Underneath the Mistletoe - A Christmas Short Story

Underneath the Mistletoe

Sixteen-year-old Amy’s stomach was in knots, flipping over and over in anticipation of the school’s Christmas Disco that evening. All week, Scott, the object of her affections, had been throwing hints that she would be his date for the night but with just hours to go, she was disappointed to have not heard anything from him. Perhaps the phone had been engaged when he had tried to call. She could throttle Sammy, her younger sister, for hogging the phone all the time and ruining her love life. ‘Get off the phone Sammy!’ she yelled as she threw a cuddly toy from her bed at the gossiping teenager. But still no call came.

                At seven, Sarah, her best friend knocked for her and together, dressed in their best party frocks, they made their way to school. It was only a short walk which Amy, wearing the highest heels she could bear, was grateful for. Her dress was a striking bright blue and her hair had been crimped, showing off the blonde streaks that Sun In had created. Sarah was wearing a dark green crushed velvet dress and with her rich, wavy chestnut hair and emerald green eyes, Amy was really quite envious at how effortlessly beautiful she was.

                ‘Where are you meeting Scott?’ Sarah asked as they walked.

                ‘I don’t know, I haven’t heard from him.’ Amy replied sadly, the air was crisp and her breath was blowing out wisps of cold air, as if she was smoking.

                The teacher’s greeted the girls at the door before they entered a hall transformed into a festive party venue, filled with sparkly balloons and coloured ribbons, Christmas music was playing and already a few girls had taken to the dance floor.

                Amy searched the crowds, was Scott already there? A small group of boys were huddled in one corner and it was there that she saw him, his blonde floppy hair covering one eye, the other boys in awe of the coolest kid in school. He looked over and winked at her, causing Amy to blush and excitement tingle through her body. He still liked her then, so she was baffled when he didn’t automatically walk over to join her. Must be playing it cool she thought, the night had only just begun. Sarah dragged Amy onto the dance floor and for a few songs she managed to forget about Scott and the games he was playing. With all the dancing they did, the two girls had worked up an appetite and headed to the buffet table. Out the corner of her eye she spied Scott on the other side of the room, in his hand a sprig of mistletoe. Their eyes locked and he grinned at her, shaking the mistletoe in her direction. He wanted to kiss her, the mistletoe the perfect excuse. She had to go over to him.

                ‘Erm, Sarah, I am going to give the buffet a miss for now.’ Sarah watched as her friend walked away. She shook her head, guys like Scott always spelt trouble from her experience. Too cocky for their own good. But she couldn’t say anything, Amy was hopelessly love struck.

                Scott was waiting for Amy, he closed his eyes, holding the mistletoe above his head. Amy was walking faster now, eager to get to him and feel his lips on hers. Almost there, she watched in horror as Claire swooped in and pressed her lips against Scott’s instead. To her disgust she noted that Scott didn’t open his eyes or even stop to come up for air. The pair of them embraced long enough for Amy to feel the tears slipping down her cheek. Scott placed his arm around Claire’s as he took her to a dark corner, Amy’s public humiliation was complete.

                With the party spirit well and truly over, she wasn’t going to hang around any longer, kicking off her heels she raced out of the door. Sarah ran after her distraught best friend, rejection hurt and she was ready to console Amy and her broken heart.

***

Now forty, Amy opened the envelope with intrigue, no one sent post these days, events were all handled on Facebook.  

‘You are invited to a school reunion. Carswell High seeks your presence at The Christmas Ball of the Year! Connect with long lost friends and party the night away. Relive your sweet sixteen!’

Amy shuddered as she read the leaflet. She couldn’t think of anything worse. She had absolutely no intention of reliving those days. She took a deep breath, the humiliation she had felt that night had never left her but Scott and Claire were a distant memory and she was keen to keep it that way. She tossed the letter into the bin and gave it no more thought.

***

A week before Christmas her company were enjoying their Christmas dinner and party at a local Country hotel. Having just finished their rich, dense pudding with cream, they were invited to head into the hall where the DJ was playing Christmas favourites. 

The venue was hosting parties for a few other companies that evening and so Amy found herself on the dance floor with people she didn’t recognise. After a couple of glasses of wine, she didn’t really care and happily danced the night away. At midnight the DJ’s tunes had turned to slower, more romantic numbers and with no one to dance with, Amy decided to head home. As she walked out of the door, a tall dark and handsome stranger prevented her from leaving.

‘Amy?’ He spoke, surprised.

             She blinked a few times as she tried to place the guy who appeared to know her. She felt his hand on the top of her arm but she didn’t resist.

‘Wow! You are looking great.’

She stared into his warm brown eyes and then it suddenly dawned on her, it was Robert, Scott’s best friend!

She vaguely remembered him, he had been tall and skinny back then with his dark hair brushed forward, rarely smiled, moody looking. Now, standing before her with the most devilish smile, she had to admit that there was a spark, an instant attraction that she had never felt before, with anyone.

‘Thank you’ she responded, nervously laughing as she did so.

Rob glanced upwards, in the doorway someone had hung some mistletoe. His face was mischievous now… ‘I think I know what the answer is going to be but… a kiss underneath the mistletoe? It is Christmas after all…’ 

Scott had been an asshole, they had long fallen out over how he had treated girls. 

Amy’s first response, when she saw the mistletoe, was to take flight once more. But she had to let the past live in the past.

A mix of emotions filled Amy as she closed her eyes but most of all she wanted to know what she had missed out on that fateful day. This wasn’t Scott but she didn’t want it to be. Rob closed his eyes too, pulling her close. She took in his scent, a strong and heady aftershave that made her legs wobble. Their lips locked, the party continued around them. As their kiss became more passionate, she was surprised at how tender his touch was and how soft his lips were. She couldn't quite believe how her heart was fizzing with delirium, overwhelmed, she was taken aback by her feelings for Rob.

 For Rob, the kiss was everything he had imagined it to be. Amy had never known the way he had felt about her, he had fancied her from the very first day he had met her. Now, he felt her rosebud lips on his and they were full and sweet tasting, drawing him in further. His arms held her tight as they embraced, melting in new found desire for each other.

Conscious of where they were, Rob reluctantly pulled away ‘I have been wanting to do this for almost 25 years, Merry Christmas beautiful!’

Amy whispered back ‘My mother always said magic happens underneath the mistletoe, now I know what she meant.’

Merry Christmas x 

Loved this story? You may want to read the two novels I have written. Both are available to buy from Amazon.

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Falling - Flash Fiction

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

PHOTO PROMPT © Jilly Funell

Falling

Laura froze, she had been here before. This building was the image of the one she saw every time she closed her eyes. She turned to leave but Ben was standing behind her.

'Great idea for a first date huh?’ Pleased, he flashed her tickets for afternoon tea at the Sky Restaurant. ‘The highest vantage point in Europe.’

Panic set in, she clutched her throat, her breath quickening, face draining of colour. Chatting to Ben online she had fallen in love, but the nightly premonitions of her falling to her death could not be ignored.

‘No, I can’t.’ she gasped.

I hope you enjoyed my latest story 

Bettina x

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

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

On A Night Like This - Flash Fiction

A new 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © Gah Learner 

On A Night Like This 

I push back the curtain and smile, the sky is cloudless and the bright light keeping me awake, a glistening full moon. I glance at my watch, in just a few hours Andrew will be home, back from his stint in the army. I wrap the duvet around me, it won’t be long before I feel his arms around me keeping me warm and safe.

Hours later Andrew isn’t by my side, he never made it back. Car accident, they said. I struggle to understand. How can you lose control of your car when the driving conditions are just perfect?

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

Who's That Girl? - Flash Fiction

A 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

Copyright Dawn M. Miller

Who's That Girl ?

The door creaks open, long overdue an oiling. Snarling, he pushes me towards the mirror. ‘There you go, take a look at yourself.’

It was the same routine every day, my captor permitting me five precious minutes to stand and gaze at my reflection. As the blindfold comes off I wince as the light smacks against my lids. My face gently comes into focus. My face. My glorious hair now matted and excessively long, drawing my face downwards. My sparkly blue eyes, hollow, almost dead. Old skin, creased and bruised.

A mask conceals his face, the lips smile back. ‘Beautiful!’

* Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE).
To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

Music To My Ears

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

Music To My Ears 

‘What does your son do? Apart from play loud music.’ The neighbour asked, with a healthy tinge of rudeness I thought, as we sat opposite each other on the train.

Billy was a musician, and if he wasn’t playing gigs he was practising in his room.

The same neighbour knocked on the door a few weeks later ‘I see Billy has taken to using headphones after our little chat.’ I watched as she walked smugly away. Tears formed in the corner of my eyes.

Billy wasn’t using headphones, he had died in a motorbike accident. I will miss the noise.

Bettina x

With thanks to Rochelle as ever for the great picture prompt. If you wish to read more stories, click here

Flash Fiction - Captive

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

PHOTO PROMPT © Jean L. Hays

Captive

Watching intensely, they followed the silhouette as it paced backwards and forwards, strutting upright and proud.

‘What is it?’ Sophie spoke in hushed tones.

‘Hard to tell. Wearing a metal helmet, probably got a gun. Some kind of soldier I should think.’

Sophie gasped ‘A gun.’ And then sobbed. ‘We will never get out of here alive.’

Accepting their fate, they disappeared back under the sheets.

The door burst open. Francis pressed his finger against Sophie's lips, ‘Shhh, the captors are here.’

‘Sophie, Francis. Dinner!’

The children giggled, pretend play was so much fun. The chicken, carried on as usual.

I hope you enjoyed this piece.

Bettina x 

*Thank you as ever to Rochelle for providing the inspiration for these week's story, if you would like to read more stories based on this prompt, click here

Flash Fiction - Barren Land

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

© Connie Gayer

Barren Land

Karla wailed into her tissue, the pain too much to keep inside, she had long stopped holding back her true feelings. She had done everything to the letter, everything the so-called experts had advised her to do. She didn’t drink, had never taken drugs, never smoked. Changed her diet, made sure she took her multivitamins, reduced her stress with Pilates and even tried acupuncture. The prescribed drugs had failed, except send her over the edge and place her marriage on the brink. Too late now, her womb barren land, her body beaten, yearning for what was not meant to be. 

Bettina x

* Thank you to Rochelle for this week's picture prompt, if you would like to read more stories based on this picture, click here 

Flash Fiction - About Last Night

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

About Last Night 

I gently push open the door and tentatively enter. I need to see this for myself. The house, my sanctuary, has been turned upside down. Absolutely nothing has been left untouched. I feel sick as I make my way to the kitchen. The mouth-wateringly expensive, stunning crystal bowl, a precious wedding gift that takes pride of place on the dining table, is cracked. A strange sticky residue lines the edges. My favourite plant, mutilated, leaves carelessly tossed aside. Devastated at the damage, I take a deep, angry, breath before calling upstairs.

‘Chloe, what the hell happened in here last night?’

Bettina x 

*Many thanks to Rochelle for this week's prompt. If you would like 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 -


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Flash Fiction - Goodbye

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

PHOTO PROMPT submitted by Courtney Wright. © Photographer prefers to remain anonymous.

Goodbye 

Jess glanced over at the old boots, and felt the tears slipping down her cheeks. She remembered how she had nagged him over and over again to buy new ones. Whatever the occasion, whatever they were doing, he would wear them, much to her intense embarrassment.

‘I like them Jess, they are comfortable.’ He would insist, before tying the laces with gusto.

‘But they are tatty and horrid. How much longer can you keep taping them up?’ Jess retorted, spitting out the words venomously.

Nate did replace the boots, once the holes became too big to bear. He also replaced Jess.

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 -


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Flash Fiction - Bright Lights Big City

A 100 word story based on the following picture prompt.

PHOTO PROMPT ©Jill Wisoff

Bright Lights, Big City 

Emily Mae’s eyes danced wildly with excitement, the sky was alight with every colour under the sun. Gasping in awe at the sheer size of the skyscrapers, she slowly breathed in the tainted air of NYC with a sadistic pleasure, this city was hers for the taking. She had dreamt of her name in lights ever since she could remember. She could dance, she could sing and she had guts. Papa may have failed in his bid, but now she had finally arrived, she was not going to let this place defeat her. Broadway, a star was born.

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 - Steps To Success

A 100 word story based on the following picture prompt

PHOTO PROMPT © Karen Rawson

Steps To Success

‘Cut’

Someone handed Evie a blanket and a hot drink which she accepted, hungrily. Smeared in mud and red liquid, she detested every minute of this dreadful ‘B’ movie. ‘Necessary evil’ her agent had explained when he had sent her for the role. Her outstanding beauty meant she got the part without so much as opening her mouth. The plum parts had somehow eluded her thus far. This would be her big break, she could feel it.

                As the pterodactyl swooped down, she gave it her all, screaming as if her life depended on it. Her bank balance certainly did.  

               

Bettina x

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

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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

Flash Fiction - She Loved To Read

A 100 word story based on the following picture prompt.

PHOTO PROMPT © Victor and Sarah Potter

She Loved To Read 

Mollie Matthews flung open her door and flicked on the bedroom light. She sighed in annoyance. Another damn spider had made a home, spinning its sticky web while she had been out having a most enjoyable day. She didn’t scream, she wasn’t scared of arachnids. Mollie watched as the spider scurried across the wall and down onto her floor. Keeping a close eye as she reached up to her bookshelf, she pulled out the thickest book she owned and placed it over the hapless spider. By morning it would be dead. Yes, she was the girl who loved to read.

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

If you 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. 

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Flash Fiction - The Monster In The Cupboard

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

PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

The Monster In The Cupboard

‘Quick, just stuff it all in the cupboard!’ Jess ordered.

Harry had begun the mammoth and ritualistic task of cleaning just moments before the guests were due. The living room was a state, packed full of possessions and clutter that had long failed to find a permanent home. Harry spotted Amelie running up the garden path and swooped on his precious antique clock. Just in time.

What’s in there?’ Amelie threatened to reveal the mess.

Harry darted over, grabbed the furry hood of Jess’s coat and poked it through the tiny gap.

‘A monster!’

Amelie screamed and ran. Disaster averted.

Hope you enjoyed this story
Bettina x

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

If you enjoyed this story you may enjoy my new novel 'Without A Hitch' which is available to buy now -

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