Category Archives: #BlogBattle

#BlogBattle: Ride – Week 29 – Some Kind of Ride

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Tuesday = #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  Feel free to join in, or click here to read the current week’s stories and vote for your favorites.

This week’s word:  Ride

FYI:  bruh is the new slang for bro, used frequently with the young people 🙂

Some Kind of Ride

Lucas pulls up in his vintage 1987 Nissan Pulsar just as Ryder is coming out of the house.

“Dude!! Sweet ride…you finished the Nissan!!”

“Yeah, my brother was home for the weekend, I needed his expertise to get it functional.  You wanna take a trip?” Lucas inquires

“Bruh….you know it.”

With that Ryder hops in, and lets out a slow whistle.  “I know this wasn’t in the original design, he points at the contraption that sits in between the two front seats.  Does it work?”

“I guess we’ll find out.” Lucas replies in his normal monotone.

“What fuels it?” Ryder asks with pure excitement.

“Red Bull, Mountain Dew Voltage and Power Bars.”  Lucas says as he holds each one up then dumps them into the contraption.

“You’re kidding right?”

“Negative.” Still no emotion.

“So where are we going?”

“Don’t you mean when?”  Lucas says with an eyebrow raised.  “I’m not sure we should go too far into the future, I don’t think I’m ready to see myself old.  How about just five years, that way we’ll know where we went to college, and will have graduated by then.” Now he’s excited.

“Dude…all you do is stress about college.” Exasperated he leans his head back against the headrest with a thud.

“I’m still waiting to see if I got into MIT…it’s killing me…this way I’ll know.”  Lucas  argues.

“You’re the captain, I’m just here for the ride…you know you’re a total geek right?”

“Yes…a geek with a time machine bruh.”  Emphasizing the last word to poke fun at his best friend.

“So how does it work?” Ryder not bothered by the jab.

“We need a good sized road with no obstructions, we’re going to head over to Stuenkel Road.  I record the date, and then fire ‘er up.  Once we hit a speed of 110 mph, we’ll be history…or…uh…destiny…uh…whatever, you know what I mean.” Lucas says with frustration as he waves his hand.  “Buckle up.”

The actual trip was a bit of a blur, but once they reach the future, the car hits the pavement and starts to slow down, on the same road they left on.  Lucas expertly brings it to a stop, and they look at each other with wide eyes, and just burst out laughing.  Ryder spoke first and eloquently says, “No. Way.”

Lucas gets out of the car and says “Let’s go check things out.”

They hide the car behind some bushes and start walking towards their neighborhood.  Being only five years into the future not much has changed.  It has gotten dark by know, and they continue to walk.  On the other side of the road, Lucas notices what looks like a makeshift memorial, with flowers, teddy bears, and a wooden cross.  Lucas says, “Huh…that’s new,” as he points over to it.

Ryder doesn’t pay it much attention, and continues to walk.  They reach his house first.  They quietly walk in, it’s pretty dark, either no one is home, or everyone is asleep.  Their phones aren’t working so they aren’t exactly sure what time it is.

Everything looks the same, but Ryder says, “Something feels different doesn’t it?”

Lucas shrugs and says, “I don’t know…feels the same to me.”

Ryder walks over to the mantle, and looks at the pictures, he stares at his senior picture, the one he just took over the summer.  “Lucas, what year did you punch in again?”

Lucas walks over pushing up his glasses he replies, “2021 why?  What’s wrong.”

Ryder points to the picture, “This.  Where’s my high school graduation picture?  Or college?  You know my mom always keeps up with those things.”

He begins to look around for the photo albums that his mom has kept for him.  She just started a new one for his senior year.  He finds it and when he opens it, a newspaper clipping falls out, and the album is nearly empty.  He scans over the article, then drops everything, rushing out of the house, saying with urgency “Lucas, we gotta go.”

Looking back and forth to the album, and his retreating friend, Lucas stops for a moment to pick up the newspaper article.  His eyes are wide, and after holding it between his fingers for a few seconds, he drops it as if the act of holding it caused great pain.  He rushes after Ryder.

Ryder is on the back deck bent over resting his hands on his knees gulping in deep breaths.  Shaking his head he says, “We have to go back, I have to get back.”

Without a word they take off at a sprint back to the car.  Lucas fires it up, and the trip back is just the same.  The car hits the pavement and starts to slow down.  Lucas continues to drive.  When they get to the same spot in the road, Lucas slows down and says, “Ryder look, it’s not there.”

Ryder lifts his head and looks out the window, and lets out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding, and quietly says, “Just take me home bruh.”

When they pull up to the house, Lucas looks over at Ryder and asks, “You gonna be OK?  I am so sorry, I’m going to destroy the time machine.”

“Dude, I’ll be fine, you love this car, don’t destroy the whole thing…How will we pick up chicks?”  He says with a smile.  “Maybe this was the wake up call I needed.  There are things I need to change, and get serious about.  Maybe that won’t be my fate after all.”

Lucas closes his eyes, nods his head once to concur and extends his hand and says, “We don’t breathe a word of this to anyone.”  With that they execute their secret handshake, to seal the agreement.

Ryder walks in the house and finds his mom in the kitchen, she asks, “Hey was that the car Lucas has been working on?  It looks great, you guys take a ride?”

“Yeah…yeah we did.”  Ryder says looking down at his feet.

“You want a snack honey?” Mom’s answer for everything.

“No, I’m good, I’m just gonna go upstairs.  Good night.”  As he passes his mom he grabs her in a big bear hug, and whispers, “Love you mom.”

“Love you too hon,” she hugs him back cherishing this brief moment of affection.  As she lets him go to leave, she says to herself, “that must have been some kind of ride.”

© 2015 Carrie Ann

 

Rachael posted some cool trivia that Blogbattle Week 29 falls on the 29th day of the 9th month.  Also, the last time I did a time travel story was during Mercury Retrograde….we are in it again until October 9.  Things that make you go hmmmm….. 🙂

#BlogBattle: Orchid – Week 28 – New Beginnings

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🙂 Tuesday is upon us once again!! Let the #Blogbattle begin!!

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  Feel free to join in, or click here to read the current week’s stories and vote for your favorites.

This week’s word:  Orchid

Genre:  Romance ❤

orchids

New Beginnings

Finn steps into the house that is so familiar.  It’s just as his Aunt Lainey had always kept it.  It had been a couple months since her passing, a friend of hers took care of the house until he could move in. As he walks into the dining room, he stops, and looks around.  The orchids.  Aunt Lainey loved her orchids, and she has not just a few of them, they are everywhere.  He smiles as he hears her voice echo through his brain “Please Finn…don’t kill my beloved Orchids.  When the time comes, you’ll know exactly what to do with them.”

Before he can start any work, he needs to eat.  With no food in the house, he needs to go out.  When he steps out of the house and heads towards his car, he notices someone next door, he hadn’t realized that the house had been sold.  It was empty for many years after old man Stone died.  When she glances his way, they both stop, staring at each other as recognition dawns.  “Claire?” Finn asks.

“Finn?” she mimics.

They walk towards each other, their elation palpable.  When they are close enough he pulls her in a friendly hug and says, “Claire, you look great!!”

After hugging him back she says, “You do too Finn, what are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”  He points over to the house then says, “My Aunt Lainey left me the house, I just got here today to start cleaning it out.”  Suddenly his memory darkens, he says quietly, “Hey…I heard about Danny…I am so sorry Claire.” He rubs his hands up and down her arms.

She softly replies, “Thanks Finn, I knew when I married him there was always that possibility” she shrugs, “He died doing what he loved, defending our country…not that it makes it any easier.”  Smiling and needing to change the subject she spreads her arms out towards the house and says, “But look…I bought a house!!  It needs a lot of work…but it’s mine!!”

“Congratulations!! Hey, I was just going to get something to eat, would you like to join me?”

“You know, I think I will.” She says with a nod.

They continue talking on the drive to the restaurant, as comfortable as the two old friends that they are.  Being back in the town they both grew up in stirred up a lot of old memories.

As they wait for their food to arrive, they compare to-do lists for their houses.  Finn hates the thought of Claire doing all that work by herself, but knows deep down she needs to do it herself, and probably will enjoy it, but still.  He can’t help but offer, “Claire, please do not hesitate to call me if you need any help, I’d be happy to help.”

“Thanks Finn, but I know you have a lot of things you need to get done as well, I’d hate to bother you, I’ll get everything done…eventually.  Hey, the way I look at it I have 30 years to get it just right.”  She says with a smile full of pride and accomplishment.

As they eat, talk and laugh, Finn sees Claire with new eyes.  In high school she was always Danny’s girl, so he never thought of her as anything but a friend.  But now, after knowing what she’s been through losing her husband too soon, yet ready to tackle a new life, alone, he is in awe at how strong and beautiful she is.

As they linger over dessert and coffee, Claire excuses herself to use the ladies room.  She has enjoyed Finn’s company more than she expected to.  Sure they were old friends, but in high school, she never looked at anyone else, for her it was always just Danny.  As she washes her hands and looks at herself in the mirror, this is the first time in five years that she doesn’t see the young widow of Staff Sergeant Parsons.  Who she sees is the woman she truly is.  Oh, she will always love Danny, but with the new house, it’s time for new beginnings.

She steps out of the ladies room, and catches a glimpse of Finn sitting there waiting for her.  Yeah…Finn is definitely easy on the eyes, she grins at the thought of having him as her neighbor.

When they pull up to the house, Finn jumps out and quickly jogs around the front of the car to open her door.  It’s been a long time since a man did that for her, the sweet gesture warms her heart.  He takes her hand in his to help her out of the car.  She says, “Thanks for dinner Finn, it was nice catching up.”

With a slight bow he says, “You are very welcome Claire, I enjoyed it too.  Claire…don’t forget…you call me if you need anything.”  He says pointing a finger at her.

“Yeah, OK…Thanks again Finn…Good night.” Claire turns and walks away.

“’Night Claire…dream sweet.”

~ ♥ ❤ ♥ ~

Finn wakes up early the next morning ready to start his day.  As he walks through the dining room, the sun shining through the window catches his eye.  There standing proudly among the purple flowers is one lone yellow orchid, illuminated by the sun’s rays.  He wasn’t by any means an expert on orchids, but in all these years, he has never seen a yellow one before.

He enters the kitchen to get some coffee, as he looks out the window, he sees Claire up on a ladder.  “What the…oh no. That’s not happening.” He murmurs to himself.

He walks out the back door allowing the screen door to slam behind him.  He marches right up to the ladder and says, “What do you think you are doing?  Claire, I told you to call me.”

“It’s so early I didn’t want to wake you.” She argues.

“Come down from there…carefully, please.” He coaxes her.

He holds on the ladder as she descends it slowly.  She makes it all the way down safely, but slips on the last rung causing her to almost fall, but Finn grabs hold of her.  As she tries to stand on her own, he notices that her loose fitting shirt fell from her shoulder revealing a beautiful tattoo on her back.  First he asks, “Are you OK?” Then, “Is that a tattoo?”

She nods her head, and shyly says, “Yes.” Trying to cover it back up.  He stops her and says, “May I?” as he moves the shirt back to reveal the whole design.

She explains, “It’s an orchid, my favorite flower.”

“Yes, I know it’s an orchid, it’s beautiful…but why a yellow one?” Admiring it, he inquires.

“A yellow orchid symbolizes new beginnings…how do you know it’s an orchid?” she questions.

He says with a smile and a shrug…”I’ve seen a few.  New beginnings huh?”  Just then he takes her by the hand and says, “Come on…you have to see this!!”

© 2015 Carrie Ann

#BlogBattle: Distance – Week 27 – Close the Distance

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Tuesday = #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  Feel free to join in, or click here to read the current week’s stories and vote for your favorites.

This week’s word:  Distance

Genre:  Romance

Close the Distance

Evelyn boards the plane hoping she won’t end up sitting next to some older woman who wants to chat incessantly about her grand kids.  She finds her seat with out any trouble, and is relieved when she notices the person in the next seat, Oh good a sleeping man. Just then the flight attendant appears behind her and asks if she needs any assistance.  Evelyn puts her finger to her lips and says in a whisper, “I’m fine thank you, I don’t want to wake him…I don’t want to have to talk to him during the flight.”

“That wouldn’t be so terrible,” The man says with a mischievous grin, without opening his eyes.

Evelyn chokes back an expletive as she stores her carry on bag.

The flight attendant smiles and says, “Have a nice flight.”

“Oh…she will,” He is now fully awake and looking right at her.  She has a difficult time not getting lost in his blue eyes.

Evelyn takes her seat.  With a hand to her chest she pleads her case for forgiveness, “I am sorry, I hate to fly…I’m just a little anxious.”

He holds up a hand, with a sincere smile, he says, “It’s fine, we don’t have to talk.”

“Well that would be just awkward now.  Let’s start over…Hello, my name is Evelyn Rhodes,” she extends her hand.

“Hello Evelyn, I’m Jack McAllister, nice to meet you.”  He gives her hand a somewhat firm shake.

“So Evelyn, are you traveling for business or pleasure?” he inquires.

Trying to ignore the effect the smoothness of his voice has on her, she stammers, “Uh….both.  Whenever my company sends me somewhere, I like to tack on a few extra days to take in the sights, and get a break. What about you?”

“Friends wedding…at the Grand Hotel.” He says with little emotion.

She didn’t want to mention to this stranger, albeit a very handsome stranger, that she was also staying at the Grand Hotel.

As the plane prepares to take off, he notices that she is visibly uptight.  Her hand is gripping the armrest so tightly, her knuckles have turned white. She leans her head back against the seat and closes her eyes.  Her lips are frantically moving, and he thought she was praying until he heard the whispered affirmation repeated over and over, “I am a calm airplane passenger” which totally belies her posture.

Trying not to laugh, Jack gently takes her hand in his, and calmly says, “Evelyn, look at me…relax, and just breathe. Tell me about your job, but no matter what, don’t take your eyes off me.”  His uses his other hand to rub a tiny rhythmic circle on the top of her hand, which pleasantly calms her down.

As the flight continues, they talk about where they currently live, and are both surprised to find that they only live blocks away from each other.  Jack keeps the conversation going and asks if that is where she is originally from.  When she explains that she is from a small town he probably never even heard of, but yet he has, he let’s go of her hand, and says, “Just stop,” He turns in his seat to angle his body so that he is almost facing her.

Evelyn looked nonplussed, “What? Stop What?”

With an eyebrow raised he suspiciously asks, “What street did you live on?”

She cautiously responds. “I lived on Willow Street…Why?”

“Seriously Evelyn?  I lived on Birch.” Jack continues to look at her until his words sink in.

As understanding dawns on her face she says incredulously, “Jack, no way…that’s well within walking distance from each other…like where we live now.”

“We have probably been passing each other on the streets our whole lives, what are the chances that we end up meeting on a plane taking us to another state?” asking the rhetorical question.

“Jack, this actually wasn’t my original destination.  I only found out yesterday of the change in plans, which rarely happens.  My boss knows how I am about sticking to a plan, but it couldn’t be helped.”

He quietly laughs, and takes her hand in his again, and says “Evelyn, be my plus-one for my friend’s wedding.”

“Gee…so charming, how can I resist an invitation like that?  Where is your original plus-one?”

“I found out yesterday that all her late nights at work had nothing to do with her job.” He replied flatly.

“Oh…I’m sorry Jack.”

“Eh…it happens.  I’m serious Evelyn, this has to be fate, destiny….kismet, serendipity….or whatever word they use in romantic movies to get the girl to say yes.” He says while waving his hand back and forth to punctuate each word.

“Since you put it that way” she smiles and then murmurs, “and I happen to be staying at the Grand Hotel.”

He let’s out a triumphant “Yes,” with a single fist pump, and says, “You see Evelyn, I’m telling you…it’s fate.”  He wiggles his eyebrows up and down.

“Is it too late to get a refund from the Charm School you attended?”  She teases, shaking her head this is definitely not what I had planned.

~ ❤ ~

Later that evening, Evelyn exits the elevator and begins to walk through the lobby.  When Jack turns around wearing a gorgeous black suit, the sight of him stops her in her tracks.  He sees her and quickly closes the distance between them.  When he is right in front of her, he takes her hand and steps back so he can admire her.

She looks back at him and declares, “Oh my, Jack McAllister, don’t you clean up nicely?”

He kisses her hand and says, “I’d say the same to you, but my charm must accommodate my attire.  Besides, mere words cannot express how stunningly beautiful you are.  Thank you for being here with me.  Shall we?”  He places her hand in the crook of his arm and leads her into the ballroom.

With a nod and an alluring smile, Evelyn says, “I guess charm school paid off after all.”

“You don’t even know,” his words are flirtatious but filled with promise.

Later when he leads her to the dance floor, she places one hand on his shoulder, and the other in his hand, leaving enough space in between them so their bodies do not touch.  When he places his hand on the small of her back, and draws her close, he whispers in her ear, “I don’t know about you, but I don’t want anymore distance between us.”

© 2015 Carrie Ann

#BlogBattle: Head – Week 26 – Silver Lining

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🙂 Tuesday is upon us once again!! Let the #Blogbattle begin!!

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  Feel free to join in, or click here to read the current week’s stories and vote for your favorites.

This week’s word:  Head

Genre:  Romance ❤

Silver Lining

All I wanted was a nice evening out, like we used to have in the beginning.  It was a beautiful night, not too warm, not too chilly, perfect actually.  So I suggested to Robert, we walk to the little Bistro a couple blocks away for dinner.  I should have gauged his mood before I made the suggestion, but I didn’t, and right now all I want is this night to be over.  It’s like our whole evening has been clothed in a dark cloud from his mood.

When we walk up to the front of my brownstone apartment, Robert doesn’t stop and proceeds to head up the stairs, assuming I want him to come in.  He stops half way up and turns around, I am still standing on the sidewalk.  “What’s the matter? Are you coming?” He questions with a gruff tone.

“Actually…I think we should call it a night.  I’m tired.  I just want to sit outside for a few and then go to sleep.” Not at all hiding my weariness.

“Whatever Kelly. That’s fine, I’ve had such a lousy day, I need to clear my head, anyway.  I’ll call you…whenever.”  He snaps as he pushes past her.

I sit down on the stairs, and lean my head on the banister, and close my eyes.  I hear quiet footsteps approaching, and then stop right in front of me.  I slowly look up and see it is my neighbor from downstairs.

“Hi,” he says with a raised hand, “Is everything alright?” He asks concerned.

“Yes, I’m just enjoying the nice night.” I say as I look up at the moon.

“Mind if I join you?” He asks hesitantly.

“Not at all, have a seat.”  Kelly gestures to the spot next to her.  “We’ve never been formally introduced, I’m Kelly…You’re Shane right?”  She extends her hand.

Yes…I know, Kelly.  It’s nice to meet you…formally,” he shakes her hand.  “Was that your boyfriend I just passed about a block down.  He was clearly upset…almost walked right into me…you sure everything is OK?”

“Yes…Robert is just being Robert.  He’s having a bad day, I ended the night earlier than he expected, so he left, saying he had to clear his head.” She emphasizes the last part gesturing in air quotes.  “He’s usually a nice guy, but once in a blue moon this other guy rears its ugly head, and he’s a far cry from the guy I was first attracted to.  It seems that it’s happening more and more though.  He’s the head of his company, so he likes to be in charge, and when things don’t go his way, he’ll bite your head off.  He was such a sweet, charming guy when we first met, someone a girl could fall head over heels for.  But I’ve since realized that you can’t judge a book by its cover.  Sometimes I wonder why we are still together.”

Shane can’t help but smile when he says to her, “Yeah…he sounds like a real idiom.”

“Don’t you mean idiot?  And isn’t that a little harsh?” She asks with feigned offense.

“You’re the one who said it.  What I said, and meant was idiom.” He playfully defends.  “Do you realize how many idioms you used to describe the situation?”  He inquires.

“Oh”…Kelly lets out a little groan.  “I’m doing it again.  I tend to talk in idioms when I’m upset.  But there is a method to my madness.”  She stops herself and slaps her hand across her mouth.  “I should go…I should really go,” she says shaking her head, clearly embarrassed.

“Don’t go, I actually find it endearing.”  He leans his shoulder against hers and gives her a little nudge.  “Will you stay if we change the subject?”

“Yes…please!!”  She says with mock desperation.

With a quiet laugh, Shane responds, “Ok then.  So where do you work and what do you like to do?”

“I work at the library.  I like to read, and I would love to write a novel one-day.  I’ve started quite a few manuscripts but have yet to finish one.  But I have set a goal to complete one by the first of the year.  I enjoy taking walks especially when the weather epitomizes its season.  Chilly fall evenings, cold snowy days, or warm spring afternoons. What about you?” Her face radiates with pure joy as she speaks.

“I’m a graphic artist, and I work for an ad agency.  In my spare time I like to paint, and I’m constantly sketching something.  I love to listen to all kinds of music, so I usually have it on all the time.  I hope I don’t play it too loud that you hear it in your apartment.”

Kelly shakes her head, but then says, “Actually…sometimes I do hear a certain type of music from time to time coming from your apartment.”

Shane puts his head down, and looks at his shoes, a little embarrassed to admit, but he plays it off with a laugh and says, “That would be the swing music, its my favorite, and I can’t help but listen to it loud.”

“So…you are just listening to swing music?” She asks playfully.

“Uh…what are you implying?” He asks with exaggerated annoyance.

“Who just listens to swing music?  Doesn’t one tend to dance to swing music?” she taunts.

“And you would know this because…why?” Shane teases.

It’s her turn to put her head down and look at her shoes, then quietly replies, “Because I can’t seem to not dance around my apartment when I hear it.”

When she looks up, Shane is looking right at her with a hint of a smile on his face.  Their eyes are locked for one extra moment, but he suddenly looks away to break the connection and says, “Kelly, you seem to be a very passionate person.  I’m going to go out on a limb here, and play devil’s advocate, give you some food for thought.”  His smile gets bigger with each idiom he strings together, and ends the exhortation with a nod of his head, proud of his accomplishment.  Kelly answers him with a dramatic eye roll.

“OK, OK…you seem to be the type of person who follows her heart. I just think you need to look at your situation with Robert and follow your head and not your heart.  I think you already know the answer.”

Kelly lets his words sink in, and then begins to nod her head in agreement and replies, “You know…I think you hit the nail on the head.”

Shane stands up, brushes off his jeans, looking directly into her eyes he says, “So Kelly, if you ever cut Robert loose, you know where to find me.  I may not be the type of guy that turns heads, but I do have a fantastic collection of swing music we could listen to, my door’s always open.”  With that he gives her a wink, reaches for her hand, lifts it to his mouth and softly kisses her knuckles.

“Good night Kelly.”  He declares then quickly retreats, taking two steps at a time.

“‘Night.”  Kelly says in a whisper.  She crosses her arms against her midsection and rests her arms against her thighs.  Subconsciously she rocks back and forth as she thinks to herself.  Every cloud does have a silver lining.

 

© 2015 Carrie Ann

 

I have always wanted to see how many times I could actually use the prompt word in a story.  I used it 17 times.  Yeah…hope it wasn’t overkill 😉

 

 

#BlogBattle: Legumes – Week 25 – Legume Languor

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Tuesday = #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  Feel free to join in, or click here to read the current week’s stories and vote for your favorites.

This week’s word:  Legumes

Genre:  Comedy/Humor

😦 I have missed the last two weeks of battle, but I’m back with some of my favorite characters.  Since my last couple of stories were a little melancholy, I thought I’d lighten things up a bit.  Happy Reading.

Legume Languor

Nita walks into the Cosmetology school and heads towards the break room carrying her coffee and donut.  Her and her friend Michael usually meet up early so they can take a moment to chitchat before they have to start their day.

When Nita enters the break room, Michael isn’t there yet.  She puts her purse in her locker and gets out her white lab coat.  Just then Michael enters, and she greets him cheerfully, “Good Morning Michael.”

Michael replies with less bravado than usual, “Good Morning Chickpea,” he cringes at the moniker and shakes his head hoping Nita doesn’t notice.

Chickpea?  That’s not right, usually my nicknames are sweet desserts…something’s wrong…he looks really tired.  “Michael…what’s the matter?” Nita questions gingerly.

Michael shuts his locker a little too forcefully, he looks at Nita and says, “It’s the legumes,” he draws out the word legumes as if just allowing it to roll off his tongue leaves a bad taste in his mouth.

Nita echoes flatly, “The legumes.” Having no clue to what he is talking about.

Michael lets out a sigh and says, “You remember I went to visit mumsy at the vineyard, Green Bean.” He winces, not waiting for her to reply.  “Well, all she served to eat all weekend were foods cooked with legumes…you know…peas, beans, nuts…I mean everything, even dessert.”  Rolling his eyes he continued, “Her new beau was there, he’s a transplant from California, some old surfer dude named Wade.  Because of him she is embracing the vegan lifestyle.  It was dreadful, I tell you, simply dreadful.  But then…she brings out the brownies…you know how I love brownies…so I think this is her, extending an olive branch.  Nope…they were Garbanzo. Bean. Brownies.” He says with horror, and drops his head to his folded arms on the table with a loud thud.

“Oh Michael, I am so sorry.  Here…you need this more than I do.” She slides her coffee and donut towards him with great reverence.  When he looks up, she thinks she sees a tear in his eye.  He nods his head in thanks as he breaks off a piece of donut and places it in his mouth.  He closes his eyes, chews slowly, savoring every bite.

Nita didn’t want to interrupt him, but she wasn’t going to be in class that morning, her regular patron, Sophia was coming in to get her hair done before her trip.  She quietly says, “Michael…I’ll have to catch up with you after class, Sophia is coming in this morning…are you feeling any better?”

He nods his head with a little more enthusiasm and with a content smile he says, “Thanks Sugar Snap.”

“See…you are better!!” She says with excitement.

“Not quite…Sugar Snap is a pea.” He says with no emotion as he lifts the cup of coffee to his lips to drown his despondency.

“Oh…you’ll be OK?…I have to go.” Nita says reluctantly.  She really didn’t want to leave him in this state.  Without looking at her, he waves his hand like he is swatting at a fly to dismiss her.

~ ~

By the time Nita is combing out Sophia’s shampoo set, Michael is back from class, and begins setting up his workstation.

Sophia looks towards Michael, and then eyes Nita in the mirror with a questioning look.  Nita explains, “He’s not himself this morning Sophia, he spent the weekend with his mother and all she fed him was food made with legumes, he’s having meat withdrawal.”

With wide eyes, Sophia says, “Oh Michael dear, it can’t be all that bad.  Your dear sweet mother probably made some fabulous dishes, I know that Vegan diet can be very flavorful when prepared correctly.”

Nita leaned down and quietly said in her ear, “She made him Garbanzo Bean Brownies.”

Sophia literally gasps and clutches her pearls that are draped around her neck, “Oh no…NO…that’s just wrong on so many levels…Michael you poor dear.”

To add to the drama, Michael is leaning on his workstation as if it were the only thing that could keep him vertical, then he says to Nita, “Is it lunch time yet?  I think I need a McDisaster.”

Nita replied with a scolding tone, “Michael.” As she cut her eyes at him.

Sophia questions Nita, “Did he just say a McDisaster?”

“Yes, yes he did.”

“What…is…a McDisaster?” Sophia asks not sure she wants to know.

“It doesn’t matter…he’s not getting one.” Nita says with great resolve.

With a faraway look, Michael slowly says to Sophia, “A McDisaster, my dear Sophia, is when you put a McChicken, between a McDouble, to create the McDisaster,” using hand gestures to indicate each layer, as his expression turns to pure euphoria just talking about it.

“Michael!!  That’s not real food, how can you even think to eat such a thing?” Nita says with fervency.

Sophia chided, “Nita is right, Michael…that fast food will kill you.  What you and Nita need to do is go to the Greek Island Restaurant for lunch.  Hank and I just love the Greek Island.  You can get one of those Gyros, now that’s some real meat, and the desserts they have?  They are to die for.”

Nita agreed. “That’s a great idea Sophia.” Nita turns to look at Michael, and notices he is slumped in his chair, with his eyes closed, she loudly says, “Michael,” to stir him from his melodramatic stupor, he startles, then she says, “Michael, I’m taking you to the Greek Island for lunch, my treat.”

With a little more energy he says, “I don’t care where you take me Peanut, I just want some real food. Is it lunchtime yet? Can we go now?” Sounding not unlike an impatient child.

Nita answers with a calmness she has to muster, “Let me finish up, meet me in the break room.”

She puts the finishing touches on Sophia’s hair, and says, “I hope you and Hank have a wonderful trip.”

Sophia replies with a smile of pure joy on her face, “Oh Nita dear, we will.  Be sure to take care of that one,” she says with a chuckle as she points her thumb in Michael’s direction.  She hands Nita a larger than normal tip and says, “Here’s a little extra, be sure you get that boy some real dessert…it’s on me.” She gives Nita’s shoulder a little squeeze as she leaves.

 

© 2015 Carrie Ann