New Story.

Second Chance.

The smell of burning was getting stronger and there were shouts and screams in the distance. She ran out of her home into the night and saw the yellow glow which meant only one thing. The rival settlement had broken through the barriers, and were on the rampage burning everything in sight. Her Husband Amandus grabbed her upper arm roughly from behind, and dragged her barefoot from the house. They had to escape …

Claudia awoke with a jump and a gasp. Light streamed in through the curtains and a gentle breeze played with them swaying them gently. The birds were singing outside in the trees in the large Garden, yet Claudia saw and heard nothing. Her mind was on the dream she’d just had. She had no idea where it had come from, she just knew it was weird. She’d never had a dream like that before. Shaking her head she got out of bed, and headed for the shower. It was time to get ready for work.

Forty five minutes later Claudia boarded the bus and took the last available seat next to an elderly lady. She hated taking the bus, but her husband Karl had taken the car in for a service. Staring into space, her mind wandered…

Armandus threw his chain mail vest at her and she let out an involuntary yelp of pain. The look of rage on his face was more than she could bear and as he strode towards her she cowered, knowing what was coming. The blow to the side of her face sent her crashing to the floor, and Armandus’s roars of anger filled her ears as everything went black…

Claudia gasped as everything came back into focus. The elderly lady at the side of her leaned over slightly and said
“Are you okay?”
Claudia stared at her, then managed a weak
“Yes, yes I’m fine…my mind wandered that’s all.”
The elderly lady looked at her for a moment longer then wordlessly turned away.

Ten minutes later, Claudia exited the bus and walked to the Store where she worked as a Saleswoman selling Designer Clothes, as she walked inside, the bell above the door jingled, and Claudia’s work collegue and friend Mandy stuck her head round the door of the Staff room.
“Morning Claudia, it’s just you and I today, the troll called in sick.” The troll was the manager of the store, a formidable woman who looked down on Claudia and Mandy. Claudia usually smiled at the name Troll, but today, all she could manage was a weak smile.
Frowning, Mandy looked closer at Claudia
“Are you okay hon, you look terrible” she said.
“I’m okay, I’ve just been having weird dreams and like visions that’s all” replied Claudia. She told Mandy about the dream she had and the vision she had on the bus.
“Wow, that’s weird” exclaimed Mandy when she’d finished,
“What does Karl say?”
“I haven’t told him yet, he was up and gone before I awoke to take my Car in for a service” said Claudia.
“I’ll tell him tonight.”

As it happened, Claudia didn’t have to wait that long. Karl strolled into the store at Lunchtime and asked Mandy if he could take his lovely wife out for lunch. Mandy was fine to look after the store, so Claudia grabbed her bag and strolled out into the bright sunshine hand in hand with her husband. As they took seats at their favourite diner, The Olive Grove, Claudia sighed.
“Whats wrong honey?” Karl asked, his face a picture of concern. Sighing again Claudia told him about her dream and vision, as he sat and held her hand across the table.
“Well thats weird, but I’m sure it doesn’t mean anything honey, I mean dreams are just that right, dreams?”
“Yeah I know, but there’s something that bugs me about it, I mean, it seemed so real, and then there’s the vision I had on the bus” she reminded him.
“Maybe your mind was just dwelling on the dream you had” replied Karl.
“Yeah, maybe” Claudia smiled at him.
“But either way, thanks for making me feel better” she added.

When Claudia walked back into the store forty five minutes later, Mandy was deep in conversation with a woman who was fussing over two different coloured tops. Claudia decided to have a last smoke before starting work for the afternoon, so dumped her bag on the table and got out her pack of cigarettes and her lighter. Lighting a cigarette and inhaling deeply she thought back to the lunch she’d just shared with her Husband. Karl adored her, he always had, and he told everyone he met that the happiest day of his life was the day he and Claudia got married. Karl was ultra conservative and traditional, he didn’t smoke, he never had more than 2 drinks if they went out, and always liked things neat and tidy. He was a straight and narrow guy, and Claudia adored him for sticking to his principles and beliefs. Karl too was aware that his wife smoked and enjoyed a drink, but never tried to change her. He loved her just the way she was…

She was walking down the street to the market with a woven basket over her arm. She kept her head firmly down so her hair fell over her cheeks, but she knew other women could see the bruises and were whispering behind their hands as she walked by. She felt a flush creeping up her face but was determined to keep going. Suddenly from out of nowhere a hand snaked around her waist and she spun around. She was face to face with Faustus, a friend of her Husband. Faustus was extremely drunk, she could smell the alcohol on his breath and he was leering at her in a way he’d never done before. She struggled to get away from him, but he was too strong for her. With one arm tightly around her waist, he brought up his free hand and tangled his fingers in her hair holding her head still, then brought his head down and began kissing her roughly, forcing her lips open with his tongue and sliding it around inside her mouth. Her muffled protests went unheard and she continued to struggle against him. Suddenly he went rigid against her, then went limp and slowly slid to the ground. She saw blood begin to seep into the back of his tunic, and slowly looked up to see her husband Armando with his bloodied sword in his hand, and rage etched in every line on his face. Slowly she backed away, but it was no use. Armando grabbed his wife’s arm and started dragging her back up the street. The familiar fear crept into her as she became aware of the beating that was surely awaiting when he got her home…

“Claudia!!”
She heard someone call her name as though from very far away, and she jumped as a hand grabbed her arm. Mandy was stood in front of her looking very concerned.
“Claudia?” she asked.
“Oh I’m sorry Mandy” she replied weakly.
“You just had another vision didn’t you?” asked Mandy
“How did you guess?” Claudia replied
“I could tell, your eyes were wide open, and there was such fear in them, Claudia, Are you sure these are just dreams and visions?” asked Mandy.
“I mean, what if they’re something more?” she added.
Claudia frowned
“Like what?” she asked.
“I don’t know, maybe a past life or something” replied Mandy.
Claudia looked thoughtful.
“I don’t know Mandy, I’m not sure I believe in that kind of thing.” she replied.
“Well, there are people that you can go to who can help you find out Claudia, it’s not like you have anything to lose is it?” asked Mandy
“I could even go with you if you like” she offered helpfully.
I need to think about it some more Mandy, but thanks for the advice and offer” replied Claudia.
“Not a problem” replied Mandy smiling.
At that moment the bell over the door rang, signalling a customer, and both of them got up and walked back out onto the store floor.

That evening, Claudia told Karl about the latest vision she’d had, and also about Mandy’s advice. He seemed unsure but said he’d go along with whatever she decided to do. Just out of interest Claudia had a look on the internet for people who did Past life Regressions and found a whole lot of interesting information. She went to bed at 12am with her head swimming with information.

The next morning Claudia got out of bed and headed straight for the phone. She looked up the number she’d written down last night and called up a Lady who did Past Life Regressions. Telling the lady, Anya, what she’d been experiencing, Anya told her to be at her office in an hour. Claudia called Mandy at work and asked her if she could cope for the day without her. Mandy said there’d be no problems. As Claudia put the phone down, Karl came down the stairs fastening his tie getting ready for work.
“Karl honey, I think you’d better call the Office and tell them you need the day off” she said nervously.
“Why baby, what’s wrong?” he asked.
“I booked an appointment to go see the Lady I told you about last night, you know, the one who does Past Life Regressions?”
Karl looked confused.
“What made you decide this?” he asked.
“I had another dream last night honey, it was so horrible, I dreamed that this man called Armando killed me, he killed me with his sword because I forgot to buy a Rabbit from the market” whispered Claudia as a single tear trickled down her cheek.
“All this is happening in my dreams and in visions, and I don’t even know what my name is supposed to be in the dreams. I don’t know whether I’m Claudia or someone else” she finished, openly sobbing.
Karl hurried to wrap his arms around her.
“I’m here for you honey, Let me go call the office and then we’ll go and see this lady. Hopefully she can shed some light on this for us.” he replied.

Thirty minutes later, they were driving into London. Claudia spent the trip staring unseeingly out of the window silently. Karl parked the car and they headed for Anya’s office.

Anya greeted them warmly and proceeded to explain what would happen.
“You’ll feel like you’re sleeping, but you’ll be able to answer my questions and describe what you see and feel. Nothing can hurt you and you’re perfectly safe. When I bring you back, you’ll remember what you’ve seen and you’ll understand that nothing can hurt you anymore. The dreams and visions you’ve been having will also stop.” she told Claudia.
“However, I do need to ask that your husband wait outside in the waiting area, would you like me to tape the session?” she asked Karl.
“Yes please” answered Karl standing up. He leaned down and gently kissed Claudia’s forehead.
“I’ll just be outside baby” he said softly.
Claudia smiled nervously up at him, and he left the room.
Anya placed a tape into her recorder and turned it on.
“Okay Claudia, we can proceed when you’re comfortable and ready” she said smiling gently.
Claudia settled back on the sofa, and said
“Okay, I’m ready”

Anya gently began to speak, playing soft music in the background, and leading Claudia into a meditative state. She led her across fields, meadows, and past oceans until Claudia was totally relaxed and in a semi comatose state.

“What do you see ?” she asked.
Claudia began to speak.
“I see a long winding street, with cobblestones”
“Can you look down and tell me what’s on your feet?” asked Anya.
“I’m wearing Sandals” replied Claudia.
“Sandals, thats good, okay, on the count of three, the year will pop into your head … one, two…three…”
“It’s 400AD”
“Okay, and what is your name?”
“Aurelia”
“Very good Aurelia, thanks for being here. How old are you Aurelia?”
“I’m 32″
“Are you married?”
“Yes” Claudia began to breathe heavily, as though in fear of something.
“What is your husbands name?”
“Armando”
“Is your marriage a happy one Aurelia?”
Claudia began to speak, it was as though the floodgates opened.
“No! He is ashamed of me. I didn’t live up to his expectations of me. He feels as though I tricked him into marrying me so I would have someone to support me. If I do something wrong, I have to be punished so I won’t do it again. He beats me so I know not to do the same thing again. He killed a friend of his because he caught him trying to kiss me. Then he dragged me home and beat me badly because I didn’t try hard enough to escape” Claudia sobbed as she saw the angry face of Armando flash by her face.
Okay, lets move on” came Anya’s voice.
“How old were you when you died?”
“I was 32″
“Okay, and how did you die Aurelia?”
“Armando killed me.” She sobbed harder
“I went to Market and forgot to bring a Rabbit home for dinner. Armando was furious because he was entertaining friends that night. He and his friends got drunk, and he beat me when I accidentally spilled a bit of wine. He wouldn’t stop beating me, and he left me unconcious while he left with his friends. I died on the kitchen floor in a pool of my own blood”
“Did you see yourself leaving your body?”
“Yes, I was alone”
Anya ended the session and slowly brought Claudia back. She felt refreshed despite the emotional trauma of the session.
“I think you have the answers that you were seeking Claudia” said Anya smiling.
“Shall we bring your Husband in now?”
Yes, please do” replied Claudia, smiling in relief.
She wasn’t prepared for what happened next.

Karl rushed into the room, full of worry and concern. He stopped short as Claudia’s face turned white and she stared thunderstruck at him.
“Claudia?” questioned Anya who had also noted Claudia’s reaction.
“It’s you” whispered Claudia horrostruck, staring at Karl.
“Oh My God, it was you!”
“What was me Claudia?” asked Karl
Claudia couldn’t believe she hadn’t realized it before. The hooked nose, high brow, and full lips. Her ultra conservative husband was the one who killed her in a past life.

He was Armando.

I hope you enjoyed reading this. It’s different from anything I’ve done before, and I did it because Jeffers set me a challenge. Hopefully it’ll be what he was hoping for. If not tough, it took me a while to come up with the ideas for this, and I’ve done it to the best of my ability.

Feedback in the comments please.

Story Time Again.

Photo, story, then feedback lol. I wrote this last night after reading the wonderful comment I received to my story underneath. It’s quite true to real life with a little something at the end that may or may not be true to real life. Hope you enjoy.

Jilly’s Legacy

Jilly shivered and huddled further under her blanket. Her little Yorkshire Terrier whined softly, then jumped up into Jilly’s lap, huddling close for warmth.
“I know you’re hungry Petal, but I don’t have any food for you” she sighed.

Life had been hard on Jilly since her husband died five years ago. The funeral had cost her every penny she had and gradually she’d started to fall behind on her bills. Now five years later, Jilly was living a bare existance. She had no electricity, no gas and no hot water. She didn’t have a phone to connect her to the world outside her door, although she had nobody to call if she had, and her cupboards were bare.

Jilly nudged Petal off her lap and slowly eased herself out of her chair.
“come on Petal, we’ll go get my pension, and then we can buy you some food” she said. Petal followed faithfully as Jilly went out into the hall, and put on her old threadbare coat. Clipping Petals lead to her collar, and making sure she had her pension book and key, Jilly and Petal made their way slowly outdoors.

Arriving at the Post Office, Jlly tied Petal to a hook outside, then went in. Thankfully there wasn’t a line, and she wouldn’t have to stand too long. At the counter while she signed her book a middle aged woman smiled brightly and said
“Hello Jilly, how are you today?”
“Oh, not bad thanks Susan, I’m living” she replied as Susan counted out her money. Then she began a coughing fit so bad it made her eyes water, and took her breath away. Susan looked concerned for a moment, then said
“Wait there a minute Jilly” and disappeared into the back. When she returned she was holding a Twenty Pound note that she added to Jilly’s money and pushed it across the counter. Jilly stared for a moment, then said defiantly
“I don’t want your charity Susan”
“And you didn’t ask for it Jilly, but I’m giving it to you anyway. Use it to go see the Doctor about getting that cough sorted” replied Susan. Looking into Susan’s eyes Jilly recognised the same stubbornness she possesed herself and knew it would be futile to argue. Without another word, she pocketed the money and walked back outside. Untying Petal she said
“Okay Petal, lets go and get you some food”
She’d taken no more than ten steps however when she was surrounded by a group of youths, taunting her and making fun of Petal. Frightened, she said
“Leave me alone” in a shaking voice.
“leave me alone” mimicked one of the boys and the group laughed. Someone pushed her from behind, and as she fell she saw Petal snapping and snarling trying to get to one of the boys. Then she was struck a heavy blow to the back of her head, and everything went black.

Jilly opened her eyes slowly. Her vision was blurred and her head felt strangely heavy. She was lying in a bed with scratchy sheets. As her vision began to clear, she suddenly realized where she was. There was no mistaking that smell. The smell she had endured for weeks on end five years ago as her husband lay dying in this very place. She was in hospital. Jilly turned her head as the door opened, and Susan from the Post Office entered carrying a potted plant. Seeing Jilly awake, she placed the plant on the bedside table, then went and sat in a chair that had a coat draped over the back of it. She’d obviously been around for a while. Taking one of Jilly’s hands in hers, she asked how Jilly was.
“a little strange to be honest Susan. my head feels heavy” replied Jilly.
“Do you remember what happened at all?” asked Susan. Jilly was silent for a moment as images flashed through her mind. Being surrounded by the group, hearing them laughing at her, Petal snapping and snarling as her beloved owner fell to the ground.
“Yes, yes, I remember” replied Jilly quietly, then added
“Where’s Petal?”
“She’s safe Jilly, she’s staying with me, she suffered no harm at the hands of those louts. Now don’t you worry, the Doctor’s coming to see you soon, and with a bit of luck, you should be able to come home tomorrow” replied Susan brightly. No sooner had the words left her mouth than the door opened again, and the Doctor entered.
“aah Mrs Carr, good to see you awake, I was getting worried about you” he said jovially as he checked her chart.
“Everything seems fine here, no high blood pressure or temperature … may I check your head wound please?” he added, and helped Jilly sit up. He poked and prodded, then pronounced himself satisfied.
“You were very lucky Mrs carr, just a cut that needed closing, and no fractures or anything, I think it’ll be fine for you to go home tomorrow”. Susan beamed as she rearranged the pillows behind Jilly and the Doctor left. Jilly frowned slightly as she looked at Susan,
“He was getting worried about me? Susan, how long have I been in here?”
“A week Jilly” Replied Susan. Jilly gaped at her.

The next day Susan arrived to take Jilly home. She’d washed some of Jilly’s clothes and brought them to the hospital for her to wear home. As they made their way to the parking lot, Susan filled Jilly in on everything that had happened.
“A policeman saw what happened as he was driving past in an unmarked car. He radioed for help and the paramedics, then gave chase. he caught one of the boys and arrested him, we got news 4 days ago that the boy has given the names of the rest of them. They’ve all been arrested, and are now in custody. You were on the news too, a lot of people in the community care about you Jilly, but they didn’t know how to reach out to you after the death of your husband. Your attack caused an outcry, I imagine there’ll be quite a welcome committee waiting when we get you home.”

Sure enough, as the car turned onto Bluebell Grove, there were no less than 30 people milling around outside Jilly’s house. As the car pulled up, Jilly found it impossible to speak, even her home looked different, it looked welcoming, inviting even. As Susan helped her out of the car, Jilly saw people she hadn’t seen since her husband’s death, smiling broadly, hugging her and welcoming her home. She heard a familiar dog’s yapping, and turned towards the noise. There stood Susan’s husband Joe, with Petal in his arms. She was wriggling furiously trying to get out of his grasp and back to her beloved owner. Joe put her down, and she raced towards Jilly. Susan picked her up and handed her to Jilly. Jilly smiled and hugged the tiny dog close to her. Susan led Jilly into the house and followed wordlessly as Jilly went through every room. Her whole home had been overhauled. Old furniture had been replaced with new, she had gas, electricity, hot water. Her cupboards were full to brimming with food for her and petal. She had a phone, and a book at the side of it, full of phone numbers of the people she’d lost contact with five years ago. With Petal in her arms, she whispered one word to Susan.
“Why?”
“People wanted to help Jilly, the whole community wanted to do something.” She led Jilly back to the doorstep, where everyone waited, and Susan began to speak.
“I’m sure I echo the sentiments of everyone here when I say Welcome home to Jilly. A woman of great character and strength with a healthy dose of stubbornness thrown in for good measure. Jilly’s attack brought about an unconditional outpouring of love from her neighbours and friends, when it was discovered that Jilly was living in less than ideal conditions, every one of you wanted to help, but more than that, we realized that Jilly isn’t the only one living this way.”
Susan turned to Jilly again and said
“So we have one last surprise for you Jilly. This community has set up a trust foundation and money and donations are pouring in. We pledge to use this money to help other elderly people in need. We’ve called this foundation Jilly’s Legacy.” As the people began to applaud and cheer, Jilly’s eyes filled with tears and spilled down her cheeks as she silently mouthed “Thank You” to her saviours.

I do hope you enjoy this story, I tried to make it as positive as I could, with the outpouring of love and help at the end. I personally feel that many Elderly People are often Overlooked when it comes to help, and I know many of them should be living in better conditions than they are right now. This is my tribute to them. A wish for a better life. Please leave any feedback you may have in the comments section. Thanks.

Ciao.

Latest Story.

Here is my latest Story. Initially I was hoping to have this finished in time for Christmas, but time got away from me (as it tends to do towards Christmas). But better late than never as the saying goes. I have to say, I do like this one. It’s a heartwarming tale, quite long, but worth the wait. So, you know the rigmarole by now, picture, story, then your feedback in the comments as always.

Father Angel

Father Radley strode down the aisle to go lock the doors of the Church. It was Christmas Eve of 1995 and the Church Choir had just outdone themselves with a wonderful performance. He was feeling very pleased with himself, many people had placed coins in the Donation box. This would be sent to The Missing Childrens Foundation directly after Christmas. As he walked by the last pew, something caught his eye and he turned his head to look. There on the pew was a young girl, she couldn’t have been more than 10 years old, wearing a thin dark grey top and a denim skirt that fell to her knees, her feet were bare and her legs were filthy as was her face. She was curled up on the pew in a fetal position fast asleep. The Father’s mouth dropped open in surprise and shock.

Tiptoeing past he locked the Old Heavy Oak Doors as quietly as he could then walked back to the last pew. The young girl was still asleep. Her dark hair fell across her face and a few strands lifted and fell rythymically as she breathed in and out softly. Sitting down beside her Father Radley gently shook her awake. The girl stirred slowly, then suddenly she seemed to realize she wasn’t alone and scrambled to a sitting position pushing herself away from Father Radley on the pew, her eyes wide and filled with terror as she stared at him. Father Radley held his hands up hastily and said gently
“It’s okay, I won’t hurt you, you’re safe”
The girl continued to stare at him but said nothing. Father Radley tried again
“What’s your name?” His question was met with silence.
“Where are your parents?” The girls eyes filled with tears and she whispered in a small voice
“Dead”
Feeling slightly encouraged Father Radley pressed on
“Where do you live?”
The girl shrugged and said
“I don’t have a home”
“Oh come now, you must have a home to go to, EVERYONE has a home to go to” smiled Father Radley.
“I don’t” replied the girl defiantly, then unexpectedly she began to cry, her small frame racked with sobs. Cautiously Father Radley slid along the pew and gently wrapped his arms around her. She scrambled onto his lap and wrapped her arms fiercely round his neck, sobbing into his shoulder. Father Radley was taken aback, but continued to soothe the child, rocking her gently in his arms. Slowly her sobs faded away and she drew back slightly to look up at him with a tear streaked face. Hesitantly she began to speak.
“My name is Anya. My Mommy died 6 months ago. I never knew my Daddy, he left before I was born. When my Mommy died I was sent to live with my Aunt Holly. I don’t like her. She beat me every day for no reason, and made me do all the housework. Then she made me sleep outside in the dog kennel. I ran away that night, and I’ve been living in a doorway ever since” she finished. Father Radley was stunned.
“How old are you Anya?” he asked
“I’m nine” she replied in a small voice
“My God Anya, how on earth have you survived?” whispered Father Radley in shock.
“By begging mostly, people give me spare money and sometimes food too” she answered truthfully.
Father Radley sat for a moment in thought, then sighed and said
“Okay, here’s what we’re going to do, you can sleep here tonight, then tomorrow I shall get in touch with your Aunt and see what she has to say, then we’ll take it from there. You do know your Aunt Holly’s address right?”
Anya nodded wordlessly, then burst out
“Please don’t make me go back there, she’ll beat me for running away, and she won’t give me anything to eat”
“Anya, calm down, I’m not going to make you go back there. I’m going to go and see what she has to say. You don’t even have to come with me” replied Father Radley
“Now come, are you hungry?” he finished
“I’m starving” replied Anya, “I haven’t eaten for three days”

Taking Anya’s hand, Father Radley led her through the door of the nave and along a corridor into a warm cosy living room.
“You sit here Anya and I’ll get you something to eat” Father Radley said, then exited the room into the Kitchen.
Anya sat down in a cosy armchair by the fire burning merrily in the grate. Every so often a log shifted, sending sparks up the chimney. In the opposite corner stood a huge Christmas Tree, decorated lavishly in Gold and Red Baubles, Tinsel, and twinkling Fairy Lights. Anya curled her legs up underneath her and rested her head on the arm of the chair. In seconds she was asleep.

Father Radley came back into the living room with a tray in his hands. On it was a steaming bowl of soup and 2 slices of bread and butter alongside a cup of warm milk. He stopped short at the sight of the girl sleeping soundly, then turned about and took the tray back into the kitchen. She could eat later.

Anya opened her eyes slowly. She was in a single bed in a small room. There was a nightlight burning on the white bedside table and heavy velvet curtains at the window. Laid over the bottom of the bed was a child’s bathrobe in pink. Anya climbed out of bed and donned the bathrobe, the opened the bedroom door and peeked out into the hall. At one end was a set of stairs leading downstairs from where the wonderful aroma of Bacon was drifting. She walked towards the stairs and heard Father Radleys voice humming to himself as he cooked.

Father Radley turned as he heard a noise at the Kitchen door and smiled as Anya appeared dressed in the Bathrobe he’d found in a box of Donations given to him by Ms Jones. It was a little long for her, but at least it was warmer than what she’d been wearing yesterday.
“Merry Christmas Anya” he smiled gently.
“Merry Christmas” she replied shyly.
“Would you like some breakfast?” he asked her, then grinned at her enthusiastic response.
Anya sat at the table as Father Radley placed a plate in front of her containing Sausages, Bacon, Scrambled Eggs and Baked Beans. Anya attacked the food in front of her like she’d never been fed, which Father Radley suspected was probably close to the truth. He was looking forward to meeting Anya’s Aunt Holly, and seeing what she had to say for herself.

After breakfast, Father Radley insisted that Anya have a bath. It was time she got rid of the dirt and grime she’d picked up being on the streets. He ran a bath for her and she washed her hair and body whilst he washed the breakfast dishes. When she came back downstairs she looked like a completely different young girl. Her skin was flawless, she looked like a pale english rose. Her hair was dark and long, falling well down her back in soft waves, and her eyes were a beautiful dark brown. She was wearing a pair of Jeans that fit perfectly, and a warm black sweater, found once again out of Ms Jones’ donation box. Father Radley smiled and said
“I bet that feels better”.
Anya nodded, then smiled softly and replied
“Yes it does, I can’t remember when I last had a bath. Thankyou for everything”
“You don’t have to thank me Anya, I’m just happy I can help” replied Father Radley.
“Now, I have Mrs Willis coming over for Christmas Dinner today, she’s my housekeeper and I called her and asked her to come over and stay with you while I go and pay a visit to your aunt, is that okay?” he asked
Anya looked frightened.
“It’s okay Anya, she’ll look after you, and I promise you won’t have to go back to your aunt if you don’t want to” he told her gently.
Reluctantly Anya nodded.
“Good girl, now can you give me your Aunt’s full name and address please? It’s time I paid her a visit” Said Father Radley.

Father Radley stood outside the run down house and checked the address against the piece of paper on which he’d written down the address Anya had given him. The house was in a bad state of repair, broken toys and cigarette butts littered the front yard, There was a bike with one wheel leaning against the house, and in a corner was a dog kennel that was open to the elements. A dog was chained up and lay wearily in the kennel. Squaring his shoulders, Father Radley walked up to the front door and knocked firmly. After a minute or two a woman answered. She was a thick heavyset woman with too much makeup on, and peroxide dyed blonde hair. A cigarette hung out of her red painted lips.
“Mrs Bradshaw?” Asked Father Radley.
“Yeh, who’re you and whaddya want” she said rudely.
“My name is Father Radley, I’m here about Anya” he replied grimly.
Mrs Bradshaw surveyed him for a moment the stood back
“Yer better come in then” she said and turned, heading down the hall.

Father Radley followed Mrs Bradshaw down the hall and into the kitchen. The squalor and stench hit him like a runaway truck. Dirty dishes were piled on every surface, and mouldy food lay everywhere. The trash can was overflowing and flies were buzzing around the top of it. On one counter sat a small television currently playing a music video, and at the table sat a boy of no more than 14 smoking a cigarette. Mrs Bradshaw sat herself down and said to the youth
“Out paul”
“Muuuum” whined Paul.
” I said OUT yer gobby little shyte” snarled Mrs Bradshaw.
Paul glared at his Mother for a moment, then stubbed the cigarette out and slunk from the room.
“So, where’s Anya?” asked Mrs Bradshaw
“Right now, she’s at my home” replied Father Radley quietly.
“She’s been living rough for a while, ever since she ran away from here, which was when exactly?” he asked.
Mrs Bradshaw shook a fresh cigarette out of the pack on the table and lit it, blowing out a stream of smoke before replying.
” ’bout six weeks ago now, I were glad to be rid of er too, insolent little snot she was”
Father Radley didn’t reply and Mrs Bradshaw looked at him then continued
“She refused to do the little bit of cleanin an cookin I asked her to do, an she were unkind to the others”
“Mrs Bradshaw, Anya is nine years old, you cannot expect a child of that age to do cooking and cleaning” replied Father Radley. He was liking this woman less and less, and could plainly see why Anya had been so desperate to get away from her.
“And to make a child of her age sleep in the dog kennel is just cruel and unbelievacly so at that” he added.
Mrs Bradshaw smirked
“She told you bout that did she? Well she shoulda done as she were told then shouldn’t she” she said smugly.
Father Radley never knew how he managed to keep his anger in check, but he did so, and said
“Well, as it’s plain you don’t want Anya back, and god forbid, she certainly doesn’t want to return here, I suggest you go to Social Services after the holidays and sign away all responsibility for her. I shall inform them in the meantime of Anya’s whereabouts”
“An what if I dun want to?” asked Mrs Bradshaw smirking again.
“Then I shall personally see to it that you spend next Christmas behind bars for Child Abuse and Neglect Mrs Bradshaw” repled Father Radley leaning forward.
Mrs Bradshaw’s mouth dropped open in shock.
“Are you threatenin me Father” she asked, placing heavy emphasis on the word Father.
“That’s exactly what I’m doing Mrs Bradshaw” he replied in a steely voice.
Mrs Bradshaw turned pale, and the fingers holding the cigarette trembled slightly.

Father Radley never told Anya what transpired between himself and her Aunt Holly. He only said that she didn’t have to go back to her Aunt and was to stay with him in the meantime. Anya’s gratitude and thanks meant the world to him. He was already becoming attached to this little girl. After the holidays he got in touch with Social Services and explained Anya’s situation to them. They sent a Social Worker out and they discussed the situation in great detail. Towards the end of the meeting the Social Worker asked if there was anything else Father Radley would like to ask. Father Radley took a deep breath and said
“Yes, I would like to adopt Anya as my own child.”

Anya stood in front of the full length mirror in her bedroom. She was ten years old and she’d come a long way in the year since Father Radley had found her curled up asleep on a pew in the church. It was Christmas Eve of 1996 and Anya was going to say a few words to the congregation tonight. She was very nervous, she knew some of her friends from school would be there. A knock sounded on the door followed by Father Radley’s voice calling
“Anya, are you ready?”
“Yes I am” she called back smiling
Father Radley opened the door and smiled.
“You look wonderful dear” he told her. She was wearing a red dress with a flared skirt, white ankle socks and black shoes, A black cardigan completed the outfit, and her hair was caught in two braids finished with red ribbons. Anya smiled
“So do you” she told him.

Together they went downstairs and entered the church. Anya grabbed a seat in the front pew whilst Father Radley went to open the doors and greet the congregation. When the congregation had settled Father Radley took up his stance on the alter and said to everyone
“Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s good to see you all here tonight. We shall have the usual Prayers and Choir singing, but a certain young lady would like to say a few words first. Anya, would you come up here please?”
Anya walked up the steps and turned to face the congregation. Her voice trembled a bit on her first few words, then grew stronger as she became more confident.
“My mommy used to tell me that there were angels in the sky. She and I would look out of the window at night and she would point out big shining stars and tell me they were angels. She said that there were angels down here on earth too. She said that if you were ever in need of an angel one would come along and help you out. I never knew whether to believe her or not, I mean I’d never seen any angels before”
This was said with childish innocence, but some members of the congregation laughed gently. Anya continued
“Last Christmas, I was cold and wet. I was living on the streets because my Aunt didn’t want me to live with her, and she didn’t treat me very well. So I ran away. On Christmas Eve, I found this Church, and slipped inside to warm up a bit. The Choir was singing and they sounded so beautiful, the best thing I’d ever heard. I fell asleep on the pew, and that’s when Father Radley found me. For the first time in my life since my mommy died, I knew that what she said was true. Angels DO live here on earth. I found one. Father Radley is my Angel. I call him my Father Angel, or more simply, Daddy”

Father Radleys eyes filled and overflowed with tears, and Anya stood beaming, as for the first time ever in Father Radley’s little Church, the whole congregation got to it’s feet and applauded for this child and her Father Angel, her Daddy

Latest Story

This is my latest attempt at a Short Story. It’s written as a letter but it’s not clear to whom it’s written. I wanted to let you, the readers make up your own minds. I really am not too sure what I think to this one considering the fact that it’s 12.10am and I’ve just spent 3 hours on it. So, as usual, image, then story. Please let me know what you think in the comments section. You all know how much I appreciate your feedback.

Deadly Overconfidence.

Hi there. My name is Melina. Melina Thornton. I’m 28 years old and married to the most wonderful man in the whole world. Danny. Danny Thornton. Danny and I met when I was 17, and a year later we were married. No kids because I didn’t and still don’t want them, but that’s not the point of my story.

It’s been snowing again today, nothing unusual for this time of year of course, but I’ve never appreciated before just how pretty everything outside looks when it’s falling. And of course when you have nothing better to do, might as well watch it. Danny brought me a cup of tea a few minutes ago, and asked how I’m feeling. I’m feeling very well thanks for asking, getting over the worst of the pain, and getting used to this infernal wheelchair, still struggling to get round the corners though. But at least I won’t have to be stuck in it for much longer.

You’re probably asking what happened right? Why I’m in a wheelchair? Well see, I had a little accident with a pair of ski’s and a ski run that I wasn’t experienced enough for. Danny got all excited when it first started snowing bless his heart, so he took a few days off work and decided he was going to teach me how to ski. I thought it was a fabulous idea, given that I’d never learned but had always wanted to try, so off we went. He rented me a pair of ski’s and all the gear and off we went. Now Danny gave me all the information I needed to know, and we practised for ages on an almost flat area, with just enough of a downward slope for me to at least get moving. He taught me how to curve down the hill by leaning on the edges of my ski’s and how to stop. Then once he thought I’d gotten the gist of it, he took me to the beginners run. I stood at the top of the beginners run looking down and thinking to myself that I’d never noticed how steep it was before, and some little brat of a kid zoomed past me 3 times calling me a scaredy cat. He’s lucky I was so nervous, otherwise I would have belted him one. Finally I worked up the courage, swallowed my pride and set off down the hill with Danny right behind me. When I reached the bottom full of pride, I turned round and Danny swooped me up into a Bear Hug and told me how proud he was of me. We practised all day on that run.

The next day we went back again, I told Danny that I wanted to try the full runs, but he was a little hesitant. Said something about me not being experienced enough, but I’d been working up to this and was determined to try them. Danny extracted a promise from me that we could do a couple of runs down the beginners run again first, just to be sure. That was fine with me. So off we went, did three runs down the beginner’s run, then headed for the chairlift. Danny was nervous about me bless his heart, but my enthusiasm was infectious and soon he was telling me how it feels to ski down, seeing the trees at the edges of the runs flash by, how the wind feels in your face and the rush of adrenaline you get as you set off down. I couldn’t wait to feel that for myself. We disembarked at the top of the mountain and Danny asked me if I was sure I wanted to do this. I nodded yes, and he told me to just take it easy and that he’d be right behind me again. He also reminded me to curve my way down from left to right, that way I’d be in control. We set off and immediately I knew I wasn’t ready for this. The speed we picked up going down this run was so fast. There were hidden bumps in the run that felt probably ten times worse than they were. All logic went out of the window, along with everything that my dear Danny told me right before we set off down the run. I did remember to curve, then all of a sudden, about halfway down, I hit another bump, and I lost total control. Arms and legs flailing, ski’s and poles flying in the air, I hit the ground with a sickening thud, there was a searing pain in my left leg, then I saw, heard and felt no more.

I woke with a scream and saw a strange face looming over me. I remember shrinking back into my pillows and asking where I was. The lady who turned out to be a Nurse told me I was in hospital. She also insisted on calling me Mrs Thornton which peeved me off no end. Didn’t this woman know I wasn’t married? Yes, that’s right. I didn’t remember my dear Danny. I also didn’t remember anything about my accident, so I guess I must have banged my head up pretty good on the way down. This Nurse told me I’d had an accident whilst skiing with my Husband which flabbergasted me. As far as I was aware, I wasn’t married and I didn’t ski. Those were very trying times for Danny. The Nurse decided to go and get the Doctor so I could be checked over. He seemed like a pleasant enough man when he arrived, but my opinion of him totally changed when he said he needed to check my wound. As he lifted the bedsheets to one side the Nurse stuck a thermometer in my mouth and placed the Blood Pressure cuff on my arm. At that point, a pain unlike any I’d felt before shot through my left leg and I let out a scream to raise the dead. The Doctor jumped back in alarm and the Nurse had to grab the sink to stop herself falling as she tripped over the Blood Pressure machine tripod. The Doctor apologized profusely, but I didn’t like him from that point on. Throughout all this Danny stayed by my side, I still didn’t remember him or the accident, and I believe it takes a great deal of strength and love to stay by someone’s side when they don’t remember you. He spoke to me about things that should have been familiar to me but weren’t. I didn’t remember our dog, Holly, or our cat, Beauty. I didn’t remember our neighbours, or what colour car they had. I remembered my Family, my parents and my brother, but that was it. Yet throughout it all, he stayed by my side. He went home at night, slept, then came back to the hospital first thing in the morning.

A week later, I’d been given a wheelchair. It was a novelty to zoom round the hospital corridors at first, but the fun soon wore off, especially as I got more adept at handling it. Danny had been there every day, and the day before I’d let off a tirade at him. See, I KNEW I wasn’t married to him, yet he insisted that I was his wife. I think partially my frustration at being in a strange place with no memory of how I came to be there was the straw that broke the camels back, and I’d really gone to town on Danny. I told him I didn’t know who he was, that I wished he’d stop visiting me, and I insisted that he must STOP saying I was his wife. By the time I’d done, I was yelling, and Danny was sat frozen in his chair. Finally he stood up and without another word to me, left. I broke down in frustrated tears. I wasn’t expecting to see him again.

The next day I was sat in my wheelchair in the patients smoking room smoking and reading a book. The Doctor had told me that once I was more adept with the crutches I could go home. But where was home? I assumed I lived with my parents and vowed to discuss it with them when they came to see me again. The door of the smoke room opened and Danny walked in. The shock of seeing him again was combined with a prickly feeling of fear at the look of intensity in his eyes. Without a word he handed me a folded piece of paper. Something stirred the the furthest recesses of my mind but I couldn’t put my finger on what. I asked him what it was. Without a flicker of emotion he said
“it’s our Marriage Certificate”
Shock coursed through me, and I unfolded the piece of paper. Right there before my eyes, was my name. My maiden name, AND my married name right alongside Danny’s name. I felt my eyes fill with tears and confusion poured through me. I WAS married, and to this man. Guilt poured through me and I couldn’t hold back my tears. Danny was so kind and caring and he held me as sobs racked my body. I told him I still didn’t remember him or the accident, but that I was sorry for everything. He told me I had nothing to be sorry for, that he understood how confusing everything must have been for me. Finally I found out how I came to be in the hospital.

Danny had gotten all excited when it first started snowing, so he took a few days off work and decided he was going to teach me how to ski. I’d thought it was a fabulous idea, given that I’d never learned but had always wanted to try, so off we went. He’d rented me a pair of ski’s and all the gear and off we went. Danny and I practised for ages on an almost flat area, with just enough of a downward slope for me to at least get moving. He’d taught me how to curve down the hill by leaning on the edges of my ski’s and how to stop. Then once he thought I’d gotten the gist of it, he took me to the beginners run. I’d stood at the top of the beginners run looking down and some little kid had zoomed past me 3 times calling me a scaredy cat. Finally I’d worked up the courage, swallowed my pride and set off down the hill with Danny right behind me. We’d practised all day on that run. Danny teared up when he thought back to the day of my accident. He said he should have put his foot down with me about my wanting to try the full runs, but my enthusiasm had been infectious and I’d been determined to try. He said that as we set off he could tell I was out of my depth and he’d been praying we’d make it down safely. He yelled out to me when he saw me lose control, he said I flew about 5ft into the air before landing sickeningly on my left leg. I was already unconcious when he stopped by my side. Some other skier had seen the whole thing and stopped long enough to shakily tell Danny that he was going for help. He said it was the longest time of his lfe waiting for help to arrive. When he saw the stretcher and the Medics arrived he lost it completely and broke down. He said the only thing he remembered after that was arriving at the hospital and being treated for shock whilst I was rushed off for emergency surgery. He’d been by my side ever since. I sat in silence trying to absorb everything he’d told me, and trying to remember something, but nothing came to me. I lit up a cigarette with shaking hands, and Danny smiled ruefully and told me that I’d quit smoking four years ago. It was so frustrating not being able to remember these things. After I finished smoking, I told Danny I needed to rest. I felt so exhausted and my mind was spinning with everything he’d told me. He helped me into bed and told me he was going for something to eat and he’d be back in an hour. Right before he left he bent down and kissed my forehead. It felt strange and he seemed to realize that because he hastily apolgized then left. I closed my eyes and my mind wandered.

I was stood in the foyer of the Church, dressed in a white Wedding Gown holding a bouquet of Pale Pink Poses and Baby’s Breath. My father took my arm and asked if I was ready as The Wedding March started and the congregation rose in their seats. As I walked down the aisle on my Fathers arm, people in the pews ooohed and aaahed as I floated serenely past, and the tall man at the top of the aisle turned and smiled at me lovingly. It was Danny. We reached the top of the Aisle and my Father handed me over to Danny. The congregation reseated themselves and the Vicar’s voice rang out.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate the bond of two people who have chosen to unite and share the rest of their lives together”
Danny smiled at me as we heard the words that we’d asked the Vicar to use as opposed to the traditional words. We knew we’d spend the rest of our lives together. The words of the Vicar just cemented everything.

My eyes flew open and I sat bolt upright in bed. Suddenly everything fit. I remembered! I lay back against the pillows as thoughts and memories flooded my mind. Things that I’d been unable to remember a little over two hours ago. Tears burned behind my eyelids as memories I’d treasured came back to me and I wondered how I could ever have forgotten them. Danny walked back into the room at that point, and something in my face told him I’d remembered something. He said my name tentatively and I held out my arms to him. As he sat on the edge of the bed and wrapped his arms around me I sobbed out the words I needed to say.
“Danny I’m so sorry, I remembered! I dreamed about our wedding, and when I woke everything started to come back to me! I’m so sorry Danny, how could I ever have forgotten?”
Danny held me tightly and the Doctor wandered in.
“How are you feeling Melina?” he asked.
Danny laughed out loud as I lifted my face and said
“You can call me Mrs Thornton Doctor”

So, I’m home now, have been for two weeks. There are still a few things that are hazy, like I don’t remember anything about the accident, but the Doctor said that happens sometimes, that it’s the mind’s way of protecting the body or something. My darling Danny has ben home with me every day, and this morning I gave him a heart attack when I said I wanted to continue to learn to ski. He asked me how on earth I was going to do that. So I told him about the research I did on the internet. It seems I can get some special skis. Well it’s not so much the skis that are special, more the poles. They’re on like mini runners so that I can use them to help me turn.

You see, when I had the accident, I shattered my left leg completely below the knee, I also tore ligaments and arteries and the leg was basically beyond repair. So I lost my leg below the knee. It was a shock to find out I had no leg below the knee. It felt like it was still there. Losing a part of my body made me re-evaluate my life. But I remain optimistic. That’s part of the reason I want to continue to learn to ski. Danny balked at the very idea of it. But I’m hoping he’ll change his mind when he see’s the “Special Skis” I ordered from the internet whilst he was out grocery shopping yesterday.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I look forward to your criticism constructive comments.

Ciao.

The Waves Hold Secrets

Finally I got round to writing a new short story. I haven’t done anything along these lines before and so it was kinda fun to explore the possibilities. I’m quite happy with it, but as usual, any feedback or comments would be much appreciated.

The Waves Hold Secrets.

Cassie sat watching the sun come up over the waves on the beach. There was no other soul around and the only sound was the gentle washing of the waves on the shoreline. She liked it best this way. As the sun rose higher and the day grew lighter a lone Gull cried as it dived, looking for food, and Cassie followed it’s flight. Then out of the corner of her eye, she saw a flash of silver. Turning her head she saw a huge silver fishtail disappearing back into the ocean. Cassie gasped out loud. Whatever it was she’d never seen a fish that big in her life before.

“Cassie.. Telephone” yelled her Mother Minnie up the stairs.
“Got it” she shouted back picking up the extension in her bedroom.
Placing the receiver to her ear she heard her mother put the phone down and said
“Hello?”
“Hey Babe, what ya doin?” asked her boyfriend Jerry.
“Oh hey Jerry, nothing much, just looking for something online” she replied smiling
“Oh, anything I can help with?” she asked.
“Nah, just something I saw this morning that’s all, I was just trying to find some information about it, no luck so far though” she said and sighed.
“Well how do you fancy taking a break and coming for coffee with me” he asked
“If you’re including a sticky bun in that, I’m game” she laughed
“You got it babe, I’ll pick you up in 15 minutes” replied Jerry, and saying goodbye, he put the phone down.

As Cassie turned to grab her jacket and head downstairs, an image on her computer screen froze her in her tracks. There on the screen was a picture of a tail disappearing into the waves, exactly like the one she’d seen that morning. Grabbing the mouse she scrolled down and read the text underneath it.

“I know this may sound weird to viewers out there, but this tail does NOT belong to a fish. It belongs to a Mermaid. I saw her a week ago when I was out taking pictures of the Sunrise over Clearview Beach. She has long flowing blonde hair and a beautiful slim body with a huge silver tail from the waist down. She saw me as I aimed the camera at her, and she dove, leaving me with this image of just her tail”

Cassie’s mouth dropped open. A Mermaid?? Was this guy deluded? Everybody knew Mermaids didn’t exist. Cassie checked the date of the article, it was written two years ago. Cassie turned off her Computer and grabbed her jacket as Jerry’s car horn pipped outside. But she couldn’t get the image of that tail out of her head.

“I don’t know what it was Jerry, but it was huge, then some guy on the internet has a picture of the same thing I saw and claims it’s a Mermaid!” exclaimed Cassie.
Jerry threw back his head and laughed loudly.
“A Mermaid??” he asked incredulously
They were sat in a corner of the Coffeeshop, with cups of coffee and a sticky bun in front of Cassie
“Yeah, a Mermaid, I mean, the guy must be deluded or something, he described her as having long blonde hair and a beautiful slim body with a huge silver tail starting from the waist down” quoted Cassie.
Jerry mimicked puking into his coffee and Cassie laughed in spite of herself.
“You gonna eat that sticky bun, or can I have it?” Jerry teased her.
“Touch that, and you’re dead pal” growled Cassie. Jerry laughed then leant over and kissed the tip of her nose.

Cassie groaned to herself as her alarm clock went off the next Morning. She did not want to get out of bed. She knew she shouldn’t have stayed out so late last night. She and Jerry had gone for Dinner, then to a movie, before stopping off for one last coffee before he dropped her home. It had been close to 11pm, but Cassie was due to get up at 4.30am for her usual morning run. Cassie snuggled down under the covers and contemplated staying in bed, then remembered the strange tail she’d seen the day before. That decided matters. Groaning again, she threw back the covers and headed for the shower.

Cassie stopped running and grabbed one of the poles holding the Lifeguards hut above the water level should there be a storm. Panting she bent over trying to catch her breath. The first rays of the sun peeked over the horizon, bathing Cassie and the surrounding area in a fiery orange glow. Cassie glanced out to Sea, then did a double take. Was that a head bobbing up and down? Straightening up, she squinted against the rising sun, but couldn’t see what had caught her attention. Thinking she was seeing things she shrugged. A second later, her jaw dropped again as a huge silver tail flashed in the sun for an instant before it disappeared beneath the waves.

“Cassie, you cannot be serious!” exclaimed Jerry
“I am Jerry, I KNOW something’s going on out there, I don’t know what but I need to know and I’m determined to find out!” Cassie groaned with frustration.
“Cassie, it could be a Dolphin or something” Jerry seemed not to understand
“Jerry, Dolphins do NOT have silver tails, and definitely not that size!” she shouted.
“I NEED to know what it is, do you not understand that?”
The woman at the next table looked round nervously.
“Umm, excuse me?”
“What?” snapped Cassie rudely.
“Cassie” sighed Jerry reproachfully. Cassie sighed and turned back to the woman with a fake smile on her face and said in a sickeningly sweet voice
“Yes, may I help you?”
Jerry dropped his head into his hands and groaned. The woman looked nervously at Cassie again and said
“I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation, are you talking about Clearview Beach by any chance?”
The smile faded from Cassie’s face and she regarded the woman in silence for a moment.
“Yes I am” she said finally. The woman looked frightened.
“Are you mad?” she whispered.
Haven’t you heard the legend of Clearview?”
Cassie frowned and Jerry lifted his head from his hands
“What Legend?” asked Cassie.
The woman stood and came over to Cassie and Jerry, and seated herself across from them.
“Well as the legend goes, there are Mermaids in Clearview Bay, they have been seen at Sunrise by a number of people on the Beach. An old man once saw a Mermaid and determined to get a closer look and maybe capture one, he took a boat out the next day”
“What happened?” asked Cassie eagerly.
“Nobody knows for sure” replied the woman
“He was never seen again, but the legend goes that if you get too close, you end up being destined to swim the waves forever”
“You mean…..” whispered Jerry horrorstruck
“As a Merperson yes” replied the woman gravely nodding her head.
Cassie and Jerry stared at her for a moment, then Cassie cleared her throat.
“That settles it” she said in a clear and determined voice.

The next morning Jerry walked down the Marina and met with Cassie at the side of his Father’s powerful motor yacht. Cassie had a bag with her Camera and rolls of film in, and a pair of Binoculars slung round her neck.
“Cassie, can we please not do this?” he asked knowing her answer and already resigned to his fate.
“We have to Jerry, I need to know. You’re not SCARED are you?” she jeered mockingly.
“No Cassie, I’m not, but you heard what that woman said” he replied.
“Jerry, it’s just a legend, that’s all” replied Cassie, and swung herself on board.
“Now, are you coming, or do I have to go by myself, the sun’s coming up, and I don’t want to miss anything” she finished.
Jerry sighed and swung himself onboard.

Five minutes later Cassie shouted over the noise of the engine
“Here should be okay”
Jerry turned the engine off, and came to join her at the side. Cassie scanned the horizon through the Binoculars for a minute then lowered them and sighed.
“Nothing?” asked Jerry hopefully.
“Not yet” replied Cassie “But we only just got here”
As if on cue, there was a soft splashing noise, and a head bobbed above the waves about 10ft away from the boat. As Jerry’s jaw dropped in disbelief, Cassie smiled and whispered
“Ohmigosh”

2 Months Later.

Sam finished rubbed his surfboard with wax and grinned across at his buddy Brandon.
“Great day for surfing huh? You sure were right about the waves being better at sunrise”
Brandon grinned back and stood up looking out to Sea.
“Yeah, looks like a couple of guys beat us to it” he replied gesturing out to where two heads bobbed up and down in the water.
“Looks like a male and a female” he added.
Sam squinted out to where Brandon was pointing.
“Yeah man, but they don’t seem to have Boards or anything” he replied.
Brandon squinted to get a better look
“You’re right man, you don’t think they’re in any trouble do you?”

Sam never replied. As the two stood watching, the two people suddenly dived and the boys were struck speechless as two huge silver tails flashed in the sunlight for an instant before disappearing beneath the waves.

Usual feedback and suggestions in the comments section please.

Ciao.

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.