A Girl Named Sue

She was a beautiful redhead with curly hair and laughing eyes. Her name was Sue and she was lovely. When I looked at her, I wanted to scoop her up and hug her. I wanted to stare into her blue eyes forever. I wanted to tangle my fingers through her hair. My heart raced when I saw her and was sad when she left. I was young and reckless and silly then.
A friend was pursuing her, as I recall, and I had to have a heart to heart with him before I moved towards her. It was peaceful enough – his advances had been rejected one too many times and he was done with the chase.
“Would you mind if I asked her out?” I remember the statement being awkward, but well accepted.
“No, man. Go for it. Really – I'm done with trying for that.” He laughed and wished me luck. It was a funny laugh, too – somewhat bitter and resigned.

I asked her out that very day and we met that weekend. The date itself was nice enough. Nothing too robust or intense. I think it was a simple lunch and wandering day. It was quiet and low key with plenty of time to get to know each other. I remember walking her home in the warm, summer sun and drinking lemonade with her.
Her house was big and open with sensible art on the walls and a rather plain feel to it. It was a warm, bright day and I was smitten with this freckled, sweet girl. We were young and awkward and interested in each other. We chattered on the sofa and got caught up in small silences where we would just stare into each others eyes until one of us would look away with a laugh.
Sue grew serious and looked like she was contemplating something grave. She looked down to the floor and said, “This is stupid, but...Well, my parents are a little...I don't know.” She wrestled with the words in her head. “Well, they have stupid ideas.” I remember seeing this sadness behind those laughing eyes. I knew something was lurking.
“Like,” I said, still trying to charm her. I wanted to kiss her, not talk about her parents.
“Well...they don't like...black people.” She swallowed the words like bitter medicine. Her face fell slightly and her brow furrowed as she waited for my response. Being a light skinned, African American person, I wasn't thrilled by the news to say the least.
“Oh, I see.” I smiled and shrugged. “Well, we can see how it goes.”
But, it wasn't going to go anywhere. I knew it. She knew it. Racist parents make it hard to date anyone but who they deem acceptable. I knew that I'd never be liked by her parents even though I was a well spoken, upper middle class and respectable person. This was all too clear when I met them later that afternoon.
I introduced myself and shook their hands. I smiled and was polite. I was the sweet kid most parents wanted their daughter to date.
They didn't smile. They just stared blankly. I could tell that they wanted to ask why I was there. They wanted to escort me out as quickly as they could. I left shortly after, excusing myself and walking out without making it look too desperate. Sue apologized and we hugged goodbye.

I called Sue, but she was never able to speak for long. She wasn't able to meet for dates. Wasn't able to arrange a time for meeting in the future. I wasn't able to continue the effort and gave up much like my friend had earlier.

A month or so passed and so did the heat of the summer. Leaves fell at my parents house and needed to be swept away. A perfect job for a teen living at home with a day off. As I worked the broom back and forth across the stained wood, a car drove up the street and pulled into my parents parking area. The engine stopped and I heard chatter and laughter coming from inside the vehicle as four girls bounced and shoved each other inside.

The door opened and Sue emerged. Her short, copper hair caught the sunlight and her pale, freckled skin looked like cream. She smiled, waved and made her way down to me as her friends laughed and stared down from the car.

“Hi,” she said as she descended the wooden stairs. She wore a loose blouse and tight jeans and my heart skipped in my chest for a moment as I struggled with something to say.
“Hi. What brings you down this way?” I leaned on the broom, keeping it between us.
“I just came by to say hello. See if you were around.” She smiled that ice melting smile of hers. Her freckles were more pronounced. Her eyes were bright and playful. “We were driving around.” We both looked up towards the car which sent the three girls inside into another bout of laughter.
“They are a happy group.” I chuckled and looked back into Sue's eyes. Something was different there. Something was less magical.
“Well..maybe we can hang out sometime? Go see a movie or something?” She reached out and pushed my shoulder softly. Her small hand felt like a bird landing on my shoulder before flittering off again. “You should call me,” she purred.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” She smiled a wide, scared little smile, moved towards me, and grabbed my shoulders. Leaning up on tiptoe, she pressed forward and kissed me gently on the lips. She blushed and smiled wider, before turning to head back up the stairs. “Call me, ok?” She made her way to the car, climbed in, and the car came to life again. As it passed, all four girls waved and laughed little squealing laughs – mission accomplished.

I never called.

Read'N'Dash Fiction: The Grass is Always Greener

The kitchen window is open and the sun is bright on the plants outside. I peer through the fence posts as a figure moves oafishly around the back yard, dragging what looks like a lawn mower with it. I don't see it's full form. I can't tell if it's male or female. I can't even tell if it's human. My mind starts to wander.
I glance over as my wife putters on the computer in the living room. I stand and stare out the window with my coffee cup in hand.
The scene through the slats reminds me of one of those early moving picture machines. A Zoopraxiscope, I find out later. The images through the fence seem like stills flipping forward to present me with a moving picture. I squint and try to make out the figure’s form as I sip my tepid coffee. I think to myself that I’m just wasting time. That I'm creating something fanciful just to prolong the inevitable work flood waiting for me this sunny Sunday. But, looking again, the figure looks huge and almost ape-like as it moves around in the yard next door. An ape in some sort of...bonnet or conical hat that they wear in Vietnam.
I grin to myself and think, "Rue Morgue meets Hanoi Hilton."
I place the coffee cup on the table and press up on tip toe to try to get a better look. The fence is too high, however and all I see more of is that hat. I confirm that it is in fact made of straw and I sink back to my heels. For a moment, I think about standing on a chair, but the visual in my head of what this neighbor would see if they spotted me standing on a chair glaring at them from my kitchen prevents me from following through.
The brawny, lumbering figure drags it’s burden back beyond the area I can see behind a shed and I blink away the growing fantasy that this is actually some sort of creature. Some mythic slave to yard work who usually slips out under cover of darkness to tend to the weeds and grass, but has somehow slipped free into the light of day today. Out in the open to work without fear of being seen or discovered for some reason.
A wave of sadness - no, melancholy, really - washes over me as I remember my work and the fact that I’m the one who will be hidden away. Toiling away from the eyes of those out in the sun today. Sulking with slumped shoulders in front of the computer while the sun shines on whoever...or whatever...is on the other side of that fence.

Read'N'Dash Fiction; Fate

It was perfect in every way. Looking back on it, he’d agree.
The sun shining outside and wind sending twists of trash and leaves into the freshly swept hallway.
The sound of someone loading the washer at the end of the hallway - beating him to it placing his laundry on hold yet again.
The dropping of his keys. The topper. Subtle, yet without equal in the minuscule arc of the evening.
“God damn keys,” he mutters as he bends to retrieve the ring and enter his apartment.
And this, the best part of all, had to be timed by the Gods above for maximum effect. The act had to be executed on the mark. Grace and style didn’t enter into it.
Foot kicks keys.
A stumble step forward to try to stop then from skidding further ahead.
Hands claw and miss the glistening ring, of course.
And, queue laundry room door. It’s arc perfect and firm. The solid wood frame supporting it’s weight as it swings out on it’s silver hinges and comes into contact with the soft, blond head before it.
A wince of pain and our protagonist clamps his eyes shut tight as he reaches up and clamps the throbbing scalp.
He drops to one knee - directly onto the key ring that lays on the tile of the hallway.
And...scene.

Shell Knob

Shell Knob, Missouri.

The dirt road rolled out in three directions and none of them looked promising. The sun hung low in the sky as it started it’s arc towards the distant mountains to end the day.

The large man with the sunglasses slammed the grill of the SUV hard. He then slammed his fist into it three additional times for good measure. “Muther…,” he growled before looking up at the woman exiting the right passenger side. He wiped his brow and tried to compose himself. “Must not have been some little thing back there in the station. Think it was sumthin’ a bit more, huh?” He smiled and tried to switch his anger to charm. “Sorry. I should have listened to you and let the service man check her over back there instead of listenin' to those two.” He motioned with his head and frowned.

The woman looked at the SUV, then sighed and slipped her phone into the pocket of her coat. She then dropped her hand into the pocket on the other side and slid a packet of cigarettes out. “I made a call. They’ll be here soon.”

The two men in the SUV were talking in low tones in the back seat.

The woman brought a cigarette up to her lips, then lit it with a golden lighter. The suns rays glistened down onto it and cast sparkles up into her sunglass shaded eyes and face.

“Those two are gonna be mad.” The man’s dark skin glistened with the exertion of trying to fix the engine. He dabbed at his brow with a handkerchief, then shoved it back into his back pocket.

The woman didn’t look back. “I don’t give a shit.” A puff of smoke drifted out of her mouth and swirled around her head like a departing soul. She reached out and tapped the glass of the windshield and the two men inside opened their doors and climbed out.

The bearded man said, “Can’t get it going, huh?” He was the nicer of the two for sure, but even that wasn’t saying much. “And now we’re stuck out here in the ass crack of the world? Hell Knob, was it?” He grinned an arrogant grin. His “casual chic” clothes were wrinkled and his tie was open and loose around his neck like a noose.

The other man said nothing, but continued to stare blankly between the woman and the man at her side.

The bearded man pointed. “This whole trip was some sort of bullshit adventure tour. Come see the fucking scary place. Authentic negro tour guide shows you a haunted sink hole. Real scary.” He slapped the arm of the quiet man and chuckled. “We can tell everyone we were taken in by a Hottie and a Hick.”

The quiet man remained for a minute, then he growled, “Bullshit. We’re not paying for this.”
The woman’s cool cracked ever so slightly as she exhaled and flicked her cigarette toward the giant sinkhole ringed by tall trees on three sides. It’s arc took it to the rim where it bounced three times and smoldered. “Ok, that’s it. No more of this tough guy moneybags bullshit.” She flipped another cigarette out of her pack and placed it between her lips. She pointed at the bearded man with the golden lighter. “You two wanted to come see it. Well there it is. You two didn’t want to wait another fifteen minutes at the station like Harold asked, so here we are until the other truck comes out.”

Harold bowed his head, raised it and glanced at the hole and the small twirl of smoke at it’s rim, then back to the two men. He hated them. Hated their attitudes. He took out his handkerchief again, wiped his face, then slipped it back into his pants. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans.

The dark haired woman lit her cigarette. “And you leave that racist bullshit up your asses where it belongs.” She exhaled. “You two came to Shell Knob, Missouri to see something you heard about. We didn’t invite you. We don’t want you here. You came without being asked.” She pointed back to the hole. “It’s all true. I may not sound like someone who’d know, but I do.”

Harold smiled wide. “She does talk well, don’t she?” He chuckled.

“I got out of here at the tender age of 17 and went to New York to go to school. Lost my accent in the process, but I didn’t loose my memories. All the stories about this place.” Her face was cold again - stony and calm. “It’s all true. Even been corroborated by several UC professors, but I’m sure you two know that. You two being fancy scholars yourselves.”

Harold grinned and looked away.

“Well, you two sexists bigots – you want the story? You want to see her?” She pointed at the sinkhole with her long, ruby fingernail. “You two can stay here and wait it out by that fucking hole. See what you think of us country folk after a night here in the dark.” She exhaled and slipped off her glasses.
The bearded man tried to size her up. See if she was playing or not. It was clear that she wasn’t. “So, you believe all these little country tales?” He had lost some of the edge to his voice and he almost sounded kind.

“Corroborated, gentlemen. It happened. It’s our history.”

“And, you still believe it? This…thing…is still alive and roaming around?” The quiet man leaned against the car and sniffed the air.

“Yes, Sir. I do.” She walked to the log that served as a road marker and sat down. Insects fluttered through the air and their chirping songs brought both a peace and a sense of being far away from civilization, which in turn wasn’t very peaceful in itself for some reason. It seemed too far away. To removed.

Harold glanced at the hole, then towards the men. Sweat beaded on his ebony forehead. “She’s right. Did happen. Everyone knows.” Harold looked down. “Tell ‘em, Terri.”

Terri Barker sighed and looked to the men as if trying to figure out if it was worth her time or not. She puffed and tapped her cigarette, then cupped her elbow with her left hand as she gestured with the cigarette in her right. “This area was a township back in the early 1900’s. Good, God fearing people who worked their asses off to make things work. They had a particularly hard winter one year and once it broke, well they were thankful. They decided to celebrate in the sun once things started to calm down and the weather started to lighten up.”

She pointed back to the sinkhole area. “Well, the ground was wet and nasty, but they packed up and headed over to the springs over there anyway.” She placed the cigarette to her lips, glanced up, then exhaled softly. “The sun was coming through the trees just fine and they were going to make the best of it. A picnic to celebrate being alive.” She smiled at the irony. “Circled around and prayed to their God for thanks for getting them through.”

The bearded man could hear her accent slipping back from a long forgotten haze of childhood.
Harold stared at Terri like a child listening to a bedtime story.

Terri looked from one man to the other. “Singing and praising. Dancing. Then the Earth went and swallowed them whole. Ate them up. Right in the middle of their praising the Lord.” She smirked. “Ironic, huh? Like those little church going kids that get wiped the fuck out on the way back from a church picnic.”

Harold crossed himself as the two visiting men listened intently.

Terri stood and dropped her cigarette to the ground. Snubbing it out, she whispered, “Men, women and children. They fell down and down. They weren’t sure how many died then – in that fall. Not that it matters.” She cocked her head to the side. “Interested still?”

The bearded man nodded. “Please – go on.” He glanced over to the sink hole spot.

“Well, they sat down there and tried to muster up some sort of plan. Figure out how to get out of that hole before the whole damn thing caved in on them, you know? The thing was deep.” She looked back at the hole with her back to the men.

“They had no way out and folks wouldn’t be getting’ back to ‘em until after dark.” Harold’s voice was small.

“No. No one would know they were in trouble for hours.” Terri sighed. “Well, they sat there ‘till dark. Sat there not knowing that hole was cursed…or whatever.”

Harold looked around nervously.

The two visitors moved closer to each other absently.

“And, this is when the supposed possession took place?” The bearded man rubbed his forehead.
“Yeah. But, it wasn’t some fantasy. Wasn’t some freak out, neither.” Terri’s accent grew stronger. “It was the ground itself. It took one of the weaker ones. Maybe someone hurt in the fall. That ground took her and made her it’s puppet.” She turned and faced the men again. “Whatever happened to her wasn’t…” She shivered.

“It was being in that hole. Someone just…freaked out. Lost control. “ The man was dismissive and the tone of doubt returned to his voice. “Happens. People in tight spaces loosing all control. And, they wouldn’t know about this sort of thing back then.”

Terri interrupted. “She wasn’t human. She killed and ate thirteen men, woman and children. Tore flesh from bone, Gentlemen. Ate them alive. When the rescue party arrived, they heard one man screaming. It’s noted that they thought he was crying for help down there in that hole.” She smiled. “He was cryin’ out for help, alright. Help to get away from her.”

The bearded man cleared his throat.

Harold shook his head. “Horror.”

“So…they show up and look down in that dark hole, but they don’t see anything. Nothing at all. Too deep. Too dark.” Terri stepped closer. “They lowered torches and lanterns down there and that’s when that woman – she starts calling out all quiet and sweet. She says for them to lower a rope. That she’s hurt and needs someone to help her up and out. “ She shook her head and smirked. “Up and out indeed.”

“They got her up and out and into a cart, right Terri?” Harold was entranced. “She got up and out.”
“And away.” Terri stared. “Far away. When they went down in that hole after, they saw the mess down there. The Hell. Men, women and children eaten alive. Clawed, chewed, and torn asunder.” Terri scratched at the air in front of the men and laughed when they both jumped. “Little kids with their faces chewed off. Entrails spread around of the floor. Sex parts gnawed off. Necks…”

“OK! We understand!” The man before her swallowed hard and nodded. “She killed them all. Ok. But, it still says nothing about a monster. Well, not a monster of fiction. She was a monster like Charlie Manson.”

“Little woman like that overpowered six men folk? Took down ten adults by herself?” She frowned. “Strong woman, huh?”

The bearded man continued to stare at the sinkhole. “Perhaps it was something else.”
Harold took a step back. Then another. Then another.

“Legends and tales, John. Legends and tales.” The bearded man slapped his friend on the back. He walked forward and chuckled out, “Don’t tell me you…” The man’s words were cut short by a small, popping sound. Dragging and scuffling carried on the cool breeze.

The bearded man blinked, then looked back towards where his friend should have been. “Carl?” He glanced down at Carl’s feet. They stuck out from behind the SUV on the ground and kicked out spasmodically. “Carl?!” He looked over at Harold, now about fifteen feet down the road and looking back towards the scene, then back to the feet as they twitched. He moved around the SUV and gasped as Terri’s hands shoved him hard from behind.

Terri slipped the pack of cigarettes from her pocket and watched as “She” reached out and yanked the bearded man to the ground. The golden lighter glistened in the sun as Terri watched her passengers discover what they were looking for.

Terri lit the cigarette and moved off down the road towards Harold.

“I hate seein’ that, Miss Terri. Hate it awful!” Harold rung his hands and paced back and forth. The man looked like a huge child.

Terri caught his shoulder and held him in one spot. She looked back as She continued to devour the two men. “Shhh...Harold.”

Harold froze and clamped his eyes shut tight. He whispered a prayer, but Terri didn’t pay attention. Her eyes remained locked on the SUV and the motion towards the back of it. She narrowed her eyes as She stood and stared after them. Terri’s heart skipped and her breathing grew more rapid. “Go on now. Git,”Terri whispered.

She was willowy and dark skinned. The harsh weather and elements had taken their told on her old flesh. Her eyes were dark, oily pools in sunken sockets. Her teeth were sharp, yellow and horrid. When her mouth pulled back into a smile, Terri looked away with a whimper.

A moment later, Terri got the nerve up to look again, but She had gone. Terri waited a minute and fought the urge to light another cigarette. She rolled the lighter through the fingers of her shaking hand, then released Harold’s shoulder.

“She gone?” Harold kept his eyes shut tight.

“She’s gone. Let’s go.” Terri started off for the SUV with Harold close behind. She didn’t look to see what had become of her two clients. No need. They’d be gone. Dragged off to the sinkhole and down into the dark.

“We’re ok for a while, Miss Terri?” Harold slammed the hood and ran to the driver’s side door. He hopped inside and locked the door, though he knew that if She wanted in, a locked door wouldn’t matter.

“For a while.” Terri climbed in and slammed the door. “As long as we bring her folks, she’ll leave us alone.”

Harold crossed himself and brought the SUV to life with a twist of the key. “Heaven help us.”

“Heaven ain’t got nothin’ ta do with it, Harold.” Terri slipped her sunglasses on as long shadows passed over the tainted and malevolent ground around them.

Dead Things: Schoolbus (revised)

(PG-13 - violence)

Two figures lay still in the shrubs and grass. The moon hung in the night sky and lit up the field. The dark clothing the two wore made it hard to spot them in the tree shadows they rested within.

It was at the twenty-four hour awake mark that things started to feel off. Out of sync. He could feel it walking here. Feel of his extremities. He made a fist and squeezed hard as he tried to roll his shoulders as best he could from his position on the ground. His eyes burned and his body felt heavy and drugged. He blinked hard and rolled both shoulders again – trying to fight off the fatigue. Twenty years ago, none of this would have bothered him. Mark would have rolled through the night without blinking. Two nights would barely affect him. But now…

“Two more – there by the oak.” The woman’s voice was low and soft in his ear as the ear piece sat snug within it. “I still think this is a bad idea. What happened to watching out for ourselves here?” He could hear the fear in her voice even through the earpiece. She used the throat mic and kept the chatter down, laying not two feet away from him in the tall grass of the field.

Mark watched as their target became harder and harder to reach. The school bus rocked back and forth in the darkness of the field as those on board screamed - their attackers continuing to surround them. The walking dead stumbling and darting around the bus trying to get their prey within. He eyed the scene as the riders pushed on the doors from the inside and the attackers pushed from the outside. Stalemate so far, but that wouldn’t last long. Why had they kept the lights on inside? It looked like a buffet for the dead.

A rustling came from behind Mark and Linda and they went still and quiet.

Linda turned her head slowly as not to draw any attention to herself. She knew what was there, she just didn’t want to see it.

Stumbling forward, the dead woman that approached them looked confused and somewhat sad. She knew the look well now. It was different than when they saw something they hungered for. Linda summed her up quickly. She was a fresh one which meant she would be a fast one. If she spotted them, they wouldn’t have long to react. She had all her limbs and that meant she was going to be a handful. Linda whispered, “Have one. Right. Fresh.” They kept the chatter down.

Mark narrowed his eyes and remained still, his eyes locked on the destination ahead of them. “Ok...we need to do this now if we’re going to. Vote it.”

Linda spoke first. “No. There’s no exit.” She kept her eye on the fresh corpse as it stumbled closer, then turned and shambled away towards the bus to join the others. “We have a dead bus. I count fifteen people on board. They aren’t moving, right? Why? They are out of gas or stuck, right? What are we going to do with fifteen mother fucking civies?”

Ken’s voice crackled over the earpiece. “Afirm. We get there, do a spray down, then have fifteen frightened people screaming about every dead thing we see. Might as well strap flares to our fucking foreheads. I say we take a pass.”

“And those people?” Mark eyed the bus and tried to keep his head clear.

“They join the casualty count, man.” Linda pulled herself closer to Mark and looked into his eyes.
Mark stared back and saw the fear slipping in around the edges of Linda’s gaze. “We can’t save everybody. We’re miles from camp. We going to load fifteen people in the jeep?”

They were both right, of course. This was a “no win”. They could clear the dead from around the bus and buy the occupants some time, but then what? They’d be down ammo and the bus occupants would be out in the open with no weapons and nowhere to go.

Mark let his head drop, then glanced back to Linda. He whispered, “No go. Ken, climb out of your tree and let’s roll.”

The bus was a mess. The screaming passengers drew more and more attention from the corpses around them. Fresh meat ran to them while the rotts ambled up and joined their ranks. A few people held the front doors shut while others kicked and batted at the dead that had managed to break the buses back door windows. Then, the rest screamed and cried in the center - useless.

Mark frowned and motioned for Linda to get up and move out. The two of them climbed to their feet, then crouch walked away slowly as not to draw attention.

Something sprinted at them through the darkness. At first, Linda thought it was Ken fucking around. Then she saw the missing arm and exposed teeth as the corpse hissed out of the dark.

“Shit!” Linda dropped. “GOT ONE!”

Mark drew his gun as the Thing’s head burst open like a mellon. A spray of gore, blood and bone shot from the right side of the Thing’s head. It ran forward a few steps, stumbled and dropped as Mark’s round struck it’s chest.

Ken stood and shouldered the sniper rifle. “That’s twenty-two.”

Linda let out her breath as Mark nodded towards the road.

Ken waited a moment, looking back at the screaming passengers. “We sure?”

Linda whispered, “I am.”

Mark frowned. “You have any ideas? Make this a win?”

Ken stared at the bus as Mark and Linda scanned the area.

The bus was swarming now. Fresh dead ran around the bus and pounded the sides. Screams called out in the dark as the moon illuminated the scene.

Ken crossed himself. “Fuck no.”

“Come on. Let’s get the fuck out of here.” Linda made her way to the jeep with Mark and Ken behind her.

They didn’t look back.

( edit notes - Carrie Glassmeyer Thank you! )

Rocky and Li

Sunlight, tall grass and a cool breeze. It was a perfect day in every way, shape and form. The two bodies lay sprawled and relaxed as the wind raced over them - the sun warming and the breeze cooling in harmonious warmth.

Li rolled over off her back on onto her side. She eyed her brother as he dozed. She wanted to pounce on him, but knew it wasn’t a good idea. Best to let him lie.

“Rocky?” She sighed, bored and wanting some of her brother’s attention. “Rocky?”

“What, Li?” He didn’t move. His eyes were closed and he looked like he wanted to keep them that way.

“Ever think about the old house?” She hoped he’d bite. “The old family and all?”

“Yeah.” He yawned and prayed she’d stop talking, but knew she wouldn’t. “Sometimes.”

“You remember Them? The kids and the parents and all of them?” She was excited.

“Yes, Li. I remember them.” He sighed and sat up. He smacked his lips and pried his eye lids apart. The sun was bright and hurt his eyes. He squinted. “What’s all this about?”

“I just wondered. You know. If you ever thought about them. Why they left.”

Rocky knew what she was after. This came up when things were slow. Feelings for the old life they led. The old house and the people in it. She got sad and happy thinking about them and it always lead to a conversation. Always.

“I think they just had to go. They needed to...move on.”

“Think they did the same to her? Got rid of her or asked her to move out or something?”

“What? Iman?” He frowned. “I thought you knew what happened to her.” He watched as his somewhat dim sister shook her head no. He paused, then said, “She died.”

“Died?” Li’s eyes went wide. “She died?”

“Yes Li. She went away, remember? She was having all those issues. She was sick,  started lashing out at people, went away, and died.”

Li held her head down for a moment and thought. The smell of the grasses filled her nostrils and the cool breeze ran over her. She was so sad. “I didn’t understand that.”

“Well...that was it. Just like when Bess died here. Buried her and all that.”

“I didn’t see it, though. I thought she just...left.”

“Well, she did.” Rocky coughed. “Anyway, she’s gone. The family is gone somewhere - most likely not dead. The guy...he left and everyone left after that, remember?” He got up and stretched. “And the big guy brought us to that place and we ended up out here.”

The two took a moment to look around. The farm house looked warm and orange in the glow of the sun. The barn and silo to the right of it loomed brightly and the animals that roamed the barnyard seemed happy and active. This was a nice place and had suited them well. Plenty of space. Room to move around. And good food to eat. It worked well.

“I miss ‘em, Rocky. Especially those kids.” She giggled to herself as she thought back. “They were so adorable.”

“Yeah. Yeah they were.” He nudged his sister. “And now we’re here and taking care of Bill and Julie.”

Li nodded. “I know. I know.”

A voice chimed out from the farmhouse. “Rocket! Lightning! Come on doggies!”
Rocket and Lightning looked to the farmhouse. Their rich brown coats glistened in the sun.

“Race ya!” Li huffed and sprinted to the farmhouse. Her tail spun round as she sprinted forward with Rocket right behind her. The two dogs arrived at the porch together and pranced around their new, loving owners.

Cry Wolf

The airport’s speakers spat information out to the waiting patrons as flights arrived and departed in the Austin Airport. Warnings about leaving bags unattended bookmarked the announcements and shite music drifted around in between. The conditioned air swirled as the din of conversations filled what little space there was left.

It was driving her crazy.


“You ok?” A man smiled at the woman next to him as she dug her nails reflexively into her knees. “Don’t like flying?” The man smiled a wide, kind smile and smoothed down his tacky, “I travel for a living” tie.

Fine, thanks. Say it, Charlotte. Just fucking say it. Speak. Get it over with.

The woman gulped and whispered, “Fine, thanks.” She didn’t smile, but felt that it would help sell the deal and get him off her. Or, make him think she was in need of conversation. She thought about it a moment, then decided to leave it there and act as if she gave a crap about the plane passing the window. She craned her neck, then checked her watch.

“To help us maintain a safe and secure environment, please keep an eye on your baggage at all times.”

Charlotte Cabbot Miller was not used to acts of kindness nor did she expect them, which was good because she never saw any. Ever. She was fine with whatever life dealt her. Except idle chit-chat from strangers. She liked strangers to remain just that - strangers.

“I’ve seen you somewhere. Sure of it, though I’m sure it sounds like a line.” He chuckled. “AH!,” he exclaimed suddenly. He slapped his knee and pointed. “Chuggin’ Monkey! That’s it.” He pointed. “I live right around there. I think I’ve seen you around there and at your apartment complex. We’re neighbors.” He chuckled.

The Chuggin’ Monkey. Neighbors. What were the odds.

Charlie ground her teeth together and mustered a smile. “Small world.” She fought against the smell of his cologne. It was thick in her nostrils and his odor made her slightly ill. She hated to think what the plane ride would be like.

“Passing through?” He turned to face her and she shivered inside.

“Yeah. Quick trip to Austin.” She crossed her legs and rested her head on her hand letting her dark tresses drop in front of her face. She closed her eyes and ended the conversation. Easy enough, she thought.

“Yup…sleep’s the best thing to combat the wait. You take care now…”

Charlie heard him shift back around in his seat and felt sleep overtake her. She had not slept since the night before and the day ahead was packed for sure. She was worn out and dizzy with sleep depravation. A little nap might do her good. Cat nap.

The last thing she remembered was the smell of barbecued meat coming from the small restaurant near the gate. It smelled delicious. So delicious. So…meaty and sweet.


Running. Chased. The smell of trees and water and animals and…
So close. She could taste it. The meat. Feel the water. The mist hitting her nose. The scent. Delicious. Close. Breathing. Closer still. A stumble and fall and she’s on him. He turns and his face his full of delicious….

Charlie awoke to the cheap travel suit man’s voice. “This is us, Miss. Better get awake.”

Charlie opened her eyes and averted her face from the man’s gaze. Just in case. She muttered a few idle words of thanks and stood and stretched her calves. Her shirt rose slightly and she caught her kind stranger peeking at her pale belly. Innocent enough, she thought. She smoothed down her skirt.

“See you later.” She nodded curtly and snatched up her bag, moving towards the gate before he had time to collect his gear or make future, on board plans with her. The sooner she was away, the better. She just wanted to be home. Home where it was safe, sound and above all away.



The flight was uneventful. She watched a movie on her laptop, but wasn’t sure what it was about after it ended. Her mind was elsewhere. Other places in Austin. Down deep. She shook her head and her hair fell around her face keeping her secluded.

She licked her lips and bolted from the plane as soon as she had a chance. She pushed past people as she moved up the gates gangway, then moved with grace and speed through the airport to the claim. Another hazard.

More avoiding the man in the cheap travel suit as she waited for her bag and more rapid movements and pushing when her bag finally cleared the shoot. She needed to be outside. Needed to feel air on her skin and in her nose. Not processed, stink filled air, but clean and fresh air.

She strode through the doors as they opened and drew in a deep, refreshing breath. Free. God, the air smelled wondrous.

“Share a cab?” The man in the cheap travel suit slipped up next to her on the sidewalk.

Dear LORD! He was here again? She needed to end this now. And never go back to the Chuggin’ Monkey ever again. She slid her hand over her head and looked at him.

“I’d like to be left alone. I’m sorry.” She blinked.

The man held up his hand and bowed his head. “Ok, sorry. We’ll part ways. I didn’t mean to bother you. Take care.” He smiled a wide, friendly smile and moved away toward the line for cabs.

Charlie watched him go, then felt a wave of sorrow pass over her. Regret drifted in around the edges. He was a nice, polite man. He could have been ok with the whole thing. Part of her life. Understanding of her unique situation. She watched the cab move off and hung her head low. “Shit,” she whispered as she snatched up her bag and slowly made her way to the cab line.

She was fooling herself. She’d never have a normal relationship. Who could be in a relationship with a werewolf?




Charlie woke up the next day and made her way to the window to see what the day had in store for her. The sun was bright and the sky was blue. It was lovely and she made up her mind to venture out and take part in the beauty of the day. She scratched her thigh through the sweats she wore and let her mind wander as she stared into the blue water in the far off ocean.

Werewolf.

How had she made it this far alone in this world being what she was? She was amazed. Years of hiding and hunting on her own. Making her way through life with this affliction. This sorrow. He brought her hands up to her face and touched it softly. The change would come suddenly at times and slowly at others. Was she mad? Insane?

She dropped her hands to her belly and up to her ribs. Below the skin, the bon would shift and change. Grow and crack and alter her. She felt the bone below the flesh, then dragged her nails over the skin that would grow hair and go from pale to dark as the transformation took place.

Her tongue drifted over the teeth in her mouth that would grow and go canine. Long for the rip of flesh and meat of the kill. Had she managed to keep the kills to animals? To the sad pets of the city that would give their lives so the cities inhabitants could keep theirs?

Something chimed in her head as her hands dropped to her sides. She was hungry now.

The chime again. The door bell.

Charlie snapped her head away from the window and made her way to the front door of the small apartment.

“Who’s there?”

“Mark.”

Charlie smiled a brief smile and turned the lock and slipped the chain free. She hadn’t seen her neighbor in ages. She swung the door open. “Hi.” This was the one person she enjoyed seeing.

“Hey there. Did I miss coffee?” Mark smiled.

“Nope. Just making it. Come in.” Charlie swung the door open and Mark made his way inside. He looked sickly and ill, like always. Charlie latched the door and bolted it again, then moved with him back towards the kitchen.

“How was the trip?”

“Ok.” Charlie filled the pot with water, dropped it onto the stove, and brought the burner to life. “People...you know?” she shivered slightly.

“And any...incidents?” Mark pulled out the kitchen chair and took a seat. He was the only one who knew her secret. The only one that could understand. The disease that ravaged his body filled people with fear as well. They avoided him. They wanted to avoid him and contact with him.

“One.” Charlie took a seat and peered at him through her hair.

Mark nodded and snuck a look at her when she turned her head. The thin shirt. The low slung sweat pants. The lithe body beneath. “Did anyone see you?”

She shook her head no. “I managed to avoid that.”

“Good.” Mark smiled. “I’ve done more research here. I have some things we can try.” Things that will involve you being naked, of course.

To Charlie, he was Mark. the good friend. The secret keeper. But Mark knew the real story.

Mark the cad. The lecherous user. He had lied about so many things. Over the course of their relationship, he had lied about being ill, lied about trying to help Charlie, and above all, he had lied about believing her to be a werewolf. She was just another hot goth girl with serious mental issues and a need to be different. But, that was ok. Mark liked coming up with possible cures for her that involved him “helping” her cure this lycanthropy - naked for his pleasure. She would allow him access to her when he wanted to try anything that he could convince her would cure her. Take away her wolf side.

What a nut job. He watched her get up to get the coffee made and leered at her bare hips and nipples. A beautiful nut job.

“There was a guy in the airport. He knew me from the Monkey. But, I avoided him.”

“Good. We don’t need people getting involved. We’re too close to making you better.” Mark sniffed the air. Something smelled stale. “I found some passages from a Greek text. I think they might work if the moon phase is right.

Charlie smiled back to him. “Really?” Her voice was full of hope.

“I hope so. We can try tonight. I just need to find some roses and other things. We’ll create a paste and apply it to your skin. then, we can see if the incantation will work.

“Mark...what would I do without you?” She wanted to cry. She moved to him and hugged him tightly.

Mark wrapped his hands around her and pressed his face into her breasts. Oh yes, this was just fine. “We need to get you better.”

She leaned back up and wiped her eyes. “Thank you. You’re the only one who’s helped me.” She turned and poured the water into the French Press coffee maker.

Mark bit his bottom lip and stared at her backside. He’d help her alright. “Ted and Jessica and still away. It’s just us in the complex until tomorrow. I’ll get the supplies today and we can try tonight. Ok?”

“Please,” she said with a sad smile. “I need to be...normal.”

“You’ll never be normal, crazy girl,” Mark thought.



That night, Mark arrived with his fake cure. He had Charlie lower the lights and light candles. Charlie closed the curtains and slipped out of her clothes. She let them fall to the floor without care.

“Where do you want me?” She stood before him naked as the day she was born.

Mark held back a giggle. This was the best part of his week. He pretended to think, taking I her naked form. “Let’s see....” He stared at her form and took it all in. “We’ll put you here.” He pulled the sofa out a bit and patted it lightly. “Right here.” He acted as if he wasn’t interested as she made her way to the sofa ad laid back. He flipped through his faked notes and jumbled fake words, then pulled the rose oil he’d purchased earlier in the day out from his bag.

“Is that the potion?” Charlie’s voice was small.

“This is it.” He smirked. Potion. Mark poured some into his hands and started to rub it over Charlie’s pale skin.

“It smells good, Charlie whispered as she closed her dark eyes and relaxed.

“I need t put it...all over.” Mark’s heart was beating. “All over you, nutty werewolf girl. All over here....and here...and here...” His hands explored her everywhere. Oil was applied liberally - ten dollars well spent, in his mind. He slid his hands over her and apologized when his hand slid between her legs.

“That’s ok.”

Mark took his time and wondered if the other part of his plan was going to work as well as this had. Everything else in the past had, so he had high hopes.

Charlie lay still. Her eyes were closed and her dark hair fanned out around her head. Her chest rose and fell as she breathed deeply.

“Ok...now, the uncomfortable part.” Mark snapped the cap closed on the oil. His hands tingled from the twenty minutes of rubbing and his groin tingled from seeing Charlie oiled and glistening before him. “To reach your animal side, we need to make love as the incantation is being read. I’m sorry, but it’s the only way.”

Charlie whispered, “The only way.”

Mark nodded. “Yes.”

“Scumbag.” Charlie’s eyes remained closed and her breathing remained steady.

Mark swallowed hard. “What?” Mark cursed himself. He knew this was pushing it. He thought it was a good run, though. It looked like he was going to loose this special relationship with this little crazy werewolf girl.

“I said that you were a scumbag.” Charlie’s eyes opened and Mark gasped and stumbled backwards and away from the sofa. Charlie’s eyes were icy blue with dark pupils. They seemed to glow in the half light. “Magical oils and incantations.” She sat up and Mark stumbled back.

“I was trying to help.” Mark’s voice shook with fear. “I was just trying to help!” He turned and bolted for the door, but Charlie was on him before he took three steps. He felt her small hands on his shoulders, then felt his feet leave the floor as he was lifted and tossed through the air and back into the room.

He sailed gracefully though the air and into the closet landing with a thud and a pop.

“Helping me.” Charlie’s voice was a low growl. “My friend.”

Mark tried to stand, but was stopped by the fire shooting through his leg. He gripped it and felt the bone that had broken and torn through the skin. “JESUS!” He whimpered and shivered as shock slipped over him.

Charlie laughed and rolled her head on her shoulders. The candles flickered and long shadows danced over the walls. She wiggled her fingers and they seemed to grow. Mark though it was a trick of the light.

The stale smell filled his nostrils. He caught sight of the body a moment later. A man lay next to him in the closet. He wore a cheap, travel suit and his neck was a ripped open mass of torn flesh. Parts of him had been chewed through. Bone shone through skin and the look of terror was frozen on his face.

Mark gagged, then screamed for help and shoved back away from the body.

“He was persistent, that one.” Charlie arched her back and bones popped and cracked as she took another step forward. “Saw me walking to the apartment and just wouldn’t take no for an answer. I simply had to have him over for a snack.” Her limbs seemed to grow longer.

Mark watched as dark hair slithered from Charlie’s pours. His eyes went wide as her mouth stretched and crackled and her nose pushed forward and out. Out like a wolf muzzle.

Charlie smiled a wide, grotesque smile and sharp teeth glistened in the darkness. She was a monster. Strong arms reached out for Mark and claw tipped fingers bit into the skin of his chest. Broad shoulders blocked the candlelight and the hair that framed the terrible face hung into his eyes.

Mark cried out for help that would never come.




The smell of the ocean air on Charlie’s clothes made her happy. She’d spent the day cleaning and dropping some things off there in the ocean water and the exercise had done wonders for her outlook. She thought back on the bags of Mark and the cheap suit spinning from her strong grip. The arch of their decent into the ocean below. How they sank into the cold water - the rocks within them dragging them below the surface and out of sight. The afternoon was a dreaming drift of sun and wind and the ocean. She’d even managed to fine time to read a book.

She had waved at Ted and Jessica from her chair in the sun as they made their way out to coffee, but had turned down their offer to join them. She’d had enough human interaction for one week.

Watcher

“The sun shone in the sky.” He frowned. The phrase didn’t seem right. “The sun was bright and hot....and wet.” He shook his head and tossed his pen across his room like a child. This was an impossible task. Why hadn’t he started it ages ago when he had time? He had so much time to complete his task and now it was all gone and the whole situation was hopeless . Desperate. “Write a bloody NOVEL in a day?” He frowned and read over the requirements for the paper again. It might as well be a novel. He stood and moved to his window as the sun shone through the window as if to mock and tease him. That’s when he saw his first, bare breasts.
His seventeen year old mind froze, but his body acted with ninja-like quickness as it ducked down low to avoid being seen. He shuffled his feet and got his head between the plant on the sill and her - his neighbor and fellow student Lisa Tate. He stared, taking in the supple flesh and didn’t even want to blink for fear of missing a single second of this splendor. Why was she wandering through her room without clothing? He took it in, scared to think about it too much for fear it would break the spell and send this vision spiraling back to the mists of fantasy.
She was beautiful. Pale with dark black hair tumbling over her shoulders. A towel was wrapped around her full hips. He stared through the plant and his mouth fell open as his knees burned. It seemed like minutes, but it was most likely seconds before she disappeared back into her bathroom to complete whatever task she had started.
He stood slowly, turned, and moved back to his desk. He took another pen out of his pen cup, stared up to the ceiling for a minute, then put pen to paper without thinking. His words flowed from mind, to hand, to pen to paper. Several hours later, he had his story - written in hours instead of weeks. His final grade was A- for spelling and grammar.
Years slipped by. He dated, but nothing lasted more than a few months. He wrote and the stories grew darker and longer. The original tale spun after seeing his nubile neighbor was filled with magic, light and love, but now his stories were filled with fear and hate and sorrow. The protagonists that fought evil now caused evil in the worlds he created. They reigned over others and made their lives difficult and sad.
And the watching continued.
Now a man, he developed schemes to see others in their natural states. At first, all those years ago, he wanted more nudity and sex to fuel his passions. He’d watch as women changed clothing and went about their night time rituals and filed the memories away for his private pleasures later. He caught couples in the act of lovemaking and joined them through the windows of their homes. Watching them in their most intimate moments. But soon, that became a bore. It was always the same. Nude, they would go about their duties. Alone, he’d watch them. The magic wore off of that like it had his stories long ago.
His first camera made things more interesting. He saved and scrimped to buy it and spent hours walking with it and taking photos. The film process was slow and drove him mad. When he sold his film camera and purchased a digital camera the light in his life returned.
He’d move through the days snapping photos of others going about their work and play and would spend his nights going through the photos and categorizing them into groups. Mothers would play with their children, people would work their dreadful jobs, and he would document everything - a hidden presence in their worlds. A God.
He’d look down on them and observe their lives, making comments to himself as he did so.
“Do you really need that burger, luv?” Click.
“I wonder how much you get paid, my boy?” Click.
“I love you.” Click.
One day, he found himself at the shipyard. Naval ships bore their flags and officers and enlisted men went about their duties. He slowly walked past the base with their posted signs and warnings, his camera swinging around his neck. His eyes narrowed as his fingers slid over the camera’s surface. He paused as several men wandered past on the other side of the gate. Surely, he wasn’t supposed to be here. This was military. Secret. His heart raced at the thought of snapping a photo. What would they do if they caught him? What if they thought he was a spy or terrorist? A slow smile crossed his face as he gripped the camera a little tighter.
The fence spun on down the walkway and wire topped it neatly all the way. At one point, the fence dropped down the hillside. From there, he’d have a shot at the whole base and the ships beyond. His pace grew quicker and his smile wider as he made his way to the dip. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he licked his lips and eyed the base. Not since his accidental view of his neighbor had he had this feeling of need and exhilaration.
The fence dropped off down the hill as the road curved up and to the right.
He stopped, brought the camera up to his eye quickly, and started shooting.
Ships.
Men walking.
Jeep.
Fence warning sign.
The barbed wire.
The sun shining off the windows of the buildings below.
The angry looking face of some man watching from the strip of road on the other side of the fence down below. The man stomped towards the fence .
He dropped the camera to his chest and eyed the man walking his way. Without a thought, he turned on his heel and started walking away briskly. He didn’t see the angry man wave his hands at the dog that had made it’s way under the fence. “Get along, ya mutt! Off with ya!”
He reviewed the photos later and was thrilled with his coup. He was right there, taking photos of everything and they couldn’t stop him. He didn’t ask permission. He just took it. He smiled to himself and leaned back in his chair. Where would he go tomorrow? A bank, perhaps? He could take a picture of the tellers and the vault. What would they do? There was nothing posted stating that one could not take photos within the banks walls, so what could they do?
His smile widened as he leaned forward to review the photos a second time.

Banter

The quiet hum of the restaurant echoed off the bare walls and floors growing louder as it moved towards the front, but softer as it moved t the back. Jennifer and Mark Cooper knew this. They always sat in the back.
They always ordered the same meals as well. Jennifer going heavy with steak, potatoes, mixed green salad and cake or mousse for dessert. Mark going light with the potato leak soup and salad combo, wrapping it all up with a tawny port.
They were known by name.
They ate at Cha Chili every Sunday. the small restaurant and bar was filled with locals on Sundays and it made for a cozy and safe place to eat.
They were not married.
Jennifer sipped her water and stared at the men at the bar like always. Her skin itched and she grew more and more uncomfortable as the evening wore on. She thought to herself, like she always did, and wondered if this would be her life from here on out. Alone and eating dinner with her brother.
He was equally agitated and sat with his back to the front of Cha Chili, choosing to ignore the masses as the ate. He had no desire to find someone else at this stage of his life. He’d give it time. That’s what he needed. Steve was gone, but still painfully there in his life like a ghost. He’d need to exorcise that spirit before finding another heavenly body to share his life with. He grinned to himself as he watched his sister. He knew what was on her mind. Ever the drama queen.
He blurted the words out before he had a chance to think them through. “Drama queen.”
“What?” She broke the stare and locked eyes with Mark. “Did you just call me a drama queen, you queen.”
“God, how smart.” Mark sipped his port. “You’re twenty-five and have managed to wall yourself up and out of life and into that school of yours. You’re smart and sweet and good looking...so I’ve been told.” He smiled. “Yet, you stare at all those guys every week and practically vomit if one happens to stare back, let along TALK to you.”
Jennifer narrowed her eyes. “Whatever.”
The din grew louder as a small group of people poured into the front doors.
“I need more friends my age is all.” She slid her fort into her cake, sighed then brought the delicious chocolate to her lips.
“You need to shake it off and get back in the game. You’re a doll and have nothing to fear from the likes of that crowd.” He dropped his head backwards slightly.
His sister blushed, though no one in the place had noticed the gesture. She rolled her eyes and took another fork full of cake. “Speaking of getting back in the game - how’s work going?”
Jennifer knew that would sting. She wanted it to.
“I mean, it didn’t seem like things went as planned?” She took another bite of cake. “Sorry I was right.”
Mark ignored her. “You go to the gym, work your little tush to the bone, then fork-feed cake, ice cream and cookies in like some strange child's toy. Work Out Jennifer.” He smirked.
Jennifer watched as a tall man at the bar removed his coat and slid it over the back of his chair. She licked frosting from the corner of her mouth, her dark eyes drifting over his shoulders and over his strong jaw as they made their way to his blue eyes.
Mark assumed she was pining away for someone, but she wasn’t. She wasn’t really looking at anything. She was thinking about wether she should say what was on her mind or not.
She placed her fork on the corner of the plate as she dabbed her lip with the end of her napkin.
She’d try it yet again.
“I talked to mom today.” Jennifer looked at Mark and locked eyes. She felt her stomach drop as his smile faded away. She wanted to take the words back as she watched him turn his head towards the kitchen and away from her.
“Lovely.”
“She said hello. I told her I’d tell you.”
Mark nodded. “Ok.”
Silence flooded in around the two of them. The three year difference in their ages seemed to flip - Mark seeming younger and more fragile than she could ever be.
“You’re really never talking to her again?”
“I doubt it.”
“It seems silly at this point. I mean, she....”
“Jenn.” Mark looked back in her direction and held a hand up. He sipped his port and finished it, placed the glass on the table and slid the glass over the table cloth.
Jennifer dragged her fork over the small spot of frosting on her plate.
Mark’s eyes found hers again and he mustered a smile.
Jennifer dragged her hand over her forehead.
Time raced through Mark’s mind as he drifted back to when Jennifer was twelve and he was fifteen. She desperately tried to make things right. To keep everyone happy. She made Herculean efforts to keep the piece and keep the family together. Strike that. She was more like Sisiphus.
Jennifer’s eyes welled with tears.
“Hey.”
Jennifer blinked the tears away and gulped out, “What?”
“Still like those silly little....toy box things?”
“Gashapon?”
“Sure.” He smirked.
“Yeah.” Jennifer could tell that he was done with the mother talk. He was always done with it before it even started.
“I still remember that day you got me busted. When I brought you into the City to that store to get them. Like a hour long bus ride.” He laughed. “How Mom and Dad said that I shouldn’t have let you buy all of those things.” He stammered slightly when he mentioned his mother and father in the same breath. “How much did you spend?”
Jennifer grinned and hung her head for a moment before raising it and giggling out, “One hundred plus bucks or something.” She laughed. “It was all of my babysitting money.”
“It was over a hundred. Like one-twenty.” Mark laughed and shook his head. “All these little boxes with toys inside. Jesus, it was a show. And your little ritual for opening them and showing them. You were so cute.”
“And, you gave me fifty dollars.”
“Mom did.” Mark grinned.
“I knew it was you.” She laughed. “You were so guilty over the whole thing.”
Mark shrugged the comment off with a smile.
“I still have all those, you know. All the little chairs and the figures. The little stands you built me for the special ones. Remember those?” She beamed.
“Out of Moms thread thingys - I remember.”
“Yeah, those spools. I have all that shit.” She smiled wide. “I have some of it out at the dorm. Mom’s holding the rest for me.” She scrapped at the cake bits in her plate.
The silence was broken by words that Jennifer longed to hear.
“Mom sounds good?”
Jennifer’s heart skipped a beat. She kept her head lowered as not to disrupt the thought. “Yeah, she sounds pretty good. She stopped smoking a while back. Did you know that?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“So...yeah, she sounds happy. I mean, you know, like she is in good spirits right now.”
Mark nodded.
Jennifer didn’t want to say any more. This was the first time Mark had talked about their mother like this is years. Ever since the thing with their Father and her. She’d let it lay right where it was.
“I don’t know. Maybe I’m being an asshole...” Mark sighed and lifted his empty glass towards the waitress as she walked by.
“Another?”
“Please.” Mark smiled a wide smile and handed her the glass.
“She’s never going to forgive herself for the whole thing with Dad, Mark.” Jennifer reached for Mark’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
Mark fought the urge to pull away.
“She’d love to hear from you.” Jennifer winced as the words slid from her mouth. This line had sent Mark into a fury three months ago at this very table. “And Dad would have LOVED to her from HER as he was dying, Jenn.” She wanted to take the words back.
“Yeah.” Mark sighed and looked into his sister’s eyes. A slow smile crawled over his face. “Hey, that place is still open - the Japanese shop down the street.”
Jennifer pursed her lips.
The port was placed before Mark and the waitress held the bill between them as usual. “We ready for the bill?” She held it between two fingers and Mark snatched it before Jennifer had gotten her hand off the table. Another ritual that started when Mark and Jennifer each thought themselves the faster sibling. “Winner.” the waitress walked off laughing.
“I’ll buy you some more of those box toys and some candy if you feel like hanging out a little longer.” Mark slipped his card out of his wallet and dropped it onto the table with the bill. “I need this port to wear off before I start driving.” He sipped and winked.
“Sure, I’ll hang out a little longer.” Jennifer smiled and nodded. “Let you drop some more cash on me.”
“The perpetual student. And, a sucker for toys and candy. Guys should line up to date you!”
“Fuck off.” Jennifer giggled. “The GENIUS who knew you’d hate that job.”
“The job that paid for dinner, Cheap Date.”
“Whatever.” She rolled her eyes and sat up straight. “Oop...just your type walked in.”
Mark resisted turning around. “Not interested.”
“He’s gorgeous. Just peek.”
“No thanks,” Mark said as he sipped. “Hey.”
“What?” Jennifer’s eyebrows raised.
“I love you, Sis.” He shrugged and sipped, then whispered, “Even if you are a bit dim.”
The banter lead to laughter.

The light of his life

He took in the scene for a moment. He never wanted to forget it. The cool freshness of it in his mind. The overwhelming feeling of wanting to commit every detail to memory. The way she looked. How she smelled. How she felt and tasted on this, the most special night of his life. The aura of beauty drifted over and around her like mist. She was a fine wine. An angel. Perfect in every way shape and form. Her curves filled him with a desire that he didn’t even know he was capable of. He was mad with the very essence of her being. He never wanted to leave her side.
“And, that should do it, Mr. Coleman.”
He tore himself away from her for a moment, looking from the window to the middle aged man across the table from him. “Um….thank you.”
“Enjoy it. It was a pleasure doing business with you.” The man stood and shook Steve Coleman’s hand, then handed him the keys to his new car.
“Oh, I will.” Steve Coleman’s smile was wider than it ever had been. He felt the salesman’s hand pat his back as he turned to go, but he didn’t look back. Papers in hand, he made his way to the door with an absent thank you tossed behind him like an afterthought.
He wanted to run to her, but he walked briskly instead. He wanted to make this moment last.
He opened the door and got behind the wheel, closing the door gently behind himself. He drew in a breath and inserted the key in the ignition.
The car roared to life and he felt complete.

Courtesy

People walked through the terminal with a strange pace, Clara thought. They were not running, yet they had a sense of urgency that was frightfully apparent. They reminded her of ants. They moved with purpose and limited vision. She hoped she didn’t look like them. She wanted nothing to do with them. Nothing at all.


She re-read the line she left off on in her book.

“"I sat by the ships, a useless burden, though there are better in Assembly- so may this strife of men and gods be done with."

Clara frowned and thought about the line. Something in her heart sank. Her lip quivered slightly and she glanced up and through the window as a 747 rose off the strip and into the air.

“Clara Ponty. Clara Ponty. White courtesy telephone, please.”

Clara looked around and bent the corner of her books page down, closing it for later. She stood and brushed her hand over her leg to smooth her skirt before moving. She strolled out into the aisle and glanced around for the phone. Spotting it, she moved towards it with grace and calm. She lifted it from the cradle and listened as the operator rang through.

“This is Clara Ponty. I had a call?”

“Yes, one moment please.” The operator was human, but sounded like a robot. Ants, Clara thought.

Clara looked around as two large officers moved towards her. She didn't panic. She heard a voice on the line.

“Clara?

“Scott?” Clara frowned. How had he known she was here?

“Hey, Baby. Long time no see.” His voice was bitter.

The two security officers grew closer.

“What the fuck do you want, Scott?”

“Have your bags been in your possession the whole time?” 

She could hear the grin on that stupid face of his. She ground her teeth and gripped the phone tighter. “What?” She watched as the guards laid their hands on their guns, moving closer to her still.

“Has anyone else been in possession of your bag, Clara?”

A chill ran over her. “”Scott?” She felt her knees go weak.

“Checkmate.” The phone went dead.

“Hello Ms. Ponty? Will you come with us please?” The security officer’s voice was as sweet as honey, but his eyes were serious and blank. His partner stood to her side with his hand on his gun.

Clara dropped her book to the ground.

THE BOOGIEMAN: The REAL Ending

The house was a mess, but that wasn’t what came to mind at first glance. There were other things that were far more noticeable.

Like the fact that there was blood everywhere. Blood on the floor, the walls – hell, there was even blood on the ceiling. Bits of gore clung to the curtains in the living room and more covered the walls of the kitchen.

A priest clutching a cross lay dead on the floor. He had three knives, two forks and a cleaver stuck in his back. That brought the body count up to three if you counted the two old folks in the barn – one strangled with a hose and the other pinned by his neck about thirteen feet in the air with a pitchfork.

Sheriff Cooper shoved his hat back on his head and narrowed his eyes. “So, you’re telling me that this was all done by…a ghost?”

“Evil spirit, really. Of my mothers dead lovers.” The dark haired woman sat next to her brother and husband – evidently the last survivors of this attack of evil.

The Sheriff looked over at the two deputies and noted that they were still resting their hands on the butt ends of their guns, then retuned his gaze back to the trio. “So, this ex-lover was killed by your brother?”

“When I was nine.” The blonde man in overalls nodded.

“Riiiight.” Cooper nodded in return. “And, his spirit went into a mirror?”

“I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true, Sir. My wife and her brother were tormented as children, he was tied up by their mother’s lover, my wife cut him free, then her brother used the knife to kill the lover.” He held out his hand. “We went to her old house and that’s when she saw the evil spirit in the mirror. She broke it, I brought it back here, and he came back to life when I pieced the shards back together.” Concern crossed his face.

“And, his spirit was banished when we dropped the mirror into the well.”
Cooper narrowed his eyes. “Where it exploded?”

“Yes, Sir.” The woman stared with teary eyes.

Sheriff Cooper adjusted his hat again. “Ok…let’s get back to Father Mark.” He pointed to the priest on the floor. “The evil spirit did this?”

“Yes, Sir. After Father Mark tried to release it with the cross.”

“And, the evil spirit shoved all those into him?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“I see.” He pursed his lips. “And your ma’ and pa’ in the barn?”

“The spirit did that, too.” The woman started to stand, but Cooper waved her down and she slumped back into her seat. The two deputies slowly slide their half drawn guns back down into their holsters.

“Now, that we dropped the mirror into the well, the evil spirit is gone.” The brother smiled wide. “We’re free of him, see?”

“Sure, son. I see.” Sheriff Cooper smiled and nodded to his deputies. They moved forward and handcuffed the two men as Cooper himself handcuffed the woman.

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to have an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand these rights?”


The true ending of the movie THE BOOGIEMAN if it were a real event. In the movie, many people were killed, they get rid of a evil spirit, but I thought, “What about all the dead people? How the HELL did they explain them all away?” Just thought it was funny that they had NO problem dealing with the fact that there were bodies all over the farm they lived on! ☺

Read'N'Dash Fiction: Curry

The smell of Indian spices filled the air and the bright lights aimed at key spots on the walls provided a soft glow that was pleasing on the eyes. . The chill of the outside was held back by the massive grills and the flames they gave off. Chefs cooked, the wait staff brought dishes out quickly and efficiently,  and the customers chatted and ate away at their meals.

The restaurant was packed. Tables were tight and the self-services area staged clashes between those waiting for chai tea and those trying to get utensils and glasses.

The tall, thin, dirty-blonde returned to her table with two cups of chai in hand. “Place was packed over there.” She wore yoga pants with a large sweater over them. A colorful scarf rested around her shoulders.

Her companion glanced over her shoulder, took the proffered cup of chai. “Thanks for braving the crowd.” She smiled and smelled the cup.

“Sure.” The woman sat and sipped her chai. She blurted out, “Thomas – he has real issues with this, of course - strong, assured women.”

Jessica had to think for a moment, then remembered the conversation that took place before she had left to go get the chai. Stephanie nodded and said, “Oh, the game, right?”

“Yes indeed -the game.” She smiled wide. “He had major issues with the game. He had to Lord over us – claiming that he was the best player and the most skilled.” She rolled her eyes. “Real issues there.”

Stephanie nodded. “Seems so?”

Jessica tapped the table with her forefinger. “He has problems with strong women. He can’t handle having a powerful woman in his life.”

“A lot of men can’t.” Stephanie tore off a hunk of naan and dipped it into her sauce. She paused. “Did he say that to you? That he had these issues?” She popped the bread into her mouth.

“Of course not. No, see, this happened when we went out the other night. I told him that he needed to turn off his iPhone. He was checking it and I didn’t want to carry on the conversation without him being present.” She sipped. “I said that he needed to turn off the phone.”

“Did he?”

“After a minute – yeah.” She laughed. “But, he made a stink over it. Said that it was something about work and people needed him or something.” She snickered. “But, he just had an issue with me telling him he needed to do it. Real woman issues.” She shook her head and picked at her food.

“Still seeing him?” Stephanie slid another bit of naan through the sauce on her plate and slipped it into her mouth - savoring the flavors. 

“Tomorrow.” She sipped. “We’re supposed to go out.”

“Well, that’s something.” Stephanie dragged another bit of naan over her plate.

“See, it all stems from his family.” Jessica leaned back in her chair. “He was an only child, right? His family was one of these “lovey dovey” families where the dad was making cakes and things and he put so much love into it that Thomas thought the world was like that. The whole family went around LOVING each other all the time. He thought that everyone he met was going to be as loving and nurturing.” She giggled. “Like some lamb?”

“No thanks.” Stephanie smiled. 

Jessica didn’t miss a beat. “So, here I am and he freaks out. He can’t handle a woman with power. Someone who’s not going to just sit and look pretty for him.” Unconsciously, she ran a hand over her face. She felt the wrinkles on the over tanned and rough skin there and her hand fell to her cup. Somewhat oily, her hair dropped over one eye and she brushed it back behind her ear.

The man at the table next to them smiled to the girl across from him and asked if she would like more chai. She asked for water and he excused himself and took his cup over to the chai container.

Jessica glanced around the room, then looked back to Stephanie – searching for something to say. She was somewhat frantic, feeling that the space left by the lack of words was going to swallow her up. Shove her back into some dark place.

“How was the party other than the game incident?” Stephanie blinked and waited.

Jessica smiled. “Fine, really. I mean, Thomas was Lording, like I said. But, other than that, things were fine, I guess. I mean…” She frowned.

Stephanie raised her eyebrows. “What?”

Jessica looked into Stephanie’s face – searching. Something flashed in her head.
Thomas wasn’t going to call her on that iPhone of his. She was sure of it. The party, the last words, and the promised call tossed away like some used tissue. It dawned on her out of nowhere. She felt defeated. A smile played at the corners of her lips as she looked at Stephanie.

“You ok?”

Jessica smiled. “You know what?” She slapped the table lightly. “I’m not calling him back. Not going out with Thomas again. He can keep his issues and his phone.”

“Oh?” Stephanie cocked her head to the side.

“No. He if has a problem with me being a strong, confident woman, then to hell with him. I mean, who needs that, right?” She laughed. “Not me. I’m not going to stop being who I am, am I?”

“Well, you shouldn’t have to. “ She glanced at the man returning with the chai and water, then looked back into Jessica’s bright eyes.

“Yeah, I don’t need that in my life.” She managed a smile. “Wanna go?”

Summers

It was pretty much the best weather the City had all summer. I went for a run. That was nice. I showered and got back out into the sun as fast as I could. The trip down to Kelly’s place was amazing. I was going to take the bus, but the weather was too good to miss out on. I walked briskly, switching to the shady side of the street when I got too warm. My iPod was blasting RJD2 and I had a bounce in my step.
When I got to her place, she answered the door wearing shorts and a bikini top and drinking a beer. Her dark hair fell over her shoulders and her sun freckles looked like they had multiplied since the last time I saw her.
Her face was serious and calm. She slid the bottle of beer over her breast and whispered, “It took you forever to get over here. I almost gave up on you.” She held out the bottle and I took it.
“Sorry, I walked over.” I took a swig as she removed her bikini top and tossed it over her shoulder.
One of her neighbors wandered past her apartment towards the laundry room. If they saw her, they didn’t say anything.
Kelly turned and her slim hips swayed languidly as she moved down the hallway towards the bedroom. I followed her, watching as she removed her shorts and kicked them away. She was like a dancer – fluid and graceful. Her thong was next. She leaned against the bedroom door and slid it down her legs. “Come in. Close the door. Make yourself comfortable.” She turned and ran a finger over her small, tanned breast. She licked her lips and let her hand slide down between her legs.
She didn’t have to tell me twice.



It was pretty much the best weather the City had all summer. We all were hanging out in the park and it was just a beautiful thing. Tom had his drum and he played it while Cathy and Sammy danced.
I checked the time, took another toke, then said my goodbyes. “Gotta split. I promised Kelly I’d come by.” I brushed off my jeans and pulled on my shirt. “Later.”
I made my way through the park and scored another bag on the way to Kelly’s.
When I got there. Kelly was out in the back yard painting a sign that said U.S. OUT NOW. She had red paint on her cheek and looked so cute. Her dress drifted on the cool breeze her dark hair was tied back with a tie-dyed scarf. When the sun was right, I could see right through the dress.
“Took you long enough.” She grinned. “Out here painting these up all by myself in the sun, man. Not cool.”
I waved the baggie in front of her face and she whispered, “But I forgive you.”
We laughed and fell onto the grass – our hands exploring.
“Let’s go inside, Baby?”
We managed to get to our feet and move inside before anyone called the cops.



The sun was hot and warm and I picked Kelly up around 1pm. I heard her Father barking at her as I moved up the driveway. Wow - the guys voice carried like he was using a megaphone.
“And, where are you to driving to?”
I knocked.
“Coming!” Kelly’s voice was as warm as the sun. The door opened and she rolled her eyes and mouthed, “He’s such a bore.”
“Hello, Mr. Roth. Were you able to get out and enjoy some of this weather today?” I smiled. “Ideal for golf, right? Did you get your new clubs?”
Her father drifted over to the door and his face softened. “Well, not yet. Haven’t had time to go over and pick them up yet.”
“Well, don’t waste this day, Sir.” I shook his hand. “I’ll have Kelly home by…eight? I thought we’d just go for a drive and get something to eat.”
He arched his brow and smiled. “Well, like you said, it’s a beautiful day and it’d be a shame to waste it. Make it nine. You two have a nice time.”
We waved and walked to the car. Even with the windows down it was super hot.
I backed into the street and beeped the horn as we moved off for the day. When we were further down the road, I pulled over into the shade. Kelly looked at me shyly.
“What’s wrong?” She blinked.
I leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
She giggled and looked around. “You’re going to get us in trouble.” She blushed.
I gave her cheek a pinch and laughed. “You’re the ginchiest!”



The weather was ideal. Some of the best we’ve had in a long while, I tell you. It was a fabulous day for tea.
I walked up the path to Ms. Roth’s home and knocked. The sun beat down on my back and I began to perspire. I couldn’t show up looking like some ruffian. I removed my hat and wiped my brow with my handkerchief.
The door opened and Ms. Roth’s Father loomed before me.
“Well hello my boy. Right on time as usual, eh?” He smiled and nodded as he took my hand. “Come in before you’re baked alive out there.” He motioned me inside and I swept my handkerchief back into my pocket.
“Thank you, Sir.”
“We’re taking tea on the back porch. There’s a nice breeze today and the oaks will keep things cool. This way.”
He lead me through the house to the back yard and our into the garden. The sun filtered through the trees and the cool breeze raced over my forehead – a Godsend.
Then, I saw her. She was beautiful. An Angel. She sat up and turned her head towards me ever so slightly. She was a vision. Her skin glistened as she twirled her parasol and smiled in my direction. I blushed. He dress was a bright yellow and it reflected the sun’s bright light. I blushed again as I glanced at the buttons down her side. They were like pearls.
“Mr. Cole – I’m glad you could make it this afternoon.” She smiled kindly and her lashes flittered playfully.
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it. Thank you for your invitation.” I bowed my head and glanced over to Mr. Roth. He nodded and I made my way towards her. “Thank you…for making a place for me at your table.” I took her hand in mine and held it for a moment. The smooth silk of her glove sent shivers up my arm. We looked into each others eyes and held the glance for what seemed like an eternity.
“Now now you two lovebirds. We’ll have none of that foolishness here today.” Mrs. Roth’s voice sing songed from the garden and I jerked my hand back awkwardly as Mr. Roth bellowed out a laugh. “The neighbors will be talking. Sit. Sit, now.”
I smiled awkwardly and sputtered out a laugh as Mrs. Roth took a seat next to her daughter. Mr. Roth sat next to her and I took a chair across from Ms. Roth.
I was in heaven. I was so close to her - able to sneak glances at her and exchange sweet smiles. I was in heaven.
This was a fabulous summer. My best summer ever.

Plan B

He stood in the darkness staring at the car as the frosty wind raced off the ocean and over his skin. Sand blew around his feet as the strap of his computer bag cut into his shoulder.
The Dodge sat in the middle of the little, four lane highway with the hood propped open and liquid slowly dripping out from the under carriage. Hazard lights blinking, the vehicle was passed on the left and right by functioning brethren.
“Piece of crap,” he mumbled as he pushed his hands deeper into the pockets of his coat. Thank God he brought it with him. This was the perfect way to top off his amazing fourteen-hour day at work. Perfect.
He glanced at his phone again. He’d been waiting in the cold for over an hour and the tow truck was due at any minute. The only thing he could think about was getting home and getting into a nice, hot shower.
A large truck pulled up a few blocks away and parked. That had to be it.
He waved, moving into the light. “Over here, Dude. Hel-lo!” Hopping, he waved and tried to get the drivers attention. “God damn….” He pulled out his cell and waved it over his head. The iPhone’s illuminated face might act like a beacon. He felt it vibrate in his hand as the small bells began to chime.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Mr Johnson? Our driver is there and he’s not seeing where you are.”
“I’m right across the street. I’ve been waving, but he doesn’t see me I guess.” He frowned and waved again.
“Oh, ok. Well, I’ll let him know. So, you’re across the street?”
“Yes, right ahead of him.
“I’ll let him know. Thank you, Mr. Johnson.”
He waited and a moment later the truck started moving forward and across the street toward him. He waved again, motioned to the car’s resting place, and then started moving towards it. The bag on his shoulder slide and he caught it awkwardly as he made his way over the small barrier and through the sandy bar along side the roadway.



Minutes later, he gave a final look back at his car before climbing into the tow truck. He glanced back through the window and muttered a curse as he fastened his seatbelt.
The tow driver hoisted himself up into the cab. He was a round man who looked like he was shooting for “physically unfit” as a look. His round belly was accentuated by his tight shirt tucked into his pants. His dark skin had a sheen of sweat and his hands were covered with grease and grime.
“Here we go, huh?” He smiled and the tow truck roared to life as his door slammed shut. “Where are we going again?”
“Clement street?”
“Right….right….that place. I know where that is. By 24th. I looked on the way here.” He glanced back and pulled the truck and it’s flatbed deadweight into traffic. “We’ll get you there and home, huh Mr. Johnson?”
“Sounds great.” He stared out the window with tired eyes and wondered if the driver was planning on slowing down at all before hitting the curve. He obviously had no intention of wasting time being safe. He took the hill and the corner at 45 miles per hour.
“Tough day, huh?”
“Yeah. Drag of a day.”
“I bet.” The tow driver laughed.
Malcolm liked his slight, Spanish accent. It was comforting and made up for the discomfort he felt from the man’s driving. “Yeah. I worked a fourteen-hour day and them this crap happens on the way home. All I wanted to do is get home and them….wham.”
“Wham.” The man laughed again. “Like my night. I had to drive down to San Jose, pick a woman up, and take her to Hayward.” He laughed. “And after I take you to Clement, I have to drive BACK down to San Jose!” He shook his hand and giggled slightly.
Malcolm mustered a smile. “Wham.” He was starting to warm up now – the chill in his bones giving way to the heat of the tow truck and fear from the man’s driving. He half hopped the car would be flung away, smash into the ground and burst into flames. Problem solved.
“Wasn’t part of your plan, huh? Never is part of the plan, right?” The man looked over to Malcolm and grinned a wide grin. “You never see it coming.”
“Nope, not part of the plan at all.”
“Plan A – Plan A didn’t work.” The man shifted and half stopped at a stop sign before racing on.
Malcolm glanced back at his car rocking on the bed of the tow truck, then faced forward again.
“What you need,” the man said as he looked to Malcolm with a wide smile, “is a Plan B.” He chuckled and faced forward in his seat. “Plan B always works.” The laughter built in the man’s belly and his wide smile was infectious.
Malcolm smiled and chuckled. “Plan B.” He thought about it for a minute – the oily smell of the truck’s cab filling his nostrils. He broke into laughter, but wasn’t sure why.
“Plan B ALWAYS works!” The tow driver patted the steering wheel.
The two men laughed hearty laughs.
Malcolm was surprised. He didn’t think he’d be laughing tonight. Of course, he didn’t know that the answer to his problems…was a Plan B.