The Last Time

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 1 March 2019

Photo Credit: Jean L. Hays

 
I couldn’t believe the store was closing its doors. It had been part of our town for generations.

I remembered the night I met my friend in grade school whom I hadn’t seen him in years. When he invited me for a drink, how could I refuse?

We went to the store to get the beer. How could it be possible? I asked myself. We were minors.

My friend engaged the shopkeeper in small talk and distracted him well enough to let his buddies steal the beer. It was the last time we were together. I never saw him again.

Young and Invincible

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 23 March 2018

Photo Credit: Björn Rudberg
 
Mom saw the warning sign.

“I wouldn’t go there if I were you,” she said. “It’s kind of steep for a newbie.”

But Rachel was young and invincible. After all, she thought of herself as Super Girl and Wonder Woman all rolled into one.

Disregarding her mother’s advice, she kicked on the pedals and went full speed ahead.

It didn’t take long when Rachel crashed and fell off her bike.

“Kiddo, are you alright?” her worried father asked as he helped her up.

“I’m good, Dad,” she said.

“That’s my girl. Now let’s go fix the scrapes on your knees.”
 

* * *

 

I want to dedicate this story in memory of Noor Inayat Khan who served in the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) as a spy in World War II.

Her secret location in France betrayed by a double agent, she biked her way to Paris to escape. She was eventually captured and executed along with three other female spies in the Dachau concentration camp.

Driving Home

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 12 August 2016

NOTE: This is the continuation of the previous story, Into La-la Land, inspired by the same picture prompt.

Photo Credit: Adam Ickes

After celebrating their high school graduation at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Amusement Park, Allison and Jared together with their friends headed home.

They left the place facing a future that would change their lives forever.

They didn’t know it yet then, but Allison and Jared would get married. America would be at war and Jared would die in Afghanistan leaving Allison a widow.

For now, everything was right with the world.

Jared, who was driving, asked his companions if they should stop for pizza.

“Sure!” said Allison looking back at him with adoring eyes. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Into La-la Land (Revisited)

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 12 August 2016

NOTE: This is a repost of an old story. Did it get better with time? I guess it’s for you to judge. 🙂

Photo Credit: Adam Ickes

Allison felt awkward as Jared lay beside her after friends left their room at the hotel. They were celebrating their high school graduation at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Amusement Park.

Jared whispered softly that it was time to take their relationship further. He kissed her and one thing led to another until it finally happened. Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry,” he said, wiping them away gently.

“Jared, dear, where do we go from here?” she asked as she snuggled close to him. but there was no response. Jared was already off to la-la land, snoring deeply.

Mission to Mars

For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 25 March 2016

Note: This week I reach a milestone. Would you believe that this is my 100th story for Friday’s Fictioneers? I want to thank everybody and, most especially, our gracious host, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, for being part of this journey. Folks, I couldn’t have done it without you.

Photo Credit: Ted Strutz

Chuck found solace in the john after working in the yard all day. He closed his eyes and imagined Megan beside him in a module bound for Mars.

It was only recently that she refused to be his prom date. True, he wasn’t in her league. But still, it hurt.

Now they were on a mission to populate the red planet.

Chuck couldn’t wait for the rocket to launch. Soon he was soaring. He felt himself rising to the point of no return when he heard his little sister yelling outside.

“Chuck, what are you doing? I need to go.”