Stranger Drunk

October 22, 2015October 23, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Pouring Rain trickles down storefront windows.

Cars whizz past kicking up water.

The day has been gloomy and dark, but the night is just beginning.

Macey is rushing down the city block, no direct location, but needing to blow off steam after a long day at work.

Her umbrella long since destroyed and forgotten.

She storms into a nearby bar, the door slamming behind her, her outfit completely soaked.

The bar is pretty empty, except for a man sitting at the bar, and a few stragglers at various tables.

The man at the bar glances over, his eyes scaling her up and down.

Her gaze misses him as she walks and sits a few seats from him, with a mission in mind.

I need a drink…or 2 or 5 she thinks.

The bartender smiles her way

“What can I get you?” he says.

“Let’s start with a shot of tequila…”

The bartender smirks.

“You got it.”

The man sitting next to her glances over, again.

The bartender pours Macey a shot.

“Thank you, bottoms up,” she raises her glass to the bartender and knocks it back.

She winces.

“Keep ’em coming.”

The bartender nods and lines up the next round.

The man next to her turns to her.

“You must have had a bad day,” he says.

“You have no idea.”

“Well if you don’t mind a stranger’s ears, I’d be happy to listen…venting usually helps me.”

“Handsome guy like you…dressed in a business suit, what kind of problems could you possibly have…it’s a man’s world isn’t it,” she huffs obviously annoyed, and dripping with sarcasm.

“Any man who has ever made you think that, is an absolute disgrace.”

“We agree on something.”

“Can I be forward for just a second?”

“That depends,” she says her eyebrow arching.

“On what?”

“On how forward you’re willing to be.”

“As forward as you’ll let me be,” he says his lips smirking, as he leans in closer.

“There may be room for some cinematic liberties.”

“Cinematic liberties?” he laughs.

“Yea you know like in the movies when a guy and girl meet at a bar and-”

“And what?”

“Get to know -each other- a little better.”

“That sounds entertaining.”

“Buy me my next round of shots and maybe that’ll be a possibility?”

“It’d be my pleasure.”

Macey smiles.

As the man gestures to the bartender to pour another round.

“So how does a sexy, obviously power house of a woman, end up alone on a Friday night?

“I’m not alone,” she smirks taking a shot.

The man smirks looking away for a beat. Needing a minute.

“So you wanna get out of here?” she says.

“Are you sure…I mean don’t you want to at least know my name first?”

“No. I’m a one night opportunity and the less I know about you, the more fun it’ll be…” she says her eyes dancing.

“I…”

“Hey if you’re not interested-”

“I never said I wasn’t interested. I just thought that maybe I could take you out to dinner first, or something.”

“Oh wow, drinks and a dinner, what a gentleman. That’s not really what I’m looking for tonight-”

“Your place or mine?”

Macey smiles taking her last shot and walking out of the bar.

The man throws a 100 dollar bill on the bar for the drinks and follows Macey out, his gaze transfixed.

He meets her outside, the rain has finally stopped and Macey is holding a cab.

The man grabs her by the arm, spinning her toward him. He kisses her catching her off guard.

“As much as I’d love to take you home, you deserve to be courted, and I won’t be the guy to deny you that.”

“Where’d you come from?”

He smiles.

“I know that this may not be what you want right now, or tonight. But when you realize it is what you want, give me a call.”

He hands her a business card. Kissing her on the cheek, as he begins to walk away.

Macey looks at his name; dazed.

“Brayden” it reads.

He turns back around.

“Oh and I hope that your night got at least a little better, because you wear a smile like you’re wearing that dress…pretty flawlessly.” he smirks walking away.

Macey stands there in awe.

“Well stranger you just made my night.” She whispers to herself as she smiles tucking the business card in her jacket pocket and getting in the cab.

-End Scene-

-<3-

My life is like a movie…

October 19, 2015October 18, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

So where are my chick flick girls at?

27 Dresses…do you know that one…

I’m sure you do, if you’re like me and love love and weddings.

I love a good love story. And I will pretty much watch anything with Katherine Heigl in it, because I just don’t know what it is, I love her acting, she’s always relatable.

I recently realized what trying to act like an adult means. It means watching as each of your friends begin to get engaged while you just try to get your feet planted on the ground firmly for once. It takes time, and patience, two of which I don’t have.

Anyway, I digress.

I have been asked to be in 4 weddings all coming up within the next year or two. Give or take.

One of which is my brother’s wedding, which is quickly creeping up on us! I swear time flies!

And I can already feel that my best friend will be getting engaged relatively soon too.

So all I can do is, sit back and laugh as I just can’t help but compare myself to Jane from the movie 27 Dresses.

“Always a Bridesmaid Never a Bride” ha! That’s essentially the plot. Plain Jane goes through life offering her wedding planning services to everyone and making sure their days go perfectly while she lets her love life sink into an non existent black hole of dreams and no action.

But as you all know, a good chick flick always finishes on a happy note, so you see where this is going, SPOILER ALERT, she gets the guy.

It’s official my life like a movie….so where the hell is my James Marsden???? I want to get drunk and sing Benny and the Jets with some cutie! 😉

Currently taking applications for wedding dates 😉

***************************

All cynical kidding aside, I am thoroughly excited for each of the weddings I have been apart of already and will be a part of. And on that note I want to share some AMAZINGLY exciting news with you. My good friend, who I have known since high school, through college and even after, recently got engaged and we met for coffee over the weekend to catch up, because life gets hectic and time runs away from you. I had a little engagement gift for her; just a wedding magazine and a little bottle of champagne for her and her fiancé to share in celebration. But little did I know she had a little favor to ask me!

I was so surprised and excited! I can’t wait to help one of my greatest friends plan her special day! This is my first go at Maid of Honor and the title is most certainly not lost on me, because it is truly an honor. I’m already thinking of Bachelorette party ideas! YAY! This is going to be such an exciting time for her and I can’t wait to join in and help her!

Sometimes when life gets crummy and you feel like you’re drowning and maybe you feel like you’ve lost direction, magical things can still happen and shift your mood. So thank you my friend. xoxo

And yes girl, I will hold your dress while you pee! 😉

-<3-

Drive Me Crazy.

October 12, 2015October 11, 2015michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

“You love me, I love you. Let’s just do this thing,” he says.

“Do you really think we can do that?” she says with hesitance.

“We won’t know unless we try,” he says with puppy dog eyes.

“But we’ve been here before, and it never worked. What makes you think we would last this time?” she says nervous to hear his answer.

He thinks, pondering. “Because this time, we won’t be able to walk away,” he says smiling.

She looks at him confused. “I don’t understand, no matter how much we love each other one of us has always managed to walk away and hurt the other. I can’t go through that again, I won’t be able to survive.”

“This time it’ll stick, because this time, I’ll be your husband. If you’ll have me?” he says taking her hands in his.

“What? Are you…Did you just…” she says baffled.

“Propose? Yea sort of,” he laughs.

“You wanna marry me?” she crosses her arms and leans to one side sticking out her hip.

“Yea,” he smiles. “Don’t you think it’s about time, we stop messing around?”

“But I drive you crazy…I know I do, you know I do. I’m controlling, I’m super clumsy, and riddled with anxiety. I overthink us, me, you… everything. And I know that I snore when I’m really tired, which is probably a complete turnoff…and I…” she rattles off in a nervous and slightly frustrated tone.

“Shut up…(he grabs her face and kisses her) Marry me? Because I love you and yes you do drive me crazy 99% of the time, but I wouldn’t love you any other way.”

“Okay.”

“Yea?”

She nods smiling as he kisses her, and then hugging her, he lifts her spinning her around in pure joy of a bright future, together, finally.

-The End-

-<3-

Walk With Me.

September 28, 2015September 28, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

“I know I messed up,” he says sheepishly.

“I’m sure it won’t be the last time,” she says arms folded over her heart.

“Why do I keep doing this? I don’t mean to hurt you,” he says frustrated.

“Maybe because none of us are perfect. We just float around and try our best, and hope to God we get it right,” she says as she avoids eye contact, she kicks her feet in the sand.

“And if we don’t?” he says nervously.

“If we don’t, we hope that the person we hurt, can forgive us.” she says with a faint smile, looking up at him.

Clouds move.

Dreams shift from hearts to hands.

Sun shines bright, as the day nears its end.

Bare feet walk through miles of sand.

Waves pouring in the ocean, for eternity.

And in the whisper of the wind they stand.

On a beach somewhere.

Anywhere.

Everywhere.

It doesn’t really matter.

Heartbreak can happen wherever you land.

“But I love you,” he says meaning it with all his might.

“That doesn’t mean you won’t mess it up every now and then. We mess up the way we love sometimes,” she says staring up into his eyes.

The love is in the air.

Tainted by tension and uncertainty.

Was she trying to save them?

Or give them a peaceful pardon?

Was she going to walk away?

Or was she going to fight to stay?

And in the minutes that ticked by.

He glanced at her trying to read her mind.

As she gazed out across the water, mystified, and peaceful.

Tears forming in her eyes.

“Walk with me,” he says.

“Is that a question,” she replies.

“No it’s a heartfelt suggestion,” he answers with a helpless shrug and puppy dog eyes.

He extends a hand.

She takes it.

As the sun begins to set.

The moon peeking through high above them.

He turns to her and whispers; “I’m sorry.”

She smiles and replies “I forgive you.”

They dance.

They sing.

Deciding to let the past be the past.

As they walk along the beach hand in hand.

He turns to her and smiles.

She smiles back just the same.

“I hope you’re comfortable, because I’m never letting you go,” he says tightening his grip on her hand.

And sometimes, in the mist of loving each other, and making mistakes.

Sometimes, you try and you get it right.

-The End-

-<3-

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edit.*

Surprise.

August 27, 2015August 26, 2015michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

The Days are fading.

The night creeps in.

The strength she’s willing,

it all runs thin.

Wild eyes.

Classic nights.

Big surprise,

you fought, the fight.

Walls up.

Heart guarded.

Insanity not fleeting enough.

You never finished what you started.

Both at fault.

Imperfect.

Left,

let it be.

She whispers,

why didn’t you fight for me?

Wild nights.

Classic eyes.

Fire within,

burns so bright.

Where ever they were going,

the journey cut short and still.

Fabric frayed.

The flame fizzled.

Ashes to ashes,

dust to dust.

You be you,

I’ll be me,

She whispers.

Now we have to deal with moving on,

guess it wasn’t meant to be.

We both lost the fight.

Surprise Surprise.

-<3-

*I do not take credit for the image used.*

“Trapped”

August 24, 2015August 21, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Michaela walks into the elevator, she presses the button for her floor.

The doors slowly close.

She begins to hear one of her favorite songs playing over the speaker.

She smiles and closes her eyes for a second, listening.

Give me love like never before,
‘Cause lately I’ve been craving more,
And it’s been a while but I still feel the same,
Maybe I should let you go.

Ding.

The elevator stops on the next floor, she hears the doors open.

Opening her eyes she is faced with a young good looking man.

He smiles at her. She smiles back.

He gets in, pressing the button for his floor, and then steps beside her.

Michaela is suddenly nervous.

The man glances over at her.

Michaela ignores the awkward tension that has apparently filled the elevator the moment he stepped in.

Although she could swear she’d never seen this man before, there was something she couldn’t put her finger on.

At this point the man turns to her yet again.

She’s had it and turns toward him.

Staring at him blankly.

Caleb: I’m sorry. Forgive me. I’m staring.

Michaela: That’s kind of obvious, but it’s not obvious why?

Caleb: I just, I feel like I know you…from somewhere.

Michaela: I guess I just have one of those faces.

Caleb: No…it’s more than that. I can feel something. Like a memory.

Michaela: (rolls her eyes) Look I’m gonna be completely honest with you here, I’m not in the mood to be hit on by yet another guy who isn’t ready for a real relationship. Been there done that, and I am so over boys disguising themselves as men. Wearing a suit doesn’t make you one.

Caleb: (laughs) That’s not what I’m trying to do. But it’s good to know.

Michaela: (softening) I’m sorry. (she laughs) It’s been one of those morning. You know when everything in the world decides to go wrong. I guess I’m just stressed.

Caleb: Hey no harm no fowl. (he holds his hands up in mock surrender)

Michaela smiles and takes a sip of her coffee unsure of what to say next.

She anxiously looks at the floor levels as they pass by;

17, 18, 19…

Is no one else needing to take the elevator this morning? She thinks.

20, 21, 22

Just as her floor is about to approach, the elevator drops, the lights dim, and there are noises that Michaela knows can only symbolize bad news.

The elevator halts.

Michaela’s stomach flips.

This has always been a fear of hers.

She wasn’t good in small spaces.

Michaela and The man exchange looks

Michaela: No?

Caleb: Looks like we’re gonna be here for a while.

Michaela: No. We can’t. Are we stuck? We can’t be stuck.

Michaela looks around frantically. She begins to press buttons like crazy.

Caleb: Hey hey, I don’t think you should do that. It may make things worse.

Michaela: What could be worse? I have so much to do today. And I am going to be late to my presentation. Oh my god I can’t breathe.

Caleb: Ok. Look at me, Ok?

He grabs her hands and looks her in the eyes.

Caleb: Take a deep breathe in,

Michaela follows his coaching

Caleb: And now breathe out.

Michaela breathes out.

Caleb: Ok let’s try it slower.

Michaela slows down her breathing but she’s still in a bit of a nervous panic.

Caleb: Just look at me. Focus on me. Breathe. You’re okay. I got you. This is just a momentary feeling, you’re having a bit of a panic attack, it’ll pass.

Michaela: And what if it doesn’t, what if we never get out of here?

Caleb: We will. I’m going to press the emergency button now ok. Someone is gonna come help us.

Michaela: Ok.

Caleb: Can I leave you for just a minute?

Michaela nods reluctantly, her grip on his hands tightening.

Caleb: Ok, I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere. (smiles) Come on, come over here.

The man brings Michaela over to the panel.

He presses the emergency button with one hand as he holds onto her hand with his other.

“Emergency services how may I help you?”

Caleb: Um hi, hello. We are currently in the elevator and it seems to have stalled or stopped in between floors.

“How many passengers are in there with you?”

Caleb: Just one. Me and a young woman.

“Are you both ok?”

Michaela looks at him with worry in her eyes.

Caleb: Um yes, but we need to get out of here. Soon.

Michaela: Please, please send someone to help, I can’t be in here much longer.

“Ma’am do you have any medical issues?”

Michaela: No I just hate small spaces. I’m a bit claustrophobic, and you need to get me out of here before the walls close in.

“I understand ma’am, just try to stay calm. Take deep breathes, if you have some water take small sips or chew some gum. I will get a repair man over there for you now.”

Michaela: Thank you.

“I will keep you posted on his progress.”

Caleb: Thank you ma’am.

Michaela closes her eyes and leans her head back against the wall. She sighs anxiously.

Caleb: Hey, you’re gonna be okay. We’re gonna be out of here soon.

Michaela: I hope you’re right.

Caleb: Here, (he takes off his suit jacket and lays it on the floor.) Why don’t you sit?

Michaela sits.

The man kneels in front of her, reaching into his work bag he hands her a water bottle.

Caleb: Here, take small sips. It’ll help.

Michaela: (takes the bottle from him)

“Ma’am, sir? I have a repair man about 20 minutes away. You will be out shortly.”

The man smiles

Caleb: Ah look at that, good news.

He sits next to her.

Michaela: Thank god.

Michaela sips the water and starts to calm down a bit.

Caleb: How ya feeling?

Michaela: A little better.

Caleb: Good. (smiles)

Michaela: Thank you.

Caleb: Sure.

Michaela: I’m sorry, I just have this thing, with small spaces…

Caleb: Hey, I get it. Don’t even give it a second thought.

Michaela: You’re kind of a sweetheart.

Caleb: (smiles) Well at least that’s a step up from…what was it? A boy disguising himself as a man.

Michaela: (laughs) Yea. Again, sorry about that. (she winces, embarrassed) You are all man.

His eyebrows raise.

Michaela: Oh gosh…why did that sound sexual? I just meant that you know you seem like a gentleman.

Caleb: (laughs) I know what you meant.

Michaela: Ok. (she laughs nervously, her cheeks turning red.)

Michaela looks away.

Suddenly feeling strangely aware of the fact that this guy is gorgeous.

Caleb: Can I ask you a question?

Michaela turns back toward the man.

Michaela: Sure. It’s not like we’re going anyway.

They both share a laugh.

Caleb: Do you believe in soulmates?

Michaela: Hell yes.

Caleb: Can I ask, why?

Michaela: Because I believe that there’s someone out there that you’re just meant to be with. Your heart is meant to find their heart. And life will somehow align your lives. And you’ll meet and the rest is history.

Caleb: Or is the rest up to you? Or us? I don’t think that people realize that you have to do some of the work. Fate and destiny only go so far. Sometimes you need to take the leap.

Michaela: So you think, people need to make love happen? That’s not exactly the most romantic thing.

Caleb: No not necessarily. But I do think that we often let love slip away. Love isn’t always going to hit you like a lightning bolt. It may not even look like love at first glance. Love is in the quiet moments. In the small things you share with someone. Whether it’s someone you’ve known for years and start to see in a new light, or a stranger you get stuck in an elevator with.

Michaela: See but some may call that fate… or destiny. (she smiles)

Caleb: True, but like I said the rest is up to us. So what do you wanna do?

The elevator lights go off.

Michaela’s voice is heard in a soft whisper.

Michaela: Take the leap.

The elevator lights come back on.

Michaela and The man are holding hands.

They smile at each other.

As the elevator jolts and finally makes it to the next floor, the doors open.

The two of them gather their things and stand up.

Michaela begins to walk out, but the man pulls her back in, catching her off guard, he kisses her.

Michaela pulls away taken back, but a smile spreads across her face.

Michaela: What’s your name?

The man smiles.

Caleb: You really don’t remember, do you?

Michaela looks at him confused.

Caleb: Let’s just say the last time, fate decided to let you walk away from me. This time, I wasn’t leaving anything up to chance.

Michaela: Oh my god. Caleb? You-

Caleb: I’ve changed a lot over the years; lost weight, got contacts, and got a lifetime subscription to proactive. (he laughs)

Michaela: You look great.

Caleb: So do you. Your eyes still sparkle from a mile away.

Michaela: (blushes, and looks down at her feet) Will you call me?

Caleb: You can count on it.

Michaela hands him her card, and kisses him on the cheek.

Caleb: I’ll be seeing you.

Michaela: Yes you will.

-End Scene-

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edit.*

-<3-

Hallmark Channel; My Guilty Pleasure

July 30, 2015July 30, 2015michelleleighwrites 4 Comments

So here it goes, I’m about to come clean. I love crappy movies! There I said it. And by crappy I just mean movies that don’t get noticed or deemed “good” by society and the media.

TV networks like Lifetime and the Hallmark Channel, are known for their romance movies.

Yet I feel they get completely underrated. Why… because they are TV movies? If so, I beg to differ, TV movies are so damn good!

Hallmark’s slogan reads…

“The Heart of TV”

(And I’ll prove to you why that’s true!)

This summer I’ve been working my way through my on demand Hallmark movies list. So far I’ve watched 5 movies. And although some were better then others, I enjoyed each one in a different way, and for different reasons. Hey, give me a guy, a girl, and a love story, and chances are I’ll find something to love about it. The plotlines are sweet and there is always someone from some other WB/CW or Fox show that you will recognize. Always! It’s the best, lol.

Nearlyweds

When Erin (Danielle Panabaker), Casey (Jessica Parker Kennedy) and Stella (Britt Irvin) discover that a paperwork error has annulled all their marriages, they reassess their relationships with their new nearly- husbands. Erin finds herself competing with mother-in-law Renee (Naomi Judd) for the loyalty of David (Ryan Kennedy), Casey questions Nick’s (Travis Milne) commitment, and Stella deals with balancing her desire for a career with Mark’s (Steve Bacic) expectation for a stay at home wife. With the pressures of marriage all around, all three couples must again decide whether to make the long walk down the aisle…or to walk out the door and start over. The three friends navigate the highs and lows of their new marriages together, but ultimately must make their own decisions about the futures of these relationships.

Midnight Masquerade

Young businesswoman Elyse Samford’s (Autumn Reeser) life takes a turn when she inherits Samford Candy, a multi-billion dollar corporation, from her retired father (Richard Burgi). A trademark infringement lawsuit against a rival company brings Elyse to Higgins Attorneys and Sons, where Rob Carelli (Christopher Russell), a young, too-nice-for-his-own-good lawyer, is bullied by his boss, firm founder Carter Higgins (Chris Gillett), and his two arrogant sons (Damon Runyan and Danny Smith). Despite his workplace woes, Rob becomes instantly smitten with Elyse.
With Halloween just around the corner, Elyse invites the Higgins law firm staff to an opulent masked Halloween costume ball. Rob obeys an order to remain in the office working that night, but has a change of heart when his spunky, 12-year old niece, Ruby (Helen Colliander), convinces him to attend the ball wearing a prince costume. After a magnificent waltz and magical exchange with the handsome “prince,” Elyse yearns to locate this mysterious man and hopefully find the romance her life has been missing.

Bridal Fever

Three attractive girlfriends, each in their early 30’s, are desperate to get married to Mr. Right and manage to find success with the advice of a romance novelist with plenty of experience. She’s been married eight times! Stars Andrea Roth and Delta Burke.

Recipe For Love

Lauren Hennessey (Danielle Panabaker) has always loved to cook and is a proud perfectionist at her job at “Food & Entertainment Magazine’s” test kitchen while she dreams of being able to finally afford culinary school in Paris. When her boss offers her a bonus if she agrees to ghostwrite the cookbook of a difficult celebrity chef, Lauren sees her dream becoming a reality as soon as she can tame the notorious bad boy chef in question, Dexter Durant (Shawn Roberts). Slowly peeling back the layers of Dexter’s tough-guy persona, she starts seeing a different, vulnerable side to this big-shot chef. Suddenly, their dueling culinary styles become the perfect complement in the kitchen and an attraction between them starts to boil over. As the cookbook nears completion, Dexter and a scheming young chef must face off in a final cook-off, judged by celebrity Peter DeLuise (as himself). Will Dexter win the competition and Lauren’s love? *Loved this one!

How To Fall In Love

Still suffering from the ugly-duckling syndrome that branded his youth, Harold White (Eric Mabius) hires Annie Hayes (Brooke D’Orsay), the pretty and popular girl he knew in high school, to be his dating coach and help him shed his wallflower approach to romance. Annie even enlists her friend Kim (Kathy Najimy), a waitress at a local diner, to be Harold’s practice date. Annie draws Harold out of his shell and teaches him to win over a new love interest with the help of their shared passion for classic love songs. But when sparks unexpectedly fly between “student” and “teacher,” both Harold and Annie must learn how to make up for past mistakes if they’re going to hold onto true love. *Loved this one!

**************************************

Although Hallmark movies can be at times filled with cliché romance, cheesy and often cringe worthy acting moments, and the dialogue can be a little too fairytale, or overdone. I enjoy them. The endings leave some to be desired, as they seem to have a good storyline and great potential but they force a wrap up and tend to fall short. Sometimes I feel a movie is so good and then it wraps up so quickly and it often ends with a wedding and I’m just like wait a minute didn’t these people just meet? So unrealistic. Although I have to admit, when I write my love stories marriage is usually where my story tends to drive toward. In many ways I think I love Hallmark movies so much, because I can see writing something like that, myself. Hell, I probably already have. I would totally jump on the chance to write a Hallmark movie. Because in the mist of all the things you can find wrong, there are moments of pure heart. There is love. There is story. There are characters that you for some reason are drawn too, characters you can relate to, characters that you care about. These movies pass the time, they are relaxing and funny. They are entertaining and light, you don’t have to think, you just have to enjoy and laugh along the way. They can help you escape from a long hard day, and unwind. These movies are truly the heart of TV.

I already found a bunch more titles, that I can’t wait to watch! Signed, Hopeless Romantic 😉

**I do not take credit for any images used.**

-<3-

Writer’s Corner

July 20, 2015July 19, 2015michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

“Love is all you need.”

So we’ve all seen it. We’ve all watched two characters come together after endless episodes of waiting and small flirtations that drive us crazy.

Yea I’m talking about Love on screen.

This is something that I think makes a show.

Relationships.

The ups and downs, the ins and outs, the rollercoaster ride of emotions.

I love tv, I love on screen love.

I love watching it blossom.

There’s always that one couple that kind of shines brighter then the rest.

A crowd favorite.

Come on fangirls, you know what I’m talking about.

The couple that you chronicle, in your mind.

This was the first time they met.

The first time, he looked at her the way a guy looks at a girl he knows isn’t “just a friend.”

The first time she blushed over a compliment or a come on.

The first date.

The first kiss.

I’m talking about those epic romances, the two characters that just fit together.

The two characters that you can’t see being with anyone else but each other.

I’m talking about the Ross & Rachel.

The Pacey & Joey.

The Luke & Lorelei.

The Cory & Topanga.

The list is endless.

Each of these couples have a unique story. Different reasons for bringing them together. Different love stories to tell.

Some love stories are brought to life out of mutual hatred, or pure friendship, some are accidental yet happy coincidences. Love is what makes tv shows soar. It’s what sells the angst and goes beyond the coined phrase “sex sells.” Those sweet moments and emotional connections and conversations between two characters meant to fall in love, are just as important as the love scenes they may share.

I speak on behalf of many fangirls when I say, squealing over tv couples is a favorite past time. I live for onscreen romances. You know when the guy makes the girl feel like the only girl in the world. #RihannaReference #Circa2010 #EwHowWasThat5YearsAgo Anyway I digress.

As a writer I have a new found appreciation for tv show couples. I can only hope to be able to pen such brilliant love stories. Stories that give young girls hope and happiness, and let’s face it butterflies and dreams of finding love of their own one day. I want to be able to create a show that makes people feel like they can relate to it. And being honest I want to create a show where fans have reasons to make OTP lists and ship names. #Thatsthedream

The key to a good tv story is…love…challenge me and I will find a way to prove you wrong 😉

With that being said I leave you with one of the most breathtaking scenes in 90’s television.

“I remember everything.”

Oh my god. This scene, the chemistry, the song, the dance, the looks, the moments. Gosh it’s brilliant. #ItWasPACEYSCREEK

*I do not take credit for any images or gifs used.*

-<3-

Her name is Lulu

July 16, 2015July 9, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Lulu walks along the city street. Her iPod in her ears; playing one of her favorite songs…

Woman monster, woman child,
Woman hero, woman wild
Woman whisper, woman scream
Woman listen, woman free

Woman Mary, Jezebel
Woman heaven, woman hell
Woman teacher, womankind
Woman nature, woman rise

I am the Universe wrapped in skin

A few minutes in and she came to the realization that she didn’t really have a destination. She just needed to walk. She needed to breathe fresh air into her lungs. To feel connected to the world in some sort of strange way. She needed to find clarity. Purpose. Inspiration. Lulu didn’t quite know how to feel about her recent move to New York. She was unsure she’d ever fit in. But maybe that was the point. Always feeling like she was two steps behind everyone else…late to the game, is a phrase she knew well.

She needed to feel like she was finding a path for herself, or creating one. She needed to feel like she wasn’t a child, that she was growing and maturing. That she was going somewhere, that she was making her future happen, and not just waiting on it. Lulu needed to know that she could stand on her own, take care of herself. To begin her quest from girl to woman.

But she also needed to learn the difference between becoming independent, and pushing people away. Isolation is no way to live. There had to be a balance. Lulu needed to find it.

Isn’t that how it goes? Lulu ponders. Small town girl makes a splash in the big city? A fish out of water. It’s a scary thing uprooting your whole life, for a chance at something that may or may not ever happen. Lulu wanted to be a writer. To expand the minds of many. To expand their souls, and give them an escape from ordinary life even just for a minute.

Lulu’s goal was to make people feel like they aren’t alone. Like they have a friend in her. Someone who gets it. Who gets them. She wanted to make them feel like she saw them, she wanted to make them feel seen and understood. Lulu wasn’t used to scandalous behavior. Sure she wrote about it in her stories of young adults trying to find themselves, making mistakes along the way. But it was all based on imagination, it was nothing she herself had ever experienced. Write what you know, huh? Lulu did the opposite. She wrote what she wanted to know, what she wanted to explore and learn about. She wrote from imagination. The pinnacle key of creativity. Some would even go as far as to call her innocent, or a prude, or simply too naïve for her own good. But Lulu knew better. Her eyes were open. And she could see the world for all that it is. A mixture of happiness and sadness. A blur of blacks and whites. Fading. Gray areas. Colors like canary yellow and magenta. Lulu could see that life can be filled with depression and anxiety and then flip a switch and be blessed with joy and laughter. It was in these switches, that she would put pen to paper and try to make sense of it all. The pen is mightier.

So fellow writers. Who is Lulu? A small town girl moving to the big city? A fish out of water? A writer with a dream? A lost soul searching for her purpose? Is Lulu just like you? Just like me? Lulu is you. Lulu is me. Lulu is every twenty something struggling writer, every girl turning into a woman, Lulu is just trying to find who she is, and what her place in the world is, but there’s a few things to keep in mind along the way…

*LULU*

Learn

Universally

Love

Uniquely

LISTEN to Lulu’s quest to womanhood.

* I do not take credit for the images used in my edit.*

-<3-

Fight…or Flight? Part 2

July 6, 2015August 27, 2021michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Read Part 1 HERE

3 weeks later…

Dylan didn’t think it’d happen this quick.

Divorce talks and meetings with lawyers.

He hasn’t been home in weeks.

The only communication Dylan and Cassie have had is through text messaging, and lawyer exchange.

Dylan hasn’t been suiting up for the corporate world for days, he just hasn’t felt like he could brave the world, knowing his heart may just fall out of his chest, if Cassie decides to leave him, for good.

He thought they’d at least go through the terrible should we or shouldn’t we spell.

Have a few hundred bitter fights where she would spit hateful insults his way.

But there was none of that.

Instead Cassie was rather calm, rather quiet.

But mostly distant.

Which made Dylan all the more worried.

It’s 6:45 pm, she’ll be home in a few minutes.

“I need her to talk to me, this can’t be how this ends,” he thinks.

He paces the kitchen, awaiting her arrival.

He hears her key turning in the door.

“I’ve never been more nervous to see my own wife,” he thinks.

Dylan’s stomach flips, and his heart begins to pound.

Cassie opens their apartment door, to find Dylan sitting across from her at the kitchen island.

She walks in and places her purse and keys on the kitchen counter, without a word. With her back to Dylan she makes her way to the fridge and takes out a bottle of chilled wine, she grabs a glass and pours herself some.

Dylan watches her, waiting.

He notices her rings aren’t on her finger anymore. It’s an instant ache in his heart. He plays with his wedding band that sits on his left hand, rightfully so.

Dylan also notices Cassie’s wearing a fitted pencil skirt, he always liked how they hugged her curves.

It was one of the many perks of marrying a powerful businesswoman.

The power couple, taking over the world.

Cassie walks into the living room.

Dylan sighs.

As Cassie passes him by, he smells her perfume.

It’s the little things that you miss when you realize you’re about to lose the love of your life, all over your own stupidity, he thinks.

Cassie takes off her high heels and tosses them in the corner, before sitting on the couch and turning on the tv.

Dylan looks over at her. He gets up hastily.

He stalks over to the living room, blocking the tv and her view.

Cassie looks at him, and then looks away unfazed.

She reaches for the remote and shuts the tv off, she gets up and starts to walk away.

Dylan: Cassie.

Cassie: What? (she sighs heavily)

Dylan: Are we ever going to talk about this? Ever?

Cassie: We don’t have to.

Dylan: I think we do.

Cassie: Whatever I needed to say, I said to my lawyer, she’ll relay the message.

Cassie begins to walk up the stairs to their bedroom.

Dylan follows.

Dylan: I’d rather here it from your mouth, then some lawyer’s.

Cassie: Well, turns out I don’t really care what you want. (she whips around and crosses her arms)

Dylan hides a smile.

There she is. There’s my girl, he thinks.

Dylan: Now we’re talking.

Cassie: What?

Dylan: You’re finally being honest.

Cassie: (laughs) Like you would even know what that word meant.

Dylan: Cassie I know that what I did was unforgivable…

Cassie: You’re right, it is. We agree. Are we done here?

She walks into their bedroom and goes to shut the door.

Dylan rushes after her, stopping the door from closing.

Dylan: No. We’re not done. Not even close.

Cassie locks eyes with her husband for a brief second.

And for a minute she almost forgets.

Cassie softens, and then shakes it off and turns away from him.

Dylan: What? I saw that….Cassie what?

Cassie: How could you do this?

Dylan: Believe me it wasn’t planned-

Cassie: Don’t. Don’t give me that, “it just happened” bullshit. It’s straight from the cheater’s manual. I deserve better than that. I want to know how? How could you physically do this? At what point did you stop remembering that you had a WIFE! Sitting at home, waiting for you.

Dylan: Cassie. I love you, so much and I am so sorry. There aren’t enough words in the English language for me to even begin to try and explain how sorry I am. I don’t even know where my mind was that night. There aren’t any excuses, there’s just alcohol, stress, and really really bad judgment. You have to believe me, it meant nothing.

Cassie: I don’t have to believe you. I know our life hasn’t been easy. I know we haven’t been us in a while. But you fail to realize that those outside factors were circumstances beyond our control. Things that can’t be explained. All the family stresses. I know it’s been hard on you, and I’ve tried being there for you, but you didn’t let me. We’re supposed to be a team, and you forgot. Life isn’t ever going to be perfect. We are never going to be perfect.

Dylan: I don’t need perfection, I just need you.

Cassie looks at him.

Dylan: As far as I’m concerned, you’re pretty perfect as it is.

Cassie: Dylan just stop it.

Dylan: It was a mistake Cassie, please can we find a way to rebuild this. I know it’s going to take time, but-

Cassie sits silently on their bed, facing him as he stands in the door way.

Dylan: Cassie?

Cassie: You don’t think I’ve had guys hit on me, since we’ve been married? I’ve had guys hit on me our entire relationship. But I never, not once, let them think they had a shot. Never did I forget about you. Because I knew what it meant to be in love. Nothing was worth risking what we had. I loved you and that was all I needed to know. But you know, I guess that’s just the difference between you and me.

Dylan: Cassie, Cassie please don’t let my stupid mistake, erase everything we had. I love you. Cassie, please. Baby I’m so sorry. (he walks over to her and kneels in front of her, grabbing her hands tightly.)

Cassie: It’s funny. I do believe that you’re sorry. And I know that you know, you made a mistake. But I just can’t shake this feeling that it’s very convenient for you to realize all your wrong doings after you had sex with another woman. Because I am sure that you were having a ball during it. And I’m also sure I wasn’t even a thought in your mind. It wasn’t until you had to sneak back home that night that it finally hit you. Or am I giving you too much credit?…maybe it wasn’t until you were showering off the guilt, or maybe it wasn’t until you had to face me day after day, night after night, sharing a bed, the bed we’ve been together in as husband and wife… and you never said a word. You just let me think it was me, that I was the one driving you away.

Dylan: I never meant to hurt you.

Cassie: Hey…you wanted honesty.

Dylan: I did. And I deserve every little bit of it. I’m just so glad your talking to me. This time apart, not being able to see you or know what’s been going on in your mind…it’s been killing me.

Cassie: Good.

Dylan: Cassie…Hey (he cups her face) I love you.

Cassie softens.

Cassie: I guess this is the price you pay, huh?

Dylan: What?

Cassie: For falling in love. You put your trust in someone, you give them your heart and you pray that they handle it with care. But it isn’t always like the fairytales.

Dylan: (tears begin to fill his eyes) Cassie- (his voice cracks.)

Cassie’s tears stream down her face.

She cups Dylan’s face and leans in, as she kisses him, softly.

Cassie pulls away and looks at him, stroking his face, she smiles faintly.

Dylan: I love you.

Cassie: I love you too. But this is where our story ends.

Dylan’s tears fall as he hangs onto his wife for the very last time.

-<3-

Michelle Leigh Writes

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Her name is Lulu

Fight…or Flight? Part 2