An original short story: English Comp

Hi guys! It's been a while since I posted. I've been busy writing. The big news is I'm writing a book! It's a suspense/crime novel about a girl who is kidnapped into a human trafficking ring and (of all things) the PSYCHIC who helps the police and FBI in the search. It's a pretty dark subject, but I'm really enjoying writing it.

To counterbalance that heavy subject matter, I'm still writing my short stories, and I'm making a concerted effort to keep those on the lighter side. To that end, here's my latest short story. It's 1000 words and the prompt was "Jewel." I hope you enjoy it!

*****

“Mom, I brought you something.”

Laura looked up from scrubbing a pot. “What is it, love?”

Jenny pulled a large booklet out of her backpack. “It’s a course catalogue. Fall registration is in a few weeks. I thought you might want to take a look…see if something catches your eye.”

“Oh, honey. Thank you for thinking of me, but now might not be the best time. After all, we found out this week that the hot water heater is on its last leg. And Dad’s business always slows down in the fall, which means less money coming in—"

“Mom.” Jenny tugged Laura away from the sink and into a kitchen chair.

“You’ve always said you wanted to go back to school, that not attending college was one of your biggest regrets.” Her earnest blue eyes searched Laura’s.

“You’re always so busy taking care of us – me and my girls, Josh and his kids, Dad – everyone. There will always be a hot water heater, Mom, but maybe now’s the time to do something just for you. At least think about it?”

What a girl we’ve raised. Sudden tears came to Laura’s eyes as she fingered the edges of the catalogue.

“Well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to look.”

 #####

Laura glanced around the room full of young girls in low-rise jeans, boys gathered around them like moons circling bright planets. She’d never felt older or frumpier. Every one of these kids is younger than my own. What was I thinking? I don’t belong here. She reached for her purse.

Just then Professor Eric Compton walked into the lecture hall. He was in his 50s, tall and slim, with a prematurely receding hairline and dark framed glasses. He has a kind face.

“All right, people. Settle down. Welcome to English Composition 101.”

 #####

“What was I thinking, Mark? I can’t do this. I can’t write 1500 words about an ethical dilemma I’ve encountered. I can’t even think of one. And even if I could, I wouldn’t have 1500 words to say about it!”

“Just slow down, babe. Let’s think about this for a minute. Hey, what about when you caught Josh with his pockets full of candy he took from Jim Reeder’s store? You got plenty fired up over that, and I’m pretty sure you had 1500 words to say about it.” Mark winked at Laura.

“Not only did you make him return it and apologize to Jim, you had him at the store every Saturday for months, washing windows and sweeping the floor. That’s how we became such good friends with the Reeders. I remember after it was all over you told me a part of you wanted to just throw the candy away and punish Josh without embarrassing him, but you decided the life lesson he would learn was more important than his – or our – humiliation.”

Laura closed her eyes and breathed in that long-ago memory, felt it envelop her. She remembered Josh’s tears and how her heart had twisted, wanting nothing more than to hug her little boy and tell him it was all right, that all was forgiven and forgotten. But she couldn’t because it wasn’t all right. And it wouldn’t be all right until he made it right.

“Thank you, love. I think I can write about that.”

 #####

“Class, I’ve read and graded your first essays, and I have to say I’m disappointed. Many of them lack a clearly defined thesis. Some of you did communicate a fundamental thesis but failed in your development and support of that thesis. Many lacked originality and sound structure. There was no fluency; your words were flat.” As Professor Compton spoke, he walked among the students, placing their papers in front of them. As he reached Laura, he hesitated, then spoke again.

“However, there are a few of you who excelled. Your papers were organized and well-developed, and you communicated clearly and effectively.” He placed Laura’s essay before her. An A. She looked up at Professor Compton and he gave her a small encouraging smile.

“Well done.”

 #####

“Jenny, what are your thoughts on gun regulation?”

“What?”

“I’m writing an argumentative paper in favor of stricter gun regulation and just wanted to get your thoughts on it.”

Jenny laughed. “Well, mom…I guess I’m for it.”

“Wow…thanks for the help.” Laura stuck out her tongue at her daughter.

 #####

The semester nearly ended, Laura readied herself for the final exam which would be a multiple choice section as well as two essays written during class. The essay topics would only be revealed during the exam. Even though she knew she’d come a long way in her writing, Laura’s anxiety was high. As she walked into the lecture hall, she chatted with her classmates, many of whom she’d gotten to know and like through group workshops, and she felt her anxiety lessen just a bit. No longer feeling the odd man out, Laura knew she belonged. I’ll do my best. It’s all I can do.

 #####

Christmas came and went with its flurry of activities. Laura and Mark enjoyed their grandchildren and made the most of their visits. New Year’s Eve was a quiet affair with just the two of them. Mark made a roaring fire and they toasted the New Year with Champagne.

“I’m so proud of you, babe. You’ve talked about going back to school for years, and look at you. You’re like a shining jewel.” He touched his glass to hers. Laura warmed to his words but chuckled.

“Maybe you should wait to be proud of me ‘til we see if I passed or not.”

“You know you’ve passed. You’ve made good grades all semester. That professor really likes your writing.”

“Thank you, love. I’m still nervous but grades should be posted soon.”

 #####

Laura clicked on the link and logged in. This was it. The spinning blue circle matches my thoughts perfectly. I just hope— The screen opened and Laura read her results out loud.

“English Composition 101 – A!  Mark, I got an A!”

An original short story: Lucky Day

This is a super short story (only 300 words) I wrote a few years ago. Hope you enjoy.

His warm brown eyes follow me, as they do every time I enter the room. Breakfast is served, ladies and gents. I work my way from the door toward his enclosure, measuring out food and water for each dog. It’s quiet this morning, not like the boisterous atmosphere that greets me most days. Eventually, I reach him. 

“Hey there, Harley. Whatcha think, boy? Think today might be your lucky day?” Steadfast and clear, his eyes study me as if I’m about to impart the wisdom of the ages. I can’t say what it is exactly that makes him so special, but I am absolutely convinced that Harley is one in a million, truly exceptional. Trouble is, at first glance there’s not much that stands out when you look at him. Medium build, mild manner, a little gray around the edges…he’s easy to overlook in a group.  But when you stop and take a look at his eyes…his eyes show the depth of his character, the beauty of his soul.

Right before closing, an older couple comes in. “Maltese,” my co-worker mutters, to which I whisper a reply, “Nah…maybe Dachshund.” We always play “Guess What Kind of Dog the Customer Will Request.” It helps to pass the time. 

“Welcome to Lucky Day Rescue,” I say, “Can I help you?”

“We’re looking for a dog, maybe an older dog, with a sweet disposition,” the man says. “Not too big, but not tiny either.” He glances at the woman and continues, “We recently lost our boy Max…he was the best dog ever. We know we can’t replace him, but we still have lots of love to give.”

I breathe a silent prayer: Thank You.

Smiling, I say, “You’re in luck. I’ve got just the dog for you to meet. His name is Harley.” 

An original short story: A Graceland Christmas

In a complete departure from what I usually write, this is a fun little romantic tale set at Christmastime right here in my hometown. I hope you enjoy.  

*       *      *      *

“Happy Holidays!. Welcome to Memphis International Airport. Proceed this way to Baggage Claim.” The airline agent had on a dark blue jacket and skirt and, predictably, blue suede shoes. The two women behind me squealed.

“Helen, look! Blue Suede shoes! How clever is that?! Miss, can we please get our picture taken with you? We just have to show the folks back home in Duluth how Elvis is represented even at the airport!”

I grinned at the guy next to me and kept walking.

“Poor girl. I bet she gets that all the time.”

“Yep. But she’s totally asking for it with the shoes.”

We moved down the escalator and toward the luggage turnstile.

“Are you from Memphis, or just visiting?” His eyes were greenish hazel and had “smile crinkles” at the edges.

“Quick business trip from Philadelphia. You?”

“This is home for me.” He had a slight southern drawl which was kind of adorable. “I’m Christian, by the way.”

“Joanna. It’s nice to meet you.” We shook hands, formally, which made us laugh. His grip was warm and strong.

“You staying around the airport? We could share an Uber.”

Whoa, girl. You don’t even know this guy. Do NOT tell him where you’re staying.

“I’m staying downtown, actually.”

“Well that’s a nice coincidence. I live north of downtown and we'll go right past there. Now we definitely need to share a ride. It’s meant to be.” Christian grinned down at me with his crinkly green eyes and I couldn’t help myself.

“Sure, why not.”

When we got to my hotel, he got out of the car to help me with my bag.

“Joanna…I know we just met and you don’t know me at all and you’re here to work, but—"

“—How about we meet up for dinner tomorrow night?”

Seriously? Did you just ask him out?

I rushed on, “I could give you a call once I know what time I’ll be done tomorrow.”

“Perfect. I’ll take you to one of my favorite spots.”

My meetings the next day were interminable and I found myself thinking about Christian: his tall, slim build, the way his brown hair curled a little at the collar, his lazy grin. I wanted to know more about him and for him to know more about me. When we finally adjourned, I called him. He answered on the first ring.

“Hey, you.” He laughed, and I could hear the sound of a dog barking in the background.

“Hi. Where are you?”

“In my backyard throwing the ball with Lucky.”

“Lucky?”

“My dog. My 75-pound Golden Retriever, to be exact.” Apparently, he flung the ball because I could hear a great rush of crunching leaves which faded almost immediately.

“Wow, that’s a lot of dog.”

Christian chuckled. “Well, he’s more than just a dog. He’s my best friend. When I returned from my last tour in Iraq, he really helped me.”

“I didn’t know you were in the military. What branch?”

“Army. After three deployments I was done. Just ready for a change.”

“You know, I feel like I could talk to you for hours.”

“Me too. So, how fast can you be ready for me to pick you up?”

We ate dinner at a home-style restaurant on a quiet street, not at all the sort of place I thought he might take me. I loved it. We lingered over dessert and coffee, talking about our past, our present, our hopes for the future.

Finally, I said, “I hate to even mention it but it’s getting late. My meetings start early tomorrow. I ... I'm supposed to fly out tomorrow evening, but I really don't want to do that.”

“Then don’t.” He took my hand. “Stay with me for a few days. I want to spend more time with you. You haven’t even met Lucky yet. And, most important, you haven’t seen Graceland.”

“Graceland?” I raised my eyebrows.

“Of course. You can’t come to Memphis at Christmas and not see Graceland. It’s heresy!”

My meetings finally concluded, I checked out of the hotel the next day. Christian was waiting at the front door in his pickup.

“This is insane. I’ve never done anything like this before.”

His eyes crinkled at me. “Me neither. How about we drop your stuff off at the house and you can meet Lucky. I don’t want to make too big a deal out of it, but his approval of anyone I date is very important.”

“Good to know. Sure hope I pass the test.”

“I’ll tell you a secret. He’s a pushover for a girl with a liver snap hidden in her pocket.”

Christian lived in a red brick ranch-style home on a large lot. Beautiful oak trees framed the front of the house and I could see evergreens in the back.

“Brace yourself.” Christian unlocked the door and I could hear him before I saw him. Thundering paws ran to meet us, skidding to a stop right in front of us. Lucky was magnificent, blond, and huge.

“Lucky, sit.”

Lucky sat.

“Wow, he’s beautiful.”

“Well, don’t let him hear you say that. He’ll get a big head.”

Christian made dinner and we ate on the back patio.

“I can’t believe this weather. There’s snow on the ground at home.”

“Sounds like you might need a new home.” He grinned as he stood and reached for my plate. “Let’s drop these off in the kitchen and go for a drive.”

We drove through the city, looking at the Christmas lights. Christian stopped at a park overlooking the Mississippi River. A barge moved slowly below us and its long, low horn sounded.

“This is perfect, Christian.”

“I know. It’s one of my favorite places to go at night. It’s usually quiet like this. A good place to think. And talk.” He looked at me. “Joanna, I know this is really fast and probably crazy, but I’m so attracted to you. And the more we get to know each other, the stronger that attraction grows.”

“I feel the same way.”

Our first kiss was slow and sweet. I thought we would linger awhile, but Christian started up the truck and continued driving.

“Next stop Graceland?”

“Next stop Graceland.”

When we reached the iconic gates, I looked at the beautiful white house, covered in Christmas lights, sitting up on a hill. Even at this hour, there were tourists milling about, taking selfies and reading plaques.

“Know why I brought you here?”

“Um, ‘cause you have a side gig as an Elvis impersonator?”

He shook his head.

“Hmm…you have a podcast called “Love me Tender”? He chuckled and put his hand over my mouth.

“Hush. I’m trying to be serious here.”

“Oh. Sorry.” I smiled up at his profile.

“I brought you here because Graceland at Christmas is magical. And I mean, seriously magical. Growing up, every time I came here at Christmas and made a wish, that wish came true. Every time.”

“Is that a fact?”

“It is. And this year…well, all of a sudden I have a very important wish to make.”

“Actually, I think I might have a wish of my own to make.”

💙