#BLOGTOBER Day 25- “Head Over Heels”- An Original Short Horror Script [2015]

“HEAD OVER HEELS”

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CLICK FOR SOUND EFFECT.

A SHORT HORROR FILM

Page 1.

FADE IN: BLACK SCREEN

(SOUND OF HIGH HEELS WALKING ON THE SIDEWALK… A STEADY WALK.)

EXT: NIGHT. SIDEWALK/ALLEYWAY.

CLOSE UP: A PAIR OF BLACK HIGH HEELS WALKING.

A YOUNG WOMAN IS WALKING, ON A CHILL FALL NIGHT.

THE MOON IS HIGH IN THE SKY.

SOUNDS OF LIGHT WIND GUSTS AND LEAVES RUSTLING ABOUT ARE HEARD.

THE YOUNG WOMAN IS WALKING AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN SHE STILLS FEELING A PRESENCE NEAR HER.

WE SEE A BLURRY BLACK HOODED FIGURE A FEW FEET AWAY, IN THE DISTANCE BEHIND HER.

THE YOUNG WOMAN STOPS AND LOOKS AROUND, SEEING NOTHING.

SHE CONTINUES WALKING A FEW MORE STEPS.

STOPS FEELING THAT SAME FEELING AGAIN.

A FACELESS MAN APPEARS BEHIND HER.

SHE TURNS.

THE FACELESS MAN SWOOPS AROUND TO THE FRONT OF HER.

SHE SEES NOTHING, TURNING AROUND HE IS GONE.

THE YOUNG WOMAN’S HEART BEGINS BEATING FAST, HER BREATHING QUICKENS.

SOMETHING ISN’T RIGHT.

SHE STARTS TO WALK QUICKER. TAKING OUT HER KEYS FROM HER JACKET POCKET AND PLACING THEM BETWEEN HER KNUCKLES.

SHE HEARS HER NAME WHISPERED IN HER EAR.

BLANK FACE:

“Heather.”

A BREATH RUSTLES HER HAIR.

SHE STILLS, NERVOUS TO MOVE.

Page 2.

HEATHER TURNS QUICKLY AROUND.

HEATHER:
Ok that’s enough bullshit, Sara…that better not be you screwing with me.

After you left me to fend for myself at that sleazy bar. I could kill you.

SHE LOOKS AROUND.

HEELS CLICKING. AS SHE WALKS IN A CIRCLE.

HEATHER:

(whispers to herself)

It’s all in your head, it’s all in your head, and you’re almost home.

HEATHER CONTINUES WALKING, BUT PICKS UP THE PACE.

SHE STARTS TO HEAR THE SOUND OF CHILDREN LAUGHING.

SHE LOOKS AROUND NERVOUSLY.

(CLOSE UP OF HER EYES DARTING FROM SIDE TO SIDE.)

CHILDREN:

(whispers)

Don’t go home. They’re waiting for you.

Page 3.

SHE SEES TWO LITTLE KIDS RUNNING IN FRONT OF HER AND THEN AROUND HER, THEY VANISH BEHIND TREES.

CHILDREN’S LAUGHTER FILLS THE AIR.

HEATHER:

I’m so out of here.

HEATHER BEGINS TO RUN.

INT: HEATHER’S APARTMENT

SHE GETS INTO HER APARTMENT. FLICKS ON HER LIGHT.

SHUTS THE DOOR BEHIND HER, LEANING UP AGAINST IT, SHE LETS OUT A SIGH OF RELIEF.

SHE SHUTS HER EYES, BREATHING HEAVILY. UPON OPENING THEM SHE IS FACED WITH A STRANGE FEELING AGAIN.

SHE TURNS ON ALL HER LIGHTS, CHECKING HER APARTMENT, ROOM BY ROOM.

HER PHONE RINGS, STARTLING HER. SHE REACHES AND TAKES IT OUT OF HER BACK POCKET.

HEATHER:

Shit. Heather. Relax. It’s all in your head.

Page 4.

SHE ANSWERS HER PHONE.

HEATHER:

(Aggravated)

Hello?

CALLER:
Is it?

HEATHER:

Who is this?

CALLER:
Is it?

HEATHER:

Who is this?

CALLER:

Is it all in your head?

HEATHER STILLS.

BEHIND HER A HALL LIGHT FLICKERS.

SHE TURNS THE LIGHT STEADIES.

HEATHER LOOKS BACK AT HER PHONE “CALL ENDED.”

Page 5.

HEATHER:

It’s all in your head. It is all in your head.

HEATHER TAKES HER JACKET OFF. AND HER HEELS. TOSSING THEM TO THE SIDE.

CLOSE UP ON THE HEELS.

SHE WALKS OVER TO THE STOVE AND PUTS WATER TO BOIL, GETTING HER CUP AND TEA READY.

SHE WALKS TO HER BEDROOM, GETTING HER PAJAMAS TO CHANGE INTO.

TASTEFUL SHOT.

CLOTHING DROPS TO THE FLOOR. HEATHER THROWS ON SWEATS AND A HOODIE AND SOME SLIPPERS.

UNDER THE BED SHOTS AS IF SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS WATCHING FROM UNDER THE BED.

HEATHER GETS A FEELING, SHE LOOKS AROUND. SHE KNEELS AND LOOKS UNDER HER BED. SEEING NOTHING.

HEATHER:

(Laughs)

(covering her face)

BEHIND HER A CREEPY CREATURE IS DEPICTED IN THE MIRROR AND THEN VANISHES.

HEATHER GETS UP AND MAKES HER WAY TO THE BATHROOM.

Page 6.

TYING HER HAIR UP IN A BUN. SHE TURNS ON THE WATER.

SETTING TO BRUSHING HER TEETH. SHE LOOKS INTO THE MIRROR AS SHE BRUSHES, SHE GOES TO SPIT AND A CREEPY CREATURE IS PICTURED IN THE MIRROR. HIS HAND REACHING FOR HER.

HEATHER STANDS BACK UP AND GETS A FEELING AND LOOKS BEHIND HER.

SHE CHECKS BEHIND THE SHOWER CURTAIN.

SHE LAUGHS AT HERSELF AGAIN.

HEATHER:

Heather you’re psyching yourself out over nothing.

It’s all in your head. Just breathe. Relax.

HEATHER REMOVES HER MAKEUP WITH WIPES AND SPLASHES WATER ON HER FACE.

CREEPY CREATURE IS PICTURED IN THE FAUCET.

HEATHER DRIES HER FACE AND HEADS BACK TO THE KITCHEN.

AS SHE DOES, A KNOCK IS HEARD.

HEATHER STILLS.

SHE LOOKS AT HER WALL CLOCK.

Page 7.

2:34 AM

HEATHER WALKS SLOWLY TO HER APARTMENT DOOR. SHE PAUSES AND LOOKS THROUGH THE PEEPHOLE. SHE SEES NOTHING.

A CREEPY CREATURE IS ON THE OTHER SIDE LOOKING IN.

HEATHER SEES NOTHING.

HEATHER GETS THAT FEELING. HER TEA KETTLE WHISTLES AND IT STARTLES HER.

HEATHER:
Damn it.

SHE WALKS OVER TO HER STOVE SHUTS IT AND POURS HER WATER IN HER MUG.

OFF TO THE SIDE IN THE HALLWAY, THE LIGHT FLICKERS.

A CREEPY BLUE TONED WOMAN IN A NIGHTGOWN IS SHOWN.

HEATHER TURNS AND SHE’S GONE.

HEATHER WALKS TO HER SOFA WITH HER CUP OF TEA. SITTING DOWN SHE TURNS ON HER TV.

A NEWS REPORT COMES ON.

Page 8.

NEWS ANCHORPERSON:

It’s just a few short days to Halloween. And we’ve got some fun questions for you. What are you most afraid of? What creatures of the night terrify you to your very core? Witches, Werewolves, Vampires, Ghouls, Goblins….let us know on our Facebook page. And let us know which Halloween traditional is at the top of your to do list.

HEATHER CHANGES THE CHANNEL.

SHE SIPS HER TEA.

TIME PASSES.

HEATHER FALLS ASLEEP ON THE COUCH.

SLEEPING PEACEFULLY.

P.O.V SHOT OF PEOPLE CLOSING IN ON HEATHER AS SHE SLEEPS. REFLECTIONS IN THE TV.

HEATHER’S PHONE RINGS AND SHE JOLTS AWAKE.

SHE LOOKS AROUND, SEEING NOTHING.

HEATHER:

(tiredly)

Hello?

Page 9.

CALLER:
Is it?

HEATHER STILLS.

THE CREATURES CLOSE IN AND SHE SCREAMS. THE SCREEN GOES BLACK.

END SCENE:

TV PLAYING.

TEA ON COFFEE TABLE

CELLPHONE NEARBY.

HEATHER’S LIMP BODY ON THE COUCH.

A HIGH HEELED SHOE STUCK IN HER NECK.

CREDITS ROLL…
“Head Over Heels”
WRITTEN, DIRECTED & EDITED BY MICHELLE…
CINEMATOGRAPHY BY ROBERT…
STARRING LAUREN…

Page 10.

SECRET SCENE:

HEATHER WAKES UP FROM A LONG SLEEP.

HER PHONE RINGS MAKING HER JUMP.

HEATHER:
Hello?

SARA:
Hey…

HEATHER:

Who’s this?

SARA:

It’s Sara crazy. Are you just waking up it’s like 2:30 in the afternoon?

HEATHER:

Sorry I guess I was kind of out of it.

SARA:

No worries. So is it

HEATHER:

Uh…

SARA:

Come on is it still on for tonight? Our plan to hangout?

Scott said he’s bringing a cute friend for you. It’ll be fun.

HEATHER:

Ok, yea pick me up. I’m not traveling alone that late at night. Crazy shit can happen.

SARA:

You got it. I’ll see you later.

CUT TO:

HEATHER SITS IN HER ROOM, GETTING HER OUTFIT TOGETHER TO GO OUT.

SHE LOOKS AT HER HEELS AND THEN AT HER FLATS.

HEATHER:

Screw it, I’m wearing flats.

FADE OUT.

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed!

*I do not take credit for the image or the sound effect used.*

-<3-

Video Update

There are often so many areas of life we feel we need to be good at all the time. And often times we struggle trying to make that happen. It’s impossible. You can do anything but not everything. You can be anything, but you can’t be everything, to everyone, all the time. If you try to, you will break.

As the summer comes to an end, the self-bashing comes for not doing half of the things I wanted to. Summer is kind of like New Year’s Eve in that way, don’t you think? We make so many promises to ourselves and then life happens.

I’ve been really thinking about my relationship with video and film making. And because of this, I’ve learned a few things. I wanted to get really real with myself about this topic.
To back track just a bit, I have a Bachelor of Arts degree. I studied Mass Communications with a concentration in Film and Broadcasting. The dream-the goal- to write for television. And yet when I look at all the video projects I’ve actually finished…the total number is not many. Many unfinished scripts/ideas for scripts collecting dust too!

Back in college, I had to do a few projects- one was a music video which I did for The Civil War’s Poison & Wine and the other was a concept video which was about throwing away stereotypes- it was very abstract and I titled it “Tearing Down The Label Makers.” It’s crazy because I feel like the message holds even more relevance today. Then I worked on my thesis which as you may know was a documentary about a day/or days in the life of my Grandmother who had been struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. I did two versions of that for two separate classes- one was the full version, and one was an abridged trailer version entitled Vai Com Deus.

“Poison & Wine” Video Shoot-

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“Tearing Down The Label Makers” Video Shoot-

Tearing Down the Label Makers

Neither the music video nor the concept video have been uploaded to YouTube, although considering these two were my very first video projects I am still very proud of how they came out and the messages behind them. I’m seriously considering sharing them. Providing the actors give their permission for me to do so, actually I’m pretty sure I had them all sign release forms!

During my college years I also attempted to shoot a script I wrote called Dumb Luck. A lot of time and production went into that but, it never got finished and the footage has been difficult to revive since my college computer died on me and I’ve gotten a new one. I am hoping to revive that and get that up, it’s super raw,  and you can definitely tell I was just starting out but the story is juicy. We only got to shoot the montage sequence. But a few years ago I shared the script, if you’d like to read that…click HERE.

“Dumb Luck” Prop Pictures

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“Vai Com Deus” process-

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Since I graduated I’ve done a few little side projects that are actually finished- I shot a yoga video for my cousin, a poetry video for MLW- to name a few and a couple of vlogs. The vlogs are less planned and less cinematic of course.

Yoga Video Shoot (Behind the Scenes) (this is not available to watch,  even though she was happy with the result-the video was for a school assignment and my cousin didn’t want it uploaded.)

“Secret” Society Video Shoot/Vlogs (Behind the Scenes)

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Then there are more video attempts- there are bits of footage shot for a zombie horror short that my brother and I had been working on. We even got as far as building a timeline of the clips in editing, but then…life. Life came in, things got busy, I got distracted and something else needed my attention.

“Inhumane” process- (Behind the Scenes)

20160418_20195320160417_235705Inhumane

Its 4 years now since I graduated and it seems that every time I get close to the idea of shooting something- I may do well for a brief time but then cue the rut.

The other day I was going through some old paperwork and things, trying to organize my room and I came across some old scripts and video treatments/storyboards. Both were horror related. One was the zombie short titled Inhumane, the other titled Head Over Heels (which I think would be a bad ass Halloween upload). And when I see these scripts and how the planning process was beginning it makes me want to get back into video. But then I hit a wall and the reality sinks in. There’s just no realistic way. For the past-I want to say 2 years- I have been well involved/invested in the engagements, weddings, bridal/baby showers of many people that are very close to me. And I have had to really dedicate my time and my funds to them. When I think about doing something short/simple- I think how I don’t have the actors, or the equipment, to do so.

I know I’ve mentioned this before, my brother is a photographer and he has a lot of equipment that I’ve used in the past. But I’m very weird about using it, mostly because he’s very particular about it, lol. And I get nervous I’ll do something wrong! And so because of that I am very weird about asking him for help. I feel like it’s a burden, especially now that he is newly married and he and his wife are expecting their first child. Even though he has been hounding me to get back into shooting Inhumane, I know he simply doesn’t have the time, we don’t have the people, and quite honestly there are just so many other things I’d love to shoot instead. #HeadOverHeels #MysteriousAttractionTeaser

I also don’t have the best sound equipment or the best editing software either so it’s kind of like a million things weighing against me. I think about how people would perceive the work I put out. “Didn’t she go to school for film and video? This sucks!” That’s how I feel they would judge it. Along with all the other worries, I fear I may not be good enough at it.

I know this may seem like I’m complaining and I’m not. I don’t want pity. I understand that life is fast paced and ever changing. I love being asked to be part of special moments in people’s lives. People who mean the world to me. But sometimes when everything seems to happen all at once it can be very overwhelming. And we all know that I can get overwhelmed pretty easily and my anxiety definitely tends to spike a lot more when too much change is happening.

I just think that in life you often have to prioritize and these things in my life have been coming one after the other and they need special attention. I’m the type of person who really wants to show up for you on your special day/during your special time. My relationships with my family and friends are everything to me. And so I give 150% every time. (Or at least I really try too!)

With my bank accountant taking some serious hits over the past few years, lol-so has my time management skills. I can multi task…sure…just ask my computer- I can have 8 different tabs open at once and hit all of them. But I can’t say with absolute confidence that I can multi task well all the time. I just end up overwhelming myself and needing to narrow things down. Focus on one thing at a time. Rightfully so…no? I mean how much wedding/baby events/day to day responsibilities can one girl take at once? Ya know? It’s a lot. But thankfully, thank god it’s mostly beautiful, happy stuff, all deserving of celebration. I will always be grateful for that.

Needless to say I know there are ways around this funk I’ve created for myself. I know that fear of inadequacy, lack of funds and time are a huge part of why video has taken a back seat. But I want to try and make some solutions to these problems.

Dear Michelle,

ACTORS ask people I know/ research sites that can help find actors willing to participate for low funds or pizza! Haha. Asking people you know, can be difficult, it doesn’t always work out. My film and video professor used to always tell us to have a plan B because people aren’t always reliable and it can break your heart when a project falls through the cracks. This I know first hand. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked family or friends to be apart of shorts and they cancelled on me because of work or life in general got in the way. It happens, I get it. But creatively, it’s heart breaking. Another thing to consider when filming is to keep the shorts abstract- quick cuts- simple images-

Avant Garde it- experimental film, experimental cinema- a mode of filmmaking that rigorously re-evaluates cinematic conventions and explores non-narrative forms and alternatives to traditional narratives or methods of working.

TIME make time- plain and simple. Plan it out, and stick to a schedule.

SPACE/LOCATION keep it local, go where you know- use people’s homes, lol.

FUNDS keep things simple/super low budget- use house hold items.

EQUIPMENT use equipment you have, or ask to borrow equipment in advance.

EDITING SOFTWARE use what you have and make it work.

FEAR“Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game.” -A Cinderella Story. Your never going to not be fearful of new challenges. You just have to decide how bad you want it, and be brave enough to just do it, to hell with what people think! 

When you’re just starting out, or easing back into something Don’t Expect Perfection! If things are a little janky, it’s ok, it’s better to shoot footage than not try at all. And Vlogs do count. I’ve noticed I like vlogging when I have some cool things to do, I just have to get better at the editing turn around. Mini Vlogmas is still only partially edited. :/ As is the Gender Reveal Party Vlog for my brother and sister in law and a Family Trip Vlog to Great Wolf Lodge we took last Summer. I also shot a bunch of footage of a Polar Express Trip and my best friend’s engagement night. Really got to get back to editing!!!!

*Current Update– Since I last scheduled this post (which was a while ago back in the Summer when I was what I like to call bulk blogging) I have edited my butt off and have finished editing Vlogmas, The Gender Reveal, The Great Wolf Lodge Trip and The Engagement. I however am torn as to whether or not I should post them on YouTube/link them on this blog. I know have alluded to the fact that I would post them, I’ve mentioned it in many blog posts [including the Vlogmas announcement], however I am not the only person in them and I don’t know if others would appreciate their images being out on the internet. I know- why announce Vlogmas, take forever to edit them, and then never post them. The truth is I did do a small Vlogmas, and I did edit them, but I don’t feel 100% comfortable sharing videos of my family. I may just keep them as home movies for me, and my friends and family. But I am excited that I got so many of them done. That’s a win for me!

When things start to settle down on the wedding/baby front, I will start to save up for some new equipment. In the mean time, I just have to do it. Pick up the camera I do have and shoot something. Stop worrying about how crappy it might turn out and just dive in. I know I’ll feel better once I do. And the excitement and natural high of doing something I love will come back. I just need to do and stop second guessing, stop making excuses and just use the time I do have for myself wisely.

The reason for this long winded post is because I needed it. Sometimes you need to reflect on all the ways you let life pass you by in order to make you realize that you need to try a little harder to make your dreams come true. Be a bulldozer – and plow through the writer’s block, through the lack of inspiration, through the Summer Blues, through the funk that I’ve been in, and just go for it!

So here’s hoping to change my mind set! Wish me luck. No Scratch that- Wish me determination!

 

*All images and videos are my own.*

-<3-

 

Move- Chapter 10

MOVE poster

Previously on Move– Read Chapter 9 HERE

Aria and Liam burst into Liam’s place, kissing, as they bump into a nearby potted plant, knocking it over. It shatters, but doesn’t make them miss a beat.

Liam’s hands cupping her face, deepening each kiss as Aria pushes the door shut.

Reaching for his jacket, she maneuvers it off as it falls to the floor. Liam’s hands circle her waist, but stay put as Aria reaches for his tie- loosening it and tossing it off.

“Aria?” he whispers.

“Shh, we’ve had this date with each other from the beginning,” she says smiling as she covers his lips with hers again, starting to unbutton his crisp white shirt.

Hitting a tough button, Aria breaks their kiss. Sighing in frustration, she rips the shirt open, buttons flying everywhere.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry, this was probably so expensive,” she says looking around on the floor.

Liam pulls her back to him, “Do I look upset,” he says kissing her.

She laughs against his lips as her hands stroke his chest.

Aria pulls away to look up at him, for a beat, his kind eyes stare back waiting for her move.

She smiles, as she un-clips her black wrap around dress letting it fall open.

Liam’s eyes glance over her toned figure, as her lacey black lingerie set hugs her curves perfectly.

He lets out the breath he’s been holding in since he met her, “Wow,” he says coughing shyly looking away, as Aria looks after him with a small shy laugh.

Liam pulls her to him, placing a sweet, yet intense kiss on her lips, but soon pulling away he cups her face, staring at her.

“As much as I want to do this love, I don’t think it’s the best order of events.”

Aria looks up at him, confused, stepping back, and away from him.

Liam sighs.

“Please don’t miss understand. I like you. I really really like you. And I want this. I want you, so much that I don’t want to jeopardize it by moving too fast too quick. So before we let this go this far, I’d like to at least take you to dinner first,” he says smiling.

Aria sighs and starts laughing as she closes her dress and refastens it.

“Oh, right. Of course, that makes sense,” she says smiling. “I’m sorry I was pretty aggressive there,” she says with a laugh. “I’m sorry if I came on too strong.”

“Trust me love, I didn’t mind,” he says grinning down at her. “I was quite unprofessional with you from the start,” he smirks sheepishly.

“I wouldn’t say that,” Aria looks at him as they make their way to the kitchen.

“What would you say?”

“I would say that…we both probably….maybe…sort of…knew there was a spark there when we first met and then the universe kind of just kept throwing us together- it was hard to deny it.”

Liam looks at her and laughs.

“What?”

“I may have orchestrated a few of those run-ins we had.”

Aria looks up at him in shock.

“Wait…what? How?”

“I may have kept tabs on you.”

Aria gasps, “Wait…Did you Facebook stalk me?”

“More than I’d like to admit,” he says avoiding her eyes, as he grabs a few things from the fridge. Aria sits across from him at his kitchen island.

“Oh my gosh, well, now I’m flattered,” she says laughing as her cheeks blush.

“Really your not creeped out?” he says laughing as he begins chopping some vegetables.

“Well…that depends,” she says smiling.

“On?”

“On how many of these run-ins you actually orchestrated?”

“Oh boy…”

“All of them?”

“No…but most.”

“Which ones, come on, I need specifics here.”

“And let you think that we are anything but fate in human form, no thank you love.” he says smirking.

Aria walks over to him, coming up behind him, she circles her arms around him, her hands on his chest. 

Liam laughs.

“Please,” she says kissing his shoulder.

Liam turns in her arms and cups her face, “You fight dirty,” he says smirking.

Aria laughs, reaching up to kiss him, he accepts it with a smile.

“Fine, don’t tell me,” she laughs, kissing him once more, she walks away from him. “I really should be going, anyway.”

Liam looks after her, “Aria.”

Aria turns, “Would you like to join me for dinner?”

She smiles at him, “I would love to but I have a class to teach tonight and then I really need to get to the studio and work on my routine.”

Liam nods his understanding, but she can tell the sadness on his face.

“What about lunch tomorrow? I can come by the office.”

Liam smiles, “That would be perfect.”

“Ok I will see you tomorrow, then,” she leans over and gives him a kiss. “Bye,” she smiles and begins walking toward the door.

“Don’t worry I’ll tell Marco you say bye,” he says walking after her with a smirk playing on his lips.

Aria turns around, “Oh, ok,” she says laughing, “So your the jealous type?”

Liam walks over to her, his arms circling her waist.

“Only when it comes to you,” he says looking at her deeply.

Aria pulls him into a long kiss.

“Stay,” he whispers pleading with her.

“I can’t,” she says frowning, “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she places a quick peck on his lips and walks away.

Liam grabs her hand pulling her back to him, as he kisses her again, his feelings for her pouring out of him.

Aria looks up at him, her head in a fog for a beat.

“My driver is downstairs, let him take you.”

“No that’s really ok, I-“

Liam kisses her again, as Aria’s response is cut short.

“Ok,” she says looking up at him with a laugh.

He laughs, and opens up the door for her.

Grabbing her bag she walks out, and turns to face him.

“I had a really nice time,” she says smiling at him.

“Me too, love,” he says smiling brightly.

Aria waves and walks off.

Liam shuts the door, starring at it for a beat. He smiles to himself as he exhales deeply, running his hand through his hair. He walks back to his kitchen to continue making dinner.

***

Aria steps out of Liam’s black sleek car, and walks into the Gym.

Upon entering the locker room, she’s bombarded by questions from her girl squad.

“Where the hell have you been?” Yolanda says quickly with worry.

“Yoyo, I’m fine. I’m sorry, I got caught up.”

Molly and Allie exchange looks.

“Your still in your work clothes…” Molly says.

“I know, I have to change,” she says grabbing her work out clothes from her gym bag and un-doing her dress.

“Well well isn’t that set a little sexy for the work place, were you looking for a certain someone to see it?” Molly says coyly.

Aria laughs as she pulls on her clothes.

“Let’s just say I didn’t have to hope at all, it kind of just happened,” she smirks throws her stuff into her locker and closes it, walking off.

The four girls all look at each other, their mouths open as they rush after her into the gym.

The gym is already full of excited ladies ready to work out.

“I’m sorry WHAT?” Allie says excitedly.

“Did you guys have sex? Oh my gosh was it amazing? Is he like ya know…?” Molly says rambling.

“Oh ew,” Layla says her younger age showing.

Yolanda looks worried, “Please tell me you were safe?”

“Of course we were,” Aria says spinning around.

The girls all freeze.

“Because we didn’t have sex.”

Yolanda sighs of relief, “So where were you?”

“Aw, let down,” Molly says under her breath.

“I was with Liam and don’t get me wrong, we were well on our way to…but then he put the brakes on.”

“Wait I’m sorry HE stopped you?” Allie says.

“Yea, he said that he didn’t want to rush things.”

“Is he some kind of male robot, or something, because I feel like that never happens. If a guy gets a girl willing to have sex with him, he’s having sex with her. Case closed,” Molly says.

“Ok not every guy is like that,” Allie says.

“Oh please your only saying that cause your boyfriend Colin is as perfect as they come.”

“Maybe,” Allie says smiling.

“Liam is different too, I can tell. He’s a man, not a guy, not a boy. He’s a man, he knows what he wants.”

“And apparently, that’s you,” Molly says smiling.

“Oh so it’s back to Liam now,” Layla says laughing.

“Well considering I don’t work for him anymore…yea,” she says smiling.

“Wait when you text us to meet you here, I just assumed you were filling in again, did they offer you a full time position?” Allie asks excitedly.

“Yes!”

“Wooo! Yes girl! Congrats!” she says hugging her as all the girls join in.

“Ok, I really gotta get this class started, full details later” she says smiling, standing at the front of the class, pressing play on the radio.

As the music bursts through the room, bouncing off the walls, Aria begins doing the moves and calling them out as her class follows enthusiastically.

***

Liam finishes loading his dish washer and closes it, looks down at his floor and sees all the buttons scattered. He has a flashback of he and Aria during their intense moment and lets out a laugh, grabbing a broom, he begins to sweep them up.

***

Aria exits the gym, girls in tote.

“Guys, I really have to get to the studio to practice,” she says walking to the street and holding up her hand to hail a cab.

“Um hello you promised us details,” Allie says.

“And you will get them, just not now,” she says laughing.

“Your gonna make us wait?” Molly says whining.

“I will call you later and fill you all in, I promise,” she says walking over to give each of them a hug as a cab pulls up.

Aria gets to Yolanda and sees the worry etched in her facial features.

“Yoyo I’m fine. Nothing happened. And even if it would have happened, I know what I have to do to keep myself safe, ok. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“Ugh yes I do,” she says hugging her. “Don’t make it too late.”

“I won’t, bye girls,” she says getting in the cab.

***

Aria’s body is sweating as she finishes her routine she looks in the mirror and smiles.

“We’re getting there,” she says to herself.

Her phone lights up and she walks over to check it, taking a sip of water.

She opens her Facebook app and sees Molly tagged her in a picture, the caption reading… “Work it girl.” #BESTZumbaInstructorAround #TakeHerClass #FullTimeInstructor

Aria looks at the picture, her body shining, fierce expression and a perfect view of her curves.

Aria smiles as she screen shots it and types out a message.

***

Liam stands at his canvas painting, his cell phone goes off. He smirks when he sees the message is from Aria- the same post from Molly with an added message that reads- “Just in case you didn’t see it on Facebook, here’s how my class went.”

He smirks looks over the picture, and sends a text back that reads-

That’s one hell of a view, love.

***

Aria reads it and blushes, responding-

I miss you. Is that weird to say?

***

Liam smiles, responding-

Well if it is, then I guess we’re both weirdos.

***

Aria smiles and dials Liam’s number.

He smiles seeing her name flash across his screen.

“Hello?”

“Is that your way of saying you miss me too.”

“Well, nothing gets by you, love.”

Aria laughs.

“How’s the rehearsing going?”

“Good, I should be wrapping up and heading home soon. I think I’m actually making some progress.”

“That’s fantastic.” (he pauses, thinking)

“Liam are you still there?”

“Come here.”

“What?” she says confused.

“My driver can be there to get you in 15 minutes, come back here, spend the night with me.”

“I thought we agreed that maybe we were moving too fast.”

“We don’t have to do anything. I just- I’d really like to spend more time with you. It’d be nice to fall asleep with you in my arms.”

Aria sighs, her smile bright.

“15 minutes, huh?”

“I’ll see you soon, love.” he says smiling as he hangs up.

Aria looks at her phone, her heart beating quickly.

She dials another number.

“Hello?”

“Yoyo, I have to tell you something. And you can’t freak out.”

“What?”

“I’m spending the night at Liam’s.”

“Aria…”

“I said not to freak out!”

“I’m not freaking out, I just feel like you say one thing and do another. You barely know this guy.”

“I know that. But it doesn’t feel that way. I feel like he’s been meant for me my whole life. We just fit. It just feels natural.”

“Aria are you sure about this?”

“I’m positive, I feel safe with him,”

“Fine. Your a grown woman, but you keep your phone on, and you let me know when you get there and you come home early tomorrow morning. I’m talking sun up, so are you. Please can you do that and save my sanity?”

“Yes of course. I love you yoyo.”

“I love you too, you pain in my ass. Please please please BE SAFE.”

“Nothings going to happen. I’m just going to spend time with him.”

“Right.”

“I’m serious. He’s not like that.”

“I hope your right, because if I don’t hear from you, I’m calling the cops on his ass!”

“Deal.” Aria says laughing. “And yo, can you just do me one favor…”

“Oh you are pushing it now, babe.”

“I’m sorry. I know.”

“What is it?” Yolanda says sighing and rolling her eyes as she stands folding clothes at home.

“Just please tell the girls, I’ll have to explain everything tomorrow.”

“Fine, but you owe us.”

“Dinner on me,” she says smiling and hanging up, a text from Liam pops up-

Car’s outside. Can’t wait to see you.

Aria smiles brightly rushing out.

***

Aria steps onto Liam’s penthouse floor and sees him waiting at the door with a bright smile on his face.

She smiles.

“Hello love.”

“Hi,” she says kissing him. “I’m sorry I’m a sweaty mess, I must look gross,” she says laughing.

“You could never,” he says cupping her face and kissing her again.

He takes her hand and leads her in.

“I’m really glad your here.” he says smiling at her.

“Me too.”

“Are you hungry?”

“I’m starving,” she laughs

“Let me heat you up some leftovers.” he says walking to the kitchen.

“Um, do you mind if I take a quick shower?”

“No of course not, do you need any clothes to change into?”

“Um no I keep some extras with me at the gym so just point me toward the bathroom and I’m good.”

Liam smiles and leads the way.

Aria walks into his crisp white porcelain bathroom, the shower is huge and it just glistens with cleanliness.

“Now this is a bathroom!” she says seeing it.

Liam laughs.

“Towels are in the cabinet over there, and soap and everything is in that one.”

“Thank you,” she says smiling, “I’ll be quick.”

“Take your time, I’ll go heat up that food.”

“Thank you,” she whispers, standing on her tippy toes and kissing him.

Liam walks out as Aria closes the door, she reaches for her cellphone-

“Hello? Hey Yoyo I’m here, I’m alive. Don’t worry. Ok? (she laughs) I love you, good night.”

Liam overhears and laughs.

***

Aria emerges from the bathroom all clean and cozy in a long sleeved thin hoodie and leggings, her hair long and damp.

Liam smiles as he places a plate of food on the table for her.

Aria sits.

“Wow this looks amazing, I didn’t know you cook, but of course you cook,” she says shaking her head with a smile.

Why are you so perfect, she thinks.

“Taste it first” he says with a laugh.

Aria takes a bite, “Oh my god,” she says closing her eyes. “This is amazing.”

“Yea?”

“So good, what is it?”

“It’s grilled chicken in a red wine sauce, my sister makes it even better.”

“Mmm, how is Sky, I didn’t see her at the gym tonight,” Aria says taking another bite.

“She’s good, she had a gig with her band. But I did tell her how you are teaching Zumba full time, it enlisted quite the squeal. I’d say she’s looking forward to it.” he says smiling as he leans across from her.

Aria laughs, “She’s a really sweet girl, I’m happy I got to meet her.”

“Me too, she’s probably the only sane person in my family.”

“Oh boy!” Aria says laughing.

“Do you want a glass of wine with that?” Liam asks.

“Sure, thank you.”

Liam walks to the cabinet pulling two glasses and sets to pouring the wine. He hands her a glass, with the company of a big smile.

“What?” Aria asks.

“Cheers to us,” he says clinking his glass into hers.

“Cheers to us,” she repeats taking a sip, a smile playing on her lips.

***

Liam and Aria sit on the couch, his arm draped over her and her body snuggled into his as the tv hums in the background.

Liam looks over at her, and she notices.

“What?”

“I just can’t believe your here,” he says sheepishly, his arm pulling her tighter into him.

“Aw,” she says smiling as she nuzzles closer to him. “There’s no where else I’d rather be,” she says kissing his cheek.

Liam looks at her lovingly, cups her face, and places a sweet kiss on her lips.

The two part and stare at each other for a beat, before simultaneously diving into another, more heated kiss.

Aria leans back on the couch, pulling Liam with her, and they continue to kiss, her legs and arms wrapping around him.

“I thought we said we wouldn’t do this,” he says in between kisses, his voice breathy.

“We’re not, we’re just kissing, that’s allowed right?” she says before placing another kiss on his lips.

“I like the way you think,” he says kissing her back.

“Yea?”

“Yea, I can kiss you all night.”

Aria smiles pulling him back to her lips as one of his hands cradle her head and one circles her waist, their lips barely parting for long.

 

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

*I do not take credit for the images used in my edits or other wise.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Writer’s Corner

writers corner

“What do you want to write?”

When you think of someone saying they want to be a writer, what form of writing pops into your mind? I imagine it’s an array of things in which you question. Novels? Short Stories? Poetry? Plays? Fiction? Non Fiction? Romance? Mystery? Do they want to write for films or maybe for television? Now imagine the confusion you feel just having all those possibilities jumbled up in your mind. All the differences, yet similarities all those forms share. That’s how most writers feel every day. That pull and push of which direction they should go, which writing style suits their heart and soul best. Their minds want them to do one thing but maybe their hearts whisper something entirely different to them in secret. Writers feel emotions deeply. But the main thing I’ve learned in my search to choose, is that all forms hold creativity at their core. It’s about heart. So I have to wonder, is it better to dabble in many different things, and be good in each, or is it better to focus all your energy in being great in one specific thing? Since when has being a jack of all trades been considered a bad thing? Since when is being interested and experimenting in all different things, a bad thing? I’m just wondering here, myself. Can a writer really bridge all gaps and form them into one. Poetry or Short Stories? TV or film?  Are our writer’s hearts big enough for them all? Why must we choose? Why can’t we do them all? We can. And we will. As writers, we don’t have a choice. Stories come into mind, and capture our hearts, and no matter how long they take us to get them out, eventually a story will be told, heart in hand.

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

-<3-