Category Archives: #BlogBattle

#BlogBattle: Clone – Always

Posted on by

#BlogBattle is now a monthly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Which is now administered by my two talented blog friends Rachael Ritchey and E. E. Rawls, as well as Gary Jeffries.

This month’s word:  Clone

ALWAYS

Joey comes barreling down the stairs, phone in hand with ear buds attached. We almost collide at the bottom of the steps as I walk out of my home office to go to the kitchen.

“Whoa! Slow down!” I laugh putting my arms in front of me as a buffer.

Removing an earbud, “Sorry mom, the guys are waiting for me.” He turns towards the door.

“Not so fast.” I stretch out my arms. “You have time for your birthday hug, c’mere ya big lug.”

Dropping his head, knowing he can’t argue with me, he walks into my embrace.

“Happy Birthday! I love you!” I give him a tight squeeze before I let go.

“Thanks mom, love you too!” He crams the ear bud back in his ear and walks out the door.

In the kitchen I set my phone down on the counter and reach for a coffee mug.  The sun is shining in through the windows by the breakfast nook, and just like every other day, Joseph is already sitting there.

“Hey there handsome.” I smile as I pour myself a cup of coffee.

“Good Morning beautiful!” Returning the smile that I so love.

I add sugar and cream to my coffee and give it a stir.  “Can you believe Joey is already 18? Eighteen years old!  That was the age you were when I first met you, remember?”

“I do.”

With both hands wrapped around the mug, I savor the warmth and smell before I take a slow sip as I lean against the counter. “I remember the day I first laid eyes on you.  You and your buddies came into the candy store I worked at after school, just laughing and carrying on.  You walked in with that swagger of yours, not stuck up, but cool and casual, like you didn’t have a care in the world.  Joey walks just like that.”

I set my coffee down, turn on the faucet to wash the few dishes that were left in the sink from last night.

“You think so? Huh, I never noticed.”

“Oh yeah.” I nod.  “He is so much like you, the walk, the smile, he even sounds like you.  It’s like he’s your clone.”

I am interrupted by a notification from my phone. I turn off the water and dry my hands.  I was waiting on an answer from my boss to move forward on a project, and I just got the okay.  I quickly respond and set my phone back down.  As I look up towards the breakfast nook, Joseph is already gone.  Just like he is every day.

“Oh Joseph, you would be so proud of your son.  If only you were here to see him. God, I miss you.”

The last time I saw Joseph, it was a week after our honeymoon.  We had gotten married during the time between his basic training and his first deployment to Afghanistan.  As I hugged him goodbye, I didn’t even know I was pregnant yet. We were so young and in love, we didn’t think about the realities of war. I always pictured him coming home in his dress blues, me running into his arms as he picked me up and twirled me around.

I grab a muffin and my coffee and sit at the breakfast nook absorbing the warmth of the sun streaming through the window, memories flash through my mind like an old movie.

Joey was a little over a year old when Joseph returned home, he was too young to remember. But I remember.  I’ll never forget that day.  Joseph did arrive home wearing his dress blues, or at least that is what they told me.  All I remember seeing are the bold colors of the stars and stripes draped over cold steel. Not the warm homecoming I envisioned.  The days leading up to and after that moment are a blur, I don’t know how I made it through, but somehow, I did.

Joey was raised to honor the flag, and he knew his dad died doing what he was called to do, serving his country.  Thankfully this is one area where Joey is different from his dad, and I would like to believe that it’s God’s mercy on my heartbroken soul that Joey doesn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps and enlist. I don’t think I could find the strength to hug another soldier goodbye.

Joey wants to become a lawyer; he wants to help people fight for their rights and be instrumental in fixing the injustices of the world. His dad would be so proud of him.  I’m so proud of him!  It wasn’t easy raising a son all by myself.  I wasn’t supposed to do any of this alone.

I finish off what’s left of my muffin.  My coffee is still warm.  I lean back in my chair, slowly drinking the last of it, looking out the window. Today I embraced the son that embodies the love of my life.  He is every bit like the man I said goodbye to all those year ago.  Yes, today is going to be a day of mixed emotions, but I choose to hold on to the happy ones.  Just as I am about to get up from the table, I see a red cardinal fly into the yard and land on the top of our flagpole.

Laughing, I stand up. “Ah Joseph, you are always here, and know just how to make me feel better. Thanks honey.”

I give the bird a salute, take my dishes to the sink, and start my day.

© 2019 Carrie Ann Alexis

 

 

 

#BlogBattle: Shield – Re-Inventing Roni

Posted on by

Hello! Wow, it has been way too long!  I had to clear out the cobwebs on my blog. My life has taken me into a season where I needed to focus on some other things, but my desire to write has slowly been making its way back up to the surface.  So I am super excited to return with none other than a #BlogBattle!

#BlogBattle is now a monthly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Which is now administered by my two talented blog friends Rachael Ritchey and E. E. Rawls, (I’ve missed you guys!) as well as Gary Jeffries.

This month’s word:  Shield

RE-INVENTING RONI

“Not a word, and you won’t get hurt.  We’re going for a ride.”

The voice is familiar.  I am grabbed from behind and before I know it, I am pushed into a van.  I recognize the guy holding the door open.  As he jumps in, he slides the door shut, and we are plunged into darkness.  When the guy who grabbed me flicks on a light, I have to shield my eyes from the brightness until they can focus.

“Oh, it’s you two.” I recognize Dominic’s henchmen, Marco and Jimmy, they watch my every move. I had just left the club with my friends after a much-needed night out.

“It’s always a pleasure Roni.” Marco smirks.

“What did I do wrong this time? Was it the way I was dancing? Did I drink too much? Was it the . . .”

“Shut. Up! You’ll find out soon enough.” Jimmy rubs his hand down his face. I’m surprised Jimmy even had it in him.  I pegged him as the muscle of the operation, he usually doesn’t talk.  He must be having a bad day.

The van comes to an abrupt stop, I hear the front door slam, as the driver gets out.  I’m left with Fric and Frac.

Looking at Jimmy, Marco nods his head towards the back doors, “You and Nick, go take a walk, stretch your legs, I got this.”

Without a word, he leaves slamming the door behind him.  From what I can tell we are in a nondescript parking garage.

Marco glowers, “So, the guy you were talking to at the bar. . .”

“Geeeez-us.” Shaking my head. “I should have known. All this, for that? He’s an old friend!  You really have to . . .”

Marco holds up his hand to stop me from talking.  “Roni, seriously, stop talking. We don’t have much time, just listen to me.”

Crossing my arms over my chest I slump back in my seat. “Fine. Then talk.”

“I’m not who you think I am, I’m on your side.  Your old friend, Dennis? He is one of us.  We are about to take down Dominic, and he’ll be locked up for a long time.  If you don’t cooperate with us, you will go down too.  But, we know how desperate you are to get away from him, so I’m thinking you will.”

“We? Who’s We?”

“I can’t get into that right now; you just have to trust me.”

“Yeah? What happens when Dominic figures out I’m helping whoever? He’ll kill me in my sleep.”

Shaking his head, “Nah, we see your every move, even at home. To keep tabs on you, Dominic recently installed video surveillance throughout your house . . .”

“Video surveillance? Are you frickin’ kidding me? So, I’ve got you and Jimmy watching me undress and take showers?”

“Roni, calm down. We don’t have access to those areas of the house. But just so you know, Dominic made it clear that he was the only one to access those cameras for his private viewing and has it securely encrypted.”

“Oh great, I feel so much better.” Rubbing my forehead as I feel the onset of a headache.

“So, here’s what’s going to happen.  When you get to work on Monday, you will receive a package, it’s a burner phone and that is how we will communicate with you, leave it at work.”

“Okay.  Package, phone, got it.” I count out each step on my fingers to remember.

“In a few minutes another van is going to pull up, the guy,” he emphasizes using air quotes, “you were talking to at the bar, will be dragged out and Jimmy will rough him up while I make you watch.  Dominic can’t know about Dennis.  So, we got a decoy. This guy, and Jimmy are one of us.”

I run my fingers through my hair to get it out of my eyes, “This is a lot to ask of me.”

“I know, I’m sorry. But I know you can do it.” He pats my knee for reassurance.

“We told Dominic that you were talking with some guy, and that we would make sure you didn’t do it again, that’s why we grabbed you.  We will take you back to your car, you will go home and pretend none of this happened.  Then you will wait for our instructions.  Are we clear?”

“Crystal.” This is a lot to take in, for once I’m at a loss for words. I fidget with a loose string on the hem of my sweater.

“Roni. I know this is a lot to process.  But you want a whole new life, away from Dominic, a fresh start.  We can make that happen.”

“And how do you know what I really want?”

“We’ve got eyes and ears everywhere, you know, big brother and shit.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal that my whole existence is on display.

“That’s supposed to make me feel better?” I rub my palms on my jeans, trying to calm my nerves.

“It is what it is.  In time, this will all make sense.” Marco looks at his smartwatch.  “Now, it’s go time.”

<<  >>

When I pull into the driveway, Dominic is outside smoking a cigarette; I hate that smell.  He walks towards me and meets me halfway as I walk up to the house.  He puts his arm around my waist to pull me close beside him, and kisses me on the top of my head.  “How was your night out Veronica?”

He uses my proper name when he is being smug, and he knows I hate it. “It was fine. It was nice to get out. What did you do?”

We enter the house and he closes the door behind him. “Not much, just watched the game.”

He grasps my hand and pulls me close for a kiss. “I know you must be tired.  Why don’t you go upstairs and take a nice, long, hot shower?”

I force myself to smile and try to stop the chill racing up my spine.  “It’s late, I think I’ll go right to bed.”

“Okay then, I’ll be up later.  I have some uh, work to do. Don’t wait up.” He smiles as he kisses my hand, looking up at me with eyes that are filled with pure evil.  How have I stayed this long?

“Good night then.”  I walk up the stairs, even though I want to run.

I grab my pajamas and go to the one part of the bathroom where I know I am not being watched, close the door and sit on the toilet lid.  It’s there I can finally breathe.  I lean my head against the cool tile wall, thinking about my conversation with Dennis.  It makes me smile and fills me with a happiness I have not felt in a long time.

It gives me hope.

 

© 2019 Carrie Ann Alexis

 

#BlogBattle 7: Shine – Your Time to Shine

Posted on by

🙂 Tuesday = #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey. She has changed things up a little bit.  Now the word and the genre is provided.  This will definitely stretch my creative muscles as I attempt to write other types of stories.

Feel free to join in, or click here to read the current week’s stories and vote for your favorites.

 

This Week’s Word: Shine

Genre:  Folklore  – the songs, stories, myths, and proverbs of a people or “folk” as handed down by word of mouth

This is my Hail Mary pass 😉

 

Your Time to Shine

My mom and grandma are coming by to see my new house.  They were so happy that we decided to move closer to them, it will be nice to visit with them, it’s been awhile.

My grandma comes in carrying her famous coffee cake, and a Ziplock bag full of assorted teas.  I take them and put them in the kitchen.  After I give them the grand tour of the house, we sit down in the living room.  Mom and grandma fill me in on who’s doing what in the family.

As if she could sense what time it was, Grandma looks at her watch and says, “Oh, Natalie, it’s almost time for tea, can you put the kettle on?”

“Sure Grandma.”  I say, as I continue talking to my mom.  But she interrupts me, and says, “I’ll help you in the kitchen, we can talk in there.”

Nearly dragging me in here, “Mom? What’s the rush with the tea?  I was going to do it.”

“I know hon, Grandma likes to have her tea at the same time.  It’s what she has always done, and her mother before her, just indulge her.”  My mom leaves the kitchen to let Grandma know it’s ready.

Once they sit down, Grandma starts preparing her tea and says, “Natalie, would you like to know why we have tea promptly at 1:30?”

“Sure Grandma. Do you really do this every day?”

“Of course dear, it’s a habit now.  But I can remember how my mother would do it every day, even if she was in the middle of something, she would stop and have her tea.  It wasn’t until I had a home of my own, that she told me why she did it, so this is why I am telling you.”

I look over to my mom with eyes questioning, with a smile on her face she nods her head slightly letting me know I need to listen.

“Well, I know you don’t remember your great grandfather,” she starts then says, “God rest his soul” as she makes the sign of the cross.  “You see, he was a very wealthy man.  Shortly after he married my mother, they moved into a beautiful home that backed up to a forest.  She didn’t have to work, so she took care of the house, then us kids.  She had 5 kids within 6 years, so she was very busy.  She didn’t believe in asking for any help, this was her job, and she was going to do it.  Well, one day after she put us all down for a nap, she decided to make a cup of tea and relax for a moment before she cleaned the house.  But the tea relaxed her so much so that she fell asleep.  But when she awoke, the whole house was clean.”

“Wait…what?  How?” I question, looking at my mom and then at my Grandma as they both casually drink their tea.

“It took a while for her to figure out what was going on, but after that first time, she decided to have tea the same time every day, and every day she would fall asleep and the house was clean when she awoke.  She felt that there could possibly be something in the tea that made her sleep.  So, one day she pretended to drink the tea so that she could stay awake, and see who or what was responsible for this.  As she pretended to be asleep, she could hear movement in the kitchen, so she quietly got up and peeked into the kitchen to see who was in there.  What she saw, she couldn’t believe her eyes.”

Another pause as Grandma cuts herself another slice of cake.  Are you kidding me? “What? What did she see?”

“More tea honey?” My mom asks.

“Mom,” I whine not unlike an impatient child.

Grandma laughs quietly before she continues, “What she saw in her kitchen were a half dozen elves, cleaning with an efficiency and quickness that was unearthly.”

I almost spit out my tea, “Elves.”

“Oh, not like Christmas Elves with pointed shoes and funny costumes.  She described them as beautiful creatures, with fair skin and long flowing hair, the females and males, both with piercing green eyes, though they did have the pointed ears, and were small, yet looked very human.  Boy, could these elves clean, the floor had such a lustrous shine you could see your reflection in it.  That day when they were done, she followed them into the forest to see where they lived.  As she approached the tree they called home, an aroma of sweet goodness filled the air.  Not only could these small beings clean, they could bake too.  That explained the freshly baked cookies she found a couple of times sitting on the kitchen counter.  After her discovery, she contemplated telling my father about what she discovered, but then she feared he would not believe her, and send her away.  So instead she decided to make that her daily routine.  The elves eventually stopped coming once she didn’t need the help anymore.”

We were all quiet for a moment as I absorbed this tale, until finally I say, “So you both believe that actually happened?”

Grandma spoke first, “You see Natalie, the way my mother told the story, you couldn’t help but to believe.  Now, whether it was true or not, only she knows, God rest her soul.  But I know because of it, I found the importance of taking time for myself each and every day.  It helped me be a better mother, a better wife, and just a better person.”

“But mom I don’t remember you doing this, did you?”

Before she answers she nods her head back and forth, “Yes, and no.”

“What does that mean?” My Grandma inquires.

“I’m more flexible in not making it a set time, and my beverage of choice is coffee.  You never saw me do it Natalie, because I always did it while you were in school.  Grandma is right though, when she told the story you couldn’t help but believe it.  So, as I took my break each day and sipped my coffee, I thought of the story, and the possibility of things that we can’t explain.  That time has served me well over the years too.”

“So, you see dear, we share this story with you so that you can apply it to your life, however you see fit.  Because it’s in those fleeting silent moments where you’ll find what makes your soul shine.”

 

© 2017 Carrie Ann

#BlogBattle 5: Adore – For Suffrage’s Sake

Posted on by
🙂 Tuesday is upon us again!!  Time for #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey. She has changed things up a little bit.  Now the word and the genre is provided.  This will definitely stretch my creative muscles as I attempt to write other types of stories.

Feel free to join in, or click here to read the current week’s stories and vote for your favorites.

Never say never.  When I first started doing Blogbattle, I was introduced to different genres from the other writers in the Blogbattle community.  I had made comments that I could NEVER write historical fiction, or a western.  Well, that prompted a challenge from our host Rachael, she challenged me to write a western.  I didn’t do it right away, but I eventually did it, and actually enjoyed it.  Though, I still held on to the belief that I couldn’t do a historical or period piece.  So, yeah…this week is a historical fiction.

Just like the western I had to do some research.  I try not to be political on my blog, but I thought a historical fiction about the Suffrage Movement would be timely.  When I did a search, a woman named Carrie Chapman Catt came up.  She founded the League of Women Voters in 1920.  It was on August 26, 1920 that the 19th Amendment was ratified providing full voting rights for women nationally.  That is the point in history I decided to write about.  Carrie Chapman Catt married a wealthy engineer named George Catt, which allowed her to spend a good part of each year on the road campaigning for woman’s suffrage.  At this point in history, Carrie was much older than I depicted in the story, so…that’s the fictional part 😉

1920’s Lingo:

Bushwa:  bullshit

Bearcat: a lively, spirited woman, possibly with a fiery streak

 

This Week’s Word: Adore

Genre:  Historical Fiction

For Suffrage’s Sake

Henry walks into George’s office early Monday morning like he has done for the past ten years.  Being longtime friends and then business partners, they discuss business first and then catch up as friends do.

“We’ve missed you down at the club.” Henry says.

“I’ll get back there soon, been busy.”

“Been busy throwing good money after bad, helping your wife fight the good fight?” Henry says a little sarcastically.

Glaring, George warns him, “Be careful Henry.”

“Well the talk is, that if that bearcat of a wife of yours had children to take care of she wouldn’t have time to stir up trouble.”

“Frankly it is no one’s business what my wife and I decide to do or not do.  Henry, it is that kind of thinking that will not move this country forward.  Look what the women have done for our business, while our men were out fighting the war.  Where would we be, if it weren’t for them?  I’ll tell you where we wouldn’t be, we wouldn’t be sitting in a lush country club spouting off bushwa.”

With hands raised in surrender, “I’m just letting you know what’s been said.  Can’t say that I agree with it all, can’t say I disagree on some.  I personally feel a woman’s place is in the home, where she can care for the children, and take care of the little things I don’t have to be bothered with.  Leave the important things to the men, like working and voting.  What does a woman know about government, or politics?  My wife has no interest in that sort of thing, how could she possibly make an educated choice when voting?”

“She can’t, Henry.  Because you won’t let her.  I admire what my wife is doing, she is bright, resilient and she speaks up for those women who can’t.  Yes, women are great keepers of the home, and it’s that expertise in maintaining the home and family that would improve politics and our society.  When the good Lord created Eve, he used the rib for a reason.  She was not taken from his feet to be under him, but from his side to stand beside him and support him, as we are to support them.”

Under his breath, Henry mumbles, “Yes, and look how that turned out.”

Just then the whistle blows as a sign of the changing of the shift on the factory floor.  Henry’s cue to get to his own office to start his day.  George puts the conversation out of his mind and doesn’t give it another thought as the demands of his day are upon him.  He doesn’t fault Henry his opinions, he knows some people will never change.

~ ♥~

George arrives home, and is greeted by his wife.  Even though she has had a busy day herself, she looks forward to the time they spend talking about their day.  He walks in the door, and can smell a delicious meal has been prepared.  Even after all these years, when he sees his wife he is awestruck at her beauty.  It’s like he is looking at her for the first time.  “How was your day Mr. Catt?” She playfully inquires.

Before he answers he walks up to her, holds her face in his hands, and kisses her like they have been away from each other for days.

“Hello my love.  Well, it seems that it is a public scandal the way I adore you.”

With a sweet laugh, she replies, “Whatever do you mean Georgie?” Using the pet name she has given him.

He takes her by the hand and leads her to the parlor to sit comfortably on the sofa.  He sits first, and as she is about to take the seat next to him, him pulls her towards him so that she sits on his lap.  With a giggle of delight, she settles in to hear what he has to say.  Oh, how she loves this part of the day.

He recounts the conversation he had with Henry that morning.  She listens to every word he says, nodding occasionally, as he subconsciously laces his fingers with hers, or plays with a ruffle on her dress.

“It’s such a shame there are small minded people such as Henry, still, to this day, even after all we have accomplished thus far.”

“Well my dear, it is hard for some people to change their minds even when the change is happening right before their eyes.”

“Oh Georgie, we are so close to gaining the voting rights for all women in this country.  The sacrifices some of the women have made is truly extraordinary.  It has been an honor to be a part of something so momentous.”

He pushes a loose strand of hair behind her ear, “You, my darling, are extraordinary, and all that you have sacrificed and accomplished makes me adore you even more.  This Women’s Right Movement will propel this country to greatness.”

Carrie listen’s yet in her mind she visualizes what things will be like in 10 or 20 years. Then with that look of zeal that is all her own, she exclaims, “Oh George, can you imagine what this country will be like in 100 years?”

“My dearest Carrie, I am certain it will be a sight to behold.”

© 2017 Carrie Ann

“It is a public scandal the way I adore you” – Oscar Wilde

 

#BlogBattle 4: Iridescent – Where Dreams are Made

Posted on by

🙂 Tuesday = #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey. She has changed things up a little bit.  Now the word and the genre is provided.  This will definitely stretch my creative muscles as I attempt to write other types of stories.

Feel free to join in, or click here to read the current week’s stories and vote for your favorites.

This Week’s Word: Iridescent

Genre:  Fairy Tale

 Where Dreams Are Made

Stepping into the room, my Grandma looks more tired than usual.  But then again, my sister was just in here, no doubt, rambling on about her latest gymnastics competition and her plans for the Olympics.  I look the same way after one of those conversations.

“Come in Ava, sit.” My grandma says smiling brightly.

I lean over and kiss her cheek, “How are you grandma?”

“Fine, Fine.”

I set my book down on her night table before I sit down.  “What are we reading today?”

“The Great Gatsby”

“Ohh a classic, always a good choice.  I wish my eyes were younger, I’d love to read some of the newer novels, I hear that Nicholas Sparks is a very good writer.”

With a quiet laugh, I reply, “Yes, he is Grandma, I enjoy his books as well.”

“So, your sister is still working towards the Olympics, I do hope she makes it.  How about you? Anything exciting in your life dear? Maybe a nice fella you enjoy company with?”

“No Grandma, some things never change.  Sydney is the star, I try to stay out of the way.  And no, no fella in my life right now.”

“Oh sweetie, your sister has big dreams and that’s good she is chasing them.  You just keep being you, sometimes it takes some of us longer to realize our dreams.  But It’s never too late to go after them. And a beautiful girl like yourself, any fella would be lucky to have you.”

“Ok Grandma.” There’s no arguing with her.

“Ok then.” She settles it with a single nod. “There’s something I want you to have, and it will be our little secret.  Reach in the drawer there and pull out that book.”

I reach in and find a hard cover copy of Little Women. “Grandma, but it’s your favorite.”

With a crooked finger to her lips to quiet me she opens the book, and it’s not a book at all.  It’s a secret box.  She pulls out a piece of paper, and a golden key.  She hands me the key and unfolds the paper.  The top of the key is a large round iridescent stone encircled with diamonds, with a shiny gold heart at the tip.

“Tell your mother I need you to run an errand for me.  Go to the end of the block, take this map, follow it.   The key will let you inside, it’s a place where dreams are made.” She says with a wink.

~ ♥ ~

I do as my grandma says, I come upon this quaint little cottage in the woods.  As I pull out the key the sun illuminates the stone sending an iridescent rainbow before me.  I open the door and walk in to find a meticulously kept house.  As I begin to look around a fluffy gray rabbit hops up to my feet, I bend down to pet him, “Hey, Bunny, aren’t you cute?”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m not here to be cute, I’m the one who maintains this place.”

Startled I step back a little, not only because he is actually talking, but his voice it’s so raspy it sounds like he has a pack-a-day habit.

“Don’t be alarmed, my name is Bugs Bunny.” Before I can comment he raises a paw to stop me. “Not a word, Missy, my mom wasn’t very creative with the names. I mean she was poppin’ us out a dozen at a time, can’t say that I blame her. My friends call me Bugsy.”

He stretches out his paw for her to shake.  Ava reaches for it and says, “So we are friends?”

“Yeah, sure, you’re the one who started petting me.  You got a name? Or I could just stick with Missy.”

“Ava.  My name is Ava.” I say as I try to get my wits about me.

“Nice to meet you Ava.  So…I know why you are here, but do you?”

“My Grandmother sent me here, she gave me this key.” Handing it to him.

He recognizes it, “Oh, yes, Dorothy.  Such a lovely lady.”

Just then there is a ruckus coming from the kitchen.  When she looks up she sees an even bigger white rabbit, he’s huge!! She starts to go pet him when Bugsy warns, “Ava, don’t pet him.  That’s my brother.”

“That’s your brother?  He’s so much bigger than you!!”

“Yeah. Thanks for noticing.  Don’t let the size fool you, he’s a friggin’ marshmallow.  Will you excuse us a minute, check the place out, make yourself at home.”

When both rabbits get outside, Bugsy turns and says, “What is wrong with you? That could have been a disaster!!”

“She’s pretty.”

“Roger. Focus. Yes, she’s pretty.  Where’s your guy?”

“Right. Sorry.  He’ll be here soon, so how are we going to do this? The ol’ damsel in distress? Oh, 0h, go grab one of her shoes…”

Bugsy is glaring at him now. “Just stop. I was just about to tell her what’s about to happen when you show up. This ain’t no Disney picture, there’s no scripts, we do our job, bring them together, they fall in love ba-da-bing, ba-da-boom, end of story.”

Roger raises a paw, trying one more time. “End of story Roger.” Bugsy stops him.

~ ♥ ~

When Bugsy comes back in the house he doesn’t see Ava, looking for her he finds her in the bedroom. “This place is absolutely beautiful.” She says in awe.

Bugsy is just about to say something to her when her attention is turned to the sound of someone trying to unlock the back door.  “Who could that be?” she says as she leaves the room.

By the time she enters the kitchen, Roger is walking in with the most beautiful human being Ava has ever seen.  Tall, dark hair, tanned skin and the kindest brown eyes the color of milk chocolate.  Ava stops dead in her tracks, gawking.  The gorgeous guy walks in carrying a sketch book, when he sees her, he stops abruptly, dropping the sketch book to the floor.  When he finally catches his breath, he says one word. “Ava.”

A little cautious, she replies, “Who are you? How do you know me?”

“I am the grandson of Althea.  I have seen you in my dreams, I never thought I would find you.”

“Ahhh…that’s quite the line there buddy,” Ava replies not buying it.  “Bugsy, who is this guy?” OMG I’m asking a rabbit.

“Ava, he’s telling the truth, Althea is your grandma’s best friend. He’s the reason why you are here.”

Roger had been thumbing through the sketch book, and stops on one picture, “Levi, did you draw these? They are really good, this one looks very familiar.”

“Yes, it does.” Still staring at Ava. He reaches for the notebook and hands it to her.  When she looks down, it’s a sketch, a sketch of her. Astonished she says, “How…how did you…?”

“It doesn’t matter, I finally found you.” Closing the gap between them, he takes her in his arms, and gives her a kiss, one that dreams are made of.

© 2017 Carrie Ann