Over Haiku

passionate kisses

bygone tender interludes

ancient history

Inspired by the prompt at

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The Matchmaker

Money paid.

Crucial details given. 

Sifting through referrals, I endured numerous frogs on my quest. 

Discouraged, fear consumed me. 

With hope dwindling fast, his credentials magically arrived. 

I couldn’t resist trying again. 

When our eyes met, I glimpsed forever.  

The rest: history.

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Spark Haiku

instant attraction

glimmering passion ignites

instigating love

Inspired by the prompt at

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Sticks

Picture courtesy of the Moving Quill

       Michael and Katie gathered sticks together from the forest floor as they strolled back to camp. 

      “If I hold it all together in front of me they are transformed into a bridal bouquet of  roses and gardenias!” she hinted. 

       He smirked, grasping her hand. His kindling would provide a romantic ambiance. 

Linking Up with the Fiction Challenge ‘From 15 to 50′

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The Blessing

         Just before dusk, friends gathered to roast marshmallows and watch the sunset.  Sitting by the bonfire, light and shadows from the flames danced across Sadie’s face.  A string of moments littered with stolen glances, nervous laughter, and finally pure bravery on his part had led them to this first date.  Holding her hand, Dillon leaned in tentatively tasting the sweetness of her lips for the first time.  Fireworks exploded, as symphonies performed in his heart.  Consumed with new found passion, he kissed her again, oblivious to the stray drop that fell dampening his cheek.  Passion quickly deepened the kiss as falling droplets gained momentum and Sadie returned the kiss with enthusiasm.   They paused gazing into the heavens, then at each other, as the droplets quickly multiplied into a downpour.  Exhilarated, their hair plastered to their heads, clothes drenched, they giggled uncontrollably as they raced with the other party goers to the nearby pavilion for shelter.  

   

      Several years later they stood on the same beach, surrounded by even more friends and family seated in white folding chairs.   Gorgeous flowers mixed with ocean spray and anticipation scented the air.  The sun peeked from the horizon as they repeated their vows oblivious to the dark clouds quickly filling the sky.    Resplendent in an off the shoulder bridal gown sparkling with sequins and pearls, Sadie was a vision as she gazed teary eyed at him.   As Dillon took her in his arms for their first symbolic kiss as man and wife, the heavens opened showering them as it had when love first consumed them.  This time, fireworks exploded as planned, music began to play, and the rain danced in celebration blessing the first day of the rest of their lives as they once again found themselves giggling and racing for the pavilion where the party celebrating their nuptials would last late into the night.

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The Proposal

Photo by Vidya Sury

       If she loves me, she will meet me.  If she doesn’t…well then, my heart will be broken but I will know.    I waited beside the log pacing, a bundle of nerves, rehearsing what I would say, with a diamond ring burning a hole in my pocket.  I loved her.  I wanted her to be my forever.  A twig broke and I whirled around, my heart swelling with love.  She was here, really here!  We smiled at each other as I took her hand into my own.  I presented the ring, knelt on one knee, and proposed.   Tears streaming, she accepted.

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I'll Be There

      If only Brianna and he could see eye to eye.  He knew she had some mad school girl crush on him.  She knew he liked her but couldn’t understand why he was dragging his feet about taking their friendship to the next step.  There really was only four years separating them.   When she turned 20 he would be 24 and then the age difference wouldn’t matter.  Unfortunately, the idea of him seriously dating her now was simply out of the question.  She was only 16 after all, clearly jail bait.  He would be labeled a sexual predator if he even gave her half a glance or any romantic encouragement.  Even worse, her Dad would castrate him if he even thought about it.

         Even days later, her fury felt like a kick in the teeth.  He honestly couldn’t blame her.    She had kissed him innocently enough.  He had made the mistake of kissing her back a little more passionately than he should of.  Still his arousal had been obvious for all to see. Sadly all she could see was his anger and rejection. He had suffered with egg on his face all week over that fiasco.  His friends laughed themselves silly over it.  He had gotten enough ribbing for that to last forever.    Still, they understood the situation more than she did.   She was innocent, and he intended for her to stay that way until the time was right.   Some day she would understand.  He was willing to wait for her, because he loved her.  He had a gut feeling that no one would ever compare to Brianna and that she was the only one for him.  One day he would make it up to her.  Until then he would keep his ear to the ground, hoping with all his soul that someone else wouldn’t steal her heart before he had a chance to claim it.  He knew that one day she would be his if the fates were kind.  Until then, he would wait, hope, and be the best friend she ever hoped to have. 

A fictional story written for the Write Tribe Wednesday writing prompt asking us to write a story that using the 6 idioms given.

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The Egg

       No one really knew Ellie well.  She was an artist…and quite eccentric.  When anyone asked her brother Nick, he always kind of smiled in a wistful way and explained that Ellie was simply Ellie.  Whatever that meant!  She had lived abroad for years studying, living, and breathing art in Florence, Paris, and finally London before coming home to the states with a broken heart in the early ‘80’s.  She never really said much about the love affair that sent her home to lick her wounds and Nick never asked.  He figured she would tell all when she was ready.  Since then she had withdrew into herself, selling her exquisite paintings and managing a top gallery in New York.   Nick’s family knew her simply as Aunt Ellie.  Those that worked with her thought she was a genius, but odd.  Nick’s children thought her weird, but fun in a way.  She felt awkward around them, and even though they visited her on occasion and invited her for holiday celebrations she rarely came.  Nick worried about her being so alone, but she assured him she was fine.

    Several months ago, Ellie had notified Nick that she had terminal cancer and the end was near.  In complete shock when she died a week later, Nick had taken her death particularly hard.  How could she not have told him?  How could she have not shared what little time she had left with him?  Surely she had known for a while.  Why had she chosen to suffer alone?    He should have gone to her.  He should have forced her to celebrate holidays with him and his family.  He should have made more time for her.  What he should have done was entirely beyond the point now.  She was gone.   He wasn’t surprised when he was notified by a law firm that he was in charge of settling up her estate.  What did shock him was that his sister had been an extremely wealthy woman and according to the attorney, her wealth and all her worldly possessions, barring a hefty sum she wanted donated to the Princes Trust were now his to do with as he pleased.

       He sat in her brownstone now sifting through boxes of correspondence growing more amazed as he read.  There were letters from the Prince of Wales dating back to the early 1970’s, very affectionate letters.  He found photos taken during that time period of Ellie snuggling up with Prince Charles near the easels where their artwork waited for them to commence with their painting.  His sister was intimate with the Prince of Wales?  He felt the room spin, as he read letters which indicated a brief affair and then the lifelong friendship which resulted.  Then he found Christmas cards from various members of the Royal family, and even a personal note from Diana, the Princess of Wales herself.  Even more recent, a card from just last Christmas!  She had never said a word...and he had never thought to ask!

        He went through her personal effects finally realizing why his sister never married, and why she had valued her privacy so much.  She had been in love with the Prince of Wales.  The Prince of Wales!!   While she adored him, she had no desire for the lifestyle he led.  She never wanted any fame; she only wanted to be left alone to create her art…which is what she did.  The Prince, busy with his naval career at the time had understood and had seen her for the gem she was and had obviously been friends with her till her untimely death.  In a back closet he found a box that had been shipped straight from London shortly after she had returned to the states.  Inside was a beautiful solid gold Faberge Egg, an Easter gift from the Prince.

         Nick had no idea the worth of such an item but when he tried to take it to a dealer found that the Prince’s small gift was now worth an estimated 20 million pounds.  Not only did he discover secrets about his sister that he never knew but also a treasure trove among her possessions, trinkets from a long ago love affair and friendship with a prince.  With her death he discovered a side of her he never knew.  Leave it to Ellie to have kept such an extraordinary secret.

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Catching Stars: The Conclusion

After having so much fun writing "Counting Stars" for the Speak Easy #148 writing challenge, I continued the story with "According to Stars".  Now I bring you the conclusion.  Hope you like it as much as I enjoyed writing it. ♥

        Katie’s breath caught as she took the envelope from Parsons School of Design out of the mailbox.  Ripping into the envelope with excitement she quickly scanned its contents.  She had been accepted into the art program in Paris!  Paris!  To study art in the city of lights a short walk away from the Louvre is more than she could have ever imagined in life!!  She was thrilled to her very core. 

       Her diamond engagement ring sparkled in the sunlight bringing her crashing back to reality.  Rob.  Oh dear God.  She was engaged to marry Rob!  She had accepted his proposal only because she never believed her dream of being an artist would become reality.    But now, her dream was coming true.  She could reach for the stars with both hands.  She could study art in Paris!  With that realization another quickly came on its heels.  She could never marry Rob.  That nagging doubt that had plagued her since she had said yes and accepted the ring seemed validated now.    She had to follow her dream.  It was her destiny.  He simply wasn’t.  This was the sign she needed.  She cared about Rob, but now she wasn’t sure if she even loved him if she could cast him aside so easily.  Breaking off the engagement was the right thing to do.  She hated to break his heart, but deep down she was sure he would understand.

       Rob and Katie had been growing apart since that night with Emily.  It seemed as if they were both going through the motions.   He had been entertaining serious doubts about going through with the marriage but had no idea how to break it off.   He didn’t want to hurt Katie, but deep down he couldn’t deny any longer how much he loved Emily, had always loved Emily.   When she had finally told him about Paris, it gave them both an easy out.    They parted as friends going their separate ways with no regrets.    He had to find Emily.  He had to tell her how he felt and see if she would have him.     He found her that evening sitting on the end of the pier dangling her feet in the water.     She had always been there for him but lately she had been avoiding him.    He missed her, really missed her and all of a sudden when he needed her most, there she was just where he knew she would be.  He walked to the end of the pier and sat down, took off his shoes, and splashed his feet in the water beside her.

   “I heard you were a free man now” she said with a small smile and a sideways glance. “Are you Okay?”

    “Yeah, guess so.   Things are as they should be.  Katie is living her dream.  She is happy.  She would have never been truly happy if she had settled for a life with me.”   He smiled back and gazed out over the water. “Remember the last time we were here Emily?”

    “Yeah, how could I possibly forget?  It was quite the memorable night.” She smiled feeling her cheeks grow warm.

     “Are you sorry?” He didn’t look at her but keep gazing out at the waves.  He waited, and when she didn’t answer immediately he looked her way.

        A lone tear made its way down her face.  She struggled with the words.  She didn’t know how she could tell him, but she knew she had too.  It was now or never.  She couldn’t keep it from him.  Oh how she loved him, had always loved him.  She dreaded telling him.  He would hate her, and she couldn’t bear it.

       “No, Rob.  I am not really sorry.  I have had days that I was, but I realize that I’m really not.  Everything happens for a reason, and I have accepted that.”  She looked at her hands and the tears flowed faster now.  She gazed into his eyes with determination.  “It was magical…I don’t regret it.  You gave me something precious that night that I don’t regret one bit and I am sorry if you choose to hate me, but I am pregnant.  I am keeping our baby whether you like it or not.  I have always loved you, and if I can’t have you I can at least have our baby.”

     “Seriously, you’re pregnant?” he looked deeply in her eyes and took her hands in his as she solemnly nodded.  He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her passionately.  The chemistry that sparked between them was electric just as it had been that star filled night.  “What would you say to counting stars together for the rest of our lives?”

 
      Her smile could have lit up the night.  “I think I would like that very much.  Are you sure?”

       Taking her hand, he looked deeply into her eyes.  “I can’t think of anything that I am surer of.  Katie will be following her dreams in Paris, and I have my dream here with you.  I’ll love you forever Em.”

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According to the Stars

After having so much fun writing "Counting Stars" for the Speak Easy #148 writing challenge, I decided the story needed to continue, this time from Emily's perspective...

 8 weeks later... 

       Rob and Katie’s wedding is still on. Katie is oblivious. Rob doesn’t have the balls to tell her, and I am equally afraid to hurt her with the truth. Our friendship has cooled considerably. Katie has noticed but whenever she brings it up, I simply don’t want to talk about it. How can I? Whenever we are all together it is so awkward. My heart breaks. They are busy planning their wedding like that night never happened and me? I am tortured and trying to put on a brave face as I prepare to be Katie’s maid of honor. Deep down I know I want him for myself.


 
      “Are you okay Emily? You don’t look so good. We can always shop for bridesmaids dresses another day.”
        " No, I am fine. I just feel a little queasy. It will pass. Time is marching on. Let’s shop!” I say with a brave face.    

         We head to the mall where a prominent bridal boutique is nestled in its heart, Katie alive with chatter and me silent trying desperately to ignore my rolling stomach. We enter the mall through the food court where the assortment of smells combine and assault my senses. All of a sudden, I am overwhelmed. I rush to the nearest trash bin and empty my stomach. “Oh God, Emily, you are not Okay at all! You are sick and we have no business at the mall! I am taking you home, immediately.” Her concern is obvious and a tinge annoying considering. I don’t deserve her kindness after what I have done with her fiancé…my former best friend. Already I am beginning to feel a bit better and beg to press on. I don’t want to be a bother. I am mortified that I am sick. We look through all the dresses at the shop, and I try on several. Some are ridiculous while others are absolutely beautiful. Katie has very definite ideas about what she wants for her wedding and it is nice to see her so happy. 
  

         And then she innocently drops the bomb. “Rob is meeting us for lunch, isn’t that great?” she smiles widely. “Yeah, great,” I mumble inconvincibly. The perfect dress has been found, my measurements recorded, and the order placed. We head back to the food court as Katie’s cell begins to ring. I can tell by the conversation it is Rob. He is meeting us there. Just what I need to have to act like everything is Okay when I feel wretched. I just want to go home. He stands when he sees us. Our eyes meet and hold. I feel my face heat up and hope to sweet sunny Jesus that Katie doesn’t notice. She doesn’t. I feel as if he can see right through me.

          We have our choice of several types of food in the court. Chinese food sounds so good to me and I suggest we eat that. Both Katie and Rob give me the strangest look. “Emily, you hate Chinese food!” Rob says and Katie nods in agreement. “I don’t care. That is what I want. It looked really good when I passed the stand. That is what I am getting!” They exchange looks. They both get sandwiches from Subway and I dig into a huge helping of Chinese food. I don’t remember what it is called, but it looks so good to me. I simply inhale it. I can’t believe how good it tastes. “You should slow down there! You did puke your guts earlier.” Katie warns with a laugh. I shrug my shoulders. I am hungry now. I eat, ignoring Rob as best I can.

        A week later when I still am vomiting at random, I decide I better visit the doctor. Maybe there is a pill to settle my stupid stomach. After the visit and numerous tests, I begin to accept there is no simple solution to what I have. I ignored all the signs because I didn’t want this to happen. The world as I know it has come to an end and I am clueless about what to do. The father of my baby is marrying my best friend…and I am pregnant. Oh shit…I am pregnant. Karma is not my friend. The universe is punishing me. Look at the mess counting stars has gotten me into! Oh Dear God! What the hell am I going to do now?

to be continued...

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