Training - Flash Fiction

This week's 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © Yvette Prior

Training Room

The delegates filled the room, name badges in place, chatter ringing through the air. With one eye on the person they were talking to, the other on the centre table, they were eager to down a coffee and devour a mini pastry or two. Despite it being free, no one dared be the first however, but as soon as someone made their move, they would all follow, swooping in like birds of prey.

Betty had no such qualms, she boldly approached the table and filled her plate. Perhaps today’s training on Confidence was superfluous to her needs.

Bettina x

* With thanks to Rochelle for the picture prompt. If you wish to read more stories based on the prompt click here 

The Gift - Flash Fiction

This week's 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © J Hardy Carroll

The Gift 

It took all of my strength to smile and thank her graciously as two men carried it inside.

Gwen’s moving in gift. Apparently, Tom had always wanted this clock... so here we were. This gothic monstrosity had no place in my modern, minimalist living space. I offered her a drink as she made herself at home.

‘Now you have no excuse dear.’

A dig at my timekeeping. The knife kept turning.

‘Never late for Matt though, are you?’ Her eyes scanned my face, searching for guilt.

‘Time to go Gwen.’

Asphyxiation by clock. Terrible way to die. Slow and painful.

*Thank you to Rochelle for this week's picture prompt. If you wish to read more stories based on this prompt - click here

Signs

A 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © Björn Rudberg

Signs 

Beth was crying hysterically when the rescuers found her. Lying beside Robert’s lifeless body, her legs were fixed to the ground bloodied, pitted with debris.

‘Didn’t you kids see the signs?’

Beth nodded, her crying slowing before she managed a whimpered, almost silent, 'yes.’

‘So, what, you ignore them do you?’

Flashbacks of the step that sent Robert  tumbling off the cliff edge sent Beth wailing once more. A kindly rescuer glared at the man who had dared to interrogate the distraught teenager.

Beth shook her head profusely, she wasn’t a rule breaker. ‘No sir, we didn’t know what it meant.’

Bettina x


*Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here 

Flash Fiction - The Camera Never Lies

A 100 word story based on the following photo prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © TED STRUTZ

The Camera Never Lies 

I am beautiful, he is going to make me into a model. I swell with pride. If only my friends could see me now. A few unkind girls had called me ugly but now I knew they were lying.

He smiles while asking me to remove my bra. I feel uncomfortable at this suggestion. He notes my reluctance but reassures me it’s what models do.

‘There that wasn’t so bad,’ he says as he touches me. He shouldn’t do that.

He thinks I am fourteen. There are definite benefits to looking younger than my years. Mate, you are so busted.

Bettina x


*Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here 

Flash Fiction - Liar

A 100 word story based on the following photo prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © JS Brand

Liar 

Susie’s eyes widened in alarm, this was not what she had been expecting. 

  

Mike, her impossibly handsome companion, looked unperturbed. Looking just like his online photo, he had been easy to spot in arrivals. His warm smile instantly putting her at ease. His old school charm reassuring her. Like a true gentleman, he had carried her Louis Vuitton cases to the waiting taxi. At the water’s edge he had insisted she board a rickety old liner, much to her dismay.

‘This isn’t the hotel we booked!’ Her voice trembled, heart pounding.

‘No, and my name isn’t Mike.’ He grinned salaciously. 

Bettina x


*Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here

Enjoyed this story? Why not check out my new novel 'Without A Hitch' which is available to buy now -

UK - http://amzn.eu/fUEJ9Sk
US - http://a.co/digzFXy 

Flash Fiction - The Ghost Train

A 100 word story based on the following picture prompt.

PHOTO PROMPT © J Hardy Carroll

The Ghost Train 

Jenny licked her lolly, looking on with interest as the fast, spinning rides with flashing lights enticed the punters. Screams of fear pierced the air. Babies, the lot of them, she scoffed.

Camille grabbed her hand, ‘Come on, let’s go on the ghost train.’

In complete darkness, the safety bar pressed uncomfortably against their bellies. The train set off, slowly at first. Eerie sounds spooked them, smoke blinded them, ghouls leapt out from every direction. Drip, drip onto their clothes, blood. They screamed and sobbed, this was too real. As they re-entered the daylight they laughed, hysterically. Melting ice lollies.

Hope you enjoyed this piece of flash fiction 

Bettina x

*Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here 

Enjoyed this story? You may like to check out my new novel 'Without A Hitch' which is available to buy now -

UK - http://amzn.eu/fUEJ9Sk
US - http://a.co/digzFXy

Coming Home for Christmas - A Christmas Short Story

Coming Home for Christmas 

‘I’ll be there.’
‘Are you sure? I don’t want…’
‘Shush, I said I will be there. See you soon. I love you.’

Maxi placed her phone in her bag and looked out of the window. It was Christmas Eve, the sun was setting and the sky had assumed a beautiful pink tinge, looking serene. Her eyes traced a couple of flakes of snow as they settled on the sill in front of her. It was going to be a long journey and the forecast was not looking good. Still, she had promised. At the last minute she tossed a cosy blanket into the boot of her car and picked up the flask of coffee that was waiting on the side. She pulled her faux fur lined boots over her tights and zipped her padded coat all the way up to her chin. As she locked her front door her neighbour was pulling into their drive and gave a cheery wave. Maxi smiled and returned the wave before slipping into her car, shutting the door behind her.

Twenty minutes later she was happily trundling along in her little car, the roads were slowly getting quieter as people were reaching their destination, but the snow was appearing to get heavier and cars were driving slower, in keeping with the weather conditions. Within what felt like seconds, Maxi hit a blizzard, how quickly the weather had changed. She just needed to make it up the steep hill but the cars in front had come to a standstill and nothing appeared to be coming in the opposite direction. In frustration, she struck her steering wheel. 

‘Come on!’

She checked the time on the car’s display, she had just fifteen minutes to get to the station, park her car and make it onto the platform. Becoming aware of some movement at the top of the hill, she watched as a car inched its way down, she looked on as the face in the window was one of sheer terror, she could see tears falling down the face as the woman struggled to keep control of her car. Maxi watched helplessly as the car disappeared down the hill, she crossed her fingers tightly, hoping the woman made it safely to her destination. Finally the cars were on the move, the one immediately in front, however, remained rooted to the spot, its wheels spinning furiously. Maxi pondered what to do, she had to keep moving. Could she attempt to drive around the car? She had no choice but to at least try. She steered slowly and pressed down on the pedal but now her wheels were spinning too, damn the car in front. If only she hadn’t attempted to go around.

Maxi tried again and again but each time her wheels just spun, incapable of gripping the road surface. After a few times a nasty odour permeated her car, she wondered what damage she had done to her clutch. She gave the pedal one final push and to her delight and surprise a miracle occurred, her wheels stuck to the road allowing her to overtake the car blocking her path. She was back on her way, it was going to be tight but she could do this. She drove slowly and steadily. Thankfully the rest of the route was on flat ground and things were at least moving. As she passed the bus station, she could see that the buses were stacked up, neither able to leave or enter the station.

‘Oh no please, I am so close!’ Maxi willed the bus in front to turn in, leaving her way clear, it didn’t, instead it pulled in to the bus stop to the side allowing her to overtake.

‘Okay, I am almost there,’ she muttered to no one in particular as she grabbed the first available parking space.

 Grateful for her super sensible, warm, snow boots, she confidently made her way across the carpark. Smiling to herself she pulled along her overnight bag behind her and climbed the stairs. Listening carefully as she went to the announcement that was being made.

‘We regret to inform you that all trains at this station have been cancelled until further notice. We apologise for the inconvenience.’

‘What? No. This can’t be happening.’ 

Maxi ran down the steps back to the ticket hall. A staff member was fielding enquiries but he seemed to have no answers, as far as he was informed no trains were running in the near vicinity. The weather to blame. 

There was only one thing for it, she would have to make the journey by car. As she retraced her steps across the carpark, the icy, arctic like wind bit the tip of her nose, her fingers fast draining of feeling. The snow was coming down thick and fast now, she would have to hurry before the roads got clogged. Maxi wiped off the snow that had already left a thick layer on her windscreen and repeated the exercise on her windows. As she was about to turn on the engine, she heard a tap on her window. Jumping up in surprise she saw a friendly face peering through the window at her. It was Tom, her neighbour.

‘You won’t be going anywhere in this. Can I offer you a lift anywhere?’

 ‘Tom, what are you doing here?’

‘Happens every time, the snow comes down catching people by surprise. Trains are always cancelled, delayed, whatever. Seeing as I have got the truck, I came down here to see if I could lend a helping hand.’

 ‘A knight in shining armour, huh?’

He grinned and for the first time Maxi noticed his perfect, white teeth. 

‘Something like that. So where are you off to?’

‘Oh no, it’s fine. I am going away for a few days. I just need to find another train to get.’ Maxi started tapping into her search engine optimistically. ‘Why don’t you go and see if anyone else needs some help?’

 ‘The way things are out there, you won’t be going very far. Trust me. Where do you need to get to? Let me help. Please?’

Maxi frowned as she looked at her phone, Tom was right. Her plan to head to another train station was thwarted. There really were no trains listed. She sighed, admitting defeat.

‘Well, I really need to get to BlinkstonVillage, but I guess you won’t want to drive there.’

 ‘Ooh it’s nice down there. Really nice. But what’s the urgency? Why don’t you wait until tomorrow when things have cleared?’

Maxi was feeling a bit annoyed by Tom’s constant questioning. What was it to him?

‘Look don’t worry. I’ll find a way.’ 

She turned the key. It might take her all night, but she would make it. But her car refused to start, its pathetic moans and groans complaining of the cold. 

‘Hey, little miss mysterious. I didn’t say I wouldn’t do it.’ He opened her car door, offering his hand.‘Come on, let’s get going. And if the weather improves I can always drop you off at a station. How does that sound?’

Maxi noticed that the snow had already covered her windscreen again, she didn’t really have any other option, Tom was being exceptionally kind under the circumstances.

‘Okay,’ she relented.

 Making herself comfortable in Tom’s SUV, Maxi had to admit it was a much better option than struggling through the snow in her small, old heap of a car. They seemed to ease through the roads with very little effort. He switched the radio on and to her delight it was a station playing Country music. She was itching to sing along but feeling embarrassed she tapped her thigh instead. Tom glanced at her, he had noticed she seemed to like this music. He wondered if she liked it as much as him.

‘You like Country and Western?’

 Maxi nodded. ‘Mmm yes very much so.’

‘You should come see my band. We play Thursday nights at OutbackWest.'

'I didn't know you were in a band?' 

Tom smiled.

 'Guess there is a lot you don't know about me.' 

Maxi returned the smile before turning and looking straight in the direction they were heading. She didn't want to appear rude so felt she owed an explanation.

'I get terribly carsick as a passenger.'  

 Maxi was a little alarmed at the sights as they made their way out of the town and onto the motorway. She had never seen so many abandoned cars, admittedly, she would normally refuse to drive if the weather was too bad, but it was still quite a shock.

Once they were on the motorway, conditions were a lot better, with the traffic flowing. Every so often Maxi, battling against her car sickness, forced herself to look down at her phone, checking to see if the trains had begun to run again. But it seemed like they had called it a night as nothing was showing.

'At this rate we will make up any time lost, we will be there in no time.' Tom said brightly.

He tossed his floppy, sandy coloured hair away from his deep brown eyes in one adept flick.

Maxi felt a little pang of regret in the pit of her stomach, she was rather enjoying this little adventure with Tom. Chatting away they had already learnt so much about each other. It was true, time really did fly when you were having fun. And he was so handsome, with his well defined chin and chiselled cheekbones, how had she never noticed this before?

Maxi took a long sip of her hot coffee before offering it to Tom, who gratefully accepted. The three hour drive felt much shorter as they shared the coffee and tore open a packet of chocolate biscuits. At times she could feel herself drifting off from the warmth of the SUV and she snuggled into her blanket. A couple of times she allowed herself to succumb to sleep, other times she jerked awake, conscious she had to tell Tom the way.

As they hit Blinkston Village, the snow was still falling but melting as it landed, the roads were pretty clear with no sign of any traffic problems. Tom glanced over at Maxi, as she turned to meet his gaze, her glossy black, poker straight, fringe moved just enough to reveal stunning, crystal blue eyes. Her high cheekbones were flushed with a soft peachy pink shade as if they had just been pinched and her rosebud lips fell into a natural, pretty pout.

Tom too felt sad that he would shortly be dropping Maxi off at her destination. He had long admired her from afar but had never had the courage to say more than just a hello or goodbye. He glanced up at the sky and thanked god that the heavens had been kind to him tonight. The snow had provided him with the perfect opportunity to spend time with her and now he didn't want the evening to end.

'If you turn left, it's the first house on the right.' 

 'Are you going to tell me who you are here to see?' Tom chuckled as the car came to a stop outside a chocolate box house. 'Or is it still a secret?' 

 'It's a secret!' Maxi replied as she jumped out of the car, heading to the boot to pick up her bag. 

 Tom flew out after her and took her by the hand, making Maxi's stomach leap with butterflies.

'Maxi, I don't want this to be goodbye. Come knock for me when you get back.' He leant in and kissed her softly on the lips, before stepping back again. 

Tom's stomach was in knots too, he hoped he had read the signals correctly. Maxi pressed her lips together and breathed in deeply and smiled. She reached forward and gave him a hug, sending electricity shooting through them both.

'Thank you Tom, I really appreciate this. I hope you have a safe and quick journey home' 

'It was my pleasure. Merry Christmas Maxi.' Tom spoke softly and tenderly.

'Merry Christmas Tom.' Maxi whispered back.

She watched as he got back into the SUV before turning the key and entering the house. Before she closed the door, Maxi watched as Tom drove off into the distance, back to his home.

Maxi spotted a light at the back of the house and made her way there, a figure was sitting in a rocking chair hunched over the log fire, the sound of clicking knitting needles echoed around the room. The heart shaped, lined face turned to her, with the happiest of smiles.

'Maxi, you made it. And in this weather! I told you to stay home darling. I would have been okay.'

 'I don't break my promises Nan, and I wouldn't miss seeing you for the world. Merry Christmas!' 

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

X 

*If you enjoyed this short story you may like to check out my new novel 'Without A Hitch' A modern romantic comedy about 3 brides united in their quest for the perfect wedding. It is available to buy now on Amazon as an ebook or paperback. 

UK - http://amzn.eu/fUEJ9Sk
US - http://a.co/digzFXy

Flash Fiction - The Loving Tree

Here is this week's 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

Photo credit @ Sandra Crook

The Loving Tree

‘I love you Charlotte,’ Austin whispered as he held her tiny hand in his.
Charlotte beamed in delight. ‘Why don’t we carve our initials in the tree, as a symbol of our everlasting love?’
Austin pulled back in horror at the suggestion. ‘What? Why would we do that?’
Charlotte’s face crumpled in disappointment. ‘You don’t really love me, do you?’

Austin couldn’t believe what he was hearing, why would anyone want to harm a tree? Cutting its bark would allow a gateway for pathogens. He was quite disgusted in Charlotte. No, she was right, he couldn’t love her, not now.

Hope you enjoyed this story
Bettina x

Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you want to read more stories based on this picture - click here

My new novel 'Without A Hitch' is available to buy now - 

UK - http://amzn.eu/fUEJ9Sk

US - http://a.co/digzFXy

Without A Hitch - Available Now!

Without A Hitch 

I am delighted to announce the release of my second novel 'Without A Hitch' which is out now and available on Amazon to buy. I am planning to release the paperback version shortly so watch this space!

The book is a fictional tale about three brides-to-be who are planning their dream weddings but find that however organised they are, there is nothing they can do when fate intervenes... Sienna, Agnes and Bryony experience the highs and lows of planning a wedding. Will it all come together on their Wedding Day? Find out in this heartwarming, contemporary romantic comedy.

To buy -

UK readers click here 
US readers click here 

Flash Fiction - End Of The World

This week's 100 word story based on this picture prompt

Photo prompt © Danny Bowman

The End Of The World 

Millie clutched her throat, with only a single drop of water left in her flask she had to make it last. Her wavy blonde hair was matted, caked in blood and dust. Left for dead, that was some blow to her head.
She had been afraid of taking a gap year but Frederique had convinced her to go. She had trusted him, this was how she had been repaid.
She glanced around, her vision hazy, it was like the end of the world. In the distance the mountain glowed, whispering ‘Not the end, the beginning.’ She had to make it.


Hope you liked it
Bettina x

*With thanks to Rochelle for this week's picture prompt. If you wish to read more 100 word stories - click here 

A Tempting Trio

A Tempting Trio

Would you like to see the dessert menu?

The beaming waitress stood in anticipation with the menu already in her hand.. Sarah was really rather full after the main course but somehow the mere suggestion ignited her other belly, you know the one that we all possess - the pudding one, and so she found herself saying yes please.

Banoffee Pie
Chocolate Fudge Cake 
Eton Mess

Sarah glanced down at the menu and considered the options on offer, she loved food but dessert was where her heart truly belonged. What a wonderful choice, all were tempting her but she had narrowed down her choices. Truth be known she was secretly marvelling at how she could quite easily devour all three without a second thought but making up her mind was the hardest part.. working her way down the menu she cried out in triumph.

'Having trouble choosing ..why not enjoy a trio of our tempting desserts - a smaller portion of each of our most popular desserts'

Wow, that was easy! Decision made, she ordered her dessert. She may for a fleeting moment felt a bit greedy but this feeling dispersed as soon as the plate was placed in front of her.

Sarah found her mind drifting and with each delicious mouthful she weighed up the pros and cons of each.

Banoffee Pie 

Adam - Devilishly handsome with dreamy blue eyes. A soft and squidgy exterior, but well defined with a caring sweetness that made her melt every time they met and yet, there was this hard core that she couldn't penetrate that made her feel that Adam was holding back.

Adam was complicated and gave nothing away. Each time they met she unpeeled another layer and found out something new but all the pieces just didn't add up. Dates were carefully planned and each one was accompanied by a gift. Adam was sweet, generous and loving but there was something missing.

Sarah sighed...mmmm I am not quite ready to give it up, I need to find out what is stopping Adam committing to me completely. I don't just want a piece, it is just not enough, I want it all.

The fact that Adam may know about the others and that was why he was reluctant to give his all never even entered Sarah's head.

Irresistible Adam, the mysterious one.

Chocolate Fudge Cake 

David - Ah David.. If Adam had dreamy blue eyes, David had the most deliciously big brown eyes she had ever seen.  He with his glossy exterior but who was warm and well she couldn't deny it, rich. He reached right down to the very heart of her soul. Taking her to places she could only dream of. Unfortunately he was also married which should have set alarm bells ringing but it was true he was trying to extricate himself from his wife but it was going to take time..

Could she wait..were the trips to St Tropez enough to placate her. Were the shopping trips to Selfridges and the open wallet enough, even if come the weekend she was left twiddling her thumbs. Sarah thought hard, really hard. He did LOVE her, they had just found each other at the wrong time.

Neither of them were shallow, her thoughts made it sound like she was and that he could buy her submission but actually when they were together they loved nothing better than opening a tub of ice cream, watching videos and laughing.

Sarah laughed aloud and then quickly remembered where she was. She looked around and hoped no-one had noticed her. Embarrassed she started on her last dessert. Tucking into oodles of meringue pieces, cream and strawberries..Sarah's mind once again began to wander.

Eton Mess 

Tommy - Finally Tommy, the foppish and incredibly sexy aristocrat who was fruity if a little fresh at times. Time spent with him was a blur. He was unreliable, dishevelled and unshaven. Stuck in the 90's he still had curtain hair for god's sake and his dress sense was terrible. But and there was a huge but.. he was so much fun to be around, if and when he turned up.

He embraced culture like it was going out of fashion, showing Sarah the beauty of the museum, since they had 'dated' they had been to them all. Her favourite was the V&A, especially the great exhibitions and showcases. Tommy let her be a dreamer, actively encouraged her in fact. She swirled around with fabrics and they giggled as people stared. Tommy loved the art galleries, they would sit and gaze for hours at each individual brush stroke and then people watch. Tommy mimicking mannerisms and she adoring his little quirks.

However, life she could tell with Tommy would be messy, the room in his stately home a tip. He called it organized chaos but she knew he was a hoarder and she was such a tidy person. She loved to plan, he loved surprises and last minute activities.

Could she see past the cons with Tommy and indulge in an alternative lifestyle?

Decisions, decisions. A tempting trio indeed, She just couldn't make her mind up.. why wasn't life as simple as the dessert menu?

Want to read more? Well you can - read the FULL story here! http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B011ZEUQZI

An original work of fiction - all rights reserved

A Christmas Story - Jingle Bells

Jingle Bells 

The bells were ringing and as they passed by the church Lizzie stopped to peer at the bride.  She looked just like a princess in her big white dress and was glowing with happiness. Aged 15, Lizzie was caught up in the romance of it all, a million emotions ran through her head, her mind wandered as she dreamed it was her standing there holding the bouquet, marrying Jake the love of her life. Of course he didn't know this yet.. it was only the first date and they had only just started to hold hands. Noticing Lizzie's eyes were closed, Jake seized the opportunity and planted a kiss on Lizzie's lips, as his tongue tried to prise open her mouth Lizzie's eyes shot open and she felt her cheeks redden. This was her first kiss and now everyone knew she had done it. It must be written all over her face. At least that was what it felt like as they walked home arm in arm and in silence.

Lizzie and Jake's big love lasted a year. Jake was the heartthrob at school but Lizzie wasn't anyone's fool and so the day she caught him kissing another girl was the day she told him to get lost and out of her life. She cried of course, her future plans with Jake in ruins. All those sweet words they had shared had obviously meant absolutely nothing to him. The git.

Heartbroken Lizzie ploughed all her energy into her studies and headed to Uni to study Journalism. She had relationships whilst there of course, very few students didn't. But in the back of her mind Jake still loomed, trying to shake him off..she yelled at her mirror "WHY!!" and fell sobbing onto her bed. Was Jake the one that got away. It sure felt like it.

Twenty years later and with a failed marriage behind her, she logged onto Facebook one day and nearly fell off her chair. There in black and white was a friend request from non other than Jake! What the devil does he want Lizzie muttered.. and set about reading his profile.. Dr Jake no less and he was single. Oh what the hell she thought as she accepted the request. No sooner had she done this then a message popped up.

"Hey, how are you?!"

Is that it, Jake? Really? 20 years and all you can say is that? Lizzie thought.

What she actually replied was "Hey, I am good thanks"

And for the next three months they chatted incessantly over Facebook. They sat late into the night  with hundreds of words passing between them, Jake made her laugh, made her feel alive once again. All the memories came flooding back. Jake loved reminding her of that year they had spent together, regaling tales in such minute detail of things that even she had long forgotten.

Could she be falling in love all over again? Lizzie refused to believe it, didn't want to be taken for a fool again. Her heart had hardened, her cynical side reminding her that leopards don't change their spots. She shook her head, once again looking into the mirror and saying "Don't be silly Lizzie, he hasn't even asked to see you again!"

Logging onto Facebook a week later a message was waiting for her.

"I know this is crazy but I need to see you, meet me? "

Suddenly Lizzie felt shy, Jake remembers a girl of 15 not this grown woman of 35. Sure she scrubbed up OK but what if that attraction wasn't there, she just couldn't be let down again. It hurt too much.

"Mmmm, maybe" she typed. Managing to stall him for another two months. She went back to the gym, she visited the hairdressers and banished those tell tale roots. She finally felt ready to meet him again, which was just as well as Jake was beginning to wonder whether he should have bothered to get in touch, she seemed to be avoiding him.

"Meet me at Big Ben at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve"

"Seriously? Are you sure"

"Be there!"

Lizzie spotted him before he saw her, Dr Jake was looking good, very good. A long dark woollen coat, a stripey scarf wrapped around his neck. Those same piercing blue eyes, the dark floppy hair, they were still there. Thank goodness she had stalled him. Her heart missed a beat as he looked right at her and smiled. His arms pulled her close and they stood there just hugging for what seemed like ages. He smelt good, his strong arms felt safe. This is where she belonged.

Out of nowhere a choir appeared and began to sing Christmas Carols, a man handed them some mulled wine to take the chill from the cold, winter air. The festivities far from dampening down were gaining momentum.

As Big Ben struck midnight Jake reached into into his pocket and brought out a tiny box. Going down on bended knee, he looked nervous. Lizzie's legs wobbled and she felt faint.

"Lizzie, I never forgot you and I never, ever, forgot our very first kiss as the wedding bells rang. I was an idiot, I am sorry. The next bells I want you to hear ringing are those at our wedding. Will you marry me?"

Tears fell down Lizzie's face, she could barely contain her joy. Her heart was fit to burst. She thumped him playfully on the chest and sobbed "Yes! You fool, you are all I have ever wanted!"

Merry Christmas x

*An original work of fiction, all rights reserved.

A Short Story ..Peter and Jane

Part 1

A man called Peter lived at the end of my street.  The first and only time I saw him was on the day he moved in. He noticed me looking and gave me a wave. He had short cropped hair, brown beady eyes and a beard.  I think I smiled back and shouted out my name, he wasn't my type but I could be friendly enough when needed. However, this friendliness of mine may have been a huge mistake, he turned into my stalker.

Here is my story - 

To get to the station I had to walk past his house every single day.  I could feel his eyes looking me up and down. I couldn't see him but I knew he was there.

Every so often I would turn back to see if I could catch him peeking  but each time all I would see would be the twitch of the curtain falling back into place. Peter was clever all right.

I imagined him sat grinning in his room, knowing what game he was playing and how much it was torturing me and yet there was nothing I could do. He had me terrified. I had no proof but I just knew. God, did I sound insane? After 3 months I admit I was beginning to doubt myself. Was it all in my head?

My friend Alice told me to go to the Police and report him – I couldn’t do that! What would I say?

“There's this man who watches me”.  They would laugh in my face ' No law against that, darling' the rotund desk Sergeant would say.

Nothing would change. He would still be watching me; those sinister red velvet curtains would still be twitching. My skin was crawling just thinking about it.

No, there was only one thing for it I decided. I had to lure him into mischief, find out what he wanted, before he hurt someone else. This had to stop.

So my plan began...

What do you think.. do you want more?

The Friday Column - A Lesson In Love

A work of fiction - A Lesson in Love


Callie gritted her teeth as he patted her bottom and grinned. She knew it was wrong and he could lose his job but so would she when they had found out what she had done. Callie decided this was worth putting up with briefly as what she had planned for Mike her boss would be far worse.

Mike asked her to arrange a lunchtime reservation at a nice restaurant as he was meeting Pamela. Pamela, the mistress was confident, glamorous and rich. Callie had no idea what she saw in Mike the greasy middle manager but it wasn’t her place to second guess. Pamela waltzed into the office every so often, brazen as hell. The nerve of her Callie would think, what would Maggie say if she knew.

Maggie was Mike’s poor downtrodden wife. She would have been glamorous once Callie thought, before the toll of being Mike’s slave had taken hold. Mike often laughed with contempt at his silly little wife. Callie would listen to Mike lying to her about how he had to work late that night or had to work away, all the while running off with Pamela. Callie hated having to be part of Mike’s lies as Maggie was warm and friendly and didn’t deserve this.

Callie called the restaurant and made the reservation for 1.30pm. As she ended the call, she could see Maggie was calling. This time she wouldn’t lie. ‘Mike is free today for lunch Maggie’ Callie could hear herself saying. For a brief moment she thought she detected a smile in Maggie’s voice as Maggie replied ‘wonderful news,  as I have something to tell him ’ She passed on the details and put the phone down.

At 1.30pm Mike and Pamela were sat at the table waiting for the red wine to be poured, just like teenagers in love they were playing footsy under the table. Giggly and caressing each other, Mike wished he had asked Callie to book a hotel room. At that moment Maggie walked through the door with a tall, handsome man on her arm. Mike stood up and with genuine remorse said ‘Maggie, this is not what it looks like!’ Maggie smiled, she finally had the proof to get rid of her miserable excuse for a husband ‘And this Mike is exactly what it looks like’.

Returning to the office a furious Mike yells out for Callie. ‘Callie, what the hell were you thinking?’ The office was silent, the sun shone in on the white walls and a light breeze rustled the papers. Callie was long gone and with her the contents of the safe.

An original work of fiction - all rights reserved

The Friday Column - A Fictional Tale

All About Me - A Tale of Fiction

Today I am due at the swimming pool but instead of ringing the bell, I just stay firmly seated on the bus. As the bus passes the swimming pool, I feel the tiniest pang of guilt. Right about now the children would be in the changing room excitedly getting ready for their lesson. The mums would be chattering away with each other and eagerly awaiting their free time when they could decamp to the cafeteria for their overpriced watery coffee that would require 3 sugars to make it drinkable. The pang of guilt vanished as quickly as it came and the corners of my mouth turn up and a smile breaks across my face.

Today it would be all about me, the children’s happy faces would turn to sad but I like to think that at least one child would have felt an ounce of relief, just like me when I would find out that swimming lessons were cancelled for the day. I would put back on my clothes as fast as I could and skip out of the doors singing at the top of my voice. My mum would have that look on her face, the one that said she could really have done with an hour of relaxation. I didn’t care though, I was free.

As the rain lashes against the bus windows my mind wanders to what I could do instead. I could stay on this bus all the way to London. The lights in Oxford Street have been put up but it would be ages before they are turned on, I could fit in some Christmas shopping but that would be for someone else. Today would be all about me. I know this is selfish but every day I wake up and I do the same thing. Monotony and drudgery, how did my life end up like this? I married a nice man, but he is content to do the same thing day in day out. My daughter has grown up the same way. I want my life to be different. I get bored of repetition; I do it only because it is expected of me but am watching it slowly and determinedly sucking the life out of me.

The bell rings, this is my stop. I head down Oxford Street and make my way into Selfridges, past the designer bags and through to the beauty hall. As I walk past each counter the women turn and smile at me, are these smiles of pity? I find myself stopping at a beauty counter whispering 'I want a new look, a new me'.

An original work of fiction - all rights reserved