Burntcore Week 19: Honeymoon On Ice

Burntcore
Thursday


Picture 1

Picture 2


Burntcore's Choice: Photo 1


Title: Honeymoon On Ice
I looked around and gazed at the stark but amzing vista before me. Everywhere, as far as the eye could see, was snow and ice. The hills, the valleys, the dunes, the mountains, all were frozen. It was a strange metaphor for my existance, for I was also frozen. I was forever frozen at seventeen. But, just as these hills and valleys change, I change. I changed. Bella changed me.

I felt the cold, but it didn’t affect me. If I had been human, I would have already started to succomb to the elements. The deep rooted cold was almost as pleasant as the heat of the sun from Bella and my first honeymoon on Isle Esme. The two extremes reminded me I was still alive, even if I was techincally an undead creature.

Her footsteps behind me soothed me, as always. Her presence always grounded me, no matter what was going on in the world. She humbled me. I always thought I was the strong one, when she was human. She has proven me wrong time and time again. Now that she was like me, she was strongest of us all. Physical strength was dominated by Emmett, but she, she was unbeatable by her heart and her spirit and her capacity to love.

“So intense you are, Edward.” Bella said. Her voice was barely above a whisper, but in the quiet of this desolate place, it was like a vibrant shout to the heavens.

I smiled softly at my wife of five years. “Yes, I suppose.”

Her small hand curled up into mine, braiding our fingers together. I looked over her and couldn’t decide which sight was more breathtaking: the frozen tundra at our feet or this dazzling woman in front of me.

I wasn’t just saying she was dazzling because she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, but she was literally dazzling in the sun. The special feature of our skin that set us apart from humans, the one feature that I held in contempt for so long, was beautiful on her. Her skin sparkled like she was dusted with diamonds.

“You’re dazzling me again,” she murmurs, smiling up at me.

“I would say the same, love,” I replied.

Bella sighed happily and looked out over the frozen landscape.

“This is amazing, Edward. I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy this as a human, especially not in just jeans and a sweater. I’m so glad you brought me here.”

I smiled and pulled her gently in front of me so I could rest my hands on her waist. “There are a few advantages to our nature, this is true.”

“How did you find this place?”

“Canada? Well, I looked at this thing called a map. Perhaps you’ve heard of it?” I tease, snickering.

Bella gives me a dark look.

“Har har, funny man. The Ayles Ice Shelf isn’t exactly on the top ten best tourist destinations, even for vampires. So how did you find this place?”

I smiled again and pulled her against my chest. If I thought hard enough, I could remember how her heartbeat felt against my body.

“Just in my travels. It was once connected to Ellesmere Island but broke off a few years ago. I would come here to think without having to hide. The only other creatures here are the wildlife and they stay away from our kind.”

Bella nodded slightly. “It’s peaceful here. I can see why you would like it.”

“And now I wanted to share it with you,” I continued. Slowly, I leaned down and ran my nose down the side of her neck. “Happy anniversary, Mrs. Cullen.”

I saw her smile from the corner of my eye. “Happy anniversary, Mr. Cullen,” she replied.

“There is another advantage to this place, you know,” I added, as my hands drifted up from her waist to cup her breasts.

Bella leaned into my body, her back arching. “Mmmm, is that right?”

“Yeah, it is,” I told her as I kiss her shoulder and massage her delicate flesh under my fingertips.
Bella moaned softly and ran her hands down my hips.

“It’s peaceful and private,” I whispered, as my hands ran down her stomach to her waist. “No one for miles.” My fingers continued downward, unbuttoning Bella’s jeans.

She shimmed easily out of her jeans and spun around, quickly making work of my shirt.

“Sounds all kinds of perfect,” Bella purred as she pushed my shirt off my shoulders and started on my pants.

The rest of our clothes were quickly discarded around our bodies as I showed my wife how much I loved her.

Several times.

I personally enjoyed hearing how our passion-filled voices echoed off of hills of Ayles Ice Shelf. Although I hoped that it wouldn’t cause any more ice to break free from Ellesmere Island. Alice said we’d be fine.

So I let my wife show me how much she loved me, until the moon chased the sun across the sky and beyond.

Kimmydon Week 19: Saturday

Kimmydon
Wednesday


Picture 1

Picture 2


Kimmydon's Choice: Picture 1


Title: Saturday

I walked Beth home, dreading leaving her at the door. I held her hand, as I had through the show, luxuriating in the contact. Her laugh was as good as I remembered, and we had both laughed a lot. I wanted to talk to her, to ask her something, but the quiet was so nice. Sharing her company was something new to me, and I didn’t want to spoil it.
“This is me,” she said, stopping in front of the building.
“Right.” I pulled her hand up, rubbing the back of it. “Um...”
“What are you doing tomorrow?” she asked.
I met her eyes, blinking in surprise. “N-nothing,” I stuttered.
She looked at our joined hands and put her other hand around mine as well. “My parents have a cabin on the lake. I was thinking of going fishing. Do you fish?” she asked, looking up with those dark eyes, soulful and bottomless.
“I... I haven’t,” I admitted. “But I’d like to,” I added quickly.
She smiled shyly and looked at our hands again. “I only have one pole, but I’m sure we can share.”
I put my free hand to her cheek, my thumb rubbing the apple. She met my eyes again, this time seeming almost frightened.
“Beth?”
She blinked and swallowed. “You were going to kiss me again,” she said slowly.
I blushed a little. “Would you rather I didn’t?” I asked.
Her eyes widened and she shook her head. “I...” She leaned forward on her toes and put her lips to mine. I smiled against her mouth as I bent down, allowing her to settle back on her heels.
We each pulled our hands free. Mine found her waist as I continued to caress her cheek. Hers clutched my shoulders, pulling me to her.
I wondered sometimes how I didn’t just sweep her up every time I saw her, how I stayed in my office, how I got anything done. Some days I didn’t. Gary knew, he’d bust my chops every time he caught me daydreaming in her direction, daydreaming of this.
Her lips were soft and warm and tasted faintly of cherry. Behind that, there was the sweetness of cilantro from dinner. My tongue, almost of its own accord, brushed her lip, wanting to taste more.
She gasped and opened her mouth against mine, my breath pulled into her. I went with it, letting her pull my soul into her. I didn’t want it without her anyway.
How had I fallen so hard for this girl? I had girlfriends before, a couple since I had met Beth, but none of them made me feel like this. They made me feel light, tingly, good. Beth made me feel grounded. At the same time she threw away everything that wasn’t me. All the walls and safeguards I put up around myself were suddenly gone and there was only her.
She broke the kiss, her eyes fluttering. I hadn’t blinked, I was sure. Her eyes found mine and I felt myself smile.
“Peter,” she whispered. “I think I should go upstairs now.”
I brushed her face with my hand again. “Before you do something reckless?” I teased her.
She nodded, face serious.
“Tomorrow?” I asked.
“Pick me up at seven,” she said, smiling now.
My jaw dropped. “In the morning?” I verified.
She giggled and nodded. “Fish are easier to catch early in the morning. I’d ask you to pick me up at six, but you probably wouldn’t want to.”
I thought about it a moment. “I’ll pick you up at six.”
Her smile broadened and she kissed me again, pressing her body into mine. This time my eyes closed, opening when she chuckled.
“What?” I asked.
“You look like you just went to a very happy place.”
I closed my eyes again, smiling. “I did.”
“Take me with you?” she asked, teasing.
Little did she know it was only happy because she was there. “Promise,” I said instead.
I didn’t sleep much that night. I couldn’t get Beth out of my head. So I texted her at five.
Too early? -P
I’m up. Just braiding my hair. -B
How can you braid and text? -P
Shut up and come get me. -B
Yes’m -P
I grinned as I hit send. She didn’t often get bossy with me, I kinda liked it. Slipping the phone in my jeans pocket and pulling on a flannel shirt and ball cap I headed out the door. The hat felt odd on my head. I almost never wore one. My hair was probably my best feature, inherited from my mother. Hers curled even more than mine, ‘Goldilocks’, Dad would call her.
I tookI moment, holding the handle of my door, to remember losing them. Fucking Dad and the fucking car after the fucking booze. It wasn’t Sarah’s fault, but her memory might have been to blame. I was sure it was.
With another deep breath I closed the door behind me.
Beth was already downstairs when I arrived, one dark braid over each shoulder.
“This is how,” she said, waggling one at me. “I’d just finished this one.”
I grinned. “Ah. That makes sense. Did you want to drive?”
Her eyes went wide again. “Really?”
I smirked. “Why not? You know where the cabin is and I don’t.” I tossed her the keys, and she giggled a little running around me to hop into the driver’s seat. I didn’t often think about my car, but she was probably excited to get behind the wheel. Thanks to the insurance on my parents’ van, which my drunken father had wrecked, and the sale of Mom’s compact, I’d been able to purchase something completely impractical for myself. I loved my ‘vette.
“You’re sure?” she asked again, looking up at me from behind the wheel. She looked like she belonged there. She wasn’t a short woman and had only moved the seat a notch toward the pedals.
“I’m positive.” I leaned down to kiss her and she blushed as I did, grabbing the beak of my cap and tweaking it with a giggle.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear one of those before.”
I laughed too, backing up and circling the car. “You haven’t, but like the shirt it seemed fitting.” I picked up her pole and tiny tackle box, putting them behind the seats.
She laughed again. “Yes, I have seen you wear flannel, but only on Red Green day.”
I remembered with her. Another one of Gary’s infamous ideas. Let’s all pretend to be characters on The Red Green Show while the crew is in renovating the office. I shuddered remembering the number of ‘handyman’ jokes that had flown that day.
“It’s not the same without the suspenders.” I was in the seat now, and she ran a hand down one side of my chest where my suspender would have been had I been wearing them. My breath caught and I felt myself stiffening at her touch.
She must have realized because her jaw dropped and she pulled her hand away. She put it on the gear shift instead. I covered her hand lightly with my own, leaning over to kiss her cheek before belting in.
She bounced a little as my belt clicked. She turned the key and closed her eyes at the purr of the engine. “I can’t believe this.”
I laughed again. “Believe it, because it’s really happening.”
She laughed again and backed out of the spot I’d parked in. “I’ll be careful,” she promised.
The lake was only twenty minutes away, fifteen with the utter lack of traffic this early in the morning. She pulled in beside one of ten or so cabins along the south edge of the lake. The wind chopped up light froth on the water. The smell of the trees as we opened the door replaced the stale, smoggy, city smell in my car.
Beth pulled out the box and rod while I rounded the car again, offering my hand.
She took it and led me down to a small wharf next to the boat launch. A number of small boats were tied to it. I felt the wind tug at my hat, but my hair kept it lodged in place. Beth stood for a moment watching the sun in the east. It was over the horizon, but just barely, still pink.
I moved slightly behind her, dropping her hand to put it around her waist, my other on her near hip. I put my cheek to hers to enjoy the view with her.
She suddenly shook her head a little. “We’ll miss all the fish at this rate.” She bent, setting the box down and opening it, pulling out a lure.
“I didn’t come for fish,” I whispered.
She must have heard me, because I saw her cheek twitch in a smile and turn a little pinker. It was true. I couldn’t care less about whether or not anything nibbled on that string, as long as I spent the day with her.
But a few things did nibble the line: a really tiny trout that made her laugh, a slightly larger perch, and finally, something that she needed help pulling out of the water.
“What is this?” I asked, holding the squirming fish in my arms while she pulled out the hook. We weren’t keeping it, so I only held it tight enough for her to work. As soon as her hands were free, I let it slip back into the water.
“It was a pike.” She knelt to watch the shadow as the large fish swam away. She was so cute, hanging half off the dock.
She turned to look at me and laughed.
I frowned, not knowing what was funny.
“You’re covered in scales!” she managed to squeak out while still giggling.
I looked down to see my flannel shirt covered in slime and fish. Vain as ever, I was quickly deflated by both my shabbier appearance and the laughter of the girl I loved. “Great,” I muttered. I turned and headed toward the cabins, stalking. I started unbuttoning my shirt.
Beth didn’t follow immediately, she called to me though. “Peter! Oh, no, Peter, I’m sorry! Please wait?”
I didn’t, I was in a snit. I tossed my shirt on the ground and climbed a fence to land on her parents’ cabin roof. It wasn’t my roof, but it would do. I sat and wished I had my cigarettes.
“Peter?”
She was quiet. I hadn’t heard her climbing the fence, but her head was over the eave and she tossed the rod before pulling herself up beside me. I lunged and caught her arms, helping her along.
She flushed a little and pushed her hair out of her face. Concern covered her face. “What’s wrong?”
I hadn’t taken my arms off her. I wasn’t about to let her fall off this roof. It couldn’t happen.
“Peter, I’m all right.” Her hand covered one of mine and I realized just how hard I was holding her. Relaxing my hold very slightly, I shifted over.
She smiled a little and laid back on the roof. I felt better when I knew she couldn’t fall. I knelt beside her.
“Really,” she asked again, “what’s going on? Were you that mad that I laughed?”
“No.” I snorted. “Just a little embarrassed.”
“Then why...?”
“I sit out on my roof when I need to calm down,” I tried to explain. “It’s where I go to feel better.”
“Your safe place,” she said with a smile.
“No.”
The roof was not safe. I came here because it wasn’t safe, to stand on the edge between life and death and test myself, test fate. I came here to remember.
“Oh.” Her face turned down. It was wrong. I leaned over her, wanting to make her feel better. Her eyes widened when she realized my intention. She smiled and closed her eyes just before my lips found hers.
I brushed her mouth with my own lightly, not wanting to scare her like the night before, or a week ago. She reached up and pulled off my cap, tossing it behind her. She put her hands in my hair and mussed it.
I quirked an eyebrow, not sure what she was doing. She pulled my hair a few more times, a few more different ways and finally nodded before pulling my face back down to hers.
She led the kiss this time, letting her tongue find my lips and part them. I bent closer to her, my arm sliding up her side, feeling her heat, her pulse.
I pulled away, breathless, once again wondering how I was ever going to let her go.
“Peter?”
“Yes, Beth?”
“Can we do this every Saturday?”
“Fish?” I asked, confused.
“Kiss.” She pulled me down again. “Oh, and let me drive your car,” she added a few moments later when we stopped for breath again.
I laughed. “Yes.”

Destiny Cullen Week 18: Fields of Gold

Destiny Cullen
Sunday


Picture 1

Picture 2


Destiny Cullen’s Choice: Picture 2


Title: Fields of Gold

You'll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we walk in the fields of gold

Anne walked onto the field holding the umbrella high above her head. The field going on forever it seemed. She sighed looking down at the ring on her left finger. “My forever is here.” Anne whispered to no one. She lifted her head and looked up at the sighing blue sky remembering her last memory here.

“Anne come on!” Dave said pulling Anne’s hand. She laughed, “What is your rush Dave?” She was tripping over the weeds and rocks trying to keep up. Dave seemed more impatient than ever today she wondered what was going on with him. “Dave,” she said while jumping over a rock. “Where are you taking me?” He just turned his head and smiled while keeping his brisk pace.

Finally they reached the middle of the meadow. “What is this?” Anne asked twirling in a circle trying to take everything in. She didn’t get an answer so she turned back around to face him when she couldn’t find him.

“Dave?”

“Yes?” Anne looked down to see where the voice was coming from and she saw Dave down on his knees smiling up at her. Her eyes shot wide open. “Dave what are you doing down there and why are you looking at me like you won the lottery?”

“Because I did win the lottery, if only you answer a simple question.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a black velvet box and threw the top open. A little oval diamond shined in the sunlight. Anne gasped as he pulled the ring out of the box and presented it to her. “Anne,” his voice became raspy. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my best friend, my shoulder to cry on, my heart, my strength, but most of all my loving wife?”

Glistening tears poured down her cheeks as she looked into Dave’s shining eyes. “Yes Dave.” she whispered trying to get past the lump in her throat. She pulled him up off the ground and fell into his arms. “Of course I’d be your wife. But of course you’d have to do something for me.” Dave felt her smile against his skin when he answered “Anything for you baby doll.”

“You have to promise me we have a big family. Lots of kids and a nice house, the whole nine yards.”

Dave pulled her even closer, “I promise.” He pulled her lips to his and their lips met passionately.

Feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth
Among the fields of gold
I never made promises lightly
And there have been some that I've broken
But I swear in the days still left
We'll walk in the fields of gold

Anne found herself being shaken by her little boy and she smiled. “Yes Davey?”

“Daddy said its time to go home Momma.” She turned her head and saw Dave smile and wave at her. She took her umbrella and waved it over her head to him. “Go get you sister and lets go.” Little Dave ran passed her giggling and tumbling. She couldn’t have loved Dave more than she did that night she said yes to all his questions.

She felt warm hands slip across her waist and she leaned into his chest. “Time to go home baby doll” Anne smiled at him and kissed his lips. “Yes, yes it is.” She took one last look around before Dave took her by the hand and walked back out of the field.

Many years have passed since those summer days
Among the fields of barley
See the children run as the sun goes down
Among the fields of gold

SnappleApple450 Week 18: Fling

SnappleApple 450
Sunday


Picture 1

Picture 2


SnappleApple 450's Choice: Picture 2


Title: Fling
Time Period: 1953, California

“Where are we going?” I asked, blowing a bubble.

Ricky reached over and poked my big pink bubble, deflating it. I playfully glared at him as I put the gum back in my mouth. The windows were rolled down and the sky was a consistent grey, but it wasn’t bleak. It felt like it was about to rain but we didn’t care.

It was the last day I had in California. I came out here for the summer to stay with my aunt, but summer was almost over. I told my parents that I wanted to stay here for school. I didn‘t want to go back to Kansas....

“Rickyyyy where are we going?” I whined impatiently.

He came to a turn on the road and pulled over where there was a lookout. “Come on,” he pulled my hand and dragged me out his side of the car.

We were at the water’s edge, where the ocean waves crashed against the cliffs below. I leaned over the side, looking over when I felt his arms wrap around me protectively.

I turned around to face him, putting my arms around his neck and smiling. “This place is so amazing!” My eyes flashed with excitement.

He looked past me, watching the horizon for the longest time. “What are you thinking about?” I finally asked him as his eyes returned to mine.

“You know why I love this spot so much? The way the ocean reflects the sun on the waves.... It reminds me of your grey eyes and bright smile, counter balancing the two most beautiful parts of you.” He paused for a second in thought. “Well...” his eyes fell to my mouth as I smiled. “Maybe third best part of you,” he said, leaning down to kiss me.

Even though I was leaving tomorrow, that didn’t matter because right now I was sharing the last day of summer with my love.

Miss Beckie Louise Week 18: Brand New Car

Miss Beckie Louise
Friday


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Picture 2


Miss Beckie Louise's Choice: Both


Title: Brnad New Car
My blue car was waiting for me outside. It was sleek, new, powerful and all mine. Daddy had bought it for me as a graduation present, and I loved it. It arrived today, right outside of the hotel I was staying in. The minute I was told, I jumped out of bed, and ran out of the hotel room in my pajamas and slippers, passing many people who were heading down to breakfast.

When I got outside of the hotel, I actually screamed, it was perfect. I walked up to it and ran a hand over the body. It was smooth, and looked so strong. A member of staff from the hotel gave me the key and I jumped in it immediately and set off down the road. It purred like a kitten. I drove it around town before heading back to the hotel to where my parents were waiting for me.

I jumped out of the car and into their arms repeating 'thank you' for what seemed like forever. After my parents deemed that Thank you had been stressed for long enough, they asked me to take them out for a spin, so I did and took them back to their country house in the suburbs.

I stayed for lunch before heading back into town so I could officially get ready for my holiday. I was planning on going down to LA for summer vacation with a group of friends from school before we all headed off to college.

For the rest of the day, I packed my bags and did a little shopping before heading back to the hotel, dinner was a little boring, had spaghetti bolognese, it is my favourite Italian dish but it seriously lacked something.

Right now, I was in bed, reading, and before I knew it, I was asleep.

Burntcore Week 18: Special Boy

Burntcore
Thursday

A little late, but we don't judge.


Picture 1

Picture 2


Burntcore's Choice: Both


Title: Special Boy
I remember coming here as a small child. I haven’t been here in years, can’t believe it’s been this long. My Momma used to swing with me out in the meadow before we headed out to the shore to play in the surf. I loved those times. I was her special boy. She always told me I was her special boy.

And now Momma’s special boy was back.

Even after Momma left her special boy. Guess I wasn’t that special after all.

Momma left me and Papa when I was eight years old. I came home from school, the last day of school for the year, and Momma was in her bedroom, packing her suitcase with another woman I had never seen before. The strange woman seemed to know Momma very well. Momma seemed sad but excited as she packed. I watched Momma with a calm that eight year olds normally do not have. Something about the tableau before me made me keep my lips sealed. Something about it was wrong.

As Momma closed the top of her suitcase, the other woman leaned over and kissed my Momma, like my Papa did. When Papa would kiss Momma, she’d lean into him and sigh. This time, Momma moaned and ran her hands down the woman’s side. Her reaction confused me.

“I love you, Claire,” Momma whispered softly.

What? No! She’s supposed to love Papa and me, her special boy! Why was she saying this? Big, fat tears started to roll down my chubby cheeks, but I didn’t make a sound. Why was Momma saying this?

“I love you, too, Sarah,” the other woman said, wrapping her arms around Momma’s waist.

”I can’t believe we’re doing this,” Momma said. “What am I going to say to Leo? Not to mention Russ. How I can really do this?”

“Sarah, we’ve talked about this. Russ is a good dad. He’ll be able take care of Leo. Haven’t you felt neglected long enough?” Claire asked, brushing a strand of Momma’s dark blonde hair out of her face.

“Yes, but-“

“But nothing! You know you want this, to be together.”

I didn’t understand. They were lying. Momma and Papa were together. Not Momma and this strange woman. She was ruining everything! I had to do something. Standing as straight as I could, as tall as any eight year old boy could, I wiped the tears from my eyes and walked into my Momma’s bedroom.

“Momma, what are you doing? Where are you going?”

I glared at the woman my Momma called Claire. Momma turned away and I saw her shoulders shake out of the corner of my eye.

Claire smiled and knelt down to be eye-level with me. “Leo, your momma and I are going away for a little while. She-“

I interrupted this lying, evil woman with a strong shove, knocking her back onto her butt. “You’re lying!” I screeched. “Momma said she’d never leave her special boy. She told me so!”

Claire grimaced as she stood up. “Sarah, do something with your son,” she ordered coldly.

Sniffling, Momma turned around and knelt down before me like the lying woman did. “Leo, you will always be my special boy, no matter where I am. I need to do this.”

My tears started up again as I looked up at her, her face streaked with tears and her brown eyes red and puffy. “But why, Momma? Ain’t me and Daddy enough?”

“I’m sorry, Leo. Someday you’ll understand,” she said softly. Momma stood up and kissed the top of my head.

Twenty years later, the only thing I understood was that women were lying, evil creatures, never to be trusted.

Oh sure, I tried the girlfriend thing in high school. I had finally let my guard down long enough to let this sweet, dark blonde haired girl in. Just when I thought I might be in love with her, and she might be my special girl, she proved once again that women couldn’t be trusted. I walked into the boy’s locker room of my high school and saw her with another guy’s dick buried deep into her slit as she cried out in pleasure.

I turned right around and immediately swore off women or anything that bled for a week each month and lived.

Back at the shore, I walked along the boardwalk, trying to forget about the happy times of my childhood, before Claire came into the picture. I hoped Jordan would help me make happier memories. He was my special boy now.

Just thinking about him was enough to help center me. My mind went back to last night in the hotel as we were in bed. I was upset, being here again, and he knew it. Jordan did what he did best to make me feel better. He could suck a cock like none other. And his hands. His hands alone were enough to make my body harden.

Trying not to distract myself too much, I shook my head clear of my Jordan fueled fantasies. I was here for a reason. I, for the first time in my life, wanted to try to exorsize the demons that had been following me since that fateful day. While I would never be interested in women romantically, I needed to deal with these issues in order to be a productive member of society.

I walked to the end of the boardwalk and hesitated before I stepped into the soft sand. The waves crashed gently, soothing my troubled mind. Familiar footsteps behind me relaxed me further.

“Leo.”

I felt the tightness between my shoulders lessen as Jordan’s low, soft voice said my name.

I turned my head back over my shoulder and gave him a small smile. I needed his presence here to help me get through this. Jordan’s footsteps continued until he was standing next to me in the sand. He took my hand in his, squeezing it gently.

Taking a deep breath, we walked hand in hand towards the tide. The waves were starting to come in faster and louder. We stared into the surf for awhile without saying anything. He and I didn’t need to speak, he knew what I needed right now.

I glanced down at my watch and sighed. “It’s time, Jordan,” I murmured.

He smiled sadly as he leaned over and kissed me softly, his tongue barely brushing my lips. Not satisfied with just a simple kiss, I pulled his hand that was still in mind behind my back, pulling his hard chest against mine abruptly. My other hand wrapped around his neck and held him there as I dipped my tongue into his mouth.

We pulled apart, resting our foreheads together. I kept my eyes closed and just breathed in his scent.

A perfume I hadn’t smelled since I was a boy invaded my nostrils. It raised the hairs on the back of my neck and made my heart start beating furiously.

I turned towards the boardwalk where the scent was coming from. Jordan’s grip on my hand tightened as we gazed at the person before us.

“Hello Leo,” she said.

RomanticVamp Week 18: A Swim

Romantic Vamp
Tuesday

Mod note: Better a few hours late than never!!

Picture 1

Picture 2


Romanticvamp's Choice: Picture 1


Title: A Swim

I still didn’t understand why I was hiking through this damn forest.

The only explanation I could come up with was that I had finally lost my mind. I usually came up with undeniably good excuses and held my own for days until my friends and husband gave up on me.

Yet here I was, trekking across some muddy, treacherous trail while the darkening sky overhead threatened to cut off all light.

Let me explain exactly why I choose to skip out on these spontaneous nature “vacations.” First of all, I was not in the perfect shape like the rest of my companions. Sure I worked out, but that didn’t mean I could handle the straight uphill treks with a backpack that weighed more than me on my back. It usually brought me to the edge of passing out. Second, as my bloody, scraped palms and banged up arms and legs could attest to, it was dangerous to my health. I was not coordinated and clumsier than a newborn foal. Not exactly wilderness survival material.

I cast a glance over my shoulder to where my four friends were following patiently. They all looked rather entertained, despite the fact that I kept eating mud and making friends with the ground. In fact, that was probably what was keeping them entertained. Jasper looked like the proper rugged camper, carrying both his and his wife’s backpacks, hiking boots and all. The one not carrying her weight was bouncing along behind him, singing whatever songs she was in love with currently, looking somehow fashionable in her jeans and sweatshirt and matching hiking boots. I love Alice, I really do, but right then, I didn’t appreciate her energy.

Behind them, Emmett and Rosalie were sneaking affectionate kisses and inappropriate gestures. Emmett was carrying not only his own pack, but the food supply for all of us as well. He looked entirely too happy to be on this trip, but then, Emmett had always loved being out in the wilderness. Even Rosalie looked happy. And gorgeous. Rose was the only person I knew who could wear designer getup and go camping.

Unfortunately, my backward glance meant I wasn’t looking where I stepped. My foot caught on some plant and I once again fell to the ground. I pushed myself into a sitting position, screaming profanities.

“You’re okay, Bella. Let me see.”

I glared up at my husband.

“I’m okay?! I most certainly am not okay, Edward Cullen! I would be fine if I wasn’t on this stupid trip!”

He had the audacity to smile at me and chuckle.

“Are you laughing at me?!”

I heard our friends fighting back laughs behind us.

I shoved myself onto my feet, brushing off dirt and sticks as I did. They were still too busy laughing to do anything about helping me. Not that I wanted their help anyway. I stormed past Edward, perfectly content to leave them behind.

“Bella, love, do you know where you’re going?” he called after me.

I froze, furious and clenching my jaw. He quickly came up behind me, trying to press a kiss to my dirty cheek. I yanked away and pointed him ahead of me. He sighed and obeyed my pointing finger.

A few hours later, we had reached the magical clearing Edward was looking for. I sulked off to a faraway tree where I could sit and repair my bruised ego among all the other bruises and cuts. The boys were all setting up tents while Alice went about starting a fire. I couldn’t believe I was thinking it, but I wished I was home having a girls’ weekend with Rose and Alice while our guys camped. I would’ve even let them drag me shopping for hours on end.

Eventually they all convinced me to join them around the roaring fire Jasper and Emmett had gotten going. It looked rather dangerous to sit very close to. I ate the dinner we made and even roasted some marshmallows for s’mores. Still, I refused to talk to any of them, despite their best efforts. I wasn’t good at much, but being stubborn was a gold-medal sport for me.

I was still nursing my wounded pride when I decided to crawl into mine and Edward’s tent. I left the others to sing ridiculous camp songs and do whatever it was they did. I glared at the joined sleeping bags and pulled mine apart, zipping myself into it.

Let Edward keep himself warm tonight.

I wasn’t sure how long I laid there staring at the domed ceiling of the tent, but I did eventually succumb to the exhaustion of the trek here. My dreams were full of lush mattresses and clean rooms.

“Bella. Bella, wake up. Wake up, love.”

“Mmmpf, go away.” I swatted at the dirt monster climbing into my fluffy white bed.

“Wake up, baby.”

I pried my eyes open. Edward was hunched over in the tent, flashlight aimed at the floor. He smiled at me sheepishly.

“Are you kidding me?” I growled.

“Come on. I want to show you something.”

“Edward,” I warned.

“Please.”

I stared up into his green eyes, pleading with me. I sighed.

“Fine.”

He helped me out of the bag and into my shoes. We snuck out of the tent. Our friends were fast asleep – or at least being quiet about what they were doing – as we made our way past the remaining embers of the fire and into the forest. Edward kept his arm around my waist, leading the way with his flashlight beam.

“What are we doing?” I hissed.

“This is the reason I picked this place in the first place. The clearing is gorgeous, but this . . . this is better.”

I furrowed my brow at his evasiveness and resolved to just go along with it. We moved in silence. He was careful to keep me upright and prevented any further harm from happening to me. After a while, he paused.

“Ready?”

“Yes, Edward. Just show me whatever it is.”

So I can get back to sleep.

He smiled, his face lighting up like a little boy. I forced an answering smile onto my lips. It was encouragement enough as he pulled us through the remaining branches.

I gasped.

I was standing in a huge, perfectly round meadow, full of wildflowers and long swaying grass. It was almost like I was standing in the middle of a movie set. Somehow, my crazy husband had lined the entire circumference with electric lanterns every few feet. It cast a romantic light across the already gorgeous setting and reflected like stars off the small, clear pond off to one side.

“Edward! When did you do all this?”

“When you sulked off into the tent, you gave me the perfect opportunity, love.”

I stared at everything in awe. My husband was crazy. A romantic, but crazy. What guy would actually think to do something like this?

“Care for a swim?” he asked.

All I could do was nod.

He led us over to the edge of the water. There were even folded towels waiting. He quickly removed his clothes, folding them and setting them next to the towels. Before I could remove my own, he did it for me. Each article was pulled away with a gentle reverence that left me breathless.

When we were both naked, he lowered me gently into the pond. The water was cool, but not uncomfortably cold. I treaded my way out to the center while he climbed in behind me. We moved around each other in lazy circles, enjoying the quiet of the night and the stars above us.

I saw him duck under the water. I knew what was coming before I felt his hand around my ankle. He pulled me under, yanking me toward him. When we were face-to-face, he pushed my hair back and kissed me. I had to remember not to inhale the water.

We eventually surfaced, trading even more soft kisses and swimming around. His fingers were gentle on my skin as he tipped me onto my back, holding me afloat there.

“You know, I might be convinced to make this trip again.”

He chuckled. “Yeah?”

“Definitely.”

“I love you, Bella.”

“I love you, Edward.”

Kimmydon Week 18: What's in this?

Kimmydon
Wednesday





Picture 1

Picture 2


Kimmydon's Choice: both


Title: What is in This?

Monday came quickly. I held my breath as I stepped out of the elevator, preparing to face Peter for the first time since the weekend. I thought about his kiss, his arms, his hair... My heel caught in the gap of the doors and I went sprawling. My purse fell open, contents scattering across the floor.

Gary applauded, the ass.

Mary chuckled, but she scooped up my make-up and various cards. She passed me my phone last.

“Get outta my tree?” she asked.

“Shut up,” I complained. Of course Jamie had told her.

My nervousness turned out to be completely unfounded. The end of the quarter had come and everyone was busy. Everyone except Gary. He decided that a lunch swap was a great team-building exercise. If he wasn’t such a nice guy, or so big, someone would have shut him down when it came to ideas like this. Instead everyone reluctantly passed over their lunches, or cash if they were buying lunch. He was making the selections at the deli down the block, and we were all eating our desks.

At noon, Gary walked around pushing the mail cart and randomly handing over food.

“I am lactose intolerant,” Laura told him, looking at her ham and cheese sandwich.

“Oh,” he murmured. He rifled around and handed over someone’s leftovers. “Here.”

“What is in this?” she asked, lifting the lid.

“I don’t know. Ask, Matt.”

I shook my head. We were going to have allergic reactions all over the office.

“Here ya go, Beth.” He gave me a brown paper bag. “And may I say, I plan on enjoying your quiche. Whoever said a man can’t enjoy quiche was dead wrong.”

I chuckled. “Well, I hope you like it. What did I get anyway?” I asked peeking inside.

“Dunno. Peter was reluctant to give it up though. I thought I might have to rip it out of his hands. It was so easy raiding the fridge,” he said with another chuckle.

I laughed too. That was where I had put my quiche after picking it up from where the container had rolled under Laura’s desk. It was probably pretty mangled.

It looked like a sandwich. Why was he so protective of it? I pulled it out and turned back to my monitor and keyboard, entering another set of numbers into the spreadsheet. I bit down without looking. Roast beef, with some awesome mustard. I’d have to ask where he got it. This wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

I heard a crinkle from beside me and reached out instinctively to grab my lunch bag. I had had many of my lunches stolen in school. My hand closed on Peter’s and he opened it right away.
“Um...” he said, running a hand through his sculpted hair. “Can I trade you? I have some sort of cake here. Looks like carrot.”

“No trading for your own lunch!” Gary shouted. “Only someone else’s!”

There were several chuckles at his outburst.

“Why? What is it?” I asked looking into the bag for what was left. It was a pair of cookies, oatmeal.

“They’re... you know what, you can have them.” He turned to go.

“No, wait. There are two. Do you mind if I keep one?” I pulled out one and handed it to him.
His smile was small and sheepish. “No, and I’ll still give you the cake for it,” he offered.

I shook my head. “This sandwich is plenty. What type of mustard do you buy?”

“French’s dijon? Nothing special.”

I nodded, taking another bite of the sandwich. “It’s very good.” I said once I had swallowed again.

“I should get back,” he looked over his shoulder at his office.

“Yep, me too.”

“We’re still on for Friday though?” he checked.

“Absolutely!” I said a little too enthusiastically. I groaned and licked my lips.

He watched a little too closely, which made me feel better again. Then he backed away, which looked really odd and earned him some quirked eyebrows from the cube farm.

I chuckled and turned back to my screen, munching on his sandwich.

The cookie was delicious. A little cold, like it had been pulled out of the freezer that morning, but still moist somehow.

I cleaned off my desk and headed for the elevator. I noticed a few empty chairs. “Where’d they go?” I asked Mary, pointing.

She snorted. “They all got nauseous. Apparently a lunch swap helped trim the team rather than build it.” She laughed aloud.

Gary glared at her and taped a page onto the wall. It read: If we didn’t have stupid thoughts we wouldn’t have any interesting thoughts at all.

Mary doubled up. “Why is it wrinkled?” she asked.

“Because I didn’t appreciate it when Matt sent it to me.” He pouted, but it soon turned into a grin. “But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it was true. I mean, just think how much less fun you would have if you didn’t have stupid ideas like climbing trees?”

“Oh my god,” I breathed.

Mary laughed at my discomfort and Gary put an arm around my shoulders. “Don’t worry Beth. It wasn’t that stupid. But it was interesting.”

“I’m going to repay you,” I said to Mary, who shook her head vigorously.

“I didn’t tell him!”

“No, she also didn’t tell me she climbed it first.”

Mary scowled and together we muttered, “Peter.”

Gary laughed and walked away.

That night my phone rang while I was sitting with Jamie. She was texting Brian, her latest project. She liked to make a guy jump a few hoops to make sure he was interested enough to be worth her time. Brian was looking good so far. He’d been willing to bring her a forgotten item. He’d navigated his way through her mental maze to determine her favorite beverage and brought it to her desk one morning. Now she was testing how quickly he responded to an impulse message. He was supposed to be at a hockey game tonight. His phone would probably be on, but would he take the time to answer?

Apparently he did because she was bouncing and grinning. Just as she opened her mouth to tell me his answer, my phone rang. I cocked my head apologetically and answered.

“Hello?”

“Did you like the cookie?” Peter asked.

I chuckled. “Yeah, really tasty. Was it frozen?”

“Yeah, that’s why I didn’t want to give them up. They’re the last from Christmas. My grandma bakes me a batch every year.”

“Oh!” I said surprised. “Well, they’re really good. Does she live far away?”

“Yeah, she’s in Florida. I fly down to visit her every Christmas.”

“With the rest of your family?” I asked, realizing I knew nothing about his family.

“Um, yeah. I wanted to know, where would you like to eat Friday? I was thinking Mexican.”

“Mexican would be great.” I noticed Jamie still typing away on her phone. Not only willing to answer during a game, but carry on a conversation? Brian was racking up the points tonight.

“Great. I was planning to go this improv group I like to watch, so, dress casual, okay?” Peter continued.

“Casual. Got it. Should I meet you somewhere?”

“Um, sure. How about Casa Rosa. Six?”

“Okay, six. See you there. Well, see you tomorrow,” I amended with a nervous giggle.

“Yes, tomorrow.”

I hit the disconnect button and looked to Jamie, who was still grinning.

“Friday at six, Casa Rosa.”

“Thursday at eight, Antonio’s.”

“Nice,” I told her. Antonio’s was much classier than Casa Rosa, but we were keeping it casual.

She held my eye for a moment before squealing and tackling me in a hug.

Welcome SnappleApple450 and Destiny Cullen!

I'd like to welcome two new authors to our weekly ranks. They've both been writing on the part-time side and have decided to take the plunge into the weekly challenge. Welcome SnappleApple and Destiny Cullen! Both will be writing on Sundays.

I'd also like to apologize for the lack of updates this week. That is not the fault of our lovely writers, but myself who put the wrong posting dates on Week 18's pictures!! Ooops! Well, we should be all set for next week anyway.

Thanks for continuing to join us in exploring the worlds and characters the pictures give us.

Happy Birthday Nostalicmiss!

Sadly, she isn't able to contribute regularly, but we want to wish Nostaligmiss a very Happy Birthday. Here are a couple Haikus inspired by her and her work in establishing this challenge.

Spark, idea ignites.
Photographs tell a story.
Imagination.

Support, gift of strength.
Donating time and effort,
Community built.

Kimmydonn Week 17: Childhood Days

Kimmydonn
Wednesday





Picture 1

Picture 2


Kimmydon's Choice: both


Title: Childhood Days

Jamie was still up when I got home.
"Mary make it in her own door?" I asked.
She smirked and crossed her arms. She stood like that for a full minute, not answering me. She was asking, silently.
I groaned. "Yes, I climbed his tree."
"I knew it!" she crowed. She ran over to hug me while giggling. "So, what happened? Did you get a good peep?" She pulled me to the couch. I saw a game paused on her computer - some space thing.
"Heh, that's like me." I pointed at the bright vortex. "I'm like the moth getting pulled to the flame. I'm that little asteroid right there."
She huffed. "You are not. You might be attracted to bright, shiny things, but you are a lot smarter than a moth." She shut down the game without saving. "Now tell me."
"So, I climbed the stupid tree." I blushed as I said it. "And he sent a text telling me to get out of it."
Jamie laughed, tipping her head back. "Are you serious? So busted. Just like that time..."
I nodded remembering with her. The time we climbed the scaffolding. "I thought your dad was going to kill us."
"He probably would have if your dad hadn't said he sent us up there for the toolbox."
"What were they thinking leaving that up while building Chris' fort anyway? I mean, as if the kids weren't going to climb it," I complained. "It was an invitation."
Jamie nodded. "The sunset sure was pretty."
"Yeah."
"Why don't our families do vacations together anymore?" she asked.
I laughed. "Because all the kids grew up? I think our parents went on a cruise together last year, but even Don is done high school." Donovan was Jamie's baby brother, Christopher the eldest. His fort was being built out at her parents' cabin on the lake. My parents had a cabin next door, which was how we met, spending many, many summers together.
We had been inseparable. The only girls in each cabin, we had gravitated to one another. Our parents lived on opposite sides of the city, but we had two months together every year. It was an easy choice when we each needed a roommate to help cut the cost of renting.
Jamie shuddered. "I don't want to think about my parents as a couple. And stop dodging. You were gone longer than it takes to climb a tree and read a text message."
I met her green eyes and held my breath. "He invited me in."
"He what?!" Jamie shrieked. "Oh my God, that's awesome, Beth! Why are you home?" Her demeanor changed from gleeful to sceptic in a split second.
I met her eyes flatly. "I wasn't going to sleep with him tonight, Jamie. You know me better than that."
"Yeah, but you could have spent another hour making out first." She slapped my arm playfully. "You got at least one kiss, I hope. You've practically named your vibrator."
"Stop," I said angrily. Then I smiled. "I got three, actually. Well, the first one didn't really count. I almost fell down the stairs. But the second and third..." My eyes went dreamy remembering the feel of his lips on mine, the tingle in my spine, the tingle lower, the twitch in his pants... I was going to need 'Speedy Petey' at this rate. No one was ever getting me to say that name aloud.
"Yeah? Tell me more," she encouraged.
"Isn't he cute with his hair all messed up? He'd fallen asleep. Morning breath, not fantastic."
Jamie laughed and sank back into the cushions. "It's not every girl that gets to sample morning breath without regretting the night before."
I scowled, then brightened. "He's taking me out Friday."
She squealed and hugged me. "I'm so happy for you. Wait." Her voice and expression changed at the drop of a hat. "Why now?"
I frowned and then quirked an eyebrow. "What's wrong with now?"
"I mean, what changed? You've been crushing on Peter for over a year. He just finally noticed?"
Jamie didn't work with us. I had a tendancy to over analyse every encounter we had, so she probably thought I was more obvious than I had been. I bit my lip and averted my gaze.
"Beth?" she asked. "What aren't you telling me?"
"I... I never really told him I was interested."
She chuckled quietly. "You expected him to just... know?" she summarised correctly.
"Well, body language, eye contact. My eyes were definitely conveying interest."
"Beth," she moaned. "You did this in high school. How many times did you whine to me that Kenny or Leon or Mac wouldn't ask you out, and the reason was... duh dudadum... that you didn't say anything to them. Beth, this shouldn't come as a surprise to you, guys can be really oblivious. So, what changed?"
I didn't understand. "Nothing. I just... climbed his tree. Maybe that was showing interest?" I posited with a shrug. My black hair lifted and fell with my shoulders.
Jamie shook her head. "Maybe, but I doubt it. So you said yes, obviously."
I started thinking about where he might take me, what we might do, his kiss, his pants... Wow, my mind was destined for the gutter tonight. I was usually better than this. Something about standing that close, feeling...
"Beth! Wake up. You're falling asleep. Go to bed. I'll interrogate you more tomorrow."
"Thanks." I took her hand, letting her pull me to my feet. We both wobbled a little.
"We need to stop going out with Mary," Jamie said for probably the fortieth time.

Thank You

Hi guys,

I just wanted to thank you for almost 20 weeks of awesomeness. Unfortunately, I no longer have the time needed to dedicate to the blog, so I am hanging the reins over to Kimmydon.

Thanks you for everything, and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog.

All the best

Weezy (nostalgicmiss)