All alone ll
Where's my mummy? Ella felt the walls of the house as if they were alive, the sound of her mother's heart beating, the corridors contracting around them. Soft whispers gave orders to enter her dad's body-let the darkness take control. Mummy? Is that you? What do I have to do?
"Who's there?" Dad called out, startled.
"It's me," said Ella, but the voice was not her own, the darkness throttling her.
"Who said that?" Dad said as he fell from the chair.
"It's Ella, don't you remember me? You killed me, daddy."
Dad started to cry. "Kill you? Ella, I would never....."
The old man sobbed on the floor. More darkness crawled into the room from behind Ella, black snakes heading towards dad.
"Dad?" Ella said, the image of a broken man snapping her back to reality. "You need to leave. Get Nancy and go. Daddy, go!"
"Nancy?" He said as if waking up.
"It's me daddy Nancy's asleep. I'm so sorry. I won't be naughty again, I promise."
Dad's body went as he tried yo rise from the chair, his face was replaced with that of a woman. Her smile was wide and her lips blood red, her eyes glowing. Mummy! Ella threw herself at her, expecting her mum to catch her, but she screamed instead. Daylight soaked the room from the window and penetrated the black smoke. Dad's possessed body recoiled.
Ella began to cry.
She could hear water and the clink of metal. Water leaked in through the floorboards and she was once again transported to the iron bath. The ethereal form of her mother leaned into the tub. She smelt like apples and her breath was warm like a pie, but her eyes burned red. Ella's tears filled the bath and her mother's soft hands wrapped around her throat and forced her head under. I can't breathe, mummy- I can't breathe!
Ella's soul tore from her heart, her mother' black nails ripping away at her innocence. As Ella's head was thrust against the bottom of the metal tub. And her windpipe crushed. She could hear Nancy screaming . she kicked up and swung her arms. The water evaporated and the iron bath split in two. Her mother was gone, but her sister's screams remained.
"I'm coming! Nancy, I'm coming!"
Ella flew to Nancy's room. Dad had her pinned to the bed. Rusty springs squeaked in between screams, and dads heavy breathing produced clouds of smoke that even the daylight couldn't penetrate. Nancy reached out to Ella and, for the first time, she knew she could see her..
"Get off her!" Ella said as she tried to grab dads hair.
Dad picked up Nancy by the throat with one hand, and grabbed Ella with the other. She looked up to see her mother's face in place of dad. Those blood red lips. The smell of apples. The same warm breath like a kiss on Ella's face. Bring daddy back! A smile crept onto the father's face as the mother's visage melted away. The house started shaking and contracting with each of dad's breaths. He threw Ella to the floor and pulled a dagger from his belt, drawing it up to Nancy's temple.
"Daddy, stop it! You're hurting her," said Ella.
"Your dad is weak," said dad, his voice contorted, their mother's spirit still in control.
Nancy's face was a mixture of blues and purples. Ella floated by her side. Nancy mouthed the words 'help me,'and Ella tried to bite down on dad's arm. Fuelled by her sister's last breath, the bite made contact, and Nancy dropped to the bed, the dagger beside her. As she breathe in, Ella jumped inside her, the intake of air sucking in her spirit.
Their minds merged, her memories filling in gaps, grey flashes bleeding with colour and warmth. They had been happy once, but mummys madness had torn their family apart. As one, they looked up at their father's possessed form, their mother's mask now staring down at them. We have to get away! C'mon, Nancy!
Ella took control and forced Nancy's body to move, grabbing the dagger as she rose. She was weeping, but Ella had no tears left. Their father chased after them, his heavy boots thuddling against the floorboards as they scrambled down the hall. Ella's spirit guided Nancy as they tried to escape, her nightdress torn and bloody. The corridor started to stretch, putting the door out of reach. Black walls appeared in the gaps left by the retreating exit. They tried to move forward, but the black snakes curled around Ella's legs and bit into her knees. She screamed out, slashing with the dagger, Ella's cries for help merging with Nancy.
"Run!" Daddy shouted as he fell down the stairs, covered in blood. This time it was his real voice and Ella could see their mother's spirit hovering above.
Ella left Nancy's body and flew at her mother. Why did you have to do this? You're the one who killed me. You're the one hurting us. Ella embrace her mother so that the others could escape. I love you, mummy. Just stop! Please!
Dad was holding his throat-blood dripping from a dagger wound. Nancy dragged him out, black snakes still ripping into her. Barely Able to move, Nancy and dad crawled out of the house.
Ella let her mum go and pulled out a flower from her pocket. Grey smoke rose up from it. Memories danced and flickered within, and a petal floated to the floor.
"I picked this for you,mummy," Ella said.
Mum stopped, the black snakes hissing in her place. "I-"
"You don't have to worry, mummy, I won't be naughty again. I forgive you." Ella placed the flower into her mums hand. The spirit dissolved, leaving dust in place of a mother.
Ella cried. The tears pooled on the broken floor, but she wasn't transported to the iron bath. Instead. A rough hand wiped away her tears. She looked up to see daddy and Nancy smiling. They helped her to her feet, and walked out of the house holding hands. Light embraced them as they floated into the street. The dead bodies of Nancy and daddy were in a pool of blood. People flocked to the corpses, but Ella blanked out of the screams of horror and squeezed daddy's hand.
"I love you." Ella said.
"I love you too, baby girl," dad said. Squeezing her hand.
The house tried to hook into them again, the darkness lingering, but they didn't look back- the past behind them. On a hill to their right, a woman sat twirling a flower in her hand. It was orange like the morning sun. We're coming home, mummy.
***Author's Note:***
Thank you so much for reading, I hope you won't be confused and you will like my story.
For those who have not yet read part l I will put the link below .
https://read.cash/@Caroline17/all-alone-b0c2eee6
**Lead Image** https://pin.it/4RO3gr9
All alone
Ella walked through walls and wondered why the others could not. Where's mummy? Snippets of memories floated in and out of objects and she had spent her days, weeks, months, trying to collect them. Who am I? She asked a man and another little girl, but they shut the front door behind them as they left. She tried to leave with them, but she was trapped-trapped in a house she couldn't remember entering, and couldn't imagine being without. Mummy? Ella could hear breathing. She tried to leave again- invisible hooks pierced her skin, dragging her back.
Tears streamed down her face, filling the hall with gallons of water that rushed up yo her neck. She thrashed her head, still impaled by the hooks. Help me, mummy! Ella blinked and was transported to the iron bath upstairs, her head submerged. Icy water stabbed her eardrums. A hand gripped her throat and held her down, nails digging into her pale skin. I won't be naughty. I promise! The water disappeared and Ella curled up into a ball-some memories better left in the dark.
She didn't know why she was there. Why everyday she was dragged back to the iron bath to be drowned. Do all little girls go through this? Where's mummy? Ella couldn't remember seeing her, or being with her, but she knew she had a mummy- every little girl has to have a mummy.
Ella's hand slid down to the flower in her pocket, its soft petals her only comfort. The door crashed open and she heard the sobs of the little girl.
"You're always forgetting things, Nancy!"she heard s man say.
"I'm sorry daddy," a delicate voice replied.
Ella reached out to a doll on the bathroom floor. A memory of her sister surfaced as the water evaporated. Nancy, I'm coming! She glided down to meet them as of they could share in her moment, reunited. She stopped in front of them, her presence unnoticed.
The Dad-their dad- pushed Nancy towards the stairs and she passed through Ella's ghostly form. Everything went dark except the man's eyes which glowed red and pinned Nancy down. No! Ella placed himself between them, but Daddy walked through her as he always did. The house began to tremble as Ella grit her teeth.
Daddy's eyes were glazed, focused on Nancy. Don't hurt her! Don't you dare. Ella forced energy into the tips of her fingers. Her throat closed up, the air taken away in a fire of hate. She lashed out, but rather than hitting nothing. Her hand slapped against their dad's leg. The red-eyed monster took a step back. Steam spiralled from the pores of his body. Ella's head shook as she began to choke on the darkness. Grey memories rose like smoke. A distorted picture of a woman, a man and two children was ripped in two and the memories were gone.
"Who's there?" Her daddy said, the red evaporating from his eyes.
"It's me. It's me," Ella replied. "Where's mummy?"
Daddy looked around before kneeling down to help little Nancy. Light filtered back into the room as Ella watched father and daughter embrace. All she wanted to do was join in and feel their warmth. A tear trickled down her face and she wiped it away before another could form, memories of the iron bath enough to force her eyes dry.
"I'm sorry," daddy said.
"I know you don't mean it. Where's mummy?" Said Nancy, as if echoing Ella's unanswered and desperate need for the truth.
"She did a bad thing so she had to go away, you know this." Dad stroked her hair, a tear forming in his eye too.
Ella reached out and tried to wipe away their sorrow., but her hand slid through. There was no anger to be drown upon, no hate to fuel touch. I love you.
Nancy shivered. "Did Ella do a bad thing too, is that why she's gone?"
"No! Ella is nothing like your mum."
The glint of red flickered in dad's eyes. Nancy withdrew. Ella knew he was nice man, most of the time, but when the darkness came he was capable of anything. she knew it was the same darkness keeping her locked in the house. I'll protect you, little sister. Don't worry. Ella moved next to her and Hovered a hand over her shoulder. She scratched where Ella had wanted to touch, a smile daring to cross her lips.
Ella's spirit wandered through the house as her sister and dad slept, searching for the grey memories and hiding from the darkness. Each search would lead to her sister's room and if she didn't stop to think, she could be there for hours. Not that time meant anything anymore.
Their father was asleep in a rocking chair beside Nancy's bed. Ella watched as her sister hugged the same doll from the bathroom. It fell to the floor as she yawned. Ella went to pick it up but her hand glided through it. She ground her teeth. Heat built up in her heart and flowed out to her limbs, the burning need to exist bubbling from within. She tried again. The doll moved. With both hands, she lifted it up and placed it back into Nancy's arms. I'll be ready, Nancy if anyone tries to hurt you again, I'll be ready.
Daddy was snoring and a darkness within Ella urged her to him.
To be Continued..........
**Lead Image** https://pin.it/7mDnPbx
***Author's Note*** :
After i published an article about food, i thought to again make a Short story. I hope you like it ..
I'm really busy this month because I'm also taking care of my boyfriend's requirements ..
thank you all Godbless you all .
All my favorite foods
We all have favorite foods so I know you will also taste the ones I always want to eat haha. But I will also share with you the foods that I do not want to eat And of course I will not lose the dessert when there is money inevitably buy haha.
***Dish***
**Adobong manok with spicy**
**Image Source** https://pin.it/6uTksQj
Since I was a child, that dish is often cooked at home because it is easy to cook and we really get more rice when our dish is Adobong Manok with Spicy.
To our pinoys and pinays, the adobo will not really be lost because it is so delicious.
I don't know what else to say haha I almost have too many of my favorites but of course the ones I often eat are just budget meals haha. .
**Alamang with Spicy**
**Image Source** https://pin.it/4NgJfLo
It's also one of my favorites, it's often in manga but it's also delicious with rice, especially when accompanied by fried eggplant, the rice is really low in the pot haha.
For the Ilocanos there, especially those in Pangasinan, the alamang is really delicious .
**Kaldereta Ribs**
**Image Source** https://pin.it/1FvbNXQ
We can only cook that once when there is a birthday, or every Christmas or New Year. It's also one of my mom's specialties that I want to learn but I can't because I haven't done it yet haha until I think first ..
**Ginataang hipon with Papaya**
**Image Source** https://pin.it/5vDqDei
This I learned from my mom she is easy to cook so I learned immediately.it's papa's favorite dish so mama often cooks it even though mama loves to cook papa's favorite so as well as we children it became our favorite it's good that I really don't have any allergies to the dish, most of them have allergies to seafoods...
I'm already very hungry for the dish so I don't want to lose anything else in this article.
**Spaghetti**
**Image Source** https://pin.it/2tERJsJ
I'm not fond of pancit so I'm really just pure spaghetti haha any kind of cooked spaghetti. But most of the people who prepare pancit actually cook because the ingredients and vegetables are cheap, so they usually cook it ..
***Dessert***
**Ice Cream**
**Image Source** https://pin.it/6ThLjYe
Since I was a child, I always bought ice cream from my mom for the one in the cup. .but now there is nothing forbidden because he is cold and relieves stress and relaxes the head.
**Chocolate**
**Image Source** https://pin.it/6bBMdYH
All of us, maybe since we were kids, we like chocolate, right? 😊 if not, I'm just my favorite haha of our neighbors when .someone sends them from abroad.
***Street foods***
**Bopis**
**Image Source** https://www.google.com/search?q=street+food+bopis&prmd=invx&sxsrf=AOaemvKfvw57IBSgQPZMZ15O5r2-rgKPCw:1637128376022&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiXmLe62p70AhViyzgGHdNpAaUQ_AUoAXoECAIQAQ&biw=384&bih=727&dpr=1.88
My favorite of the street food before I don't eat because I said it's not delicious but my friends forced me because they forced me to eat haha while it took because we are just near the street food shops bopis that I always buy because the sauce is delicious .
**Isaw**
**Image Source** https://www.google.com/search?q=isaw&prmd=isvxn&sxsrf=AOaemvJ2i1lbEkZaUHtA8TOk2_SXAMxZfQ:1637128566803&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiWx7OV2570AhU7xzgGHXldDBoQ_AUoAXoECAIQAQ&biw=384&bih=727&dpr=1.88
When I was still studying, when I couldn't think of anything to eat, I bought isaw but I didn't put vinegar or sauce. But I stopped because he was really bad for his body. .
**Betamax or Dugo**
**Image Source** https://www.google.com/search?q=betamax+food&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwi-vtGj2570AhWEeH0KHbJgD0UQ2-cCegQIABAC&oq=betamax+&gs_lcp=ChJtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1pbWcQARgCMgQIABBDMgQIABBDMgQIABBDMgUIABCABDIKCAAQgAQQhwIQFDoICAAQgAQQsQNQxAdYxAdg9g5oAHAAeACAAfIBiAHuApIBBTAuMS4xmAEAoAEBwAEB&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-img&ei=lJmUYb6kJ4Tx9QOywb2oBA&prmd=isvxn#imgrc=etb8xKWx60LJ4M
Who eats ?
Is he delicious too? Because I don't eat that, I don't trip him even if I just look at him haha but the others are delicious.
I eat everything except for betamax, I don't know when I really don't want to, I don't really eat non .. .in fact, I'm also a little picky about food, it's not just weak in my taste, it's just like beef because my mom doesn't eat beef either, I'm not either ss vegetables are alutbati and okra because it's too thick so I don't eat it other vegetables are eaten .
**Author's Note** :
since I was young, I haven't eaten all the food because of the poverty, so that's all I can eat on our table. But my dream is to eat expensive foods haha .
**Lead Image** https://pin.it/175efzQ
The summit
There's something about the mountains, a peaceful stillness in their unforgiving presence.
Whatever it is, I am always lured back for more. A new mountain with new challenges, bigger and deadlier than the last. Perhaps that's what brought me to Everest.
Months of training had prepared me to cope with the icy climate, I planned to survive this climb. Everest has a way of reminding you that the living don't belong here. A trail of bodies guided me up the slopes like a path of death, each body marked a memory and a spot. Even the Sherpas use them as track points.
"Look out for green boots, you can't miss him. He resides at the entrance of the northern cave."
I had passed old green boots yesterday, he limbs sun bleached and distorted. Poor fella's been there for 26 years.
**********
The cold that had felt chilling, but not unpleasant, now started to burrow into my bones. My face and fingers no longer icy, just numb. Like I had become a part of the mountain. Each breath produced clouds of white vapor, each step more painful than the last.
The sky was a peculiar blue, accompanied by a cold white moon. I shivered as the vicious wind bit into my skin. A glance at eight frozen bodies reminded me to keep going.
The body to the left of me was among those from the 1996 disaster. She was propped up against a rock as if merely taking a rest.
Her wind torn face housed hollow eyes that followed me up the slope. Tufts of hair blew gently in the sharp breeze.
I stared for a long time, wondering what her memories were in her final moments. It was strangely hard to imagine them as once living, breathing people.
Then, to my disbelief, she stood. They all did, eight of them. Each frozen body snapped and creaked until standing. Decaying faces rising to the bone white peak, piercing the sky.
Shock dried my mouth as the dead climbers start walking slowly up the slope, fixated on the summit of Mt. Everest.
Rooted to the spot with a racing heart, I checked my oxygen Gage in concern. The dial spun like a carousel, numbers blurred. I switched focus from the dial, back to the climbers.
Zombies are they? They had no interest in me.
Baffled, I watched as they inched up the mountain at a sluggish pace.
In a haze of confusion, I trailed after the climbers towards the summit.
Not a sound was uttered.
The mountain never felt more silent.
**Lead Image** https://pin.it/70CvP2K
A halo formed around the peak of Mt. Everest as the sun started to rise.
I could tell that my oxygen was near empty, each breath felt more labored than the last. Looks like I'll be summiting with thin air.
I was near out of breath as the zombie climbers ploughed on effortlessly in their slow strides..
"I.... I need a rest." They stopped still as my voice echoed over the jagged glaciers.
Terrified, I waited for them to turn on their heels and attack me.
They just stood motionless, staring at the peak.
Some unspoken agreement between us told me they would wait with me while I rested.
********
Hours passed, we ploughed on through the snow, the climbers unaffected by the bitter air, walking faster in anticipation of their goal.
Finally we reached the base of the perilous peak. My lips were tinged blue, skin veiny. I couldn't tell if it was because of the icy air, or the fact that I was struggling to breathe.
The first obstacle at the peak base stood before us as a slippery long ladder.
Curiously, the zombie climbers ignored the ladder and scaled the cliff free hand, hungrily grabbing at cliff holds and ice in a whirl of movement.
We made our way to the peak, boots slipping and sliding as we hurried to the summit. "Hey," I rasp, "slow down." They didn't listen to me this time.
We climbed until there was nothing left but frigid air. The apex of Everest! I stretched my hands up high to touch the universe, drinking in my triumph and greedily devouring the stunning view. Glancing over My shoulder I looked to see if the zombies were as thrilled to finally have reached their goal.
Like statues, they stood there, wistfully staring into the horizon. The somber moment broke as the one with hallow eyes turned to face me, arms outstretched as if giving a hug. One last look over her shoulder at the mountainous view, she stepped back, and disappeared over the side of Everest. Dumbfounded, I watched horrified, as one by one the climbers threw themselves off the peak. My voice felt stuck in my throat, I shakily reached out As the last climber plummeted over the edge.
"No!" My voice croaked. For reasons I could not explain, a lump formed in my throat. For 30 hours we scaled this mountain, now I had never felt more alone.
Warily, I peeked over the edge, expecting to see a pile of broken bodies scattered on the rocks below.
Nothing.
Not a sign of their presence.
Alone, I scaled down the craggy Path feeling solemn but Peaceful. Perhaps those climbers had finally completed their mission to the peak. Maybe now, they can rest.
I could feel the great mountain smiling at me like an old friend. Sun warmed my back and the snow sparkled like a glass of champagne. Letting myself rest, and drink in what Everest has to offer,my eyes traced over hazy mountains and rolling slopes.
I stopped short at the sight of my crumpled body. Mangled on the jutting rock below, a bloody ragdoll stared back.
***Author's Note*** :
A story like nothing you have before
An experienced mountain climber determined to conquer Mt. Everest, is joined by eight undead climbers to the summit where he discovers a devastating truth.
Stars of Steel
*HANSEL*
*I missed my flight. Damian showed up and we argued. I'm trying to get another flight but not so lucky. I'll send you a message if I make it tomorrow or not.*
I hit the send message to my best friend Julius. Julius had left a day before me. I had some pending errands I had to do. After a couple of weeks of a stressful divorce and a busy schedule. I planned a mini vacation with Julius to Paris but my ex-husband decided to show up at my door asking for my wedding ring. I told him I threw it in the ocean but it was really in my bank vault. After meaningless arguing, he left but I missed my damn flight.
I put myself on a standby flight but all the flights have been packed. I took a seat by the window as I saw my flight taking off in the air. My life was finally getting back to normal and this asshole is still a thorn in my ass, helps me to remember why I divorced him. Ohh yeah, I found him in our bed with one of my other best friends.
I closed my eyes as my mind is trying to reel in why he wanted my ring back, he's a damn football player, a famous one I might add. He doesn't need the money. I gasped and lightly hit the back of my head on the window. "Don't hurt yourself" I quickly opened my eyes to a deep voice. He took a seat next to me while he put his luggage next to him. My lord, this man is gorgeous. Light brown hair, defined cheekbones, and a jawline that could cut glass. His musky scent invaded my nostrils. I aligned my eyes with him and I was drawn into his steel-blue eyes. He was in casual wear but I can tell he worked out, those arms and legs accentuated through his clothes.
"I'll survive,"I wasn't in the mood, even though he was gorgeous.
"Sorry," is all he said
Now I'm guilty of being an asshole. "Sorry, I just missed my flight and I'm on standby."
"Why are you headed?"
"Paris." I said in a low voice.
"The city of love. I'm headed there too but on a private jet. Maybe I could accommodate a seat?"
"It's nice of you but I don't want to impose."
"You're not, let me make a call, what's your name?"
"Hansel Smith."
"Sebastian Steel," he winked at me and stood up.
Wow, nice men still exist. I lost faith in men after this divorce but somehow this man erased those thoughts. After a couple of minutes, he came back and smirked. Damn his and his dimple. "You're in luck, someone cancelled their flight so the plane is empty," his steel eyes gazed at me.
"I don't know what to say, thank you."
"Say yes," he smirked. "I don't want to be alone," was he flirting with me?
"Ok, yes."
"Ok, the entrance is on the other side. I have to get ready. I'll see you in a bit," he left and I ran to the terminal he said.
I finally got boarded into a fancy private jet. The pretty flight attendant gestured to my seat. I couldn't stop smiling but I glanced everywhere and didn't see Sebastian. Was I being ghosted or was this is a cruel joke? Now I'm second-guessing if I should've said yes. I buckled up and saw the plane back up. I guess I won't see him again. I gasped. Disappointed.
I was 30,000 feet in the air as I admired the night sky. The clouds floated heavenly and the stars were bright. "Mr. Smith. The captain would like for you to join him in the flight deck," I followed her. She opened the sliding door and my mouth fell wide open.
His head turned around and his steel-blue eyes glowed at me. His charming smile made me melt and for the love of God, he looked so good in a pilot suit. He pressed a button and stood up. "Surprise," his deep voice radiated at me. "Thank you Helena, you can go now," she left and closed the door. I couldn't breathe of how thick the air was.
"You're a pilot?" Of course he is you, idiot.
"That I am or else we would be falling into the ocean," he smirked. "Come I want to show you something," he moved to the side and gestured to his seat. I squeezed past him and his hard body. Jesus christ. I'm a goner. I sat in his comfortable leather chair while we went behind me. "What do you see?"
My eyes widen as I saw a majestic view. The dark shadows around the gray clouds were breathtaking. The clear sky illuminated thousands of stars. "I love the sky, you're free, with no worries," he got closer to the shell of my ear. "I noticed a pain in your eyes," he whispered. My heart raced faster and my palms got sweaty.
"You saw that?" I asked.
"Yes," I turned around and gazed into his eyes. He was deep in thought. "So many stars in the sky, pick one."
I swallowed hard and admired his lips. "What if I pick you?" Woah, that was ballsy of me?
"Then you picked the correct star, let me take you out to dinner in Paris, Hansel?"
I didn't know what came over me but I leaned toward him and wrapped my lips on his. So soft and mesmerizing. I pulled away.
"I'll take that as a yes," and that's when he wrapped his lips once more with mine. I was seeing stars. Stars of Steel.
***Author's Note*** :
After missing your flight to Paris for a vacation, you grabbed the soonest flight possible. Only this was a private jet and you're stuck with a cute pilot who decided it was going to be an interesting flight. With destiny merging your paths, will love bloom this spring in the city of Love? Is this flirting flight end with the holiday?
Hansel Smith missed her flight because of his ex-husband. She runs into a handsome stranger, which happens to accommodate him with a flight to Paris in a private jet.
Hansel is surprised to find out this handsome stranger is the pilot of this flight, Sebastian steel. Do sparks fly or will they go their separate ways.
Thank you Mare @ExpertWritter sa pag sponsorship ulit God bless you 😊🥰
**Lead Image** https://pin.it/31ew3Sp
Unexpected Pleasure
My alarm went off at precisely four o-clock. An hour before daybreak. For a few seconds, I languished in my warm bed, sluggishly gathering my thoughts and trying to remember why the alarm was set so early. Then it clicked. Today was the day of my quarterly check-up.
I slid out of bed and dressed quickly. A plaid shirt, jeans, hiking boots and a well-insulated dark green anorak. It was late spring but still bitterly cold in the pre-dawn. On the way out to the car, I picked up my rucksack. I'd packed everything I needed the night before.
It was still dark when I arrived at the forest and parked up, but the moon gave just enough light to pick out the dirt track that meandered between the densely packed pine trees. I unfolded my large scale map and headed for the first of the many sites I'd marked with a red cross.
Halfway to the first site, a large 4x4 partly concealed under the trees at the side of the trail caught my attention and I stopped dead, listening intently. The faint thump of a spade being driven into the earth could be heard echoing in the silent forest. Approaching the vehicle cautiously, I could see it was a Toyota Land Cruiser and was relieved to see it had no Forestry Commission emblems, so it wasn't a ranger. It was a private vehicle.
**Lead Image** https://pin.it/4CK7sjj
Creeping through the trees soon brought me to the source of the noise. An overweight middle aged man was wielding a pick, breaking up the hard ground. As I watched he dropped the pick and used a shovel to remove earth from the hole he was digging. Then I noticed a rolled-up rug lying on the ground nearby... with two pale feet protruding from one end.
****
A few more steps brought me within earshot, close enough to hear his laboured breathing. He was so absorbed he hadn't heard the crunch of my boots on the dry pine needles that covered the forest floor. I was amazed at his lack of vigilance, especially as it was now getting light. I decided to introduce myself.
"It'll go much faster with two of us.'
He jumped like a startled rabbit and peered at me through thick spectacles. He didn't look like much of a murderer. In his fifties, I guessed, with an ineffective comb-over and a paunch the size of a basketball.
"Who the hell are you, he gasped, raising his pick as if he was about to attack me.
'Relax' I said, 'right now I'm your best friend.'
"Shrugging off my rucksack I took out the folding spade I always carried with me.
"You can tell me Jack," I told him, offering my hand.
"Brian," he said, shaking it warily. "Why would you want to help me?"
"Because we obviously have similar interest."
****
As we dug I explained to my new Pal Brian all about my hobby. How I had killed my own wife ten years before. It was much cheaper than a divorce and I got to keep the house. But the thrill of throttling someone to death had excited me more than I could ever have imagined. The moment she went limp made me feel like a God, with the power of life and death in my hands.
"Didn't you find that Brian?" I asked. "Didn't you get a huge kick when your wife checked out?"
"How do you know that's my wife?"
"Nice feet, painted toenails, I'm guessing she was quite a bit younger than you and was giving you a hard time. Forgive me for saying this Brian, but you look like you've let yourself go."
"That bitch was cheating on me, and threatening to tell anyone that I couldn't.... couldn't you know."
"It's okay, Brian" I consoled him, "murder is much better than sex."
****
We dug the hole nice and deep. It's because of the foxes, I explained If they get a whiff of carrion they'll dig it up. That's why I come and check all my burial sites every three months, to make sure they're all still undisturbed. Wouldn't want any bones to come to the surface.
"How many have you killed?" He asked.
"14 up to now," I told him. "They're all buried around here but, don't worry, this forest is enough for both of us."
"I'm never doing it again." He insisted. "I've no reason to."
"The thrill is the reason, Brian. You just wait a few weeks. You'll begin to crave that feeling of power again and you'll go out and find someone to snuff out, maybe a homeless person, or a working girl. Then you'll be hooked for life. Just like me."
"No... not me. Once is enough.
"That's a shame, Brian. I thought we might be able to co-operate. Digging a decent grave is a lot of work for one person."
******
"I think that'll do Brian," I said when I judged the hole was deep enough. I clambered out and helped him up.
"You're the expert," he shrugged. I wouldn't have thought it needed to be this deep."
"Oh, it does.... I can assure you of that."
We lifted the rug complete with the ex-wife and dropped it into the grave with a thud.
Brian immediately turned to retrieved his shovel But I stopped him with a hand on his doughy shoulder.
"Just one more thing to do before filling in," I said, pulling my garrotte from the pocket of my anorak and slipping it around his neck. "You have to dig extra deep when it's for two," I whispered in his ear as he struggled uselessly to breathe.
I felt the familiar exhilaration course through my veins as his body shuddered, then slowly collapsed to the ground like a deflated balloon.
"Thank you Brian," I said gratefully... and sighed with contentment. "That was an unexpected pleasure.
**Author's Note** :
If you saw someone burying a body in a forest, would you offer to help?
Dog Star Solstice
He caught me coming home from the office. I got out of the subway and was just a few blocks from my place when from across the street he called, "Joe. Hey, Joe." I turned. He was a stocky guy, a bear in a brown suit, dark untidy hair. One stout hand gripped a polystyrene cup. He lumbered toward me calling, "Joe?"
"No, not Joe. I shook my head emphatically to make him understand.
But he kept at it. "Joe. Joe?" Gnashing my teeth, I walked on, thinking, poor bastard. He kept calling but stayed on the other side of the street. "Joe," he said. "Joe."
I turned around and laid it on him loud and clear, "I'm sorry, I'm not who you think I am. My name isn't Joe." I continued on my way.
**Lead Image** https://pin.it/5oXO7lq
The scent of perennials greeted me as a I passed the florist's on bedford. But the heavy voice sobered me up: "Joe, hey Joe." I realized then that he was cuckoo. The brown suit had foiled me. Subtly, I picked up my pace. Sweat fingered my collar. Still he dogged me from across the street. I ducked into the fruit market, hid behind a basket stand of dried apricots and walnuts, pine nuts and almonds. Peering out at the row houses across the street, I didn't see him. I stepped into the street again, paused to make like I was perusing the menu at the corner deli. One more block now.
Barely had I gone three steps and there it was again. "Joe?" I spun around and glared at him. He stared forlornly back. No sign of the styrofoam now. I took off down the street, tossed a snarl over my shoulder, "look, I'm not Joe, leamme alone!"
I was on my block. I could see the steps in front of my apartment building. If he doesn't stop, I'll have to keep going or he'll know where I live. I'll walk. I'll walk all night. I'll walk all the way to the precinct if I have to. See how he likes it.
"Hey Joe," he pealed, and then I heard a stomach-turning crunch, and heard him cry out, and once again I turned to him. He was on the ground. I could see the blood on his forehead from across the street. He blinked and squirmed like a baby seal, but he didn't get up.
Stoop sitters went to help him. They dabbed at his forehead with their handkerchiefs while I hung back in the crowd. His eyes found me. He whimpered and began to cry. "Joe," he pleaded. "Please...." I couldn't take my eyes off him.
The good folks looked at me.
"You know him?" Someone said.
"No, he's mixed up..." I said "... "...guess he tripped and...."
"Hey, keep the pressure on his head, man," another said. A miserable inch of blood ran down his forehead, pooled in his eye. He blinked. Still he implored, "Joe....."
"You're all right," the folks cooed. "Help is on the way."
The sound of sirens signalled it was time for me to leave. He couldn't follow me now. I broke away and sneaked up to my cold-water flat. My feet plodded up the stairs, Joe, Joe, Joe, Joe. Two small holes burned into my back.
Later, I woke up in the middle of the night annoyed and sweating. It was early fall; by now it should be cool enough to sleep through the night. But the heat clung on. Air conditioners wheezed day and night. My little fan gasped for mercy, spinning as fact as it could. I opened the window and lay back down in the dark listening to the sounds of the night. I strained my ears, heard nothing but the neurotic melodies of cats. I drifted into sleep. In my dream, I walked a hospital's green hallways, roaming from room to room. The nurses came at me but I waved them away saying, "I'm looking for my brother." I walked away from them, down the long corridor and I said, "I'm not Joe, I'm not Joe." I woke up. Heat hummed in my ears.
The next day at the office I sat behind a newspaper at my desk and watched the guys shuffling between the cubicles, talking by the water cooler. I said suddenly, "who wants lunch?" We went for burgers.
At the diner, I watched them jabber over their food while my appetite coasted away. Freddy spit in my drink guffawing at a joke that Andy made. I pushed my glass away from me but didn't say anything. The heat encircled us all, leaving stains on our white shirts.
I didn't go home after work. Instead I took a long subway ride and then a long walk. Sat on a park bench, fed the ducks from a left over deli sandwich. I watched people coming and going and thought of a girl I used to see. Before I knew it, I found myself on the street where she lived. I sat across from her building and looked up at her window. There was a light on. I watched for movement inside, but it never came.
So I went back to my bench and watched the street bums with their shopping carts and beatific smiles. I was sitting in plain view, but they didn't see me.
Back at home I sat still and listened. The little fan was on but the heat just swirled around and around the tiny box.
I called the precinct. "Is there a guy there called Joe?"
The woman who answered sounded like she was on another planet. "What the hell are you talking about?"
It was dark outside now. I pictured her slapping away a fly, loosening her blouse collar to let some coolness in. "You looking for an officer or something?"
I cleared my throat. "Never mind." I said and hung up. Was that a crime? I might have to move.
Outside my open window the temperature dropped so suddenly I could almost hear the pocket of heat bursting open. The coolness drifted in, uninvited but welcome.
Later, when the air was damp, the iron smell of the coming rain twisted through the shrinking space. The next day I would commute to work, stare at strangers on the subway.
I sank into my septic green sleep.
***Author's Note*** :
A seal falls in the city. Does anyone hear?
Balancing Act
A section of the pavement outside the Regency Hotel was still cordoned off when I got there. The tower Hamlets council workmen were probably too busy drinking tea to powerwash the blood stains away. I stood and stared at the marks where my twin sister Sally had hit the ground.
******
It took me 24 hours to get over my initial shock after being informed of her death. Two policewomen had called at my flat at dawn the previous day to break the news face to face.
Yes, I'm Mark Turner, Sally's brother. Yes, I'm her next to Kin. Our parents died in a car crash five years ago.
There's been a terrible accident they said.
**Lead Image** https://pin.it/2keTliB
Fell from an 8th floor Juliet balcony after finishing work last night they said. Probably leaned out too far to look at something on the street below they said.
As far as could they could tell, she'd been alone. No witnesses. Or, maybe not an accident, they hinted. Was she happy? Was there any reason she might have taken her own life? Was there a boyfriend, or a girlfriend? Any history of depression?
Sally was more than happy I told them. She loved her job as a barista in the Regency's coffee bar. She had a truck load of boyfriends. None of them serious. Sal was what polite people would call a 'liberated' young woman. She played the field and lived life to the full. Yes, we were very close. I would have known of any problems in her life. We told each other everything. I didn't tell them some of her exploits made my hair curl.
I was too heart broken to think clearly that first day but the next morning I woke up from a couple of hours of troubled sleep sure of one thing. My sister's death was no accident or suicide. Sal worked on the ground floor of the hotel and had no reason to be on the top floor. If she had ventured up to the 8th floor there was no way she'd have leaned over a balcony voluntarily. My twin wasn't scared of much but the one thing that really terrified her was heights.
*****
I'd been to the Regency coffee bar a few times for a chat with Sally when I'd had business in that part of the city. Although it sounded grand, in reality it was a run-down building on an uninspiring side street in an unfashionable area of London. Many of the rooms were let to asylum seekers or used by the council as emergency accommodation. Battered wives mainly, Sal had whispered to me. The coffee bar was popular with office workers though, as was the licensed bar next to it. The rumour amongst the staff was that the two bars were the only things keeping the hotel from going under.
I'd phoned ahead and told the owner I wanted to see where my sister had fallen from. He was reluctant to agree until I threatened to put my request via the police and come with a uniformed officer. That changed his mind. I suspected that some of his shadier clientele were not on the friendliest terms with the local constabulary.
The girl behind the reception desk called the manager when I explained why I was there and a good looking young guy in a Savile Row suit quickly appeared. He was a lot friendlier than the faceless owner. He said how sorry he was about Sally. She'd been a valued member of his team he said as we went up in the lift. She would be sadly missed. No, he had no idea why she'd gone up to the top floor after her shift. It was a complete mystery. She must have filched a key while the night receptionist's back was turned.
As he led me down the narrow corridor towards the fateful room he brushed past a chambermaid without a word. I said excuse me as I squeezed past her trolley and noticed she was young and attractive. She nodded shyly and flashed a hint of a worried smile. She watched a us as we opened the last door my sister ever walked through.
The room was a mixture of beige and bleak. It looked like it hadn't been redecorated since the 70's. The manager stood and watched me as I circled the cramped floor space once and then opened the french windows. The balcony was only about a foot in depth. The railing was waist-high. I could imagine it would be easy to fall over. I looked down at the toy cars and a scattering of miniature people in the street below. It made me dizzy. There was no way Sal would have gone near it. I'd seen enough. I thanked my chaperone and left him to lock up. As I passed the chambermaid she grabbed my sleeve.
"Must talk," she said in broken english. "Coffee bar. In thirty minutes... My lunch break."
****
She told me her name was Agnesa and she was Albanian. She wouldn't say any more in the hotel so we went to a nearby pub and found a quiet corner. Then Agnesa told me she knew what had happened to my sister.... And why. But she wanted something in return for the information.
"I friend of Sally," she said. "She want to help me. Now she can help me. I need Sally birth certificate and social security card."
I was taken aback.
"Why do you need them?"
"To make new identity. In name of Sally Turner. She not need anymore,"
"You're in Britain illegally?"
"Yes, but with documents I start new life. Get real job. Then marry man I love and he come here. Everything legal."
I thought about it while I finished my drink. The police had given me all Sally's personal belongings including the key to her flat. I was sure I could get the documents, and Agnesa seemed like a nice enough young woman. She deserved the chance of a new life with her fiancée. Sally would surely have approved. And it was a common enough name. There were probably hundreds of Sally Turner's in Britain. But it seemed a complicated way of becoming a legal immigrant.
"Can't your boyfriend apply to come and work in britain? Doesn't he have a skill?"
Agnesa lowered her eyes.
"Lorik has criminal record. He not allowed to come unless married to british subject. Lawyer explain me everything."
So that was it. In return for the information I wanted I would be bringing a convicted criminal into the country. Did I want that on my conscience?
A double whisky later my conscience had taken a back seat and I promised to give Agnesa Sal's documents. We shook hands on my promise and then she told me what I was desperate to know.
******
My sister and the manager of the Regency had been seeing each other for a couple of weeks before her death. I wasn't surprised. He was just her type. On the day she died Sally had mentioned to Agnesa that she was staying in the hotel that night. The manager had offered her they key to an empty room. My sister had chuckled roguishly and said she was expecting a late-night visitor. Agnesa also revealed that the manager was the hotel owner's son. But it was what she told me next that had me seething.
As a cleaner, Agnesa had access to every part of the building, even the manager's private office. The morning after my sister's fall she had seen something on his desk that she didn't fully understand. But she knew it was important.
It was a life insurance policy for the sum of £100,000 and the name on the policy was Sally Turner. I'd heard on this before. Dead peasant's insurance. Many big corporations routinely took out insurance policies on essential members of staff to cover any financial loss if they passed away unexpectedly. But there was no law to stop small businesses from doing the same. It didn't take a genius to work out what the owner of the Regency and his son were up to.
I asked Agnesa if any other employees of the hotel had met with an unfortunate accident recently. Sure enough, six months earlier one of the kitchen assistants had been killed in a hit and run. The car and driver had never been traced. Agnesa had to get back to work so I told her I'd leave an envelope with the documents she needed at the hotel reception that evening. I was sure I had enough leads to go to the police, but the more I thought about my beautiful vivacious twin sister the angrier I became. Downing another couple of drinks did nothing to dispel my rancour and I sat there growing increasingly enraged. At last, I made a decision and called the Regency. I booked a room for one night.. and specified the top floor.
*****
Sally's flat was a short tube ride from the hotel. It took me a couple of hours to find the papers for Agnesa. Then I powered up my sister's loptop, typed out a statement detailing everything I'd found out, and emailed it to the Metropolitan Police. They could deal with the hotel's owner.
Back at the Regency I picked up the key from reception and went up to my room. It wasn't the same one I'd been in before but was just as dull and overlooked the same street. I checked the time. Still only six p.m. He would still be here. I picked up the bedside phone and dialled reception.
"I want to see the manager!" I yelled. "I have never been so disgusted in my life! I want the manager to come to my room immediately and see for himself! If he's not here in five minutes I'm calling the police!"
The panicked girl on the other end practically screamed for the manager to come quickly. I heard his voice demanding to know what was wrong. The phone was slammed down.
My decision had been made. If I was going to let one criminal enter the country I would get rif of another. At least I could redress the balance. I opened the french windows wide and looked out. The street below was practically deserted.
I sat on the bed and waited for the manager to come through the door.
***Author's Note*** :
When Sally Turner falls to her death her twin brother is sure it was no accident. Uncovering the truth presents him with a dilemma he can only resolve by redressing the balance.
Rise
My view of the world is different from a man's. A man looks up, looks out, and sees what is his domain. I scurry, I flit, looking only at the floor to see what might impede my movement to serve.
Kneeling in prayer, my lips automatically reciting the prayer for our government my mother had taught me so long ago, my view remained only the floor. Silently, I waited, daring to move only when I heard his voice, extolling the virtues of government crackdowns this week. Cracked, my eyes saw what I should not, people, faces, his eyes.
Caught, I flinched my eyes back down to ground.
Here, there were shoes and legs. This was my world, the world I should not dare to leave. That brief moment of defiance could cost me everything, so I looked down at my world instead.
**Lead Image** https://pin.it/4iZYxIw
My father's silk-blend covered knees, the modest light pink cotton of my mother's cheap, ankle length gown, the navy blue of my sister's equally long dress along with a flash of navy tights that was quickly covered.
I knelt the same as they did, my head bowed, always bowed, so that I did not see the sins of the world and could not be tempted into my own troubles.
My lips moved, my hands clasped, and I looked as pious as the rest. Still. Unmoving.
Beneath dark hair, hair that covered my face like a veil, my eyes began to move again.
It was my eyes that spoke the words I could not speak, for fear of censure, perhaps even reprisal. But only to him.
With little more than glances we'd fallen in love. Our eyes devoured each other guardedly, in stolen moments. Our eyes spoke of love, our eyes made plans, our eyes changed our fate.
I don't know what color my eyes are, I've never seen myself, no one has ever told me their color. But, his are green, the green of a cedar tree in a dry summer, and they have told me volumes about how he loves me.
I look down as a cleric walks by, tapping the stick meant for those not paying proper attention.
As he passes those green eyes shift to a door, the one that he will leave by. I understand his meaning and know that the time has come.
Standing with the rest of the citizens, I wait for my parents to become embroiled in conversation with another family before I move, quietly heading for the lady's room, the room we went to when we needed to calm our nerves from a sermon that may have proven too stirring for our sensibilities.
There I found a brown gown, one that would blend into the woods I was about to enter.
I changed quickly. I left, I left him behind. Running, running for freedom. From them all.
That was the world of 2020. I'm heading for the wall. I'm heading for freedom.
***Author's Note*** :
I wanted to write something simply because I wanted to contribute, more than anything. Like millions of others the story resonates with me in so many ways and that led me to writing this story. I hope you enjoy it.
***My Previous Article*** :
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**Island of paradise** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/island-of-paradise-d28ffa4f
**Wedding day** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/wedding-day-9a4d8272
**Lets talk about poor and rich people** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/lets-talk-about-poor-and-rich-people-9c43d93f
Black Coffee
"Shit, I'm late."
James woke up to a strange scent in his apartment. However, he couldn't have dwelled on it any longer because he was deathly late for work. Hurriedly, he got dressed without showering and headed off. This was nothing new for him, but anyone would think he'd changed when he was promoted as the new vice chairman. Despite being late to work everyday, he was never immensely late as he was right now. So, this morning he left his condominium without having any fuel for the day.
His whole mood while working in the office was sombre, and so this left everyone around him confused and on edge. Wanting to see if he would finally flip out. Eyebrows furrowed and eyes dead, lips pursed and mind messy, he pressed the call in button underneath his desk to get his secretary, also his best friends, into the room. When no one walked in, he buzzed again and still no one showed.
This was very odd to James. There were no messages, no calls nor emails-nothing that could've informed him of her absence. More so, his mood today was something even stranger. He resorted to the fact that he really needed more sleep. Checking the time on his wristwatch, he saw that it would be time for brunch and decided that some coffee would make his day better. He headed out. Shyly, he smiled at the other co-workers in. Hopes to appease their curious and prying eyes.
"I wish I knew that was wrong with me today, too." He thought.
Only a 15 minute walk away down the street, situated a small but popular coffee shop. James had overheard his co-workers speak fondly of this place and his secretary would always fan girl in his ear about how good their black coffee was. 'It was to die for," she had said. He smiled at the memory which quickly turned into a frown when he remembered that she hadn't showed up this morning. He sent a quick text asking if she was okay.
With the scorching summer sun penetrating his pale skin, his nose slowly turning a vibrant red. James briskly made his way to Saint Lue's Coffee Shop, it was a smell adorable place situated at the end of a cul-de-sac. He did think to himself that it was odd he was craving the infamous black coffee in this hot weather, but the caffeine would give him the adrenaline his body so desired.
Closing in on the entry way, he was met with the smoky aroma coffee. This motivated his tired bones to push the heavy door in to enter. As soon as he stepped shop a hand nudges him on the shoulder and he heard,
"You've finally arrived, our main suspect."
He looked to his right and saw, a stranger dressed in suit and tie with a large grey trench coat over it all. An almost-finished cigar in his mouth and grey fedora hat in hand. Behind the strange man there were a total of five police officers around and yellow duct tapes all over the place. A crime scene.
However, James was completely lost.
"Wait, what?" He was at lost for words at what he had heard and his heart started pounding rapidly and his knee slightly weekend. His reaction to this alerted the man and he quickly snapped his finger, immediately two of the five police officers came behind James and grabbed his arms and dragged him to the nearest seat in the coffee shop. The man sat down in the chair in front of him.
Lead Image https://pin.it/4RSQTIR
"My name is Detective Kim. Why did you do it?" The strange man was even more peculiar to James and the vague question made him a lot more confused.
"Why did I do what?" honestly, what happened here, and why am I a suspect?" James spit fired.
The genuine tone in his voice surprised the detective and he glanced at one of his co-workers before looking back at the suspect. "You don't know what happened here? Well, it is odd seeing that you would come here if you aren't aware of what happened." He started, "then tell me, why are you here?"
"I came to order a cup of black coffee." James breathed and the cop asked his colleague by the name of Nate, to make two cups of hot black coffee.
After a few long minutes of awkward silence, the ginger placed two cups on the table and James hurriedly reached out to occupy his shaking hands. He slowly lifted it up to his lips, the strong scent instantly settled his nerves.
"Well, there has been the murder of Mikayla Johnson. A close person to you, Mr. Miller, according to her family. You know anything about it?"
James blood ran cold at that.
"What? How could this happen? She's my best friend and how/could no one tell me this? When was this?" He looked straight into the officer's eye in shock. The last time he recalled was around 3pm yesterday, they were supposed to meet up at this very same coffee shop at seven, but he fell asleep. That's what he could only remember anyways.
"She was found in the back of this coffee shop, yesterday at 7pm." He replied, carefully watching James reaction.
James put the cup down and a tear fell down his face. Soon enough he broke down crying, "why would anyone do this?"he was angry, sad and mad. He couldn't believe what he had heard and he wondered how her family was coping with this news.
"That's what I am asking you. Why would you do this?"
He looked up in disbelief he curled his hands into a fist. "You think I did this? Why would I hurt my best friend? What kind of twisted joke is this?"
"Calm down, Mr. Miller, I'm only suspecting you. Here, drink your coffee to calm down it's going cold and everyone knows black coffee doesn't taste good when cold." Detective gestured to his cup, his hazel eyes zoning in onto James green ones as if saying, 'if you have nothing to hide, drink it.'
James took the bait, he lifted the cup to his lips and drank.
"We did a background check on you in advance. You suffer from dissociative Identity disorder, but apparently you wouldn't know that until you have a taste Of black Coffee". The sly detective said, when he knew James started drinking. The suspect froze and removed the cup from his lips making eye contact with the man on the other side of the table.
The man smirked, "The taste of black coffee works wonders doesn't it.?"
"I can see it in your eyes. You remembered everything that you did last night after having some in this very same shop and seat."
The suspect remained silent and his mannerisms from earlier had disappeared. His long black hair plastered against his wet face. His jaw clenched and the strange scent he smelt when he woke up earlier this morning now made sense. His eyes dead, except for the glint of light that showed his guilt and everything of last night played on in his mind like a broken record.
"Now, Mr. Miller why did you kill your wife? Also, you never leave without her in the mornings, wasn't that strange how you did, today?" The detective asked, signalling his men to arrest the man.
James miller slowly smiled.
***Author'sNote*** :
I would like to say that I did my best in writing this, but I had procrastinated, so I guess I could've done better. So, to all those who have decided to read this. Thank you and I really appreciate it.
Tall, Dark and Handsome
"Sorry, Reese." Beth grimaced.
Taylor mirrored Beth's expression. "We'll miss you! and don't worry, it's only a few hours. We'll be reunited before you know it."
"I will be just fine," I laughed as I watched my best friends take their seats on the plane.
I continued on to my seat, a few rows behind, smiling to myself about how I may have purposely lost the bet to decide who had to sit alone. Don't get me wrong, I loved my friends, but I wanted nothing more than three hours with a good book and no distractions. With two small kids at home, it was nearly impossible to find three consecutive hours to sit and read.
After I got settled into my seat, but before I had a chance to pull out the novel in my bag, a giant sat down in the seat next to me. Not kidding. He had to be nearly six and a half feet tall, his knees hugged the seat in front.
Not only that, but he was freaking gorgeous. And I mean gorgeous. A dream boat. A hunk. The kind of guy that sends your pulse into a flurry just at the sight of his chiseled, scruffy jaw and broad chest. The kind that smells intoxicatingly musky and inviting. The kind that sits down right next to you and.... doesn't even look your way.
Sigh. Maybe it was for the best. I was barely divorced a year and in no one place to meet someone new. Plus, all the good guys my age were taken.
"You've got to me kidding me." Hunky giant rifled through his bag frantically.
I couldn't help but ask, "is everything okay?"
He scratched the back of his neck with one big hand before he turned to me. "Oh, yeah. Just forgot my damn book. I was really looking forward to it."
He slumped back into his seat. I hurried to come up with more to say because something about this man made me eager to talk. It was unsettling.
"I have an extra. I'm not sure if it's your thing, but..." I grabbed a novel from my bag, the latest Stephen King. I always kept a spare just in case.
"Are you serious?" He asked, his jaw dropping, then his lips curving into a wide, disarming smile that made my skin prickle with anticipation and desire. He was seriously handsome.
"What? I know his stuff isn't for everyone, but-"
"That's the exact book I forgot at home." He shook his head in disbelief.
"You're kidding." I smiled and couldn't stop.
"No, I'm not." Hunky Giant had an adorable dimple on his left cheek.
"Well, here you go." I held the book out for him, and my eyes met his, which were a deep, dark chocolatey brown. My heart stopped as he took the book from my unsteady hands, his fingers, brushing over mine.
"Thank you. My friends call me twisted for my Stephen King obsession. I know his stories can be..." He trailed off, looking for the right word.
"Dark?" I finished.
"Exactly," he agreed. "But I like it. Maybe I'm a little dark at heart."
I laughed. "Me too. My TV is permanently set to the investigate Discovery Channel... When it's not on Disney Channel that is.
Hunky Giant chuckled. "Same. My kids are obsessed with disney." He shook his head. "You know, for total strangers, it's kind of weird how much we have in common."
I nodded. I was surprised, too. "My name is Reese." I told him.
"Noah." He offered his hand, and I couldn't resist.
"There. Now we're not strangers," I smiled.
We took off after the announcements played over the speakers. When we settled high in the sky, my entire body was on high alert as I watched the dreamy man next to me use his big, calloused hands to flip through the pages of my book.
No way in hell would I be able to focus now. And apparently Hunky Giant- I mean, Noah felt the same.
"So what's bringing you to Vegas?" He asked
I watched him lazily finger the pages of the open book in his lap. "A friends' bachelorette party." I tried to cover my cringe with a smile, but Noah caught on.
"Not looking forward to it?"
"It's just... I'm the only one who has kids or big responsibilities. And all I really want to do is relax. Like at the spa, or a quiet night with wine and a few laughs. Not gambling and staying up until five in the morning. I know, I'm lame."
"Lame? I don't think so."
He was probably being nice. "Why are you heading to Vegas?" I asked.
"A buddy is getting married. My ex has the kids for the weekend. It's my first kid free weekend in a year, and I want to do is stay cooped up at the hotel, eat bad food, and read. So believe me, you're not lame. Or if you are-then so am I."
I laughed.
"Your husband has the kids?" He asked.
"Nope. I mean, there's no husband. My mom has them for the weekend, God bless her. They are hyper. I hope she can keep up."
"Mine are hyper too." He laughed.
"So we escape to dark places," I teased.
"Yes... Or we have conversations with strangers on planes. Strangers with incredible green eyes, I might add..."
A blush burned my cheeks. "Thank you."
"Thank you for the book. Can't say I'm all that interested in reading it now, though." Noah flashed a smile that told me / was all he was interested in. He gently closed the book shut.
Reading was the last thing on my mind, too.
***Author's Note*** :
Reese is on her way to vegas for a bachelorette party with her friends. Truth be told, she's more excited for the three hour plane ride there, than she is the partying and drinking. She's craving alone time, time to relax and read her favorite book. Something she rarely gets at home with two kids running around.
But when a Hunky Giant sits next to her, the trip takes an interesting turn. Suddenly, reading doesn't seem all that important. Reese discovers that she and single dad, Noah, have a lot more in common than their destination.
*****
On the way to a spring break getaway with your friends, you are seated next to a complete stranger. What should have been a short plane ride turns into something more when sparks begin to fly.
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***My Previous Article*** :
**Bound Hearts** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/bound-hearts-679e8133
**Day in the life** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/day-in-the-life-45a0a139
**Island of paradise** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/island-of-paradise-d28ffa4f
**Wedding day** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/wedding-day-9a4d8272
Bound Hearts
"Baxter Books," I said to myself. I hadn't noticed this shop the last time I was in this part of town, so I decided to take a look. I grabbed the large, black door handle and pulled myself inside. As I took a step into the shop, I noted the walls, a light shade of blue and bookshelves lining them. The aisles of books were floor to ceiling, with various colors of easy chairs placed throughout in little reading books. Toward the back, I could see a small coffee bar set up with a few high-top seats. The music overhead was light, top 40 type radio.
I browsed a few aisles, just taking in the new place. As I turned the corner, I ran straight into a hard body. "Shit, sorry!" I exclaimed. I looked up to see who I ran into, and my mouth fell open. Brody Baxter. The high school golden boy. Every girl wanted him, myself included.
**Image Source** https://pin.it/7o639l3
"Olivia!" He smiled. "It's been a long time."
I couldn't formulate proper thoughts. He knew my name? I could only remember us speaking a handful of times. How had he become even more handsome? He stool tall, muscular, and absolutely drool-worthy with his emerald, green eyes and black hair that flopped just slightly onto his forehead.
"Brody. Hi.... How are you?" I stuttered out like a fool. I tucked a piece of my auburn hair behind my ear, wishing I had decided to dress better today. Instead, here I was, standing in front of this fine specimen in yoga pants, sneakers, and a crop top. I had thrown my hair up into a messy bun before yoga class then popped in here on a whim.
"I'm doing well. You look amazing. How have you been?" He smiled. I nodded, trying to swallow my nerves.
"Thanks. Um, I've been fine. Good, I've been good. Boring old me." Jesus, I was a mess. He let out a small laugh, reaching out and touching my arm. Brody leaned back, staring right into me. "Is this your shop?" I asked, realizing the names were the same.
"Oh no. My sister, angie. I just popped in to say Hi and see how it was going for her. Bonus running into you." He grinned. I could feel the heat rise to my cheeks.
"That's great, and yes, it's nice bumping into you." I squeaked out.
"I hope this isn't too forward, but are you seeing anyone?" He asked, rubbing the back of his neck. Was he nervous? Brody Baxter nervous around me?
"No, actually, I'm not. How about you? I'm guessing married with at least one kid?" I teased.
"Ha! No, no wife, no kids, no one." He looked down for a moment, then back up to my eyes. "Would you want to get dinner together tonight?" Brody asked quietly.
"Um, sure. Yeah, I think that would be nice." I smiled nervously. I couldn't believe Brody Baxter was asking me on a date. He handed his phone to me to put in my number, which I happily did, and we agreed to meet back here for dinner.
******
I found myself back at the familiar bookstore, wandering the aisles waiting for Brody. As I turned the corner, I ran into his muscular chest.
"Excuse me, Ma'am. I think you should watch where you're going." He chuckled.
"It appears so. It seems this happens a lot." I smiled.
"Oh, it does?" Brody raised his brow.
"Well, not a lot, I guess." I ran my hand down his chest playfully as I walked around him and down another aisle.
"So, are you interested in dinner tonight?" He asked, catching up to me.
"Possibly" I teased again. "Where did you have in mind?"
"Well, um. There's this amazing steakhouse a few blocks from here. I know someone who raves about their steak and enjoys a beer or two." He ran his hand through his hair, still dark as midnight.
"Sounds like someone I'd like." I turned, facing him, leaning back against the bookshelf as he leaned in closer.
"Oh, I'm quite sure of it." I could feel his breath on my face. "May I kiss you?" He asked politely, and I giggled.
"I'm not sure my husband would like that," I smirked.
"Husband?! Well, I don't see any husband around here." He stroked down the side of my cheek before cupping my face and pushing his lips into mine. The butterflies swarmed my belly like the first time all over again.
"You're quite the kisser." I smiled.
"That's my wife says."
"Wife?! What kind of wife lets you out by yourself?!" I shoved at his chest. He pulled me into him, going in for another kiss. After all these years, he still took my breath away.
"Is it weird we do this year?" He asked as he took my hand in his, holding them up and looking out our rings.
"Not at all. You're the most romantic man I've ever known, and I couldn't love you more. I pecked his lips quickly. "Had we not bumped into each other, well, who knows where we'd be."
"Are you ready for your steak and beer, Mrs. Baxter?" He asked, starting toward the door. I tugged him back for a moment.
"There is a book I wanted to grab while we were here." I pulled him along with me a few aisles over. He was oblivious as he watched me move. I scanned the bookshelf, knowing exactly what book I was looking for. I pulled it out and handed it to him.
"What to expect when you're expecting?" He read out loud. It took him another moment, then he looked over, eyes wide. "Are you? Are we?"
"HAPPY SECOND ANNIVERSARY, DADDY." I stood on my tiptoes and planted a kiss on his perfect lips.
***Author's Note*** :
What happens when a whim brings you into a shop and into the love of your life?
This article was written for the spring into love contest in my high school days.
Thank you for sponsorship again Sis @Bloghound Godbless you always and more BCH to you 😊❤️
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***My Previous Article*** :
**Day in the life** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/day-in-the-life-45a0a139
**Island of paradise** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/island-of-paradise-d28ffa4f
**Wedding day** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/wedding-day-9a4d8272
**Lets talk about poor and rich people** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/lets-talk-about-poor-and-rich-people-9c43d93f
One Second
It's the way the sun hits you on a snowy day, when you can smell winter, but summer is all you feel. Your skin breaks out in shivers of appreciation, and you close your eyes for just a second to face the beaming sun.
One second.
One single second that feels like an eternity full of joy, love and hope.
As you feel the sun kiss your skin, you reminisce on all the times you did this before. You see yourself standing in the middle of a busy street, riding your bike, or waiting on your front porch, for just one second.
One second that shows you all of it.
Grief.
Pain.
Relief.
Guilt.
Depression.
The sunshine calls for you, it's warmth melting your freezing veins. You give it all by letting each moment live by itself, by allowing mother nature's purest form of love to shine right on you.
But the second lasts longer than it should, and will all the warmth you feel... you also feel nothing.
Nothing at all.
Who are you?
Have you ever lived at all?
As the light hits your skin, you realize those moments are promises to yourself, and to who you aspire to be. None of them are the same; but they all have one thing in common: they're wishes whispered into the purest form of nature.
You want to get back on your feet.
You want to stop that nasty habit, and start a new one.
You want to talk to that one person again, even if they're laid to rest already.
You want to appreciate those around you, give them all the love you can give.
You want to remember who you are deep inside, and you want to carry that memory like a badge of honor-- because you are all you have left.
And as you open your eyes again, you take a moment to realize where you are, who you are, why you are, and the world will feel different. For just a fleeting moment, you will feel a smile play on your lips, even through the toughest of times.
The smile may fade, but while you continue your day, that moment will play on repeat in the back of your head. A reminder of who you are, of who you can be, will manifest in the depth of your mind. You will change. You will try harder, even if almost imperceptibly so.
You exist.
You matter.
You give it your all.
Mother nature sees your effort. She knows who you are, are she is the one who gifted you this life.
She will always give you sunshine on a winter's day.
She will offer you an eternity of peace and hope in one single second.
And even when the clouds rule the skies, she will linger. She will wait, and she will count on you to keep shining of her.
She gave you her light.
Use it to shine brighter than you knew you could.
***Author's Note*** :
An article about how one second can last longer than it should, and how it can change our life.
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***My Previous Article*** :
**Day in the life** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/day-in-the-life-45a0a139
**Island of paradise** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/island-of-paradise-d28ffa4f
**Wedding day** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/wedding-day-9a4d8272
Day in the life
You know when you wake up sometimes and it already feels like it's going to be a bad day and it usually is? Yeah not my day today. My day starts how it always starts. Not that I'm complaining but still.
Every morning I wake up to my wonderful wife who sleeps like a bear and sort of snores like one too but that goes out the window since seeing the rest of her body is splayed out for me hardly covered by the soft knit sheets she just had to have. Reaching over to brush the soft brown hair from her face only to kiss the soft skin and smell the sweet scent of citrus and vanilla from her skin.
That's how this morning started. Like every morning. My alarm goes off just like everyday except this time I'm awake before it. Kissing my wife one last time before I get out of bed. Changing into workout clothes well I say clothes but I'm at home so just shorts and shoes because you never know when my wife will come down and try to stealthily sneak glances at me. I say try but I can sense her even if I can't see her.
After my workout I go back upstairs to shower still to see my wife asleep but then again it's only 6am. My muscles are sore but it's a good sore especially while this hot water hits my skin.
I head down to my kitchen to make breakfast for the both of us. Now this isn't the same everyday but today I felt like a bigger breakfast so coffee, eggs, toast, fruit and bacon it is. By the time the coffee is ready she's already in the kitchen giving me a good morning kiss and takes her cup from my hands. It's quiet but we both enjoy the silence in the morning. I pass her plate to her as I kiss her once again as I sit next to her at the kitchen island. Both of us catching up on emails and talking about the schedule for the day.
Once I finished she takes my plate and puts it in the sink for me as she tells me to get or I'll be late. Most days it's worth it because it's more time I get to spend with her. But a day like today I'm needed at the station so I quickly kiss her goodbye as I head out the door.
In the car, I take the drive to pick up my partner who so conveniently lives down the street. As soon as he's in the car immediately it's how I am, how my wife is and how good the tail he got was. You would think this guy would at least keep a girl for longer than a day but whatever not everybody wants to settle down.
We start patrol and of course the radio goes off and we respond to a shooting in a restaurant. I call my wife and she picks up, telling me she's busy and has to call me later of course hearing loud shouts and the start of gun fire. This is where my day goes from good to bad. I pull up quickly to the rest of the cars surrounding the restaurant when I look around and see my wife's car. Of course she's here.
**Image Source** https://pin.it/3e5AL66
Apparently my partners sees as well. Looking at me smiling. "Shut up. Let's get this the f*ck over it." I say to him as I slam my door shut getting my gun out of my holster. We're all dirty cops. Sue us, but at least my town is safe for the most part and there's no drugs or hardly any crime in my time. Can't say much for the surrounding towns but hey at least I get a paycheck and my wife is doing dirty business elsewhere.
He laughs as he takes the radio trying to get everyone to come out with their hands up... blah blah blah they don't and of course we start getting shot at. I manage to duck and when I come up I shoot but my wife gets in the way trying to leave and it grazes her arm. f*ck. My. Life. This is where my day goes from bad to shit.
She manages to death stare me and then take off and as the shooting dies down my partner looks at me busting at the seams. This asshole is going to get shot too. "Let's get this over with I'm already dreading going home." The chief even laughs as he pats me on the back as he passes me to enter the now ruined restaurant.
By the time I get home I'm sitting in my car with my face on the steering wheel not wanting to go inside. I let out a deep exhale and pep talk before I push open my door. No question if she heard me or not I know she did. She saw me before I even pulled into the long driveway. I open the front door knowing well my wife has dinner made and a drink waiting for me. Now if it's poisoned this time who knows.
Of course she's looking beautiful as ever with her high waited trousers that accentuate all of her wonderful assets and the top professional but sexy. Everything that tells you she's a mafia boss.
I set my briefcase down along with putting my gun and badge on the counter where I always put it. Snaking my arm around her waist as she stands with her back against me. Kissing her neck trying to butter up a bit but she doesn't respond. Should've known it wasn't going to work.
And then I say the dreadful question, "how was your day?" As I sit down at the island staring at my hands on the island too afraid to look at my wife. Deep inhale.
Before I hear her voice I hear a glass being lifted off the counter and thrown at my head barely missing but that's her point. "You fucking shot me that's how my day fucking was!" And exhale.
This is where my day goes from shit to "I'm dead."
"Can I say it's payback from shooting me first when we met?"
Now my wife quickly takes my gun from the holster and shooter my arm in the same spot as I shot her. I let out a quick "shit!" And cover my arm quickly to stop the bleeding as she puts the gun back where it was.
She saunters over to me kisses my cheek, then patting it. "Now that's payback. I'll call the doctor. Love you. Join me in the shower when you're all patched up. We can wash each others back."
"LOVE YOU TOO."
***Author's Note*** :
An unlikely couple for a "DAY IN THE LIFE."
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***My Previous Article*** :
**Island of paradise** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/island-of-paradise-d28ffa4f
**Wedding day** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/wedding-day-9a4d8272
**Lets talk about poor and rich people** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/lets-talk-about-poor-and-rich-people-9c43d93f
**First date** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/first-date-614b3985
Island of Paradise
Rose grabbed her suitcase by the door and headed down to her long limo, her older leaning on the limo. Rose, her brother Leo, and her few friends were going to her family island for 6 weeks to have a amazing vacation. As Rose entered the limo, with Leo already in there somehow, going on her phone seeing a new message from Jared. She smiled at the name with a light blush creeping onto her face. She responded to Jared saying they were getting him and the rest of her friends then driving towards the boat waiting to escort them to the island.
Reaching Jared's house, Rose thought of her friends and her being together since they were 6 or 7 years old, remembering all the good times. Her friends came out of the house, including Jared behind them with a backpack on. He was cute, everyone thought that, even her two girlfriends. He had golden brown hair the was curly at the ends. His brown eyes glistened with Joy seeing Rose in the limo, sitting next to her as Leo sat on the other end.
"I can't wait to bathe on the beach." Lucy said as she grabbed her headphones out of her purse.
Lucy had her hair up in a pony tail that reached to her scalp, her hair dangling a little below her shoulders. She had brought freshly baked cookies for the trip as to everyone eyeing the baked goodies in a tin pan with aluminum foil wrapped at the top. Her sparkly clear also ocean blue colored eyes were noticeable in the limo as it Rose toward the pear.
"You shouldn't worry about tanning, you guys should know which plants that can heal or make remedies the island has." Aiden jumped in, holding a book called. The unwanted in his right hand.
Aiden's shaggy hair flipped to one side of his face, blocking his eye in the process. His brown eyes showing excitement and wonder for seeing new plants. He always knew a answer whether it involved plants or anything smart. Suddenly Leo grabbed Aiden's book and held it up away from Aiden, who was red as a hooded cape. Leo was always a trouble maker and a good actor to not be involved with trouble. His golden locks could swoon any girl and make anyone jelous but underneath all that tough guy act, he was a weak little weasel.
"HEY GIVE THAT BACK!!!" Aiden cried trying to grab the book from Leo's tan hands, now flinging the book around like a baseball.
"Aiden you don't need to be all science and robot stuff... loosen up a bit." Leo said as he stared at Isabel the whole time.
Isabel was writing in a notebook, keeping her head down almost the whole ride. Her black hair was in pigtails, trailing to her shoulders. Her brown eyes trailed over the notebook, eyes looking black for only a second. She may looked like a small, weak teen but she was a ruthless, string. Independent kind of girl. Her eyes met Leo's for only a few seconds, then going back to her writing. Jared couldn't take it anymore with Aiden and Leo fighting, but before he could say a word, the car stopped.
"We're here guys so shut it before I make you." Rose spat, jumping out to warm sun and the ocean breeze on the wet port.
Everyone came out and stared in awe at the beautiful scenery but was interrupted by a honking noise. There stood a boat that looked like it just got out of a wash. It was big enough for 6 people which was covenant to the group. As everyone boarded, Jared and Rose made eye contact, sending both stomachs with butterflies. Rose quickly turned away to the side of the boat, as Jared cleared his throat and scratched the back of his neck, starring at the ocean. The 6 friends saw the journey ahead...... a Paradise.
***Author's Note*** :
Rose starlight and her friends go to her family island for 6 weeks for a vacation. They see the beauty in the island by day but by night, nothing is right. The group finds scary, terrifying things. Now Rose and her friends reveal shocking secrets as they try to survive the island. Can they escape all the wrath on the island or have their lives sealed?
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***My Previous Article*** :
**Wedding Day** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/wedding-day-9a4d8272
**Let's talk about poor and rich people** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/lets-talk-about-poor-and-rich-people-9c43d93f
**First date** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/first-date-614b3985
Wedding Day
It's the day that I have been waiting for my whole life. Today I am getting married to my best friend. Her name is Haley. We have known each other since the third grade but we never realized how we felt about each other until my 21st birthday, which was three years ago. That night at my party, my life changed forever...
"What a turn out. I didn't expect this many people to come." Justice spoke in my ear.
"Yeah, me too. Even people I haven't spoken in years came out." I started looking around the room, and saw many people I was referring too. One girl in particular stood out. I couldn't place her name, but her face was so familiar. "Who is she?" I said pointing to the woman.
"Oh, that's Haley Dunkin. She was in our class." I could not believe what she had just said.
"No fucking way. That's haley? It can't be." I was so shocked that I didn't realize Haley was looking at me. She smiled and waved me over. Hesitantly, I walked over to her, giving a nod of apology towards justice.
"Hey Girly! Long time no see!" Haley pulled me into an embrace.
"Yeah, tell me about it! I didn't even recognize you!" I looked up and down her body. She was definitely gotten curvier "what have you been up to?" I decided to start the small talk.
Two hours later, we were still talking. About nothing in particular. Just what we have been doing outside of high school, and what our future plans are. We exchanged phone numbers. And that night she told me that she has always had a small crush on me. The rest is history.
I looked in the mirror at my gown, remembering every detail of the day Haley and I reconnected. It is so crazy to me how much things can change in such little time. She has always been the love of my life. I wish I had realized it earlier. I keep thinking about how much time was wasted. Time that could have been with her.
My mom comes into the small room I was waiting in. "Hi Honey! Oh, you look so beautiful!" Haley is one lucky lady.!" She runs. Over to hug me.
"Is dad out there to? I haven't heard from him in a while." I ask as we break our embrace. She gets a sad look on her face, and looks away. She then grabs my hand and starts rubbing it with her thumb.
"Oh sweetie, you look stunning." She says, tears forming in her eyes avoiding my question, while my heart dropped. Every trace of all the love and excitement I had previously felt disappeared in that instant. I know how he felt about me being lesbian, but he wouldn't even come to my wedding?
I felt my mom staring at me, waiting for me to freak out. I wouldn't give into him like this. "His loss" I smile at her. She then smiles and hugs me again.
"Well you only have a few more minutes until you need to be out there. Good luck sweetie. I love you." We kiss each others cheeks and she leaves. Although I am not surprised he didn't come, it still hurts. I won't change who I am for him, so I guess I can't expect him to do the same for me.
A short time later, it's time for me to go to the alter and wait for the love of my life. As I am walking down the aisle, I here Ooh's and aah's. With my mother next to me, I am the happiest girl on earth. My "groomsmen" (my guy two best friends and my younger cousin) stand waiting for the wedding to start.
Before I know it, Haley walks through the massive entrance. My mouth drops and I can feel the tears roll down my face. Damn you, Mom for making me so emotional. Haley look stunning in a mermaid style gown that shows all of her curves. Her hair is flowing over her shoulders in massive beach curls. Her golden brown hair reflecting the lights of the church. We make eye contact and she has the biggest, cheesiest grin on her face. I could see the tears forming, but I know she is too brave to let them fall.
"Hey." She smiles at me while walking up the three stairs to the alter.
"Hey" I smile back at her.
"Alright, let's marry these two gorgeous women, shall we?" My very friendly, elderly, black woman priest says. Laughs are heard through the church hall. Everything is running smoothly so far.
Then something strange happens. I hear a distant 'bang' in the hall. I scrunch my eyebrows together and look at Haley. "Did you hear that?" I whisper, not wanting people to be alarmed.
"Hear what?"she asks confused. I just nod my head and smile. I must have imagined it.
BANG. It's closer now.
Okay, I definitely heard that one. Haley snaps her head to me, her eyes wide. "What was that?" I hear murmurs from the crowd. Everybody heard it that time. Even my priest stops her sermon. Shouting is heard in the hall, then another, even louder BANG is heard. The large door is slammed open and there stands my father. Silence fills the church. Why is he here? I immediately stand in front of Haley to shield her from whatever he is about to do.
As I take a deeper look at my father, I notice splats of.... blood? It couldn't be. What is happening? "I cannot believe my little girl, my precious angel, is marrying a woman." He spits in
disgust. Everyone in the pews turn to look at him. The only person not looking was my mother, her eyes were dead set on the cross at the head of the church. I slowly move my gaze back to my father and lay my eyes on the shotgun in his hands.
"How could you do this to me?" He spits. He brings the gun up, pointing it at me. "How could you betray your father like this?" He cocks the gun and points it at me. Then Haley. Then me again. "How could you marry," he pauses, "a whore?" He finally lands his gun on Haley and squeezes the trigger. Before I know what I am doing, I shove Haley out from behind me to shield her from the bullet. A scream is heard piercing the ears of the patrons in the pews. My mom's scream. No, Haley's scream. No. My scream.
I collapse and fall down the stairs, gasping and grabbing at the oozing wound on my stomach. I hear the running footsteps of people fleeing the chapel. I hear the screams of mothers telling their young daughters to keep running, and not to stop. I hear fathers screaming to call the cops. And yet, I only see him. My own father.
**Image Source** https://pin.it/1QbXo1j
I feel a pair of hands grab my shoulders. "Come on baby, stay with me." Haley cries as she struggles to lift me. I writhe in agony as the gaping hole gushes even more. My once pure white and innocent gown now stained red. Red like a deep wine. Red like an early morning. A red that reminded me of the devil, for the devil stands before me.
"Just go, run." I stutter, wincing at the excruciating pain coursing through my body.
"I'm not leaving you." She states always a stubborn one, she is. The chaos in the church has subsided. All that's left is Haley, my mom, me and my father. I hear footsteps approaching me. My vision begins to get blurry. I blink rapidly to restore it. I can feel myself slowly slipping away.
Soon I see him. The man who caused this. "Why did you do this? To your own daughter?" Haley screams at him.
"Sorry. I don't listen to cunts" He cocks again and places the barrel directly against her forehead. "Enjoy hell." He wears a menacing smile and pulls the trigger once more. Haley's now lifeless body hits the ground. Her head bounced off of the hard floor making a piercing thump. I couldn't even scream. All I could do is watch her lie there. My mother sits in the pew muttering prayers to a God I'm convinced isn't real anymore. How could he allow this to happen in his own house?
My vision became blurrier, I tried to look at my father but all I saw was a shadow figure. A shadow that has haunted me my entire life. "You are a monster." I manage to spit. Tears are flowing down my cheeks.
"I'm the monster? At least I'm not a lesbian." He shakes his head at me. "I didn't deserve to be treated like this. Disrespected by my own blood." He looks at the cross laying in the front of the now eerily silent house of worship. "You're pathetic. Thinking you're better than God. Such a waste." He kept rambling.
I wince as I look away from him, placing my eyes on my almost bride. If there a wasn't a bullet between her eyes, I would say she looks beautiful, peaceful even. Both the rage and the pain grow inside of me and I know I don't have much longer.
"Just do it already. You've already taken everything from me." I want to sound strong and as though he hasn't affected me but instead my voice comes out weak and like a whisper only the Gods could hear.
"You think I'm going to give you that satisfaction?" He laughs a deep belly laugh, truly finding my plea hysterical. He cocks the gun once more and lands on the last person I had left in the world. "She allowed this to happen." He stalks to her, never pointing the barrel any other direction.
She shakily stands to face him. Tears flowing, and her breathing staggered, she whispers one last time. "I love you. I'm sorry." She doesn't have to look at me but I know those words are meant for me.
"Aw, that's cute." My father coldly states and pulls the trigger. Her body flails back into the pew she just prayed to God in to save her life.
I try once again to move or to do anything but I fall right back onto the stairs and begin to scream louder than ever before, using the last of my energy.
"Oh shut up. You did this. You caused this. You were the one that chose sin over your family. Now you get to deal with it." He cocks the shot gun one final time before pointing it at his own head, lining it up with the space between his throat and his chin. "You know, you were't meant to get hit. I hope you live to see the damage you've caused." BANG. The final shot rang throughout the hall.
I can't stop the tears flowing nor the blood gushing. The lights go dim and the room starts to spin, slow at first but gets faster and faster. I swear I can hear sirens outside. Or maybe I am telling myself that in hopes of being saved.
My body begins to get warm, feeling electricity through my veins. Everything becomes dark, the sirens fade. Then a comforting feeling. A feeling I hope no one has to feel. The comfort of knowing this pain will end, and hoping that I can see my Haley one more time.
***Author's Note*** :
Writing a novel is hard. So I want to write little short stories that you can read when you have a little bit of spare time. These article will include a wide range of topics. These include LGBT, depression, anxiety, love, loss, heartbreak, and many more. Please enjoy the nonsense that is my writing.
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***My Previous Article*** :
**Let's talk about poor and rich people** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/lets-talk-about-poor-and-rich-people-9c43d93f
**First Date** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/first-date-614b3985
**The side effects of youth** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/the-side-effects-of-youth-36f23324
Let's talk about Poor and Rich People
"***Being Poor***"
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Being rich is one of the aspirations of poor people, so very lucky indeed when you are born rich.
Many people want to get rich but they don't do anything, they become lazy, their vices take precedence over their dreams, many people are addicted to drugs because of the hardships of life so most of them are unemployed and just live on the streets.
Me? I'm proud, I'm just poor, I won't be ashamed of it because this is what God gave me so we must accept it, but despite my poverty I want to support my family and for my parents to experience a good life ..
It's hard to be a poor person can't eat three times a day we can't help them because it's corruption so much that they are abusing the people who are incapable of fighting them. .
***Why are there poor people***?
While they do everything just to support their family.
Sometimes whoever is poor they still often help people, even if they don’t have money they are willing to help with anything they can help.
After all, who else is rich, they are the ones who don't help people in need.
Many of us don’t really want to be poor but we can’t avoid it because the brain of our government is twisted.
When they are rich they are ready to help when they are poor they don't care because they think it can't help them .
I am not insulting the government because most of the poor are also reprimanded and do not organize their lives. Being rich is uneducated. . Even if you don't finish school, you can get rich because when a person has high dreams and really works hard to reach his dream, nothing is impossible to achieve. .but all that is too much of a challenge for the poor because first of all there is not enough financial for daily expenses. . So most of them are looking for a life just what they can think of. The poor people will do everything they can just to save up and buy food on a daily basis ...
Brave and strong the poor person is ready to take on whatever challenge in life they face .. ..
"***Being Rich***"
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Being rich you have nothing else to look for but to just relax in life because whatever they want they can afford. . Can travel to whatever they want to go to beautiful places and even if they go to another country they can because they have a lot of money, they can also buy a car when they want .. .
All the luxuries they want to buy they can afford, happy and without too much problem and without too much thinking and not chasing time .
There are also many rich people who are very diligent and want to make more money. They set up their business so that it can make money.
But despite being rich, they still have negatives and they still have a lot of problems, everyone really has problems ..
When the rich became poor they almost did not know what to do because they did not come from being poor so all the rich who are suffering now are really drowned in poverty because they have nothing to do and they do not know the trends of being poor. .
***Author's Note*** :
So if i have to choose? I really prefer to be poor first because being poor is everything you will experience in life, hard or prosperous everything can be passed before getting what you want.
**Lead Image Source** : https://pin.it/2Kp6uxo
***My Previous Article*** :
**First Date** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/first-date-614b3985
**The side effects of youth** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/the-side-effects-of-youth-36f23324
**Possibilitea** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/possibilitea-5f694be3
**I really hate school dances** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/i-really-hate-school-dances-f5da963c
**What the snow covers** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/what-the-snow-covers-2eebccc7
**Everyday being able to relive stress on myself** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/every-day-being-able-to-relieve-stress-on-myself-6fbe7640
First Date
"I can't believe you're going on an actual date with him. What if he is a serial killer?" My roommate, Delainee joked. She was right to be shocked. I turned this guy down maybe six or seven times. I don't know what changed in me, but I decided to give it a try.
I finish getting ready as I talk to Delainee. We are going to the movies, so I don't dress fancy. Jeans, and a T-shirt type of date. We are going to see the latest horror movie. I couldn't be more excited. He is a huge horror fanatic, and I am not, so this will make for a fun night.
His name is Kyle, and he wouldn't typically catch your eye at first glance. He certainly didn't catch my eyes. Shorter than most people, on the big side, and isn't the best looking of people. I have come to love the little things about him that no one else sees. The way he laughs at his own jokes, his passion for random things, and the way he cares for everybody but himself. He has many great qualities that I didn't see the first six times he tried asking me out. I know it seems ridiculous that he asked me out that many times, but his persistence is one of the reasons I starting falling for him.
------
At the movie theater, he is standing by the doors, tickets in hand. "Hey beautiful." He smiles at me.
"Well, hello to you too." I smile back. We embrace for a second before heading to the ticket booth. He continues the conversation as we head to our seats.
"I've been waiting for this movie for months. I can't wait." He is bouncing excitedly, almost like a two year old when getting candy. It was almost adorable.
"I could imagine. A lot of people have been waiting for this movie. I heard it's the best of the series." I try and sound like I know what I'm talking about, but I really don't.
Kyle practically screeches, "well of course it's the best! Have you seen the actors in it?"
I just laugh at him as I lean back in the recliner chair, eating most of the popcorn before the movie even starts. After 20 minutes of previews, the movie finally begins. Throughout the movie I jumped, screamed, and cried. Kyle was having a blast the whole time, looking over at me from time to time to watch my reaction.
-----
"Wasn't that just the best!" Kyle said as we exited the theater.
"Yeah... It was something." I replied, nervously laughing. "Kind of gory though, don't you think?"
"Oh yeah, that was the best part." He turned and gave me a sinister smile. I laughed unsteadily as we went to his car. The way back to my building was very quiet, and very unsettling.
"You can take the next left. It's a shortcut to the apartment." I pointed at the road ahead. Instead of slowing down, he kept going, passing the road to my apartment. "Hey, you missed the road." I pointed out.
"I know. I thought we could do something else." On the inside I was freaking out, about ready to have an anxiety attack, but on the inside, I looked calm and collected. We kept driving for half an hour. We were in the middle of nowhere. I started to text Delainee to tell her what's going on, but then we arrived. I put my phone away, and sat there.
After a few minutes of silence, I asked, "where are we?" I asked Kyle timidly. He started to chuckle.
"Oh sweetie. I am so glad you finally agreed to this. I have been wanting to take you out for a long time now." He looked over at me, and put his hand on my thigh. I tried pushing his hand away, but it stayed in place.
I practically begged, "can you take me home please?" He shook his head and hit his hand on the steering wheel.
"You don't get it, do you? Time after time you turned me down. You broke my heart. Now you get to pay for it." He then pulled out a handgun and pointed it at me. "Get out" my heart began to race, and my head is pounding. I reached for the handle and slowly pulled it, popping the door open. I could barely hold myself up. I took in my surroundings. We were on a gravel driveway, with a small farmhouse to the right of us. Cornfields on all sides. We were completely secluded.
"Walk" I felt him put the gun to the small of my back as I walked towards the house. It looked as though the house was judging me. The windows are the eyes that shame me as I'm forced into a literal hell.
We enter the house, the door swinging open with a loud creak. "Please let me go," I began to cry. "Please." He waved the gun in the direction of a couch in the middle of the wide open living room. I make my way to the couch with cautious steps.
Kyle pulled a wooden chair up in front of the couch, facing me. "You ruined me. I put my heart on the line. I stepped out of my comfortable boundaries ti express my feelings for you." He looked away as he also began to cry. "Why would you do that to me?" I sat there trembling. "Answer me!" He screamed.
I flinched at the volume of his voice. "I don't know! I'm sorry. I didn't know I was hurting you. I didn't feel that way about you. I'm sorry. I am so sorry." I tried pleading. I started to look around the room, trying to find an escape route. I didn't have a plan, but any plan is better than sitting here.
"You are not sorry. You're just saying that." He got up from the chair and walked over to me. "You need to feel what I felt. You need to feel how hopeless and worthless I felt. I loved you. We were gonna get married, have kids, and live right here in this house. This is were my dream died. And now it's your turn.
I started to realize what he had said, and it hit me. "Oh God. No, please no! I will do anything! Just please don't do this to me! I'm sorry!"
"No. I'm sorry." The last thing I saw was the gun pointed right between my eyes.
***Author's Note*** :
Thanks for reading. I know it's morbid, but hey life happens.
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***My Previous Article*** :
**The side effects of youth** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/the-side-effects-of-youth-36f23324
**Possibilitea** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/possibilitea-5f694be3
**I really hate school dances** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/i-really-hate-school-dances-f5da963c
The side effects of youth
This house was a safe haven, a sanctuary for the stresses of youth. The pressures of those teenage years drifted away here for it was a place of pure relaxation and carelessness. The smell of freshly baked brownies filled the crowded cellar as friends of friends socialized and laughed incessantly. Girls huddled together giggling at each other's laughing faces, stuck in an endless hysterical loop. A sweet musk filled the chilled room as the happy go lucky kids inhaled this carefree sensation. Like a teen's heaven on earth, a youngsters wonderland, a dreamworld for the pubescent. This house was one worth sneaking out of your bedroom window for.
Well, this was how Amanda saw it, her vision was blurred and unfocused. She lay spaced out on a smoky sofa, detached from reality. Other teens with blank faces passed by her but she looked straight through them. It was as if she was alone in a room of ghosts, their silhouettes followed them like their own detached souls.
The world was in slow motion.
Laughs echoed in her head like thousands of ringing bells, bouncing off the thin walls of her skull. It was as if everyone around her spoke a different language for all she could make out were the low slurs and lingering chirps of the crowd. She could see sloppy couples merging in the corner, their legs tied in knots on worn out bean bags. A group of girls walked by spilling yellow liquid across the stained carpet from their flimsy plastic cups. One by one they were courted by chiseled young men who dragged them off for a little privacy.
But not Amanda
She sat alone on her stained sofa and began to sob. She snorted like a young sow and her vision worsened as her eyes filled with salty tears. She stood up clumsily and stumbled towards the door, bashing into several dazed youngsters. Leaving the house of youth she took a few sloppy steps before collapsing like a flopping fish onto the lawn.
The world was spinning around her, she felt sick and her nose had begun to bleed. Her heart was beating three times faster than normal and breathing became difficult. Lying in a pool of her own sweat and blood she cried for help, but the laid back teens passed her by without a backward glance. She rolled onto her back as couples stepped over her flopping limbs, no help was to be found in this house of naivety. She closed her eyes as swirls of colour filled her vision.
The stirring ceased and Amanda lay inanimately on her back as kids walked past high and oblivious to the dangers of this pleasure. Like a dirty deal with the devil for a moments delectation.
She'd sold her soul for this release.
***Author's Note*** :
This is a very short article about how young people underestimate the danger of drugs as they are blinded by the pleasures they bring.
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***My Previous Article*** :
**Possibilitea** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/possibilitea-5f694be3
**I really hate school dances** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/i-really-hate-school-dances-f5da963c
**What the snow covers** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/what-the-snow-covers-2eebccc7
**Everyday being able to relieve stress on myself** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/every-day-being-able-to-relieve-stress-on-myself-6fbe7640
**Egg salad** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/egg-salad-a0585a30
Thank you so much po ate @eylz2021 sa pag sponsorship ulit 🥰😊 nakakamotivate talaga magpatuloy kahit na hirap na gumawa ng fiction story kaya kahit sakit na sa ulo isip padin ako ng story .. Thank you po ulit Godbless
Possibilitea
The door was heavier than I anticipated.
A rush of warm air greeted me as I entered, along with the smell of cinnamon, baked goods and coffee.
Cafe flora was known for its drinks and delicious scones, but my eyes adjusted to the dim light and noted a new name on the menu.
**Lead Image** https://pin.it/6dcKJod
**POSSIBILITEA**
I snorted at the horrifying pun, unbuttoning my heavy coat while scanning the menu.
Something brought me here.
Someone?
The text I received was a simple gif showing a cup of tea with floral branch covered in fuchsia blooms, a bird perched on top.
I read the message one more time: "show this image and we will show you the love of your life."
My heart was healing after another breakup from another person who made promises he refused to keep. This time was worse, but I tried to shove those memories aside while waiting in line. Voices murmured and the dim lights made it difficult to clearly see any faces, but the crowd cleared and a young teen was smiling at me behind the counter, wearing a fuchsia apron that matched the gif on my phone screen.
"**Did you get a message**?"
Her eyes were wide and expectant, while I could only nod and swipe on my phone to present the message as instructed. My heart started to flutter when someone approached, clearing. Their throat, but they he only grabbed a napkin before returning to their companion.
"Please, have a seat at empty table. A drink crafted just for you is on the way." The barista's voice was excited, clearly anticipating something would happen before her eyes.
It must be fun to work here.
I shrugged, giving her a cautious grin, "thank you, I guess."
I promise, you're in the best hands," she leaned in and whispered.
No number was given to indicate my table and she didn't ask for my name, but since they clearly had my information and knew who I was this was not a concern.
Another force was driving this interaction so I gave myself up to fate.
The entire cafe was spread out so it felt empty though there were at least two dozen people spread throughout. After sliding off my coat and hanging it on a nearby hook I took a seat, fidgeting while. I waited.
I slid my phone open and looked at the message again, the gif playing as I stared at the bird appearing to chirp while a cup of tea sat invitingly for its recipient.
"We will show you the love of your life," I whispered, the words playing over in my head as I thought about what that could mean.
Relationships can lead to love, but so far in my life each one made me feel like a revolving door. High school and college were fun but since then it was a constant stream of empty promises followed by gaslighting. If I was lucky they didn't meet my family.
Was I not worthy of any respect? Did my thoughts and feelings not matter to anyone?
My heart ached as I considered my own thoughts, realizing it was my own fault as well.
I was complicit in my trauma.
They caused harm but I didn't walk away fast enough.
Maybe my voice should have said no louder.
Maybe my hands should have fought back harder.
The rattle of a tray settled on my table and I looked up, fuchsia flowers in a mason jar on the table moving just like the gif in front of my eyes.
"One special for our special guest," an older woman said sweetly, presenting a prepared. Tea press along with a teacup painted to match the one from my message.
I smiled, moving my phone and making room for the cup so she could properly serve me. The scent was citrus and clean, so I asked, "Jasmine?"
She nodded, "that's right dear! Jasmine tea is the base but we added a few things just for you. Trust me. This is what you need to find your true love." After a long look and another warm smile she took the tray and left, tea press in hand.
I stared at the tea cup as stream rose, perfuming the air.
"Well, here goes nothing," I whispered, lifting the cup to my lips and sipping slowly. The flavor made me smile, bringing memories of childhood summers with no stress or worries.
A man bumped into my table, nearly causing me to spill my drink. "I'm so sorry!" He exclaimed, eyes wide.
I grinned, blushing and looking away, "that's no problem!"
When I looked back he was already gone.
Frustration settled in and the bitter taste of lemongrass and disappointment lingered on my Palette. I finished my tea quickly and decided to make my way home before another embarrassing accident.
I genuinely expected to find someone or learn something in the time I sat sipping my disgusting beverage. Of course it was an opportunity I would never regret, but loss of potential is still disappointing.
The waitress waved, "enjoy your day!" And I turned, waving back while struggling to get into my coat.
I hurried toward the door but froze when I saw a mirror by the entryway.
Something was different.
My skin looked fresh and like I had just woken from a restful nap. I moved closer and saw something unexpected in my gaze.
It was full of hope.
Even after all the heartache and struggles,
after being shattered again and again.... there was still a burning fire of determination.
The elderly woman who served me approached, surveying my expression. Her lips curved into a bright smile, joy bursting at my expression.
"Oh, this is always my favorite."
I cocked my head toward her, "what do you mean?"
"When they fall in love with themselves."
Her words hung in the air as I looked back to my reflection, realizing she was right.
Everything I needed was inside all along.
***Author's Note*** :
A change of Venue. One drink, poured carefully and sipped slowly. Is that truly all it takes to see the potential for your future?
***My Previous Article*** :
**I really hate school dances** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/i-really-hate-school-dances-f5da963c
**What the snow covers** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/what-the-snow-covers-2eebccc7
**Everyday being able to relieve stress on myself** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/every-day-being-able-to-relieve-stress-on-myself-6fbe7640
I really hate school dances
**Magenta's POV**
I was... dancing... with Zach. The over confident, cocky, incredibly sweet Zach. He wasn't exactly a couple dancer.. or a dancer at all. But I laughed along and swayed my hips while pumping my fist in the air. i noticed Will and Layla take off to dance at an empty space, Warren and Abegail (freeze girl) got together for a dance, and Ethan was standing by the punch bowl talking to a chaperone/hero excitedly. Zach and I pulled closer in a loving, yet respectful to the rules, embrace. Our eyes met and our lips went closer when a loud scream pierced the air.
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When whirled around and all we could see was... was siren standing with a long black box, with a timer. Already counting down. "I came to punish my daughter. This should be your lesson, never betray your parents kids. Just ask Magenta." The bomb fell to the floor and she disappeared. Everyone turned to me.
"I'm sorry... I whispered, absolutely horrified. "It's not your fault." Layla, Ethan and Zach all said at once. Will and Warren nodded. "They are correct." Principal powers said from the bomb. "But this bomb will not be stopped. We need to evacuate sky high." Her voice grew stern in worry.
Moments later heroes were running out to where emergency busses and extra drivers had been called in. Layla caught my arm as me and the other sidekicks went on our wau I turned to face the other sidekick, though she wasn't counted as a sidekick to us.
"Lash, Speed, Penny and Gwen.. er royal pain. They are going to be left to die." Her voice sounded so desperate, so heartbroken. I put aside the fact that I had so wished that they would die not even an hour ago.
"We'll get them. I promise." I said. I heard Zach and Ethan agree. "But Layla, you have to go with Will. Keep him safe, keep him from coming back. He can't do anything about this and he's more important than us." I said, to hide the fact that I felt guilty for what my mom did. Layla tried to argued but the bomb made a fake explosion sound, meaning one minute was up. Only four more. I pushed Layla away and she listened.
"Let's go boys." I said.
"It's not your fault Magenta." Zach said, pressing his lips to my temple... I sighed smiling as I heard Ethan's awkward cough and make his way to the detention room. I laughed, mostly because I was about to die, that would be twice in one night, and I just got kissed by Zach... MY Zach.
___________________________
**Lash's POV**
We all sat in the detention room in quiet. And then suddenly Penny burst into tears. We all looked over tobher in shock.
"How could I do something so stupid?" She sobbed, suddenly her petty seemed to melt away into desperation. No one said anything but we all knew why she did it. The same reason we did, we thought we deserve it, we thought we'd enjoy it. But even Royal pain stuttered with her gun, the Pacifer once she seen her classmate's petrified, betrayed, but also pitiful faces she hesitated. But evil always wins.
"I'm sorry I dragged you into this." Speed told me. I shook my head, "I agreed to it."
"It's my fault okay?" Gwen said, sounding much more like Gwen than Royal Pain. "Please don't cry and don't apologize, it's my fault." Everyone was silent and we briefly heard a scream. It was muffled by the walls of the detention room but was there none the less. Penny sighed, she wanted to be out there screaming and singing... and dancing, preferably with speed. That much I knew about my life ng friend.
Then when a group of heroes ran past us with tears and fear penny gasped, speed frowned, Gwen and I looked at each other. There was more groups that ran by. I started banging on the door to be let out. The other's joined me. As the groups stopped coming we stepped back. Now Penny was really crying, and my eyes were watering. Speed sat in the corner in a ball. Gwen sat at her desk looking blankly ahead.
Then flower child ran by. "Layla!" Penny suddenly screeched so loud I thought my ears would pop. But Layla never returned. But a face did appear, a dark skinned face with nerdy glasses. "Ethan." Speed said. "Please let us out!" Penny begged, crying. Ethan nodded and put his hands to his lips, telling us to quite down. We obliged.
Magenta's POV
I ran down the hall towards where my mom went. The light's went out as my mother's voice echoed around me. Zach went to get the emergency key for Ethan.
"Hello Mother." I said looking over my shoulder's, I knew she was there. "You shouldn't have messed with my knew school." I could imagine Ethan's warning in my head. Two minutes by now, he said I needed to make it out by 1:45 to make it off the school. I knew that I wouldn't make it out if I stayed. But neither was my mother.
Two hours later and Zach was sitting in the grass, crying. Ethan and Layla sat beside him, devastated was not the correct word. It was more like absolute horrifying sadness that didn't even seem. Imaginable an hour ago. Lash, Speed, Gwen, and Penny were sent to stay under watch. Will, Warren and Abegail were helping the other kids and hadn't heard the words yet. The words that were muted out to the other's, the words they didn't need to hear, the words they witnessed, the words they caused. Zach knew as soon as they left that Magenta never had any intention of joining them. She had come to this school to be a hero... and a hero she died as.
***Author's Note*** :
After Royal pain her gang was defeated the dance resumed. That was, it resumed until Magenta's mom attacked. Siren is one of the worst super villains to ever fight the commander and Jetstream. When she puts an indestructible bomb on the school. As everyone runs to get out Layla reminds Magenta and the other sidekicks of the people still locked in the detention room. The sidekicks slip away to risk their own lives to be a hero..
***My Previous Article*** :
**What the snow covers** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/what-the-snow-covers-2eebccc7
**Everyday being able to relive stress on myself** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/every-day-being-able-to-relieve-stress-on-myself-6fbe7640
**Egg salad** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/egg-salad-a0585a30
What the snow covers
As a child, I hated snow. I was the only kid that didn't love watching it fall, or tromping through it to the bus stop, or waging snowball wars. For my brothers, waking up to a layer of freshly fallen snow was like christmas. They would suit up in long Johns and snow pants and rush outside, while I sat in my room and read.
I have never been suited for life in northern Manitoba. I should have been born in Texas. I like things hot and dry. I like to see the sun, not the overwhelming canopy of gray that constantly hangs in the sky here.
This winter has been peculiar. Record high temperatures, record low snow, and I've loved every minute of it. It's like a preview of what it would be like to live somewhere nice. But it's snowing now. It started a few hours ago, and for the first time ever I'm glad of it.
**Lead Image** https://pin.it/1Y1Szlm
As I grew up I never learned to like the snow, or the cold, but I learned that I could avoid them. I have an SUV with a remote starter, a heated garage, and I keep my house at a comfortable 30 degrees. My daughters have learned to love snow. Everyday over winter break I sit in my kitchen, mug of Earl Grey in hand, and watch my girls capering in the snow, pretending to be princesses. Jessica, The oldest doesn't do that anymore. Thirteen is too dignified an age for pretend. She likes to make igloos and snow forts. My brother Dan used to come over and play with the girls. He took a special interested in Jess, always helping her with her projects. They built cavernous snow shelters together. I thought it was good of him, and good for him. He never had any kids of his own.
Today he came over early. He and Jess were working on a big Project. They were hollowing a cave out of the mound of snow that I plowed out of our driveway. Jess was planning on sleeping in it, and I was going to let Dan stay with her, for safety.
Around noon, when the other girls were napping, I took some hot chocolate out to Jess and Dan. I found Jessica backed into a corner of the cave, weeping. Her snow pants were pulled halfway down. Dan was struggling to zip up his jeans.
I know that what I did will be discovered eventually. People will question my story, wondering why Dan never mentioned a Job in Ottowa. They'll wonder why he doesn't answer his phone. In the spring melt somebody will find him. He'll be bloated and white, and people will come investigating. I'll face that when it happens for now the snow is falling heavy and wet, blizzard conditions. The news says it will continue all night, burying everything under a white blanket. For now Jessica is safe. For now I am safe, because of the snow.
***Author's Note*** :
The falling snow buries all evidence of a terrible event.
Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this piece, I'm glad ofcourse haha. Also, check out some of my other articles, you might like them as well. ❤
***My Previous Article*** :
**War of the wolves** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/war-of-the-wolves-5b5d4559
**Everyday being able to relive stress on myself** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/every-day-being-able-to-relieve-stress-on-myself-6fbe7640
**Egg salad** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/egg-salad-a0585a30
**Autumn** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/autumn-8554d0ba
War of the wolves
I hated him tall, rich and handsome. To bad for me, my mother loved him unconditionally. "Tristan," my mother cried and wrapped her arms around him. I narrowed my eyes at both of them as the kissed each other, stuffing my hands in my pockets as I refocused my gaze at the damp ground. "Cassie," Tristan smiled, opening his arms for a hug. I kept my expression blank and stayed where I was, my mother's smiled instantly disappearing. "I'll get my bags," I grumbled and walked around to the trunk, ignoring my mother's silent plea.
No one could replace my father, not for me anyway. But for my mother, some one could, and that was Tristan Blake. He was rich, confident, said and did all the right things, but he would never be family, never. It was quick marriage, only took two months to plan, say their vows, and off they were on their honeymoon. I slung the strap of my suitcase over my shoulder and trudged into the house where my mother marveled at everything. She was finally genuine happy. That's all I ever wanted. For both of us to be happy. But this... made me want to throw up. "Where's my room," I asked sharper than intended. My mother shot me a glare. "Pick one," Tristan smiled, making me want to punch him even more. I turned on my heel and stormed upstairs, leaving both of them standing at the bottom of the stares surprised.
"What did I do?" Tristan asked startled. My mother sighed.
"Nothing," she replied and then turned all giddy again. "Show me our room!" I sighed and began searching the twisting halls. Every room was the same, huge. I thought about giving up and sleeping in the car, until ai spotted a door at the end Of the hall that I hadn't seen before.
There were two big differences that separated this room from the others. For starters, it didn't look like Tristan's wallet had thrown up on it. Second, it was simple. The curtains were purple, the bed spread was purple, the walls were white and the floor was an old wood that suddenly to meclassified it as vintage. I liked it... until I pulled back the curtains.
I never really knew what love felt like, but after seeing the stellar view from my new bedroom window, I knew I was in deep. I was looking down on a valley, lit by the setting sun that painted everything orange and gold. Streams snaked their way across the landscape, sparkling against the dark hills, while the thick forests climbed their way up the sides of the basin and blanketed the lawn.
"PrideValley" some one informed behind me.
I spun around to find Tristan standing there, dark shadows sewn across his face. He stepped up next to me, not taking his eyes of the window. "They say that long ago werewolves used to roam free down there," he muttered, his voice matter of fact. "There's this old legend that gave it it's name. I was told it over a hundred times by the relater when I was interested in buying." He paused, and for a moment I saw something flash across his face. It was familiar expression that my mother would always get when she was remembering a happy memory.
"The locals said I was crazy to buy this place," he continued, a small grin tugging at him mouth. "Some times I think I was." I frowned at him, finding him more mysterious and insane. "Why did they say you were crazy," I asked curiously. "It's a nice place." He grinned down at his property, a devilish fire sparking in his eyes. "Because some say the werewolves never left." The valley suddenly looked different. It looked cold.
To take my mind off things, I began unpacking. To utter annoyance, all my things fit into my huge dresser. It only reminded me of how much I lost in that fire, everything that was important to me. I sat on my new bed, the different comforter feeling odd to me. The rain started splattering against my window, smearing the different colors together as I watch the sky darken into grey. "Cassie?" My mother asked through the door. "Dinner." I didn't move to open it; I wanted to be alone. "I'm not hungry," I replied.
"Cassie, please"
"No"
"Kate made this amazing-."
"I SAID NO."
She left after that, not bothering to ask what was wrong, nor say anything to make me feel better. I rolled on my side and stared at the blank wall, listening to the soft tremors of the thundering clouds in the distance. A different landscape soon replaced the plainness of my new room and for a moment, distracted me from my confused thoughts.
The wolf stood at the edge of the clearing, barely visible in the dark shadows that enveloped it. It watched me with it's ocean blue eyes. Studying me. Waiting for me to scream. Waiting for an excuse to kill me. I backed up a step, only to have the animal take a step towards me. My gaze went from its bared teeth to its eyes. I knew those eyes. The deep blue color of them were unforgettable. I saw them everyday when I looked in the mirror... they were mine.
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A shrill scream pierced the quiet room, and it took me a while to realize I had made that dying animal sound Beads of sweat matted my hair to my head. No a nightmare. I pushed off the covers and grabbed my phone on the nightstand. 3:52. The rain has decreased a bit, and only a soft drizzle was left.
Outside, the nearby forest seemed brighter than it had before. The earlier clouds had disappeared, leaving the stars and full moon perfectly visible and bright. It seemed peaceful and tempting, so tempting that I climbed out of bed and slipped on a sweatshirt and a pair of shoes.
The after effect of the rain left a heavy mist that lingered in the air and clung to everything. Leaves glistened with water, twinkling against the thick blackness in front of and behind me. Everywhere, insects chirped and hummed with excitement, their buzzing interrupting the calm silence.
I walked slowly along the path, taking my time as I strolled deeper and deeper into the darkness. The leaves above me were so tightly laced together that the light that I relied on to see before was gone, and I was trapped in an endless sea of tree trunks and bushes. I looked back down the twisting path, panicked to find that it had split in two without me realizing it. They looked the same, and both, lead into nothingness.
A soft howl suddenly echoed through the woods to my left. Without thinking, I began sprinting down one of the two trails in a rushed panic. Soon, a chorus of howls rang on top of each other building until the noise was deafening.
The ground suddenly disappeared beneath me as my foot met a solid object. I failed uselessly, only having seconds to panic before I hit the ground, hard. I bit back a scream as a sharp pain shot up my leg, confirming a sprained ankle. Fighting the urge to cry, I slowly stood up and wobbled before balancing on my right leg.
"You know, most girls, or actually, humans, would take a flashlight when they decide to take a midnight stroll in the woods." A silky and attractive voice scoffed behind me. I pivoted around and met some ones gaze. He was around any age, maybe a year or two older, with hair the color of midnight that curled slightly around his ears and brushed in his eyes. His plain white T-shirt showed off his muscular build, and the dark jeans he wore couldn't have been worn any better.
To sum things up he was h-o-t hot. The epitome of perfection. Just by looking at him I wanted to break the law just because he looked like the bad boy type. His flawless face was pulled into a vey curious expression, a hint of humor mixed in.
An amused grin was tugging at his mouth as he leaned against a tree. I let my heart rate slow before I answered. "And most boys, or actually, humans, don't scare the living shit out of people why they take a barefooted midnight walk in the woods," I fired back. He held up his hands in surrender. "Sorry wonderful," he snickered, crossing his arms over his chest. "No need to get defensive." I gritted my teeth together, swallowing my not so friendly words.
"What are doing out here anyways?" He asked, cocking his head to the right? Studying me for a second. I narrowed my eyes a bit. "I was about to ask you the same question," I muttered bitterly. He straightened up. "Is that so?" He asked teasingly. "It's really not your concern." I let my expression become cold. "Ditto," I replied.
He stood for a second, saying nothing. "You hurt your ankle," he guessed, watching as I tried to put pressure on it. "No, I'm jumping around on one foot because it makes me feel like a ballerina," I snapped, shooting him a dark look. This seemed to amused him even more, and I was torn between wanting to punch his face or make out with it. "You're not from around here are you?" He said, far from a question. I shook my head. "No, chicago," I admitted anyways. "Nice place once you get past the blood on the sidewalk and the police sirens at night, shit!" I flopped to the ground as my ankle gave way. Before I could resist, the boy crossed over to me and scooped me up in his arms.
"Wha-, what do you think you're doing?" I demanded, my eyes widening. He laughed and glanced down at me, the tiny flecks of gold in his irises flashing in the moonlight. "I highly doubt you're going to make it all the way back with a damaged ankle," he reminded, and I was suddenly very aware of how close he was when his intoxicating scent filled my senses. "Bu-," I started to protest before he cut me off.
"Just relax," he demanded smoothly. "You'll be fine." I was about plead for him to but me down, when sleep suddenly caught up with me, and my eyes lids drooped. I fought to keep them open, but it was an uphill battle. "Go to sleep wonderful," the boy mused, the soft laughter never leaving his voice. I gave in and succumbed to the darkness before I could reply.
As soon as I opened my eyes. I screamed. Again, my mother thundered up the stairs and threw opened the doorb so fast it slammed against the wall. "Wha-what is it?! It sounded like some one was trying to kill you!" She cried, her eyes wild with concern.
"Um, sorry, bad dream?" I laughed nervously as Tristan ambled up behind her, his hair messed from sleep. She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose in relief. Tristan on the other hand, stared intensely at me. "Sorry to wake you," I apologized blinking at the harsh light that intruded in thoug my curtains.
"Actually, I was going to be late if you hadn't." Tristan informed. "Can't keep my student's waiting." My eyes narrowed at him curiously. "It's the beginning of summer," I pointed out, "school ended two weeks ago," Tristan taught at the private high school on the outskirts of town, it was no secret he was smart.
"Yes, I realize that, but I teach the ugh, gifted students," he explained. I snorted at his attempt to defend them. "You mean the nerds?" I snickered. My mom's expression became cold. "No, the-," he tried again.
"Try hards," I announced seriously. My mother smacked her forehead with her hand. "NO! Gifted Students," Tristan cried, throwing up his hands in frustration. "By the way, I have classes here sometimes, so please don't interrupt." I smiled sweetly. "Little ole me?" I laughed, flicking my wrist at him. "NEVER!" My mother muttered something illegible and led Tristan back downstairs.
I swung my legs over the side of bed and jumped to the floor. The sudden feeling of needles stabbing me in the foot made me whimper in pain. I lifted up my pants leg to find my ankle a gross black and blue color, my heart pounded all over again. It wasn't a dream, it was real. He was real. I don't remember how long I stared at my own foot, trying to remember why I went out there in the first place before one of the maids suddenly barged into my room. "Oh sorry miss," she sputtered surprised and left. I grimaced at the now closed door and went to find some ibrofen, which pretty much killed the pain.
I found Tristan pouring some milk in his cereal in the kitchen, and hesitantly walked in. "Where's my mom," I asked slowly Tristan slowly put down the milk on the counter, suddenly, becoming nervous. "She went on a business trip didn't she?" I demanded angrily. "Twenty bucks it was out of the country." Tristan sighed. "I guess I owe you twenty," he muttered softly.
I let out. Frustated yell, hating the thought of being stuck in this house with just Tristan for a whole three weeks. "She's was going to tell you. But she didn't want to upset you,"he explained kindly. I look at him. "Look how well that work out," I snickered. Tristan swirled his cereal around with his spoon, sending some milk over board.
"Touché," he smiled. I sighed and headed towards the front door. "I'm going to head to town," I announce before slamming the door shut behind me. I swore things couldn't have gotten any worse...to bad things actually did.
***Author's Note*** :
They fuel nightmares and haunt peoples dreams, they've kept people wanting more in books and movies for generations. And even if the world is obsessed with these demons, they were never suppose to be real. By the way, have a Good Day! How was your day? ❤ I hope you are okay. ✨
***My Previous Article*** :
**Everyday being able to relieve stress on myself** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/every-day-being-able-to-relieve-stress-on-myself-6fbe7640
**Egg salad** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/egg-salad-a0585a30
**Autumn** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/autumn-8554d0ba
**Dealing with non-christians** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/dealing-with-non-christians-0acc40b8
Every day being able to relieve stress on myself
Every day we will not really lose the problems that always enter our minds, we can not let go of it but we can forget in a short time somehow we need to relax our minds and ourselves.
I have different strategies for relieving myself of stress.
**Every Morning drinking Coffee**
Every morning I always make coffee because coffee is really my life. I always relax when I drink and then eat biscuits haha .
***Watching Tiktok.***
I always watch my BTS Idols because they are really good, I am one of the ones they admire so I never get tired of watching them and listening to their songs. It's a pity I really don't have enough money so I can't watch their concerts. . If I was just rich haha maybe I'm in korea now on vacation and going to different beautiful places in korea .
***Walking to bukid***
It feels really good to be able to take a walk in the farm especially when the morning breeze is cold so we can really relax our minds after looking at the beautiful scenery. Here in our farm every Sunday there are a lot of people jogging in the morning so there are so many people that the vehicles can hardly pass properly so many have also set up shops ..
***Going to my Jowa***
Every Sunday I always go to my boyfriend to be with him because I don't want to stay in our house too much to get bored so I'm really stressed haha I have to rest but I can't rest from the awkwardness of the people in our house.
I'm so happy when I go to my jowa because he always gives me free food and then we'll go around their place so it's not boring haha
So my jowa planned to buy Flowerhorn fish for the two of us to take care of because he said it relieves stress. .I'm glad because she's so beautiful so I hope she can be raised well.
***Watching Netflix***
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Everything can be watched just to entertain my mind haha but the last time I watched Squid game even though I watched it late, I was really thrilled to watch it because they changed their lives because of money. .even if I don't have money, I won't trade my life for money because money runs out quickly, we borrow life from the lord, so while I'm still alive, I'll do everything so that I can leave something good in the world ..
After I watched that, I couldn't watch another movie because I was too busy with my work. Stress at home, stress at work, so we only meet my boyfriend once a week ..
***Author's Note*** :
thanks for always reading my article. I hope you like it hihi 😊❤️. What are the things that can relieve your stress? ..
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***My Previous Article*** :
**Egg salad** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/egg-salad-a0585a30
**Autumn** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/autumn-8554d0ba
**Dealing with non-christian** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/dealing-with-non-christians-0acc40b8
**Chin up princess** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/chin-up-princess-734f869b
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**Magical moth** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/magical-moth-f9e0cb29
**I always wondered what nothing meant** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/i-always-wondered-what-nothing-meant-6e4ad203
**Does god exist then why is there suffering** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/does-god-exist-then-why-is-there-suffering-d0adfb3f
Thank you Very much sis @Bloghound for sponsorship again 😊❤️ Good bless you always and more bch to you.
Egg Salad
When he got home from work the front door was locked. He frowned as he slid the key in and turned it. They never locked the doors. In the living room all of the drawers were pulled out of the entertainment center and DVD cases were strewn carelessly about on the floor. He took off his boots and jacket, dropped them by the door, and went to the kitchen. She was waiting for him, sitting at the table with her back towards him.
"Hey baby," he said. "How's it going?"
He inhaled heavily, sighed, then smiled. "You would not believe the day I had at work. It was insane. God, I'm hungry."
He opened the fridge. "Where the hell is all the food? You didn't get to the shopping today? Alright, that's alright."
There was a bowl filled with hardboiled eggs. He grabbed two of them and said, "We were completely swamped all day. It was like Black Friday or some shit." He also took a jar of mayonnaise and a bottle of mustard. "Of course the computer's went down at noon, like they do every Friday. Jesus Martin was pissed, but I've been telling him for months to get some IT guys in."
He peeled the eggs, dropped them into another bowl and spooned a dollop of mayo over them. "We had to start writing orders on slips, which was fine until the heating vents kicked in. Paper all over the place, accountants scrambling around and knocking into each other. Jesus, you've never seen such a mess." He glanced towards her. She was still facing away from him, but he knew she was listening. He got a fork, then slammed the silverware drawer shut harder than he meant to. He saw her jump, and he smiled. "Where is Alex? Usually he comes to see his old man right away. He's not gone today, is he? You knew I wanted to spend the evening with him."
Her shoulder tensed.
He used the fork to slowly mash the eggs, mixing them together with the mayonnaise. He relished the sensation of slowly pressing down on the white ovals, feeling them bend and split.
"We need to talk," she said.
"Yeah, I got the feeling that we do. Where's Alex?"
"He's at moms tonight. He's staying there."
"Damn it, I told you I was taking him fishing tonight. I told you that."
She was silent. He picked up the mustard bottle and squeezed a healthy amount over his eggs. He stirred it all together, watching the yellow diffuse through the whole mess, staining it orange. The color and the texture made it look like vomit. "I always hated this shit," he said, "when I was a kid. So what do you think we need to talk about? Hey, why don't you turn around. Look at me."
She turned slowly towards him. Her eyes were red and puffy. She was looking down at the linoleum. "Look up at me." She did. Her eyes glittered with moisture. He set the bowl down on the counter and rolled open the cover of the bread box. He took out a bag, pulled the twist tie off and took four slices of whole wheat out, setting them down in a row.
"So what?" He asked.
"I'm leaving you."
He was rummaging around in the cupboard over the sink, looking for pepper. His hand stopped. He blinked, then brought the pepper grinder down.
"What the hell did you just say?"
He slowly twisted the grinder, sprinkling a heavy black snow of pepper onto the eggs. He held his breath while doing it, a behavior he picked up from Alex. Alex thought that pepper made you sneeze. Saw it in a cartoon.
She repeated, "I'm leaving you. I packed all my shit, and I'm going to go to stay with my sister. Alex is coming with me. I'll let him come back down here every few months. My friends told me to leave before you got home, but I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to say goodbye. I thought I should I say thank you for....being so good to me. And Alex."
He slopped some egg onto two of the pieces of bread and then pressed them all together.
"I figured you would cut and run eventually, being the bitch you are, but what makes you think you can take my kid away? And why thank me for..." He looked up slowly, one of the sandwiches halfway to his mouth. "You whore," he said..
"I thought he was yours at first. I did, really. He looked just like you."
"But he's not, is he?"
"No, I found out last week."
He took a bite out of the sandwich and chewed it slowly thinking. Too much mustard. He set the sandwich down, moved forward a pace and backhanded her as hard as he could across the face. She screamed and fell to the floor, sobbing and holding her mouth. Blood dripped from her fingers.
"You should have listened to your friends," he said.
"I know," she said between sobs, barely coherent. "I know I should have but I wanted to give you this." She lifted her left hand, holding up something that looked like a gun. His eyes widened and he stepped back, holding his hands up.
"Listen, don't do that. You can just go, ok?"
She squeezed down on the trigger, there was a pop, and two darts shot out. They slammed into his chest. He screamed, a short outburst that was cut off when all of the muscles in his body seized up. He doubled over and his arms starting flailing. He fell to the floor. She stood up and stepped over his thrashing legs. He barely heard the front door open and close. When he could finally stand again he walked to the living room and looked through the window, wiping thrown up egg salad from his face. She was long gone, and she wouldn't be coming back.
***Author's Note*** :
The goal this time was to write a story about making a sandwich. I think this story is about an event that takes place while a guy is making a sandwich, but that's close enough, right? A woman gets some small revenge on her abusive husband and leaves him.
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***My Previous Article*** :
**Dealing with non-christians** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/dealing-with-non-christians-0acc40b8
**Chin up princess** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/chin-up-princess-734f869b
**My story** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/my-story-70283656
Autumn
Autumn had fallen in the sleepy town of St. George. Red leaves rustled in a cool breeze while squirrels burried their acorns in abandoned lawns. To the relief of frightened children, the feral hounds had retreated into the compounds of deserted factories. Migrating birds unloaded droppings over walls of peeling paint, to the dismay of whoever unlucky enough to be confined in the decaying streets.
**Lead Image** https://pin.it/P2rHr7F
The frenzied activity of the animals was mirrored by the humans. Are there enough warm clothes? Can we still do with the old ventilation? Did we chop enough firewood? Is there enough money to repair the damaged windows? Can we afford flu shots for our children? Everywhere, heartbeats intensified as couples mulled over their mounting spending, and one could hear unfortunate arguments breaking out as husband and wife blamed each other for their continued hardship.
Why wasn't there ever enough money? The residents in St. George blamed everything, immigrants, the rich, republicans, democrats and the list goes on. But they understood the truth. America was moving forward, and they were getting left behind. Nobody cared about them anymore. The vandalised election posters had fallen, and nobody had bothered to replace them. They could denounce elitist politicians and exploitative businesses, but nobody had heard or helped them for so long that they had simply resigned themselves to their fate.
In one household sat a little toddler, oblivious to the ringing bell of anxiety, oblivious to the violence and crime that raged outdoors, oblivious to the unrestrained pessimism of his parents. Carefully, he stacked one square block on another, making one long cuboid. Beside, his older brother watched with a guarded eye. Even when he tried teaching him to build actual stuff, even when he demonstrated how to build castles and all, this was the only result. Did he have no imagination? Why was he so different from the other kids? A shout upstairs gave him a momentary jolt. Quarelling again, he thought as he sighed gravely.
"Please, Clarence, he just needs more time! Can't you just wait for a while longer?"
"Emma, for God's Sake!" Clarence buried hjs head in his hands. For the sake of his other children, he had to win this fight. "The kid's nearly five! What're you going to do, keep him out of kindergarten? Out of school? He's not going to change, Goddamnit!"
A sudden spasm of fear swept through Emma's space. "Sarah, sarah says we should wait for..."
"Wait, what? We're hard-pressed here! Haven't you seen him with the toys? He's never, ever looked at us directly! He doesn't speak! We don't need to wait any longer, and we certainly don't need any of those, those bloody taste by the asshole professionals to tell for ourselves!
"Maybe he would talk at us if you wouldn't shout at him to stare you in the eye everytime you see him!" Emma's expression had hardened and her voice was turning into a scream. "You saw the place! All the old kids are hooked and the younger ones may as well as join the feral dogs outside! And you, you want him in there? Might as well curse him to hell!"
"So? You going to have him here forever? When he's bleeding out my wallet? Can't you see, the end result is the same either way! I swear, if that bitch sarah asks us to spend my hard-earned money on another one of those special needs whatevers, as if we're rolling in as much money as she is..."
"That what? He becomes a useless imbecile? I'm her mother, damnit! And I say..."
And I'm the only fucking breadwinner!" Clarence exploded, his face red with rage. "Who drives around day to night to put food on the table, huh? So that our kids can go to school? And you're going to spend all my money, my damned money on someone that we can't really help? What about our other children? They going to be wearing the same clothes, the same shoes forever? They going to elementary school forever? That they going to have the same life as us? No, I say!"
A tear slid down from Emma's reddened eyes, and she let out a small sob. "Please, Clarence, please understand..."
He took her hand, and his expression softened. The battle was won. "Emma, I do. I love that kid too, really. If I could make enough money to make a significant change in his life, if I had the ability, but then I'm uneducated, I can't get a good job, and I'm fucking stupid, and I, I..." Clarence was lost for words. His eyes had become watery, and his hands began to shake uncontrollably.
Spontaneously, both husband and wife shared a warm hug, and all the mutual hatred that had been exchanged in the argument vanished instantly. They knew that couldn't do much for the child because they were poor, and they hated themselves for not being wealthier, for not having the means to make a difference. Both confessed their guilt to each other, and in that moment, the decision was made.
The little toddler placed the last block upon the structure his handiwork, his face broke out into a rare grin, one that his mother would have delighted over but may not have the chance to see any longer.
Outside, leaves rustled in the breeze.
***Author's Note*** :
Thanks for reading. If you. Enjoyed this piece, please vote for it. Also, check out some of my other short pieces, you might like them as well.
***My Previous Article*** :
**Dealing with non-christians** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/dealing-with-non-christians-0acc40b8
**Chin up Princess** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/chin-up-princess-734f869b
**My story** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/my-story-70283656
Thank you Very very Much Much Mareeeeng @expertwritter sa pag sponsor ulit sakin 😊😊🥰 pasensya ma kung medyo hindi nagiging active pero still I love Noise and Readcash padin kung wala ito wala akong mapagkukunan . Busy lang talaga pero nakakapag basa padin naman haha
Dealing with Non-Christians
****One afternoon with a friend.***
Me: God has a perfect plan for his people, which is why wait for him everyday.
**Friend**: *scoffs* why wait for him when you can do whatever you want?
**Me**: If I do go my own ways, life isn't going to be easy for me. Desires won't satisfy me, I'll be more empty as ever.
**Friend**: you know what, I had enough of God from you. You shouldn't be talking trash. *begins to walk away.*
As believers of Christ, we may have that one friend/family who typically opposes christianity, or use harsh words against the name of the Lord Jesus when we represent him. It's saddening to be in the situation, especially knowing those people are going to miss out the wonderful blessings.
However, mentioning the name of jesus, is as great as an opportunity. You will be rejected, yes, but what you are doing is exalting God and bringing yourself even closer to his presence.
They (the non-christians) may not understand what changed you so suddenly; that is the sign of God's Light shining through you. It is the work of God in your life, an awesome blessing to confess to others of your testimony with christ. There's a wonderful promise that lies in the book of Matthew.
Blessed are you When people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. - **MATTHEW 5:11,12**
Unfortunately there's nothing we can do to turn their hearts toward our God--for we are not authorize to do so. We are only christ's representatives; the salt that sustains the world. We share the Gospel by inspiring them to come forward to the presence of the Lord. Everyone has a choice, either they want to be saved or go their own ways.
Then how should we deal with non-christians? What is the appropriate manner before God?
***Here are a couple of advice based from the bible.***
**1.Don't Push.**
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. **2 Peter 3:9**
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. -**Ephesians 2:8,9**
As I have said above, we are not authorize to change a person. It is God alone who can miraculously transform one's heart. He himself has patience towards his people, watching closely if we'll have the right decision to accept him and ask for repentance. That is how graceful and merciful the Lord is.!
The second verse--which happens to be grace inspired girls signature Bible verse, tells us that all--including us, are saved by faith and not by our works. God has chosen from the beginning who will be his adoptive child. He will save that person only if it complies to his will.
So do not force yourself to engage someone to get themselves to church. The more you are discouraging them because it is out of reluctance than a desire.
**2.Don't give up**
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. -1 Corinthians 16:13
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumtances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -**1 Thessalonians 5:16-18**
I once was rejected by my bestfriend only because I mentioned God to her. It was a heartache to read her text message, "enough of God okay!!! What she needs right now is you and not God!!!." There were numerous exclamation points. I was aghast by her statement, I broke down in tears. My mom explained to me at the time, "it isn't your fault, all you can do is to pray for her."
Pray. It's all that we need to face opposition. God knows that being a Christian in an arrogant world is not comfortable. Prayer gives us the hope for those we care for, and the courage to keep fighting for them in faith. There's a saying, you can have hope without faith, but you can't have faith without hope.
To have faith is to believe that God will do as he's promised. Never cease praying for them, for the lord hears our desperate prayers. You may never know that one day the person who cursed God then will be praising him in adoration.
Don't discourage yourself than can hinder you from trusting God. It is what I've learned when I found my way deeper into his love. It would be painful, but know that he brings people into our lives to teach us and to streghthen us-- when we are ready enough to share our testimony.
I encourage you to keep sharing, Let God reveal himself through you. If one refuses, let it go. For you've already done your part, and you need to submit it to the Lord who is in absolute control of everything.
***Author's Note*** :
May God bless your journey. 😊 have a nice day! .
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***My Previous Article*** :
**Chin up Princess** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/chin-up-princess-734f869b
**My story** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/my-story-70283656
**Parking lots and meetings** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/parking-lots-and-meetings-b34dd827
**Magical moth** https://read.cash/@Caroline17/magical-moth-f9e0cb29
@Caroline17
