Dumb Luck- A short script

September 17, 2015September 17, 2015michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

“Dumb Luck”

A short script

Written By Michelle DeSantos

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

Fade In; Establishing Shot: [a city street, cars honking]

Fade To: Setting: [INT. Neil Drake’s NYC studio apartment…his bedroom at Morning]

Scene 1: [High angle, aerial shot of clothes scattered across the floor, then pan over to Neil and a girl in bed]

Neil is sleeping with his latest hookup at his side; he has a dream of being with Haley.

*Insert flashback scene of Haley and Neil laying in bed as she smiles at him he brushes the hair out of her face.*

Back to the present and Neil’s alarm clock sounds loudly as he jolts up to find the other girl next to him, he shuts the alarm and sits up, his head in his hands. Seeing a picture of Haley and him on his end table he lays it face down and gets up and walks into the bathroom, to start his day.

CUT TO:

Scene 2: [INT. Neil Drake’s bedroom]

Neil is dressed for work and putting on his watch as the girl wakes up.

Neil: “Hey babe, I’ve got work, here’s some money for a cab,” he says throwing some her way, and grabbing his briefcase as he goes to leave. “But hey, last night was fun,” he says with a smirk and a wink as he leaves.

The girl sits up, and wraps herself in the blankets, as she goes to get her cell phone from her purse; she sees the picture laid down turning it over she looks on sadly, feeling used.

Girl: “Asshole,” she whispers running her hand through her hair in frustration.

(Molly V.O. – off screen) “There seems to be something said about those who are good outweighing those who are evil, but then again maybe you’ve never met Neil Drake.” (Between scenes 2&3)

CUT TO:

Scene 3: [EXT. City Block outside Drake’s Apartment]

Neil Drake is walking out of his apartment, feeling quite pleased with himself, he puts his I-pod on and hits play, as she struts down the block; nodding and throwing a smirk at a girl passing by walking her dog.

CUT TO:

Scene 4: [EXT. Outside of a train station]

Upon entering the subway station, he spots a 20 dollar bill, picking it up he puts it in his pocket with a happy grin.

CUT TO:

Scene 5: [INT. Train Platform]

The moment he gets down to the platform, the train arrives, as he gives the girl next to him a once over and she smiles back flirtatiously.

CUT TO:

Scene 6: [INT. Advertisement Office]

Neil sets into his office looking over some new advertising ads, as his secretary comes in.

Molly: “Good Morning, Mr. Drake.”

Neil: “Morning Ms. Molly.”

Molly: (Noticing the girl in Neil’s latest advertisement campaign) “Hmm classy, something tells me she woke up in your bed this morning.”

Neil: “Oh you know me so well,” he says dramatically with a sexy smirk and a slight laugh. “Do I have any messages?”

Molly: “Personal, yes…Business related, no.”

Neil smiles as she hands him his messages.

Molly: “Can I make an observation?”

Neil: “Of course, maybe even over dinner sometime,” he says looking up at her from his desk with a smirk.

Molly: “I don’t think so.”

Neil: “Why not?”

Molly: “Because the observation I was talking about, doesn’t exactly paint you in the best light.”

Neil: “Well lucky for me, I really don’t care what you think, and if you have a problem with my professional skills, I would be happy to fire you.”

Molly: “Oh do you mean lack there of, and don’t worry firing me won’t be necessary, because I quit.”

Neil: “Molly, wait, come on. I was joking you don’t have to get so serious all the time, you know I’d be lost here without you,” he says with a sarcastic smirk.

Molly: “Oh, I’m touched,” she says sarcastically clutching her chest, “You really don’t get it do you?”

Neil: “Get what?” he says with a sly smirk, flirting with her.

Molly: “You walk around this office like the world is yours, you treat women like their disposable to you, but trust me, I can have a sexual harassment suit drawn up so fast, that you wouldn’t be able to charm your way out of even with the best lawyer money has to buy,” she says leaning over his desk.

Neil: “Why, Ms. Molly is that a threat?” he says getting closer to her, as the desk acts as their only barrier.

Molly: “No, it’s a warning,” she says throwing his mail at him, and leaving his office with a strut.

CUT TO:

Scene 7: [INT. Advertisement Office]

Later that night Neil was getting his things ready to leave to meet yet another girl, when he stops to look at the picture of him and Haley on his desk, he then opens his desk draw and takes out a ring box and opens it as he is hit with yet another memory.

*Insert Flashback, of Haley crying as she throws a key at him, and storms out with her bags packed.*

Molly: “Heading out for another fun night with yet another poor naïve girl, Mr. Drake?” she says coming into his office from her cubicle just outside, as Neil hurriedly puts the picture down, and throws the ring back in his desk draw.

Neil: “Don’t you ever knock! — Look we need to get something straight, don’t make the mistake in thinking you can hold your little threat over my head, we both know your credibility is shot, no one is going to back you up, they all love me, I’m a great boss,” He says smirking and leaning back in his chair with his hands out.

Molly: (she sits on the edge of his desk) “Really, what about Karen from marketing, you know the one you stood up every time you asked her out, and Rebecca from printing, the one you only hired because she was pretty and oh gosh and then there’s always Haley (she says picking up the picture of him and Haley) the love of your life who you… cheated on, right?… Yea something tells me neither of those women are very fond of you.”

Neil: (Hearing her name he feels sucker punched) “Who told you about Haley?” he says looking up at her with shock and grabbing the picture from her hands.

Molly: “I have my sources, Shall I go on?” she says standing up, hands on her hips; challenging him.

Neil: “What is it that you want from me, exactly?” he says standing up and leaning on his desk.

Molly: “I want you to stop what you’ve been doing?”

Neil: “What is it to you what I do, and who I do it with? Oh wait, I get it, someone’s a little jealous,” he says touching her chin flirtatiously.

Molly: (She slaps his hand away angrily) “No Jackass, I couldn’t care less about you, but I happen to care about how you treat people, especially people who are a part of my life; (Neil looks on confused) Wow! You really don’t remember do you?” she says laughing and folding her arms.

Neil: “Remember what?” he says curiously with a sexy grin.

Molly: “Haley’s my sister.”

Neil: “What?” he says, his face falling.

Molly: “Well, half- sister but who’s counting right?” she says with a dismissing wave of hand.

Neil: “No, NO, I would have known if Haley had a sister, we were together for 5 years.”

Molly: Really? Or were you just too self- absorbed to even realize I wasn’t around because I was away at boarding school for a special design program. But then again she probably told you that, you just neglected to remember, because you were always too busy thinking about yourself. I’ll try to hide the hurt, (she says touching her heart dramatically). It’s a shame, you had it all, and you threw it away in one night, you’d think you would learn a little something from it, but I guess not,” She says about to leave his office.

Neil: “How is she?”

Molly smiles to herself as she turns back towards him.

Molly: “She’s great! She’s doing great for herself; and somehow she gets more and more beautiful everyday. But that’s none of your business anymore now is it?”

Neil: “Is she seeing anyone?”

Molly: (she laughs sarcastically) “You really don’t get it. You know I feel sorry for you, because one of these days you’re going to wake up in the middle of a life you despise, because the way you treat women is despicable. You’re a womanizing- insensitive- manipulative, excuse for a man- and my sister is lucky to be rid of you,” she says getting in his face.

Neil: “Maybe you’re right.”

Molly: “Oh I know I am,” she says in a whispery tone, folding her arms in satisfaction.

As Neil rushes past her and into the hall to unleash his pain, he closes his eyes as Haley flashes in his mind. *Insert Flashback sequence of Neil and Haley…*

“Naley” Montage:

Their First Meeting; at a Frat party, Haley is walking toward the bathroom and Neil bumps into her not looking where he was going, he apologizes and they both stare at each other as his eyes follow her after she leaves; instant spark; as if in slow motion.

Their First Date; ice cream, they sit at a small table and they talk. She’s laughing at something he says as he reaches over and wipes ice cream off her upper lip. She smiles at him and he stares at her.

Dancing Scene; at a party; they dance together, and she’s laughing as he twirls her.

Play Fighting Scene; In his apartment, on his couch, he’s tickling her and she’s laughing as she tries running away from him, but he catches her.

Funeral Scene; Dressed in black, she’s crying sitting on his coffee table he kneels in front of her and kisses her forehead as he sits next to her and holds her.

Birthday Party Scene; She brings out a cake for him and everyone sings to him, as he just stares at her lovingly.

Move in with me Scene; She comes over all cute and she brought him some homemade food, he smiles at her, and she kisses him on the cheek. She sees him just staring at her and he hands her a key, and she just looks at him shocked. “Move in with me?” he says. She streaks, hugging him.

Vacation Scene; A view of tropical trees and a stranger snapping a photo of them as they laugh and joke around.

She finds out Scene; Haley comes home to their empty apartment, she has some bags from shopping. She gets her coffee and sits at the table as she flips through a wedding magazine for fun. A texting noise is heard, she checks her phone but it isn’t hers. She finds Neil’s phone under the couch with a text message from another woman. Her eyes widen, and she covers her mouth in shock. Neil comes home to find her bags packed. He looks at her with a nervous face. She’s angry but she begins to cry. He reaches for her then pulls back as his eyes begin to water, he doesn’t know what to do. They have it out and the relationship ends. Haley grabs her bags and goes to leave he grabs her and she shoves him off, she throws his key at him as she leaves.

**Conversation Guidelines for Flashback #9; “she finds out scene”

Neil comes home from the gym, to find a very upset Haley sitting in silence. He sees her bags packed, and her tear stained face.

Neil: “What’s wrong?” He says afraid to ask.

Haley: “Why don’t you take a wild guess?” She says looking at him angrily.

Neil: “Haley… I can explain,” he says nervously.

Haley: “Explain? (She laughs) There’s nothing to explain, your little friend called, she wants a repeat of the other night.”

Neil: (with tears in his eyes.) “I’m so sorry, it was a stupid drunken mistake, and it didn’t mean anything,” (he says walking toward her.)

Haley: (she stands up) “Don’t touch me; (she says defensively) what did you think that I wouldn’t find out? That you would go on acting as if it never happened; as if you never cheated. This whole time, I’ve been walking around without a clue as to who you truly are, how could you do this?”

Neil: “I wanted to tell you, I did, but I-”

Haley: “But what? There’s a difference between wanting to tell me, and actually doing it Neil. I can’t believe this is happening,” (she says turning away from him, crying, as she folds her arms across her chest trying to comfort herself.)

Neil: “Haley I was scared, I was so scared that if I told you that I messed up, you would leave me. I wouldn’t be able to handle that,” (he says reaching for her.)

Haley: (turns quickly around) Messed up? This isn’t forgetting to buy milk, or forgetting to make dinner reservations Neil, it’s forgetting that you made a commitment to me. And if you can forget that then I can’t be with you,” She says grabbing her bags and going to leave.

Neil goes to grab her, but she pushes him away and leaves, as Neil sinks to the floor, with is head in his hands.

(Flashbacks end)

CUT TO:

Scene 8: [INT. Restaurant waiting for a re-date with the girl in bed from earlier; Kelly]

***Kelly walks into the restaurant and Neil immediately gets up to greet her.

Neil: “Hi,” he says shameful of the way he treated her last time he saw her.

Kelly: “Hi,” she says in a tone of voice that let’s Neil know, she hasn’t forgotten.

Neil: “Thanks for agreeing to meet me.”

Kelly: “Well, imagine my surprise when you actually called, begging for a second chance.”

Neil: “I wasn’t exactly begging.”

Kelly: “Really- well then,” she says turning to leave with a playful smile on her face.

Neil: “Ok! You’re right, I did- kind of beg, a little.”

Kelly: “I thought so,” she says smiling.

Neil: “So- will you stay?” he says gesturing to their table.

Kelly: “I guess so,” she says sighing and giving him a skeptical glare, as he pulls her chair out for her.

Neil: “I’m really sorry about-”

Kelly: “You’re hit and run,” she says smirking and cracking her knuckles.

Neil: “Yea, (he says embarrassed) I acted like a complete-”

Kelly: “Dick.”

Neil: “Yea. I really am sorry. I should have never treated you the way I did.”

Kelly makes an expression agreeing with him.

Neil: “But I’m really glad you came.”

Kelly: “Are you?”

Neil: “Yea,” he says looking at her seriously, “Do you think that we can maybe, start over?”

Kelly: “Well,” she says sighing, “that depends.”

Neil: “On what?” he says with a nervous laugh.

Kelly: “On whether or not you’re paying,” she says taking a menu from the waitress as he looks at her with a smile.

CUT TO:

Scene 9: [EXT. Kelly’s Door Step.]

Kelly: “Well, I have to say I’m surprised.”

Neil: “Why?”

Kelly: “That you lasted the whole night, without slipping up.”

Neil: “Thanks for the vote of confidence,” he says with a small laugh.

Kelly: “I don’t need to have confidence in you; you need to have confidence in yourself. You know by first glance you’re a really cocky guy, but it must really suck to lose the love of your life… I’m guessing that’s why you’ve become such a ladies man.”

Neil: “What are you- talking- about?” He says confused.

Kelly: “Neil, I’m studying to become a lawyer ok, cracking the case is a part of my life, (She says with a laugh.) The modeling I do for ads like yours, are just to pay my way through law school. I’m not just some stereotypical blonde bimbo, I do have eyes and a brain. But you’d know that if you looked past my body and actually got to know me. A guy, who still keeps pictures of his ex- in his house, means that most likely he screwed up and can’t get over it. Am I close?” She says squinting at him.

Neil: (laughing with a small sigh) “You’re very perceptive,” he says looking down.

Kelly: “Neil- I won’t be your rebound. I deserve to be with a guy who wants me for me; I won’t be a second rate version of your ex when I know I can have a man that wants a first rate me.”

Neil: “Kelly I-”

Kelly: “Goodnight Neil,” she says kissing him on the cheek and walking up the stairs to her house.

*Insert Haley Flashback; Haley laughing and kissing him on the cheek goodbye when they first met at a frat party.*

As Neil turns to walk down from Kelly’s doorstep, looking at his phone he scrolls through some old pictures of him and Haley, then upon looking up he sees Haley, and she’s laughing and on the arm of another guy, as they kiss he spots a big diamond ring on her finger, and he stands there in the shadows shocked, hurt and alone.

Molly: (V.O. – off screen) “And sometimes, evil doers get exactly what they deserve… For the first night in a long time Neil Drake went home alone.”

CUT TO:

Scene 10:

Neil walking home alone down a dimly lit block.

CUT TO:

Scene 11: End Scene [INT. Neil’s Apartment; at night]

Voicemail recording: “Hey Neil, its Molly. I hope our little run-in last week didn’t cause you too much heartache. Anyway you’ve got an obligation to your clients and your workers Neil. So…get your ass back to work, and I’ll try and go a little easier on you.”

Neil sits at home depressed and lonely. He hasn’t shaved in a few days and is still in pajamas. He’s drinking away his pain with alcohol. As bottles upon bottles of liquor cover his table, he continues to drink.

*Insert quick flashback- Neil passes by Molly’s cubicle and notices a picture of Haley, and her fiancé Drew on her desk; and next to it is a wedding invitation. Picking it up, it’s as if reality had slapped him in the face, as his eyes become watery.*

Remembering that moment; Neil takes yet another drink.

A knock comes at the door; Neil gets up aggravated and opens it.

Haley: “Hi,” she says looking down at her fidgeting hands.

Neil: (notices her ring is gone) “What are you doing here?” he says looking her over as his heart beats faster; he’s shocked to see her at his door.

Haley: “I don’t know,” she says laughing slightly. “I was engaged, I was engaged to a wonderful man, who has been only good to me, and-”

Neil: “Was engaged?” he says with hopeful eyes.

Haley: “Yes, and now I’m standing here at your door, and I don’t really know why,” she says shrugging as her eyes become watery.

Neil: “I think you do,” he says putting his hands in his pockets as his eyes stare right through her.

Haley: “I guess for some strange reason I just needed to see you, Molly told me you’ve been asking about me.”

Neil: “You know- I never did let you go, I still do love you, and I’m so sorry.”

Haley: “I don’t know if I can believe you,” she says looking up at him through glossy eyes.

Neil: “You can, I swear. Haley you can,” he says grabbing her into a tight embrace.

Suddenly Haley vanishes from his arms, and Neil jolts up from a long sleep; seeing a peacefully sleeping Haley lying next to him, he feels relieved and pulls her toward him as she snuggles against him; her body fades away. Neil wakes up at his table with bottles around him and a picture of him and Haley shattered on the floor, as the sound of the answering machine continues to beep.

-The End-

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

This is a script I wrote back in college. It was one of the first full ones I wrote. It’s really rough around the edges format wise and even content wise. But I think there is a good story there. I just thought it’d be fun to share.

I attempted to shoot this a few years back. But we never got through the full script, due to scheduling issues. I was so ready, with my organized binder of ideas. I even made my “actors” (and by actors I mean my family and friends) take cast pictures. My photographer brother was even in the process of working on a movie poster for me, I should see if I can dig that up, that would be kind of cool to show you guys. I also had my Neil and Haley characters pose for couple’s photos that served as prop/set photos. (I’ll include a few below) Needless to say the filming didn’t pan out and I was pretty heartbroken. But I did get to shoot a really raw, uncut version of the “Naley” Montage. It’s terrible quality and I didn’t even know to use mics. But I am really glad I have that gem. It makes me feel nostalgic. Mind you this was before I knew the beauty of different angles and editing. #freshman. Hey we all have to start somewhere right? I haven’t gotten consent from my actors to release the footage so a few pics will just have to do.

What do you think of the story? Were you surprised by the ending? Or were you secretly hoping Haley would eventually find her way back to Neil? Tell me all the things! P.S. Molly’s MY favorite character, because you never see her coming!

The actors who played Haley & Neil 😉

*Morals of the story*

Don’t Cheat.

You can’t always get what you want.

Karma will eventually catch up to you.

-<3-

*All images and script content are of my own merit and brain and are of my own personal property, hope you enjoyed reading!*

-<3-

“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-

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-

Fight…or Flight?

June 28, 2015June 29, 2015michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

I’m going to switch gears a little bit this week. I know I’ve been posting Love Conflicted chapters lately and I just feel like it’s oversaturating my blog with that one story. And maybe you guys aren’t into it that much. So anyone who has been reading along don’t worry, it will be finished. I will start posting new chapters in the near few weeks but I’m just going to take a little break. And get some new creative juices flowing.

Here’s a random scene…it literally just popped into my head as I sat here, thinking of what to post. I’m going to just go with it. Whether it turns into something long term or not…

I’ll call this one…

“Fight… or Flight?”

Dylan sees her sitting out on the porch, rocking in her white wicker rocking chair.

Her hair blowing in the summer night breeze.

She reaches over for her cup of tea.

Tea…she’s drinking tea.

She’s feeling anxious.

She’s trying to calm down.

He knows she’s upset.

Upset with him.

An inner struggle begins to build inside of him, his stomach is in knots.

What’s going on here?

Why can’t they seem to get on the same page. Ever.

I hate seeing her unhappy. But lately it seems like I can never say or do the right thing,

Dylan thinks.

Dylan decides to just swallow his pride and makes his way out onto the porch.

He walks out and leans on the fence overlooking the ocean view.

Their summer beach house was always a place of pure joy.

But something’s changed.

He feels her burning a whole through his head. Her eyes are on him. He can feel them. He could always tell.

Dylan turns around slowly to face her. He leans on the fence. Crossing his arms in front of his chest. His eyes finding hers.

Dylan: Can we talk?

Cassie looks at him. Her stare turning blank.

Dylan knows this isn’t going to be easy.

Dylan: I don’t know what you want from me, Cassie.

Cassie sighs and takes a sip of her tea.

Dylan: Will you talk to me please? What are thinking?

Dylan stares intently as if he’s trying to read her mind.

Cassie: How did we get here?

Dylan: Where?

Cassie: What do you mean where Dylan? This place, this awful place. This place where we barely see each other, we barely talk to each other. I feel like I don’t even know you.

Cassie’s eyes begin to well up and her voice cracks so she stops talking. She looks down at her hands, and plays with her wedding rings.

Dylan: (noticing) Hey. Cassie, baby (he kneels in front of her, taking her hands) we’ve only been married for a year and a half, and we’ve had a lot of stressful things come our way. You know people say that the first year of marriage is the hardest, now add all the extra stuff we’ve had to deal with and it makes sense that we’d feel a disconnect.

Cassie: Yea well the honeymoon phase went by real quick.

Dylan: It’s just been a stressful time. We’ll get through it.

Cassie: Will we? Because lately I just feel like you’d rather put a half a dozen extra hours in at work, than come home and see me.

Dylan hangs his head.

Cassie: You know you used to actually hate leaving me in the mornings, and you couldn’t wait to come home and have dinner with me. Do you remember that?

Dylan: Of course I do. That hasn’t changed.

Cassie: Oh yes it has. Something is different. The way you look at me is different. You barely touch me. What happened to us? Do you not want this anymore? Do not want me anymore?

Dylan: Cassie. Cassie. Please stop.

Cassie: God! (she stands up quickly in a huff) You know what? Screw you! You wanted to talk. For the first time, in god knows how long. And now you don’t wanna hear what I have to say. This marriage is heading straight down divorce lane, and if you can’t meet me half way to try and fix this, then that’s it. I won’t continue to carry this marriage by myself.

Dylan: (pacing, feeling anxious, like he’s going to burst) Cassie. Cassie. I slept with someone.

Cassie stills.

Minutes go by. Minutes that feel like hours to Dylan.

Dylan: Please say something.

Cassie starts laughing.

Hysterically.

Dylan looks at her confused.

He doesn’t know what to make of her reaction.

Cassie wipes her tears; a mixture of tears from laughter and tears from heartbreak.

Cassie: I knew it. I knew it. And now I know I haven’t been completely insane. Wondering where you are…what you were doing. Your the reason for all of this. You did this. You wrecked us.

Dylan: Cassie I am so sorry. It didn’t mean anything. I was just going through something, I don’t know where my mind was-

Cassie is staring out into the ocean view, she’s miles away. Even more so then before.

Dylan: Cassie, please-talk to me.

Cassie: I’m done talking.

Dylan: Baby-

Cassie: (sighs heavily) I’m going to bed.

Cassie walks off back into the house, in silence.

Dylan sits on the porch, his head in his hands, knowing this may just be the beginning of the end.

-<3-

Love Conflicted- Chapter 9

June 18, 2015August 27, 2021michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

Previously on Love Conflicted…

Read Part 8 HERE

Maggie walks out of her building as Ian follows behind, driving along.

Maggie and Lily walk into a cute little restaurant and are seated.

Lily: So you seem to be in better spirits!

Maggie: Um yea. (she smiles, then catches herself) And no.

Lily looks puzzled.

Maggie: It’s a mixed emotions kind of thing. I’m still trying to digest the fact that I have so much to still live for even though he’s gone. It’s definitely going to take some time. But I know one day I’ll see him again.

Lily: I agree. Maybe you just need something to take your mind off of things. A distraction.

Maggie: My thoughts exactly, which is why I’m thinking I’m gonna come back to work.

Lily: (smiles brightly) Really? (Maggie nods) Oh my god! The kids are going to be so excited. They missed you.

Maggie: Yea I’m excited too. I’ve missed their little faces. They always make me smile.

Lily: This is just, this is great. I’m so happy….as long as you’re ready. I mean this is what you want right? I didn’t push you or anything…right? I mean because I know I can sometimes be bossy and meddle a little too much-

Maggie: Sometimes? (she laughs) No. You didn’t push me at all. This is the right move for me. I’m sure of it.

Lily: Well in that case, you and I are celebrating this new improvement, this positive attitude. Tonight. You and me drinks? Dancing? What do you say?

Maggie: Um I don’t know…

Lily: Too much? Too soon?

Maggie: You know what? No, it’ll be fun.

Lily: Yea?

Maggie: Yea. Let’s do it.

Lily: Atta girl. (she raises her glass as they clink them in cheers.)

Meanwhile, Ian watches from afar.

A few minutes later, Ricky walks into his hotel room. He opens up his lap top and starts to work. His phone rings, interrupting his intense focus.

Ricky: Ian?

Ian: So I am sitting at the bar of some night club, because of what I can only assume was Lily’s idea… to go dancing and drinking tonight.

Ricky: Oh really?

Ian: Oh yea.

Ricky laughs.

Ian watches from afar, as the girls dance away. Drinks in their hands. And carefree spirits. Even though Maggie was still nervous about being away from Ricky, just knowing he is alive was enough to allow an instant calm to flood her mind. And she had great faith in their love and in knowing he’d come back to her.

Ricky: How many guys has Maggie had come up to her?

Ian laughs.

Ricky: At least 3, am I right?

Ian: 4…

Ricky: Ah. (he laughs)

Ian: She shuts them down pretty quick though. It’s kind of hysterical.

Ricky: That’s my girl. (he laughs) Maggie has been through a lot, she deserves to have a little fun.

Ian: All due respect but this is making my job really difficult. (he glances over to Maggie as his eyes wander to Lily who is dancing up a storm.)

Ricky: Ah, you can handle it. When it comes to Lily and Maggie, I wouldn’t expect anything different.

Ian: Oh thanks. Little warning would have been nice.

Ricky: Um…Pretty sure I did warn you.

Ian: Not enough. (notices the girls walking toward the back restrooms) They’re on the move….I’ll talk to you later.

Ricky: Keep me posted.

Ian: Will do. (he hangs up and follows them.)

Maggie: Oh my god, I have to pee so bad.

Lily: Me too, but I am not breaking the seal.

Maggie: Well if I don’t, I will pee myself. So I’m going.

Lily: Suit yourself.

Maggie: You coming in?

Lily: No, I’ll just wait out here for you.

Maggie: Ok.

Maggie walks into the restroom.

Lily stands outside the door leaning against a wall.

Ian turns the corner and comes face to face with his biggest distraction.

Lily: I knew you were here.

Ian: (rolls his eyes and huffs) Where else would I be?

Lily: I thought we decided you would be less obvious about stalking us.

Ian: I’m not stalking you. I’m just doing my job.

Lily: You get flustered very easily.

Ian: I do not.

Lily: Of course you do. Look at you all riled up. Your muscles are all tensed. (she strokes his arms) Chill out. Relax. It’s a club. Have a drink. It’s supposed to be fun.

Ian: I don’t drink on the job.

Lily: Ok fine I hear ya. Mr. Responsible.

Ian: Your friend’s safety is in my hands. How many times do I have to explain that to you?

Lily: Considering I just met you yesterday…let’s try it one more time.

Ian: I-

Lily: (puts a hand up, stopping him) I’m just messing with you. (she laughs) Look I know what you’re here for. And you obviously can’t seem to keep your distance (she looks up at him flirtatiously) so why don’t you just introduce yourself to Maggie. It’ll be much easier for you to blend in if you’re actually hanging out with us.

Ian: That’s not in my job description.

Lily: Ok fine. (holding up her hands) I will stop bugging you if you just hear me out…(Ian looks at her…waiting) I’m just saying I think it’ll be a lot easier for you to keep an eye on her. Keep your friends close…

Ian: And your enemies closer.

Lily: Oh so now I’m the enemy? (she laughs)

Ian: Well when you go around saying insinuating things and looking like that all the time, you’re basically a walking distraction. The sexiest distraction I’ve ever met. Makes it really difficult to do my job. So yea I’d say you could argue that puts you in the enemy category.

Lily: Well well, aren’t you smooth.

Ian: I wasn’t trying to be.

Lily: That’s what makes it sexy. (she raises her eyebrows)

Maggie comes out of one of the bathroom stalls. She walks to the sink to wash her hands.

Her phone starts to ring so she dries her hands quickly and takes it out of her purse. She doesn’t recognize the number, but smiles, answering it.

Maggie: Hello?

Ricky: So on a scale of 1 to your 21^st birthday, how drunk are you?

Maggie: (laughs and smiles brightly) Mmm I’d say just about in the middle. You caught me at the perfect time though, I had to run to the bathroom, so I’m in here alone.

Ricky: What do you mean you’re alone?

Maggie: Don’t worry, Lily’s waiting for me outside. And I’m sure Ian is just inches away.

Ricky: (laughs) So I hear you’ve had quite a few gentleman callers.

Maggie: Oh did you.

Ricky: Mmm hmmm.

Maggie: (laughs) You know I am really not into this whole you being able to spy on my every move, when I can’t see you at all. It’s creepy.

Ricky: Creepy creepy, or like kinda sexy creepy?

Maggie: Is there such a thing as sexy creepy?

Ricky: Well let’s see. (clears his throat) Excuse me, but I’ve been watching you since you walked in, I can’t seem to take my eyes off you. And pardon me for being forward but I noticed you weren’t wearing a ring… Can I buy you a drink?

Maggie: Ok yea I stand corrected, there is such a thing as sexy creepy.

Ricky laughs.

Maggie: I miss you.

Ricky: I miss you too babe.

Maggie: I wish you were here with me.

Ricky: That makes two of us.

Maggie: What are you doing?

Ricky: Come on baby, you know I can’t tell you that.

Maggie: Oh right. Sorry.

Ricky: Don’t be.

Maggie: Are you ok though? You’re someplace safe right?

Ricky: I’m ok, as ok I can be without you in my arms.

Maggie sighs.

Ricky: But yes I’m someplace safe.

Maggie: Well I’m glad.

Ricky: I’ll see you soon.

Maggie: Promise?

Ricky: I promise. I love you.

Maggie: I love you too.

Ricky: Bye gorgeous.

Maggie: Bye…oh babe…

Ricky: Yea?

Maggie: I’m pretty sure Ian and Lily are flirt fighting outside the bathroom door right now. (she laughs)

Ricky: Really? (he laughs)

Maggie puts her head to the door

Maggie: Yea. (she laughs) I think she just wants him to give up following us and just hang out with us. She thinks he needs to tell me who he is.

Ricky: I mean it does kind of make sense, and it would make his job easier.

Maggie: Should I just get the ball rolling?

Ricky: Yea that sounds like a good plan. Be safe.

Maggie: You too.

Ricky: Bye gorgeous.

Maggie: Bye.

Maggie opens the bathroom door, exposing Lily and Ian in heated conversation.

Maggie: Hi

Ian’s eyes go wide.

Lily looks at him nervously.

Lily: Um Maggie, this is Bill he was just leaving, not interested buddy move along.

Ian goes to walk away.

Maggie: Ian, stop.

Lily and Ian exchange glances.

Maggie: I overheard you. Your voice travels, Lil, I’ve always told you that.

Lily: Damn it Lily. Whisper. (she slaps herself on the forehead)

Ian: Maggie, I’m so sorry for everything- I

Maggie: Don’t be. I know none of this is on you. It’s nice to finally meet you Ian.

She extends her hand, he smiles and shakes it.

Maggie: Thank you for looking out for us. Shall we get some drinks?

Lily: Ian doesn’t drink on the job. (she glances at him, he smirks)

Maggie: Well if he wants to blend in, he can at least get a soda? Right?

Ian: Yea, I guess that works.

Maggie: Good, now that we’re all acquainted…

She walks off toward the bar.

Lily walks after her.

Ian watches, Lily turns and notices. They both exchange smirks.

Lily: Come on wandering eye, if you’re lucky I’ll let you buy me a drink.

Ian: For the record, by eyes only wander over you.

Lily: Well you sure know how to make a girl blush. Don’t you?

Ian smiles.

Maggie watches from afar.

Ian’s eyes drift to her.

Lily notices.

Lily: Wow. I really am a distraction. (she laughs) I’m sorry I’m making your job so difficult. I know you’re just trying to protect my friend and I should let you.

Ian: Ah so you’ve decided I’m trustworthy?

Lily: Well I mean I plan to keep a close eye on you. But I’d say I’m a pretty damn good judge of character. When I met Ricky, I knew there were some grey areas to him, but I could tell he was a good guy. I’m getting that same feeling here.

Ian: (smiles) Glad to hear it.

Lily: Well you should consider yourself a pro… two days in, and you’ve already learned my worst character flaw, I can be kind of infuriating.

Ian: (leans in and whispers) I don’t mind.

Lily looks at him, butterflies forming in her stomach.

Ian: Besides, flaws are what make people different, your flaw makes you beautiful.

Ian smiles, Lily looks up at him.

Maggie: (calls from the bar) Um am I drinking alone here, or what?

Ian: Coming. (He walks off toward Maggie.)

Lily turns around to watch him.

Lily: (to herself) Damn (she fans herself)

Back at the hotel Ricky is on his computer he’s been working for hours.

He types away ferociously, his eyes scanning the screen left and right.

High tech equipment is connecting to the laptop, running and scanning through files.

He squints and his eyes widen

Ricky: Got it. We got him.

He reaches for his phone.

To be continued…

-<3-

* I do not take credit for any gifs, or any images used in my (crappy) edits or otherwise. *

Love Conflicted- Chapter 8

June 15, 2015August 27, 2021michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Previously on Love Conflicted…

Read Part 7 HERE

Ricky and Maggie stand there holding each other for their last few minutes together.

Ricky kisses her, and his phone rings.

Maggie frowns, looking away.

Ricky sighs and kisses her forehead before pulling his phone out and answering it.

Ricky: Ian, hey.

Ian: I’m downstairs, it’s time for you to go.

Ricky: I know. (pulling Maggie closer to him) I’m leaving now.

Ricky hangs up and looks down at Maggie.

She begins to tear up again.

Ricky: Hey, hey. (wiping her tears) Don’t cry, please. I’ll never be able to leave you like this.

Maggie: Well then-

Ricky: (cutting her off, with sympathetic eyes) Baby, I have to go. I know you hate this, I hate it too. I know you don’t understand what’s going on, and I wish I could explain it to you, but I just can’t right now. You’re safety is the most important thing and my being here could jeopardize that. I just had to see you once, I couldn’t take it anymore. (rubbing her arms)

Maggie: Well it’s nice to know that I wasn’t the only one who was going completely insane.

Ricky: Insane doesn’t even begin to cover it, babe.

Maggie smiles slightly and kisses Ricky.

Ricky: I don’t like my life without you in it. It’s unbearable. I love you. And I will be back. And I promise I will tell you everything and anything that you want to know, when this is all over with. And we’ll be together and we’ll be happy. And nothing will ever be able to tear us away from each other again.

Maggie nods, as she tries to put on a brave face.

Maggie: That’s a lot of Ands.

Ricky: Well we have a long list of things to do, together.

Maggie: Will you be careful? Please. Because I don’t think I could handle losing you a second time-

Ricky: Hey. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll even be extra careful, just for you. (he kisses her nose, sweetly) We’re too close to getting our forever, you think I would mess that up? (he smirks, looking at her as he leans in to kiss her.)

Maggie: Is there any way… you’ll be able to contact me when you get wherever you need to go? I just want to know that you’re safe.

Ricky: I’m sure I can manage that.

Maggie smiles.

Ricky: I know this goes without saying, but I was never here. No one can know that I ever was. You have to continue on with pretending I’m gone. Just go to work, live your life. Pretend to miss me, (he smirks, wrapping his arms around her waist.)

Maggie: I won’t have to pretend. I love you so much.

Ricky: Back atcha. (arrogantly touches her chin, smirking knowingly)

Maggie: (playfully punches him in the arm) Say it back! You know I hate that.

Ricky: Like you don’t know I’m crazy about you. (smiles, cupping her face)

Maggie: (shrugs) Still, wouldn’t hurt to hear it again.

Ricky smiles as he walks away from her to finish getting his clothes. Putting on his sweater and his hat he stands near the door.

Maggie: Wow your walking away from me, without saying it, nice. (her hands are planted on her hips)

Ricky smirks, he spins around quickly pulling her into a kiss. tumblr_n4v1mrCksN1tn7ogjo3_1280[1]

Ricky: I love you.

He kisses her again.

After what feels like forever, Ricky pulls away.

Ricky: That was a bad idea.

Maggie:(confused) Why?

Ricky: Because now I really don’t wanna leave you.

Maggie: So then don’t. Just stay. We’ll work it out together. I feel safer with you anyway.

Maggie kisses him willing him to stay, but Ricky pulls away once again.

Ricky: Maggie. Please this is for the best. (she kisses him) I can’t start this, if we can’t finish it. (he grabs her and kisses her yet again.)

Maggie: Whose fault is that? (she squints at him, challenging him)

Ricky: I know. And trust me if I had a time machine I would go back to the day I agreed to this job, and tell those guys to shove it.

Maggie kisses him again, as Ricky continues it, kissing her in between sentences.

Ricky: Ok ok, now I really have to go….If I don’t I won’t be able to stop.

Maggie: I’m ok with that. (she kisses him)

Ricky: (sighs) Maggie you’re killing me. And making this 5,000 times more difficult than I thought it’d be, and I knew this would be difficult, but actually going through it, it’s…

Maggie: Ok. I’m sorry. (she moves away from him holding her hands up in mock surrender)

Ricky: Thank you.

Maggie: Go get outta here.

Ricky: (smirks, looking out her apartment door peephole) Cost is clear.

Maggie nods smiling.

Ricky goes to open the door then stops.

Ricky: Ok. One more, for the road.

Maggie smiles and rushes to him, kissing him.

Ricky: Ian will be here if you need anything, you call him, I put his number in your phone, speed dial #2. I’ll see you soon, gorgeous.

Maggie nods.

Ricky opens her apartment door, looking at her.

Ricky: (winking and mouthing) I love you (as he puts on his sunglasses)

Maggie: (whispers) I love you. (she waves slightly)

Ricky leaves and Maggie’s tears fall.

She takes out her cell phone. tumblr_mbuv0iZTz61qb6vb1o3_250[1]

Lily: Hey love…

Maggie: Hey…where do you wanna do that lunch…

Ricky makes it out of the building unrecognized, through the back entrance.

He passes by Ian and nods. Ian nods back. There’s an obvious, invisible code, these two share. Ricky takes out his phone and dials.

Ian: Hey…how was it?

Ricky: Awful to leave her, but amazing to see her. Pretty much the worst bittersweet experience of my life.

Ian: The sooner we fix this, the sooner she’s all yours again.

Ricky: Yea. I can’t wait. I’m heading back to the hotel. You’ll watch her?

Ian: Like a hawk.

Ricky: Thanks man. She knows about you, that you’re here. But she knows not to engage unless necessary. I can’t say the same for Lily. (he laughs) So you might wanna keep yourself prepped. Maggie will probably be meeting Lily for lunch soon. Just follow, keep your distance.

Ian: You got it. Hang in there.

Ricky: I’m trying to.

Ricky hangs up and walks in the direction towards his hotel room; a man on a mission to fix things and get his girl back as soon as possible. Because in Ricky’s heart and mind he knew soon couldn’t come soon enough.

To be continued…

-<3-

* I do not take credit for any gifs, or any images used in my (crappy) edits or otherwise. *

Love Conflicted- Chapter 7

June 11, 2015August 27, 2021michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Previously on Love Conflicted…

Read Part 6 HERE

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

The sunlight casts a golden glow on Maggie’s bedroom, lighting up her face as it lay on Ricky’s chest. Ricky and Maggie lay in her bed, wrapped in each other’s arms. Maggie had dozed back off. Ricky is wide awake and can’t help but stare at Maggie. She’s the most beautiful she’s ever looked.

Ricky glances at the clock on her nightstand. His hour is almost up. He stares at Maggie, wanting to memorize every detail of her face.

How am I supposed to leave her? he thinks.

Ricky untangles himself from Maggie’s arms and makes his way out of bed. He grabs a pair of sweats and pulls them on, and heads into her kitchen for some coffee.

A few minutes later, Maggie wakes up. In a sleepy fog, she stretches her arms above her head, basking in the sunlight. She smiles to herself, looking to her side she notices the space near her is empty. She instantly feels sick. Her heart drops.

love scene

Maggie: No, no. (she whispers to herself, tears beginning to form, she covers her face with her hands and pulls her pillow into her chest, hugging it tightly, pulling her knees in.)

It was all a dream, she thinks.

Ricky walks in a few minutes later. He leans against the door frame.

Ricky: Hey gorgeous. (he takes a sip of his coffee)

Maggie’s head shoot up hearing his voice.

Ricky sees her face, and is instantly alarmed.

Ricky: Maggie, baby…what’s wrong? (he rushes over to her placing his coffee cup on her end table.)

Maggie shakes her head, Ricky sits next to her cupping her face, willing her to talk to him.

Ricky: Did you have a bad dream?

Maggie: Something like that.

Ricky: What was it? (he wipes her tears away with his thumbs.)

Maggie: I just thought…I just thought maybe I really did lose you. And maybe everything that happened earlier was just in my head. (she looks down)

Ricky: Hey. (he lifts up her chin, to face him) I’m so sorry.

Maggie: I know. (she kisses his hand as it cups her face)

Maggie stares at Ricky for a beat.

Ricky: What? (he pushes her hair behind her ear)

Maggie: Oh. (snapping out of her daze) I just can’t believe you’re really here with me.

Ricky: I know, I missed you so much. (he leans in and kisses her)

Maggie: So what happened…where have you been?

Ricky: I don’t want to waste time getting into specifics…

Maggie: Waste time-what do you….

Ricky looks at her with sad eyes, knowing very well she’s not going to like what he has to say.

Maggie: No.

Ricky: Baby-

Maggie: No! (she stands up abruptly, Ricky sighs not wanting her out of reach) No. I just got you back. And you’re gonna seriously try and sit here and tell me, you’re leaving somewhere again. Absolutely not!

Ricky:(reaching for her) I know that this is frustrating-

Maggie: Frustrating? FRUSTRATING? No. Ricky thinking you were dead this whole time has not been frustrating, it was debilitating. It was heartbreaking. It wrecked me! I fell apart.

Ricky: I know Maggie, baby, I know. (he takes her hands into his) It was wrecking me too. I hated being away from you. But it was the only way I knew I could keep you safe. With everything that happened I-

Maggie: Wait a minute. (starting to pull away from him) This was all your idea?

Ricky looks at her nervously, trying to pull her back to him.

Maggie: So you chose…to stay away from me? (she continues to distance herself) To make me think you were dead? This was all some elaborate story…

Ricky: Maggie…Maggie you have to understand, what I am up against, the kind of mind games and tricks this agency is all about.

Maggie: What happened? Just tell me what happened. Don’t I at least deserve that much?

Ricky: You deserve so much. You deserve to know the whole truth.

Maggie: And why do I get the feeling, that’s not going to happen here, (she says folding her arms.)

Ricky notices, he notices the sure fire sign, that she’s shutting down.

Ricky: Don’t do that. Don’t put your walls up, not now. And please stop walking away from me. Do you know how hard it’s been not having you in my arms. Now that you are, don’t pull away from me, please.

Maggie: Are you kidding me? I have a pretty good idea of what you’ve been going through. (she huffs and rolls her eyes) What do you want Ricky? How do you expect me to feel.

Ricky: God. I just wanna- (he walks over to her, cupping her face in his hands he pulls her into a kiss)Ricky didn’t have anything else on his mind, other than being with Maggie. All their past mishaps, and arguments, were of no interest to him. He just wanted Maggie.

Maggie: (she unfolds her arms, and wraps them around Ricky’s neck) Ricky. I love you. And I am so incredibly happy and thrilled and just overjoyed that you are here and that you are alive, but you do not get to pull this on me right now. My walls are up because yours are. That’s what this is. I can’t give you everything in me, if you don’t do the same.

Ricky: You have me. I’m here.

Maggie: Yea for how long?

Ricky: (glancing at the clock, he sighs) About 15 more minutes. (he winces)

Maggie: (shakes her head) I can’t believe this is happening. Why would you come here, only to leave again…why not just wait until you knew it was safe for us to be together?

Ricky: Maggie, baby trust me, ok if I could stay and still fix things from here, I would. But there’s a lot that needs to be dealt with before we can be together. Before we can both be safe.

Maggie: What does that mean? Are we not safe right now? (she looks around her bedroom nervously.)

Ricky: Well let’s just say you’re covered, but I have quite a pretty penny on my head right about now.

Maggie: What! Like a bounty hunter type of deal? Ricky! Nothing your saying is making sense right now. What’s going on? You’re scaring me.

Ricky: Shh. Stop. I don’t want you to be scared. You don’t need to be scared. The less you know the safer you’ll stay. But I’m not here for any of that.

Maggie: Then why are you here?

Ricky: Why do you think? (he kisses her.) And I’m sorry I wasn’t here…for you… with the baby…

Maggie looks at him, stunned.

Maggie: How do you know-

Ricky: I have my ways. (he smirks)

Maggie: Care to share?

Ricky: I had my partner, bug your living room. (he smiles sheepishly)

Maggie: You what? Who?

Ricky: Ian.

Maggie: Ian?

Maggie looks up at Ricky, she’s starting to connect the dots a bit.

Ricky: Ian’s a good guy. He’s the only friend I have helping me through this. He’s helping me clear this mess up. He’s also been the one looking out for you while I’ve been gone. He’s the only one I’d trust with your safety.

Maggie: Ok? And-

Ricky: Maggie. I’m so sorry about the baby. I wish I could have been here with you. I hate that I wasn’t here for you. I wish you would have told me. I understand why you didn’t. But-

Maggie: Well (walking away from his arms) it doesn’t really matter much, I’m not pregnant so-there is no baby.

Ricky: It matters to me. (he grabs her hand)

Maggie looks at him, her eyes tearing up.

Ricky: Will you talk to me about this, please?

Maggie: I’d rather not.

Ricky: Why?

Maggie. Because I don’t want to talk about it.

Ricky: Why?

Maggie: Because it hurts.

Ricky: Maggie you know that we can always try again, right? We can try until it happens. This isn’t over.

Maggie: That’s not the point Ricky? The point is that I didn’t know that. I sat here for a week thinking you were dead. Thinking that I missed my chance. And I prayed for it to be a mistake for that stupid negative to be false. I wanted it to positive, because then I’d always have a piece of you with me, whether you were dead or not, whether we were together or not, I just wanted something that would connect us always.

Ricky’s eyes begin to tear.

Maggie: But you knew. You knew you’d see me again. You had the truth to hold onto. I had memories and pain.

Ricky: I’m sorry.

Maggie: I don’t want you to be sorry. I may not like what you did. But I do know that you love me.

Ricky: Ain’t that the truth. (he smiles through his tear stained cheeks)

Maggie:(softens her gaze) And I know that you wouldn’t have done what you did, if you thought there was any other way.

Ricky: I just want to keep you safe. You’re the love of my life Maggie. (he smiles, tears rolling down his cheeks)

Maggie: (crying) You’re the love of my life too. (they kiss) And I’m sorry I wasted any time making you question that. I knew how much I loved you, but with your job-I was just scared.

Ricky: Yea I got that. (he brushes her hair from her face)

Maggie: This past week has been hell, I went over every last thing I said to you. I hated the way I handled things. I’m sorry I ever let you leave without giving you the answer you deserved. Without letting you know how much I still wanted to be with you.

Ricky: I knew. (he cups her face, smiling at her) I’m sorry too. But none of that matters now.

Maggie kisses him.

Ricky: When I heard about the pregnancy scare, I knew I had to see you.

Maggie: Well, I’m really glad you did. (she smiles through her tears)

Ricky smiles.

Maggie: I don’t wanna fight with you. Especially if I only have you for (glances at the clock) 10 more minutes.

Ricky: Thank you. I love you so much.

Maggie: Come hold me until you have to leave.

Ricky smiles walking over to her and pulling her into a tight hug. He kisses her forehead. Maggie hugs him tighter, and looks up at him. He leans down and kisses her.

Maggie: You promise you’ll come back?

Ricky: I promise.

Maggie: You better. Because if you don’t I will hunt you down myself, and kick your ass. (she pushes him away, he smiles and pulls her into a kiss.)

Ricky: Trust me, nothing in this world, is going to keep me away from you.

Maggie smiles up at Ricky, and touches his face in adoration.

Maggie’s phone rings.

She picks it up, and walks back toward Ricky, who wraps her back in his arms.

Maggie: Hello?

Lily: Hey…how’s it going? How you feeling?

Ricky: (brings his finger to his lips, whispering) Shh.

Maggie: Better.

Lily: Yea?

Ricky smiles, kissing her neck, and pulling her closer.

Maggie: Yea. I’m much better.

Lily: That’s great. Do you want to meet up for lunch?

Maggie: Yea sure. I’ll call you back in a bit, ok?

Lily: Sure… tumblr_mwnz1pZSVz1qdoecso1_r1_250[1]

Maggie hangs up and kisses Ricky.

Lily hangs up too and looks at her phone surprised at Maggie’s sudden shift in mood.

Then returns her attention to the little kids running around her classroom, playing games and singing silly songs.

-<3-

* I do not take credit for any gifs, or any images used in my (crappy) edits or otherwise. *

Love Conflicted- Chapter 6

June 8, 2015August 27, 2021michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Previously on Love Conflicted…

Read Part 5 HERE

Due to sexual content

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This chapter is a little riskier than most…in regards to sexual content. But it’s rather timid, I think. This is just a slight warning. I find I censor things a lot on this blog, and in my storytelling, because I’m unsure how to proceed without it being received as a trashy, tacky, overly done love scene. I’m a writer, I have to bite the bullet some time and post a freakin love scene. If any of you read my other series Mysterious Attraction, you know I shied away from sex scenes, they were rather implied than actually spoken of, or described to any major extent. When the truth is I’m a romantic at heart (you guys know that), I believe in love and well sexual scenes are bound to come up in love stories. There’s just no way around them. As a writer I need to learn to write out of my comfort zone. So in this chapter things get a little sexy. Let’s all blush now and get it over with. We’re all adults here. (I hope) And hey if you’ve read 50 Shades of Grey (which you bet your ass I have)…this will be Disney rated in comparison. Haha. Enjoy!

Ian stands outside a door. He scans the hallway, before knocking three times.

The door opens, and Ricky stands there.

Ricky: What are you doing here? Who’s watching Maggie?

Ian: Her friend Lily is staying the night. And I have an off duty friend keeping an eye on the building.

Ricky: What friend? Ian we didn’t agree to any extra people knowing about this. It’s supposed to be you. You’re the only one I trust.

Ian: Look the guy doesn’t have a clue what we’re doing. He doesn’t know about you. He just thinks he’s plain old security. I told him to just call me if anything suspicious comes up. Besides Lily is onto me. If Maggie gets wind of me. You’re screwed. We’re both screwed.

Ricky: Yea that makes sense. Did you have a chance to-

Ian: I only had a 1 minute window, while they were on their way back home, I snuck in, the mic is under her living room lamp shade. We should be able to hear anything they say, and anything that happens we’ll know about it. It’ll help us keep her safe.

Ricky: Ok good. Dial us in.

Ian pulls out some equipment from a duffel back he was carrying.

He fiddles around on his laptop and soon Lily’s voice is heard, filling the small hotel room.

Lily: Here’s your tea sweetie.

Lily and Maggie are sitting in Maggie’s living room on the couch in their pajamas.

Maggie: Thanks.

Ricky’s head shoots up at the sound of Maggie’s voice.

Lily: Are you feeling any better?

Maggie: (laughs with dryness) This tea is much needed. But I can’t say it’s exactly a cure-all. Nothing is. He’s not here, and I can’t change that.

Ricky winces, hearing Maggie’s upset tone.

Lily: What can I do?

Maggie: You’re doing it. You’re here. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have you here. You’re the only one who knew us, as an us.

Lily smiles taking her friend’s hand.

Ricky sits down in a chair, listening intently as Ian joins him.

Maggie takes a sip of her tea.

Lily: Tell me a story.

Maggie: What?

Lily: Tell me a story about Ricky. About the two of you. Let’s remember him, let’s remember how much he loved you. How much you loved each other.
Maggie: I don’t know if I can handle that right now- (she chokes out, tears starting to form yet again.)

Lily: Ok, fine, I’ll start it.

Lily scans the room, and grabs a picture.

Lily: Ah what about this one? Tell me the story behind this night.

Maggie shakes her head.

Lily: You guys went to that fancy dinner party…the one that hosted your favorite author’s new book launch- or something? Right?

Maggie: Yea. (she smiles, taking the photo from her hand)

Ricky smiles knowing which picture.

Ian glances over at his friend.

As the girls talk, the guys reactions are intertwined accordingly. Ricky is spying on his girlfriend, who thinks he’s dead. In his mind he thinks he’s just doing so to make sure she stays safe. A way to be there without actually being there. But what he finds out next, will make him feel a range of emotions.

Lily: (smiling) Pretty sure a lot more happened that night…if I remember correctly.

Maggie blushes and smiles, adverting her eyes.

Lily: Talk to me. Tell me. I know it’s hard. But I think it’s what you need. You need to talk about him. You need to grieve.

Maggie: (takes a breath) That night was the first night he spent here with me.

Lily: And was it amazing? (she teases her smile infectious)

Maggie: Lily you know this story. I’ve told you it before.

Ian looks at Ricky who is smiling hearing her voice, but the sadness in his eyes matches the sadness in his heart for not being able to be with her.

Lily: Refresh my memory.

Maggie: Lily.

Lily: Maggie? Trust me on this okay. You need this. You’re trying so hard to suppress how he made you feel, because you’re hurting, but that’s just making you hurt even more. Let it in. Let him in. He won’t let you down. I promise you. Trust him. Trust his love. Trust his memory. That’s what’s gonna get you through this. Well that and tequila.

Maggie laughs.

Ricky and Ian exchange glances and small chuckles.

Ian: She’s good.

Ricky: She always is. Lily never questioned Maggie and I. It’s what I always loved about her. She’s the perfect friend to be helping Maggie through this. I couldn’t have asked for better.

Lily: So….(coaxing her on, to tell the story behind the photo.)

Maggie: The book preview ran late, and Ricky and I didn’t drive, because well there was a wine bar.

Lily: Duh?

Maggie: (laughs) And I was going to take the train home, but Ricky insisted on paying for a cab. He didn’t want me going home late alone. He walked me up to my apartment door, and I always thought that he had a hidden agenda. He had asked the cab driver to wait, but I could have sworn I saw him sneak and pay the guy before he left the car. As if he kind of knew it was gonna happen.

Lily: Ricky…you sly sly dog.

Ricky and Ian laugh.

Ian: Did you?

Ricky: Hey… I was only going off of her leads.

Maggie: (laughs) No no. I’m pretty sure he was just going off of my body language. I wasn’t exactly keeping my hands to myself that night.

Ricky smiles and points at Ian.

Lily: So you’re the sly dog?

Maggie: No. I just knew what I wanted. And I wasn’t about to sit around and wait for it, when I knew it was what he wanted too. Sometimes we just get in our own ways, and we waste so much time. I was over it. I wanted him. He wanted me. So I dove.

Ricky’s eyebrow cocks up at Maggie’s boldness.

Lily: That’s my girl.

Maggie: So he walked me to my door, we kissed goodnight, and that escalated rather quickly (she laughs) and then before I knew it clothes were everywhere and it was just kind of… happening. And he was amazing and sweet and sexy…so so sexy. My god…Ricky is one sexy man.

Ricky and Ian are laughing.

Ian: Damn Rick. I’m just learning so much about you.

Ricky: (laughs) You shouldn’t be hearing this.

Ian: What Lily knows the story, and I can’t? (he kids)

Ricky: Well if you’re gonna listen shh, I’ve never heard her side of this story. (he smirks, listening intently)

Maggie: I just remember thinking, if I could pick one man to do this with, for the rest of my life. It’d be him. Hands down.

Ricky smiles.

Maggie: There was something about being with him that electrified everything in me. It was kind of like taking a shot of tequila without a chaser, you know that flutter you get in your stomach, this was like that, but better. Way better.

Lily: That’s a new description, I don’t remember you throwing that one out the first time you told me this story. I would have remembered that. Damn that sounds hot. Phew. (Lily fans herself dramatically, as the girls share a laugh.)

Ricky covers his face slightly embarrassed but even more so pleased by Maggie’s description of their first time together. He never heard her describe it.

Lily: It was never just sex with Ricky. You know I don’t think you truly know what making love is, until you really feel every movement being made. You can get swept up in lust and miss so much. But love; it’s poetic, it’s gentle, it’s raunchy, it’s aggressive, it’s needy, it’s kind; all in one. And that kind of thing, that kind of feeling, that kind of connection to another human being, it’s once in a lifetime. And that’s how it’s supposed to be. Or at least that’s how it should be. We go through life, thinking we need to hop from one person to the next. In fear of settling down. That if we do that too quickly, it’s somehow against the rules. Well I’ve followed rules my entire life. And now at work, I set them. And I was tired of it. I was tired of feeling trapped. Meeting Ricky was the best thing that ever happened to me. He woke me up. He helped me live. And even though he’s gone, I am so glad I got to experience all of that with him.

Ricky’s eyes well up and he brushes his hands over his face.

Ian: (noticing) Dude. I can’t understand how you can do this…do you hear her?

Ricky: Look I get that this sucks. Ok? That most certainly is not lost on me. But this is the only way I know that she will be safe.

Ian: It’s killing her.

Ricky: You don’t think I know that. You don’t think it’s tearing me apart, knowing that I’m hurting her. Knowing I can’t be there with her. It’s killing me. It is physically wrecking me. I’m half between delirium and losing my mind here, Ian. I’m not doing this just to do it. I’m doing it because I love her, and if anything were to happen to her because of me, I couldn’t live with myself.

Ian: I just- I know. But it’s not easy being the one who has to face it head on. I’m the one that had to tell her you were dead. I’m the one that has to see the pain on her face everyday.

Ricky: Dude, really. Not helping.

Ian: I’m sorry. But that feisty Lily nearly bit my head off. She’s onto us. I think she may even think you’re alive too. I may have slipped up in my choice of words.

Ricky looks at him.

Ricky: You are the worst CIA agent ever.

Ian: Ricky I’m sorry man she just caught me off guard, and she’s really kinda sexy, I kinda lost my cool for a minute. It won’t happen again. Now I know what to expect with her. I can be more prepared. I swear man, I’m so sorry.

Ricky starts laughing.

Ian looks at him confused.

Ricky: I’m messing with you. Look I get it ok? The right girl can distract you from anything, even the most important job. One look and you’re a goner. Trust me I know.

Ian: Is that what happened with you and Maggie?

Ricky: Pretty much, I was on an assignment, things backfired and I found myself in the middle of a disaster that I needed a break from. I happened to be in the right place at right time, and bumped into Maggie. Seeing her just kind of made everything else melt away. I didn’t even know her. But something in me knew I had to protect her.

Ian: Well Lily, she doesn’t need my protection. You don’t think she’ll tell Maggie what she suspects, do you?

Ricky: (laughs) She would never tell Maggie, not now. Not unless she was positive about the whole situation. That girl is tough. She looks out for her friends.

Ian: I can tell. I kinda like her though, she’s got something about her. I can’t stop thinking about her. (he grabs a beer out of Ricky’s mini fridge)

Ricky: Oh yea that whole feisty tough girl routine, that’ll reel you in quick. But Lily’s also a sweetheart. She’s been a really good friend to me and my girl. If you’re gonna look to go for her, be careful. Treat her well. She’s a good one.

Ian: Just like Maggie.

Ricky: Just like my Maggie. (he smiles, looking at the picture of him and Maggie)

Ian: What’s that?

Lily and Maggie are chatting about Maggie possibly coming back to work their voices trail off in the background of the hotel, as Ian and Ricky continue to talk.

Ricky: (hands Ian the photo) This was like a week after we met. I took her to this concert she had been going on and on about, and I remember just looking over at her, and she was just bobbing to the music, singing along. And everything just kind of clicked for me. This girl was perfect. And life was simple. I was normal. And I knew she was the one. She was it. 30 seconds later, I told her I loved her.

Ian: Wait a minute and this was one week into your relationship?

Ricky: One week. 7 perfect days. Each one better than the next. (he takes a sip of his beer)

Ian: You didn’t think it was too soon? You weren’t worried she’d get freaked out and scared off?

Ricky: Why? I live my life by risks. I risk my life every day for stupid shit, that doesn’t even really matter to me. What did I really have to lose? The way I saw it, I had more to lose by not telling her. By letting her go without her knowing how hard I had fallen. When you know you just know. And seeing her, and being near her, getting to know her, I just knew.

Ian: So what’d she say?

Ricky: She laughed at first, I don’t think she knew I was being serious right away. Then the laughter turned into this kind of nervous giggle. (he laughs) Her nervous laugh, my god, it’s the cutest thing you’ll ever see, or hear. She began to ramble about how she was caught off guard and how she didn’t know what to say, so I just grabbed her and kissed her. (he shrugs) I didn’t want anything from her. I just wanted her to know. I knew I was moving fast, so I really wasn’t expecting her to say it back. But 30 seconds later, she did. And I don’t think I have ever been happier. She changed my life.

Ian nods.

Lily’s voice cuts through their conversation like a knife.

Lily: Why didn’t you tell Ricky about the baby?

Ricky’s focus shifts and his head shoots up.

Ian’s eyes go wide.

Maggie: I tried, but not hard enough. I just could never find the right time or place. There was so much going on with us. We were so up and down and I wasn’t sure I was even really pregnant. I didn’t wanna get things even more crazy complicated for no reason. Turns out I was right not to make a big deal about it, right?

Ricky: Oh my god.

He stands up pacing, starting to freak out.

Lily: You know he would have wanted to be with you, if he knew.

Maggie: I know. But everything just happened so fast and I just never got to tell him it was even a possibility. And then when I knew it wasn’t anymore, it was too late. Now that Ricky’s gone and I know I’m not pregnant. It’s just too late. It’s too late for anything.

Ricky’s confusion is evident.

Ricky: (to Ian) Did you know about any of this?

Ian: No Rick, not at all. I just set up the mic before I came to you.

Ricky: Oh my god. She thought she was pregnant? I can’t even believe this. I can’t believe that I’m not there with her, for this. She’s probably freaking out… on another level now!

Ian nods knowingly.

Ian: Ricky, man. I’m so sorry. If I would have heard anything, I definitely would have told you sooner.

Ricky is pacing his hotel room, trying to decide something.

Ricky: I need to see her.

Ian: Ricky?

Ricky: You need to get me in there… I need to see her. I can’t let her go through this without me. Not this. This is too big.

Ian: You know what you’re risking right?

Ricky: I can protect her. I just need to see her. Ian, man, please. I just need a few hours.

Ian: Ok, I can get you in there. But you have to wear a disguise, stay hidden, don’t draw any attention to yourself whatsoever. And you can’t stay long. One hour tops.

Ricky: I got it.

Ian: You need to be careful Rick. I mean it. Otherwise all of this will be for nothing.

Ricky: I know. I’m so close to getting to be with her again, full time. I’m not about to ruin it. I’ll be careful. I’ll be fine.

Ian: Ok. But here. (handing him some things to disguise himself) I’ll drive.

Very early that morning around 5 am, Ricky makes his way toward Maggie’s apartment door. He’s wearing a black hoodie, dark jeans, a black beanie and black sunglasses.

He listens to the feed from Maggie’s apartment in his ear. Lily is just about leaving.

He hides in the shadows of the hallway.

Maggie opens the door as Lily exits the apartment.

Ricky catches a glimpse of Maggie. Her eyes all puffy and red. He just wants to rush over to her and take her in his arms and stop her pain.

Lily: I just wanted to run home to change before work. Are you sure you’re gonna be okay?

Maggie: Yes I’ll be fine.

Lily: You call me, if you need anything. Ok? Anything. Any time. Don’t hesitate. Ok?

Maggie: I will. Thank you Lil- I don’t know what I would do without you.

Lily: You’ll never have to find out.

The girls hug each other tightly, and then Lily leaves.

Maggie gets a feeling. She scans the hallway. Ricky hides back in the shadows away from her eyesight. Maggie shakes it off and goes back inside. She goes into the bathroom to take a shower.

Ricky carefully and quietly picks her apartment door lock, and lets himself in.

He hears the shower running. He looks around the apartment, taking off his hat and glasses. He’s walking around touching each picture of them as he does. He walks into her bedroom and sits on her bed. He brushes his hand over the soft blanket. He has a flashback of him and Maggie kissing the night they first were together in her apartment. He closes his eyes and remembers. He opens them and leans over to her vanity. He picks up her favorite perfume bottle and sniffs it. That’s My Maggie, he thinks.

Then he hears her voice. She’s humming a song. Their song. The song they first danced to. He smiles, following her voice. He walks into the bathroom. Her silhouette is shown through the shower door. Her body is perfect, he thinks. Ricky doesn’t want to jump the gun too soon. He doesn’t want to frighten her. He doesn’t want her freaking out and getting hurt. She thinks he’s dead after all. But he needed to be near her. He needed to touch her. And he couldn’t wait another minute. Ricky takes off his shoes opens the door slightly, climbing in, fully dressed.

Maggie feeling the draft and a presence turns to be met my Ricky’s lips on hers.

Maggie feeling the familiar body starts kissing him back.

Ricky pulls away just enough to stare into her eyes.

Ricky: Hello gorgeous.

Maggie stares at him, dumbfounded.

Maggie: Ricky!

Ricky: Hey baby. (he smiles brightly)

Maggie: What are you-? How are you-?

Ricky: Do you really think I could ever leave you?

Maggie: But you-

Ricky: Shh. Just say hi- (he cups her face.)

Maggie: Hi, (she chokes out before he kisses her again, she wraps her arms around him, and he pulls her closer to him.)

Ricky unzips his sweater, while Maggie begins to help him disguard his clothes.

Ricky lifts Maggie up as he continues to kiss her, the water pours down over them. At that moment, whether Maggie thought she was just imagining him or not, nothing else mattered.

**********

Well…Ricky and Maggie had quite the “steamy” reunion…(steamy…shower, get it? harty har har) What do you think is next for these two lovebirds? Are they out of the woods yet? And it was pretty timid stuff right? Nothing too crazy? I have to admit I was nervous to post this. But what the hell. Tell me what you think!

Find out where this love story goes next, when Love Conflicted continues this Thursday! 😀

* I do not take credit for any gifs, or any images used in my (crappy) edits or otherwise. *

-<3-

Love Conflicted- Chapter 5

May 28, 2015August 27, 2021michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Previously on Love Conflicted…

Read Part 4 HERE

Maggie’s apartment is a little brighter somehow. Maybe it’s because the shades are finally open or maybe it’s the presence of a friend to hold her hand during this heartbreaking time. Lily sits aside her on the couch.

Maggie: I don’t know Lil, something in me just can’t comprehend this. I feel like it’s not real. Half the time I can’t even get out of bed, and when I do well this is what I look like. It’s indescribable, how bad this hurts.

Lily knowingly nods and takes her friend’s hand.

Lily: Why don’t we take a walk? I’ll buy you lunch. The fresh air and carbs will do you good.

Maggie:(shrugging) Ok. Yea.

Lily: Yea?

Maggie: I’ve been living off of cereal. So…

Lily: Well then I think it’s time we change that, huh? Come on. I got ya.

Lily pulls Maggie into a side hug and leads her toward the door.

Maggie and Lily walk down the street toward a little coffee house. Its mid-day approaching night fall. People are walking about; busy and having places to go and people to see. Maggie hasn’t seen outdoors let alone any actual sunlight in a week. Her mind is still housing an out of body foggy feeling. But she can’t deny that it did feel good to be out. Maggie breathes in the fresh air, as her heart beats a little steadier having a friend in this.

Lily ushers her into the coffee house, but as she does something wills her to take a scan of her surroundings. She notices a few parked cars, all vacant except one. She thinks for a brief second that it’s odd but then returns her attention to Maggie as they walk into the coffee house.

Lily and Maggie are seated. And have ordered some Paninis and coffee.

Maggie looks around her eyes adjusting to the world again.

“Could she even do something like that, adjust to a world that Ricky is no longer a part of?” She thinks, as she sips her coffee.

Maggie: You know even so, even after I got that call, I still felt…I feel like he’s somehow still out there, and I know that sounds crazy but-

Lily: I don’t think it sounds crazy at all. In fact maybe he is. I mean you guys always had a really intense connection. You could always tell what was going on with him. Besides who is this Ian person anyway, who’s to say he’s telling the truth. Maybe there’s more to the story.

Maggie: Oh I know for a fact that there’s more to the story. He just can’t…or won’t tell me it. But please god let’s not go there. Please don’t put false hope in my head. I can’t lose him a second time.

Lily: Ok, ok. I know. I’m sorry. I’m just saying if you feel something, maybe there’s a reason. What does your heart tell you?

Maggie: (tearing up) That Ricky and I were nowhere near done. He’s the love of my life. (She shrugs) The time we spent apart, me trying to fight it, it was all useless. It was a waste of time, time I could have spent with him.

Lily takes her friend’s hand from across the table, and she smiles showcasing her true empathy.

Lily: I’m so so sorry that you’re going through all of this. I wish I could change it for you.

Maggie: You know I kept thinking why was I so calm about waiting to find out if I was really pregnant. I just kept putting it off. And you know not knowing is not my thing.

Lily: Yea, you’re not exactly a fly by your seat kind of girl. (She takes a sip of her coffee)

Maggie:(shaking her head) No, not at all. But the more I kept putting it off, the more I began to realize that it wasn’t because I was scared of it being positive…or scared of choosing to be with him, quite frankly my heart already chose him for me…I love him. I was scared that it wouldn’t be positive. And it wasn’t. I would have been ok with it being positive…I would have been more than ok with having a baby with him. I wanted that life…and not just in general… but with him. I always have. And now I’m never going to get to have that. And I wish I was pregnant, now more than ever, because then at least I’d have a piece of him with me forever. And maybe that sounds selfish but-

Lily: It doesn’t.

Maggie: I just- I can’t-

Lily moves over to the other side and hugs her friend tighter.

Maggie: (crying harder, and wiping her tears from her cheeks) I just keep thinking, did he know…I mean did he really know how much I love him?

Lily: He knew. Anyone who got the rare chance to catch a glimpse of your relationship, could tell. Trust me, he knew. And he loved you just the same.

Through the coffee house window, sits a man in a parked car, watching way more intently than any normal bystander should. The same car and man from before. He looks like he’s on a mission and upon comforting Maggie in her time of need, Lily takes notice. The man looks away.

Lily: Hey, why don’t I take you back home, ok? It’s getting late, you should rest.

Maggie: Yea I think I’ve had enough of the world for today. (She laughs with little amusement)

Lily leaves money on the table and ushers her friend out. As they leave Lily notices the car and the man inside are gone. She drapes her arm over Maggie’s shoulder and walks her home.

Lily is returning from dropping Maggie off at home and notices the same car from the coffee house is parked this time right across from Maggie’s building, adjacent to her apartment window.

Inside the car sits a man, talking on a cell phone, the conversation seems rather heated.

“She’s not alone, her friend came over…a blonde. No she’s not okay. No, she’s a mess. What do you expect? Whatever…look-”

Lily stops and stares at the car. She couldn’t hear what the man was saying but she had a feeling he’d been watching her and Maggie. And Lily was not about to let that slide.

Lily walks over to the car and knocks hard on the window. The man gets startled and hangs up his phone quickly.

He rolls his window down, peering up at Lily.

“Can I help you?” He says.

Lily leans down, and comes face to face with a handsome, blue eyed man. Lily smiles brightly, her cleavage just enough to divert the man’s attention for a second.

Lily: (noticing) Eyes up here buddy.

The man slightly embarrassed, mentally kicking himself for being so obvious locks eyes with hers.

(Laughs) “Can I help you?” He repeats.

Lily: Yea, you can…why the hell are you following my friend?

The man looks shocked at her clever eye.

Lily: Because I have to tell you if you’re supposed to be discreet, you’re doing a really shitty job. I spotted you from the minute I came over to visit her.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Lily: (glares at him) You’re never going to get rid of me with that lie.

“Look I can’t say anything-I’m just doing my job. There are serious things going on. I’m just trying to keep your friend safe.”

Lily: You’re Ian…aren’t you?

The man looks at her, unsure of what to say.

Lily: (smiles flirtatiously) Your silence speaks volumes.

Even when she’s being bossy, Lily had this way of being sexy. The man remains tightlipped, which only frustrates Lily more. She huffs, opens the car door and gets in the passenger seat. The man looks at her in even more shock than when she first called him out.

Lily: Let’s pretend I actually believe you. If you are this Ian person, that means you know what actually happened to Ricky. And in all honesty just the fact that little old me was enough to rattle your cage and throw you off your game, speaks for itself. If you ask me, I think there’s more to this story.

“With all due respect but I didn’t ask you,” He says.

Lily: (smiles) Minor Detail. (She shrugs) If you think I’m going to let you off the hook, without sharing, you are seriously mistaken handsome. But don’t worry I know how to keep a secret.

He looks at her…dumbfounded…yet again. This girl has some guts. I could be a psycho, He thinks.

Ian: (sighs heavily) My name is Ian. I work with Ricky. And I really am just trying to keep an eye on Maggie. There are a lot of unresolved things going on right now, and while you’re sitting here distracting me, she could be in danger.

Lily: (narrows her gaze) Fine, get back to work then. Maybe be a little more stealth about it, huh? Don’t need you drawing any extra attention, to an already delicate situation. But remember I’m onto you. And if you think I’m leaving Maggie alone tonight, you’ve got another thing coming. I don’t trust you for shit.

Ian: I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re smart not to.

Lily steps out of the car and turns to walk away, but stops.

Lily: (bends down to peer through the window again) Do you work or did you work with Ricky? Because you said and I quote “I work with Ricky,” as in present tense.

Ian: An oversight. I guess it’s been hard adapting. I’m sure your friend Maggie has made mistakes like that over the past week.

Lily: Hmmm? Interesting. Men in the CIA are always so keen, so on their game, their attention to detail can be astounding.

Ian is shocked at her knowledge. Lily was the only friend who knew about Ricky’s secret life. Lily was also the only one who got to truly witness how in love Ricky and Maggie really were. The rest of the world thought they were just casual acquaintances. It took work, but they both gave it their all, because they knew it was worth it, just to be together.

Ian: Can being the operative word. Loss will affect anybody, anytime, anywhere.

Lily: Maybe.

Ian: Besides, information like that in the wrong hands (he shrugs, looking her over) can be dangerous. You know a little too much, bright eyes.

Lily: Are you threatening me? Or flirting with me?

Ian: Neither. Or maybe both. Or maybe just the latter. (He smirks) I’ll leave it up to your interpretation. But don’t worry, I’ll keep my eye on you too, just in case.

Lily: (laughs sarcastically) Oh I bet you will. But I’d rather take my chances defending myself, you’re not exactly doing the best job. And in case you haven’t noticed I can handle myself pretty well.

Ian: Oh I’ve noticed. I guess I just wasn’t trained to deal with beautiful distractions.

Lily: Hmm, I guess not. Word of advice never underestimate the best friend, she’s always the one you need to get through first.

Ian: (smirking) I wouldn’t think of it.

Lily walks away back toward Maggie’s apartment and Ian’s eyes wander after her. His phone rings.

Ian: Hello?…Yea we may have a problem. I just met the blonde, she’s feisty that’s for sure….and did I mention that I can’t believe you’re making me do this…

In a darkened motel somewhere unnoticeable, sits a shadowy figure in a chair. A hand reaches for a nearby lamp, turning it on, Ricky’s face comes into view.

Ricky: I see you’ve met Lily. She’s a good friend. Don’t worry about her. Just a little while longer, and it’ll all be over…but until then, keep my girl safe. I’m trusting you. She means everything to me. (he says looking at a picture of he and Maggie from his wallet.)

To be continued…

Did you think I’d actually leave you hanging?

Of course Ricky’s ALIVE!

#MaggieIsGonnaFreak

#WhoDigsLily

#ShesSassy

#IanThinksSoToo

#SpoilerAlert? 😉

Did you enjoy meeting Ian?

Nick Wechsler is my #dreamcast “Ian”

Ian & Lily

***QUICK AUTHOR’S NOTE***

For those keeping up with Love Conflicted, I just want to quickly clue you in on my plans for posting the duration of the story. In order to preserve the momentum and give you the best story I can give you, I’m going to take a break from posting for this story. I post as I write (it works for me) and it’s just kind of coming out of me and flowing, but I don’t want the next few parts to be forced or rushed. I’m not quite sure how I want things to go from here. So I’m gonna take some time to finish it and then I will post accordingly. Thanks so much for reading! I will have some other fun stuff for you guys to read in the meantime. And please feel free to tell me what you think in the comments below, or follow me on twitter and let’s chat there! Tell me, tell me all the things 😉 Keep writing and keep feeling all the feels you lovely humans!

Twitter: @shellbelle91

** I do not take credit for any gifs, or any images used in my edits or otherwise. **

-<3-

Michelle Leigh Writes

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