This is my latest story. Heartwarming with a lil hint of sadness in there too. I sooo enjoyed writing it too. My mind was clear from start to finish about what I wanted out of this, and I feel I’ve captured that. There isn’t a twist at the end like my usual, but I like it all the same.

So, the usual. Piccie, story, and then feedback from y’all. Enjoy!

Memory Lane.

The old lady lay in the bed, her eyes closed, her face once youthful and carefree, now wrinkled and sunken. The machines around her whirred and beeped, all creating a cacophony of sound, and doing their job in keeping her alive.

Two of her grandchildren sat by her bedside, holding her hands and whispering to each other quietly.
“We should tell Mother, Gabrielle she’d want to know!” whispered Alex.
“No Alex! Grandmamma said no!” Gabrielle hissed back fiercely.

The frail old lady stirred fitfully in her sleep, and Gabrielle and Alex shot each other warning looks before turning their attention back to their grandmother. The old lady slowly opened her eyes, and drowsily she smiled at her two grandchildren. Gabrielle and Alex. The only good thing to come from her daughters wasted life. An alcoholic, she’d somehow managed to produce two wonderful healthy children. That they’d had to learn to look out for themselves at such a young age wasn’t right, but growing up with an alcoholic mother had taught them a lot, and they were good sensible children with a good head on their shoulders.

“How are you feeling Grandmamma?” Gabrielle asked now, looking down at her with concern written all over her face.
“I’m okay sweetie, just tired still.” she replied.
“You get some rest Grandmamma, we should go and grab something to eat and let you sleep.” said Alex, ever the practical one.
“We’ll be back soon though.” added Gabrielle.
It’s okay, there’s no rush, really” the old lady said with a smile. “I’ll be right here when you get back.”

Her two grandcildren left the room and she sighed. A nurse bustled in to check the machines and cheerfully said “Hello Ada, how are you?”
“Oh, I’m doing okay thanks” she replied. The nurse checked the print out readings and then left.

Ada sighed and looked at the clock. 1.17pm. Time seemed to stand still for her these days. At 74 years old, she didn’t find it easy to get around any more, and so most of the time she didn’t try. Her grandchildren called round every day to see if she needed anything, though she hated to take up their time. With both of them working, she felt that she was a burden to them, something they both vehemently denied. She remembered when she was a child. Young and carefree with no worries in the world. Times had indeed changed since the days she and Jack were best friends. Ahhh Jack thought Ada, and she stared off into space as the memories came rushing back.

Jack laughed as he held the squirming puppy in his arms. Ada giggled again as the puppy squirmed to get down and finally jack let go. The puppy gambolled around them both as they sat in the garden and Ada teased Jack.
“Haha, you’re not strong enough Jack. Even a puppy can get away from you.”
“I bet I’m stronger than you Ada.” replied Jack.
“Well of course silly, I’m a girl, and girls aren’t as strong as boys” Ada said laughing. “I bet I’m braver than you though” she added.
“I bet you’re not!” Jack said quickly, taking the bait. Ada had known he would.
“Prove it” she said.
“How?” asked Jack.
Ada pointed to a wasps nest in the huge oak tree at the bottom of the garden.
“I dare you to go and knock that wasps nest down” she said with a grin.
“I don’t know Ada, Daddy told me to leave it alone or he’d beat me.” said Jack frowning slightly.
“Chicken” muttered Ada, turning away.
“Okay okay I’ll do it.” replied Jack quickly. After all, boys were braver than girls too right? An eleven year old boy should be able to handle a wasps nest with no problems. He went and grabbed a small branch from the pile that his father had piled to be burned, and Ada went and sat on the steps leading to the garden to watch. She knew better than to get too close.

Jack reached up with the branch and knocked the nest gently on it’s side. A few wasps flew out and hovered for a minute before flying off. He reached up with the branch again and hit it a little harder. The nest swung a little and more wasps flew out starting to buzz a little. That sound alone should have been enough to warn Jack, but he continued to hit the nest with the branch till finally, it fell to the ground. All at once, it seemed the entire contents of the nest flew out, filling the air around them with an angry buzzing sound. Jack was surrounded in seconds, and as his screams of pain filled the air, Ada went running for his Mother.

Ada sat by Jacks bed and tearfully apologized.
“I’m sorry Jack, I shouldn’t have made you do that.” Jack smiled weakly. His face and his arms and legs were covered in sting marks from the angry wasps. The doctor estimated over 200 stings – Jack was lucky to be alive.
“It’s okay Ada, I’m okay. And I did prove that I’m braver than you.” he said proudly. Ada laughed at him and replied “Yes you did.”

As they grew up, they stayed friends all through school. After High school though, they both went their separate ways and eventually lost touch altogether. Forty eight years had passed since Ada received a note informing her of Jacks untimely death at the age of thirty. Ada would never forget the sorrow she felt at the passing of her closest school friend.

Although many years had passed, Ada never forgot about Jack. She had sat and told Gabrielle and Alex about him many times, and showed them the photo of her and Jack at a young age, dressed up, sharing a rare treat, a milkshake at Ruby’s Diner. Gabrielle and Alex listened to her stories so often, they almost felt they knew jack as they too grew up into the young adults they now were.

As Ada settled more comfortably against the pillows, she felt a sharp pain up her left side that literally took her breath away. It was time. She settled back and waited.

Gabrielle and Alex walked slowly back to Ada’s room in the hospital corridors.
“Gabrielle, mother has a right to know that her mother isn’t well.”
“Alex, it would deeply upset Grandmamma to know that we betrayed her, and I don’t want to do that. You know how Grandmamma feels about mom, and quite frankly, the shock of seeing mom after so many years could kill her!”

Alex sighed and looked up. For a split second he froze, and then went running down the corridor. Gabrielle stared after him dumbfounded, then realized what was happening and raced after him. At the door to their Grandmothers room, they stopped and stared in, just in time to hear the Doctor say “Time of Death – 2.30pm.”

As the Doctor and Nurse left the room, the Doctor paused to say sorry. He reassured them both that it was quick and that she didn’t suffer. Gabrielle moved close to her Grandmother, and lifted her hand. It was still warm, her face looked relaxed, almost youthful again, and there was a slight smile that played around her mouth, turning the corners up slightly. Alex moved to the other side and took her other hand.

From the window, a sunbeam shone through, casting light onto the old lady’s face, now so relaxed and free from pain. The sunbeam got brighter, and brighter, and a gasp from Gabrielle made Alex look up. The light was from the sunbeam, but it was too bright. Out of the light came the shadows of two figures. A man and a woman, holding hands. As they came closer, both Gabrielle and Alex gasped.

The woman was clearly their Grandmamma Ada, looking younger than she had in years. The young man at the side of her could only be Jack. The man that Ada had teased as a boy, the one she’d picked on and bullied because she knew he’d do anything for her. The one who withstood 200 wasp stings because he wanted to prove that he was braver than her.

As they stood within the sunbeam, they smiled and waved, then turning around, they headed further into the sunbeam, till the light swallowed them up. The light faded, and the room became normal once more.

Looking down at her Grandmamma once more, Gabrielle saw that the small smile had changed. No longer was there a small smile playing about her mouth. It was a full blown mischievous grin. She was with Jack once more. She was happy.

I hope you enjoyed reading this. Leave me a comment, let me know what you think.

Ciao.

Finally people, I managed to churn something out! I know, I know. I haven’t posted here since the 28th of July last year, and I’m truly sorry. I’m a bad bad girl!

I actually started this story two days ago, but I wasn’t sure where it was going to head. It slowly came together yesterday and today, and with a suggestion or two from my loving Jeffers, the end came together too. So, piccie, story, and hopefully, feedback!

Enjoy!

Too Close To Home.

Tears trickled down my face as I sat on the edge of the cliff. The sea below pounded against the rocks with a booming crash, and the white foam made it look angry and dangerous. The wind blew fiercely, threatening to blow me off my precarious perch and to my death below. Not that I cared.

I reached for the bag beside me, drawing out a framed photo showing a smiling handsome young man and two smiling girls, one with blond hair down her back, the other with short frizzy hair. My lip curled as I stared at the young man and the blond. Simon and Julia. Between them, they’d ripped my life into shreds and driven a dagger right into my heart.

When Simon came home late from work last Friday, I wasn’t expecting the shock of having everything I knew crumble into nothing. I wasn’t expecting the shock of him confessing to an affair, let alone with her of all people. She’d been my best friend for years. Oh, she was always the pretty popular one, the one who could have any guy she wanted, but I thought she understood that my man was off limits to her. I guess I was wrong.

Reaching into the bag again, I drew out a shirt. It was the one Simon had been wearing that Friday. I hadn’t washed it yet, and as I drew it to my nose, I could still smell the faint spicy smell of the cologne he wore. I’d remember that smell forever. I even remember buying him the cologne for Christmas just last year. I asked what he wanted and he’d asked for a bottle of D&G Allure for men. I’d never heard of it before, but I went out looking and when I first smelled it, I realized it was perfect. The scent was pleasing, yet sensual. In short, it was just so Simon. That bitch liked it too. I remember her leaning over to sniff at him one night about a month ago when we were out to dinner together. Smiling, she asked him what cologne he was wearing and said that it smelled very sensual. Unknown to me, those two had been sneaking around behind my back for a month already at that point. Bitch. Me being the person I am, hadn’t noticed a thing … Not a damn thing.

I fingered the delicate gold chain around my neck with the diamond set in a heart shaped pendant. Simon had surprised me with this for my birthday six weeks ago. I thought it had been a perfect gift, but now, I know it meant nothing. Of course I should have seen the warning signs even then. He’d always been so careful with money, and he’d rarely ever bought me anything so expensive. Usually he asked me what I wanted for things like birthdays and Christmases, and this year he hadn’t. Another reason why it was so unexpected. The necklace I mean. I’d vowed to never take it off. My fingers fumbled with the clasp as I removed it now, and laid it on top of the photograph. I couldn’t bear to feel the cold weight of it around my neck, nor the heart shaped diamond pendant nestling in the cleavage of my breasts. Not when my own heart was bleeding.

Same thing with the gold bracelet I wore. A gift from Julia on my birthday. The two of them were feeling guilty, they had to be. Hence the expensive gifts. Mind you, I bet Julia got Simon to pay for the bracelet you know. The jewelry boxes proved that they both came from the same store and lord knows she never seemed to pay for anything. Well, when the three of us went to dinner she always offered to pay, but Simon always told her to not worry about it. Just his manners I guess, but we used to argue about it. I told him he should let her pay once or twice, but he wouldn’t hear of it.

The bracelet fell from my wrist with one sharp tug, and joined the pendant and the photo at the side of me. I stared unseeingly out to sea, memories running through my mind in a constant loop, all coming back to the same thing – Simon’s confession.

The door opened, and I walked out into the hall to greet Simon, late home from work. He looked tired and drained and I figured he’d have dinner, and then go straight to bed. However, he sat down and ate dinner, and then poured himself a generous measure of Whiskey. With the glass in his hand he turned and said we needed to talk. I put down the book I’d been reading, a feeling of foreboding creeping up on me. His words sliced through me like a knife.

“Through all the years we’ve lived together, I swore to always protect you and keep you safe from harm. I also swore never to hurt you in any way, and I fear I’ve broken that promise to you.”
I didn’t say a word.
“You and Julia have always been very close, and as a result, we grew close too. As it happens, a little TOO close.”
I jumped to my feet enraged.
“NO! Why Simon, why??”
Simon sighed and ran his hand through his hair
“I don’t know honey, I’m so sorry …. We can work this out can’t we?”
“Are you leaving her?”
“No, I’m in love with her.”
“Then don’t call me honey, don’t ask if we can work this out, and get out of my home!” I yelled.

The pain of watching Simon packing his clothes and essentials was more than I could bear. I locked myself in the bathroom, and wept. I emerged long enough to ask him to leave the house key and car keys on the kitchen table. As the door closed behind his retreating back, I sank down on the top stair and sobbed.

Then two nights ago, Simon had called me up to ask if he could come and grab the last of his things. I agreed on the condition that he came alone. When he arrived he looked a mess. I stood in the doorway to his study as he packed up his laptop and asked how long they’d been sneaking around.

“A little over three months I guess.” He mumbled, clearly distracted as he looked around for his cables.
I made a noise of scorn, and scowled at his back.
“So, you sneak around, and neither of you are adult enough to admit this to me till you finally couldn’t stand the strain any longer, and now you tell me that you’ve been doing this for over three months like it’s no big thing! Don’t you realize how much you two have hurt me Simon? Don’t you get that?” I was yelling again. And suddenly, Simon yelled back, something he’d never done before.
“YES I GET THAT!” he bellowed
“I can’t say anything that will take the pain away from you, and I’m truly sorry I caused you so much pain, but I’m not willing to give Julia up.” He hissed fiercely “She means the whole world to me.”

His words were like a slap in the face and I reeled backwards, finally turning away and stumbling into the kitchen, waiting till he came and stuttered goodbye and quietly left.

The slam of two car doors brought me out of my reverie, and I opened my eyes and smiled with grim determination at what I was about to do. I scrambled to my feet as a familiar voice shouted my name.
“Emma! Stop! Don’t jump!”
Turning round brought me face to face with the two people I loved and hated most in the world. Julia and Simon. Together.

Julia lunged for me in an attempt to drag me away from the cliff edge, I sidestepped neatly, and gave her a shove that sent her screaming to her death over the cliff edge to the churning seas below.
“JULIA!!” yelled Simon, racing to the edge and staring down to where Julia’s broken body lay on the rocks below. Then he lifted his shattered eyes to mine. He was obviously surprised to see my triumphant smile. I’d gotten rid of the only obstacle in my way. Now we could be together forever.
“Why Emma?” whispered Simon in an agonized voice.
“I did it so we could be together forever Simon. I didn’t want anyone taking you away from me, you mean far too much to me for some bitch to get her claws in and take you away from me.”
Simon’s face turned from shock to puzzlement. “Whaddya mean “take me away from you” … Emma ….”
“I love you Simon, we were always meant to spend the rest of our lives together. I want to spend my entire life with you, I want to carry your children …. “
Simon visibly blanched, but I knew he’d come around eventually.
“Carry my …. Emma, we’re brother and sister!”
“So? We can move somewhere nobody knows us, and start over. Simon, it could be so wonderful between us, just give us a chance.” I pleaded running a fingertip down his chest. Simon grabbed my finger and pushed it away. He seemed confused, but I knew that was just his feelings, he was bound to be suffering from conflicting emotions right now. He’d soon realize that we were just meant to be, I knew. He chose his next words carefully.
“Emma, I love you, I always have loved you, but not in a sexual way. I only ever loved you as a Brother should love his Sister …. I’m sorry, but we’ll never be together in that way Emma, and you won’t be carrying my children. You’re crazy if you think I’d ever do something like that. That’s just disgusting.” He made to walk away but I grabbed his arm
“Simon please, just give me a chance! I know I can make you the happiest man alive!”
“Emma, NO! It’s not going to happen!” he shouted at me.
Something inside me snapped and I hissed at him “Then if I can’t have you, nobody can” and with a strength and a speed I hadn’t known I was capable of, I shoved Simon towards the edge of the cliff. He teetered on the edge for just a moment, arms swinging wildly and a look of complete disbelief in his eyes. Then he disappeared silently over the edge. No screams, no shouts, nothing. Gone.

I stepped slowly towards the cliff edge and looked down. The broken bodies of my best friend and my brother lay silently, eyes staring unseeingly upwards, being washed clean of blood by the angry ocean. A small smile appeared on my face, and I stepped away from the edge, picked up the photograph and the jewelry, and walked away.

I hope you enjoyed reading this. If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment.

Ciao.

Here’s a story I found inside my head last night. I have no clue why, because it’s not like I was even thinking about the particular subject in the story. I hope you enjoy it though. I actually enjoyed writing it for a change.

So, the usual. Picture, story, and then comments if you have any.

Lucy.

Lucy fluffed out her blonde hair and applied a touch of Lip Gloss. Looking at herself in the mirror, she sighed and frowned slightly. She hated sneaking behind her parents back, but she had no choice. If they knew about Billy they would never approve. She could almost hear her Mother’s voice right now saying “Oh no dear, I’m sure he’s a very nice boy, but … well, he’s not the right kind of person for you is he? I mean, he never even went to college, and he certainly wouldn’t have gotten into Yale. No dear, he’s not right for you at all.”

Grabbing her keys, Lucy glanced at the clock on her dressing table. Midnight. She’d have to go or she’d be late. Opening her bedroom door quietly, she peered cautiously out into the hall, then turned right, and made quietly for the back stairs and the old servants entrance to the house.

Billy waited in the shadows smoking a cigarette. Lucy was due any time now. The snatches of time they got together when she managed to sneak out of her parents home were some of the best times Billy had ever had. They usually met down here on the Boardwalk around Midnight. The fairground was closed then and it was usually deserted. As he flicked his cigarette stub over the side and onto the beach, the sound of hurrying footsteps reached him. Smiling Billy stepped round the corner. He’d know those footsteps anywhere.

Lucy pulled back and whispered softly “Baby, I’m not going to be able to make it out for the next few nights. Mother and Father invited Edward and his parents to stay with us for a long weekend, so of course I’m expected to be at dinner and with them in the evenings at various places.”
“I’d much rather be here with you though.” She added
Billy wrapped his strong arms around her and planted a kiss on the top of her head.
“It’s okay babe, I’ll be okay for a few days. But I expect you to be very nice to me when we see each other again.” He said mockingly angry and shaking a finger at her.
Lucy giggled “Now that I CAN do.” She replied as she melted into his embrace.

“Lucy?” Her Mother Lilian’s voice sounded outside her bedroom door.
“Come in Mother” replied Lucy dully. She wasn’t looking forward to the weekend at all. Lilian entered her bedroom and stood frowning behind her dressing table.
“Lucy dear, you should hurry up and get ready, they’ll be here soon.”
“I AM ready Mother.” replied Lucy, applying deep scarlet red lipstick. She was wearing a pair of Jeans and a baggy sweater.
“Don’t be ridiculous Lucy, you look like a tramp.” snapped Lilian and turned to check Lucy’s closet.
“You really should be making an effort you know. Edward and his parents are VERY respectable people. Edward musn’t be seen to be marrying a girl with loose morals.”
Lucy spluttered …. “Loose morals??” she shrieked.
“Here we go dear, this dress will do very nicely I think. And get that disgusting makeup off your face. Red isn’t your colour at all. Now hurry, they’re due any time.” said Lilian, ignoring Lucy’s shrieking and bustled out of the room. Lucy glanced at the dress her mother had carefully laid out on her bed and groaned.

Edwards Mother Irene laughed as Lilian told her something about one of their mutual friends. Lucy wasn’t listening. Staring down at her soup bowl, she stirred the contents listlessly. She was missing Billy badly, and couldn’t wait to get away from the stifling presence of Edward and his parents. For 2 days she’d been stuck with Edward. Edward and his pompous tone of voice, slicked back hair and the domineering arrogant attitude. The man her parents hoped she’d marry. Lucy thought she’d rather live with her parents all her life than be married to Edward, at least she’d be happy. Someone said her name and startled, she looked up.
“Oh I’m sorry?” she said politely to Edward’s father Graham.
“I asked if you’re okay Lucy, you look a little under the weather.” he repeated
Oh, yes, I’m fine, I just feel a little tired and I have a headache.” Lucy replied truthfully.
“Oh dear, I do hope you’re not going to spoil our plans for tonight Lucy.” said Lilian in a sharp voice.
As Lucy opened her mouth to speak Edward spoke up.
“That’s okay Mrs Woodbridge, You go and have fun at the concert with my parents, I’ll stay here and make sure Lucy’s just fine.” he said graciously shooting a lewd look at Lucy.
“Oh no, I couldn’t possibly ask you to stay indoors with me Edward, you should go to the concert too, I’ll just go to bed I think” replied Lucy quickly. Shooting Edward a glare, she thought to herself “what a slimy little git.” Edwards smug smile in return made her want to jump up and wipe it off with the flat of her hand. After dinner, Lucy saw her parents and their friends off to the concert and then rushed to the phone. It picked up and Lucy said breathlessly
“Billy? My parents and their friends have gone out to a concert, are you free to meet me?”

Thirty minutes later, Lucy and Billy were locked in a fierce embrace.
“I’ve missed you SO much.” gasped Lucy as Billy kissed his way down the side of her neck.
“Mmmm, me too.” came Billy’s muffled reply as he lifted his lips from her neck.
“I’ve wanted and wanted to call you, but I knew I couldn’t.”
“Billy, don’t ever call unless it’s an emergency, that’s the only reason I gave you the number” replied Lucy frowning a little.
“Don’t worry baby, I know that.” said Billy, then leaning forward, he claimed Lucy’s lips once more.

The last day flew by until finally, on Sunday evening Edward and his parents were stood outside by their huge Bentley, and preparing to take their leave.
“Thankyou very much indeed Lilian, we’ve enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. We must make plans to have you come and stay with us very soon.” trilled Irene.
“Oh yes, we’d love that…” gushed Lilian.
Graham and Lucy’s father Max were both smoking cigars and laughing heartily together. Lucy stood demurely beside her Mother and Edward walked up beside her.
“How about a goodbye kiss then Little Lucy?” he asked mockingly.
“After all, we are going to be married, and husband and wife do show affection for each other once in a while” he finished with an evil smile that was hidden from his and Lucy’s mother.
Irene and Lilian laughed behind him, clearly delighted, and Lucy stood stock still as Edward wrapped his arms around her and pressed his body up close, evidently aroused, then pressed his lips forcefully against hers, and forced his tongue inside her mouth. Lucy was disgusted, but was powerless to struggle. Edwards arms pinned hers to her sides, so she was forced to endure Edwards awful liberties until a gruff sounding “Ahem” broke the silence. Breaking away, Edward grinned at Lucy, breathing hard and turned towards the sound to see Max stood looking at him with one eyebrow raised.
“I apologize Mr Woodbridge. I just cannot wait to be married to your beautiful daughter, and of course living a little further away than I’d like, I get somewhat carried away by her breathtaking beauty when we do see each other” he said, looking appropriately ashamed. Lucy thought she might be sick, as she raised a hand to her bruised and sore lips.

That night, Billy waited in the shadows once again, smoking. Lucy had called to let him know that their Guests had finally left and that their midnight meetings were back on. Billy had come to a decision whilst he and Lucy had been apart. Tonight, he was going to ask Lucy to marry him. She didn’t know but he’d gotten some money saved and he could rent a little place for the two of them and continue working hard to save some money for their wedding. He just knew she’d say yes. He heard her familiar footsteps on the boardwalk and smiled, but just as he made to step out he hesitated and frowned. Something just didn’t feel right. A second later, he knew he’d made the right decision not to step out. There was a gasp and then a male voice spoke
“You little slut” it hissed. “Coming to meet your lover again are you?”
Lucy’s voice sounded terrified and Billy chanced a quick peep around the corner. Lucy was pushed up against the wall of the cotton candy stall, and a well dressed, tall slim man had her pinned there with a hand around her throat.
“Edward! What are you doing?” gasped Lucy
“I came to follow you little Lucy. I knew you were up to no good when you pleaded tiredness and a headache on the night of the concert. So, when we got to the concert hall, I excused myself, telling my parents and yours that I didn’t feel right, leaving you at home all alone.”
Lucy shook her head mutely, seemingly unable to speak.
“As I sat in the Cab on the way home, I saw you running down the street towards the boardwalk. I stopped the cab and followed you quietly. Imagine my surprise when I saw you on the boardwalk in full view of anyone who might have been around, kissing and clinging to that ….. that TRAMP” he gloated, his voice growing louder now.
“Well, I’ll soon put a stop to that Bitch.” He suddenly yelled. “You and I will be married next month.” He finished and then slapped her round the face.
Lucy suddenly found her voice.
“NO! I’ll never marry you Edward. I hate you, and your arrogance, and the way you treat me like a piece of meat!” she yelled back, and then suddenly, there was a soft grunt, and Edwards voice whispered “You think so?” There was no reply, and the next sound Billy heard were feet running down the boardwalk, away from him. Peering round the corner again, Billy saw no sign of Edward, but Lucy was crumpled to the floor in a heap, trying desperately to move. Running over to her, Billy knelt on the ground and turned Lucy over onto her back against his knees. His eyes widened in shock and horror as he spotted the knifeblade sunk in right to the handle between her ribs.

The clock ticked loudly, but apart from that, there was dead silence. Same as there had been most of the day. The young man glanced up at the clock. 11.30pm. They would come for him soon. As if on cue, a key turned in the door and a tall prison officer walked in.
“It’s time.” he said quietly, almost respectfully.
The young man nodded and stood, shuffling towards the door on feet that were chained together. As they walked down the long corridor, the Prison officer went through the procedure one final time.
“You will be strapped down to the bed, and the injection site will be prepared. Once everything is prepared and ready, the curtain will open so the witnesses can see you. You won’t feel anything at all, the first drug is a powerful drug that will put you to sleep.” He seemed to be reassuring the prisoner, who kept on walking with his head held straight and proud looking.

Edward and his parents were seated in the witness room. Lucy’s parents hadn’t wanted to come. They felt it would be too much for them. Edward turned to his parents and whispered through clenched teeth
“How much longer?” Irene glanced at her watch and whispered back
“5 minutes to go.” A woman who held Edwards hand sighed, clearly bored.
“What’s wrong?” he snapped at her.
“I don’t see why we’re here Edward. Lucy died 15 years ago, and we’re supposed to be married now … why would you want to come and watch an execution that has nothing to do with you anymore.” she whined.
“Oh shut up you.” hissed Irene. She was prevented from saying anymore as the curtains swished open revealing the prisoner.

Billy lay strapped down to the gurney and stared Edward in the eye as Edward smiled smugly at him. Billy smiled a strange smile, then mouthed “Murderer” at Edward. Edward’s face flushed a mottled red as his wife and parents turned to stare at him. Billy turned his head away and saw Lucy standing by his side. His bindings seemed to just fall away from him. He got up and stood beside Lucy, then looking down at his body on the gurney, he watched as a peaceful smile spread across the features and the eyes closed. Lucy took his hand, and together, free at last, they walked away.

I do hope you enjoyed reading this. If you have any comments, you can comment either here, or over at my other blog at Retarded Rugrat
. All comments are gratefully received.

Ciao.

This story was inspired by an article I read online about a supposedly haunted doll at the Quesnel Museum in BC. The story of Mandy the doll on their site is quite eerie, but rather interesting too. I was talking to a friend yesterday about who or what could be making the doll move, and she suggested I write a fictional story about who could be possessing her and why. So, below is my effort. As usual, I’ll post the picture, and then the story. Any comment you have are always gratefully received.

Mandy.

The hysterical woman was helped out of the museum supported by her Husband, who was furious with the Museum staff.
“I don’t know who you think you are having a thing like that in the museum!” he yelled
“Scaring my poor wife half to death. You claim that doll is haunted, but I know what you’re up to. I know you have it wired up electronically or whatever to make its head move and I think it’s disgusting that you’d pull a prank like that!”
The Quesnel Museum Manager was clearly flustered
“Sir, I can assure you—”
“Save it!” snapped the man, as he gently helped his wife out of the door.

Ellie watched as the man helped his trembling pale wife into the car and tore out of the parking lot. Julie, the manager turned to Ellie and snapped
“What the hell happened in there?”
“I was over the other side of the room talking to an elderly couple. All of a sudden there was a loud scream and the lady collapsed in front of Mandy’s case visibly terrified and crying. The man yelled Jesus Christ and as I rushed over to help, he started ranting about the doll saying that … well, you know what he said.” replied Ellie.
Julie sighed.
“I have no idea what to do about that Doll. She’s been well publicized and people travel from all over Canada and even the world to come and see her. Yet when people think they see something, they get scared and claim that we’ve got her wired up to move.”
Ellie knew where Julie was coming from. Mandy had indeed been the blame for many strange incidents at the Museum.

When Mandy arrived at the Museum in 1991, she was in sorry shape. Her body was ripped, her clothes were dirty and she had cracks in her head. She was over 90 years old. Before they found a permanent home for her in the Museum, she sat facing the public entranceway. Now however, she had her own glass case, as it had been rumored that if she was placed with other dolls, she would harm them. Many visitors had spoken out about incidents with Mandy. Some said they saw her eyes follow them around the room, whilst others said they’d seen her eyes blink. Ellie herself had never seen Mandy move or anything, but there had been incidents of footsteps when nobody was around. Things would go missing, some would turn up in a different place, whilst others were lost forever. Julie headed back into her office muttering to herself that “something has to be done, this can’t continue.” As Julie’s office door shut, Ellie sighed deeply, and headed back into the room where Mandy resided.

Over the next few days, life continued as normal. Visitors came and gawked at Mandy in her case, then went away babbling excitedly to each other about that “Evil Doll.” Four days after the incident Julie called Ellie into her office. As Ellie sat down Julie said
“Do you have any ideas on what we can do about Mandy to try and quell the rumors that she’s wired up to move?”
“I guess we could take her out of her case.” said Ellie.
“That won’t work, people will just say that we unwired her. Or worse still, she could be stolen” replied Julie.
“Off the top of my head, I can’t think of anything, but leave it with me, and I’ll get back to you” said Ellie.

Later that afternoon, she had a stroke of brilliance. She had been talking to a young couple stood in front of Mandy’s case. The man had been most interested in Mandy, but the lady just gazed at Mandy almost absentmindedly. All of a sudden the lady interrupted the conversation and said
“This Doll was named by the young girl who owned her 93 years ago.”
Both the young lady’s husband and Ellie turned to stare at her.
“Excuse me?” replied Ellie, a little confused.
The lady repeated herself, and Ellie gaped at her.
“How do you know that Miss?” she asked.
The lady shrugged
“I don’t know really. It just came to me now. Sometimes we can be places and I seem to have a voice inside my head telling me about certain people or a certain place at that location. Every time we’ve checked it out, my information has turned out to be right.”
Her husband nodded
“That’s true, I said she should train to be a medium or a psychic, she definitely has the gift.” He smiled down at his wife, but Ellie barely noticed. She was thinking of Julie’s words earlier
” Do you have any ideas on what we can do about Mandy to try and quell the rumours that she’s wired up to move?” she’d asked.

Ellie thought she suddenly had the answer.

She didn’t have a chance to talk to Julie till the Museum closed for the day. They had had a last rush of Visitors and Ellie had been kept busy answering their questions and directing them to various rooms. Finally, she guided the last few tourists out and locked the door. Then she went and knocked on Julie’s office door.

“Say what??” Asked Julie looking a little confused.
“A medium … a psychic medium.” replied Ellie
“They could come in and see if something is posessing Mandy, and we could put the results on a card in front of Mandy’s case or something.” She finished.
Julie looked a little unsure but didn’t answer. She wasn’t sure she believed in all of that stuff, but something was definitely going on with that doll, and it needed to be sorted out.
“What do we have to lose?” pressed Ellie.

Later that night, Ellie was sat in front of the Computer at home when her husband Leon walked in from work.
“Hi honey, Your dinner is almost ready.” She said rising from the desk and walking into the kitchen. As she passed, Leon glanced at the computer screen. Ellie’s email account was open and she appeared to be halfway through writing an email. This in itself was strange, Ellie rarely wrote emails. Walking over, he read what she’d written on the screen.
“Hi Marianne,
My name is Ellie. I work at the Quesnel Museum in British Columbia, and we have a case that we think you might be very interested in.”
Leon frowned slightly.

A week later, after continued correspondence between Ellie, Julie and Marianne, Marianne arrived at Quesnel Museum at 6pm sharp, after the visitors had left for the day. She’d been very intrigued by Ellie’s original email, and after corresponding via email and phone, she made the decision to come and investigate the Museum. It was the first time she’d ever investigated anything like this, and she was filled with trepidation and excitement. Ellie met her at the door and introduced herself, before leading the way into Julie’s office. Julie introduced herself and as the women sat down Marianne felt the need to explain that she’d never done anything like this before.
“I understand, and of course, I’m very glad that you decided to come. Mandy is an unusual doll, and there have been rather a lot of incidents since she arrived here at the museum some years ago.” replied Julie.
“The horrific incident last week really sealed my mind that we should try and do something about this. At first we thought about having the results posted on a board outside Mandy’s case, but then realized that it would all depend on the outcome of tonight’s investigation.” She added.
“Yes quite … what is it exactly that you’re looking for from tonights investigation?” asked Marianne.
Julie looked to Ellie who said
“Really we’re looking for any information at all about who or what might be causing Mandy to do things such as turn her head, blink at people, or follow them around the room with her eyes. We don’t know much about her, or who originally owned her, so of course any information there would be helpful.”
“Okay, that seems fine.” replied Marianne.
“If you have no other questions, I would very much like to meet this Doll.” She finished.
Ellie and Julie said they had no further questions, so the three women got up and walked out of the office, in the direction of the room where Mandy resided.

As Ellie, Julie and Marianne approached Mandy’s case, Marianne let out a slight gasp.
“Oh my, but you’re beautiful.”
Ellie and Julie looked at each other, their eyebrows raised. This wasn’t the usual reaction they had to Mandy.
“Oh I’m sorry.” Marianne excused herself.
“I wasn’t talking about the doll.”
Ellie and Julie stared dumbfounded
“There’s a beautiful little blonde girl sat to the left side of Mandy’s case, smiling at us all.”
Ellie and Julie’s jaws dropped open.

A cold breeze rustled through the room and Ellie and Julie shivered slightly. They’d taken a seat on some chairs whilst Marianne examined Mandy through her glass case. As the breeze rustled through the room, Marianne turned and then smiled unexpectedly a little to the left of them. Turning to Ellie and Julie she said
“I think we’ve found who’s been making Mandy move.”
Ellie and Julie looked in the direction that Marianne indicated but saw nothing.
“Who is it?” whispered Ellie.
“A little boy who goes by the name of William. The little girl tells me she’s called Victoria” replied Marianne.
“That’s her name?” asked Julie, also in a whisper.
Marianne smiled and nodded.
“Do you have any questions for either of them?” she asked.
Ellie’s head was swimming, and considering the dazed look on Julie’s face, hers was too. At last Ellie asked
“Why are they here?”
Marianne didn’t reply for a few minutes. She nodded her head once or twice, and then finally, she began to explain.

“Victoria’s mother bought her the doll in the case for her birthday 93 years ago. She had just turned eight. Her brother, William hated the doll on sight, and played many pranks on her with the doll. He’d hide it and then pretend he didn’t know where it was. When Victoria went running to their Mother, he would quickly run and get it, and put it back somewhere in clear view so he wouldn’t get into trouble. Victoria used to get very upset with him for doing this. One day, she decided to play with one of his wooden trains. Unfortunately she tripped and fell, landing on the train and broke it. Rather than hide it, she owned up to it at once, but William was furious. He ran upstairs and grabbed hold of Mandy and smashed her face into the floor. That’s where her crack came from. Victoria was inconsolable. She loved that doll so much and now her brother had broken her, she didn’t look pretty anymore.”

“Not long after this, Victoria came home from school saying she didn’t feel too well. Her mother put her into bed and called the Doctor out. The Dcotor’s prognosis was that Victoria had contracted influenza. However, Victoria died less than a week later. William was lost after Victoria died. Despite their many squabbles, he loved Victoria and was fiercely protective of her. He took her doll and kept it hidden in his room. Less than 2 months later, William began to complain of the same symptoms of feeling unwell that Victoria had. After being put to bed by his mother and having the Doctor out again, the Doctor once again said that William had contracted Influenza. As before with Victoria, William also died.”
Marianne paused here and Ellie and Julie both realized they had tears streaming down their faces. Hastily wiping them away Julie managed to ask
“How did they really die, what was wrong with them?”
Marianne replied almost at once.
“Diphtheria, a young friend of Victoria’s at school caught it, and passed it along before anyone knew she was ill.”
“Do they know what happened to Mandy after they both died?” asked Ellie
“Yes, the family moved away, and the doll was never found when their home was packed up. The house was left deserted for many years, until 1978 when the home and surrounding land was purchased by a private company looking to turn it into an Elderly Person’s home. When they went inside and looked around, they found the doll in the attic under a clear inch of dust. One of the owners took her home to his wife who tried her best to clean her up. That same man’s wife donated Mandy to you at the museum in 1991.”

Ellie and Julie gasped.
“You mean, the lady who told us that she kept hearing a baby crying in her basement at night?”
“That’s the one.” replied Marianne smiling now.
“And I believe if you asked her now, she’d tell you that she never hears that baby anymore.”
Julie uttered a single word
“Wow.”
“The children are here because of the Doll. They don’t mean any harm. William has been making Mandy move more out of mischief than anything. It makes them laugh when people see Mandy move. They ask that you let Mandy stay here.”
“Well, we didn’t really want to get rid of her anyway, we just wanted to try and find out who was making her move, or if people were just imagining things. Ellie and myself have never personally seen her move or felt like her eyes were following us or anything, although things have gone missing whilst Mandy has been here. We put it down to the staff just being absentminded. But of course Mandy can stay. She has a home here for as long as the children are happy with her being here.” said Julie
“In that case, I think my work here is done” replied Marianne.

Ellie and Julie stood up, stretching. Ellie realized to her shock that they’d been sat there for over two hours. The time had flown. Julie went ahead to show Marianne out. Ellie stopped by Mandy’s case and stared at her. Her jaw dropped open as Mandy slowly dropped one eyelid and winked cheekily at her. Turning to walk out of the room, she was sure she heard the giggles of two children behind her as she exited.

I do hope you enjoyed this story. I had fun writing it. I’m going to take a couple of days to think about it, and then decide whether or not I should send it to the Museum in Quesnel. Jeff and myself are heading up there in eight days, and of course, it would be nice to have their view on my story. Who knows, they might already have information on Mandy that’s not posted on their website. If I do send it to them, and I get feedback from them, I’ll post their email on my other blog over at Retarded Rugrat.

Ciao.

Okay, so I lost my temper earlier and deleted this story from my blog lol. But, after I calmed down I realized I should have left it up. WordPress has been getting on my nerves recently, and so I’ve been wanting to rant and rave at it. Anyway, here’s the story again in all it’s glory.

Call Of The Wild.

Nina strolled down the tree lined street, sniffing appreciatively as she passed a Deli. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten yet. She turned around and stepped into the deli and grabbed a Ham Salad on Rye. She took it outside and sat at one of the tables shaded by the huge oak trees. Nina had moved to the small town of Holbrook Creek after her Grandmother died, leaving Nina the huge rambling house in her last will and testament. For the last few weeks, Nina had worked hard, stripping the house down and redecorating it to her taste, and cleaning years of dust and grime that her Grandmother had been unable to manage. All that was left to do was to find a few things to hang on the walls of her living room, and then she could make a start on the huge overgrown garden out the back.

As Nina ate, a small store across the street caught her eye. It looked dark, mysterious and inviting. The sign above it read Aberford’s Antiques. Finishing her sandwich, Nina strolled across the road and peered in the window. There were a couple of side tables on spindly legs, a baby’s wooden high chair, and lots of pictures propped up on easels.
Nina walked in through the door and stopped dead staring around her. The place was a treasure trove with different items everywhere. A voice to her left made her jump.

“Good Afternoon, may I help you?”
Nina jumped and turned. A middle aged man walked towards her beaming and holding his hand out.
“You must be new here, I haven’t seen you before” he added.
Nina smiled. “Yes I am, I moved in just a couple of weeks ago.”
“Ahh, how are you liking our town so far? … My name is Gregory, Gregory Aberford.”
“I’m Nina, and I love this town, everyone is so friendly. I’ve been made to feel very welcome so far” she replied.
“Oh yes, we’re a friendly bunch alright, anything we can do to help, we will. Now, are you looking for anything in particular, or are you just browsing?” Asked Gregory.
“Well, I’m just browsing really, but I’m wanting something to put on the walls of my living room. I saw your store from across the street and decided to pop in and have a look around.” She replied.
“Okay, well then, I’ll leave you to look around, if you see anything you like, just give me a shout. I’ll just be in the back.” And smiling once more, Gregory walked towards the back of the store.

Nina wandered between the furniture, running her hand over the top of a walnut dining table. It’s surface gleamed and shone in the filtered sunlight coming in through the window. Everything looked homely and well cared for. As she walked, something on the wall caught her eye and she moved closer for a better look. A label hanging from it claimed it was an authentic Native American Indian Tomahawk It was in beautiful condition. Carefully Nina lifted it down and turned it over in her hands. There were no imperfections that she could see, and if indeed it was authentic, it was quite reasonably priced. In her minds eye, she could see it hanging on her living room wall. A moment later, she headed to the back of the shop to call Mr Gregory Aberford.

Nina stepped back and admired the Tomahawk hanging on her living room wall. It looked perfect in the surroundings of her living room. She resolved to finding more Native Indian artefacts to go with it. Just then, the phone rang. Picking it up, Nina said
“Hello?”
There was no reply.
“Hello?” she repeated a little louder. This time she heard a faint drumming noise. Thoroughly bewildered, she said
“HELLO??”
When the drumming noise didn’t stop, she put the phone down and frowned slightly. Probably someone playing a prank on someone and got the wrong number she thought. Shrugging, she headed out to make a start on the overgrown jungle that was her Garden.

That evening, Nina sat at her Patio table with a glass of wine, tired but happy. She’d made considerable progress in the Garden, and was now able to see more clearly where she would plant shrubs and flowerbeds. A light breeze ran through her hair, and she closed her eyes, savouring it. As her mind wandered, she heard the faint drumming again that she’d heard on the phone, but this time along with it, she heard a male voice. It seemed to be chanting, but she couldn’t make out the words. Nina’s eyes flew open, then widened in shock as she realized she could still hear the drumming and chanting. Standing up, she cocked her head, trying to make out where the voice was coming from. But whenever she stepped towards where it seemed to be coming from, the direction would change. As suddenly as it started, it stopped, and all was silent. Nina decided she must be hearing things because she was tired, and she headed indoors for a relaxing bath before going to bed.

The next morning when Nina headed downstairs, she discovered that the Tomahawk had fallen from the wall during the night, and now lay on the sofa. As she picked it up, she gasped and instinctively let go. It was hot! She stared down at it, and felt a strange tremor run through her body. Could this have something to do with the drumming and chanting she’d heard the night before? She wondered. Slowly she reached down for it again, touching it tentatively. She gasped again. It was cold again. There was no way in hell it could have cooled down that quickly, thought Nina. Something was decidedly strange about it. She placed it back on it’s wall hanging, and looked at it with a troubled expression on her face. Suddenly, she heard the chanting again. Only this time it seemed to be right there in the room with her. Wheeling around, she found herself facing an empty room. The chanting was much clearer now, and Nina intuitively knew it was a Native Indian. Spellbound, she stood and listened. As the chant ended and the voice faded away, Nina drew a huge deep breath. Grabbing her bag, she headed out the door. She was off to see Mr Gregory Aberford.

As Nina walked into Aberfords Antiques, Gregory came towards her with a smile on his face.
“Hello there, nice to see you again Nina.”
Nina didn’t smile back. Instead, she took a deep breath and looking him straight in the eye she said
“Mr Aberford, what do you know about that Tomahawk you sold me yesterday?”
Gregory straightened a little, and Nina saw a wary look in his eyes.
“Not a lot Nina, why do you ask?” he replied.
There was no doubt about it, Nina decided. He looked decidedly uncomfortable.
“Mr Aberford, I’ve had that Tomahawk less than 24 hours, and it’s causing me problems. I’ve heard drumming and chanting. This morning I came downstairs and it had fallen off the wall onto my sofa. Normally I wouldn’t think anything of it, but when I went to pick it up, I almost burnt my hand. When I reached down to touch it again, it was cold to the touch. There was no way in hell it could have cooled down that quickly. When I placed it back on my wall, I heard chanting again, so loud and clear it seemed to be in the same room as me. When I looked round however, I was by myself, and nobody was in the house with me. You know something Mr Aberford, I know you do. I can see it in your eyes. Tell me, I need to know what’s going on.”
Mr Aberford sighed.
“You’d better come into the back.” He replied. He flipped over the closed sign on the door, locked it, then walked towards the back room, Nina following at his heels.
Once they were both sat, Mr Aberford told his story.
“I only found this out a couple of weeks ago, after I placed the Tomahawk for sale. A well dressed man came in looking for a gift for his wife. She apparently is big into Indian and Tribal things. The man said he wanted something to add to her collection. I showed him the Tomahawk. When he looked at it, his face seemed to blanch. He picked it up and turned it over and over, I thought he was looking for imperfections at first, but really he was checking details. When he finally looked up at me, he asked where I’d gotten it from. I told him I’d bought it from an elderly lady in this town who sold it just before she died a few weeks before. Her name was Elizabeth. Elizabeth Riley.”
“That tomahawk belonged to my Grandmother?” interrupted Nina, hardly able to believe it.
“Ms Riley was your Grandmother?” asked Gregory, clearly unsettled.
“Yes she was, I moved into her house after she left it to me in her will” replied Nina.
“But please, do carry on” she finished.
“Anyway, this man said he had reason to believe that the Tomahawk is in fact a genuine authentic one that belonged many years ago, to a Native Indian by the name of Pilan. This Native Indian was very well known for his strength and his wisdom. His tomahawk was passed down through many generations of his family. Legend has it that it was this tomahawk that slayed the Indian from a rival tribe, who kidnapped Pilan’s wife. Pilan never saw her alive again, and he died childless at the age of 96. The tribe placed his tomahawk on top of his grave with his marker, just as Pilan requested. The next day it was gone. Nobody knew for sure what had happened to it, some say that Pilan’s Spirit took it with him when he joined the next realm, while others say it was stolen. It is said however that the Spirit of Pilan won’t rest until his Tomahawk is placed back on top of his grave.”
Nina started.
“Are you telling me that the drumming and chanting I’ve heard is the Spirit of this Pilan, trying to tell me that he wants his Tomahawk placing back on top of his grave?
“I don’t know Nina, I can’t answer that” replied Gregory.
“You heard this story from this man,didn’t it occur to you to try and find out where Pilan’s Grave is, and place the Tomahawk back where it obviously belongs?” asked Nina.
Gregory smiled sadly.
“Nina, my store is in trouble. Nobody wants antiques and artefacts anymore. I’m doing all I can to try and keep my store afloat, I don’t have time to go running around looking for Native Indian graves and placing things on top of them that could help to keep my store running.”
Nina stood up.
“Well, if you didn’t want to do it, then it’s obviously up to me to do it instead. The tomahawk is his, and he has every right to it Any idea where I can find out more about this Pilan and where his grave marker might be?” she asked.
“You could try the Library, they have extensive archives. Oh, and Nina, one more thing. You might find some information about him under his other name”
“His other name?” Nina frowned.
“Yes, he was also known by the meaning of his name”
“The meaning of his name ? What was it?” asked Nina.
Gregory smiled again.
“Supreme Essence.”
Nina’s jaw dropped.

Nina groaned to herself and stretched. She’d been in the library for the last two hours reading through the archives. Gregory had been right. The Library had a lot of information on Pilan. It appeared he was quite a legendary Indian in his time. She’d read through all she could find on his life, including the legend of the slaying when a rival tribe indian kidnapped his wife. Apparently, Pilan’s wife had been kidnapped and slain by an Indian from another tribe who was jealous of Pilan. When Pilan got news of his wife’s death, he vowed revenge upon the man who took her life. One day while out hunting, Pilan heard a rustling in the bushes nearby, upon investigating he spotted the indian who was said to have kidnapped his wife. Pilan doubled back and crept up behind him. Raising his tomahawk high above his head, he brought it crashing down, splitting the unfortunate Indians skull clean in half. Years later, on his deathbed, Pilan requested that his Tomahawk be placed on top of his grave, instead of the usual custom of it being buried with him. His tribe granted the request and it was placed on top of his grave. The next day it was gone. The tribe members believed that Pilan took it with him when he joined the next realm. Unfortunately Nina couldn’t find anything on where Pilan might be buried. It seemed his tribe members chose well. Sighing, she began replacing the papers she’d looked at back into their folders. A voice behind her asked
“Hi there, can I help you with anything?”
Nina turned to see a plump elderly lady stood behind her chair
“Oh hi, no no, I was just looking for a little information, but you don’t seem to have it.” She replied
The woman’s face fell a little.
“Oh, are you sure, we do have a lot of information about Pilan.” She said, looking over Nina’s shoulder at the folders on the table
Nina sighed. There was no way around this.
“I have something that belongs to Pilan, I want to return it to his grave, but I can’t find where he might be buried.”
The woman smiled.
“You can’t possibly have anything that belongs to Pilan dear, there’s nothing of his still around, only his ….. “
She broke off staring.
“You have his tomahawk?” she whispered incredually
Nina nodded wordlessly.
The Librarian straightened up as though she’d had a hot poker rammed up her back.
“Meet me here at 5pm and bring that Tomahawk with you.”
“Wait! You know where his grave is?” Called Nina after her, but the Librarian was already walking away towards another customer and didn’t reply.

At 5pm sharp, Nina pulled up outside the Library in her car, to find the Librarian already waiting on the steps. As she got into Nina’s car, Nina reached over into the back seat and grabbed a package wrapped in cloth, and silently handed it to the Librarian. She unwrapped it and stared at it awestruck.
“Oh my” she whispered.
“Where did you get this?” she asked Nina.
Nina explained how she’d gotten it, the story that Mr Aberford had given her, and how she discovered that it had once belonged to her Grandmother.
“It strange sometimes how things find their way back to the family” mused the Librarian.
“You going to tell me where we’re going?’ asked Nina.
The Librarian gave her directions, and Nina pulled out into the traffic.

As they drove, the Librarian, whom Nina had discovered was called Mary, told her how she’d discovered Pilan’s grave.
“My husband and I came upon it quite by accident. We were out walking one day by the river, my husband always liked being near the water. It soothed him, and he had some of his more brilliant ideas down there too. I saw a paper long ago that said that Supreme Essence dwells by Running Water. I never gave any thought to it. Of course at that time, I didn’t know that Pilan was also known as Supreme Essence. But anyway, my husband and I were out walking, and it was a hot day. My husband suggested we take shelter under the trees and walk there. We found a track under the trees and began to follow it as we talked. We must have walked for a mile or more under the trees, just following that track, not knowing where it would lead us. Up ahead and to our left we could hear a waterfall, so decided to head towards that, and come out from under the trees when we drew level with it. As we drew level with the waterfall, the track ended. As my husband and I made out way out of the trees, something caught my eye in a thicket. As I looked again, I saw 4 simple grave markers – wooden crosses. They had feathers and beads on them, signalling that they were indian grave markers. I walked closer to have a look and found names on them all. One of them was Pilan’s.”
Nina gasped.
“So that paper you read that he was buried by Running Water was literal!” she exclaimed.
“Oh yes, and more literal that you know.” replied Mary. As Nina looked at her, she saw a twinkle in Mary’s eyes.
“What do you mean?” asked Nina.
“The Grave Marker next to Pilan’s belongs to an Indian Chief. His name was Running Water.”
For the second time that day Nina’s jaw dropped open.

As Nina pulled the car into the Parking Lot that Mary indicated Nina asked her why she didn’t tell everyone where the Marker was.
“Well, I pondered it, along with my Husband, but of course you see, Pilan is legendary, and many people would go to see his marker. They’d go trampling over his grave, and maybe even steal his marker. We decided that Pilan deserved to rest in peace.”
Nina nodded. Mary’s words made perfect sense to her.

As they found the track, Nina hid the package under her coat in case they should meet anyone along the way. Mary had fallen silent, as if she couldn’t believe she was a part of this. They followed the track, until finally, in the distance, Nina heard the roar of a waterfall. She swallowed hard and slowed her pace slightly, suddenly unsure about the whole thing. Her heart pounded and finally she stopped walking. Mary stopped and looked at her.
“It’s the right thing to do Nina. Give him his Tomahawk back. Let him rest in peace” she whispered solemnly.
Nina drew a deep shuddering breath and expelled it slowly. Then she squared her shoulders and nodded.
“Okay, show me where he rests, lets do this” she replied softly.
Mary smiled and walked forward.

Nina followed Mary as they drew level with the waterfall, and she veered off to the right into a thicket. At first she didn’t see anything, and for a moment, thought Mary had chosen the wrong one. Then, as Mary stepped to one side, Nina saw them. A line of four simple wooden crosses, with feathers and beads exactly as Mary had described, with the names of the occupants burnt into the wood reading downwards. Nina stopped dead, her heart racing, and she felt awestruck. The birds sung in the trees above, and spots of sunlight danced around as a breeze ruffled the tree branches overhead. The roar of the waterfall seemed muffled here, possibly by the tall bushes and shrubs surrounding the graves. It was a beautiful spot, and suddenly Nina’s eyes filled with tears. Mary too looked as though she was fighting tears, and silently, she indicated to Nina which marker was Pilans. As Nina walked towards it, the name became clearer to her.
Supreme Essence.
Nina knelt down in front of the grave, and gently laid her fingers upon the wood, running her fingers over the grain. Taking the package out from under her coat, Nina unwrapped it and the Tomahawk came into clear view. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she laid it down upon Pilan’s grave and whispered
“I think this belongs to you. I return it in the hope that you can now rest in peace.”
Standing up, Mary joined her, and Nina saw that she’d lost her battle with tears. Both women stood standing and looking down on Pilan’s grave for a moment, when a feeling of being watched made them both look up. Standing at the far side of the thicket was a Native Indian in full Indian dress. He wore a full Headdress and his face was lined and looked wise beyond years. He smiled at them gently before turning and walking out of sight. Nina drew another deep breath and glanced back down at Pilan’s grave. She let out a shout startling Mary. When Mary looked down, she knew why.

Pilans Tomahawk had disappeared. He had waited around for the right person to return his Tomahawk, and had reclaimed it before travelling permanently to the next realm. The legend was over.

I do hope you enjoyed reading this. Any comments you have can be left here or over at Retarded Rugrat.

Ciao.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.