Delivery

I ran my fingers across the large red cross and the raised black lettering on the plate glass double doors.

"Templar Industries"

I counted the people at the front desk; seven of them. I couldn't risk being recognized. Slinking back into the shadows, I leaned up against the granite building clutching the two cardboard boxes.

I waited almost twenty minutes before peering through the glass again. I saw Barrett standing at the front desk giving instructions to one of the interns. He patted the young blonde assistant on the rear and she scurried into one of the offices giggling. As she closed the door, I entered and casually made my way through the lobby to the reception area. I set the boxes of pizza on the black marble counter and waited.

He held out a twenty.

I shook my head. "That's not gonna cover it."

He looked puzzled and I nodded my head towards the conference room. He glanced down the hallway cautiously then followed me inside, gently closing the door behind him. I ran my hand along the roughness of the stacked stone wall, amazed at the extravagant amenities; an indoor rock garden and a fireplace. Probably a jacuzzi somewhere.

"Vivian, what the hell are you doing?" He sounded angry.

"I had to see you. And, ah...I figured everybody orders pizza, so here I am. And now... you have to pay me."

His face broke into a smile and he playfully stuck out his tongue.

"Don't do that unless you intend to use it."

"Oh I do..." He grabbed me and kissed me long and hard; just enough to leave me gasping for breath as he pulled away.

"Is that enough?" he asked gazing into my eyes; hypnotizing me.

I paused for a moment, "maybe just a little more."

 ©2013 Garden Summerland

Micro Fiction Challenge III

Third time's a charm! I am become quite familiar and somewhat comfortable with writing different length micro-fiction stories. It is the perfect way to share with everyone the short scenes that come to me out of the blue. This one is 200 words exactly. Enjoy! 

The Mark

I followed him through the bar and out the back into the alley, tugging at my too short dress. I'd forgotten to grab my coat and I shivered as the wind hit my bare legs. I leaned against the brick wall and struggled to light a cigarette. I took a long drag and pushed my skirt up on my thighs as his eyes traveled the length of my body and then back again. I smiled seductively and held out my room key.

"I don't think we'll be needing that." He slapped the key out of my hand and pulled me against him. I forced him face down onto the pavement, twisted his arm behind his back and with my knee shoved into his spine I handcuffed him.

"You have the right to remain silent..." My voice trailed off into laughter. I never could get it all out. "Come get him boys." I shouted out to the shadows.

The three of them came out of hiding. My brothers; partners in crime.

They took his watch and his rings, his wallet and his Italian shoes. I asked them not to leave any marks on his face. He was too pretty for that.

 ©2013 Garden Summerland

Micro Fiction Challenge II

In my last blog post, I ventured for the very first time into "micro-fiction" with a story of exactly 50 words, entitled "Lies". And although I am accustomed to writing much longer pieces, albeit still very short stories, I could not resist the temptation to have one more go at story-telling in such a severely abridged form. I am not saying this is my last micro-fiction for this blog, it is just my latest.

So here it is, a story with a word count on the higher end of the micro-fiction spectrum; it comes in at exactly 300 words. I hope you enjoy it. 

 The Last Weekend

 

Snow fell in soft clumps onto the mountain road as cars came to a gradual stand still. Inside, Andie shivered as she wiped the moisture from the cabin window and watched the last of the guests packing their bags into massive SUV's. She and Kevin were always the last ones to leave, even after the kitchen staff. She would do the linens, the vacuuming, and set everything up for the next weekend. Kevin would secure the out buildings and police the grounds, locking up snowmobiles and ski equipment. Afterward, he would come in cold and hungry. She knew he would be in no hurry to join the others departing back to the city; he hated it there, he was a country boy at heart. He had no one waiting for him back at home, and even though she did, she wasn't particularly eager to leave either.

Finally the traffic began to dissipate. She heaved a sigh of relief as the tail lights of the last car faded into the distance. She turned to ask Kevin if he'd like to stay for the night, when suddenly he leapt from behind her and held a knife held to her throat as his other arm slid around her waist.

She tried to scream, but nothing came out. They were all alone; there was no one to save her. He dragged her over in front of the fireplace and shoved her down. She was shaking with fear and anticipation. He paced back and forth in front of her, waving the knife wildly in the air.

Andie sobbed uncontrollably.

"Why? Kevin...why are you doing this?"

He picked up an envelope from the coffee table. He opened it and fanned out the money inside.

"Your husband is very wealthy Andie. And I intend on earning this."

©2013 Garden Summerland

Pictures via Flickr ~ The Library of Congress & Keene and Cheshire County Historical 

Micro Fiction Challenge

Hello Everyone! 

I normally write flash fiction stories that are 1000 words or less. Recently,  I was challenged to try my hand at "micro fiction", which I understand is usually 100 to 200 words or less, although as with flash fiction, there is no "industry standard", as there are varying word counts that qualify as "micro fiction".

Apparently, there is also a market for even shorter fiction stories, such as "Six Word" stories, and "50 Words Exactly" micro-fiction.

Today, I have attempted my very first "50 Words Exactly" micro-fiction. I must admit, it is harder than I thought it would be, and took a little longer than I'd imagined. It isn't something that I plan to do on a regular basis, but as a writer, it's always good to try new things, and it did give my creativity a kick-start. 

I suppose I will dabble a bit with micro-fiction, but the main idea behind this particular blog is a much longer story, and that will be my primary focus. But don't be surprised if you see a micro story pop up now and again.

So, here it is, in all it's succinct glory. I hope that you enjoy it!

LIES

Deirdre stood in the icy rain and watched as Matthew got into the taxi and rode away into the night and out of her life; forever. An hour ago, they had been in bed together. Then she'd told him the truth. She wished she had lied. Lies are always better.

©2013 Garden Summerland