Month: May 2020

Carrie

Glancing down the street Carrie crossed the road. Out of habit she stopped to look back and make sure her front door was closed. Her door was so old it had a problem clicking shut but it wouldn’t pop back open right away. There were enough mornings when she turned back to find her door open to warrant the daily double check.

Self-consciously she smiled at herself when she saw that her door was still closed before she shrugged and continued her walk to  campus. As always she stopped in at Trish’s corner bakery to grab her daily dose of sugar in the form of her favorite lemon streusel muffin and an extra creamy hot chocolate.

“Good morning Carrie!” called Trish, who was coming in from the kitchen.

“Hey Trish! Busy morning?” Carrie tried to push her way through the crowd waiting for their orders. After a few bumps and nudges accompanied by an apologetic smile and ‘sorry’ she made it to the front. Faintly behind her she heard someone cry out ‘Wait!’ followed by lots of grumblings and ‘excuses me’s’ but didn’t think anything of it. 

Carrie quickly ordered her usual muffin and leaned against the counter to wait. As she stood there she pulled her purse up on the counter. Panic settled across her shoulders as she dug through her purse. Her phone wasn’t there. Before she could look through it again to be sure, she was plowed into the counter from behind. She gasped hard as she struggled to recover from the sudden painful lack of oxygen. It definitely wasn’t helping her panicked thoughts stop skittering off into space.

“Oh sorry. Sorry.” The man blushed as he held her trapped against the counter. He took a step back that allowed her to turn but not far enough for her to be able to ignore the tingle she felt where his hand softly rested on her arm, as if he were attempting to steady her. He didn’t seem to realize how close he was.  Her skin heated at his nearness and she didn’t know whether to lean into him or push him away. After a few seconds of staring up into his eyes he looked down at his hands. “You dropped this.” 

“My phone!” Carrie exclaimed, grabbing it quickly, doing her best to not notice the sizzle that leapt between her fingers and his when they brushed.

His shy smile combined with the persistent blush was incredibly endearing. Yet they seemed to both realize at the same time how close they were still standing to each other. Her blush bloomed to match his as he quickly stumbled back a pace into another customer which brought him rushing back toward her in a hurry. “Sorry…again.”

Carrie laughed. “With the morning rush, I am not going to be blaming you for how crowded it is in here. I blame Trish for that.”

She heard a ‘hey’ call out from behind the counter. 

“I’m surprised you saw my phone drop at all with all these people.” She continued.

He quickly shook his head. “I saw it fall out of your bag down the street back there. But I couldn’t catch your attention so I figured I’d have to catch you instead.” His smile lit his face like a halo, blush and all.

Carrie debated for a quick few seconds on if she wanted to figure out a way to keep him talking or if she should say thank you and be done. After all she was in the midst of classes with midterms just a week away. She was going to be busy. However, she discovered that a part of her really didn’t want this to be the last time she saw him and found herself saying, “Well I don’t know if a simple thank you is enough. I am determined to figure out a better way to show you just how grateful I am. My name is Carrie.”

“Oh. There’s no need to thank me. I’m just glad I was able to reach you. And I’m Ben.” He gave her a small nod before he stared down at his feet. “I guess I should have said that first.”

Carrie couldn’t help but smile. This sweet guy had gone to such lengths to help her. She could use more sweetness in her life and he seemed to be a wonderful and welcome, albeit surprising, addition to her morning routine. “Ben please, let me thank you in some way. After all that effort you made.”

He stammered. For a minute she almost thought he was going to flee the bakery without replying at all. She eased back against the counter a bit to give him space to pull himself together and think. As she waited she looked closer at the image this man in front of her presented. Definitely well put together. Casual suit, tie, non-scuffed black shoes, wind tossed golden brown hair, yum. His boyish sincerity made him stand out far more than amped up arms or over confident swaggering would have.

“Would you be able to do lunch?” He blurted, quickly alternating between looking down at his feet and glancing around the small crowded bakery.

She waited a few seconds until his gaze landed on her to see why she wasn’t answering before nodding. “Yes. I’d love to.” She tried to not sound overly eager.

Immediately his face dissolved from anxiously hopeful to happily pleased. “Do you know the sandwich place down the street towards Chaune Street?”

With another short nod Carrie glanced over to see if her order was ready.

Ben gave a smile, “Tomorrow at 2?”

Carrie’s heart fluttered. “Can’t wait.” Trish came up with her large muffin and a beaming grin. “See you tomorrow.”

She watched him leave, trying to keep sight of him for as long as possible. When she turned to grab her muffin, Trish was standing there with the same grin on, despite the line of waiting customers.

“Carrie! Did I just see you meet someone? He’s cute!”

Trish was always harping on her for not putting herself out there and getting too caught up in her schedule and routine. And maybe there was something to it. If he had been a few seconds later they would have missed meeting. Usually she was out the door with muffin in hand mere minutes after going in. Of course he had had her phone too. So maybe they really were just meant to meet. She giggled inside.

“His name is Ben.” Carrie leaned over the counter so that Trish would be able to hear her. “And I have a date tomorrow!”

Trish’s whoop caught everyone’s attention and Carrie blushed as she ducked away from the limelight and out the door.

Erin

Erin stared at a man with incredible brown eyes, who looked vaguely familiar, cutting off her path to class.

“Ah I knew it was you! Erin, right?” The stranger gulped between heaving breaths. “Would you be my girlfriend for the next five minutes? Please, I’m begging you.”

“Do I know you?” Where did she know him from?

“Yes! You know me! Last year, those three makeup chem labs. We were partners. Remember? Max. We talked about old movies.” He glanced back in the direction he had appeared from.

Last year? Erin took in this Max person in front of her, trying to remember. Dressed in nice slacks and a polo barely holding in all his tight muscles, he didn’t match the vague recollection of the laid back lab partner in huge baggy t-shirts who laughed with her about old movies like Desk Set and Pillow Talk.

Max glanced back behind him again. “Erin? Do you not remember me?” His head quirked to the side in a charming little twitch. She could almost believe he was pouting at her.

“I…yes.” She nodded. “I remember.”

“Can you help me out?” He asked hurriedly.

What was the rush? “Help?”

His hand found hers. “Be my girlfriend! Only for a few minutes, I promise.”

“Ok.” Erin felt like she had said yes on accident. She didn’t do well under sudden pressure. But she also didn’t mind so much this time. This gorgeous guy in front of her was practically down on his knees imploring her to be his girlfriend. Something she had fantasized about on more than one occasion after meeting him last year. And being a pretend girlfriend for even a few minutes was a big step up from the complete lack of dates she had been experiencing lately.

Max pulled her in and was kissing her before she could ask why she was posing as his girlfriend or object to the kiss itself. As his sudden and surprisingly tender kiss lengthened beyond a quick peck, Erin was tempted to melt. Yet the very realistic side of her battled for attention, demanding that she push him away. Before she could decide which side to listen to he stepped back, keeping a light hold on her waist.

“What was…”

Once again she was interrupted but this time it was by a petite redheaded beauty who came bouncing up to Max, tugging on his arm.

“Maxy! I’ve been looking everywhere for you. You can’t just run off in the middle of a date. Your mother would be so disappointed.” Her high-pitched giggles rebounded in Erin’s head. It was a grating, shrill sort of noise. Why on earth was Max asking her to pretend to be his girlfriend while he was on a date with this girl? As she watched Miss Bubbly Giggles bouncing around in front of them, she quickly took back the question.

Max hugged Erin close. “We weren’t in the middle of a date and I told you Lisa. I have a girlfriend, so I can’t go on a date with you.”

Lisa pouted, “But your mother said we are perfect for each other.” She blatantly sized Erin up. “You don’t want her.”

When Erin realized Max was trying to come up with what to say she figured it was time to step in and actually save the poor man. She let a warm smile purposefully spread across her face as she easily threaded her arm in his, planting a kiss on his cheek. As she did so her heart smiled too. He leaned into her as if he were asking for another kiss without realizing it. She almost obliged. 

They were faking dating, after all.

“Maaax.” She purposefully forced a bit of whine into her tone, ignoring Lisa completely. “I’m going to be late for class and I insist that you walk with me.”

His full attention swiveled her way and she leaned into him again on instinct. Since when did a smile like his affect her so intensely? She didn’t even mind when he wrapped both his arms around her waist, pulling her in front of him. Erin couldn’t see Lisa anymore but she could imagine her pouting at not being the center of attention. Max held her close as time lengthened to a deliciously slow crawl of sensations from her scalp down to her toes.

“Too true, love. Can’t have you late because of me.” He glanced over at Lisa, speaking louder, “Say hello to my mother for me.” His hand held firmly onto hers as they left Lisa behind.

Erin walked to class with Max’s arm wrapped around her shoulder. She wished she didn’t have class so they could maybe wander around and continue talking. Being in his arms felt so good, so safe.

She was in the middle of answering why she chose Psychology as her major when he stopped walking.

“Why’d you stop?” Erin looked up into his twinkling eyes, not wanting to end their conversation just yet.

A thrilled smile appeared as he nodded toward the door they were standing by. “This is your class, is it not?”

Startled, Erin hadn’t noticed their approach to her building and probably would have walked right past her classroom if he had not stopped. “How did you know this is my class?”

He stepped closer, still holding her hand. “I’m not a stalker.” He whispered, emphasis on not.

Cocking her head to the side she smirked, “What a relief. You could be a very convincing one. And you haven’t answered my question.”

“My class is next door and I’ve seen you leave a few times.” He shrugged. “But, believe it or not, today’s encounter was by chance and not planned, though I am glad it happened. You have been a wonderful girlfriend. You saved me from certain boredom and a massive headache.”

Erin laughed, “After meeting your sweet friend I can’t understand why you would avoid her.”

He squeezed the hand he was still loosely holding. “Uh huh, right. And since you agreed to be my girlfriend for another 30 seconds or so, I was hoping you’d agree to go on a date with me? A real date.”

Samantha

Samantha smiled as her searching gaze landed on the tall figure standing at the top of the staircase. He came. 

It had been months since he had last emerged from his work long enough to remember that there were functions and events he was supposed to be attending. For far too long she had let him bury himself in his work instead of confronting the feelings they had slowly been discovering for each other. During that same time she remembered every soaring kiss and lingering embrace they had ever shared; every conversation, touch, and look. She loved that man, stubborn as he was, and she was going to tell him tonight.

Never before had she asked him to emerge from his work cocoon for an event, for her. Until tonight she had simply gone without him, giving inane excuses for those who asked after him. Despite his loathing for such formal affairs, a part of her was thrilled that he had come since she had been brave enough to ask. The popularity and attention he had attained after his last few product unveilings had left him pulling back out of the focal point even more than usual. Samantha hadn’t bothered to inform him that most of the women drooling his way everywhere he went were not only impressed by his success but floored by his charming smile and meticulously handsome looks. He looked as though he commanded the world.

As his piercing gaze swept the room she felt herself being pulled to him. Slightly nervous, she smoothed her deep purple figure-accentuating dress that she had carefully picked out for the night.. 

Step after step she drew closer, her happiness overflowing in overwhelming waves. With great amounts of will she schooled her giddy grin into a socially acceptable smile. Not once did her eyes leave his broad frame, not wanting to miss a second of him being here for her. Instead she soaked in his impressively powerful stance, letting the delicious shivers he provoked tingle up and down her spine.

She knew she wasn’t the only woman in the room to notice him and she didn’t care. No one moved aside for her as she made her way forward. As she walked unerringly in his direction she could see the heads that were turned, watching him. By the looks of it, there were several women there who recognized him, moving forward to greet the famous man.

A jaggedly raw pulse of pure energy streamed through Samantha as their eyes finally connected, his searching gaze settling firmly on her. He ignored the few people who had the gumption to halt his now-determined stride towards her.  Samantha’s heart stuttered. His stoic features left her guessing as to whether he was irritated with her for asking him to come or if he was coming to kiss her senseless. In the back of her mind she knew that she wouldn’t have to wait too long to find out.

He stopped right in front of her, well inside her usual social bubble but not nearly close enough for her now, his hands rising to her arms. Samantha gave a small sigh at his touch, something she didn’t think she would ever get enough of. 

In less than a startled heartbeat she was pulled softly into his solid build, her mouth captivated in his. She was swept up in a whirlwind of intense feeling; glorious seconds of unconcealed love swirled in and around the two of them as she melted against him and into his tender embrace.

As he gently broke their kiss and eased back to look directly into her soft hazel eyes he whispered for only her to hear, “Are you surprised to see me?”

“Yes. But I had hoped you would come.” She confessed. “I am more than happily surprised that you made it.”

He continued to hold her close, his warm hands sending more heated tingles down her back. “But you had doubt?” His perceptive question forestalled any potential hedging she could have offered. Instead she glanced down at his chest. How could she explain to him that she wasn’t doubting him but that she knew him well enough to simply not expect him to come and subject himself to so much unwanted attention. He didn’t wait for any verbal confirmation. Instead he pulled more fully away, grabbing her hand as a small attempt to lessen the blow of his sudden distance. The acute loss of his physical support would have left her staggering if not for the steady grip with which he held her hand. Her gasp echoed her surprise.

“Logan?” She stammered. She did not have a chance to say more as she watched him gracefully bend down and take a knee, solemnly looking up into her startled tears. So fully focused on the fact that he was down on one knee in front of everyone she almost missed the tiny round black box he had pulled out of his pocket. It was then she realized that he had planned to be on his knee. She smiled back a few happy tears.

“Samantha Alyssa Brooks, let me forever take away all your doubts and fears. I know you asked me here in fear of losing me to my work.” He paused, smiling sheepishly. “I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I am here because you asked me to be here. However, I came to let you know that I am willing to give up anything and everything to give you what you want. Let me prove myself worthy of your incredible love. All I ask is that you say yes. So here I kneel, praying and hoping as I ask; will you marry me?”

Samantha tugged on his hand, ineffectively trying to pull him up. “Are you serious?” She breathed.

He nodded, remaining on his knees. “Please say yes, love. Please let me be yours for eternity.”

“Yes!” She exclaimed, “Now get up here and kiss me.”

Exploding to his feet he wrapped her up in his arms, kissing her thoroughly. A thunder of applause and cheers surrounding them finally recalled them to where they were. Smiling, Logan slipped the sparkling diamond ring onto her finger.

Adalynn

Adalynn stood atop the eastern parapet looking out over the rolling hills that were slowly being covered by snow. The falling snow gently drifted down in swirls, allowing her to release some of the tight stress built up inside of her.. She had always found watching the snow fall relaxing. It never failed to remind her of the many times her father had taken her up there just to stare out into the sky full of snowflakes dancing. Yet today she was achingly alone, her father having died when she was still young.

A large, warm, yet familiar hand came to rest on her own on the chilly stone wall. Knowing who it was, she didn’t pull her hand away as quickly as was deemed proper, drawing slim comfort from the few extra seconds of his touch. After another minute with her childhood confidante silently standing beside her she took a step back and looked over at him. 

He stood there, tall and immovable, the epitome of what the kingdom’s captain of the guard should look like. So official. Merely the echo of her childhood friend for they had not been friends in a long time. She was mildly surprised when he had touched her hand for more than a brief moment. John acknowledged her with a low bow. “My Queen.”

“Ever proper.” Adalynn sighed sadly.  He had no response to her resigned complaint other than his own resolved sigh. 

“The council has summoned?” She finally asked when he didn’t speak further. 

His curt nod clenched at her heart. The council was down there ending a centuries-old monarchy and at the same time shipping off the last relic of what they thought long past necessary–her. 

“I gather I will be leaving for Lystand in the morning.” Squaring her shoulders she practiced her regal and uncaring facade. Tonight she already knew she would be formally stripped of all possessions and titles except for the title of queen. All so the council could have a peace treaty to stop Lystand from attacking. Adalynn was the peace offering. She was to be the bride of some noble of a foreign court while her throne was taken apart and distributed to the uncaring council members. To the council, her status as a royal was all that she was good for now. 

“And you will not be going with me.” Adalynn sternly informed him.

At her soft declaration John jerked in surprise. “What?”

“You heard me John. I am not allowing you to come. I can’t stand it.” She put out her hand, silently entreating him to understand why. “Tomorrow I travel to the border where my own guard will desert me by simply handing me over to whatever Lystandian contingent they deign to send for me. I can’t bear the thought of you being there. It is better for you to stay here, where duty binds you.”

“Adalynn no!” He started, ready to do battle. She stopped him with a hand on his chest. 

“It has been a long time since I’ve heard you address me so informally.” Another sad smile graced her features. A very long time. 

“Not since your coronation.” He agreed. Head down, he didn’t look her in the eye.

“I was only 16, John. Your refusal to call me by my own name from that moment on stung more than any of the rules they piled on me.” She easily admitted. Dropping her hand back down to her side she looked out and over the parapet once again. The view gave her a little of the peace she sought, but not enough to qualm her fears for her own future and that of her people.

“But you understand now though.” He grimaced, his voice telling her that he was close to begging for her understanding. “I had no choice.”

“It took years for me to understand and even longer to forgive you…and my father.” She added her father as an afterthought. John had been different. He had left her alone when she had needed him, for she’d had no one else. Her father had died, so there was nothing she could change with him. He was gone and while she still wished he was there to help and guide her, she was not going to hold death against him.

“Adalynn.” John let out an agonized sigh.

It was in that instant that Adalynn’s sadness became anger. Even though as queen she could not ever allow her anger to show, it was still there. It burned within her as she looked placidly at him. “You can no longer call me that. Now, when I am about it leave. I have wanted you to call me by name for years and yet you haven’t. Now that I know I am giving up everything, you choose now. Do you realize how selfish you are being in this moment, when once again I need you to be strong? Why make this so much harder for me when I am about to lose everything that I have ever known?”

John stopped her deceptively calm tirade as he took both of her hands in his and tugged. She did not fall willingly into his arms. Adalynn was first and foremost queen, not simply a girl to fall blindly into a man’s embrace. John had been the one to show her what being a queen truly meant after her coronation, when he had completely withdrawn and become the impersonal captain of the guard.

He did not stop when she did not budge. Instead he stepped up to her and wrapped his arms around her, drawing her in for a kiss. She wanted to melt, wanted to simply be a girl in love with the handsome man in front of her. Yet duty had her in its grip and she knew she was destined to a life in exile.

Pulling back she demanded, “Is the peace treaty official and signed?”

John simply looked down at her. “Yes, my queen.” He answered solemnly.

Adalynn faced the door leading down to where the council waited. As she opened the door she glanced back at the man she could have loved her whole life long. “Goodbye John.”

Click here to read Part 2 of Adalynn’s story.