Category Archives: Short Stories

Art, Creativity, Short Stories

Short Story #22

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“Hey Honey! Can you come here a second?” I call out from my office.

His head popped into the doorway, “What’s up, Hon?” Henry walked over to my desk where I was still glued to my laptop.

“What do you think? I want to present it to the meeting tomorrow. Do you think it is done? Do you think they will like it?” I shoved my laptop up into his arms.

Henry’s face glowed as he stared at the screen. He was doing his best to hide all emotions. He finally set the laptop on my desk in front of me, and he looked down at me.

I too gazed up at him awaiting his response…

He bent down and kissed me. A small sweet peck on my mouth. “I hope they love it. I do. I know my dad would have loved it too. He would have been so honored to have a library designed after him, but also be touched that he helped with the idea as well.” Again he kissed me; this one a little deeper. “Thank you Hon. I love it too.”

I smiled. No I beamed! I had hope my husband would love my design, but I’m so happy to know that I did old Hank proud. That Hank would have loved my design.

Hank had always wanted to design a library; a library that was fun for kids but also for adults. A library that would inspire reading. So I added caves, hideouts, secret panels, false walls, and at the center I added a tunnel called Hank’s Tunnel.

I stretched back up, and kissed my husband back; just a quick peck, “I’m so happy you love it! Do you think the board will approve it?”

“They would be dumb not to. It’s inspiring, interesting, captivating, and a memorable for someone. But it will all depend, I think, on your presentation. Let’s work on that tonight; I’ll give you some feedback and pointers so that they don’t reject your design.”

Oh! I loved him. Even though he just had a long hard day at work; he was still willing to help me with mine. “That sounds great! What’s your work schedule like for tomorrow?” I stood and snuggled into my husband’s embrace.

“Sadly I’m busy all day. Meeting clients and reps. I probably won’t see you until after working hours again,” He wrapped his arms tighter around me, “but I’ll make it home for dinner.”

“No problem. I’ll text you what the board members say as soon as the meeting is over. Good or bad, let’s have hamburgers tomorrow night. Sound good?”

“Sounds perfect.”

…

Well as much as I was hoping that today was going to be smooth sailing, I was so wrong. Sarah decided to present something today as well. And magically she gets to go before me; this is not the first time. But what many people don’t know, is she has stolen may last four designs. She must watch me sketch or take sneak pictures, but she always goes first and she always has my designs just tweaked a smidge, so that they are not identical.

I’ve never really cared. I’m a senior designer; I’ve been with the company now twelve years. I’ve designed various buildings, events, vacations, weddings, etc. I’ve not just settled for being one type of designer; I’ve always wanted to do it all. So Sarah has only stolen invitation designs, an art mural location, a cafe logo, and a coffee shop revamp. The last one was my last freebie to her though.

Three weeks ago, I told her as such. After that meeting I pulled her outside and told her she was to stop taking my ideas, or I would take this matter up the ladder to the VP. He was my direct boss.

Sarah was baffled at that. I’m guessing she believed she could do this forever. But she assured me that she had only “borrowed” the last few designs to secure a permanent job. She explained that her mom was sick and she needed the pay bump. Which I totally can understand; and why I decided to brush the last four designs under the rug. Only my husband knew the truth, besides me. But I adamantly told her she needed to submit her own work from now on.

So yes, I’m surprised Sarah is presenting today. Yes, I’m bummed I don’t get to go first, because hers might be amazing. But I’m pumped to present my design! I really hope that the proposal goes through and Hank’s library can come to life. I was ready. With my husband’s help last night I was ready for any type of question that might be thrown at me. Thinking of my husband I sent out a quick text as I settled into my chair in the meeting room. ‘The meeting is about to start. I’ll text you after. Love you.’

Just as I put my phone on silent he texted back, ‘love you too! Good luck!’

I love him. Sarah came into the room, and I put away my phone. She settled onto the chair across from me. The other employees and members followed in behind her. I was ready!

Or not…

Sarah started her presentation. It was a library. She said it was a new kind of library. She clicked for the next slide, “It will be called Hank’s Library,” her voice echoed in my head. It was exactly same as mine. Exactly. She didn’t even try to hide her crime. Everything was the same, down to the tunnel named Hank’s tunnel. That was my special gift to my father-in-law.

I was livid! Enough was enough! This ends here! I stood suddenly; smacked my hand down on the table, “Enough!” Everyone jumped at my outburst. I didn’t just stand still, waiting for retaliation; I moved towards Sarah. I was like a cobra sizing up its prey. It was no longer a battle; it was a bloodbath. “So Sarah, do you want to stick to your claim that this design is yours? Or do you want to retract your previous statement?” She didn’t deserve a chance, but I gave it to her anyways. Sarah just stood there frozen. She didn’t speak. No one spoke, actually. They all were silent.

“I don’t know what you are saying, Joleen. This IS my design.” Sarah manage to get the words out without sounding like a complete liar.

So she decided to take the path to being fired. I shook my head and walked past Sarah to the front of the room. “Ladies and gentleman, you are being lied to, and if it was to continue it could have major repercussions to the company. The design that my colleague tried to present; is actually my own design. I unplugged Sarah’s USB and plugged in my own. Almost an identical opening slide popped up, but mine looked more professional. My husband had given me some pointers of what the board members liked to see. I didn’t wait for anyone’s approval; I just began my presentation. It was clear, precise, informative, but still open to suggestions. When I finish; applause erupted around. All but Sarah who was still standing where I left her.

“Well Joleen,” Samuel Kingsley was the first to speak, “I must say that was indeed a wonderful presentation and a truly remarkable design. But the issue of whether or not this project is indeed yours cannot be proven,” he was saying this less to me and more to the table.

“It can,” I looked him directly in the eye. He wouldn’t look at me; so he was a schemer too. “I’ll open up the next segment for questions. If certain questions are asked; then the truth will surface naturally.

“Why is it called Hank’s library? Who is Hank?” Stephen called out into the silence.

“That’s the question. Thank you Stephen. Hank is my Father-in-law, or I should say was. He passed away before this idea could become a reality. Hank’s tunnel was actually his input,” that last remark I directed solely at Mr. Kingsley. He started to fidget in his chair.

“Do you even have proof?” Sarah finally blurred out finding her voice, “I called it Hank’s Library because of a role model in my life. The tunnel was because my nephew was chimming in with ideas and suggested a tunnel. This is my design!”

She was good. I didn’t expect her to have a story cooked up. I did have proof, but it was in my study at home. I knew that with Mr. Kingsley backing up Sarah they wouldn’t allow me to run and get it. Or even if I did, they would say I faked it. I only had one option. I walked back to my seat; dug my phone out of my bag and texted him. ‘Pineapple.’

My phone vibrated and his name flashed on the screen. I answered, even though phones were forbidden during meeting hours, “hey, could you get something from my house? Yeah. I’ll tell the nanny to grab it for you. She knows where it is. No. It’s not good. A colleague tried to steal my design. The same one. They say I need proof. A Mr. Kingsley,” I glanced at Kingsley who looked confused at the sight before him. “You will. Thank you. I’ll tell her now.” I hung up my phone, but before stowing it away I texted my nanny to have the proof ready for him. I stowed my phone away, and settled back down into my chair.

All eyes were on me. “Well?” Sarah said with disgust, “are you going to prove yourself?”

I laughed, “did you not hear me on my phone? Do your ears not work. Maybe they don’t; since I told you three weeks ago that I would not allow you steal another one of my designs.” Sarah’s face went white. She tried to interrupt, but I cut her off, “no. You don’t get a say. I was going to be understanding and let you keep those last four proposals, but you trying to steal this design. A design that I worked on with my father-in-law before he died. That on the day he died, he begged me to make it a reality. That he wanted to watch from heaven; seeing his grandkids running around the library,” I wiped an escaping tear from my cheek. I truly missed Hank.

“But no. You had to steal again. So yes, I will be filing a complaint against you with your last four projects. I’m amazed you are willing to do this with everything you have on the line. Your mom, your career, your future. When it is proven, and it will be, you will be blacklisted. Do you not understand that?” I was still livid, but I also felt a smidge guilty towards her mom.

“What issues with her mom?” Cassandra blurted out. She was just a small fry in the far back; “her mom is vacationing in the Bahamas right now I think. Right, Sarah?”

Wow. Just wow. “So you not only steal projects; but you lied so easily about your mom. Here I was feeling guilty towards her lying in a hospital. But actually she doesn’t even know anything about this or anything at all,” so Sarah was just a leech.

“None of this actually proves anything. Right, everyone?” Sarah pleaded with the table and the now crowd that had formed at the door. “She’s just stalling; she has no proof, or she would have brought it forward. Mr. Kingsley, I think we should proceed, and just use Joleen’s presentation as my own, since she interrupted me. Everything she said was my own thoughts, except for the person inspired.”

“True. Very true. I believe you would have done an amazing job on your presentation as well,” Mr. Kingsley now stood beside Sarah.

I wonder how much he supported her. As if reading my mind Kingsley rested a hand on the small of her back. Nothing I said would help, instead I settled into my seat, waiting for the man to show up.

As if on cue, “who is questioning my senior designer?” The VP walked into the room.

“Mr. Walters,” Mr. Kingsley walked over to the VP, “Joleen has stolen Sarah’s project, she” the VP held up a hand.

“Really,” Mr, Walter’s glanced in my direction, “show me the design in question. You are Sarah right? You present it to me. You had just mentioned, before I came in, that you would have said everything that Joleen had said. You will have fifteen minutes for your presentation, and you must cover everything she did, word for word. Begin” the VP took his chair at the far end of the table.

Sarah again didn’t speak. She just stood there baffled and stunned at his request, but she couldn’t very well deny the VP’s request.

“Mr. Walter’s, it’s not right for us to expect perfection,” Mr. Kingsley tried to defend Sarah.

Again he held his hand up, “so she forfeits her chance to prove herself. Alright, Joleen,” I stood. “Will you present your presentation again? Same expectations apply. Will you?”

“ I will.” I walked back to the front and presented again, but this time there were no nerves. It was truly perfection. I was again greeted with applause, plus the VP’s.

“Does anyone still question the true owner of this design?” Mr. Walters asked the room.

“That’s not proof. She said she had proof. When she interrupted me; she wiped my brain clean. It must have traumatized me, and that’s why I couldn’t present when I was asked. She hasn’t proven anything.” Sarah finally spoke.

I’m realizing that she can only speak when it is lies coming out of her mouth. That honesty gets trapped and lies just flow. I wanted to…

“You mean this proof?” The VP held up a yellowed napkin in a plastic sleeve. However, this napkin was all marked up with ideas and sketches. The words unmistakably titled the napkin, Hank’s Library. There was a note jotted at the bottom saying Hank’s tunnel. But the most important marking was the bottom right corner. There were the names: Hank and Joleen. Plus the date 12-03-2019; almost three years ago. Proving Joleen as the official designer of the library.

Talking erupted! And as if cohesively, all eyes stared at the two who definitely lied.

“How do we know someone didn’t fake this evidence, because she is a senior designer,” Sarah blurted out.

But she was not met with understanding; but with shock and horror. Because this time she didn’t question me, she was accusing the VP.

What she said must have dawned on her because she started to backtrack. “I wasn’t. I didn’t.” Mr. Kingsley too moved away from Sarah; probably realizing she was a sinking ship now.

I too walked back to my seat; but this time I relaxed into my seat waiting for what would come next. The bloodbath was ending.

“Ms. Marks, you have proved to be without morals and untrustworthy. You have also committed forgery and with a further investigation, an additional four more forgeries. You will go to HR today to go through the process of termination,” Mr. Walters did not look her way, instead he had been typing a text. He stowed his phone back into his jacket pocket and looked at the astonished Sarah. Two security men came into the room. “Please escort Ms. Marks to HR, and then off the premises. Use force if necessary. Please leave,” motioning to the door.

“No! I won’t leave. This is my job. I need this job! You can’t fire me. On what basis. I’ll sue you!” Sarah was frantically attempting to escape the security’s grasp. But she was no match for them. They grabbed her by the upper arm and escorted her out the door and off to HR. She continued to protest until her voice could no longer be heard.

“Now. For Mr. Kingsley. You are under investigation. You are suspended without pay until the verdict is in,” Mr. Walters again did not look at the person in question but instead was texting.

“On what grounds? You have no say in this matter. I’ve been with the company twenty years. Sarah lied to me as well; I thought I was helping a younger generation succeed in the workplace. What gives you the right to,” he stopped his rant. Because he went too far. Just like Sarah had done. Questioning the company, arguing the claims put against you, all fine; but don’t put the blame on the VP.

Two security guards came once again. “Will you go willing? Or will they need to forcefully remove you from the premises too?” Mr. Walter finally glanced at the now very screwed Mr. Kingsley.

“I’ll take my leave willingly,” and he strode from the room with the security guards following.

“Congratulations Joleen,” Mr. Walter stood from his chair and shook my hand. “Your design and presentation was superb. Everything I expected from my senior designer. I will be sending the recording of your presentation to the other board directors, but it should be accepted. It was outstanding. Take this victory!” Mr Walters handed me the sleeved napkin. Then he left the room.

‘It should be accepted!’ Mine and Hank’s hard work finally payed off. My coworkers congratulated me as they went back to their desks. I sat once again in that chair. Soaking up everything that had happened. But next I did what needed to be done.

Text: “Happiness!”

…

I got home maybe ten minutes before Henry came through the door. With meat covered hands and all, I ran from the kitchen to him. My pose ready for a hug; he laughed and pulled me in for one, but while avoiding my hands.

“Good work today! I’m glad that everything has been resolved and you can move forward without worry.” Henry followed me to the kitchen.

“All thanks to you!” I went back to forming the hamburgers. “I don’t know what I would have done if you had been busy.”

“Well you got my attention when you sent the word pineapple. I was so confused. I thought maybe you had sent a voice text and it autocorrected it to pineapple,” Henry chuckled about it was he sat on a barstool.

I washed my hands and joined him on the barstools. The hamburgers could wait. “I thought that was your panic word,” I laughed at my mistake. “I thought using it would kickstart everything.”

“Now that you say that, I do remember saying something about pineapple. Well it worked even though I forgot,” Henry pulled my barstool closer to him, my legs in between his. “Now you know to not allow projects to be stolen. Because greed always comes with that. They always want one more; because it’s easier than doing the work themselves.”

“You’re right. I’ll try to be better. I’m bummed though; that no one can know our relationship at work.”

“You know,” Henry started…

“I do. I know it would become a weakness to the both of us. All of our competitors would use it against us. But I will say the secret office romance is fun too,” I smiled at him. “A VP and a senior designer, it’s like one of those romance books.” I laughed but he didn’t.

Instead all I could see on his face was wanting. Desire. Love. So I leaned forward and closed the gap between us with a deep kiss. I started to pull away, but he grabbed my face and deepen the kiss.

A VP and a senior designer fell in love and lived happily ever after.

The End

Digital Art By: emily2jane
09-19-26
Art, Creativity, Life As A Mama, Reflections, Short Stories

Short Story #21

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Jane

“Yeah. I feel like there might already be a child out there with that sales clerk. The wife wants a fifth child. So technically I’ve already reached that number right?” Laughter bellowed out the bar doors.

I stood there. Hand on handle. ‘So everything had been a lie? From the beginning? My deal breaker at the beginning of our relationship was I wanted us both to be a virgin. I never wanted to worry if my husband was thinking about someone else. Or would start to compare me to his first.” He assured me I was his first. And of course he was mine. Now it all comes to light. I wasn’t his first. There had been someone else. Was me wanting our family to have one more child really cause for mentioning someone I thought didn’t exist. Especially tonight, he was in talking to our friend group. We had asked them out to dinner. Because I wanted to share our, what I thought was happy news; I was pregnant with our fifth child.

I just found out this morning. I wanted to surprise Jasper with everyone but I couldn’t keep it a surprise. I blurted it out at breakfast. “I’m pregnant!!” Now I understand why I couldn’t really figure out his expression. He was shocked, happy, but something else, that at the time I didn’t know. It was disappointment. He was happy we were pregnant, but he had also wished for it not to happen. After our last daughter was born I asked if we could try for one more; so that we could try to give our son a brother. My husband at the time agreed to it willingly. And joked that he would try his best to make a boy, but that nothing could be chosen. I didn’t force it on him, I didn’t hang it over his head. I thought we both wanted it. I yanked open the door, I should find out what’s going on with him.

“Yeah. She was hot. I actually am following her again. Let me pull up her profile so you can see what I had early on!” He, without any remorse pulled his phone from his pocket and started scrolling.

I was now standing just inside the entrance. But their table was maybe fifteen feet away from where I stood. So I heard and saw it all. I heard his aroused tone, and saw his face. My heart twisted in a new way, hurt in such a way I had never known. He still looked at me that way. All these years. He still looked at me with desire and pleasure. How could he make that face for a woman he only sees online. He looked at me that way just before our baby was conceived. Had he been thinking about her?

‘No! Now the thoughts are happening. This is what I didn’t want. This is why being a virgin was so important to me. That I wouldn’t wonder if he settled for me back then, and every time he thought of her…’ That thought hurt more than anything. Did he ever love me? Was I just what he could get? Did he ever want our kids? Did he ever want me?…

“Jane! There you are!” My friend Gloria called out to me.

I wasn’t going to stay. I waved at Gloria. At the rest of the table. I started to back away.

Gloria rushed up to me, “Hey sweetie. It’s okay. It’s okay. I’m here. What do you want to do?”

“I want to leave. I don’t want to be here anymore,” I glance at him. He was still glued to his screen. Almost drooling. It was a disgusting sight. “Please. I don’t want to see him.” I started to turn back to the door.

“Alright baby. Let’s go! Ladies! We are leaving if you want to come with us to my house.” Gloria held me in her arms to escort me out of the restaurant. I was glad for her help, because I don’t know if I could have walked on my own. All of the women at the table got up from their seats and made a mad dash to the door. A few of the husbands that had still been sitting at the table, instead of gawking at Jasper’s phone; they too stood to leave the restaurant.

I glanced over once again through the glass door showing my lustful husband; panting as he looked at her photos. My heart crumbled.

Jasper

“Dude? Dude!? Jasper!?” Marlene’s husband who had stayed at the table to chew Jasper out.

“What!?!” Jasper finally looked up from his phone. The other husbands too looked up from the screen. “Wait? Where is everyone? Why is it only you Jacobs?”

“Because you are…the worst of the worst. We are in public, or you would not be getting this treatment. Are you really enjoying looking at another woman that much? Really? Did you not think about how your wife would feel if she knew what you were doing?”

“What are you talking about, man? I showed her picture once, then after looking at her again I realized Jane is way hotter. That I’ve been stupid these last few days. I don’t know what made me even think of her. Probably one of those demons we just learned about in church, that their mission is to ruin marriages. As soon as I deleted her profile I asked God to cast the demon out. I feel better than I have these past five days. I’m here to tell you! Don’t let that kind of demon inside of you, they really do hit you hard and make you become a…butt of yourself. Public.” Jasper sat down at the table with the rest of the husbands. “We’ve been looking at the different foods they serve here. I’m starved and I thought this would help keep my hunger at bay. Why?”

Jacob was stunned by Jasper’s recant of what really happened. Here he had thought the worst of him. He was about to put him through the wringer. Jane… “Dude. You need to go find your wife. She heard you. She heard everything. She was here. That’s why everyone else is gone. They heard you too. They misunderstood just like I did. But dude. Jane looked broken. She looked…” Jacob whipped out his phone. Texting his wife Marlene to let her know the true story. “What are you still sitting there for? Go!”

“She heard me,” Jasper smashed his face into his hands. “She heard me?! What exactly did she hear?! Be specific!”

“All of it. She was just at the entrance door when you mentioned thinking you had a kid with that woman. Marlene knew Jane had heard, just based on her expression. Then she came inside, and heard you say that the other woman was hot, that you are following her, and if anyone wanted to see her pictures. They left pretty much after that. But dude. You did look possessed. At least when you went to look at her pictures. You looked hungry for it. If you had not said you felt possessed, I would have described you as such. But dude, you need to go explain to her. I’m guessing she thinks you have been cheating a while now. Or even…”

“Even the whole time,” Jasper said between his fingers. “At the beginning of our relationship; Jane told me it was important to her for us to be both virgins. That she didn’t want to be constantly worried that I was comparing her or thinking about someone else. She told me it was a deal breaker. But instead of telling the truth, and possibly losing her…I lied. I said I was a virgin even though I wasn’t. I slept with that other woman once. Once in college; long before I met Jane. It didn’t mean anything. I was stupid and wasted. I don’t remember anything. All my years with Jane have been brand new to me. I didn’t know you could love someone so much. I should have been honest. I just loved her already; I didn’t want to miss out on a wonderful life with a wonderful woman like Jane, because of a stupid mistake.”

“Then why did you even say what you did today? If you love her as much as you say you do; you would have known that your words would hurt her. Then why?”

“I don’t know why…maybe I’ve been nervous to be a dad again. Our four children are already a handful. But I love all our kids. And I love that they all came from Jane. I really have no explanation for my actions this past week.”

“What caused you to follow her initially?” Samuel had chimed in after sending a very quick text to his wife.

All three extra husbands sent out texts explaining what had happened. That they really had been drooling over food pictures. Not that they too were looking at other women, but as you can expect no one texted back. Except Marlene, but she said unless he came in person it was no use.

“I wanted to get Jane an excellent gift for being a mom again. I had asked my coworkers what they did, when they truly wanted to surprise their loved ones with a gift. A few men said they look through their wife’s instagram profile. So I tried that. I’ve never been on that sight. I had to download the app and everything, man that was a pistol. But it was really helpful. My wife had everything on there. All of her wishes for ease with our next child. It was amazing! I also had the thought it might be useful to keep this so that if our kids get it I can keep an eye on them. But then there on the list of friend suggestions she was. I don’t know why I even clicked on her. I don’t know what drew me to her. But then I went down the rabbit hole. And man! When you introduce spiraling to your life; you go down hard. These last few days I’ve been glued to my phone. I never messaged her, I just looked at pictures. I didn’t do anything either; I just looked. I think the Holy Spirt in me kept the demon from going farther. Which I am so thankful for, if I had acted on anything; I would never forgive myself. But Jacobs..” Jasper rose from his chair, walked over to a standing Jacob, and grabbed his shoulders, “can I save it?”

“I really don’t know. But Marlene says nothing is going to be heard unless you go apologize to Jane in person. That Jane has locked herself in the bathroom with the water running. That Marlene can hear her sobbing. Dude, you better go before she shuts you out completely.”

That was all Jasper needed; he left to find his wife.

Jane

I finally turned off the water. I forgot that I wasn’t in my own home. I’d give Gloria some money to help cover the water bill. But was that really important at this moment. No. My husband hasn’t loved me at all. Not honestly. But he has… Marlene had told me, through the door, that it was not as bad. That Jasper had only cheated mentally, but only for the last week. Nothing else. That her husband Jacob had told me about feeling possessed, and that he had switched to food a second after he looked at the woman’s picture once more. But did any of that matter? No. He has lied to me from the very beginning. He lied to me…tears were starting to well up again. But what was I going to do…I had never had a thought of divorcing Jasper. That in church we had recently learned that divorce should never be brought up in a fight or be an option. That you should try everything possible first. Counseling? That’s an option. But would I be able to forgive him? This was why I wanted…”

“Jane! Honey. Opened the door!” Jasper was banging on the bathroom door. “Answer me please! At least unlock the door. You are pregnant with our baby! Please, at least unlock the door, so that I can help if you need me. Please!”

‘Jasper!’ My heart reacted before my brain could stop me. I wanted to hug him, but I stopped. Not that I didn’t want to forgive him, but that I needed to know from him personally that he was sorry. “I’ll unlock it,” my voice croaked out, “but you can’t come in.” I whined as I got up from the ground.

“Are you okay? I won’t come in. I’ll send Marlene in if you need help. But please be safe!”

“No. I’m fine. But no coming in.” I unlocked the bathroom door. I wanted to fling the door open to him. But his face from earlier. His words. He wanted that woman. How was I supposed to move past this? This is everything I worried about. This lie made my heart crumble, and I don’t know if he could tape it back together. We are bringing a life into the world. We have our other four little ones. We have had an amazing life together. But can I…?”

“I won’t come in. I promise. I also promise Jane that I’m so sorry. It all started out innocently. I went on instagram to buy you all your wish items. The demon must have latched onto me the moment I saw her profile; and I’m ashamed to say that I clicked on it. I’m so disgusted with myself. But the lustful demon had weaseled itself around me after that. I’m not excusing my actions. But I want you to know, it’s only been these last five days and I’ve only had thoughts; I swear to you! Nothing more happened. Please. Can we do counseling, and find a group to work through this. I’ll do anything! I just don’t want to lose you. I’m sorry I lied at the beginning. I should have told you the truth. That I was lost at that point in my life, I was wasted, that she meant nothing to me. That I had forgotten about her until you told me your deal breaker. That I wasn’t a virgin when we met; but that I already was totally in love with you and I was terrified I would lose you. Jane I’m so sorry. Please forgive me!” Jasper was just outside the door.

I loved him. I still did, I’m still hurt. And angry, but I knew I still loved him. I’m so thankful that God was looking out for him. That he had not gone farther. Farther would have been hard to forgive. Coincidentally enough we just learned in church last week that it’s possible to forgive, but hard and long.

But I love him…

I stood by the door. I could hear Jasper quietly sobbing outside the door. The door was the only divider.

I love him…

I cracked the door open and looked at the man that had hurt me. He was right beside the door, leaning against the wall with his forearm over his eyes. I could see the tears spilling down his face.

I loved him. Even with the hurt. I loved him.

I gradually inched out of the bathroom. I faced him. ‘What do I do? What will I say? What will he say?’ I softly touch his elbow.

He jumped at my touch. He fell to the floor startled.

Before I knew what was happening, he was embracing me. He was cradling my head in his hand. He was still silently crying into my shoulder. But his arms told me he wasn’t letting go.

“Jasper. Jasper. Jasper!” I pushed away from his embrace.

He had let me go, but his hands were reaching out to me still. Not knowing what to do with them, when empty. His hands dropped to his side and his head fell, “I’m so sorry Jane. Please forgive me. Let’s do counseling, a life group, anything. I willing to do anything to gain your trust back.”

The man I loved and love stood before me as someone who I had never seen. A broken man. Not confident. Vulnerable. Fearing.

I walked to him and hugged him. His arms were still at his sides, but this was a reassurance hug for him. “I’ve not forgiven you yet, and it will take a while for my heart to heal and try to trust you again. But I’m willing to work with you to solve this problem. I,” I hesitated a second, “I love you, Jasper. But it’s going to take time to heal.” His crying had turned to shudders, so I pulled away from him.

But Jasper clasped my arms and pulled me back into a hug. He was shaking; worried that I was leaving again.

I didn’t say anything. Instead I just stood in his arms.

This road to recovery will be hard and long. But I’m going to do it. For the sake of my marriage, my kids, and this new beautiful life we are bringing into the world.

The End

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Short Stories

Short Story #20

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I don’t know why I’m here. I guess the honest answer would be I wanted to feel something. Anything. I’ve been the diligent daughter all my life. I’ve been the supportive friend. I’ve been the best top artist for producers and fans. I’ve been everything and anything for everyone else. But in this moment I wanted to be free.

The mask of perfection was slapped off my face today. I let down my producer, my emotions for a love song was not right. My parents begged for money again, however this time I actually said no. I found out that my boyfriend of five years actually got another girl pregnant. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I rushed out to my car and just started driving. I felt suffocated. I needed air.

Well I got air. I’m now standing next to my car in a desert. A big nothingness. I can see land for miles and no one around me. The air here feels right. Feels good. Feels smooth. I felt my mind begin to clear for the first time. But I’m out of gas, my phone is dead, and I’ve got maybe enough food and water for two days. But none of that matters. I’m free.

‘I wonder what it feels like to stand at the edge of a cliff?’ I wasn’t thinking about anything. Just wanting to feel lite as a feather. There was a hill a short distance away. I was stuck here until a person drove by, or someone thought to look for me. ‘If they even cared.’ So hill it was.

So…in case you were wondering, things look closer in the desert. This hill was about two hours from my car. But so worth it; this view is amazing!! And the neighboring next hill seems to have a small town. So I can always venture that way for help afterwards.

But this view. Everything is miniature. My car is a small block of color in the distance. The road I came on twists and turns with the hilly terrain. The blue sky is vast and huge. It’s peaceful up on this hill. I’m alone. It’s silent. Im at peace finally. I walk to the edge of the cliff. I look down the steep side. ‘A fall from here wouldn’t kill you. But the heat and dehydration probably would…’ I don’t know where that thought came from. I’ve hated my life, but never enough to think of harming myself… but I didn’t move away from the edge. I still stood on the marginal edge. Continuing to stare down the drop…

“Miss. Please back away from the edge.”

The voice came from behind me. My silent escape was no longer just mine. ‘Why can’t everyone leave me alone?’ “Please just leave me be. I’m enjoying the solitude on my hilltop.” I didn’t answer the voice from behind me.

“Miss. Please. Just step backwards a few steps. The wind up here can sweep you off the cliff with no effort at all.”

‘So what if it does. No one is going to miss me.’ Not those thoughts again. ‘Back up!’ But my feet wouldn’t move. I wanted to back up. I wanted to listen to the voice. “Please help me. My feet won’t move. Grab me, please!” I didn’t know where the panic was coming from. But suddenly I felt two large warm hands grab me around my waist and pull me back to from the edge.

My heart was racing. I was feeling dizzy. Happy for the fact that this person was helping to hold me up.

“Miss can you release my hands, please?”

I looked down and I was clasping the persons hands that were supporting me. I let go instantly and unwrapped the arms from around me. I stepped away, regretting it instantly as I felt my body collapsing.

The arms caught me. I saw a silhouette of a person above me, cradling me in their arms. The sun was so bright, that my head started spinning. The next second I was gone…

…

I woke up in a hospital room…? I was on one of those small metal beds. I wore stripped pink and blue starchy pajamas. There was a poking sensation on my hand, an IV. There was a constant beeping sound. But this was a very tiny room. Must have been an office at one point. Where was I?

“Ah. You are awake. How are you feeling, my dear?” An older man in a white coat came into the room. The doctor I presumed.

“I feel better. But where am I?”

The man chuckled, “glad you are feeling better. You are in a small little town of Bidder. It was the neighboring hill across from your hilltop. I must say you gave David quite a scare. He thought you were a jumper.”

‘Jumper? That was a weird word? Did he think I was some weirdo that jumps around on hilltops? Oh…jumper. Jump off. The edge. Suicidal.’ “I wasn’t. I was just enjoying the silence. That hilltop was the first real peace and quiet. I’ve never really experienced such silence. It was breath taking.”

“Good. That hilltop is actually known to be a hilltop for jumpers. They drive out here. Leave their belongings behind. Leap, thinking it will be their end. But sadly I’ve witnessed too many deaths hours later with the people being in such agony from starvation or dehydration. David will be happy to know that you were not there to end your life. Miss…what is your name?”

“Abigail. Abigail Wayne.”

The doctor looked at me for a minute longer. Then I saw the recognition in his eyes. “Miss Wayne. I knew I had seen your face before. But truth be told you are usually more put together than you are now. My granddaughter is a huge fan of your music.”

I didn’t mean to show panic but it must have shone.

“Don’t worry, my dear. I’ll instruct my granddaughter to keep your identity to herself. Only a handful of people will know who you are. You are lucky to have landed in our little town.”

“Sorry. I just wanted to escape life and have some peace. But being recognized will destroy my chances…” I attempted to climb out of bed but reality hit me back into my pillow. I was dizzy.

“Don’t worry. You are safe here in the hospital. And you can stay with my wife and I until you have fully recovered. But let’s call you just Abby for the time being. You can enjoy some quiet life with us until the world finds you again. For now I need you to lay back and relax. Your body was over exerted yesterday. Please sleep. How does that sound?”

I nodded. Because once my head hit the pillow again I was once again out. I would enjoy my silent life as long as these people would accept me.

…

“How is she today? Do you think she will be able to leave the hospital? People are starting to wonder who the woman from the ER is? Mostly because you’ve been keeping her under wraps.”

“I think you missed a word. They are wondering about the beautiful woman in the ER. You can’t deny that, look at her; she is stunning. But she wants to stay anonymous. So I must respect her wishes. She should be able to leave here today if her dizzy spells stop. You will be in charge of her once she is gone. Take her to the supermarket to get her the daily essentials. Then take her to my house; my wife will do the rest.”

“Why am I in charge of her? Isn’t she able to take care of herself? And why are you letting her stay with you? We do have hotels in town?”

“David. She wasn’t a jumper. Don’t hold her in that box; without knowing all the details. I assume her car died about two hours from the hilltop. She trek to that hilltop because she assumed that was closer to people than to return the way she came. But also she wanted to experience something truly amazing. She didn’t know what the hilltop represents. After the long grueling hike to the hilltop her legs probably became numb when you told her to back away. It happens to people who over exert themselves physically. You need to cut her some slack. This woman told me she just wanted some silence. How miserable can someone’s life be if they came all this way to just enjoy solitude and silence. Now I believe Miss Abby is awake and has been listening to our conversation. Telling me she is well enough to leave. I’ll go start the discharge papers. David, be polite.”

I peeked open one eye. The doctor had left. Instead, in front of me stood a man. He was once again backlit. I raised my hand to shadow the sun to see him better. He was a tall person, probably six-two or six-three. He looked strong. I could see that as a necessity if you wrangle jumpers. He looked to be my age, maybe a little older. As I was looking him over I caught his eye and he caught me checking him out. I felt flush and he smirked. “Hi. Sorry,” I sat up in bed and stretched my hand out to him, “my name is Abby. Nice to finally have a face to the voice that helped me.”

His eyes darted to mine. I could see him searching to see if there was something to tell him I was indeed a jumper. But relief filled his face; so he did believe I just got stuck.

‘Did I get stuck? Was I frozen in that spot at that moment?’ This still puzzled me. My answer was yes; my legs did indeed get stuck in that moment. Even though my life is not perfect; I know I want to still experience living. I want to try something new. If I had gone there to be a jumper I would have not seeked solitude and silence. I wouldn’t have wanted anything. That’s at least what makes sense.

David took my hand in his. His hand was so hot to the touch, but it felt nice. It was a warming feeling, not harmful. “Hi. I’m David. I’m glad you are feeling better.”

The silence was deafening. I wanted silence, but this was too quiet for my liking. “So, what is the plan for today?”

“No need for small talk. You already heard everything a moment ago. Once you are dressed and ready I’ll take you to the supermarket. I’ll step out of the room for you.” David exited the room.

‘Right. I did hear them. But at least he’s a gentleman.’ I climbed out of bed and started to get ready to leave the hospital.

I walked out the door and I felt exposed. I had no makeup on and my hair was so dirty and messy. I was in my clothes from before. They were clean, but my shirt had gotten torn up so my bra was exposed. My jeans were fine thankfully; so I used my backpack to cover my chest. ‘I’ll get a shirt when we go to the store.’ “Okay. I’m ready,” I looked to David. He didn’t say anything but his glance to my backpack made me grip the bag tighter.

David took off his flannel long sleeved shirt and handed it to me, “wear this; the tare is on your side as well.” He held the shirt out to me and turned his head away.

I glanced to my side and indeed you could see everything. My bra, my side, my back. I dropped my backpack and frantically put his shirt on. It was warm as well, it felt like a hug. He was hugging me. ‘No. What!? That’s not happening. Wow…’ “I’m covered. We can go now.”

David started walking to the exit.

I still felt exposed. What if someone saw me when we were out. I wouldn’t mind it if I was clean. I picked up my backpack and dropped my head down. But what happens when you walk with your head down, you run into things. David had suddenly stopped and I plowed into his back. “Aahgg! Sorry!” I backed away from him. Even though I wanted to stay closer to him. ‘What’s with me? I came here to escape people. I’ve never felt the need for someone before.’

David turned to look at me, but I still had my head down. I felt small, and wanted to disappear. Suddenly I felt a hat on my head. I adjusted it onto my head and turned to look up at David.

“I’m assuming you don’t want to be recognized. This will at least help you stay incognito.”

He was kind. Except for the medical staff that have been taking care of me, he was the first kind person I’ve met in a while. “Thank you,” I lifted my head up. David was looking at me.

“Keep your head up. Cowering will make you stand out more. Act like you belong and no one will notice.” David walked out the exit doors.

‘Act like I belong. I feel like that’s all I’m ever doing. I want to be accepted for who I truly am. Loved even.’ But I listen to David and lift my head up while I follow behind him.

No one noticed me at the supermarket. While wearing David’s shirt and hat I blended into everyone else. I was just me. It was refreshing to go to a place and not be hounded for pictures or signatures. However David is the town favorite in everyone’s eyes. Found out he’s four years older than me. Because an older woman, about sixty, asked if he was old enough to get married to her yet. He had leaned down and kissed her hand saying that he was merely a twenty-six year old man. It was an odd exchange, but he explained afterwards that she asked him that every time she saw him. She was missing her late husband.

Whenever someone would talk to David I would stand a couple paces away. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. Not because of my appearance, but since David was so popular I didn’t want to be thrown through a tornado of questions if I was recognized. Also then David didn’t have to try and introduce me; what would he say. I’m an acquaintance. A friend. A jumper. A celebrity. I didn’t want to be put on the spot. Instead, I was enjoying just following behind David and watching his life unfold in front of me. Not being the center of attention for once was refreshing.

David stopped the car in front of a cottage styled house. It looked like a house from a fairytale. “You good? This is the Doc’s house. His wife Olivia is waiting for you. Do you need help carrying your bags?”

I wasn’t listening. I was looking at my potential home for the next few days, weeks, months…however long I could stay. It looked charming. It seemed like that home that you would come to visit grandma. ‘If you had a grandma who wanted you. Stay positive!’ Where there was nothing but love. ‘What would that even feel like? Being wanted just for a hug. Nothing in return. Nothing demanded for raising me. No backstabbing for jealousy. I don’t know if I can be here!? They might not want me. Why would they? I’m a stranger. Maybe I should just leave?!’

“Hey,” David threw open my door, “you okay? You don’t look so good; should we go back to the hospital?” David started to dig out his phone.

I stopped his hand from searching; realizing I had intentionally touched him I pulled my hand back. “I’m good. Sorry. I’m just worried I’ll be an inconvenience to them. I’m wondering if I should just find a hotel.”

David just stared at me. “You’re not an inconvenience. Believe me Olivia is going to be so happy to have a guest. Howard works so much that she is often home alone. Their granddaughter is usually off with her club members doing gigs. So Olivia will be ecstatic. I thought you were frowning about the small simplicity of the home. Not something you celebrities are used to.”

‘So he did know who I was. But why did I not like hearing him call me a celebrity. I like it better when he calls me Abby.’ “No. I prefer the simplicity. Grandeur always comes with contingencies.” I grab my backpack and grocery bags and climb out of the car.

David grabbed the bags from me. He ushered me towards the door. “Go ahead. I’ll carry the stuff.”

I walked up to the door and knocked; but I didn’t realize how much that knock would change my life.

An older woman opened the door and pulled me into a warming hug, “Dear child, you are here! Welcome.”

…A few months later…

Well…I’ve been here almost three months and it’s been wonderful. The people here are amazing. A handful of teenagers did recognize me, but they agreed to stay quiet with some signed merchandise bribing. Not a bad deal. They said they would help me keep an eye on things, and let me know if I needed to hide away for a few days if fans were coming.

Olivia Chester was amazing. She was the most welcoming woman I have ever met. The first night I stayed in their home was the first time I had felt any true love in years. That she actually cared about me; no matter what I needed. I broke down and sobbed that night realizing that I was the one that ruined my life. Because always being the dutiful daughter, artist, role model, without a balanced life is a pointless life. Your life is for you, not the fill everyone else’s cup; your cup needs to be filled first so that you can share with others.

But yeah. This town was perfect. It was small enough for me to hide, but it was still large enough for me to explore my surroundings and make new acquaintances. Friends even. Mrs. Evelyn, a neighbor, has taught me how to bake pies. I’ve never had the time to learn anything new; that who knew I could make a mean apple pie. I burned the first few but she didn’t give up on me. And now I make pies occasionally for others.

Mr. Baxwell, is a “blacksmith” as he calls himself. But he does various craft. He does metal, wood, glass, clay, etc. he seems to be able to do everything under the sun. But he’s letting me decorate pieces. I’ll paint pottery, help with the glass blowing, stain woods. I’m not great at any of it, but I’m enjoying to learn the new skills.

Olivia’s granddaughter Chrisy has asked for my advice on some of her music for small gigs. I’m actually pretty good at this job, I have some experience in the music world. Haha! But she keeps my secret, even from her band mates. They are all huge fans.

David…he seems to be avoiding me. Like I’m not good people to associate with him. Which saddens me for two reasons, but grateful still. One, he is truly a great man. He is the most popular in town for good reasons. He helps everyone in town no matter the size of issue. Two…I’m totally falling in love with him. I had already fallen out of love with my previous boyfriend about six months before I found out he had cheated on me, but because of my life I couldn’t reveal my brake-up until my label said it was okay. That’s the big part of being celebrity that is the worst. Everything has to be moves and counter moves to stay on top. But for me I have been single almost eight months. But David would think it’s only been two months based on public knowledge. That would come off as too flippy-floppy; that he was my rebound. Which is not true! Because he would be my forever man if I could tell him my feelings.

I would be so happy; if he loved me back. But this comes to the reason I don’t act on my feelings. Because as I’ve said, David is super popular; so much that he has many admirers. And some are….frightening. Like they would probably track me down and put an end to my new life just so that I would have to leave and they could be David’s only possibility. So I stay silent.

Fans or admirers can be scary; I know because I’ve had my fair share. A few that still give me nightmares. I shuddered pushing those memories away.

So instead I’ve been filling my days up with crafts, baking, walks, talks, etc. Like now, I’m laying on my bed enjoying the fading sunshine, while just letting my mind wander.

“Abby dear, could you come here a moment?” Olivia calls from downstairs.

“Coming!” I scurried up from my bed to search for Olivia. This was a normal thing for me to do. I was told I was not allowed to pay for my stay; instead I was asked to help out whenever I was asked. I still help pay, but I just don’t tell them about the money; I’ve been hiding the money in various places. Watching Olivia find hidden money is a true joy. She acts like a child who found a rare treasure.

“Where are you?” I call out as I reached the bottom of the stairs.

“In here, daring,” Olivia calls from the kitchen.

As I step into the doorway I see a man standing at the island. His back is to me. ‘David?!’ No. I knew it wasn’t him, but that was my gut’s first reaction. David wouldn’t be here to see me. ‘I’m nobody to him…Positive!’ I perk up my attitude as I walk towards Olivia who is talking to the new stranger.

“There you are Honey,” Olivia comes around the island to me, “this is my godson Andrew.”

Andrew turns around and sticks his hand out to me. I accept the handshake out of curtsey, but I’m confused at what’s happening. Andrew was a couple inches taller than me. He was well put together. How he was holding himself, I would guess banker or doctor. Those professions just had an air about them. He was handsome, but my mind was just going through a list of why David was more handsome.

“Andrew is in town for tonight. I didn’t know if you two would like to spend some time together? Not as anything, but just so that you, Abby, could have a night out. I love you being here, but you should be out there,” Olivia waved her hand in the air, “around people your own age.”

I knew what she was meaning. That I should be socializing; not staying as a hermit. I’ve been a shut-in these last few months. I’ve just been enjoying the peace. Not socializing means I’ve been able to stay hidden. I didn’t want to leave this town, this home, this family. Howard and Olivia had become the parents I always wanted. I didn’t want to leave them. But I should still live. That’s why I escaped my life. To live.

“Would you like that, Miss Abby?” Andrew offered his hand once again, but this time it was an offer.

“Sure. But let me go change first.” If I was going to go out tonight, and if it would possibly be my last night to remain anonymous; then I’ll go out being a knockout. ‘Out with a bang! I don’t know why I said that…Olivia says that…then okay. I can say that!’

I didn’t go crazy with my outfit or makeup, but it must be drastically different than I have been, because people have been staring at me. I decided on a pair of fitted jeans, black halter top, jacket, boots. Maybe the difference is usually I’m rarely wearing any makeup and my hair is in a tight bun. But tonight I did some eye makeup and my hair is stunning. Like the magazine photographers would love me to do a photo shoot right now. I’ll admit, I did look good. But I didn’t do it for anyone other than myself. My confidence has been returning as I’ve stayed in this town.

Andrew and myself walk up to the only bar in town, but it had the best music, food, and atmosphere. Also another appeal for tonight was Chrisy was playing. I was excited to see her doing her thing live! I thought that since tonight was probably my last night left alone, I should support Chrisy in person once.

Walking through the doors, the place was already in full spin. The music was blaring. People were out on the floor dancing. Drinks were being consumed; heavily consumed. Maybe nobody would remember I was here tonight.

Andrew guided me to a booth, away from the stage. Which I was bummed about, but could understand because there were so many people over there.

I watch the dancing going on; I’ve never seen so much dancing in such a small space. It seems like people are all over each other. ‘Line dancing! That’s what it’s called!’ I had only ever seem line dancing when I did a duet with a country artist. I can now understand why he had been so frustrated with the dancers he was given for the music video. He got beginner line dancers; what he probably wanted was these professional level line dancers. It was truly fascinating to watch their boots hit all the steps in unison.

I didn’t mean to be ignoring Andrew; but I had no interest for him. He was just an ordinary man. Nothing wrong with ordinary, just not for me. And he seemed to have no idea of who I actually was, because all his topics were all financial banking or investments. Banker. I had been right. Instead I wanted to be in the action. I actually wanted to be surrounded by the sea of people. I wouldn’t have minded to be on stage in front of these people. Or even being seen for who I truly am. I stayed polite though; after all, he was Olivia’s godson. I didn’t want to insult Olivia’s kindness.

“Welcome ladies and gentlemen to this night at the Border Bar! I’m your host Mr. Ralphie! If anything is not up to par, then you can go find another place to be, because here at the Border Bar, we are happy with what we offer. Back to business, put your hands together for the Quad C’s!”

‘Chrisy was up!’ There was no way I was missing this. I scrambled out of the booth and went and stood at the back of the dance floor, catching glimpses of Chrisy and her band getting set up on stage. I was so proud! She looked so good with the guitar across her body. I missed that feeling. The feeling of doing something you love.

“Do you miss it?”

I looked to my left to see David on my side. He looked different. He was clean shaven, haircut, dark jeans with that same flannel from when we first met. He asked me something…’do I miss it? Right…? Do I miss it? Yeah. Yeah I do. Realizing that hiding wasn’t the answer. That to be someone accepted as my true self, I needed to actually be my true self.’ “Yeah. Realizing it right now, that I miss singing and performing.” I leaned closer to him. He smelled of cedar. He smell good. He smelled, ‘don’t go down that rabbit hole. No spiraling tonight. You look amazing. You feel amazing! Have an amazing night!’ I refocus back on Chrisy! The drums hit and they started. They were amazing! Especially Chrisy. I would totally be up to do a duet with her and her band. ‘That’s a thought!’ I was clapping along to the music, not caring about anything in the world.

“Can I have this dance,” David offered his hand to me.

“I…um,” confidence gone. I was not expecting that from David. But I wanted to dance with him, especially if tonight was my last night free. “Sure. Why not!” I took his hand in mine. I pulled him into the group of dancing and just stood there. You wouldn’t know, but I’ve never taken the initiative to dance with someone. I didn’t know how to start it. I could feel warmth creep into my cheeks.

David smirked, and pulled me to his chest. He placed my other hand on his shoulder, and his hand on the small of my back. I was so close to him. I wonder if he could hear or feel my heartbeat.

David pulled me slightly closer to him, “relax,” David whispered into my ear, “you look gorgeous tonight, by the way.”

I looked up into his face. He looked so handsome staring down at me. My heart was racing for a different reason. I wanted to kiss him. I never had this desire before. I was always the one who followed the pace of others, not me wanting to strive for more. My hand moved from his shoulder to his chest, I didn’t want to pounce on him, but I needed to test the waters first. I looked up at him and used my most pleading eyes. Not begging, but sweetly asking for him to kiss me. Hoping that, that was actually coming across.

David just stared at me. I could see his ears reddening. Also that smirk from before, was forming again.

I smiled at the sight of him.

“Oh Abby. You are one little trouble maker,” David breathed into my neck. He chuckled as he pulled back. His head was coming down towards mine…

“Do I see, Ms Abby Wayne in the house tonight?!” Mr. Ralphie called out over the speakers.

I lurched away from David just before our mouths met. I was exposed.

The spotlight found me in the crowd. I waved and greeted the light with smiles.

“Come on up to the stage Ms Wayne!”

I looked back at David, and his body language screamed disappointment, but he was smirking once again, nodding at me to accept my fate.

I turn back to the stage and walked forward. The crowds of people split before me. The whispers began. The finger pointing. The gasping. There was no more quiet life for me. Might as well do as Olivia says, ‘Out with a bang!’

Climbing the stairs of the stage I see Chrisy giddily bouncing excited about sharing the stage with me. I walk over to her and give her a hug. “You did so good! So proud of you!” After I released Chrisy more whispers erupted. Mouth gaping came from Chrisy’s band mates. She was going to have lots to tell after tonight.

“So Ms Wayne. Could we be honored with a song from you for tonight? What do you think folks?!”

The screaming started. The audience was pure chaos.

“Sure. No problem. But I’ll need some help. Quad C’s, you up for a duet?” I look to the band and still mouth gaping I also got lots of frantic head nodding. I walked over to them asking about song choices. They all knew my song, ‘Come And Get Me’, by heart so we agreed on that. I grabbed a spare guitar and I took my stance behind the microphone. It felt good to be back in my spot; doing what I know I love. The drummer called out, “One, two, three, four!” And we were off.

Several songs later I was finally getting a break. After not singing for so many months my lung capacity was pathetic. I was winded. But also the sudden change from being a nobody to being in the spotlight, literally, added some stress. I couldn’t just walk through the crowd anymore; security of the bar had to guide me through. Also, I could no longer just hide in the crowd. Which I was happy to be singing again, but I also wanted to have the luxury of being occasionally invisible.

I headed to the bathrooms. Looking in the mirror I saw a face I hadn’t seen in a long time. A happy face after a concert. Realizing I’ve not actually been happy performing for a long time. I dried the sweat and touched up my makeup and deodorant. Feeling fresh again I ventured back out.

Andrew stood in the way. “So. No wonder you had no interest in my conversations. You are a celebrity. Does my godmom know who you are? Of course she does; she said you’ve been here for a few months. Have you enjoyed your time of slumming? You could have told me who you were; it would have been polite. I wouldn’t have agreed to bring you if I had know. Celebrities are not someone I want in my life. Too much drama. Didn’t you just break up with your boyfriend!? Already looking for fresh meat,” Andrew gestured behind him, “like that guy you almost kissed out there. Did you even remember you were already on a date before you wanted to make-out with a different person?”

Everything he was saying was true and not true. But honestly, no. I didn’t think about him at all while I was with David. ‘David! Was he still here? I really wanted to talk to him.’ I tried to walk past Andrew. I didn’t really want to have this conversation with him. I would apologize to Olivia, but this ‘outing’ was officially over.

“No way am I letting you go. No. No. You are here with me, you’re going to stay that way. I don’t want anything from you, but maybe I’ll use your existence for some potential investments. You owe me that much. Especially with you almost kissing a rebound with,” Andrew didn’t get to finish his sentence because David had Andrew by the collar and smashing his face into the concert wall.

“Apologize! Now!” David loudly grumbled to Andrew.

Andrew attempted to nod his head, but decided against it has he rubbed his face against the wall, “sorry. Okay. Can you get your bodyguard off of me now?”

“David.”

David’s body relaxed slightly. He released Andrew’s collar and shoved him down the hallway. “Leave!” David pointed to the exit sign. Andrew exited through the door.

I sighed of relief. One nuisance gone. I looked at David. He still had his back to me. The almost kiss flashed in my mind. I’m truly sad that I lurched away from him. I wanted that kiss so much, and I still did. But I couldn’t just bring him into my world, he had to decide to be apart of it. My world was completely different than his. Even though I selfishly wanted to make him enter my world so that I could finish that kiss. ‘No. It has to be his choice. It’s a lot to take in.’

“Do you regret it?” David asked with his back still turned.

‘That’s a loaded question, if ever!’ But I need a clarification. Because he could be meaning anything. “David,” I grab his sleeve, “look at me?”

He didn’t move. I didn’t know if he would. My heart was cracking. But he did eventually turn. I could see the hurt. I wanted to hug him, but I needed to answer him first. “What are you asking me?”

David looked off to the side; he didn’t want to meet my eye, “Do you regret what almost happed on the dance floor? You jumped away from me when you were recognized. Am I really that embarrassing to be associated with?” David started to leave.

I latched onto his arm. He tried to pull away, so I hugged him from behind. I buried my face into his back. Our hearts were racing. I let my hands tighten at his waist. “No. I don’t regret it,” I felt him pulling away. I held on tighter, “No. Wait! I don’t regret removing myself from you in that moment, because you have to decide if you want to be fully apart of my life. I can’t force it onto you. Even though I really wanted to just stay and kiss you in front of everyone. But I don’t want to force you into my world. It chaotic. Full of rumors. Drama. Rude people. Etc. So yes. I regret not kissing you, because I desperately want to, but I’m happy I’m giving you a chance to decide whether you want this or not.” I released my hands from him. I drop my arms and step away from him. He’s in control now. If he walks out that door, then I’ll accept it. ‘I’m going to ball my eyes out, but I’ll accept it.’

It felt like forever waiting there. My heart was cracking more. I…

David took a step forward.

He was leaving!?…

He tuned around and quickly grabbed me, and pulled me to his chest. His hands, one on my back; the other in my hair, I felt him release me ever so slightly. He looked down at me and he placed his lips on mine. Our kiss went from sweet to passionately within seconds. But also within seconds David pulled his head away from me. The look in his eyes told me so much. That I was finally loved for just being me.

…Ending…

Well as you should have guessed it, I’m officially dating David now. And amazingly enough I’m still in the town of Bidder. Turns out I can have a singer career anywhere. I do a lot of different kinds of singing now. I do online concerts. I teach singing. I do small gigs here in town. I do world tour concerts. Anything is possible with a good team behind you.

But life didn’t really change after that night. Yes. My existence was known throughout the town, and my singing was posted on social media, but I didn’t let it phase me. I continued to learn to bake, paint pottery, glass blowing, etc. Which Mrs Evelyn and Mr Baxwell were happy, because they made bigger profits after realizing they could put my name on their products. I’m happy to help the people who helped me rediscover myself.

But David. David has been my rock through it all. He hasn’t changed much. He maybe gets a haircut more often. He’s a bit more presentable, but I’m totally for it because it makes him extra handsome! But he has taken everything with stride. He still kisses the hand of the older woman. He is still incredibly popular, I think more so than me. But I love him. I truly do. I’ve never loved anyone, the way I love him.

But tonight is a big night for me. I’m preforming at the Border Bar once again. But this time I’m singing my newest song called ‘Will You Come To My World?’ I wrote it for David.

“Hey babe,” David called out to me.

I turn to see David down on one knee, holding a bouquet of roses, in the middle of the makeshift dressing room. “David!?!” He brings up a little box, inside revealing a beautiful ring. I feel tears whelling up in my eyes.

“Abby, will you marry me?” David smiles that smirk that I love.

“Yes! Of course!” I lean down and kiss him. The ring and roses are nothing compared to the man I love. He kisses me back, and begins to chuckle between kisses. “Abby…kiss…Abby!” More kisses follow.

I finally pull back, he pulls me in for one more kiss and then finally pulls me back from him. He digs out the ring and puts it on my finger. Tears are swelling out of my eyes. Happy tears. My smile cracks into laughter. He holds me while perched on his knee and we laugh together.

…

“Please welcome, Ms Wayne to our stage once again!”

I walk out to the microphone. Back to my comfort place. I’m beaming. I’m doing what I love, and I’m going to spend the rest of my life with the one who loves me most. “Hello! I’m going to start off tonight with some exciting news! I’m engaged!” I show off my ring to the audience. The crowd erupts with clapping, cheering, and excitement. “I’m dedicating this song to the love of my life, David! He came into my world and gave my life meaning again. And lots of love! I love you, David!” And I start up song. Staring at David the entire time.

…The End…

Art, Creativity, Short Stories

Short Story #19

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‘Oh my gosh, Jackson!?!’ He stood in the doorway to the kitchen.

Mrs. Stokes had invited me to their Thanksgiving weekend knowing my parents were out of town on medical business.

I of course came. Because I had been coming to their house almost every year my entire life. I’ve missed all holidays these last four years because of college, and that I just stayed on campus because it was just easier for my parents. Not that they didn’t love me or want to spend time with me. But they were specialists of their fields and would be sent off to various countries. It’s been so long since I was back.

But back to Jackson. He was my childhood crush. He was the typical off limits older brother. He was only three years older than me. I didn’t see it as a wide age gap, but he constantly would call me his little sister.

But he looked good. He had grown maybe another three inches, now over six feet. He was tanned, toned, looked strong. His hair was more blonde than last time I saw him. Which was over five years ago. I hadn’t seen or heard anything about him for the last five years; so I just assume he is married and started his life elsewhere.

As much as I wanted to stay and continue to stare and fantasize about Jackson; I didn’t want it to be known. Especially when his girlfriend or wife appeared. A crush is harmless; if kept secretive.

I walked past Jackson and into the kitchen. That’s where Mrs. Stokes was preparing the food. I thought it would be better to sneak by without acknowledging him.

“Hey Katie!” Jackson was grabbing my arm. He pulled me back to his side, “do you not recognize me? It’s me, Jackson.”

I looked towards him. He was so perfect up close. But he was touching me. His hand was so warm. I looked up into his face and saw he was actually concerned I hadn’t said hello to him.

“Hey Jackson. I didn’t want to interrupt your conversation with” I gestured to all the guys around us; they all acknowledged me with a head nod or a lifting of their drink, “so I was just going to say hello to hostess. But sure,” I brushed his hand off of me; I was afraid it would leave a burned handprint on me it was so hot, and turned towards him, “hello Jackson. Nice to see you again.” I answered a little more polite than necessary. Just to leave some distance between us, incase his other half came. I turn to continue on my quest to Mrs. Stokes.

“Really that’s all,” Jackson reaches out to stop me again.

I step away letting his hand drop, not making contact with me. Just because I allowed the touching in my youth, didn’t mean I wanted to cause a misunderstanding to his girl or any other guy at this party. Because a crush was just a crush. I actually wanted to meet someone and have my own love story. That I didn’t want my future boyfriend to misunderstand my relationship with Jackson.

“For now. Yeah. That’s all. I wanted to say hello to the one who invited me. So please excuse me,” I backed away and continued to Mrs. Stokes who was prepping the turkey. I gave her a hug even though she couldn’t hug me back at that moment.

I didn’t know what compelled me, but I glanced at Jackson. His buddies around him were laughing and probably making jokes. But Jackson was staring intently at me. His eyes softened a bit when our eyes met. It was a weird feeling I got when I looked into his eyes. Annoyance, frustration, defiance. Like I wonder if he has said to his friends that I was his little obedient sister who listens to him best, and me being defiant ruined his example. Like I was part of a bet he made and he lost. So he was annoyed at me.

So I looked away and continued to watch Mrs. Stokes prep the turkey. She was my mom away from my mom. And I really wanted love and affection after Jackson’s death look.

After about an hour of hiding out in the kitchen Mrs. Stokes ushered me back into the living room. She told me to talk to new people. There were lots of people my age. That Micheal would be coming later today; that his flight wasn’t until four-thirty.

Micheal. My best friend in my younger years. He was truly like my twin brother. I know Mrs. Stokes was hoping I would marry Micheal so that I could be her daughter-in-law, but Micheal is just my brother. And I’ve actually met his secret girlfriend, she is awesome. So hopefully he brings her along today to squelch Mrs. Stokes dream of setting us up.

I made my way to the drink cart. I was going to stick with water. Alcohol of any kind, didn’t seem to agree with my body.

“Hello, I’m Henry Charch. And you are,” a man about my age stretched out his hand to me.

“Oh. Hello! I’m Katie. A friend of the family,” I shook his hand. “You said your name was Henry, how do you know that family?”

“Oh. I’m actually that idiots cousin,” he gestured towards Jackson’s direction. “I’ve heard about you from Mrs. Stokes. She says you are learning to be a Pediatrician. That’s pretty amazing. What’s your favorite part of your job?”

The usual conversation as soon as people find out I’m a doctor. They want to know everything. I couldn’t tell though if he was truly interested by my profession or if he was hitting on me. It happened often. After the conversation was dying off he handed me a napkin with his number jotted down. So he had been hitting on me. I nodded a thanks and slipped it into my back pant pocket.

To say this happened often would be an understatement. Which believe me I’m flattered. I truly am. I just wish someone talked to me without knowing my future profession. I don’t want to only be seen as a doctor. I want them to get to know the real me first. I’m so much more than a doctor.

But it does happen often. I’ve finally grown into my body. I’m about five-ten. My hair looks curly with no fizz today. I have on minimal makeup. But I just look grown up now. Like no braces, clear skin, some curves, pink lips, etc. I just look my age now. Once that happened I was actually approached all the time. Which was comforting and flattering. Because I was not “that girl” growing up. But I knew I wasn’t going to meet anyone at this party that didn’t know my background. I wanted a spontaneous love story. Our eyes meet and we get to know each other slowly. But I’m at least courteous; I hold onto the numbers and discard them in a trashcan, but not at the party.

So to not be approached again, I disappeared out onto the balcony. And into a large loveseat. Enjoying the nice breeze and the silence. My job is constantly swarming me with people and noise. Sometimes I enjoy some alone time. But silence always puts me to sleep. I curl up off to the side, for a short snooze.

I woke because I felt a presence next to me. My eyes shot open and I sat up a little.

“Don’t worry Katie. It’s just me,” Jackson placed a hand on my calve. His hands were still so warm.

I still sat up, and the jacket fell to my elbows. ‘Someone covered me up?’ I glanced at Jackson and he only had a white short sleeved T-shirt on; so it was his jacket draped on me. I gathered it up and offered it back to him. I was extremely grateful for the jacket; because now the cold breeze sent a shiver through me; but I didn’t want him getting cold. ‘Why did I still care?’

Jackson chuckled, grabbed the jacket and swung the jacket over my shoulders. “Arms.”

I swam my arms into the sleeves. The cold breeze stopped instantly, and I felt warm once again. “Thanks Jackson.”

“Yep.” He continued to drink his water and look out at the mountains.

So I too sat in silence looking at the mountains. It took all my self control not to smell the jacket. My crush creeping back up. I thought of his girl; this sight would probably shock her. I didn’t want to ruin a relationship. “Jackson. I don’t think I should be wearing your jacket; your girlfriend might misunderstand.”

Jackson spat out the water he had just drunk; ruining his composure. He was sputtering and coughing. “What? Who said I had a girlfriend?!” He managed after the coughing subsided.

Hope was creeping up inside me. But I had to stay realistic; of course he would have someone, “no one said anything. I just assumed you would be dating someone now or even married. Am I wrong?”

“You’re wrong. I’ve been too busy to date anyone. College was more like a never ending internship for my now job. This is my first real vacation since forever.”

‘No girlfriend. Never a girlfriend…?’ That’s crazy. He’s gorgeous. There’s no way he didn’t date for the last five years. I just continue to stare out at the mountains. It must be about two o’clock now. The sun had shifted. I had napped for almost two hours. My night shift must have actually take a toll on me last night. This was also my first vacation in the last five years. I guess it’s not that unusual to live a solo life. I just realized that Jackson’s hand was still on my leg but that it had crept up to just above my knee. The heat was building. I tried to maneuver away from his touch.

“What’s with you Katie. You are keeping your distance. You move away when I touch you. Is it really that appalling. You were never like this in our youth. You always were around me, always. You’ve never once tried to reach out, I’ve only got info on you from my mom. Now that you are a doctor, are you too good for me to know you?” Jackson removed his hand from my leg.

I missed his hand in that moment, but it was gone. I just didn’t want to stir up my crush again. I didn’t want there to be any hope that I would be crushed later on. “I’m not. I just want to keep some distance between us incase someone misunderstands.”

“Who’s going to misunderstand? The guy from before who handed you his number. The napkin that still lives in your back pocket. You are worried about my distant cousin,” Jackson stood up to leave.

I stopped him. I jumped up and grabbed his clenched fist. His hands were hotter than before. “No. I didn’t want someone to misunderstand you. I wearing your jacket, sitting next to you on a loveseat, your hand was on me. I didn’t want the person in your life to misunderstand. I really do enjoy your company. I just don’t want to ruin a relationship with misunderstandings.” I let go of his hand that was now less tense.

The his hand caught mine abruptly. He maneuvered his hand to interlock our fingers. He sat back down on the loveseat, and he pulled me down with him but right next to him. I was so close to him. I could hear his racing heart beating. He smelled like pine trees. Being so close to him, he seemed bigger. I tried to release our hands. “Jackson let go of me.” I tried to wiggle free.

“Nope,” he held onto my hand with a death grip.

I still tried to get free. But I decided to just deal with it later. I used too much energy that I sat back against the cushions. I could feel the slumbers coming again.

“Just sleep. I’ll be here.” He let go of my hand, and instead put his arm behind me, pulling me closer to him.

My cheek now rested on his shoulder-chest area. His heart beat was constant and repetitive. Thump. Thump. Thump. I was out in moments.

…

When I woke up I was not outside. I was not in Jackson’s arm, instead I was in a bed. I opened my eyes to find I was in the forbidden Jackson’s room. I was sleeping in Jackson’s bed! Part of me was so excited, but my other half was terrified. That this was farther than I wanted to be. How did I get here?

“Good, your up,” Jackson came into the room. “Dinner is almost done. Did you want to eat in here or at the table with everyone?”

Jackson was so nonchalant about the situation. The fact that I was in his bed. That I was sleeping here. That he must have carried me through the house from the balcony. Knowing that everyone was going to misunderstand us. Like how could I now go out and eat with others. I just glared at him.

He smiled. He laughed as well, “sorry Katie. It started to rain so I brought you into my room. You were out cold. But it worked out in my favor. Now everyone out there knows you are taken. That you are mine.”

‘Mine.’ That word jumped out at me. His. What did he mean his? His right now? His forever….I didn’t know what to say.

He expected something. Because he walked over to me on the bed. Sat down right next to me and pulled me up to look in his eyes. “You are okay with this right? I assumed you were willing with you staying next to me outside. With you feeling comfortable enough to fall asleep on me. That you understood me…?”

I saw the panic in his eyes. He was worried that he assumed wrong. He didn’t; but it was nice to see that he cared about me enough to questioned if he had been wrong. Not that he assumed I was going to accept his advances no matter what. That it was still my choice at this point. I put his panic to rest. I leaned in closer to him and placed my cheek into his chest. His heart was beating so fast from panic. I reached around him and hugged him. I felt his arms slowly react and hug me back. He breathed a sigh of relief into me.

“You scared me Katie. I just did so many things out there when I brought you to my room; that I was worried I was going to have to apologize to some people.”

“What did you do?” I moved away from him slightly, but he pulled me back.

“I gave the napkin back to my cousin. Said that she was taken. I also told mom to stop trying to ship you with Mike; that you would only be his sister.” He stroked my hair.

I managed to pull away from his embrace and look up into his face. I saw the confident Jackson, but I also saw a hint of blush on his face. He was flushed. Haha! It was cute to see on him.

“Do I see red in your face, Jackson?” I teased him. It was my right, as his girl… ‘what am I now?’

My feelings must have shown. “What happened, Katie? You were all smiles right now, and now you look terrified!” Jackson scooped me up onto his lap.

He held me so close to him. That I tried to escape his embrace, but he wasn’t going to let that happen. “Jackson!…Let me go…”. You’re squeezing me…!”

He released a smidge, enough to look me in the eye. Our faces were so close. “Katie. Tell me what’s up? I’m not letting you go until you do.” Jackson’s body seemed to relax into the bed enough to get comfortable but his hands still held me firmly on his lap.

‘Just rip the bandaid off.’ “What are we now? You said I’m taken to your cousin, but what does that mean? Am I a practice for you, a starter. Did you just get jealous that someone else was interested in me, and this is just a phase for you? What am I to you?” I ripped off a bit more of that bandaid than I had meant. I was so embarrassed. I really wanted to not be in his arms now. ‘Let me go, Jackson. Let me die in hole.’ Instead I just buried my head into his neck. Not the best idea because he smelled of dreamy pine.

“Katie. Katie. Katie! Look at me,” Jackson’s body was tensing again.

I recoiled from his neck and looked into his eyes once again. His eyes were steely blue. I was drowning into them…’come back to the present Katie!’

“Have you been dating these last five years?”

I laughed. Which I’m realizing now not a good response when faces are so close. I shook my head.

“Have you been crushing on some guy these last five years?”

‘You.’ I couldn’t say that but I couldn’t say no, because that’s a lie. And I could very well say yes, because then that secret would be revealed. However, silence was not the answer.

“So you do have someone you like. He must be a tool for you to think that when a guy says “she’s taken”, that could mean anything. You have bad taste in guys.” Jackson released me and scooted me off of his lap.

I could feel a distance from him now. I missed his warmth. ‘But really!? My taste in guys is awful…haha! It’s you, you idiot.’ The silence was deafening. ‘How do I answer?’

“At least it’s just a crush,” Jackson grabbed my hand back into his, “meaning I still have chance to make you think only of me.” Jackson pulled me up to standing with him. “We are heading back out there. I’m showing you off, by my side. Everyone is going to know you are my almost girlfriend.”

‘Girlfriend? He was meaning I was his girlfriend….so if I hadn’t freaked out earlier, he would be introducing me to everyone as his girlfriend…? Stupid. Stupid, Katie!’ I really wanted to smack myself in the face.

Jackson started towards the door.

He stopped suddenly and I smashed my face into his back. ‘Well…I did get smacked in the face…just not how I thought…haha!’ I looked up to Jackson’s face. He was troubled with something. Maybe I should just put him at ease. “Jackson, I…”

Jackson’s hand tensed around my own. He threw open the door and started through.

He still looked troubled. “Jackson. The person I’ve had a crush on is…”

He turned to me. Cutting me off, “Is it Mike? I can handle pretty much anyone else. But not my brother.”

“Jackson. My crush is…”

He turned away from me, “No! I deserve a chance to win you over without knowing my rival. You will change your mind today.” Jackson started pulling me away again.

I tried to stop him, but as I said he was a lot stronger now. “No Jackson. Jackson! Wait!” I wiggled my hand free from his grip.

He stopped. Flexing his hand. Realizing my hand was gone.

“Jackson. My crush is you. It’s always been you. The last five years. The last ten. You are such an idiot,” I was trying to make it lite hearted. But he didn’t turn towards me. He didn’t move. Did I just sound too desperate? Do I seem unattractive now? Should I have just stayed silent? I didn’t want there to be any misunderstandings, that’s how people get hurt. He was hurting because he thought he had to win me; but I’m hurting now because he is silent.

I thought the silence before was deafening, but this, this is way worse. There was no way I was going to go down and eat with everyone now…that failed confession. I had dreamed about that moment for years, and that was not how I wanted it done. I crept back to his room. As I closed the door, Jackson’s still stood in the same spot. My heart split as I closed the door.

I made it to the bathroom, somehow. I turned the faucet on for noise and I collapsed to the ground sobbing. ‘How could he just stand there? How could he give me so much hope, and then just crush me. How can I ever come to this house again?’ I needed silence. A panic attack was coming. I needed peace. My head was swimming. I saw the bath tub. I started filling the bath tub. Submerging my body was going to help. It would cut out all the noise. Leaving on my tank top and shorts I stepped into the filling tub. The warm water felt nice. It was comforting. I turned the faucet off as it reached my neck. I needed my brain to shut off. I needed my brain to stop swirling. I submerged myself.

Jackson

‘“It’s you Jackson!” That’s what Katie just said! She likes me. She’s always liked me. “You’re an idiot,” she also said; which is true too. Why hadn’t that ever been a possibility to me?’

Throughout growing up she’s always been hanging around me. She was at first a dumb little sister to me, but now she was the girl that made my heart jump when she walked into the house hours ago. She had grown up well, she was so gorgeous now. She was the first girl to make me notice her. Her completely avoiding me helped spike my interest even more. She blows me off when she first arrives, and now she is confessing to me that she has liked only me. Me! The guy that wanted to tare my cousin to pieces when he was hitting on her. The guy who wanted to kiss her while she was on my lap. But she confessed to me. ‘I’ve probably been standing here too long…’

I turn to pull my girl to me, to find no one there. She left? No way. I would have seen her walk by me. Or would have I? Maybe it was one of those moments where you are standing in dark space debating things to yourself. The door was closed. Did she close it on her way out? Now way I’m missing this moment. She’s not escaping me! I quickly walk out to the kitchen. Where the train of hungry people has started. I see my mom off cleaning the stove, “Mom. Have you seen Katie?”

“Hmmm? Oh hi Jackson. Did you succeed in having a daughter-in-law gift for me this thanksgiving?” Mom smiled as she cleaned the stove off.

“No. Mom. I…have you seen Katie. Things were said. And when I finally realized I was still thinking to myself, she wasn’t standing there anymore. She shocked me, I guess. Have you seen her?”

“Oh,” mom stopped scrubbing the stove. Her eyebrows furrowed. “No, honey. I haven’t seen her since you made your declaration to the family. Henry left by the way. You could have told him to back off privately.”

“Mom focus! Katie!” I looked around me and now everyone was looking at me.

“Dude,” Peter called out to me, “she must still be up there. We’ve been keeping our eyes open, waiting for you two love birds to come back. What did she do? Scale down the balcony to get away?” Laughter erupted.

‘Would she do that?’ I crossed the kitchen again and headed back to my room. She must have gone back into the room when I didn’t respond to her. I opened my bedroom door to find an empty room. The bathroom door was closed. Which I know I left open. As I walked over I heard the sink faucet running. I knocked on the door, “Katie? Katie? Please come out. I’m sorry I didn’t respond. Let me in,” Jackson waited for a response. But nothing came.

Peter’s words came to mind, ‘did she scale the balcony?’ There was a window in the bathroom…”I’m coming in, Katie.” I cracked the door open. The sink was still on, I turned off. The window was closed. I looked around and I saw the skirt and sweater that Katie had been wearing. Then I saw the sunken body in the bath tub. “Katie!” I rushed over to the tub and scooped up Katie’s, hopefully alive body. “Katie!! Katie!”

She started sputtering and coughing. Wriggling in my arms. ‘That’s a good sign.’ “Katie! Are you insane!?!” I pull the plug to the tub. I reach back to her. She was still coughing but she was just shivering now. I grabbed a towel from the counter and draped it over her body. She still was silent besides the occasional coughing. I scooped her up into my arms and carried her to the sink counter. I sat her there and I grabbed the hair dryer and began warming her up. Her cheeks were starting to have color again. I was so pissed. Not really mad at her, mostly surprised that, that was her reaction to my silence. I was more mad at myself for not immediately turning around, after her confession, and kissing her. She wasn’t looking at me. She was looking down and away from me. I want that teasing attitude back. I want her look at me again with her brown eyes. I want to claim our first kiss. “Katie. Look at me.”

She didn’t move at first. But then slightly her body shifted enough so that she could lift her head up to look at me.

Her eyes were red. Swollen. She had been crying. I could see the tears forming again. I wanted to put her mind at ease. I wanted her smile back. I wanted…I kissed her. I pulled her towards me, deepening the kiss. She would know after this kiss she was mine. I continued…She kissed me back. She was mine.

…

Art, Creativity, Short Stories

Short Story #18

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Julie

Tonight is going to be the night. He’s been single a bit of time. I’m going to confess to Jake Hagen again. I confessed to him about five years ago; without knowing him at all. And he was actually in a relationship at the time. A secret one.

He told me, “you can’t just confess to someone because you like them. You have to get to know that person first. You have to observe and figure out if they are a match for you. You can’t just dive into a relationship to see if you are compatible.”

So I knew we were opposites from the get go. I fell in love with him at first sight. I knew in that moment that I could like him, no matter the difficulties, differences, or challenges we would face. I just knew in an instance that I liked him. It was one of those storybook moments. He saved a kitten from a tree, he kicked a soccer ball back to a group of kids, and he helped an older woman cross a street. I knew in that instant we had similar ideals.

And I haven’t been stalking him this entire time, or anything. Yes, I’ve been instigating random appearances into his life. And again we have so many things in common. He loves sports. I love sports. He loves chicken. I love chicken.

But now it was finally my chance to confess again. It has been five years. Five years since that first attempt. But hopefully this was going to be my final confession.

Jake excused himself from the table to use the bathroom. We were out to dinner in a group of about twenty. This was my moment. I wanted my confession to be private. Intimate. Just us. I excused myself too from the table to follow after Jake. ‘This is my chance.’

I jutted behind a pillar. Peering around the edge, I see Jake and Patricia facing each other in the courtyard. My heart dropped. Patricia, Jake’s ex girlfriend six years ago. All our friends say that Jake became closed off more after his breakup with Patricia. I’ll help Jake out and end this unwanted meeting.

“Can we get back together? I miss us?” Jake grasped on Patricia’s hand.

My dropped heart now shattered as it hit the floor. ‘What!?’ I stepped back behind the pillar. Hugging myself. Controlling my tears. ‘Keep them at bay.’

“Oh Jake. No,” Patricia brushed Jake’s hand off of hers. “We were not good together. Anyways you should find someone more in your own social circle. Our compatibility is miles apart.” Patricia dug her phone out of her purse, “Hey I’ve got to go. My boyfriend is looking for me. Goodbye.” She walked out, back towards the restaurant.

Jake just stood there defeated. Whereas I still hugged myself behind the pillar. I was less upset about Jake’s outburst and more about how cruel Patricia acted towards him. She just let go of a great amazing guy. ‘Let’s still try this. Maybe I can mend his heart with a heartfelt confession.’

I stepped right out into Jake. We collided. Falling backwards I reached out for Jake. He caught me thankfully, “thanks Jake.”

“No problem. What are you doing here?”

“Umm. I came to talk to you. Do you have a second?”

“I guess I have all the time in the world. What’s up?”

I glanced at Jake. He was looking at me, but he was looking past me. Zoning completely somewhere else. ‘Just go for it. The worst he can say is no.’

“I like you Jake! Will you be my boyfriend?!” I shut my eyes. I could feel my face burning.

Silence. Nothing. I gradually opened up my eyes. Jake was still standing there zoning out. “Jake?” I waved my hand in front of his face?

Jake’s head jolted up, “huh? What? What did you say?”

I sighed. He didn’t hear me. “I still like you Jake. Will you be my boyfriend?” This time I kept my eyes on him.

He looked at me. But Jake shook his head and sat down on a chair. “Come on Julie. Stop joking around.”

That stung, “I’m not. I’m serious. You told me five years ago to get to know you first. I have, and we are so similar. So I’m confessing again.” Having to explain myself is not what I thought I would have to do. “Will you be my boyfriend?”

“Seriously Julie. Why didn’t you take the hint. I was telling you I’m not interested. Not that you need to spend more time on me. We won’t be good together. You should find someone more your age from your social circle. Our compatibility is miles apart.”

‘He didn’t. He actually used Patricia’s words against me.’

“Wow. So all these years you’ve been doing what exactly? Just toying with me. You personally invite me to come to different outings. You lend me your jacket when it’s cold. You drive me home. You met my family. You’ve held my waist. Protected me from random drunk strangers. All in the name of friendship.” I was fuming. “And now you throw Patricia’s words at me. I…I” I’ve been so clueless this whole time. I was so mad at him, but my body was still frozen in that spot. ‘Why am I still standing here?!? Move!’

I stepped back from Jake. Jake. The guy I thought was on the same page as me. The guy that I thought had been seeing me in a new light. Confessing to him was right; because now I can stop this stupid fantasy. My heart closed off from Jake in this moment. I no longer have those feelings for him. Now I’m just going to see him as an example of what not to look at in a man. There’s got to be someone out there for me. I turned and left the restaurant. But I didn’t stop there. My life was not tied down here. I could pack up everything and move. That’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’m leaving. Leaving this place. Leaving these friends. Leaving Jake. I’m gone.

Jake

My head was killing me. It was thudding and throbbing. ‘What did I drink last night? Right. Everything.’ I pulled my body up out, of what I hoped was my bed, and dropped my head into my hands. Sitting up was way worse. I opened one eye and shut it instantly again. It was too bright. I must have forgotten to close the blinds. I toughed it out and opened my eyes up and my eyes burned from the sunshine. But I took in my surroundings. I was in a courtyard…I was on a…bench…

So I wasn’t in my room at all. I was still in that awful courtyard. The place where I was humiliated by Patricia; I had been a few drinks in by then. Then I discovered that Julie had heard the entire conversation. And she said something to me…I can’t remember what. My headache was blocking out that conversation. I just remember her face being sullen and sad. That whatever she said she must have left unhappy. “I’ll apologize to her later.” Just amazed that I’m still in the courtyard. I’ve been on many ragers, but I’ve always made it home. I must have been hammered last night.

…

I miraculously made it home. But I just woke up from my couch. Must have been asleep for several hours since it was dark again.

I guess I should get a recap of what happened yesterday. Surprised that Julie hasn’t been over to check on me. In the beginning, I was annoyed by her reappearing appearance in my life, but now that’s what I’ve become accustomed to. And she makes the best hangover soup. Probably saved my life over these years, because of that soup.

And would know what all transpired last night. Pulled out my phone, “Dude. What happened last night? I’ve got a wicked headache.”

Laughter filled the phone. “You were really far gone last night. You wanted to drink everything behind the bar. I don’t really know what happened last night except your wasted talk. Something about Patricia. And Julie. Whatever you did to Julie, dude she is pissed. She took off moments before you came back from the bathroom. Jenna had gone looking for Julie when she didn’t come back. Maybe talk to her for my info. After that apologize to Julie. She really was upset when she left. She didn’t say anything to anyone. I only know she left because Jenna told me.”

I hung up. After listening to Andy I was getting a gut feeling like something terrible was said to Julie. For me to remember her sad expression and knowing that she just left. That was unlike her. Few years ago I told her to think about things more. Not to put all her eggs onto my basket. I was a mess after breaking up with Patricia. I was pissed off at everyone. Now I’m used to her being around. I could see myself dating her. She’s actually pretty cool. We have similar likes. We have the same friend circle. We have the same morals. I just haven’t pushed for it since I left the ball in her court five years ago. If she had said something about wanting to date. I probably would date her. At least try and see if it’s what should be done.

“Jenna. Do you know what happened last night? I completely blackout after I ran into my ex. I just remember Julie being there and leaving with a sad expression. I just have no clue what really was said.”

“You are a real jerk, Jake. First you break Julie’s heart, and now you say you can’t remember why. Really a huge jerk.”

‘Nothing is making sense.’ “Just tell me what you know.”

“Pretty much. Julie followed you to the courtyard to confess her feeling for you. Ask you if you wanted to start dating. But witnessed your plea to Patricia to take you back. Julie stupidly thought she could make you happy after that by confessing. But instead of you telling her that you need some space, you decided to ridicule her and say that she was stupid for not understanding that you never have and never would like her. I’m hoping you said that out of embarrassment and not really meaning that.”

‘Man. I’m an idiot.’

“Then your excuse was what exactly what Patricia said to you. You threw it back in her face. Big jerk. You threw away probably the only girl who has ever treated you good. She’s been taking care of you through the years. I guessing you didn’t make it home last night, right? Yeah. Julie has been the one making sure you get home after your ragers. No matter the time she would be there to make sure you got home. And now she’s gone. She left. She didn’t tell me where, so don’t ask me. But she packed up that night and left. You wanted her gone in your drunk speech, so she did just that. I hope you are happy now.” And Jenna hung up the phone.

I still gripped my phone. How could I have said that to Julie. How could she just leave. How was I supposed to continue…

…Three Years Later…

Jake

I’ve cleaned myself up. No more ragers. No more drinking. I’ve been dry now two years. And I’ve been searching for Julie.

Jenna wasn’t kidding when she said that she was gone. She really left the night. I didn’t realize that she was living so casually. That she could up and move in a day. Found out that, that was because of me. If I got a job elsewhere she would be able to follow me.

After my hangover ended I started to remember what I said to Julie. All the harsh things. Then her pointing out all the things I had been doing; giving her mixed signals. I was a jerk. A colossal jerk. I can’t believe I said that to her. I blew it. I can’t believe I said I never had feelings. Which is true. I didn’t in the beginning and then in that moment I hated her for seeing my pathetic side. But I didn’t mean bay of it. And now I have no way of apologizing for being a complete idiot.

I’m actually a couple counselor. I had the toxic relationship and the right kind that slipped away. So I’m actually pretty good at noticing the tell tale signs. When relationships should work I help them back together with my experience with Julie. And when a relationship should end, I talk about Patricia.

Like the couple I’m listening to now. They need to stay together. The things they are fighting about are small and easily feasible to resolve.

“Okay. Enough. You both are grabbing at straws. You don’t really need to be in my office. Karla you love him. You know you do. Don’t listen to your friends about their opinions on how a marriage should be. All marriages are different. Justin. You know you are just hurt that Karla is changing. She’s not really, because after our sessions you are both on track. Unless it is me, don’t listen to outside advice. The best things you can do in a relationship is be open and honest about your feelings. Believe me I know that terrible communication can lead to losing the best person in your life.” I told them about Julie. Not every detail but enough to show them that it can all slip away in one moment.

“Dr. Hagen. Is your first name Jake?” Karla asked.

That was unusual. I’ve never given out my full name, “yes, that’s me. Why do you ask?”

“Your experience sounds a lot like a friend of mine. She crushed on a guy for several years and me then once she confessed all went to crap. To sum it up. I wonder. Can you tell me her name?”

“I don’t really want to pull her into this. But it will stay between us in this session,” I looked to each of them and they nodded. “Her name was Julie Carr.”

…

Well Karla’s friend indeed turn out to be Julie. But I now have more to what happened. Julie left and moved to Arkansas; a random place but she found a good job there. No wonder I couldn’t find her. She was over two thousand miles away. But she now is married with a son. They are happily married. Which stung a smidge, but I’m happy she didn’t stay single always alone. But Karla did tell me that what happened with me did shape her. She didn’t approach her now husband; she waited for him. She did invest a lot of time into her dating life, but kept it hidden. Her husband had a crazy ex girlfriend experience so he made sure to find someone better for starting a future. And he did. He found the jackpot.

I’m happy for Julie, but I’m also confused about how I am feeling. I happy for her, but I think deep down I was hoping she was still single and that I could make up for my mistakes and win her back. Now knowing that, that is not an option I am left feeling incomplete.

Instead I’m going to use this knowledge for my future counseling sessions. I now can give the points of I was an idiot and lost her, was a idiot spending years trying to find her and fox things, only to miss out on a woman who probably would have me very happy. That it can all slip away from you. I tell couples to cherish each other. To hold on dearly, because if you are not careful they could be gone the next day.

…The End…

Art, Creativity, Short Stories

Short story #17

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I’m so excited to be here! I won a random concert ticket. It was going to have bands of all genres. Rap, pop, techno, country, etc.

But I felt strange without my gang. Micah, my oldest son at eight years old. Stephen at six years. And Sarah at four years. Also my husband, he’s my rock. But surprisingly this outing was encouraged by my husband the most. He said that I deserved a breather. But here I am; getting a breather and feeling alone.

The music playing has a nice rhythm; I just have no idea what they are saying; I just sway along with the large crowd surrounding the stage.

But now the ear plugs are needed. The music started blasting. The subs were making my ears throb. Then I heard it. The unnecessary language; that most artists fill their songs with. Definitely not my scene. I weaved through the crowd to find some silence. My ears are throbbing more from the music, than from my kids.

I just wanted to get away from the language. I wanted a breather from that whole scene. I followed the path before me. It was beautiful; cobblestone path lined with all the flowers. My daughter Sarah would have loved this. Oh how I miss her.

The path arched up as a bridge over a pool. But the bridge was wide enough, and there were benches on one side. It was quiet here. Peaceful. The breeze was warm too; I think this is where I should be. I took up residence on a bench overlooking the pool. I could see for miles. Green grass, purple hills, vibrant skies. There was a guitar playing in the distance. That was what was missing, music. This breather was more my speed.

The ambiance was perfect. I brought out my notepad. I’ve always carried it with me, hoping for a chance to jot down some song lyrics, but life happened and my kids now keep me busy. It’s been almost twenty years since the last time I tried this.

“They say we have patience. They say we are always calm.”

“They say I’m perfect. They say I’m kind. They say I’m a great mom.”

“But I don’t feel like it. I have barely any, and if I do, it fizzles gone.”

“Perfection should never be my description.”

“I am kind, but maybe too kind. They seem to walk all over me. I don’t feel like a good mom.”

Of course my lyrics sounds like a poem instead. It’s been too long. This song is probably too negative. It’s honest though. The last chorus would probably shift.

“I don’t feel it but it’s okay. I must be doing something right, because my days always end in hugs and loves.”

“I’m their mama. Not perfect, but the right one. Instead of perfect mama, call me wild mama, loud mama, crazy mama, loving mama. I’m everything rolled into one.”

“Look at that! A more realistic mama song. Truthful,” I murmur to myself.

A shadow came up behind me. I panicked, wondering if I’m somewhere I’m not supposed to be. Turning to see a cowboy dressed man. I gather up my notepad and purse, apologizing, and I begin to head back down the bridge.

“Hold on a second, miss.”

I paused and looked back at the cowboy before me. He was maybe in his late fifties. I could see the gray hair under the brim of his hat. He looked harmless, I still was wary just in case.

“Why are you all the way over here. The concert is still going on. Did you get lost or something?”

I relaxed a little. I hadn’t gone somewhere off limits. I was worried I would get in trouble, here without my husband to back me up. “No. I’m good. I just needed a break from the last artist. Rap is really not in my wheelhouse. I’m probably going to just head out. I don’t know if my ears can take anymore thumping.”

“I agree with you. I’m not a huge fan of the rap music either. I like the more classic rock or country. If you can’t tell from my wardrobe,” he gestured to his clothes, “But I think you should stay for the last artist. It’s going to be country music. I think you will like it better.”

Country. I do like country. And I should take advantage of this concert. I didn’t know if I would ever be doing this again “okay. I’ll go to the last artist’s show. I should enjoy my last bit of freedom before heading back to the loving chaos. Thank you,” I stretched my hand out to the cowboy.

He accepted. As I turned to leave, “Excuse me miss, but can I have what you were writing before all this.”

I didn’t hesitate and I handed it to him. Instead of having my song/poem be buried back into my notebook in my purse, I passed it on. Maybe it could be inspiration for someone. I turned away again and waved over my head. I felt rejuvenated and ready for one more band.

The music began, and it did have a great rhythm. Some songs I recognized and sang along too. The best part was the new songs , that I had never heard. They were clean, good message, and no language. I jotted down some of the song titles, so that I could add them to my playlist, appropriate for little ears. But suddenly the cowboy man stepped out onto the stage. He was an artist!! How did I not realize.

“Could the woman who met me just moments ago, please make her way to the front of the stage.”

‘That was me!?!’ I began to weave through the bodies surrounding me. I could feel the stares but I kept walking forward.

“This woman gave me inspiration. She and I wrote a song together. She has potential, but I changed it up some. Because of one of her comments on the song sheet read: ‘Needs to be peppy to be country song hit.’ So true. The hits are always more upbeat. Hope you enjoy it, “Honest Mom.”

He did change it. But he left the first chorus almost the same. Just made words rhyme and flow better. But he added in lines like “her eyes sparkle when she talks about her babies.” And “Her husband is a lucky man.” Also, “Admist the quiet peace, she wrote this song to fill the void.”

He was good. I felt so proud. That a song I had scribbled down was actually used. The song ended and the audience erupted with clapping and hollering of approval. Someone from his crew came up to me and got my info. I gave it, but I was still so memorized that people enjoyed it.

…

Weeks later I got a check in the mail for $250K for co-writing a song with Henry Brown. Obviously now one of my favorite artists.

I couldn’t believe what had happened that day. Henry Brown changed my life that day. I completed something. One dream; even if I wasn’t the one singing on stage; I was up there too.

The End

Photograph By: emily2jane
05-25-22

Art, Creativity, Short Stories

Short Story #16

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“Hey! Do you want to come over to the house? Our kiddos could play. We could hang out. What do you say?” Karlee was almost giddy as she talked.

“Sure. But are you or your kiddos sick?”

“Why do you always ask that? Do you realize how inconsiderate you are?”

“Well you all did just move here from overseas, and you are still acclimating. Also, you all have been sick with various viruses for the last six months. This is nothing new for me to ask. Whenever I am invited somewhere I ask the host if anyone is sick. I have an infant. I would rather to not have a sick infant. And especially, we are going to be traveling down to see my pregnant sister here soon. They tried so hard for this baby; that I will not be bringing down a germ to them. So are you or your kids ill?”

“No we are not. But I think we are no longer available today. Goodbye.” Karlee ended the call.

I sat there puzzled and confused. Why did Karlee respond so abruptly. I’ve always asked if her family was sick before coming over. I always ask anyone. Not only did I not want to have sick children, but I didn’t want to get sick. Or have my husband get sick and still have to work. Inconsiderate? To me it would be more inconsiderate to invite people over to your house, knowing that you are sick. And in a way, Karlee had done that once before. They came to church one Sunday knowing their kid had the stomach flu. Naturally didn’t tell us until we were about to leave church; where our kids had been in close quarters with their son. To me that’s being inconsiderate.

“Hey Hon,” Jarred popped his head into the doorway.

“Yeah,” I placed my phone down on the coffee table.

“Did you just talk to Karlee?”

“Yeah. How did you know that?”

“Well Carl just texted me a long old text. About, how could I let my wife talk to his wife that way. That you are such an inconsiderate friend. That you must be stupid for constantly asking if his family is sick all the time. That you are a terrible mother for acting this way. That our kids are not growing up with proper parenting. That I need to manage my wife better. Any of this making sense to you? Did Carl loose his mind?”

‘Wow. Just wow.’ I recapped what had been said between Karlee and myself. I didn’t think it was enough to warrant Karlee tattling to her husband.

“I had hoped that it was a wrong person type of text. What’s Carl’s problem? Who is he to call my wife stupid? Question us on our parenting? Inconsiderate? Does he not see his text as rude to your feelings or mine? At the end of the text he added, ‘don’t tell your wife’. Like does he not know me by now? You and I don’t have secrets. I’m going to give him a piece of my mind!”

‘I forgot. It’s not just me loosing a friend. But my husband now is loosing one too. Making friends when you are older is impossible.’ “Not quite yet. Let me reach out to Karlee, and question her first.”

Text: “I thought we were adults. I would prefer if you have something to say about me, you just say it to me. There’s no reason to get the husbands involved. I don’t appreciate your husband ridiculing my husband and my family. Please next time just say it my face or text it to me.”

Karlee’s reply: “I told him not to say anything. I vented to him; like all couples do. I’ll have him apologize to your husband.”

Text: “My husband doesn’t need a forced apology. If your husband wants to send one he can but a forced apology means nothing. That this will only happen again. That hurtful words would be said again. You do know, that this isn’t the first time; you both have made slide remarks about my family before. We let things go, because we really wanted to be friends.”

No more replies came. The conversation was over. And to me this friendship was too.

“If you want to text back you can; I’m not going to control you. But I think it’s over and done with,” I glanced and smiled weakly at Jarred; I placed my phone on the coffee table.

Jarred sighed as he walked over to me, “I think for our mental health we should give up on this friendship. This isn’t the first time Carl has made a comment about you or our parenting style. Which I can now understand in a sense, because I don’t approve of his parenting style. It’s become unbearable to watch him belittle his older son; to the extent now that I watch as the kid shuts down. Also, no one is allowed to call you stupid. Or insult you in any way! And the added part of don’t tell you…! What was he thinking ? He knows I tell you everything!” Jarred collapsed into the chair beside me.

It was time. Time to cut this family out of our lives. Things had been beginning to snowball. The eldest daughter had been rude and incredibly mean to my daughter. So much so, that Emma came up to me with almost tears; asking why her friend didn’t want her to play with her. Jarred was right about their parenting style with their oldest son. That everything the son did was wrong. Every little thing needed to be ridiculed or belittled. He was only six. I was already thinking that I could no longer watch it; which is sadly just leaving that kid there. But we couldn’t change it.

Jarred kissed me on the forehead, “what do you want to do?”

“We should just let it go. And let them go. I don’t think this is a good friendship to have. There’s already enough hard things in life. Let’s not have people in our lives that only bring negativity. I’m sorry though,” I leaned against his chest, “you only have a few friends…”

“Say no more. I was already thinking that I didn’t want this friendship anymore. I wasn’t doing anything because I knew you two were friends. I didn’t want my choices to affect your friendship. Carl only ever texts me when he wants something. Like my trailer or tractor. But there is no way I’m letting him borrow my stuff. Especially since he has no heavy equipment experience. But every time I said no, he calls me inconsiderate or unchristian like, for not willing to help out a fellow brother. But he never accepts my offer of me and the tractor. With him it’s always my fault. I’m tired of constantly having to say no, and be labeled as the bad guy.”

“So we agree?” I looked up into Jarred’s face, “it’s a good plan to remove this family from our lives? Not just ours, but our kids lives?”

“Yes definitely from our kids lives. Emma didn’t understand why she was kicked out of their daughter’s room. Emma is friends with everyone. But yes. We should. We both don’t do well with being called stupid. Especially when someone calls my wife stupid. That’s a huge mistake.” Jarred pulled me closer into a hug.

I hugged him back. “Though, I can be pretty dumb sometimes, right?”

“Yes you can. Especially when you are pregnant.” Jarred sighed and relaxed into me more. I pretended to bite his shoulder, “Haha! But I love you still! You are my little dummy, and only I am allowed to say it.”

“Jarred, I love you, you know?” I pulled away to look him in the face. My wonderful husband.

Jarred smiled. “Yes, I know. I love you too,” he kissed my nose.

I smiled and returned to the hug. I squeezed him a little more than before. But he accepted it.

We just stood there. In our kitchen. Content with life. Even if we had no friends, we still had each other. Closer than ever.

…The End…

Dedicated to my Husband.

I love you Mister!

“Summer Nap”
08-02-25
Photograpy
By: emily2jane

Art, Creativity, Short Stories

Short Story #15

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I’ve dropped down to living in a camper. I used to have a large house, pretty much an estate. I inherited it from my grandpa. He always liked me best. But long story short, my siblings kept badgering me. Constantly telling me they would take me to court. Saying I maliciously stole their inheritance, by tricking the man. All lies obviously. I was being strong. I was going to hold onto that house because my grandpa wanted me to have it. But it got so bad, that I got permission from my grandma to let it go. She told me, that my grandpa didn’t want me to have the house, he just wanted me to have an investment that I could sell to be taken care of for life. So with the help of a lawyer I traded the house, to my siblings, for the fair market value of the house. Which my lawyer assured me it was a great deal, since the house value was the highest it had ever been.

So within a few months of my grandpa passing away I had been a home owner, and now I was a multimillionaire. It was weird.

I’m a twenty year old with no clear path. I’m living in a camper since my job is remote. I write short stories for a daily magazine. I just move to new places as I want.

And I’m a responsible multimillionaire. I’m not just wasting the money away. With the help of that lawyer, I have a few investment properties and I have invested in a few raising companies. So that I can stay a multimillionaire, but a silent one.

Because you guessed it. As soon as I gained all this money I became the person everyone wanted to be friends with. Such a bother. My grandma was actually the one to tell me to leave and to keep my new wealth a secret. She knew how it felt, because she and grandpa had made the mistake in their younger years to announce their wealth. Still, I used a portion of my wealth to set my grandma up for life. Grandpa had left her a large sum to take care of herself, but I wanted that to be her fun money. Also I felt better leaving knowing my grandma was taken care of.

But all this to say, because I now live in a camper. Currently next to a beach, and I’m not very good at this whole drifter lifestyle.

Most drifters I’ve met are chill and go with the flow type people. Never stuck in a schedule. Whereas me, I like to have a schedule. I like to spend some days just writing in my camper and never going outside. I like being alone. I don’t need to be constantly social. Or so I thought.

My life changed Friday, June 13th, 2025 at 7:40am. There was a knock on my camper door, and when I opened it there was no one. Thinking it was a ding dong dasher I started to close the door again and then I heard a flapping sound. There was a flyer of some sort stuck to my window.

It read, “Party at #2 camper. Enjoy booze, drinks, music, and food at 7pm-1am. Come to party!”

Not really my thing. Just because I usually enjoy my quiet nights. I curl up with a crossword puzzle book and a cup of hot chocolate and I usually fall asleep there. ‘Not the best habit.’ But it was my new thing. But I scanned to the top of the camper park to see where camper #2 would be. I was at spot #42. And like in a story I locked eyes with the owner. He was beautiful…no not beautiful, handsome. Handsome is a better word. Haha! He was tanned, he was toned but not like steroid muscles; he was smiling at me. ‘He’s smiling at me!!’ I ripped my eyes away from him. I had been staring at him. All these sweet romance stories I write having the women be calm and collected is so phony now. I see a cute guy and I become a puddle of awkward goo.

I sneak a glance back towards his camper and he is no longer around. Thankfully. I can scan the scene to know if I’m going to want to go or not. There were streamers and ice chests filling the small grass area in front of the camper. So when they say drinking they meant it. There were lots of girls swarming around. All dressed appropriately for going to the beach, but not for being at a party. I’ll just say, more skin, less clothes. And they were already blasting music. It was that angry rap stuff. So based on my gaze of what was being prepared I could assume that this was not going to be my type of party. I don’t drink, I like more clothes and less skin, and I prefer country music. So dead giveaway that I would not fit into that crowd.

Looks like it was going to be a day full of chilling by myself. Maybe I would just sit in a chair and watch the festivities happen. It might give me an insight into that world for future stories. I head back inside my camper, I get dressed for the day, and I leave to go grocery shopping.

…

They were not kidding about a party. The party was huge! I wasn’t just in spot #2, it had morphed down to spot #22. So they were closely coming nearer to my space. Which made it harder for me to be sneakily siting in a lawn chair and watch the festivities happen. But I still did it, because the owner had called me and said they would not go past #30. So I would still have a good size buffer from them.

The party was like I had assumed. Lots and lots of drinking happening. Girls wearing pretty much nothing. Guys shirtless. Music so loud that I could hear the lyrics all the way down here. Definitely not my scene.

“You don’t want to come up?”

I jumped at the voice. I pulled the headphones from my ears and saw the cute guy from earlier standing just outside my camper space. “What!?”

He smirked and laughed, “I asked if you wanted to come up or not?”

“Oh! Oh. No. I wasn’t planning on coming. I don’t really think it’s my type of party.” ‘I’m sure I sounded like a goof.’

“I can get that. The party grew way bigger than I had expected. May I?” He mentioned to the second lawn chair.

“Oh, sure. Here,” I pulled my laptop bag off of the seat next to me. I didn’t like it that he was so calm and confident and I was falling all over myself.

“Thanks. He sat down next to me. He seemed confident. That he knew his place in the world. “So why didn’t you come up?”

“Oh. Umm, I’m not really that type of party person.” That was a stupid excuse. “I don’t really know. I’m just comfortable here where…I have no clue.” My face was getting hot.

He laughed. Not a I’m making fun of you laugh, but you are funny laugh. “You are making no sense, but strangely I understand you. But come on. You need to experience some new things in life,” he stood and offered me his hand.

‘What?! I’m not ready to go anywhere. I’m not dressed to go to that type of party. I guess I was. But I didn’t know if I wanted to go or not.’ But I still reached out and grabbed his hand. I grabbed my keys, threw my laptop inside, locked my camper door, and turned ready to follow this guy.

“I didn’t think you would actually want to go,” the guy was smiling but I could see a hint of surprise.

“I’m surprising myself. But I guess I should experience a party like this once in my life. And it helps that I trust the one taking me. I mean, no. I meant….do you know what I mean?” Why was I such a doof and around this guy?

“Haha! I know what you mean let’s go!” He reached down and grabbed my hand and started to pull me up to the party.

I could feel my face warming up because of his touch, but I felt safe with him. So I wasn’t truly fearing going to this party.

…

‘Oh. I was so wrong!’ Not about the guy I was with, but that I should have probably stayed at my camper. There was much more happening at this party that was not visual back at my camper. There was a “dance space” going on. But it was pretty much…a…very uncomfortable sight to see.

I don’t know why I did, I stopped suddenly, reached out and grabbed the arm of the guy towing me, he spun around to face me, and hid my face into his chest. I was so embarrassed by what I was seeing. The warmth was reaching my ears.

He just chuckled. He wrapped his other arm around my shoulders and he carefully walked me around the outside of the dance space. Keeping a hand up to block my side profile view, of the dancing next to me.

I trusted him. I didn’t know why.

But we finally made it to the top of his spot. There were less people up here. There were just a few stragglers, probably the guys that couldn’t find a girl to go to the dance space with. The guy I was with, gestured to the several ice chests. There was beer is most of them, waters, and sodas. I chose a coke, because water seemed like a lame option. But amazingly enough to me, the guy grabbed himself a water.

“Hey Jackson! Where did you disappear off to?” A guy from group of stragglers, ran up and fake strangled him from the back.

‘Jackson. His name was Jackson.’

“I didn’t disappear. I just wanted to invite our neighbor.” He grabbed my hand again and pulled me towards him. He once again drooped his arm around my shoulders. “This is…actually I don’t know your name?”

“Sally. My name is Sally Anne Marck. Nice to meet you,” I nodded my head to the guy in front of me.

“Nice to meet you Sally, I’m Matt,” he reached his hand out.

But before I could accept his hand, Jackson held his hand instead. “No touching needed,” Jackson said.

I laughed quietly. I thought it was cute.

“Dude. It’s not like I’m going to try and take her. You walked all the way down there to get her. And you’ve been looking at her these past few…” Jackson harshly nudged Matt in the side to shut him up.

‘Looking at me these last few what!?! Hours? Days? Weeks?’

“Please ignore Matt. Anyways. Sally. What are you doing in this area? Visiting family? Friends?”

‘Keep answers short. I wanted to be acknowledged for me and not my money.’ “I’m actually taking a bit of time to travel. Just seeing new sights. I ended up here by accident actually.”

“So…do you…umm?”

“What my friend is trying to ask, is do you have a boyfriend?” Matt called out over his shoulder while he got another water.

I know my cheeks became pink. But as I snuck a glance at Jackson and he became flush too. “Umm…no. I’ve never had a boyfriend.” ‘Why did I say that? I could have said I don’t have one. Not make it totally clear that I have zero experience.’

“Really?” Jackson grabbed my hand once again.

“Really,” my face became warm.

“Sweet,” Jackson pulled me a little closer to his side.

I liked it there. I strangely I still felt safe. Matt was just staring at us nodding his head. Approving on what was happening.

‘What was happening? Was something happening? Would something happen?’

“Well, since you two are now together, I’m going to try my luck at meeting someone on the outskirts of the dance space. See you two love birds later,” Matt waved as he walked away.

“He’s an idiot but a good guy,” Jackson said as he watched Matt walk away.

I just nodded. I was still processing everything. ‘I was standing next to the cute guy. He was holding my hand. Jackson’s best friend just said we were together, but was that actually real? Or was he just kidding?’

I looked up at Jackson, he was just looking off towards the dance space. He was smiling. I looked down at our hands and he was still holding mine. But what did that actually mean? “Hey Jackson, what does this mean to you?” I held up our hands. ‘What am I doing? I just asked him directly!?!’

“Hmm?” His eyes came back around to me. His smile suddenly disappeared and he dropped my hand.

That wasn’t the reaction I wanted. My hand felt so empty now.

“I’m sorry. Did I overstep? I just having been watching you for a few days now and I’ve been curious about you. I threw this party to have you come and to get to know you. But when I saw you at your camper still, I decided to go meet you myself. Then you decided to come and I was ecstatic! You were so cute when we walked up to the dance space. Not only did I pull you into my arms to hide you from the dancing, but I wanted to let all the other guys around, that were checking you out, that you were taken. Matt is an idiot, but he did help me ask you if you had a boyfriend. I was surprised you said you’ve never dated, because you are gorgeous. So I guess…I mean…I thought we could be together now. But if I’m way off base, I can totally back off.” Jackson started to back away from me.

I instantly grabbed his hand back. I wanted to be with him. And him exploding his confession was so cute. I knew I was falling in love with him. “I want you too!”

He stopped at my touch and smiled at me, then at our hands. “I guess I should have verbalized this earlier. Sally. Do you want to be my girlfriend?”

‘Yes!’ “Yes!” I blurted out. I probably looked like an idiot in love.

Jackson chuckled. He pulled me to his side. Instead of holding my hand, he brought his other hand around my waist. He just held me there. We stood there together staring off into the chaos of the party. Only paying attention to our touches.

…5 years later…

So Jackson and I are married now. We dated for about 1 year. Not really doing much of anything. Talking about life, family, goals, etc. Walking on the beach, staying in the camper, surfing, snorkeling, hiking. Just living life.

The talk about my money did eventually come up. And it wasn’t anything big. Jackson was surprised at first, but wanted to continue the secret of it all. He didn’t want to be know for money, but for our own accomplishments. However, the only large sum he used was to help Matt start up his camper site business. Which I fully agreed with, since Matt was a main reason for us starting to date. He convinced Jackson to throw the party to give himself the opportunity to meet me.

We are still living in a camper. We thought it would be good to travel around and figure out where we wanted to end up before having kids. Which we actually need to decide pretty soon, since I’m actually expecting our first little boy. Little Jacob Tomas Gallagher. Named after Jackson’s grandpa and my own.

Which I believe it was my grandpa and God that led me to Jackson. It was an accident me stopping at that beach. I originally had planned to stop about thirty miles farther. But the exit was called Tomas St. My grandpa’s name. In the town of Martha; my grandma’s name. Seeing those two things made me want to stop, but then God speaking to me, ‘Stay a while,’ was all I needed. I pulled off the highway and found the camping site. How peaceful it was, I could see that this place was a great spot to stop. And it was.

.-.-.-.-.-.

Digital Art
By: emily2jane
‘Still Current’
06-15-25
Art, Creativity, Short Stories

Short Story #14

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I have prided myself on being that person that always accepts the outcasts. The people that don’t fit in. The people that are socially awkward or loud or alone. Not the people that are quiet and alone to be stalkers, but the people who try to be accepted but always fail. I like those types of people. I’ve always gravitated towards those people.

But this guy was killing me. I knew he was nervous. I knew he was probably not this socially awkward, but seriously. Cheesy pickup lines for the last hour.

“Are you a camera? Because I could smile at you all day long.”

Or

“Do you want to check the tag of my shirt? I think it’s made of, Boyfriend material.”

Or

“My new favorite numbers are one and four. Because you are the one four me.”

These were the few that stood out to me. And I thought they were sweet. Sweet enough to continue to sit at this table. But about thirty minutes into this date he completely changed. His pickup lines were becoming inappropriate. But I had missed my window to leave the table.

I decided I would just stay and be polite. I haven’t really been listening to him speak for the last few minutes. But I wanted to leave a good impression to the other blind date couples around me. Also the hosts. I really wanted to meet someone, and start a life.

I work in an office. I’m the secretary to the CEO. So as you can imagine; I have no life. All my time is spent working or sleeping. But I got invited to this speed blind dating meeting. So I decided to try it out.

Which had been fun in the beginning. I was meeting new people. Learning about different hobbies. But no one was standing out for me. Everyone seemed so sure of themselves and what they wanted in a partner. Whereas me…I had no idea.

I knew I wanted a God fearing man. I wanted someone attractive to me. Not handsome, but someone I found attractive. Handsome people are always caught in the middle of gossip or scandals. I wanted a quiet romance. I would prefer someone my height or taller, but that wasn’t a necessity. As long as my height never came into question of why I was with him. But a big one, for him to have a stable job. He didn’t have to be well off or climbing the ladder of success. But I wanted him to have a stable job that he enjoyed. I didn’t want to have a kept man. Also not a man who would quit his job once we were married; thinking I would be the money maker. My dream was to be a mom. Not especially stay at home. But where I could work half days and spend a good chunk of my day with my kiddos.

But alas, no one really stood out to me tonight; and unfortunately the guy in front of me just won’t stop yapping. He just goes on and on about his gym life. Which tells me we are not a match. I go to the gym maybe twice a month if I feel inspired, or when I know I’m going to be pigging out the next day.

I checked my watch to see if I was near the end of this nightmare of a man. Which was the wrong move. Because when I looked back up at the man across from me he showed annoyance, snobbery, disgust; which was very unattractive on his face.

“Really? You are checking your watch?! I’ve been talking this whole time and you’ve said maybe a sentence worth of words. Are you really that inconsiderate of people’s feelings that you need to check your watch in front of me?”

He was almost shouting at me. Which caused the host to stop speaking and the whole hall grew silent. All eyes were now on our table.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to be rude. I…”

“If you didn’t want to be rude you wouldn’t have checked the time in front of me. You wouldn’t have been ignoring me this whole time. You wouldn’t have stayed at this table when the host called for a switch. Something drew you to me. Is it really gone? Or did you just come here to find a quick hook up?”

My head snapped up at that last part. I was not here for a hook up. From my experience, the person who brings up that topic is usually the one trying to accomplish it. That they are trying to throw shade at someone else to cover up their thoughts. “Why would you think that? I’ve been trying to be polite this whole time. I stayed at this table because I thought originally you were just socially awkward, which doesn’t bother me, but I liked your corny pick up lines. So I stayed. But about fifteen minutes into our talk you changed. Your pickup lines became inappropriate. Referencing the bedroom more than anything.”

He flinched at that. Yep. That’s what he had been after.

“I haven’t tried to speak since I discovered we have nothing in common now. I want a God fearing man who wants to find love, not an easy night,” I made sure to speak that last part slowly. To let it sink into the man across from me, but also the people surrounding us now.

“I should have gotten up. Or at least excused myself from the table. But I wanted to be polite to you and the surrounding couples. I wanted to just wait my time and then leave quietly when I could. I apologize for glancing at my watch. But why did you not read the table, and realize that I was no longer communicating with you. Maybe you should have changed the subject or tried to engage me. But instead you just kept saying uncomfortable lines and talking about your gym life. Talking about all the women you meet there and how women should always be fit and active.”

I had planned to be neutral in this outburst, but he was irritating me. The fact that he called me out in front of everyone. He deserves to be put front and center.

I stood from the table. I looked from the other couples to the hosts, “I’m sorry I ruined the atmosphere of your event. I really was here to hopefully meet someone. But I should take my leave and allow the successful couples to finish meeting. Thank you again,” I gathered up my coat and purse and walked from the hall. Not allowing the rude man to say anything more. Tonight was a flop.

.-.-.-.

Instead of heading straight home I decided to sit at the bar area for a bit. I wasn’t going to drink the night away, but a fruity drink sounded delicious. Also, I already needed to get an Uber home , so having one drink was not going to affect my night.

As I had almost finished my drink, a person sat down beside me. I didn’t think anything of it. I turned to have a cheers moment and regretted turning. It was my unfortunate match from before. But he was wasted. He reeked of alcohol.

“You…you…” he stammered. “You ruined my chances of finding someone for the night. I thought you were going to be that person. But I was dead wrong. Instead you made them throw me out. And now I’m blacklisted. Do you know what that means? It means any event of this kind I’m not welcome. They will send my information and pictures to the other agencies. How am I supposed to find someone now. I wasn’t just going to sleep with someone and throw them away. Intimacy can bring people closer. You know about all their faults before you get fully invested.”

I was a little stunned that he was able to have a coherent conversation. But he was indeed scum. The worst kind of scum. I’m happy I spoke out against him. Now he would never be able to tarnish another girl; a girl looking for a fairytale but getting a nightmare instead.

“Maybe you should do your duty and come home with me,” he reached for my hand.

I yanked my hand away. He was entering the dangerous phase of drinking. I got up from my stool and backed away from him.

But he followed, “you are the one who ruined my night. You should feel obligated to fulfill my needs, right?”

He was truly delirious. A screw was loose in his mind. I looked around to see if anyone would be a feasible helper to me in this situation. But the bartender was off on the other side flirting with two girls. He had missed our exchange. There was another man at the bar, but he was snoring. So I was alone. I continued to back away from him. Once in the lobby I would probably find a worker and ask for some help. I wasn’t super tipsy, but I didn’t trust myself to be able to escape seamlessly.

Almost to doors as I backed up, I backed into a body. I turned my head to see my boss was behind me. Henry Halls. I didn’t know if he would help me, but I was going to try. I scampered around Mr. Halls and hid behind him. I latched onto his arm and looked up at him resting my chin on his arm.

“He’s saying I ruined his chance to find someone easy. And that I should be willing to fulfill his needs. Can you get rid of him for me?”

Mr Halls said nothing. He just looked down at me. I probably looked ridiculous. But I was tipsy now. Monday at work I would just surrender my mid year bonus. I continued to look up at him. But his face was still emotionless.

I let go of his arm and stood up beside him. I guess he wasn’t going to help me. I would just get out of here myself. I looked at the wasted man; he was still standing there, but he seemed hunched over. He was starting to enter the downhill spiral of drinking too much. This was my chance.

I looked once more at Mr. Halls and still nothing. So instead I just turned on my heels and sprinted to the lounge doors. But an arm grabbed mine and held me in place.

I was worried it was the drunk man so I turned with a strong fist formed first. It made contact with a hard chest. I peeked open my eyes only to see I had just punched my boss in the chest. I was too stunned to say anything but I tried to back away. But Henry Halls pulled me back into his embrace.

His embrace?! Yes. I looked down at his hands; they were holding me in place in front of him. I was just inches from his chest. He smelled of pine or cedar. It was nice. It was comforting. It was…I rested my head on his chest. That fruity drink was hitting me too hard.

“Kelly Marshall. Look up at me.”

I heard him but I also didn’t hear him. But still I lifted my head to look up into the eyes of Henry Halls; only to be met with a strange look on my boss’ face. Was that a smile…but my boss doesn’t smile…he just…

And he bent down and kissed my mouth. ‘Wait!!!! What??!!!’ He was kissing me. I was kissing him. What’s happening right now. His mouth moved from mine to find my ear, “close your eyes Kelly Marshall or he will know.”

Know what? That this was fake. That my boss was kissing me without permission. That I lost my first kiss…! I stepped out of Henry Halls embrace and slapped him. How could he do that to me. I wanted to be saved, but with words not by stealing something important to me.

Henry Halls looked stunned. I backed away from him. I shouldn’t have hit him, but I was so mad at him, that all I could do now was sprint from the bar lounge. I needed to get out of there. I needed air. Air!

The cold breeze hit my face. I felt a smidge better; like that I could see clearly again. My mind was swimming still; a throbbing headache was in the works. I walked up to the valet attendant only to have my hand grabbed and myself yanked into a black car.

I fell onto the seat. The car door slammed behind me. ‘Where was I?’ The opposite door swung open and in slid Henry Halls in the seat next to me. I turned away from him and tried to escape, but I was pulled away from the door and back into Henry Halls’ arms. “Drive,” he called to the driver and kept a hold on my shoulders.

I was confused what was happening. Why was I here? Why is he here? Why is my head swimming still? Why is he holding me? Why am I letting him? ‘Yeah…why!?’ I tried to get out of his embrace. “Let me go!”

“No.”

“Let me go. The other guy was drunk. And gone. I’m safe now. You can stop pretending. Let go!”

Silence.

I wriggled trying to be freed. I didn’t want anything fake. I wanted something real. And now, I would know that it wouldn’t be one hundred percent real. That kiss was gone. “Let me go!!” I almost screamed.

“Stop fighting me, Kelly.” He pulled me to his chest and hugged me, “I’m not pretending. Can you not see that?”

‘What was he saying. Not pretending. Can I see it?’ In all these years this was the closest I had been to anyone. But with Henry Halls you don’t get this close, you don’t see smiles, you don’t feel anything but criticism or disappointment. “You’re kidding right? I should know?? I should have seen it? You’ve got to be kidding,” I started laughing. But I suddenly stopped when I saw his face. I saw hurt. I saw embarrassment. I saw…sadness… ‘Wow. That fruity drink was making me fantasize things.’

“Seriously, Mr. Halls, I don’t know how I was supposed to see this? If I’ve seen anything from you it’s been disappointment or disapproval.” Again my boss showed hurt on his face. ‘What’s going on?’

“Jeffery, please take Ms. Marshall home. Drop me off here.”

“Wait. Henry. What are you trying to say?” However Henry Halls stilled exited the car. And he was gone.

The car began to drive away, “Wait! Stop the car!”

“But Miss, Mr. Halls said,”

“Stop the car!” And I opened my car door. Before the car had stopped I was out of there, and running back to where we left Henry.

Mr. Halls stood his back to me. I don’t know if it was my imagination or not, but it seemed like he was hunched. Defeated? ‘What was I seeing or thinking about? Henry Halls didn’t care about me. I would have saw it; wouldn’t have I?’ I was just behind him. I don’t know what I was doing, but I needed to know what just happened. “Henry,” I reached out to tap his shoulder.

But instead, Henry swung around quickly startling me too suddenly that I was falling backwards towards the sidewalk. I clasped my eyes closed waiting for the painful thud coming. Nothing. No pain. I opened my left eye to only see Henry’s face. ‘Was that concern I saw?’ He was holding me. Holding me up. In his arms. His arms held me so easily… “Mr. Halls?”

“Henry. I prefer you to call me Henry,” Henry smiled, pulling me back up into a standing position. “You just called me Henry, so it shouldn’t be hard for you to do again.”

‘Henry had a charming smile.’ I couldn’t help but smile back at him, “okay. Henry,” I smiled gleefully. Probably the alcohol hitting me again. My silliness phase was coming out. “Henry?”

Henry turned towards me. His smile still apparent on his face.

His face was glowing. I had never seen this side to Mr. Halls. Henry. Henry was becoming more and more human to me. “Henry.”

Again Henry looked at me. his eyes searched my face this time. What was he looking for? “Kelly Marshall…do you think you could ever see me as your future?”

“My future? My future what? Boss? Yes. Employer? Yes. Friend? Maybe?”

“No. Future. Like boyfriend? Or husband. Your future. Do you understand?”

I didn’t. What was he talking about? Boyfriend?…I shook my head.

“Can you consider me to fill the role as your boyfriend and eventually your husband?” A red hue was engulfing Henry’s face and ears.

‘Boyfriend? Boyfriend!?!’ I looked at Henry. He was no longer looking at me. He was actually hiding his face from me. I could only see the red on his ears.

“Do you even like me?” I surprisingly was not against the idea, probably the alcohol talking; but it still seemed unrealistic to me. Like why would he choose me. I was just his secretary. I was a nobody.

“Yes. Of course I do! Why would I be asking you this if I didn’t have any intention towards you? I’m not a jerk. Just think about all this time? Have you made mistakes in work? Yes you have; normally you would have been fired but I let it go because it was you. Whenever you have asked for days off, I’ve given them to you; even if it’s been inconvenient to me, because I wanted you to see me in good light. I’ve paid huge sums of money to get rid of your rumors with various people we have had to meet at social gatherings. I thought you knew all this. I thought you were just being discreet. When I kissed you earlier I thought you wanted it too. That you hanging onto my arm was you being cute and asking. But then you slapped me. I was confused, then you vanished. And now we are here. And you are looking at me like I’m the crazy one. That I’ve been imagining everything before this.”

This was too much for me. He liked me. He’s been thinking I liked him back. He wanted to kiss me. He seems so hurt. I wish I had known. I should have known. Other office workers had mentioned that I must be a super lucky person since I still had a job. That others had been fired over what I had done. I should have known. He was right. I was the one who had been confusing him. “I’m sorry Henry. I wish I would have known. Had I known I would have…”

“Don’t say anything you don’t mean. I apologize for stirring all this up. Please excuse me,” Henry waved down a taxi.

“No!” I jumped up, swung the door of taxi open, and yelled, “no need. Drive on,” and I slammed the door shut. The taxi roared off.

“Why did you do that?”

I was sober now, but I don’t know why I chose this to stop him, but I hooked my hand behind his neck and stood on my tippy toes to kiss him back. I wanted him to know I was serious about what I wanted to say, but instead of saying it with words I would use actions; like he had earlier.

“Kelly. Do you know what you are doing?”

Henry had yanked me off of him. At this moment I didn’t know what I was doing. Was he not into this anymore. Was I being too rash; should I be more reserved? I just kind of stood there frozen. Maybe I should just leave. Maybe the window was closed. I didn’t speak. I was just going to leave and probably quit my job via email. I would just disappear from this life all together. I backed away from him. “I’ll just be going…”

“Oh no you don’t,” Henry grabbed my outstretched hand and pulled me back into his embraced. “You’re not running away. You kissed me back so this is your fault.”

He pulled me back to his body and kissed me.

“And this.”

He kissed me again.

“And thi…”

I shut him up before he could finish. ‘Just kiss me.’

And he did just that.

“Short Story # 14”
By:emily2jane
01-22-25

Art, Creativity, Short Stories

Short Story #13

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“A high school reunion? Sounds like fun!” Sharron squeaked as she pulled dinner from the oven.

“Would you really like to go? I don’t know anyone anymore. I haven’t seen them since graduation. I would be surprised if we have anything in common with them,” David was sitting at the kitchen table.

“What does that matter? It’s not like I’m going, expecting to make friends. I’m going to support you. Do you not want me to go?”

“Of course Sharron, I want you to go,” David stopped what he was doing and came to hug his wife from behind. “You would be the only good part about that event,” he kissed her on the neck. “It’s decided we are going. I need to show you off anyways; letting everyone know I am the luckiest man alive.” David walked back over to his phone and sent out a quick text.

‘I guess I’m going to a reunion.’ Sharron return to getting dinner ready.

…

Sharron

The reunion was not at what I was expecting. I thought it might be a relaxed restaurant, maybe thirty to forty people. No it was at their high school, which I should have assumed, and it was packed. Cars were spilling onto the side streets. A large crowd was gathering outside the gym doors. Us included. There was a loud thud coming from behind the doors. ‘I should have brought some earplugs.’

Looking around I felt out of place. David had insisted I wear a classic black dress. Nothing revealing or tight. Just classic. He assured me that I would not be the only one dressed up, but looking at the women around me I felt way overdressed. Like a few of the women off to my right, were wearing skimpy bedazzled mini dresses. They were dressed up in a sense, but they seemed to be barely wearing anything. Or they were all falling out of their tops. I would never wear something like that in public; and it’s not like I felt beneath them, but that I was uncomfortable for me. Also, for David to be exposed to their scantily clad clothing. I didn’t want my husband to see that. I didn’t want to be having these thoughts of worries.

But David’s hand moved to my waist, he pulled me closer to him and whispered, “I only have eyes for you. And be careful, you are staring.”

I glanced at David. His eyes were glued to mine. He was beginning to get that look, and I broke eye contact with him and blushed while glancing away. David chuckled at my rosy cheeks. ‘Not helping.’ Finally the doors opened.

Even though the night was not what I have expected, the food was delicious. They had Famous Dave’s catering. David and I rarely went out to eat, but if we did we went there. I loved the ribs; I could put away so many. But tonight I was being a little reserved since I was in public. ‘Maybe I could bribe a worker to bring me a large zippy and I could bring some home?’

David was off with his friends. He told me I could stay with him if I wanted, but that the guys are not very clean with their speaking. David knew how I felt about language; so instead I let him go off with the guys and I am still standing by the food. I wasn’t going to try and attempt to talk to anyone. The women I saw before were “dancing” by the DJ, if you could call it that. I’m sure there may be some people I could relate to, but I didn’t want to go and search for them. I planned to just stay in this general area the rest of tonight. But right now, I had to go to the dreaded spot. The restroom.

In the movies, the bathroom was the place that most of the backstabbing and ridiculing happened at reunions. And I’m devastated to say that it was indeed true.

“Did you see the woman that David brought? I knew he got married, but I assumed he would have married someone at least close to his level. She was such a plain Jane. Like did you see her dress?”

“I know right. Ugly. She may have a decent figure, but you would never know in that bag dress. It looked like a black trash bag tied at the waist. Hideous!”

‘Wow. The mean girls could really be mean. So thankful I was homeschooled and I didn’t have to go to another reunion.’

“Trixy, are you just a little bit more against her since you had a major crush on David in high school?”

‘What?’

“No. I just assumed he would have married someone like Liz. She and David were the most popular at school. He deserved a Liz as his wife, not a sad Susan.”

“I think her name is Sharron…”

“Susan, Sharron. Same difference. Okay let’s adjust ourselves. Better. Maybe I missed my chance with David in high school, but I can always try now.”

“Don’t do anything drastic. Based on what I’ve been hearing, is that David only has eyes for his wife. However, showing him you exploding out of your top might be the only way to get him to glance at you. No guy can resist that.” They laughs together. “That looks perfect. Let’s go and break up a marriage!”

‘They were truly awful. I wanted to go home.’ I exited the bathroom stall and checked my reflection. My eyes were a little smudged by the tears kept at bay. I cleaned up my face and ventured back into the lions den. I no longer wanted to be at this ridiculous reunion. David was right, I shouldn’t have come.

…

I had planned to march over to David and demand we leave, but as I glanced over at him he was laughing and smiling with the guys surrounding him. I couldn’t bring myself to be that wife. Instead, I decided to just go sit alone outside. The warm air was enough company for me; I needed some peace and quiet, to calm my flustered heart.

…

David

“Dude, I can’t believe you are married. You were the last person I ever assumed would get hitched,” Jeremy smacked me on the shoulder. “I thought you were all about that bachelor life. New chick every night. No strings. Freedom. What happened?”

‘I knew this conversation was bound to happen. I was a different type of guy in high school. And now looking back I wish I hadn’t been that guy.’

“I grew up. I matured. And it’s a good thing I did or I would never been good enough for Sharron.”

“I don’t get it,” Jeremy shook his head.

“Well I do. David found a diamond in the rough. There aren’t too many Sharron’s left in the world. Especially in today’s world. David is lucky that, that caliber of woman decided he was good enough for her.”

Looking around to see who said that, my eyes came to Devan. Devan and I were never friends in high school; but I decided in that moment that he would be a good new friend to make. I nodded at him.

“Thank you, Devan. Means a lot.”

“Why are you even standing here, Devan? You should be off in the library or stalking unattractive women,” Jeremy and several of the guys huddle around snickered.

Devan turned away and left.

“Enough,” I stepped out of the center. I was a different person now. I guess these guys will never understand. “When will you guys ever grow up? You know become mature? I’m different now. I don’t enjoy breaking people down and belittling them. I’m not proud of the person I was back in high school. I’m proud of who I’ve change to be. And my wife. She is the best thing that ever happened to me. I am lucky to have her as Devan said.”

I was just met with blank stares and some annoyed faces. They would never understand, because most of these guys still wished to be back in high school, and I’m the person that now wishes they could forget those four years. ‘I shouldn’t have come.’ “Forget it. None of you will understand until you decide to leave the past as the past. It was different to see you all again, but I think my time here is done. Good seeing you all,” I raised my beer to them and started away.

“Hey David! Do you remember me?”

A woman stood before me. I only kept my eyes at her eyes, because of her posture I’m sure she wanted me to look lower. But I wouldn’t do that. Not to my wife, but also because I’m not the same guy; and I’m ashamed to say that younger me would have looked. Which made me sick to my stomach. “Nope,” and I walked away from that group. I was done with them. Instead, I wanted to be with that special one.

“Hey David,” Marleen called over, “I know where your wife went if you are looking for her.”

Marleen was a safe person. Her husband was Tomas, a man I worked with occasionally. If she could help me end this night quicker I would take it. I headed off in her direction.

…

Sharron

The night air was warm and soothing. I could only hear a soft thumping from the gym. I was sitting on the bleachers by soccer field. I wasn’t too far a distance from the gym, but I was far enough that I knew I would not be disturbed.

Tonight had been something I needed to experience. Next time I’ll listen to David, if he is not one hundred percent in support of me going somewhere then I’ll just stay home. Being homeschooled saved me from ever experiencing this type of thing. Like I could go to a swim team reunion, but would I really want to? I’m probably also the only one to be married, stay at home wife, wanting a family, and so on. I think one reunion is enough for one lifetime.

David

Marleen didn’t just tell me where Sharron had disappeared to, but also what had been said in the bathroom. Marleen had been in one of the stalls as well. She summarized what was said, and I’m not surprised Sharron disappeared outside.

There Sharron sat. Back to the gym doors, hunched over on the bleachers. I don’t know if she was cold or what, but her shoulders were shaking. She had better not be crying. Or I was going to knock some heads together. I quickened my pace until I was just inches from her. Then I heard her.

Laughter. She was laughing hysterically. I shook my head and smirked. ‘That’s my Sharron.’

“Anything good?” I tapped her on the shoulder.

She yelped, throwing the phone into the air, and started to fall backwards off the bleachers.

I caught her in my arms, but sadly the phone was thrown in the opposite direction. She was more important than some phone.

Sharron had her eyes still closed. Thinking she was still falling bracing herself for the painful thud. I laughed, “you are not going to fall. At least not when I’m around.”

Her eyes opened in a flash and then searched my face.

I could see happiness of recognition, but I also saw the hurt. She tried to mask it, but I knew her all too well to know when she was hiding something from me. It pained me to see her hurting. I pulled her closer to me and kissed her. A deep kiss. A I love you with all I have, kiss. A kiss that should tell her that whatever was said before meant nothing. A kiss at wasn’t just for her, but for me as well.

I pulled away from her to see a rosiness rising in her cheeks again. Oh, how I loved the rose color; especially when it was because me. “Do you want to head home?”

She looked at me, “you sure you have talked to everyone that you wanted to? We don’t have to leave just because I’m hiding out here.”

I loved her. Even though she was feeling miserable, she still cared about me first. “Yeah, I’m good. I realized a bit ago that I don’t have much in common with those people as I used to. Also I’m happy I can’t relate to them anymore. But I did sip on a beer, are you good to drive home?”

Her face lit up! “Sure I’ll drive.”

She scrambled to get out of my arms, gathered up her purse and jacket, scooped up her surprisingly fine phone, linked arms with me and headed back towards the gym. Her face was beaming.

‘There she is. My Sharron was back.’ I allowed myself to be towed by the woman I love.

As I entered the gym once again, I could feel glares in my direction. I knew these people were petty but I didn’t realize how much. Good riddance. I’m just bummed that I only hung out with those people, that I didn’t get to talk more with Devan and Marleen. They seemed like they would be more like my type of people.

We only paused a moment in front of the food. Sharron was eyeballing something. And I knew instantly what she was wanting. I kissed her on the cheek and left her there, walking towards the food buffet. Returning to her with a large foiled brick in my hands. She looked at me quizzically.

“Ribs. I guessed this is what you wanted, right?”

The rose color resurfaced again. This time accompanied by a small embarrassed grin. “How did you know?”

I interlocked my fingers with hers and whispered into her ear, “because I know everything about you.”

She let out a giggle deepening the red in her cheeks.

‘Man, I love her.’ I was about ready to kiss her once again, here in the middle of everyone, but I knew that would only embarrass Sharron. I wouldn’t, but I wanted to. I wanted to let everyone know that I was proudly and happily married to my wife. Instead, I let her hold the packaged ribs and placed both hands on her hips guiding her through the crowd. That touch alone would tell the other woman they had no chance and tell the men to keep their distance. I knew I was protective, but I didn’t realize I was this protective. But as Devan said, she was a diamond. I needed to keep her by me so that she wasn’t snatched away.

After nodding goodbye to a handful of my old teachers we were finally outside again. Only to almost run into Devan.

“Whoops. My bad,” Devan said as he side stepped out of Sharron’s way.

“No problem at all Devan. Sorry. Wasn’t really paying attention,” which was true. How could I with my beautiful wife in front of me.

“Totally understand. With this one as your partner, I’m not surprised. Maybe more surprised that you thought to bring her somewhere like this,” he gestured his drink around, “not a very classy place for a classy lady.”

“Yep. My mistake. But good seeing you. We are headed out, but I hope to be able to meet up with you again.” I handed him one of my business cards. “I put my cell on the back. Really. Good seeing you.” And I started to guide Sharron past Devan and towards our car.

“You too, David.”

…

David

Finally we were home. I think I’m going to stop drinking, because that was the longest, most stressful hour drive I’ve ever experienced. I love Sharron but she can’t drive. Ha!

…

Sharron

I was clean and in our bed. That shower helped wash away all the negativity and mean words that were said today. I had nothing to worry about. Because David loved me. He loved me so much that he got me a huge amount of ribs! More than I was going to ask for. He loved me. I knew it. And I also knew, that I loved him unconditionally. He was my wonderful husband. Mine. Forever mine. As David climbed into bed, I knew it would always be like this. He would always be the one next to me. I snuggled into his side. That was my spot. Forever and always.

David

She was beautiful. This lovingly woman in my arms. Especially after realizing how much of a terrible person I must have been in high school. That it amazed me that this wonderful woman chose me. I just held her in my arms, listening to her sighs in her sleep. I pulled her closer to me, kissing her forehead, and closed my eyes. Breathing in pace with her, savoring this woman, as I too fell asleep.