Tag Archives: #blogbattle

#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

 

#BlogBattle: Time – Week 22 – Sparkles in Time

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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:  Time

Sparkles in Time

“It’s time Mr. Jensen.”  The nurse quietly says as she gently rests her hand on my shoulder.  I look up into the most caring eyes I have ever seen.  How can she do this every day and still be so compassionate?

I pull myself up from my chair, and she says kindly, “Go down to the end of the hall, make a left and it’s the first door on the right.”

I begin my journey down the pristine hallway, brightly lit with a faint scent of disinfectant.  Behind my eyes flash all kinds of memories; sparkles in time like fireworks that split the night sky.  Memories of our walks along the beach, with the sun warming her face, and the cool water splashing her feet.  She always loved nature, I ‘m not sure which season she liked best, crunching leaves in the fall, walking in the first snow fall, or finding the first flower bud of spring.  She also loved being with her family, on holidays, during the mundane day to day tasks, or just watching movies…and oh how she loved our kids, how she would do anything to comfort them and keep them safe.  My heart is heavy as I try to fathom how we will manage without her.  I loved how she would greet me each day when I came home; you could just see the love and joy radiating from her body.  But how can I be sad when I know she had a perfect life, filled with happiness and love, she, the perfect companion.  I am then taken back to the first day I laid eyes on her.  I was introduced to her on Christmas Eve, and how fitting it was that her name was Holly, and she even wore a red ribbon, this memory causes me to smile, she looked so adorable.

Just then I reach out, my hand grasps the door handle and the cold steel jolts me from my reverie, and plunges me into reality.  I know once I cross this threshold, my life will be changed forever.

I open the door, and there I see my wife.  Our eyes lock and its almost as if time stands still.  Even though her face is blotchy, her eyes are the most vibrant green I have ever seen, probably intensified by the red puffiness that has overtaken her lids, but she has never looked more beautiful to me.  The absence of tears makes me realize that she is now trying desperately to be strong, which makes me love her even more, if that is at all possible.  My arms ache to hold her, so I quickly close the gap between us with two long strides.  When I reach her, she collapses in my arms, all I can do is hold on tight.  I strengthen her with my embrace and then I look down at where Holly is lying, her breathing a bit labored.  I stroke her soft, auburn fur, and I say to her, “Hey girl, it will soon be over, we’ll miss you so much.”  Together my wife and I continue to caress her fur, whispering comforting words as the vet injects the serum that will bring her peace.  Her eyes flutter closed and she takes her last breath.

That same nurse is there by our side, she ushers us into a room where we can spend a few more moments to grieve.  Before she leaves she places Holly’s collar in my wife’s hand.  The familiar jingle of her tags, which once symbolized vibrant life, now clanged with a hollow sound of a life gone but never to be forgotten.

Holly was my wife’s Irish Setter, a gift I gave her the Christmas after she started her chemo treatments.  My wife always wanted an Irish Setter, and Holly was there by her side on the good days, and the bad.  I knew that love from family and the unconditional love of a pup would strengthen my wife during her battle.  Holly grew to be the life force in our family, always there for each one of us, with a warm nuzzle or just her comforting presence.  My wife is now cancer free, though the irony is not lost on me the fact that the reason Holly was brought into our life, is the same reason she was taken out of it.  I am grateful that her cancer came later, after she lived a full life and that she didn’t suffer long.  Still, knowing that will not fill the whole in our hearts.  Only time will mend that void in our hearts with memories that sparkle so bright from a love so pure.

© Carrie Ann

#BlogBattle: Eye – Week 21 – The Healing Tear

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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:  Eye

I really wanted to do something else, but just couldn’t.  Here is part four, maybe I can stop here for awhile 🙂  If you want to start from the beginning click on the links below, or you can start with the summary.

1 – Believe in your Dreams
2 – Safe in the Storm
3 – The Question Remains

Summary:  Nicole has taken over the Bed & Breakfast Inn for Carol, who is off to travel Europe.  Nicole finds herself alone at the Inn during a raging blizzard, with one of the regular customers, Anthony Thompson.  Over breakfast, he shares with Nicole how his wife died, and how he feels her presence at the Inn so strongly that it’s as if they can communicate with each other.  He explains to Nicole that his wife told him she was the special person that could help him move on with his life.  Nicole is just about to freak out, not knowing what to think of this guy, when Tucker, the maintenance guy, and his dog Cody comes in to check on her.  Tucker assures Nicole that Anthony is not a bad guy, and that there’s more to his story.  Tucker suggests she let Anthony tell her about it from the beginning.  Anthony tells her about his wife a little more.  Nicole still questions, why her.  They take a break to have lunch, and that is where this story begins.

The Healing Tear

Nicole begins to empty the fridge of what is needed for soup and sandwiches.  She motions for Anthony to sit down at the island in the middle of the kitchen.  “Have a seat, I’ve got this.” She says with a mischievous smile.

With a nod of approval he sits down, and says, “So Miss Nicole, what made you decide to manage this Bed and Breakfast?”

“Oh, gosh…it’s been a dream of mine for a long time.  I enjoy taking care of people, making things comfortable for them, preparing good food for them to enjoy, giving them a place to relax and unwind.  The plan was for me to open my own once I received my degree in Hospitality Management, but then…” Nicole hesitated for a moment, catching herself before she says too much, “But then this opportunity presented itself, so I took it.  My cousin is a good friend of Carol’s and we connected through her.”

Anthony notices how there is a distinct sparkle in her eye, evidence of her passion.  But there is also a hint of something else, he isn’t sure what.  He can’t help but smile as he gets caught up in her enthusiasm.  “Well I have to say, you are very good at the food part.”

“Why thank you, Mr. Thompson.” She says with a little bow.  “So, what about you?  What is it that you do?” She asks as she starts to stir the soup.

“I am the CEO and founder of a national organization for domestic violence.” Anthony responds matter-of-factly.

Nicole is grateful that her back is turned to him, because she stops stirring as a shiver runs up and down her spine.  Hoping he hadn’t noticed, she turns to look at him and calmly asks, “Oh…I thought women usually started those types of organizations.”

“Yes usually, but women are not the only ones that are affected by domestic violence.  I witnessed it with my parents as a young boy, and I’ll never forget how it affected my mother, not just physically, but as a person.  I felt so helpless as a child, I wanted to protect her, but instead she protected me.  I never wanted to feel that way again.  We were lucky to get out of that situation, but I knew that is what I wanted to do, to help other women and children.” He shrugged as he took a sip of coffee.

As he talked, Nicole saw something in his eyes.  She realized as he spoke that it was the same pain, sadness and loss that were mirrored in her own.  But there was also a kindness and warmth residing there.  She warred within herself whether or not she could trust him.  But hearing what he said, and seeing how he wasn’t ashamed to share his story she knew she needed to tell him.

“ Oh, Anthony, I never thought of that, thank you for being so open and honest with me.” Nicole said, her words laced with compassion.

“Well that is one thing I learned from Tara, sometimes we go through things to help other people, and it’s best to be honest.” Anthony replied emphatically.

Nicole smiled and nodded her head in agreement.  They sat for a moment enjoying their lunch.  Nicole savored the last of her coffee, willing its warmth and familiar flavor to strengthen her to be honest with him and tell him.

“Anthony, I must be honest with you too.  I was also married before.  The real reason I am here is because I needed to get far away from my husband.  He was born into a life a privilege, because his family was very wealthy so was he.  But he had a problem with drinking and a bad temper.”  She self-consciously continued, “I was usually on the receiving end of his drunken rants.  When he sobered up, he was apologetic and showered me with gifts, and promises of buying me whatever I wanted, like my own Bed & Breakfast Inn.  His family never saw the extent of his drinking, they considered it social drinking, since they all did it at the various functions they were obligated to attend.  I was far away from my family, so I didn’t have the support that I needed to leave.  I knew I needed to the first time it happened, but I just didn’t know how.  It wasn’t until I started talking to my cousin, that I was able to leave and not look back.  I came out here and stayed with my cousin, until this opportunity came up with Carol.”

Anthony reached over and squeezed her hand.  He didn’t have to say anything, she knew he understood, she could feel it, so she continued.

“Being able to stay here at the Inn has been my safe haven.  I desperately needed time to myself and distance from him and his family.  Staying busy helped, and being able to do what I always dreamed of, has been the best healing balm.  There is just something about this place, the atmosphere.  At night after putting in a long day, I would go to my room, and I started to journal, I would just write and write and release all the hurt and pain.  As I did this each night, it was as if I was actually talking with someone.  I felt such a peace and comfort come over me, it felt like a warm embrace, it was almost tangible.”  Subconsciously Nicole pulls her sweater together tighter and folds her arms in front of her.

Anthony stands up and walks over to where Nicole is sitting, takes her hands and says, “Come here,” standing in front of her with his hands resting on her shoulders, and a resolute look in his eye he says, “Nicole, Tara was with you.  She told me about your writing, she said she could only make out bits and pieces, and knew why you were hurting, she not only felt your pain, but she saw it, by the one tear that always seemed to escape from the corner of your eye.  She wanted to comfort you and even though she knew that you couldn’t actually feel it, she said she would drape her arm over your shoulders to try and comfort you.  I think she realized that you needed me just as much as I need you.”

Nicole looked down; she couldn’t look him in the eye any longer.  Closing her eyes and shaking her head, perplexed she says, “Anthony this is all too much.”

He slowly wraps his arms around giving her a chance to step away, hugging her he says, “I know Nicole.  Sometimes the heart can see what’s invisible to the eye…what does your heart tell you?”

Nicole looks up at him and says, “I don’t think I can trust my heart yet.” As one lone tear escapes from the corner of her eye.

He rests his forehead against hers, using his thumb to gently wipe away the tear he says, “If it’s alright with you, I’d like to wait until you can.”

 

© 2015 Carrie Ann