Treasure

I treasure everything
I learn about him
All of his expressions
His smile
And laughter
I take in everything he tells me
Asking question after question
Because I'm curious
About the pieces of the puzzle
Still out of sight
But I like what I hear
What I see
How I feel
And I try to forget
That he's leaving soon
That there will be Sunday's
Spoilt by his absence
And I try to ignore
The fear in my heart
That warns me
To keep my distance
I just talk to him
As much as I can
And soak it all up
Before it's too late.

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.

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.

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?"

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.