2013

I was thinking about the year yesterday and I woke up early today to scribble a poem idea down. I haven't been able to write since my Grandma passed away so it made me happy to feel inspired to write something.

As 2013 comes to an end
And I reflect on the year
There have been fun times
lots of concerts
I've met all of my favourite singers
and many of my dreams have been realised
The year has also brought sad times
I lost both of my grandparents
one very recent
and I miss them dearly
My Dad's health is worsening quickly
So it's been a year of ups and downs
That's the way life always seems to be
Still, I will look forward to 2014
I will continue to dream and plan to make my dreams come true
I will make the most of the good times
And try to find peace during the bad times
And I will do my best to accept the things that I cannot change

The Grosvenor Twins

I haven't written many stories recently as I've been busy doing a writing course. However I felt like being creative today.

The identical Grosvenor twins Sarah and Clara had been playing pranks since they could speak. Things had changed since Sarah had married.

"No Clara," Sarah said forcefully looking at her identical twin.

"Come on Sarah, one last prank. I won't ask again, we're adults now."

Sarah sighed, she was happy with her life, she didn't want to mess around. She also wanted to be close to her sister who she had drifted away from since she had married, "Okay."

"Yes," Clara said happily, "So we'll switch for one week. For the last time"

"A whole week?"

"Yes."

"But your boyfriend would want to have sex."

"So what? So would your husband."

"But I want to stay true to my vows."

"Just put him off, it shouldn't be difficult for a week and Josh wouldn't notice a difference."

"Come on, he would and so would David."

"If they notice, we'll swap back."

Sarah groaned.

"You agreed to do this Sarah, are you really telling me your so happy with your life that you don't you want a change?"

"Yes I'm happy with my life Clar. I'll do it for you though."

So they agreed to swap places the next afternoon. They met for lunch in town and swapped clothes and bags in the toilets before heading to their homes. They agreed to meet at the same cafe the next day to debrief.

Sarah was nervous as she opened the door to Clara's house and said "Hi."

"Hi gorgeous," said Clara's boyfriend Josh and he leaned in to kiss her.

She kissed him back but felt sick when she thought about her wedding vows and she already missed David like crazy.

"Hey, what's wrong Clara?" he said noticing the tears shining in her eyes.

"Oh nothing, I'm just tired."

"Come and sit down, dinner's ready."

"Thanks honey," said Sarah imitating how Clara spoke to Josh and they sat down to eat.

Sarah was impressed with Josh, he was kind and generous towards his girlfriend. However she was tense all evening, and felt a sense of relief, and a different kind of worry, when it was time for bed.

She changed into Clara's bed clothes and climbed into bed, ignoring the sight of Josh stripping off. He climbed into bed a moment later in his boxer shorts. 

"Goodnight," he said and kissed her. She felt his hot breath on her face and he pushed his warm tongue into her mouth. Pulling back he asked, "Do you want to...?"

"Not tonight." She said, "Sorry."

"It's okay darling, sleep well."

Sarah turned over to sleep but Josh immediately closed the gap between them, spooning her and holding her hand. She kept her eyes open for over an hour waiting for him to fall asleep and move but he continued to spoon her and hold her hand as he slept. She couldn't understand why Clara wanted to switch places when she had a wonderful, thoughtful man at home. Finally she fell asleep dreaming of David but for some reason she couldn't reach him.

The next lunchtime, after working in the morning she walked to the cafe to meet Clara, planning to tell her that the prank needed to end. She waited outside and waved as she saw her sister. For some reason Clara ran across the road completely recklessly and time slowed for Sarah as she saw the van hit her sister and knock her over the bonnet.

Screaming, she ran to her sister, whose blood was making a puddle across the road.

"Oh Clara, Clara no," she cried over and over.

An ambulance arrived a few minutes later as well as the police. They tried to speak to her but she just wasn't capable of speaking logically. Clara died on the cold ground as the paramedics worked on her. Sarah just felt numb as her precious sister stopped breathing. They kept asking her, what's her name? Where does she live? But Sarah couldn't think, let alone respond.

They took her sister to the hospital where David and Josh were waiting, having been called by the police on Sarah's phone. She ran to them, and they all cried together for a long time. Eventually Josh pulled her into his arms. She cried harder longing to be in her husband's arms, to comfort him and tell him that she was still alive. But how could she explain it to them. They would both be angry and Josh's heart would break. Sarah looked between them trying desperately to find a solution. Finally she realised that this prank would have to continue. Forever.

Alison's Morals

"What are you?" she yelled breathing deeply as she ran.
He flew over her head and came to a sudden stop in front of her.
"Why do you care? You'll be dead soon"
"I do care" she responded bravely holding her chin high "I know you're not human"
"No, I'm not human" he chuckled watching her with his dark red eyes.
"You're beautiful though" she muttered.
"Hmm, some of you humans are quite interesting. I will keep you I think. Let's hope I can control myself"

He lunged at her neck knocking her to the ground and drinking. He managed to stop drinking just in time and he cut her wrists and ankles letting the venom travel into her blood stream cutting off the flow of blood.

"You're going to be perfect" he said picking her up in his arms and running back to his home, a house at the edge of a small village backing onto a forest.

She just began to scream in pain as he carried her inside. He laid her on a bed and left her. He remembered himself how painful the change from human to vampire was for him.

Three days later she opened her bright red, changed eyes. She leapt up from the bed and stared at him.

"What have you done to me?"
"You're a vampire now" he replied taken aback by her beauty.
"A vampire?" she responded as she admired herself.
"What's your name?"
"I'm Joseph, you?"
"Alison"
"We'll go hunting soon when it becomes dark. You're thirsty?"
She reached up gripping her throat with her hands.
"I thought so" he laughed "Go change your clothes. In that room there" he said pointing towards a closed door.
She found herself at the door a moment after the thought. She opened it almost wrenching it off it's hinges. She walked inside.

"Don't break my house" Joseph said chuckling.
"Don't tempt me" she muttered shutting the door behind her.
"Ha ha I was right, I'm glad I saved you"
"Right about what?" she reappeared from the room wearing a full length red dress.
"You're interesting. And beautiful"
She appeared at his side a moment later and stared into his eyes "Tell me, you feed on humans?"
"Yes, of course"
"Do you regret all the human death you've caused?"
"No, they are our food source"
"And you chose to change me into a monster without asking me first"
"A monster?" he queried frowning "But you're beautiful. You can live forever now"
"A monster because of the prey I have to feed from" she said touching her neck again "My own kind"
"You would have preferred to die?"
"Hmm I'm not sure about that. I feel amazing like this. Strong and powerful"
"Let's stop talking then and hunt" he said grabbing hold of her hand and leading her into the forest,
"Were are we going?" Alison asked.
"To find some food" he whispered as they ran "We have to be discrete"

They ran for miles until they suddenly came to the edge of the forest. Alison felt the burning in her throat as she smelled the humans walking around close to them.

Joseph disappeared before returning a moment later with a man lying unconscious in his arms. He lay him on the ground and told Alison to drink.

"No. I can't do this"
"What's wrong with you? Drink" he commanded.
She refused, holding her nose to resist the smell while he drank the man dry.

"Find some food yourself" he told her as he walked away into the dense forest leaving her there.

She wandered through the forest realising that her sense of smell had developed. She noticed that some animals smelled a little like food too. Not as delicious as the human smell but close. She followed the smell until she was close to them. They were wolves. She lunged for the largest and sank her teeth into it's neck. It died quickly and she drank until the animal was empty. The burn in her throat eased.

She suddenly noticed that she had an audience and she crouched defensively.

"Peace" replied the vampire "We spotted you and your maker earlier. You seem to have strong morals for a new born. We only eat, or should I say drink, animals too. See that our eyes are yellow, rather than red"

Alison could see the vampire's eyes were indeed a different colour to Joseph's.

"I believe you. What do you want from me?"

"Join us" responded the woman stepping forward.

"Why? I don't know you"

"You might find it easier sticking to your morals with others who do the same"

"I can't leave Joseph. I love him"

"We understand"

"I have to return to him. He became exasperated with me and left. I would love to get to know you better. Will I see you both again?"

"We would like that very much" They said introducing themselves as Elizabeth and Henry "See you soon"

Alison back to Joseph's home and entered through the back door.

"Joseph, I'm back"

"In here" he called and she headed into the lounge.

"You found some food in the end?" he asked looking at her suspiciously.

"Yes I did" she said choosing not to enlighten him.

"Come closer" he said "You really are beautiful Alison"

She felt as if her heart were pounding although that wasn't physically possible.

They kissed, and Alison ran her hands through his thick dark hair eagerly. They ripped the clothes from one another rejoicing in the feeling of skin against skin.

"I can't imagine ever not wanting to be with you" Alison said as they made love again.

"I feel the same"

They continued getting to know each other over the next couple of days and Alison marvelled at the fact that she never felt tired or any need to sleep. Her only worry was Joseph finding out her secret as she could feel the burn in her throat gradually increase as the days passed.

"Are you getting thirsty again?" Joseph tracing a line down her throat with his finger.

"Maybe a little bit"

"Let's go feed then" he said standing up from the bed and pulling her with him.

Alison went into the walk in wardrobe to dress saying "You go, I'll feed another time"

"What is the problem" he asked as she left the room. He grabbed hold of her hand and they ran to the the edge of the forest as before.

"Go get yourself some food"

"No, I'm not really hungry" she shrugged hoping he wouldn't see the anxiety she felt.

"Why are you so reluctant to feed?"

"I was worried about telling you" she admitted.

"Telling me what?" he shouted.

"That I fed on an animal"

"Ha ha you stuck to your morals then. We'll see how long that lasts" he laughed again.

He ran to find food while Alison slowly calmed herself. She ran slowly smelling the scent of the animals nearby.

She could smell deer which she stalked before throwing herself onto one of them and ripping it's throat. She guzzled the warm blood and soon the deer was empty. Then a different smell, a smell that she could not ignore hit her.

She ran towards it, nothing could stop her. It was Joseph. He stood watching calmly as the human's blood poured onto the ground.

"What are you doing?" she spat, not breathing.

"Proving a point"

"I will not feed from a human" she told him using the last of her air. She started to run, afraid to breath again until she was far from the smell of the human. But she discovered something amazing. That she had no need to breath at all.

She tried to distract herself from going back as she ran.

"You have amazing will power" said Henry as he stepped out from behind a tree.

"Hmm" she mumbled afraid to breath.

"It's okay, the smell is very faint from here"

Alison breathed carefully. "Thank you. I don't know what to do. I won't last long on animals if he continues to tempt me like this"

"You may come to live with my wife and I. I've always wanted a daughter"

"Daughter. I would like that" Alison said "But I love Joseph"

"He can come too but he would have to stop feeding on people" he said.

"I don't think he will do that" responded Alison sadly "You saw what he was doing to me"

"Let me show you where we live. You can always return to him if you are not happy"

"Thank you Henry. I will come with you"

It was time to start the next chapter of her life.

9/11

Does it feel like 12 years have passed
Since that terrible day

I remember the shock of hearing the news
rushing to find a television and witnessing
The towers smoking and alight with flame.

Those brave firefighters rushing into the towers
as people rushed out.

The whole of New York coated with white ash
as the buildings burned on.

The whole world mourned those lost
and we still remember them
all these years later
with eyes glistening with tears.

We will not forget.

Tyler James

She slapped him hard across his face. At least she wanted to. She would have to daydream the violent feelings towards him unless she wanted to be arrested.

"I'm sorry madam we can't find the items you paid for. We will find them as soon as we can and give you a call"
"Call this a service" she said shaking her head and picking up the laptop she had bought from the shop the previous day"
"It's not always like this" said the young man serving her.
"Well I certainly won't be coming back to find out" she said walking out of the shop.

She found a local Starbucks and sat calming herself with a cup of coffee. The door opened and in walked the singer Tyler James. She first saw the quiff and knowing no one had a quiff like his she smiled and stood up waving to him!

He waved back and motioned that he would get a drink and come over so she sat down. He came over a few minutes later and sat opposite her.

"Hi Tyler" she said shyly "Do you remember me from Astonbury?"
"Of course Lisa, nice to see you again"
"You've really cheered up my day, you know"
"Thanks Lisa, it was lovely to see you. I guess I'd better go now" and he stood up.
"Tyler_"
"Yes?" he said turning around.
"I've missed your hugs, could I have a hug?"
"Of course" he said smiling and held out his arms which she walked into.
"Thank you" she said still not letting go of him and subtly smelling his aftershave"

Eventually she let him go and after a picture he left with his coffee.

The Baby Problem

The screen came down, forcing us to watch. I was always shocked. The poverty of our surroundings, yet this screen was made of some clear, high tech material. The screen announced three times a day the number of babies born in the world.

"Four babies born so far today" the presenter announced smiling and gave the details.

I had learnt at school that in the past the world was full of children and adults and many babies born every day. That was before the world wide infection, which affected 90% of the population. Nowadays babies are given to infected adults to bring up. And teenagers are tested and automatically impregnated many times in their life if found free of the infection when they are sixteen years old. Their families never see them again.

Mum looked at me giving me a look full of fear.

"Don't worry Mum. I'm sure I will be infected"

"I'm not sure what to hope for, that you are infected or not. It should be your choice to have a baby or not Kellen"

"There's no point wishing that things were any different" I said harshly “No one can change anything by wishing it so”

"Kellen" she shouted as I grabbed my coat and bag and left the house.

I walked to the woods breathing deeply trying to calm myself.

"Hello Kell" he said squinting against the sun.

"Jal"

We walked along the trail digging up roots and picking edible flowers, leaving some for the next day and future growth. We came across a blackberry bush heavy with fruit and filled our bags.

"We can make jam" I said excitedly.

"Anything to keep them going when we are taken away for testing" Jal said with a frown.

"Hopefully we have the infection and won't be away long" I said hopefully.

"Kellen, we both have two days left" he said fearfully.

"I know Jal, I'm scared too"

"Let's run away"

"Run away with our families too? They wouldn't manage like us"

"We can't leave them behind, they'd be punished" he said frowning.

"I've tried to think of a solution, but there isn't one" I cried with my hands over my face.

"Shh" he said pulling me closer and holding me "We'll be together at least. I'm thankful for that. That we were born in the same month"

We walked back home deep in thought with our bags full of food and heavy.

"See you tomorrow Jal" I said and he nodded walking away back to his parent's house. I quickly made my way home.

"Hi Mum" I said as I walked in the door.

"Kellen" she said.

"I'm doing as much preparation as I can before_"

"And we appreciate it" she said turning to my little sister.

"Let me teach you how to make jam Rosie" I said.

We spent the afternoon together making jam and preparing the vegetables to be preserved.

"Jal will give you and Mum food if I don't come back" I told her.

"You will come back Kellen, I'm sure of it"

"I hope so sweetie" I said hugging her tightly "But if I don't, you need to learn to do this because Mum is ill and she can't"

Two days Later

We ate breakfast together in silence nervously watching one another. I dressed in my best dress, the blue one with daisies on it. They came at ten to collect me. I couldn't stop staring at their clothes, so bright and new looking.

"Bye Mum, Bye Rosie" I shouted "I love you both so much. Look after each other"

We hugged quickly and then I was lead to a vehicle and told me to get inside. I looked around searching for Jal but I couldn't see him.

Once inside the vehicle they gave me a drink and told me to relax. As if I could relax in this situation. I hoped that I had taught Rosie enough skills. That they would survive without me if I didn't go home. Hours later woke suddenly noticing that the vehicle had stopped and saw a large building. I was escorted inside. I noticed as I was lead inside that the decor was white, and very clean, so unlike home. We walked up lots of steps before I was lead into a small room and left alone.

A few minutes later a man in a white coat came into the room and gave me a cup of water. It was the coldest drink I had ever tasted.

"Hi Kellen" he said looking at some sheets of paper "I need to take some blood"

I closed my eyes and felt something scratch my skin.

"All done" he said a couple of seconds later.

"Can I leave now?"

"Not yet, I have to get the results of this test"

I was left alone. Eventually I fell asleep, my stomach rumbling with hunger.

The next morning I woke up to find some food and drink had been left for me. I quickly drank the whole bottle of water and started on the food. There was so much of it but I ate it quickly as it was the most delicious food I had ever tasted.

Soon I felt the effect of having drunk so much and looked around me for somewhere to relieve myself. There was nothing. Soon I was desperate and banged on the door asking for help.

The door was opened by a woman with a very high voice. I noticed her face was perfect, and didn't look real.

"I need somewhere to_"

"I'll take you" she said and I followed her out of my room and into another door where there were cubicles.

"I'll wait here" she said "Use the toilet and have a shower"

Afterwards I felt so clean that I didn't want to put on my dirty clothes again.

"Here, put these on" said the lady, not seeming to care that I was standing there naked. She handed me a white dress with white shoes.

"Thank you" I said quickly throwing them on and braiding my wet hair.

She took me back, not into my room but another room where she sat me on a chair and immediately unbraided my hair before brushing it and drying it.

"You look tense" she commented and opened a drawer taking bottle of something out. She sprayed it around and I suddenly felt calm and relaxed.

"That's better" she said looking proud of her work. She finished by spraying something on my hair which she said made it look shiny "I'll take you back to your room now"

"Okay"

We walked back and she locked the door once I was inside my room. There was a plate of food waiting for me and some more water. I dived in straight away wondering how I could be so hungry already.

There was a knock on the door.

"Hello" I said and the door opened.

"Hello Kellen" said the doctor.

"Can I go home now?"

"I have good news Kellen. You show no signs of the infection"

"_" I was just speechless.

"You will be moved to the fertility suite now for insemination. Come with me"

"No" I shouted "I want to see my friend Jal"

He flicked through some sheets of paper and then announced "Jal has been taken home"

"Take me home now" I shouted angrily.

"Don't you realise the human race is dying out? That you could help save it?"

"I do realise that, and I do care" I said still in a loud voice. "But I want to make the choice myself, not to be forced to have a baby. And I want to be at home"

"That wouldn't be safe for a baby. No you will stay here. This is your home now"

"No"

He took a needle out of his pocket and held my arm as I struggled injecting me. The next thing I was aware of was lying on a bed in another room.

"Oh thank goodness you woke up" said the lady in a high pitched voice "We've found a great match for you. You'll be pregnant in no time"

She led me along a corridor which lots of white doors with numbers on and opened door number 10.

"In you go then" she said pushing me into the room.

I looked around the room noticing a boy with his head in his hands.

"Hello"

He looked up and I suddenly recognised him "Jal"

"Kellen" he said walking over and hugging me.

"What are you doing here? They told me you had been sent home"

"They told me the same" he said "What are you doing in here?"

"They just lead me into here. I'm not sure why"

"Oh Kel, it's been awful. Loads of girls have been in here. I've had to_ with them"

"And now they want us to do the same" I said angrily "I'm not doing it"

"You don't know what they'll do if you refuse Kell"

"What do they do?"

"I'm not telling you" he cried.

"Shh Jal" I wiped his eyes and put my arms around his waist, holding him.

"They don't have the right to force us"

"But they do Kell, because that's what they do"

"Look we're together again now. We can think of a way to escape together" I whispered in his ear. I took his hand and lead him onto the bed. I lay down too and covered us both with the blanket.

"How long will they give us?" I whispered.

"All day" he said and pointed to the table full of food that had been left for us.

I looked around and noticed a small window.

"Are you hot?" I asked Jal winking at him.

"A little bit" he smirked.

I hopped off the bed and walked over to the window. I turned the handle and pushed it open. Looking outside I noticed how high we were and the long drop down.

"That's better" I said joining him on the bed. We pulled the blanket over our heads and just hugged each other.

"We might die going out of that window" I whispered into his ear.

"Better than this" he said.

"Are you sure? We have to decide now"

"I'm sure" he said and we both immediately threw the blanket off, ran to the window and squeezed out.

"The ledge" he said and we crawled along it searching for a way down.

"There" I pointed to a ladder leading down the roof.

We climbed down and along another ledge and down again until we were on the ground.

"Somewhere to hide" he said and grabbed hold of my hand as we ran together. This place was nothing like home and we knew we needed to find somewhere to hide and quickly.

"The alley" I said pointing and we ran into the dark alley.

"The bin" he said.

We jumped into the big bin which stank and sat still.

"What should we do?" I wondered.

"I have no idea" he said looking worried. He held my hand and we sat like that eventually falling asleep.

We woke together suddenly and peeked out of the bin. There was no one there. We were safe.

"They'll still be looking for us" Jal said.

"How can we get home?"

"I have no idea Kell. I doubt we can" he said sadly "We're so far away"

"Look" he said pointing at a forest in the distance "We can make a home there, the two of us"

"Let's go then" I said with tears in my eyes. I let the tears fall, grieving for my family, who I would never see again.

Flash Fiction - The Choice

I had a first attempt at writing flash fiction today. Here is is:

“Does your Mum really believe you go to school like that?” laughed Tanika looking at Jenny’s smart uniform.

“I hope so” said Jenny taking off her blazer and stuffing it to the bottom of her bag before rolling the waistband of her skirt around a few times.

“Hurry up Jen, we’ll miss the train”

They ran to the tube station just as the train was about to leave and jumped on.

“Does my hair look okay?” asked Tanika.

“Yeah” Jenny said moving some of Tanika’s afro hair back in place.

They jumped off the train at the next stop and left the station before taking a short cut through the graffiti covered alley. They heard shouting further down the alley.

“What’s going on?” asked Jenny and Tanika shrugged.

“Come on” she said starting to run.

They ran and the noise got louder. There were a group of boys all yelling and Harry hitting a boy on the ground.

“Harry” Jenny shouted and he turned towards her and away from the boy he was beating up.

“Leave it Jenny” he shouted angrily “Get to school”

“Come on Jenny” pleaded Tanika starting to move past the group of boys.

Jenny looked around her and felt that time slowed as she contemplated what to do.

She looked at the boy on the ground covered in blood who mouthed “Help” at her. Then she looked at Harry, her boyfriend.

“Sorry Tanika” she said shaking her head.

“Leave it Jenny” said Tanika.

“Get off him Harry” Jenny shouted.

“Seriously Jenny, leave it” he said turning to her.

“I can’t” she responded sadly feel the tears prick her eyes “You’ll really hurt him if you’re not careful”

“Why do you care about him?” harry spat.

“He’s a human being who doesn’t deserve to have your anger taken out on him”

Harry stood up and pushed Jenny hard against the wall.

She closed her eyes tightly waiting for his fist to hit her face, instead she felt him stroke her blonde hair and tuck it behind her ear.

“I’ll miss you Jen” he said 

The Visit

Theresa painted the home-made mask onto her face and applied cucumber slices to her eyes. She fell asleep a few minutes later and didn't hear Lee open the door and head into the living room. He kissed her gently on her mouth, the only part of her face free from the mask and then he tickled her stomach.

“Ahhhhh” she screamed and the cucumber slices flew off her eyes.

“It’s too much fun tickling you” he said laughing.

“I just wish I wasn't ticklish” Theresa laughed and quickly jumped up when he aimed to tickle her feet.

“Enough!” Theresa said stopping him "Let me get this mask off and then we can eat"

"Great” he said picking up the cucumber pieces and popping them in his mouth.

“Ew, I can’t believe you ate those” Theresa said cringing.
Theresa washed her face and then they ate jacket potatoes with lots of cheese and salad.

“Don’t forget that my sister Anne is staying with us at the weekend!”

“Should I make myself scarce?”

“No! Seriously, I’ll need your help. She’s not the easiest person to spend time with”

Anne arrived on Friday early evening and Lee carried her bags up to the spare room.

“Hi Anne, lovely to see you”

“You too Theresa, it’s been too long since I last saw you”

“It has” said Theresa “Dinner’s ready so come through into the dining room”

“Oh no!” Anne said when she saw the food.

“What’s wrong?” said Theresa.

“I don’t eat meat” she said and turned away from the lasagne that Theresa had slaved over for most of the afternoon.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make you something else” Theresa said and mouthed “Help!” to Lee.

They both headed into the kitchen.

“Give her some of the salad with some cheese and pickles” He whispered and quickly kissed her “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine”

“Thanks darling” she said and made a plate of food for Anne.

“Here you go!” Theresa said as she placed the plate in front of Anne.

“Thank you!”

Finally they could eat although it was a shame that the Lasagne was cold.

The next morning after breakfast of cereal and toast, which fortunately didn't cause any problems, they headed into London to the Natural History museum.

“The dinosaur really is huge” said Theresa snapping away with her camera “It’s been so long since I've been here!”

“It’s been a long time for me too” said Lee “It’s all so fascinating”

He was interested in the insects mostly! Anne just looked around in silence. Theresa quickly headed to the gift shop and chose a book about insects for Lee. She hid in her bag to give to him later.

They made their way to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards next.

“We’ll have to come back soon and see Kate and Will’s baby!” Theresa said to Lee.

“Maybe I’ll come with you” said Anne “I love the royal family!”

“Shall we go somewhere to eat?” suggested Theresa.

“It’s about that time” said Lee “Let’s go to Hyde Park, I’ve never been there before”

 After eating the picnic Anne headed off to find a toilet. Lee pulled Theresa closer so she was sitting between his crossed legs and took the chance to kiss her.

“She’s hard work” he said and kissed Theresa again.

“Shall we relax here this afternoon, it’s lovely to see the sun make an appearance” she said squinting at the sun.

“Sounds good to me” Lee said tucking Theresa’s hair behind her ears and kissing her.

When Anne came back from the toilet she asked “Are we leaving London soon?”

 “No!” Theresa said shocked “I've planned activities for the afternoon too or we might relax here for the afternoon” she said looking at Lee.

“What have you planned?” he asked.

“To go to Madam Tussaud’s and then I thought we could find somewhere to have afternoon tea”

“How about we go to Madam Tussard’s and see how you feel Anne?” suggested Lee.

“Oh okay”

Theresa turned and kissed him again before mouthing “Thank you”

So they took the central line train and headed to Madam Tussaud’s.

“Look Lee, there’s Frank Lampard” said Theresa “Would you like a picture with him?”

“Definitely” he replied standing next to Frank’s waxwork. “Who do you want a picture with?”

“Maybe David Beckham” she said spotting him and Lee quickly took the picture.

“Anne would you like a picture with anyone?” asked Theresa.

“Um, I’m not sure” she responded looking bored.

Lee whispered “Ignore her” into Theresa’s ear and grabbed her hand.

“Ooh look” he said and pulled her towards the waxwork “You like David Tennant, want a picture?”

“Definitely” replied Theresa “Come into the picture Anne”

“If I must” Anne muttered.

Theresa spotted Kylie Minogue next in those gold hot pants which made Lee happy so she took a quick picture of them.

“I guess that’s it” said Lee and they found the nearest exit.

“You still want to leave Anne?” Theresa asked.

“I think so, is that okay?”

“Of course” replied Theresa and they made their way to the tube station. When they arrived home Lee rushed to the supermarket to buy some vegetarian food for Anne and they had a quick meal of burgers and oven chips.

“I have a surprise for you” Theresa teased as she and Lee headed to bed later that night.

“What is it?”

“Wait and see” she responded cheekily.

He saw the book as they entered the room.

“Wow Theresa, thank you” he said smiling as he started to delve into the pages. He stayed up late reading long after Theresa fell asleep.

The next morning after breakfast they headed to the nearby seaside and had a walk on the beach before stopping for fish and chips with plenty of salt and vinegar. It tasted extra delicious in the sea air. Anne was leaving in the afternoon so they drove home and she packed.

“Do you need any help?” Theresa asked as she headed into the spare room.

But Anne’s phone rang then so she left her to it. Once off the phone she came to find her sister.

“I've just found out some fantastic news” she told Theresa.

“That’s great, what news?”

“I've been offered a job here! We'll be able to spend more time together! Won’t that be wonderful?!”

Jem's Painting Week Away

Jem felt relaxed as she gently applied paint to the paper. It was the sixth day she’d

been here in Sussex on this painting course and she didn’t want to think about it ending.

"That looks beautiful" said George the teacher.

"Thank you George! I'm so glad I came"

"There's nothing better than painting in the countryside! It's a great way to relax, and thankfully the rain has stayed away this week" he laughed.

"We really have been so lucky with the weather! I am finding this relaxing!" Jem said.

"I'll let you get on" he said lightly touching the top of her arm and walking away.

"Ooh he touched your arm?" said Ruth a friend Jem had made on this week away.

"Ha ha lucky me"

"Very lucky indeed!!" she whispered laughing.

"If only_"

"Ssh forget about that for now and enjoy his cute presence!" she laughed.

After a shower in the hotel at the end of the day Jem headed down to the restaurant for dinner. Jem was clearly running late as the only space left was next to George. She sat down and said "Hi" to everyone. Ruth just winked at her.

"Hi Jem" said George.

"Hi George, how long have you been teaching courses like this?" Jem said enjoying the close up view of his green eyes.

"Not long, I used to work in an office, and paint in my spare time"

"What happened?" asked Jem sensing a story.

"I almost died, in car accident. It took quite few months to recover! I suddenly realised how lucky I was and I realised that being happy is more important than how much money you earn! So I quit my job and started teaching painting as well as exhibiting my own work.

"You're right! We all focus too much on money these days! I'd love to see your painting!!" said Jem.

"You can if you like! I have an exhibition in London in two weeks time" he wrote the address and details on some paper.

"Thank you! I hope I can make it!"

"It would be wonderful to see you again" he said and Jem's stomach was suddenly full of butterflies.

"You too!" she said and turned to speak to someone else before she blushed.

"You know" started George "You are more than good enough to exhibit too"

"You think so?"

He nodded "If I see you at my exhibition I will discuss it with you"

"Thank you George! I will try and get there"

Jem suddenly realised she had been hogging George's attention for most of the evening and she noticed some jealous eyes looking at her. But these girls had nothing to be jealous of! George would never fancy her. She turned away anyway to speak to Jane, the girl on her left.

"Drinks?" Ruth suddenly asked whispering in her ear.

"Yes please!"

"Come on then" she said grabbing Jem's elbow and heading to the bar area. "Cocktail?"

"Why not!" said Jem hoping the strong drink would still her stomach.

Once served they sat down and clinked glasses.

"I think George rather likes you" Ruth said with a sparkle in her eye.

"I don't think so!" Jem said feeling a little sad.

"Why not Jem?" 

"Come on Ruth you know why!"

"But_"

"Just leave it, I'm not interested in him anyway" lied Jem.

"Alright, sorry!" said Ruth and changed the subject "I hope we can meet up sometime, I'll miss you when we leave tomorrow!"

"Me too, I'm happy we met! George is having an exhibition in two weeks, let's meet then!

"I hope I can make it!"

They had a few more cocktails and when the music started they were on their feet straight away dancing and singing along! When Jem heard the first line of the slow song she left the dance floor to find a seat but instead she ran into George.

"Dance?" asked George suddenly holding out his hand to her.

"Okay"

He pulled her close to him and wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned her head on his chest with her arms around him and they slowly moved to the music. She felt him kiss her head and looked up. He kissed her gently on her mouth and smiled.

"Why did you kiss me?" she asked bluntly.

He looked confused but then, still holding her hand he lead her out of the room into the hotel lounge where they found a sofa to sit on.

"I kissed you because I like you Jem. Surely you are aware of that?"

"I..." she mumbled "Why though?"

"Why do I like you? Such an easy question, you are beautiful, kind and thoughtful. You love painting like I do..."

"But I'm old!!"

"Yes, you are older than me, but do you think your age matters to me?"

"But there are many girls here your own age! Don't you like any of them?"

"They are nice girls, but I'm not interestied in them the way I am with you!"

"How old are you George?"

"I'm 25!"

"Well I'm 40, that's 15 years difference"

"Jem" he said then paused before bluntly asking "Are you interested or not?"

Jem responded "Okay I am interested but_"

He smiled happily and pulled her into his arms kissing her before she could continue speaking.

They met two weeks later at George's exhibition. He smiled when he saw her and kissed her in front of all the people there before they walked around looking at his paintings.

"Come home with me?" he said after everyone had left.

"Where do you live George?" Jem asked "I know so little about you"

"I live in the Cotswold’s and I also have a flat here in London where I plan to stay tonight. Come back with me for dinner?"

"Are you going to cook for me?" Jem responded. 

"It's your lucky day, I made lasagna earlier!!"

They walked arm in arm back to George's flat and ate he wonderful food he had made with plenty of red wine. Afterwards they relaxed with coffee and mint chocolates. They talked and kissed, getting to know each other.

A Short Story - Moving On

My colleagues made me give my number to a man called Ben when we were at the pub last Friday. I'm usually the only one of my colleagues that doesn't go to these social events but I made an exception this time. Ben rang me the following Monday

"Hi Julia, I'm Ben, Do you remember me from the pub last Thursday?"

"Hi Ben" I said which caught the attention of everyone in the office "Yes I do remember you!"

"Would you still be interested in arranging a date sometime?"

By this time Ruth was standing next to me. She whispered in my ear

"Don't you dare say no!"

"I..."

"I'm serious!" she said "You have a tendency to refuse to get involved with life, give him a chance"

When I didn't respond she added "Do you remember how many questions he asked about you, he focused all his attention on you whenever he spoke, and I'm pretty sure he bought you at least two drinks!"

"He did"

I turned back to the phone and quickly said "Yes"

"Great" he said and he sounded relieved as if he had expected me to say no! How about Friday? Are you free then?"

"Um..." I started.

Just then Ruth pinched a tiny bit of my skin with her long fingernails

"Ouch"

"Are you okay?" said Ben into the phone.

"Sorry, my colleague just pinched my arm"

"Ha ha, does a lot of pinching go on in your workplace?" he asked and I could feel that he was smiling.

"Generally not" I said laughing with a big grin on my face.

Ruth whispered in my ear again

"He's making you laugh, you have to say yes to him. Just one date and see how well you get on with him"

"But Fridays_"

"One single Friday, you can make an exception surely?"

"I guess so"

"Or see if he's free on Saturday"

"Um are you free on Saturday instead?" I asked into the mouthpiece.

"I'm not unfortunately, is Friday no good?"

"It will be okay, see you on Friday then, bye"

I hung up the phone.

It rang again immediately

"Hello"

"Hello this is Ben, shall we arrange where to meet?" he said laughing.

"Oh yes, whoops!!! Where shall we meet?"

"I'm sure your pinching colleague distracted your attention, I can pick you up from your place?"

"Okay" I said and gave him my address "See you on Friday"

"Bye Julia"

"Bye"

Ruth turned to me saying

"Sorry I pushed you honey, are you okay about it?"

"I'm not but I suppose I would have to stop at some point. Can you help me find something to wear?"

"Of course, shall we go shopping after work on Friday, keep Thursday free for you?"

"Thank you" said "You're a great friend Ruth"

"Ahh thank you darling, so are you" she said hugging me "Back to work then"

Ruth and I rushed out of work on Friday and headed straight to Debenhams.

"Just grab some dresses you like" she said "and I'll pick some for you to try on too"

"Okay" I said heading for the racks of black clothes while she grabbed some bright dresses.

When she saw my arms were full of black dresses she shook her head, and told me "Not black, you wear it too often" and to demonstrate her point she looked down at my outfit.

"I like this, the trousers are comfortable"

"Hmm" 

We rushed over to the fitting rooms and she handed me a few dresses to try on.

"Lime green?"

"Yes! It will suit your colouring"

"I doubt it"

"Just get it on!" she told me.

"Oi bossy boots" I said.

"I might be bossy but it's for your own good" she said.

Once the first dress was on I headed out to see what her reaction was.

"What do you think?"

"Not good, let's see the next one"

After trying on the next one I asked again "What do you think?"

"I like it, we might find a better one though, keep trying them on" she said passing me a few more dresses. I tried on a few more and she decided on the third lime green dress that I had tried on and we rushed off to find some shoes in the same colour. Next stop was jewellery where she quickly chose a few items. After paying we walked back to my flat.

When we arrived she asked me

"Are you okay?"

I struggled for the words to respond "I'm just not finding it easy to let the past go. I don't think I even want to let it go"

"He would_"

"Don't!" I stopped her.

"Sorry" she whispered "Go have a shower"

After my shower which gave me time to compose myself Ruth started to apply some make up. I almost fell asleep because the gentle way she applied the makeup was so soothing.

"Wake up Cinderella" she said when finished.

I opened my eyes and straightened my shiny auburn hair before getting changed. Ruth came in and put the necklace on me before saying

"You're done, have a look in the mirror"

I walked over to the mirror and saw someone I didn't recognize at all. 

"Can you do this for me every day?" I joked staring at the beautiful women in the mirror.

"Cheeky!!" she said hitting me playfully on my arm "You look beautiful, you should wear colour more often, I can help you if you like"

"Thanks" I whispered choked up. I was aware that I didn't look after myself as well as I should.

The doorbell rang just then, my date had arrived.

"Go on then, answer the door"

So I walked to the door and opened it saying

"Hi Ben"

"Hi Julia, you look.... so beautiful" he said.

"Thank you, so do you" I said blushing and suddenly flustered "I mean, handsome, not beautiful"

"Thanks Julia" he said with a smile.

Ruth passed me my jacket and told me she would lock up when she had packed all her makeup away.

"Thank you so much Ruth" I said kissing her cheek.

"Thank you for agreeing to come tonight" said Ben as I closed the front door "How has your week been?"

"Good thanks" I said "And yours?"

"Better once you agreed to meet me" he said smiling. He had lots of lines around his bright blue eyes so I could see that smiling a lot was natural for him.

We arrived then at the Chinese restaurant and Ben opened the door for me. The waiter took us to our table and gave us menus.

"There's so much to choose from" said Ben.

"Too much, it all looks delicious"

"How about us ordering a few dishes to share?"

"Sounds good to me"

So when the waiter returned Ben ordered quite a few dishes that we had agreed we both liked. It arrived quickly and the portions looked very generous.

"It looks delicious" I said.

"It certainly does, dig in" he said starting to fill his plate

"I love food, and cooking" I said.

"What's your signature dish?"

"Steak and chips"

"Wow" he said "That sounds wonderful, I love to cook too, and I work as a baker"

"Do you enjoy it?"

"Yes, I love my job, what do you do?"

"I work in admin, sorry that's not very interesting.

"Not at all, do you enjoy it?"

"It wasn't my dream but yes I do"

"What was your dream?"

"To open a restaurant" I said then quickly changed the subject "Favourite cake?"

"Cakes" he said laughing "My favourite subject. I love them all. How about you?"

"I love all cakes too" I said laughing.

We were both getting very messy eating the pork ribs which were sweet and sour flavoured but for some reason it didn't matter. Afterwards they gave us hot towels so we could clean our hands and faces.

"Would you like any dessert?" Ben asked.

"I'm too full unfortunately" I said holding my stomach.

"Me too but I enjoyed it"

He quickly gave his card to the waiter.

"Can I_"

"No" he responded quickly.

Ben told me he would walk me home and he gave me his elbow so I could put my arm through his.

"Do you mind me asking about your dream restaurant? Why didn't you follow your dream?"

"I don't know if I can tell you"

"You don't have to, I'm a good listener though"

We came across a bench and sat down.

"My....husband....died" I said starting to sob "I couldn't carry on without him"

"Oh that's awful, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss sweetheart, was it recent?"

"Ten years. I always go to the cemetery on Friday nights to see him"

"And let me guess, you didn't go tonight because you agreed to meet me?"

I just nodded in reply.

"We'll go now" Ben said and we stood up and started walking. The cemetery wasn't far from where I lived so we got there quickly. I lead Ben to the grave and knelt down in front of it. Ben walked away giving me some space.

"I love you John" I spoke hoping in some way he might here "I miss you so much"

The tears dripped onto the ground where his body lay. Ben came over then and started stroking my back.

"John! Do you mind if I date your lovely lady?"

As he said it the full moon shone came out of the clouds and shone on us and the grave.

"I think that's a sign" said Ben.

I wiped the tears from my cheeks and smiled looking at Ben, his bright blue eyes shining in the moonlight.

"Shall we go out next week?" I boldly asked him. Such a lovely man.

He walked closer and pushed a strand of hair out of my eye and tucked it behind my ear.

"You ready to move on, I don't mean to forget him but to start living again?"

"Yes, suddenly I realise I am ready"

"Next week then" he said leading me out of the cemetery and back home "And we can chat more about your restaurant"

"I can't wait"

"Goodnight then Julia, see you next week" he said quickly kissing my cheek and walking away.