assured her that she was unharmed, just suffering from shock. She’d been ordered to one of the beds on the ward, and a Nurse brought her a steaming mug of sweet tea.
“Drink this Morag, it’ll help warm you up” she said gently.
Morag took the mug and sipped at it slowly. It tasted good, and she drank deeply, draining the mug in record time, barely registering the burning liquid slipping down her throat Her eyelids grew heavy as the draught began to work, and she slipped into a deep dreamless sleep.

Mike’s radio crackled into life at the side of his head, and he jumped awake. A quick glance at the clock told him it was 6am, and he grabbed the radio.
“Yeah Tony, go ahead” he said drowsily.
“We’ve found a body, please confirm the clothing of the male, Darren” said Tony’s voice.
Closing his eyes Mike gave the description of Darren’s clothing, praying to God it wasn’t him.
“Yeah, it’s Darren” said Tony, his voice trembling, “Please have someone inform Morag, Our ETA is 30 minutes”
Mike shakily informed the medics of the result, and asked that someone inform Morag. Putting down his radio, he sighed deeply, and closing his eyes he wept silently for the loss of life.

Morag opened her eyes just as a Nurse entered the ward. Sitting up suddenly she looked around, but she was still on her own.
“Darren … where’s Darren?” She asked the Nurse.
The nurse sat on the edge of the bed, and sighed. She was a young woman, and didn’t know how to break the news.
“Ummm, I’m sorry Morag, they found Darren’s body, and they’re on their way back down now. They’ll be here in about 30 minutes” she said gently.
Morag drew her knees up to her chest and broke down, sobbing wildly. The nurse wrapped her arms around Morag as she poured out her grief.

Tony sighed as he unclipped the Sled carrying Darren’s body from his waistbelt. It had been rough going for all of them. Darren’s body had been found in a deep ditch. It looked as though he’d lost his footing or tripped over a concealed tree root and fallen into the ditch. A broken ankle had prevented him from climbing out. The dogs had found him, buried in the snow and from the looks of the body, Darren had clearly perished because of the extreme cold. They’d managed to haul him out of the ditch, and wrapped him in blankets, before strapping him into a sled and slowly making their way back to base. This had been the rest of the team’s first fatality, and only Tony’s second. He’d heard some muffled sobs from the other members of the team behind him on the way back, and had wiped tears from his own eyes. It was hard not to be affected by this kind of thing. As he sighed and unclipped the Sled, he caught sight of Mike standing in the doorway of Guest Services. The young man had his hand over his mouth, and tears streaming down his face. It had been a hard night for all of them. The waiting Medics loaded Darrens body onto a stretcher and slowly took him to a private room where Morag would be able to see him.

The young Nurse accompanied Morag as far as the door.
“I’ll wait here Morag, I’m sure you’d like some privacy” she said quietly.
Morag nodded wordlessly and entered the room. Darren was laid out on a bed, under a sheet. His eyes were closed and a look of total peace was on his face. His hands were laid across his front, with one clenched into a fist. Tears poured down Morags face as she sat in a chair placed at the side of the bed.
“Oh Darren” she whispered, “I’m so sorry, I should have checked more often to see if you were still behind me”
She placed her hands over his, and was startled to feel something scratch her thumb. Looking down, she saw a piece of paper clutched in his fist. She eased it out of his fist and unfolded it. It was a note Darren had written. The handwriting was untidy indicating he’d been shivering when he wrote it, but she could still read it.

“Morag, if you’re reading this, then I didn’t make it. I fell into a ditch, and can’t get out, I think my ankle is broken. Don’t worry about me now, I’m going to a better place. I shall be waiting at the Peak of Seymour when your time comes, and I’ll always watch over you. One day sweetheart, we shall be together forever. I love you, Darren”

Feedback in the comments section as usual please. It’s always much appreciated.

Ciao.

I Wish.

I wish they would listen when I say I don’t want their sympathy,
I wish they would listen when I say I don’t want to talk,
I wish they really meant it when they say “I understand”,
I wish they would understand I have an illness, not a disease,
I wish they would say “I’m here if you need me”,
I wish they would offer to walk a day in my shoes,
I wish they WOULD walk a day in my shoes,

I wish they would let me be ME!

Ciao.

Life Is Short

Have you ever watched kids playing on a Merry Go Round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
Do you run through each day on the fly, when you ask “How are you” do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head?
Ever told you child “we’ll do it tomorrow”, and in your haste, not seen his sorrow?
Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say “hi”

When you worry and hurry through your day, it’s like an unopened gift…Thrown away…
Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.

Ciao.

Storytime

This story may hit a few readers a little hard. Even in todays times it’s still a sensitive subject, especially with women’s rights groups. Just so you’ve been warned. Read on.

Plaything.

Madame scrutinised the young girl sat docilely before her for a moment, then sighed and said
“You’re one of my best girls, and I don’t want to lose you. However Mr Chen has paid a very large sum of money for you. You’re a lucky girl Mia.”
“Yes Madame” replied Mia quietly. She didn’t care, she was finally getting out of this hellhole.

Mia thought back to where it had all started a year ago. She had just turned 13 years old, and helped work the small plot of land her Parents owned in Northern Thailand. Mia had just returned to her family’s small hut to see her parents standing talking to a mad dressed in a dark suit and wearing sunglasses. A car sat idling nearby. Mia stared, she’d never seen such a nice car before. The man must be very rich she thought. Her Father turned to her and said in a calm voice,
“Mia this is Mr Cheng, you are to go with him now, don’t worry, he will take care of you”
“In that car?” enquired Mia.
“Yes” her father replied.
Mia didn’t know what was happening, but the thought of riding in such a nice car made her very excited. She couldn’t wait to tell all her friends. Mr Cheng smiled down at Mia, and said,
“Lets go Mia, we have a lot to do.” He opened the passenger door for her and she climbed in. She inhaled deeply, she had never smelled anything so clean before! The seats were Cream Leather, and the Dashboard was Walnut. Mia was so awed and excited she never looked back. If she had, she would have seen her Mother sobbing hysterically in her Father’s shoulder.
“Where are we going Mr Cheng?” Mia asked politely.
“To the City Of Bangkok Mia, there is a Lady there very anxious to meet you” replied Mr Cheng.
Mia wondered who that could be. She was soon to find out.

Someone shook her shoulder and Mia woke with a jump.
“We have arrived Mia” said Mr Cheng. Mia blinked then stared out of the windscreen. There were people everywhere, and Buildings so tall she couldn’t see the top of them. Mia had never seen anything like it before. Mr Cheng laughed.
“This way Mia, follow me” he said.
Mia followed Mr Cheng along the sidewalk and then in through a door. She stopped dead at the sight that met her eyes. There in front of her was a ceiling to floor glass window. Behind it were girls of various ages in various states of undress. Mia became aware of footsteps and quickly turned. Mr Cheng was walking towards her followed by a tall intimidating lady.
“Mia, this is Madame, she will take care of you now, I have to go” said Mr Cheng, and before Mia could even open her mouth, he had gone.
“Follow me Mia” said Madame, and set off down a passageway with numerous doors leading off it. Mia thought she heard muffled screams and groans coming from behind some of them. Madame led Mia into a small room where a girl not much older than Mia herself was seated at a dressing table wearing a short robe and brushing her hair.
“This is the new girl I was talking about earlier Susanna, make sure she looks good, I have a feeling she’s going to be something VERY special” said Madame
Susanna grinned
“Yes Madame” she replied, and Madame left the room.
“You are Mia yes?” asked the girl Susanna
Mia nodded shyly, and Susanna continued,
“Madame was right, you are very pretty.”
Mia blushed then said
“I think I would like to go home now”
Susanna laughed, a high tinkling musical laugh,
“You ARE home now Mia, this is where you’ll live. Your parents sold you.”
Mia was stunned. She’d heard of other girls who had been sold by their parents . They had been forced to live with other girls and pleasure men, something Mia found disgusting and filthy. She’d never even kissed a boy.
“You mean…..?” whispered Mia unable to finish the sentence. Susanna nodded and smiled.
“It’s not so bad Mia, most of the men are okay. Once you build up a regulars list, they’ll shower you with gifts and money”
“But I don’t want to do this!” cried Mia.
“You have no choice now Mia, Madame bought you, if you don’t do exactly as she says, she will be very angry and may beat you”
Mia’s thin shoulders slumped, she was trapped.
“Come on Mia, we have to get you ready” said Susanna.
And so an hour later, Mia was sobbing silently to herself as a huge overweight fat man grunted and groaned on top of her. The pain he’d caused her was almost indescribable. When he finished he rolled off her, got dressed, threw 200 baht down on the bed and left without a word.

The man’s name was Mr Chen. Over the course of the next year, he visited Mia three times a week, and as time went on he subjected Mia to more and more perverted behaviour, causing her more and more pain. Till one day, she sat in Madame’s office.
“You’re one of my best girls, and I don’t want to lose you. However Mr Chen has paid a very large sum of money for you. You’re a lucky girl Mia.”
“Yes Madame” replied Mia quietly. She didn’t care, she was finally getting out of this hellhole.
Mr Chen had told Mia that his wife needed help around the house while he was away on Business trips. He’d promised to pay her well. He grinned at her now as she walked out of Madame’s office and put a possesive arm around her waist, resting his large hand on her rear.
“Come Mia, my wife is waiting for you” he said arrogantly. He led her to his car and she got in. The journey was made in silence till they reached a set of Electronic gates.
“Here we are Mia, your new home” said Mr Chen as the gates swung open silently. Mia stared around her. Wide sweeping gardens, a deck and even a glimpse of a Swimming Pool off in the distance. Mia began to feel that life wasn’t going to be so bad after all. The car pulled up outside a set of double doors, one of which stood open invitingly. She got out of the car and entered the hall right behind Mr Chen as he called for his wife.
“Kalup, She’s here”
There was a sound of high heels clicking on the marble floor, then a tall elegant woman appeared. Her face was long and narrow, and had the look of someone who’d smelled something bad. She stood very close to Mia looking her up and down, then suddenly, and without warning, she ripped Mia’s simple dress right off her, leaving her naked and spoke,
“My girl slaves are not permitted to wear clothes in this house, they do exactly as I tell them and they are to address me as Madame, Is that clear?” She barked.
“Yes Madame” replied Mia quietly as her eyes burned with unshed tears.
“Good” purred Madame, and with that, she fastened a dog collar round Mia’s slender neck and attached a length of chain to it.
“You’re MY plaything now Mia” she said menacingly, and cackling loudly, she dragged Mia off towards her private rooms.

Feedback and comments as usual in the comments section please.

Ciao.

Challenge Complete.

So here it is. The Challenge that was set for my by Eric. He asked me for this:

try some romance with a touch of tragedy.

I do hope I met the requirements.

Friends Forever

Ruby couldn’t wait to see Eric. He was picking her up from Ice Skating Practice and she had some VERY exciting news for him. Throwing her Skates into her bag and the bag over her shoulder, she bid a hasty good bye to her team mates and ran up the steps that would take her through to Reception where she and Eric usually met after practice.

Eric threw the magazine to one side and sighed irritably. Ruby was supposed to have finished practice an hour ago. The receptionist had told him that she was still there so he had no choice but to wait. He heard running footsteps coming up the steps into reception and stood up, he’d know those footsteps anywhere. The next minute Ruby burst into reception, hair flying and her face flushed excitedly. She broke into a huge grin as she saw Eric standing there waiting for her.

“You’re WHAT??” exclaimed Eric.
Ruby grinned.
“I know, it’s SO exciting huh!” She took a sip of her coffee, then grinned again. She’d made Eric wait for the news till they’d gotten to the Coffee Shop around the corner from the home she shared with her parents.
Eric looked absolutely floored.
“Okay, give me the news again, right from the start” she said.
Ruby rolled her eyes and laughed.
“Okay, I got to practice today and as I got out onto the ice, I saw Madam Rosa talking to some guy in track pants at the side of the rink. Madam Rosa told us that instead of us all skating together we would be taking it in turns to skate on our own, so we did the new routine she’d been teaching us.” Ruby took a breath and continued.
“Oh Eric, it was perfect, I got everything perfectly, the Split Jump, the Loop Jump and the Camel Spin. The only thing I had a bit of trouble with was the Axel, but Madam Rosa knows I haven’t fully mastered that yet. Anyway, after practice, Madam Rosa asked me to stay behind, and she introduced me to the man. His name is Joshua, and he’s a scout for the Olympic Figure Skating Team of Great Britain. He has a School out in America, cuz that’s where he lives, and he wants me to go out there and train for the team, and hopefully make the Olympics!”
“Wow Ruby, umm that’s great news. So how long would you be out there for?” asked Eric.
“Well nothings certain yet, but from what Joshua was saying it’ll be a little under 2 years” she replied.
“Are you serious??” exclaimed Eric, his voice raising a little.
“Well yeah, it’s VERY intense training Eric, and it takes time” replied Ruby, looking a little taken aback at his raised voice.
“But what about us Ruby? Where does this leave us?” asked Eric quietly, “you said we’d never be apart.”
Ruby looked a little guilty
“I don’t know Eric, I mean you can come visit me and everything.” She said hopefully.
“Ruby, I don’t want a long distance relationship, and anyway, how can I come visit you when you’re going to be training every day? You won’t have time for me” he ended bitterly.
“Eric, surely you know how much an opportunity like this means to me, it might never come round again, I HAVE to take it Eric, this is the rest of my life we’re talking about here.” Ruby gathered her things together.
“I have to go share the news with my parents, I’ll call you later.” She said abruptly, and walked out of the Coffee Shop.
Eric groaned with frustration and ran his fingers through his hair. He noticed a middle aged man at the next table staring at him.
“What are you looking at?” he snarled.
The man hastily looked away and Eric stood up and walked out of the Coffee Shop, slamming the door behind him.

Ruby sat at the dinner table with her parents Lorne and Matt. She’d just finished telling them about practice and the Scout, Joshua.
“Wow honey, I’m so proud of you” her Mother beamed..
“Way to go sweetie” added her Father.
“So, when would you be going? You DO want to go right?” asked Lorne.
“Of course I do! I’ve never wanted anything more mom, you know how hard I’ve worked at this.” Said Ruby vehemently.
“Just checking” replied Lorne smirking.
“So, how did Eric take the news?” asked Matt.
Ruby’s heart sank a little.
“Not good at all, he just asked what it would mean in terms of he and I, not even bothering that this is exactly what I’ve dreamed of every night since I was 5 years old. I can’t NOT go just because he wants me to stay. But on the other hand I love him so much” Ruby sighed to herself “Maybe I should call him”

Eric handed over his Credit Card and waited to sign the little slip. There was no way Ruby would leave after this, he thought to himself. This would prove how much he REALLY loved her. The assistant gushed as she handed him the slip, saying how wonderful it was, how it was worth every penny of the Two Thousand Pounds he’d spent on it and on and on. Eric smiled tightly, signed the slip and waited for his receipt, then walked out holding a bag that contained a brand new sparkling 1 carat Diamond Ring. He pulled out his Mobile phone to call Ruby, but just as he was about to dial, it rang, and Ruby’s name flashed up on the screen.
“Hey Ruby”
“Hi Eric” she replied, sounding wary.
“Ruby, I’m sorry about earlier, I should have been more understanding. I’d like to make it up to you.”
“What do you have in mind?” asked Ruby
“Dinner tonight at the Four Seasons, I made a reservation earlier” replied Eric.
“Ooooh, very snazzy!” said Ruby, “What time?”
“I’ll be there at 7pm for you” replied Eric smiling. He knew tonight was going to be good.

Ruby sat across from Eric in The Four Seasons Restaurant with a satisfied smile on her face.
“Eric, this is beautiful, thankyou so much” she said.
“You deserve it Ruby, I didn’t really get my point across very well earlier today when you told me about the Scout” he replied.
“Yeah, well lets not talk about that right now Eric, I don’t want to spoil tonight” Ruby said. Eric grinned.
“I totally agree” he said. “However, I do have one thing I’d like to do” he added.
Ruby looked on in astonishment as Eric, got down on one knee at her side and pulled out a small deep blue velvet box.
“Ruby, I love you so much, I don’t ever want to be without you, live without you or lose you, will you do me the honour of being my wife?” He asked.
Ruby swallowed the lump in her throat.
“Eric, I can’t” she whispered
“Why not Ruby, whats the problem? You love me, I love you and we want to be together” he replied.
“Yes but not like this Eric, you know I want to go to the States, I have a chance of making a career for myself here, I don’t want to throw that opportunity away, it might be my only chance” whispered Ruby.
“Then we can’t be together anymore Ruby, I’m not prepared to sit around and wait for you while you go swanning off living the high life” Eric said standing up, and signalling for the waiter he said
“Get your coat, I’ll take you home.”

Ruby groaned as she hit the ice once again. Madam Rosa had already chewed her out for being clumsy instead of graceful, but as Ruby picked herself up off her rear end, she narrowed her eyes and looked more closely at Ruby.
“Ruby, something is bothering you no?” she asked
“You could say that” muttered Ruby to herself. Gritting her teeth and smiling weakly she lifted her head and said
“No Madam Rosa, I just didn’t sleep well last night.”
Madam Rosa was not to be put off however.
“Ruby my child, please tell me whats wrong, you are nervous about your flight to the States next week?” she asked.
“No Madam” Ruby said as she skated over to the side of the rink.
“It’s Eric, we had a fallout about me going to the States last week, I haven’t seen or heard from him since. He said we couldn’t be together anymore because I’m going, he doesn’t want a long distance relationship” finished Ruby, and tears filled her eyes.
“Ruby my child, do you truly want to go to The States?” asked Madam Rosa.
“Oh yes, with all my heart Madam Rosa, this is a dream come true for me!” exclaimed Ruby.
“Then you go Ruby, and don’t worry your head with nonsense like Eric, you can’t turn down the opportunity of a lifetime just to keep some boy happy” replied Madam Rosa arrogantly.
Ruby knew Madam Rosa was right. She just wished it didn’t hurt so much.

Ruby chatted to her Mother as they walked the high street. They were shopping for a few last minute things before Ruby’s flight to the States the next day. As they looked in the window of a Clothes Store, Ruby saw a familiar movement out of the corner of her eye, and instinctively turned her head to look. There was Eric, not 10 feet from her with a willowy blonde hanging on his arm and smiling up at him. Raw pain filled her eyes fleetingly then her expression hardened.
“Hello Eric” she said loudly.
Eric saw her and froze.
“Oh, umm, hey Ruby, how are you?”
“Ohh, fine thanks, just getting a few last minute things before my flight tomorrow, I’m so excited” replied Ruby smugly. Yeah Ruby, rub it in she thought to herself.
“Oh, well cool, I hope you have a good time” he said.
“I’m sure it’ll be great”replied Ruby, then turned to her Mom.
“C’mon mom, I want to try on that dress in the window” she said.

Eric sighed as Ruby and her Mother entered the store. The Blonde turned to Eric.
“Who was that?” she asked curiously
“Just an ex of mine” he replied
“Oh okay, she’s going on Holiday?”
“No, she’s moving to the States for a couple of years, A scout picked her up to try and make the Great Britain Olympic Figure Skating Team” said Eric.
“Wow, that’s cool!” Exclaimed the Blonde.
“I wish I’d had that opportunity” she finished.
“You do??” asked Eric incredulously. What IS it with women and skating? He thought to himself.
“Sure, it’s an incredible experience so I’ve heard, unfortunately, my thighs were always too big, and no skirt would ever have covered my ass” replied the Blonde laughing.
Eric smiled weakly and turned his head one last time to look into the store. Ruby and her Mother were laughing at something, and pain filled Eric’s eyes as he realized he’d never hear that laugh again, never see Ruby smiling at him again.
“Eric? Are you okay?” asked the blonde.
“Yeah… I’m fine honey” he replied as they turned and walked down the street, their arms round each others waists.

Ruby hugged her Mother tightly and tears fell from her eyes.
“Oh mom, I’m going to miss you” she said through her tears.
“No tears Ruby, this is a very exciting time for you, and a once in a lifetime opportunity” said Lorne through her own tears smiling.
Ruby wiped her tears away and turned to her Father, Matt who looked unusually grave.
“Make sure you call us when you get there Ruby, no matter what time you get there” he said fiercely.
“I will Daddy” Ruby whispered throwing her arms round him as her eyes filled with tears again. Her Father hugged her tightly and Ruby laughed.
“Dad, can I breathe yet?” she asked in a mock gasping voice.
Matt laughed and let her go, then froze, looking over Ruby’s head at something. Ruby frowned, then turned. There stood Eric, looking small and lost, carrying a single Red rose in one hand.
“Eric, what are you doing here?” whispered Ruby
“I had to see you Ruby, I had to say Goodbye at least” he whispered back. His eyes filled with pain he handed the rose to her.
“Oh Eric..” was all Ruby could manage.
“I’m sorry things didn’t go as planned between us Ruby, but I understand what this means to you. At least I THINK I do” replied Eric.
“But do me one favour okay”
“If I can” replied Ruby.
“Knock em dead” he whispered “And I want to be the first person on your guest list when you make the finals of the Olympics okay?” he added fiercely.
Ruby reached for Eric, unable to speak past the lump in her throat and the two wrapped their arms round each other one last time as the Airports PA system announced that BA Flight F167429 to Florida was now boarding at Gate 12.

Eric laughed down at his wife Susan as she fidgeted trying to get comfy around her 6 month pregnancy, and quietened down as the PA System Announced the next Skater.
Ladies and Gentleman, please put your hands together for current World Figure Skating Champion Ruby Barrett, here today in Vancouver, BC to defend her title.”
Eric and Susan clapped and cheered wildly as Ruby did a round of the rink, waving discreetly to them, then got into position in the middle of the rink. As the music started, Eric watched and finally he felt everything was right. This was how it was supposed to be. He had a loving wife, and Ruby had found herself. He remembered what Ruby had said to him right before she got her flight to the States 5 years ago.
“Friends forever Eric, Friends forever.”

As usual, feedback is much appreciated, and any other comments too, in the comments section.

Ciao.

Monologue.

I feel like there’s a fog pressing in, preventing me from thinking like most people do, making me feel paranoid about stupid little things. Like last night, I felt like I was being ignored, because my partner spoke to one of his female friends online more than he spoke to me. I know I shouldn’t feel suspicious, and to be honest I don’t think suspicion is the right word, more wary of HER intentions. I don’t like her, and I don’t trust her, yet I don’t really know her, so it’s not up to me to bring the subject up with my man. He talks to who he likes, same as I talk to who I like, although I haven’t been doing a lot of talking recently. I tell friends I have depression and they back away faster than if I had the plague.

I’ve put walls up around me. It’s the only way I know to protect myself, and I don’t even know what I’m trying to protect myself from. I don’t eat much, I don’t sleep well, and I can’t bring myself to say much. In short I do very little. I guess above all, I just feel numb. Like it’s all happening to someone else, that I have a direct window into their life. I feel like I could step back and I would be back in my own life again, my normal happy life.

Is that too much to ask? To be myself again? One day it’ll get better. I know it will, it has to.

Storytime!!!!!

Yes, yet again. It’s storytime. I’m on a roll! Two stories written in two days is very good going for me. The creative juices started flowing, and I’ve just spent a very enjoyable 3 hours writing the one below. I apologize to Eric for not doing the challenge he set me yet, but I started writing this and just got completely carried away. Anywayz, read, enjoy, and gimme feedback!! LOL.

Family Ties.

Emily looked down and smiled softly. Jet black hair, bright blue yes, and a tiny button nose. Just like her Father thought Emily, and suddenly tears filled her eyes. She was tired of course, the last 24 hours had been hard work and it had taken it’s toll on her body. As she’d strained and pushed, Emily had vowed never to do anything so stupid again, but now looking at her Newborn Daughter, she wondered. The Nurse bustled in with a hot cup of tear for her.
“There you go Dear, you’ve certainly earned it” she said smiling.
“Thanks” replied Emily, gratefully sipping the hot liquid.
“Damn it tastes good”
The Nurse laughed.
“Will the baby’s father be coming to see you today?” She asked.
“I doubt it” replied Emily in a low voice.
“He went crazy when I told him I was keeping the baby, I haven’t seen or heard from him since”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, will you have support when you go home?”
“Oh yes, I have my own place and mom and dad are very supportive too, they’ll do anything they can to help”
“And I’m also transferring my job, so that I can work at home” she added
“Oh that’s good” replied the Nurse smiling.
“You’re lucky to be able to do that”
She bustled out, and Emily sank back against the pillows and sighed. She thought back to the day that Darryl had found out she was pregnant.

Emily paced nervously in front of the old School Building. Both she and Darryl had gone to School here, it was how they’d met 3 years ago. Emily had been sitting with a group of friends at break, when Susie nudged her.
“Don’t look now but some guy is eyeballing you” She whispered with a grin.
“Who, where??” whispered Emily urgently.
“Over to your left, he’s staring at you” whispered Susie with a giggle.
Emily couldn’t help herself. She had to look. Looking over it wasn’t hard to see who she meant. A tall boy, with jet black hair, and twinkling blue eyes was indeed staring at her. He started when he realized Emily was looking back at him and grinned cheekily. Emily couldn’t help herself, she grinned back, he really was quite cute. A week later, they’d said hi to each other and swapped names, and 2 weeks after that they’d been an item

Darryl pulled up outside the School in his car and Emily climbed in.
“Whats wrong honey?” he asked.
“Can we go up to the bluff? We need to talk” she replied.
“Sure” he replied looking worried.
The bluff was one of Emily’s favourite places. It stood high above the countryside with amazing views of the crags and hills of the Lake District. It was also the place where the “Accident” had happened, and by all accounts, this was a serious accident. Darryl parked the car and holding hands, they walked up to their usual place. The view was beautiful, the sun shone down and cast shadows across the high hills. Darryl looked at her.
“Emily, whats wrong, are you sick?” he asked.
“What did the Doctor say?”
Emily sighed, not looking at him, this was much harder than she thought it would be.
“I’m not sick as such no” she replied slowly.
“Then what?” Darryl asked.
Slowly, Emily forced herself to look at him. He looked so worried and confused.
“I’m pregnant Darryl” she whispered as tears began to roll down her face.
For a minute, Darryl stood there looking as though she’d just slapped him round the face.
“You’re WHAT?” he demanded.
“I’m pregnant” repeated Emily miserably, the tears coming thick and fast.
“But, you can’t be, I mean, we took precautions Emily” he replied, his voice getting louder.
“I know we did, I guess the condom must have split” she whispered.
“Or you slept with someone else” snapped Darryl.
Emily felt as though the wind had been knocked out of her.
“How can you say that?” She whispered.
“You KNOW I’d never cheat on you”
“Well something obviously happened didn’t it!” Darryl was furious, and Emily retaliated.
“Yeah well it takes two you know Darryl, you need to realize that”
“C’mon, we’re going” replied Darryl.
As Darryl drove Emily home, he sighed and said
“Don’t worry Emily, we can sort this out. Mom knows a really good doctor who handles unwanted pregnancies, we can get rid of the baby with minimal pain and suffering for you”
“What??” Emily was livid.
“I’m not killing this baby Darryl, no way!” She exclaimed.
“Then there’s nothing more to be said” he replied stony faced.
Emily said nothing, Darryl pulled the car up outside her parents home and sat in silence. When it became clear he wasn’t going to say anything or change his mind, Emily got out of the car and walked slowly up the path to the house. She turned at the door to look back at Darryl, but with a screeching of tires, he left.

Emily’s parents were very supportive. After the initial shock, they told her they’d help in any way they could. It was her mother who held her when she told them about Darryl’s reaction, and it was her Mother who held her hand seven months later as Emily pushed a new life into the world.

A movement at the door to her room brought Emily back to reality. Darryl’s mom stood in the doorway.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you” she said gently.
“It’s okay, I wasn’t asleep, just resting” replied Emily, nervously pushing herself up on her pillows as Tania entered the room.
Tania walked over to the crib and gazed down at the baby
“Oh Emily, she’s perfect” she breathed.
“How did you know I’d given birth?” asked Emily.
“I bumped into your mother on her way home this morning, she was busy buying clothes for her” laughed Tania.
Emily grinned, it sounded as though her Mother was now in full grandmother mode.
“Does Darryl know?” asked Emily nervously.
“I told him yes” replied Tania seriously.
“But I don’t know whether he’ll come round or not Emily, he’s been a different person since you told him you were pregnant. It’s like you did it on purpose”
“But I didn’t! It was just an accident” cried Emily.
“I know that Emily, because I know you, and I know you would never have done this to try and “trap” him if you like” replied Tania.
“He wanted me to get rid of her Tania, looking at her now, I so glad I stood up to him. I would never have forgiven myself otherwise” said Emily fiercely.
“He was upset Emily, I don’t think he meant what he said” replied Tania.
“However, I’m not like my son, and I would be grateful if you’d allow me to come visit and see her from time to time” she finished.
Her eyes filling with tears Emily said,
“You’re welcome anytime you like.”
Looking at her baby daughter yawning Emily couldn’t hold the tears back, and Tania held her gently as Emily poured out her grief at the loss of her baby’s father.

Emily sat up in bed, her baby suckling strongly at her breast. The midwife had helped her position baby Madison corectly, and Madison had taken to Breastfeeding right away. Emily felt such a strong rush of love for her, and was so engrossed she didn’t notice her visitor stood in the doorway. It was only when a familiar voice said
“Hello Emily” that her head shot up.
In the doorway stood Darryl, looking unaccountably nervous.
“Hi” she whispered, hardly daring to believe he was really there, but he was. He entered the room and stood at the bottom of the bed, looking awkward and out of place.
“How are you?” he asked.
“Tired” replied Emily
“It’s been a long 24 hours”
Darryl nodded but said nothing. The baby finished feeding and Emily asked Darryl for help.
“Can you please hold her a second while I clean up?”
Darryl walked round the side of the bed, and looking more nervous than ever, clumsily took the baby from her.
“Make sure you support her head” said Emily.
Darryl sat down in a chair and repositioned himself whilst Emily fastened her nightdress back up
“Excuse me a minute, I need to visit the washroom” Emily said.
Darryl didn’t reply, he was staring down at the baby that looked so like him. Emily shut the door to the washroom behind her and sighed. Why was he here? She wondered. What was his purpose? She splashed some cold water onto her face and walked back into her room.

Darryl had placed the baby back in her crib, and sat with his head in his hands as Emily gingerly sat back down on her bed. She was still a little sore. Darryl lifted his head and looked at her, and Emily was surprised to see tears in his eyes.
“I’ve been a fool Emily, how can you ever forgive me?” he asked.
“It’s not a case of forgiving Darryl, I’m not thinking about you, I have to do whats right for my daughter” she replied.
“You didn’t want her and I understand, we’re both still young, and you didn’t want the responsibility that comes with a child. I wouldn’t ask you to tie yourself down like that” she finished.
“What if I DO want that responsibility Emily?” he asked her
“What?” replied Emily taken aback.
Darryl sighed.
“I came here to see you, I don’t know why, something told me it was the right thing to do after mom told me you’d had the baby. When I stood in the doorway and saw you feeding her, something stirred inside me, and said how could you have asked her to give up a baby, something that was living inside her. I guess I was scared when you told me you were pregnant, of what I don’t know Then today, when you asked me to hold her a few minutes ago, I looked down at her, and I can see myself in her Emily. Something raised it’s head and said don’t be a fool. Don’t miss out on this child’s life.” A single tear rolled down Darryl’s cheek.
“Ummm, what exactly are you saying Darryl?” asked Emily.
“I want to be a part of my baby’s life Emily, Is there any way we can do that? I want to be with both of you” he replied shakily.
Emily held out her arms to him, he sat on the edge of the bed and hugged her fiercely to him.
“I’m so sorry Emily”
“I missed you Darryl” she said softly.
“I missed you too Emily, I’m so sorry I hurt you” he replied.
“It’s ok Darryl, lets not look back, we have to look to the future now” she whispered.
Darryl pulled back a little, then leaned forward towards her. As her eyes closed and their lips met, she thought
“Dear God, don’t ever let Darryl find out about his brother”

I hope you enjoyed this, and of course as always, I look forward to hearing your comments.

Ciao.

Latest Story

Memories Of Past.

Alison sighed as she placed the tub of Pampas Grass into her Shopping Cart and sighed. This Graden shopping business was tiring work, so was moving house for that matter, but now she was unpacked and settled it was time to start on the Garden. She paused to look at a young Weeping Pussywillow tree which would look fabulous in her Garden right next to her pond. Suddenly, she got chills and felt like she was being watched. Looking round, she found the source. A man stood watching her and smiling gently at her. Alison frowned. She knew him – but where from? There was something about those hazel eyes and dark brown hair that flopped into his face that was so familiar it was almost overwhelming. Just as Alison opened her mouth to speak to him, an irritated female voice sounded loudly directly behind her.
“Are you going to stand there all day with your cart blocking the aisle, or are you going to let others past?”
Alison spun around.
“I’m so sorry: she apologized politely. The woman gave her one last irritated look and pushed past her. Alison turned back round to talk to the stranger, but he’d gone. Grinding her teeth with frustration Alison tugged her cart round and headed for the checkout.

Alison sat across from her Mother Lucinda and struggled to find words to describe how familiar the handsome stranger had been. They were sat in her Mothers kitchen, Alison had decided to call in on her way home from the Garden Centre.
“I don’t know HOW I know him Mom, but the fact remains that I DO. If that vile woman hadn’t interrupted, I could have found out.”
“Maybe an old friend, or a friend of a friend” Her mother suggested.
“I don’t know, I’ve been racking my brains since I left the Garden Centre, but nothing comes to mind” Alison sighed.
“Oh, that reminds me, did you order the rocks for your rockery?” asked Lucinda.
“Ohhh dammit, I knew there was something!” groaned Alison.
“I’ll have to go back and do it now”
“Okay honey, but before you go, I have a stack of photos for you, I cleaned my desk cupboards out last night and thought you could put some of the pictures to good use” said Lucinda
As Lucinda bustled off to get the photos, Alisons mind wandered back once more to the Handsome stranger. It was starting to drive her nuts. Who was he?

Alison waited in line at the Centre to order her rocks for the rockery she was planning at home. The line was moving slowly and at the front an old man was shouting about how he wanted the Doggy Poop Can on the left side, and the inept man had put it on the right side. The right side of what Alison didn’t care, she was bored, tired and driving herself nuts thinking about the stranger. Then, Alison felt it again, that tingling chill and the feeling that she was being watched. Looking around her, there he was, in the doorway to the outside plant section. Alison never thought twice, she left the line of people and walked towards him. As she got nearer, he turned and walked outside. Following him, Alison saw him standing by the Weeping Pussywillow trees she’d been admiring earlier. She walked slowly over and joined him there.
“I know you don’t I” she said.
The Handsome man nodded silently smiling.
“The thing is, I can’t remember WHERE I know you from” she continued.
The man laughed, a deep masculine laugh that raised goosebumps on Alisons arms. Even the laugh was familiar.
“Who ARE you?” she whispered.
“Be patient Alison, it’ll all become clear in time” he said gently, looking serious now.
“You know my name?”
“Of course I do” he replied grinning down at her. Then without another word he walked away from her, back through the doors into the Garden Centre.
“Wait!” called Alison hurrying after him. He was nowhere to be seen. She looked around but couldn’t find him anywhere. Sighing, she walked back to the Customer Service Checkout, only to find that the old man was still arguing up front and that another 5 people had joined the line. Gritting her teeth she joined the end of the line. It was going to be a long wait.

Alison placed her keys and the box of photos on her kitchen table. She’d waited over an hour to order the rocks and now all she wanted was to sit and relax. She poured herself a glass of wine and taking the box of photos and her wine, went and sat in the living room. Her mind flew back to the strange man and his mysterious parting words. Be patient Alison, it’ll all become clear in time he’d said. She frowned to herself. Despite talking to him, she was no closer to finding out who he was. She decided to try and take her mind off him and opened the box of photos her mother had given her. She smiled as she looked through the photos. Tears filled her eyes as she saw photos of her and her father Jesse before he died 4 years ago of Lung Cancer. She smiled at photos of family outings. To the Zoo, vacations away together, photos of her as a child. The next photo froze Alison. There he was! How could she have not known him? The boy in the photo with her and her best friend from primary school was unmistakeably her handsome stranger.
“Petey” she murmered.

Alison was 12 years old. It was her birthday party, her best friend Claira was there, and so was Claira’s older brother Peter. Alison had known Peter as long as she’d known Claira. He always made her laugh and tickled her and looked out for her. She called him Petey because she knew he hated it. But he was like a big brother to her anyway. Peter walked over to Alison and said
“Hey, Happy Birthday Shorty” and grinned at her.
“Thanks Petey” she replied grinning back at him.
“And thankyou for the present too, I love it” she said stroking the white sweater he’d given her.
“You should thank mom, she bought it and just stuck my name on it” he admitted
Alison laughed.
“I’ll do that” she said.

Alison had lost touch with Claira and Peter for a while after Primary School. Claira had gone to a different Secondary School and Peter had moved away. Claira had gotten back in touch with Alison 3 years ago, and the two had picked their friendship up where they’d left off, although they hadn’t spoken in months. Lack of time and busy lives had contributed.

Alison looked up Claira’s number and dialed with trembling fingers. She just HAD to see Peter again now she knew who he was. They should pick up their friendship too, instead of Alison getting all the news from Claira. Claira answered on the second ring.
“Hello?”
“Hi Claira, it’s Alison”
“Hey Ali, how are you?”
“I’m Good thanks, Listen, do you have Peter’s number? It’s just that I saw him today and we forgot to exchange numbers”
“Umm, Peter?”
“Yeah, Peter, your brother, Petey”
Alison began to feel that something wasn’t quite right.
“Umm, Ali, you couldn’t have seen him” said Claira
“Yes I did Claira, in the Garden Centre, twice for that matter”
“Umm, Ali, I don’t quite know how to tell you this…. Ummm, Petey’s dead, he was killed by a drunk driver 3 months ago” said Claira, her voice trembling.
“What?… I… nobody told me” whispered Alison
“I’m so sorry Ali, his death tore our family apart. I thought my mom had called you, I guess not huh?”
“No” whispered Alison, tears streaming down her face.
“But it was him Claira, I swear it was him”
“It couldn’t have been Ali” said Claira shakily. Alison knew she was crying too.
“Listen, come pick me up tomorrow, we’ll go visit his grave together, you can say Goodbye, I know he’d appreciate that”
“Okay, I’ll be there at 10am” said Alison and put the phone down.
She looked again at the picture of Her and Peter, and couldn’t stop hot tears rolling down her cheeks.

Claira climbed into Alison’s car and smiled weakly.
“How are you?” she asked quietly.
“Numb Claira, I know it was Petey I saw yesterday, I KNOW it was, even though my mind now tells me that’s impossible”
Claira sighed.
“I don’t know what to say Ali, but I’m SO sorry nobody told you of his death”
Alison found a parking spot in the Cemetery and parked the car. She wasn’t looking forward to this.
“We just had his Headstone placed 2 weeks ago, we haven’t had chance to plant anything there yet” said Claira in a small voice.
They got out of the car, and with their arms round each other, Claira led Alison to the spot where Peter’s body had been laid to rest. Blinded by tears, Alison stumbled forward and laid a pot of Pansies in front of the Headstone then stepped back.

The air in front of them seemed to shimmer, Alison thought it was her eyes at first, but Claira’s disbelieving gasp told her it wasn’t. A thin rod of pure white light stretched in front of them, and out of it appeared Peter. Finally Alison understood the feeling of chills and the feeling of being watched she’d had. Peter smiled that gentle smile and said
“See Shorty, I told you it’s all become clear if you were patient” Alison half sobbed, half laughed.
Peter turned to Claira and said
“Sis, it’s time to let me go now, my work on earth is done”
Claira let out a sob and nodded.
“I miss you so much Peter” she said in a strangled voice.
“I miss you too honey, I miss you all, but I’ll always watch over you, and we’ll be together again someday” he said
“I have to say Goodbye now Claira, it’s time for me to go” he finished
Claira nodded and turned burying her head in Alison’s shoulder as she wept.
“Goodbye Petey” Alison whispered through her own tears.
Peter smiled and waved, and the white light got so bright that Alison had to shield her eyes. Once Alison felt it safe enough to remove her hand from her eyes she gasped.
“Claira, look!”
Claira lifted her head and looked, then let out another gasp.

Right behind Peter’s Headstone was a young Weeping Pussywillow tree, the very ones that Alison had been looking at the day before when Peter first made his presence known to her. It’s branches trailed to the ground, it’s new buds bright and green, a promise of new life to come.

I hope you enjoy this story. Any feedback in the comments section please.

Ciao.