Coming Home (Part 2 of In the Stars)

I’m chatting to three of my friends at the start of school when I see Grace arrive. She smiles when she sees me, her expression full of happiness. I almost smile back, I want to so badly, but my split and bruised knuckles throb and I realise that I can’t get close to her, I can’t risk hurting her. I narrow my eyes and give her the coldest look I can manage. She shouldn't associate with me.

Hurt flashes across her face, then she turns and walks away, not looking back. I feel like throwing up, I was so looking forward to speaking to her today.

“Ooh, you’ve got a fan,” Ben says, slapping me hard on my back. James and Kevin laugh loudly. I have a bruise on my jaw which none of them have asked me about. Why do I hang with these people? I head off to my first class, leaving them laughing. 

My body is stiff from the beating my Dad gave me last night, the worst he's ever hurt me and the first time I’ve ever turned on him. The first time I've hit anyone. Just thinking about it makes me feel sick. I can’t think of anything worse than turning into my Dad. I suddenly realise the Miss Jones is right in front of me and that I haven't heard a single word she's said in the class so far. “Everything okay Matt?” she asks. 

“Yes,” I say.

She looks at me more closely, her eyes on my jaw and down at my bruised hands. It seems like ages until she speaks. “Stay for a few minutes after class,” she finally says, and goes back to the lesson. I try to focus, but I can’t. At the end of the hour, I wait in my seat. 

“Is everything okay Matt?” she asks. 

“Yes,” I tell her. I can’t tell anyone what happened. What I did. I swallow loudly.

“I don’t think it is,” she shakes her head. “Who hurt you?"

The urge to tell someone is overwhelming. “I don’t want to be like my Dad,” I blurt out. 

"Tell me what happened," she urges.
"He was angry when I got home last night, and started hitting me, worse than ever before," I say, and feel a twinge of guilt about lying to Grace. "I hit him back. I've never done that before."
"And what about your Mum? Has he hurt her too."
"Yes.
"Is she okay Matt?"
"I think so. I think she's okay," I say, looking down.
"Thanks for telling me this Matt. I know it was hard. I'm going to call Mr Graham, our consellor and ask him to join us in this discussion. Are there any friends you can open up to about this? It can really help."

Immediately, Grace pops into my mind. I think she’s someone I can talk to, if she can forgive me. “I think I so,” I say.

“That's good,” she says and picks up the phone.

Mr Graham and Miss Jones encourage me to report my Dad to police, which I do and Mr Graham drives us to the police station so that I can and tell them what's happening. It's lunchtime when we arrive back at school. They suggested I go home but I couldn't face it. Yawning, I walk to the canteen to see if I can find Grace. She’s in the queue to pay for lunch. I join her and throw some food onto my tray. 

“Will you have lunch with me Grace?” 

She looks reluctant but her eyes widen when she takes in the bruise on my face. “Of course,” she says.

We find a table outside and start eating. “What happened?” She asks.

“I’m sorry about earlier", I say in a rush.  “I was scared about what happened last night, scared of who I am.” 

“Don't worry,” she says. “What happened?” 

“My Dad was waiting for me last night. He went crazy, swearing at me. Hitting me.” 

“Are you badly hurt? Will you be okay?” 

“Not too badly. I reported him to the police this morning. That's why I was out of school. I've been feeling guilty because I hit him back,” I say, my expression grim as I say the last few words. 

“I'm glad you defended yourself” she says, her eyes glittering fiercely. “Has your Dad been arrested? You’re not going back there are you?” 
"I don't know what will happen." I bite one of my nails.

She reaches out and cups my cheek with her right hand, running her thumb lightly over the bruise. "I have some ointment that would help the bruising go down."
"I'm fine." She releases her hand but I grab it and hold it. "Thanks for being a good friend. For letting me talk to you."
"You can talk to me about anything. You can trust me."
"You're beautiful," I force the words out. What if she doesn't feel the same about me?
Her eyes widen. It could be shock, but I think I sense fear, "What are you saying Matt?"
"I want you to be my girlfriend." I take a deep breath and watch her as her eyes widen further. She looks like a rabbit in the headlights. I know she's had a rough time with her parents but I really thought she liked me. I remember holding her last night. She didn't seem scared then.
"I can't," she finally says, her voice cracking. "All I can be to you is a friend."
"Forget I asked," I say, pulling my hand of hers and walking away.

How could I trust her? My heart aches and my head starts to throb. I hide outside and miss all my afternoon classes, trying to figure out what to do. What's happening at home? Will Mum support my statement? For me? 
When the final bell rings I head back inside school to put my books back into my locker. When I open it, a note flutters out and onto the floor. Before I can reach down to grab it another hand picks it up. James. Oh Great.

"Meet me in the park after school. I'm sorry. Love G," he reads. "Ooh," he mocks. "Who's the chick?"
"Fuck off," I say, but he just laughs. Raising my hands to my chin in a boxing stance, I say, "Give that back or you'll regret it."
His eyebrows raise, in shock maybe, and he throws the note on the floor, mumbling, "Whatever," as he walks away. I grab the note and stuff it into the pocket of my jacket.

I pile up the books I had in my bag into the locker and leave school, hands in my pockets. The note brushes my hand as I walk. My friends say goodbye but I ignore them and walk straight to the park. All the way, I wonder what she has to say to me. Will she change her mind? Nerves knot in my stomach.

She's sitting on the same bench as last night and she smiles when she sees me but it doesn't reach her eyes. I sit next to her and say, "Hi."
"Hi," she says. "You got my note."
When I don't answer, she continues. "I spoke to my Mum. She said you could stay for a few days, in my brother's room, until you and your Mum get things sorted. He's at college so there's plenty of room."
"Are you sure it's okay?" I say and when she nods I feel a huge weight lifting off my shoulders. I'm so happy I don't have to face things at home now. "Thank you."
"About earlier," she says, her mouth twisting as she speaks. "I was scared. I'm sorry."
"What are you scared of Grace?"
Her face crumples and she cries, holding her hands over her face. I want to reach out and comfort her but I don't.
When she finally stops crying and takes her hands away from her face, she tries to wipe the tears on her cheeks away with her fingers. "It's been so long since I opened up to anyone. Until last night. But you already knew," her eyebrows raise. "I was twelve and I had a best friend. Nancy and I were so close. I finally told her what was going on at home," she sighs. "She told her Mum who confronted my Mum. She was furious with me. I was grounded for a week and in that time, Nancy moved to a new school. I still see her from time to time but she just looks away. Since then, I've kept my distance. I haven't got close to anyone."
"What are you saying Grace? That you can't trust me to keep my mouth shut?"
"I'm afraid to trust you," she shifts on the bench. "I'm afraid to get close to you. I thought after last night that maybe I'd found a friend,"
"I pushed too fast,"
"Yes, that's exactly it."
"So we'll be friends," I say. "For now."
"For now?" she says, her voice squeaky.
"I don't remember you being unhappy with me holding you last night."
She chuckles, looking down at her hands in her lap, but I'm sure I see her cheeks redden.
"So do friends kiss?"
She rolls her eyes at me, "Come on, we'd better head home, it's almost time for dinner."

In the Stars Part 1

I sit on a bench in my local park staring at the stars, trying to forget the sound of my parents screaming at each other. Tears rush into my eyes and I bite my bottom lip until it throbs. I won’t cry. I won’t show weakness, I tell myself. I hear footsteps and Matt, a boy who is a year above me at school, sits on the other side of the bench. “Hi Grace,” he says.
It takes me a moment to respond because all I can think is, how does he know my name?  “Hi,” I finally say.
“Matt,” he says.
“I know,” I say and I feel my cheeks heating up. I press my palms against my cheeks to cool them down.
“Okay,” he shrugs and laughs at the same time. “Parents fighting?" he asks.
"How do you know that?" I ask, frowning.
"I saw them once, dropping you at school, so caught up in themselves that they barely noticed you." He shakes his head, angrily. "I know what that's like too."
"Your parents argue a lot too?"
"Yes. And when my Dad gets really mad he punches my Mum."
"I'm so sorry," I say.

Tears rush into my eyes again, and my hands tighten into fists. Why can't I control my emotions? Matt shuffles along the bench until he’s  right next to me, his arm lightly touching mine. His fingers cover one of my fists. Suddenly I can't breath. He's too close but I don't want him to leave.

"You can show how you feel, you know," he says, his voice gentle. "It's not weakness."

I sob, and it echos around the park. How does he get me so easily when I have no idea who I am?

"Mum told me never to show weakness?" I sniff.
"She was wrong," he shakes his head. "Letting your emotions show is brave."

I try to swallow the lump in my throat but I can't hold it in anymore. Matt pulls me into his arms as I cry and I cling to him, my arms around his neck.

"Feel a bit better?" he asks when finally I am calm again. I nod, letting him go, but he holds onto my waist. I feel exhausted, but somehow lighter, like a weight has lifted from my shoulders.

We sit together for a long time, in silence. It's a peaceful silence though. I look up at the sky, and wonder what's in the stars, It's rarely dark enough to see them.

"I'd better go," I say eventually. It's almost 1 AM, way past my curfew.
Matt releases me and we both stand up. I shiver, missing his warmth.
"Thanks for listening."
He nods. "Thank you for being here Grace," he says. "Do you need me to walk you home?"
I shake my head. "It's not far."
"Okay. Night Grace."
"Night Matt."

I watch him walk away until he is out of sight. Will he talk to me at school tomorrow? I can't help wondering. Then I leave the park and run home.

Rachel's Dive into Recovery

I woke up screaming again. The same dream, haunting me nightly. But they were not just dreams, it really happened. I almost drowned while training. And it was completely my own fault.

Will slept on; Glad that I hadn't woken him this time I tiptoed downstairs to get a glass of water. Looking out at our pool, untouched now for two years, anger surged through me. Why couldn't I get over this?

I opened the doors to the pool room, breathing in the familiar smell of Chlorine. And looked up at the stars through the glass roof. “Is there anyone up there?" I asked. "Please help me."

I pulled off my nightie and before I could think too much I dived into the deep end of the pool. Heart beating at double time, I rose to the surface, carefully holding my breath. Treading water, I kept repeating, "I’m okay, I'm okay."

Suddenly the light changed, and my eyes closed against the brightness.

“You okay Rach?” Will asked, concern in his voice.
“I think so.” I said, my voice shaky.

There was a splash and he was by my side in an instant, his arms pulling me close, “I've got you."

Lost in Grief

The day my Mum died I walked through the forest opposite my house, sorrowful and distraught, until I came across the wood crafter. He beckoned me closer, and offered me a cheese steak. His silence soothed me. I ate hungrily. I felt like I had seem him somewhere before, and when he pressed a large glass of water into my hands, I realised he was my sensei. I started to speak but he pressed his fingers to my lips and passed me the drink, which I quickly gulped down.

He pointed to the sofa in his shed, a place to sleep, but I shook my head, tears filling my eyes. He brushed the back of his hand across my cheek, his expression, full of understanding. It was too much. I started to run but he caught my hand and pulled me to him, holding me tightly while I sobbed out my grief.

Maria's Unwelcome Visitor

I started writing this story from Story Bandit's dare but it became much longer. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Maria was teaching a watercolour class in her garden in Devon. She and her students were dry under a huge gazebo while all around them it rained heavily. She wandered around as they worked giving her students encouragement. Her eyes widened as she saw her student Joe’s effort.
“Great...initiative,” she said with a smile.
“I'm having struggles,” he said with a sigh.
“You’re doing great, keep going." She touched him lightly on his shoulder

As Maria moved onto her next student David and complimented his work, there was a loud noise and a a motorbike flew through her garden, destroying fences and the flowerbed that her class were painting. Luckily it stopped before anyone was hurt but Maria was furious. What an idiot.

“What the hell are you doing?” she yelled.
The motorcyclist pulled the helmet off to reveal an attractive man with dark skin and short black hair. His eyes were ringed with long eyelashes “Oops. Sorry.”
“You've destroyed my garden,” Maria looked at the muddy mess and felt like crying.
“Like I said, I'm sorry.” he said muttering, “Women,” under his breath.
Maria gasped, “You...you chauvinistic pig,” she said, narrowing her eyes.
“Well help me dislodge my bike and I’ll be out of your way,” he said, rolling his eyes.
Maria stood at the back of the motorbike and pushed as the man started the engine. The bike refused to move, the wheels turned but didn't move forward and muddy spots dotted Maria’s clothes and face.

“Arghhh,” she screamed. “Stop, stop.”
The man laughed under his breath.
“What’s wrong with you?” Maria shook her head.

As she walked away she slid and fell into the muddy puddle around the bike. She screamed as she fell, covering most of her body in the disgusting liquid. She tried to stand up but the mud was slippery and the puddle was growing in size every minute.

“Someone help me,” she asked, and though her students watched her they didn't move. The motorcyclist stepped off his bike. By this time, the wheels were almost completely under water and the rain kept pouring. He held out his hand to her but before she could take it, he slipped too and fell into the puddle next to her. Maria laughed at his shocked face.

He splashed her and she retaliated, not caring any more how cold and wet she was. She threw her head back and laughed. “What’s your name?” she asked when they stopped playing.
“Adam Cooper,” he said extending his hand for her to shake. “What’s your name?”
“Maria Shapna,” she said with a smile. “You can come inside and have a shower if you like.”
“I've caused you enough trouble.” Looking her in the eye he stroked a few strands of her long black hair and tucked them behind her ear. “Can I take you out for dinner sometime?”
“What?” Maria exclaimed. “One minute you laugh at me, the next you ask me out. I'm confused.”
“I guess that didn't help,” Adam chewed his lip. “But look at you, all these men around you_”
“My students. I teach.”
“Just students. Really?" Maria nodded.
“I'm usually not such a jerk. I promise.” A smile flashed across his face. “Just come to dinner with me, or lunch.”
“Will you fix my garden?"
“Yes. I promise,” he said. "I'm sorry I damaged it."
“Thanks. What do you do for a living?”
“I'm a teacher too,” he said.
“What do you teach?”
“Creative writing.”
“You’re a writer?”
“Um...well...I used to be.”
“What do you mean?” Maria asked. 
“Writer’s block,” he sighed. “I just can’t seem to get past it. So, any more questions?” he looked at Maria enquiringly.
“Not at the moment,” she said.
“Are you going to answer my question about going out?”
Maria laughed, and nodded, deciding to give him a chance.
“You are going to answer my question?”
“I just did.” She smiled.

Adam ran his hand across her cheek and she shivered, her heart racing at his touch. He pressed his mouth to hers, and she pulled him closer, until their bodies were touching. When he released her Maria remembered her students. Looking up she saw them painting away, or pretending to.
“Class is over, I'm afraid," she said. "I’ll spend a bit longer with you next week.”

They all gathered their things together and left quickly, Joe stopped a moment, “Do you need some help Maria?” he asked.
“I'm okay. Thanks for the offer Joe. Adam will help me.” Joe nodded, though he didn't look happy, and left.

Turning her attention back to Adam, Maria said, “Come on, I’ll make us coffee if you help me out of here.”
Adam stood up lifting Maria with him and they walked inside.

A home on Venus

A piece of Flash Fiction written from @StoryBandit's dare below. Slightly over 99 words but never mind!!

Deep underground on the planet Venus, away from the constantly erupting volcano's that ravage the planet, two humans survive. The mission, to live and discover more about Venus, was top secret, and now the one man who controlled the experiment from Earth is dead.

Bella coughed, the heat and thick gases were penetrating their sanctuary more every day. “What can we do?” Oxygen levels were diminishing fast. Faster than they could produce more.
Tyler shook his head, “There’s nothing we can do,” he said, his voice rough.
Bella sobbed, but any tears evaporated instantly in the heat of their surroundings. She sat on Tyler’s lap and kissed his chapped lips for the last time.
“I love you,” she said and her words echoed across the planet as the lava tornado broke through the barrier and ravaged their home.

Argument while Running for the Bus

Another story written from one of @storybandit's dares.


“You’re seeing your friends again tonight?” I said, irritation hardening my tone. “Oh shit, the bus is coming.”
We set off running towards the bus stop.
“Only twice this week,” he countered.
“It’s Tuesday,” I yelled swerving around an elderly lady.
“And I’ll spend the other three days with you.”
“Ha. Like that’s gonna happen. You spent one night with me last week. One night,” I shouted, sucking in a deep breath and holding my arm out as the bus flew past us.
“Now you've made me miss the bus.” I said, slowing to a walk. Tears filled my eyes. “Why are you with me if you don’t want to spend time with me?” 
“I...I,” he started.
“See,” I said, my voice breaking. “There’s no point.” I shook my head and walked away. Once I made it to the corner I sat on someone's wall and broke down, sobs racking my body.
A few minutes later I was drying my eyes with a tissue when a hand touched my shoulder. I screamed at the top of my voice, jumping in shock.
“God, it’s just me,” he said, rolling his eyes. “Look, I want to be with you, I just get caught up in what my friends are doing. I'm sorry.”
“You sure you want to be with me?” 
“I'm completely sure,” he said. “Let’s go wait for the bus.” He took my hand.
“What do you want to do tonight?” I asked as we sat at the bus stop.
“Well, like I said, I'm seeing my friends.”

Midnight at an Abandoned Hospital

I wrote this 199 word story using a prompt from @storybandit on twitter. Actually it's a few words over 199 but never mind!

I arrived at the hospital at midnight as agreed with Will. He’s my next door neighbour and best friend. The hospital used to treat patients with mental illness but has been abandoned for years since the government closed it down. To tell you the truth, I'm terrified to go inside, but I can’t tell Will that.

Hearing a noise behind me I screamed, realising too late that it was Will. He laughed.
“Shut up,” I said. Sometimes he can be a right idiot.
“Are we going inside or are you too scared Anna?”
“Let’s go,” I said switching on my torch.

The building was completely dark and smelt musty. Dust covered every surface. We walked along the main corridor to the end where we had to choose to turn right or left. As we turned right a light came on in the left hallway. Adrenaline flooded my body and I gripped the torch tighter in my sweaty hands. Suddenly the corridor lit up and I blinked a few times to get my eyes used to the light. An old man walked towards us, with his arms out. “Who’s there," he asked. “Mavis is that you?"
Was he a ghost? We'll never know, but I'll never forget Will's face as we ran out of there. 

Josie's Brush With Death

I sat in the dingy pub with a group of friends from college, sipping a glass of vodka & coke. The boys sat one side of the table and the girls the other. Feeling Will's eyes on me, I kept my head down, and tried to follow the conversation. Ugh, ever since the party last week, things had been weird between us. Why did I let him kiss me? I wondered.

The girls giggled, whispering non stop about the boys. I gulped down my drink stood up to leave. I swayed a little, that drink must've had more alcohol in it than I'd realised. I stepped out of the pub, it was still light, and walked towards the main road. My bus pulled up on the other side of the road.

"Oh shit," I didn't want to miss this bus. I ran straight into the road towards it.

Before I could move far a hand caught my wrist and pulled me back. A car brushed past me, if I had been any further into the road I would have been killed. He beeped as he passed and swore. Adrenaline surged through my body, I gasped, relieved to be alive, and safe. I twisted around. It was Will, still holding my wrist he pulled me closer, out of the road. I looked into his eyes properly for the first time since the party.

"Thank you. You saved my life." A sob escaped my lips and tears spilled over my eyes.
"Shh," he said, drawing me into his arms.

He held me close as I cried, my head against his chest. He smelled so good, like fresh air. Once sated I peeked up at him, embarrassment blazing on my cheeks. He looked at me and I couldn't read his expression. It wasn't pity though, which I'd been expecting.

"Sorry," I said looking down again. "I've soaked your t-shirt."
"Don't be sorry Josie," He lifted my chin until I looked at him once more. He twisted some strands of my blonde hair in his fingers and tucked them behind my ear. "Can I take you out sometime?"
Taking in his kind light green eyes and scruffy brown hair I nodded, "Yes."

He kissed me then, his lips firm on mine for a moment. It finished too soon. I sighed wistfully and he chuckled for a moment. When I looked at him though his expression was almost fierce and he wiped away the tears under my eyes.

"I'll take you home now." He took my hand.

Rosa's Journey

"And I tackled him...whoosh whoosh," Prince George threw his arms around knocking a dish of vegetables to the ground, with a clatter. The King chuckled and slapped him on the back, "Well done son. You continue to defeat our enemies. I'm very proud." George gave Rosa a smug smile when their father wasn't listening. He had always fought for the King's attention, and won. Now an adult and soldier their father favoured him even more. Servants rushed to pick up the food and dish from the floor. Rosa bit down on her bottom lip, hard, and drew blood. How many times would she have to endure her father's derision for her, for all women. And why did he hate her? Because she was female? She breathed deeply fighting the urge to explode. "Father may I leave the table?" He waved his hand at her, without bothering to look in her direction and without stopping his conversation with her brother about the Crown Championship. She ran to her room and collapsed on the bed, sobbing. "Princess, what can we do?" her servants cried in alarm. "Oh! Your lip!" Rosa shook and sobbed until she was sated as her servants stroked her hair and cleaned the blood from her lip. As she lay awake that night she formed a plan.

The following morning over breakfast she mentioned to her father that she would like to stay with her Aunt for two weeks.

"Fine," he said glancing at her briefly. “But make sure you are back to see your brother win the Crown Championship."
“Of course,” she agreed.

The servants who took care of the horses put the saddle on Hazel, Rosa’s favourite horse and she headed into the forest toward her Aunt’s house. Once hidden by the darkness of the forest she switched directions and headed toward the witch’s house. She finally found it, and tired after riding all day she set up camp about a mile away and spent the night in a tree. The next morning, the sun peeked through the tree tops as she knocked on the door. The door opened with a loud creak though there was no one behind it, just darkness. She shivered, and taking a deep breath she walked inside.

"Your father underestimates you," the witch said, in her high croaky voice. A sob escaped Rosa's lips & her eyes flooded with tears. She fought to regain control of her emotions.
"It's okay dearie," the witch said. The cottage lit up and the witch, who now simply looked like a very short elderly woman patted her arm.
Make me a man," Rosa begged.
"Forever?" the witch asked.
Rosa shrugged. "Woman aren't respected. Especially by my father."
The witch watched her for a few minutes and Rosa felt as though she was looking straight into her soul. "Come with me. I will prepare the spell. You will be a man for two weeks exactly."
"If I'm precise," she said throwing ingredients in a bowl, "You should turn back into a woman after the final of the competition. Oh,” she laughed excitedly, “I will have to be there to see this. Now drink." She pored the liquid into a tumbler and passed it to Rosa who looked at the olive green liquid apprehensively for a moment then gulped down the disgusting mixture.
“Bring in your pack dearie.”
Rosa did so and the witch cast a spell over it. “The change will happen over the next twenty four hours. I can see a little into the future. You will meet someone on your journey who will help you prepare for the Championship and be a lifelong friend.”
Rosa thanked her and rode Hazel until the sky darkened. She settled in a tree to sleep and when she woke, she was a man. She gave herself the morning to get used to her new body and at lunchtime she ran five miles to the nearest river. Stopping as she reached the river she grinned, her male body was made for running. As she was topping up her bottles she heard a voice.

“Hello," She looked up to see an attractive man with dark hair and green eyes close to her also filling her bottles
 "Hi," she replied.
"Do you live here?" he asked.
"No, I'm training for the Championship."
"Me too. I'm Ro..."oops, Rosa thought and added a different ending to her name, "ry."
“James,” he shook her hand. "We could train together if you like?”
Rosa nodded her response.

After a week of training they were both as ready as they could be. Rosa loved training with James. He pushed them both to the limit and she grew to respect him greatly. She began noticing little things about him, the mole under his eye, his scruffy black hair, what made him laugh. Oh no, she realised. I like him too much! She greatly wished she could have met him as herself. Oh well, focus on the competition, she told herself.

They journeyed to the arena two days before the Championship at the Palace. Once there they were given a room to share for the duration of the competition. Rosa was glad when she found out that James was in one of the other seven groups and would only battle each other if they made it to the semi-finals. They cheered each other on as they beat opponent after opponent.

She saw her father with George each day, seated in their thrones at the North end of the arena. George began to take more notice of Rosa, which terrified her. Would he recognise her? He began preparing for the final early each morning, and his level of skill with a sword was incredible. Rosa’s confidence faded somewhat.

Finally the time had come where she must fight James. It was with a heavy heart that she threw the wining attack. She vowed to stay in contact with him and train with him often. She noticed the witch in the arena too, smiling at her and winking as she walked towards George for the final. His arrogant smirk, gave her the motivation to beat him. He was good. Rosa was soon covered in sweat and filth. She heard James shout her name and she was distracted. George sliced her arm. She screamed, as warm blood flowed down her now numb arm, and lunged at him with her other hand again and again, trying to ignore the pain. She caught him on his chin, and blood poured from the wound. When she heard the whistle sound she fell to the floor, and drifted into unconsciousness.

Medics ran to her, checking her over and bandaging her wounds. She came round, some time later, she didn't know how long she had been unconscious for. They just kept telling her that she had won. The following day, she was brought before the King and in front of all the other competitors she was given her prize, a huge bag full of gold. She thanked him, bowing before him and as she did her body begin to change.

The King gasped in shock. "Rosa?"
"Yes father," she curtsied.
"I don't understand," he said, shaking his head. "You really did it, you're amazing," he said pulling her into a hug. "I love you."
Rosa sobbed and then laughed. “I love you too Father." Finally she pulled out of the hug.
"I underestimated you," he said with a shake of his head, looking into her eyes, properly, for the first time.


Later, she found James. "Hi," she said ruefully.
They hugged.
“I feel so confused,” he confessed with a shake of his head, “I felt something for you that didn't make sense. Does that sound strange?”
“Not when you've been through what I've been through,” she smiled though tears filled her eyes. “I feel something for you too, I have since we met.”
"Is your arm okay?" he touched it gently.
"I'll live."
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I’d love to see you again Rosa. Would that be okay?"
"Yes," she said with a grin as he drew her into his arms.

Liz and Ed

I've been writing a romance chain story on twitter. I have combined it (and tweaked it a little). I hope you enjoy it. What do you think? You can follow me on @libbysstories if you like. I use it for writing and a break from the chaos of my main account :)

It was afternoon, the heat of the day intense. Sweat beaded on Liz’ forehead as she picked roses, & placed them in the basket. "Hi," the worker next to her said and she nodded in greeting. He caught her attention,and she smoothed her hair glancing at him. Liz felt a sudden pain as a thorn ripped through her hand, "Shit," she exclaimed as thick red blood ran down her hand.

"We'd better clean this," the worker said. "No, I won't get paid_" Liz started but he emptied his basket of flowers into hers. "Now let's go." He wrapped an arm around her waist and carried her basket in his other hand, "Can I ask your name?"  "It's Liz," she said, "And you?" She asked distracted by the gold flecks in his dark, almost black eyes. "Ed." "I can't take these flowers Ed." "Shh, let's get your hand fixed."

They headed into the farmhouse and he cleaned her hand, gently so it barely hurt, before applying a bandage. "All done," he smiled. "Mary, I'm taking Liz home, she's filled a basket," Liz heard Ed say from another room. Her hand throbbed steadily. Liz felt herself falling, and a strong pair of arms catch her, "Got you," he whispered. I'm taking you home." "No Ed." she said clinging to him.

"Your husband will be worried." He glanced at her. "I'm not married." Your wife won't like you carrying me." Liz said watching him. "No," his eyes glittered mischievously. "Hmm," she said and she stood again. "I just felt a bit light headed." "I'll take you home now,” he said, “Oh and I'm not actually married," he smiled widely. "Oh. Thanks for clearing that up," Liz said. “Could you drop me at the coffee shop, I don't quite feel myself." Ed looked at her, “You do look pale," he commented and wrapped am arm around her.

"You didn't have to join me," Liz said half an hour later as they sipped on hot tea and munched scones with cream. "I was worried." Ed smiled as Liz's cheeks regained their rosy colour. “And I'm enjoying your company. Oh your bandage needs redoing," he said. A circle of blood had seeped through the white bandage. "Um." "What is it?"

Be brave, Liz whispered to herself for she was enjoying his company and didn't want to leave him. "Would you like to have dinner with me?" "Tonight, I mean," Liz added. " I'd love to, " he smiled and Liz grinned herself. He was charming and she was looking forward to spending more time with him.  "I'll do your dressing before we go," he said.

Liz opened the door of her cottage to meaty smells. The slow cooker lid was full of condensation. "Do you live here alone?" Ed asked. "I moved her two years ago to care for my Gran. She died last year. This place is a bit big for me but it has so many memories."

"Would you mind chopping salad?" Ed chopped while Liz added dumplings to the stew. "This looks and smells wonderful," Ed said. They sat at the kitchen table to eat and Liz poured wine. "Where do you live?" "In a caravan, about twenty miles from here. I move every season when work dries up in one place." "How long will you stay here?" "Till all the flowers are picked, most of summer." He shrugged. "Are you happy here?" "That's a difficult question." Liz smiled but it didn't quite reach her eyes. A tear trickled down her face. "Wanna talk about it?" Ed asked. She shook her head.

Ed cupped his hand around her cheek and wiped the tear with his thumb. Liz put their plates into the dishwasher. “Could you check my cut again, it’s really painful," she said. Ed removed the dressing. The gash was red and shiny, the gash was red and shiny, there was pus in the centre. "This doesn't look good. We need to go to A&E." He lifted Liz into his arms and carried her into his car.

"I forgot, it's late," Liz said as they drove, "I should let you go home." "Not a chance," Ed said as he sped up the narrow country lanes. Liz drifted off to sleep as Ed drove. Only waking when Ed opened the passenger door and crouched down next to her. She shivered, her whole body shaking. Ed shrugged off his jumper and helped Liz into it. "Thanks," she said. Ed lifted Liz into his arms again but she resisted, telling him she was fine.

Ed smiled, “So stubborn,” he muttered, cradling Liz closer. Her long dark hair blew in the breeze, and he smoothed it down placing a kiss on her head. Liz' cut wasn't considered particularly serious so they waited to be seen, Liz curled up next to him, her good arm wrapped around him. "Can you believe we just met today?" he asked. She barely stirred & her forehead was much warmer than usual. "Nurse, we need to be seen NOW”, he shouted.

Liz woke to find a nurse smoothing down her bedsheets. "Where am I?" "Your boyfriend brought you. You had an infection," she said. Liz looked over at Ed asleep his neck twisted in the chair. "He was very forceful. He said she must be seen," nurse said indulgently. Liz giggled. "I said exactly that," Ed chuckled stretching, "You okay darlin?" Liz patted the bed and shifted over. "Sure?" he frowned. "Sure." Ed perched on the end of the bed. "I want to thank you, for everything really," she said. "It's nothing.” He touched her arm. “I'm just glad you're okay."

"I want to take you somewhere today," Ed said. "Where?" Liz asked. "A surprise," he grinned. An hour later Liz was released with Antibiotic's for the week and they set off. "Close your eyes," Ed said smiling as they arrived. "No cheating," he said as he helped her out of the car and linked fingers with her. "Where are we?" Liz asked, distracted by the feeling of her hand in Ed's. "You can open them now."

Ed released Liz’ hand and stroked her shoulders as she took in the site of a large caravan. "This is where you live?" Liz asked. "Yes, come in." Once inside Ed opened windows to let in some air. "Would you like a drink?" Liz nodded and Ed poured two glasses of chilled white wine. "What do you think?" he asked taking a sip of wine. "'What do you like about living this life?" "Being able to move around. Freedom," he answered.

Ed took Liz's hand in his and stroked along her fingers. "Stay with me for a couple of days?" "I don't want to leave you_" "But?" Liz laughed, her sea green eyes sparkling. "Let's just say, I don't want to move too fast." She watched Ed. "Okay." He nodded. "I'll sleep up there," he pointed to a small space. "Okay?" "Okay, I'll stay for a day or two," Liz agreed. The next morning Ed drove Liz home to collect a suitcase and then they drove to the sea, arriving close to lunchtime.

Ed took Liz's hand as they walked to a cafe for lunch and she realised how quickly she had grown to love his company. Was it really only three days since they had met, she wondered.
Later that day they sat on the beach watching the sun set. "I'm glad you're here with me," Ed said. He touched his lips to Liz'. "Me too," she whispered, savouring the impression of his lips on hers.

The next morning over breakfast Ed asked, "What do you want to do today?"
"Get to know you better," Liz said sipping tea. They walked along the beach, barefoot, sea water running over their feet. "What do you want to know?" Ed asked linking hands with Liz. "Well I don't even know your surname." "My full name is Edward Robert Sanderson You?." "Elizabeth," Liz stuck her tongue out. "I hate my forename," she said narrowing my eyes. "What were my parents thinking!" she said rolling her eyes. "What’s the rest of your name?" "Swan." "That’s lovely," Ed smiled. "Lizzie Swan, I'm glad to know you." "And you Eddie," Liz chuckled. "Oh dear. Let's agree, no nicknames?" he said. "Agreed," They shook hands.

"Any more questions?" Ed asked. "I feel like I know you well, then I realise we've only known each other three days." "Stay then." "You said two days, you will take me home?" Liz's eyes widened. "Please stay, get to know me better." Liz shook her head. She pulled her hand out of his and walked away. He watched her walk away. “What have I done?” he muttered. Liz threw her clothes into a suitcase and caught a bus home. What had she been thinking trusting a guy she hardly knew. She shook her head, telling herself to stop being so naive.

The following day, Liz opened her front door to Ed. "I'm so sorry Liz, I should have just taken you home, please forgive me," he said. "Go away," Liz said, her voice cracking, her lips mashed into a hard line. "Liz, I'm truly sorry," Ed said. "Just leave me alone," she said, though the tears that gathered in her eyes betrayed her. She brushed them away as they ran down her cheeks. "I miss you so much Liz," he said. "Please just go away," she said, closing the door on him. She returned to work two days later. She caught his eye but quickly looked away. The next day Ed was waiting for her He said “Good morning," but she ignored him and walked away. Liz wondered when he would go, move on. The last thing she needed was another man who didn't keep his promises.

When Liz arrived home that night there was a hand written letter waiting for her. "Liz, please forgive me," it began. "I am deeply regretful about the way I acted. Please give me another chance to earn your trust, on your terms." Tears landed on the page as Liz read on, "I care about you too much to give up. Please give me a chance to make amends."

The next day at work Ed was waiting for Liz once more. "Hi," he said. "Hi," she said walking past him. He placed an arm in her way stopping her. "Meet me later at the bakery this afternoon?" "I don't want to forgive you, I've been let down before." Her lips trembled & her eyes filled with tears. "I'm leaving tomorrow." "So why do you care, you said you were moving on anyway?" Liz screwed up her face. "I would stay for you,” he said pain causing his voice to crack. "I can't trust you," she said. "Just give me one more chance to show you that you can."

She shook her head, brushing away stray tears. "Just go, move on. I can't give you what you want." She cycled home in floods of tears. The next morning Liz called Mary to let her know she wouldn't be at work. "Don't worry love," Mary said. "See you when you feel better." Liz tried to relax but her mind wouldn't let her. Instead she relived the time with Jon when she was eighteen.

Long buried heartbreak resurfaced and Liz grieved again for her aborted baby. And Jon. Disappearing straight after the abortion. Liz was so caught up in her grief that she didn't hear the doorbell ring again and again. Ed pressed his weight against the door which finally gave way, he ran to Liz who was curled up on the floor and sank down on his knees in front of her and wrapped his arms around her. "I heard," he said out of breath. "I realised_"

Liz clung to Ed sobbing until she was cried out and calm once more. "I'm a mess," she said wiping her eyes ineffectively with her fingers. “No,” said Ed, “You needed to let go. Can I get you anything?” He brought make-up removal wipes which she asked for and a cup of tea that she hadn't. Liz cleaned her face, embarrassed that Ed had seen her in the worst possible way. She looked at him.

He was watching her, his eyes revealing his concern. "Thanks for coming. I'm sorry you saw me like that." "I'm glad you let me in," he touched her forehead. "You heard about what Jon did?" He nodded. "I haven’t really recovered from what he did. I tarred you with the same brush. Sorry." "I won't treat you like that." He stroked Liz' cheek. "I promise to take care of you on your terms until I've earned your trust." Liz smiled, "Thank you Ed." She moved into his open arms and wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him.

The Orchard

I noticed him on my first day's work at the Orchard in Provence that summer. He was tall, with dark hair that looked almost black and dark eyes ringed with long lashes. I found myself looking over at him time and time again for attraction had me tensing my stomach. It wasn't until a week later, that I found myself working next to him. We picked fruit until the bell announced break time.

I gulped down my water, for the heat was oppressive, looking bereft at my empty bottle, for I knew I would have to work thirsty until lunch. "Here?" he said throwing me a bottle. "Cold?" I exclaimed, "How did you do that?"

"Look," he said, pointing to his bag, there were solar panels on the outside and a mini cooler inside. "That's ingenious," I said pressing the bottle to my forehead cooling myself. "This job leaves plenty of time for thinking of ideas Elisa," he said. "How do you know my name?" I asked. "People talk, especially men about girls they like," he said, looking over at the other workers. My cheeks instantly reddened. "What's your name?" I asked. "Joe."

The bell sounded then and we returned to work. After lunch, I brought two bottles of water with me. "Give them to me," he said before I could ask him to store them for me. We worked until the afternoon break and we gulped our water down quickly. "Would you like to spend the day with me tomorrow?" he asked. "What did you have in mind?" I asked smiling. "Just dress for cycling," he said.

The next morning I met him with plenty of water in my pack. He held his hands out for my water and packed into his cooler. "I thought we could cycle around Avignon, I've heard it's a beautiful city." "Let's go then," I said with a smile. Chiding myself I realised all I did was smile in his company.

We cycled inside the city walls all morning, stopping only to take pictures and quench our thirst. At midday we found a place to sit next to the river Rhone. Joe took out a blanket which he lay down for us to sit on and unpacked a picnic for us to eat.

"What do you do when you're not working here Elisa?" Joe asked biting into a juicy tomato. "This and that. Any job I can get," I shrugged. "And you?" "I make things to sell, like the water cooler. I may stay here and find a shop that will sell them." He reached over and brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "Elisa, I would like to see you again," he said, his eyes fixed on mine. "I would like that," I smiled. "You are so beautiful my Elisa," he said drawing me into his arms. He flicked his tongue over his lips before pressing them to mine. We lay on the blanket, kissing, and talking until the sun set.

The Assistant

A policeman stood outside my door. I opened the door again to check again that he was still there, and he smiled at me, his white teeth shining bright against his skin, "Still here." I closed the door again and walked to the window. What bad luck, a weekend in the Caribbean and I was stuck in my room. I poured two glasses of rum & coke and took one out to him. "Can I sit with you for a bit?" I asked. "You really shouldn't Ma'am." "I'm so bored and lonely," I said sipping my frothy drink. "Why would anyone want to hurt me?" "I don't know," he watched me, pity on his face. I rested my head on his shoulder peeking at him through my lashes, "Keep me company?"