Thanksgiving Destiny

November 26, 2015November 29, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Thanksgiving Destiny.JPG

Abby sits on the train thinking of all the things she needs to do when she gets home.

Thanksgiving prep was going to be in high gear and she was the queen of baking sweet treats for her family.

This year her goal was to create the most elegant display of individual personal sized home made apple pies. Complete with a whipped cream inspired dressing and a little dollop of vanilla ice cream for an added special touch.

Apple pie a la mode, but fancier and cuter.

Abby hears the conductor’s voice over the loud speaker, her stop is next.

She gets up and makes her way to the doors. Upon doing so she bumps into a young man.

“Oh I’m so sorry,” Abby says.

She turns and her eyes meet with the stranger’s.

The gentleman smiles.

“That’s okay. No harm done.”

Abby’s heart slightly flutters.

His eyes a piercing, yet crystal blue, and his skin a slight sun kissed tan. His smile glistens of pearly white.

Abby is almost at a loss for words.

Move along, you don’t even know him, she thinks, mentally rolling her eyes at herself.

Abby smiles politely and stands in front of the train doors as she awaits her stop, the train doors open and she steps off.

The weather in New York had just started to inflict the chill of November and winter would soon be following. Abby tightens her thick burgundy scarf around her neck, as she briskly sets to walking her trail home.

She comes upon her neighborhood coffee shop, and walks in holding the door for the person behind her.

Her soul was in need of a pumpkin flavored latte, she knew she would need the boost of energy to get her through the nightly duties of baking.

Abby waits on line, just a few people in front of her.

She turns noticing a familiar face behind her.

She does a double take.

“If I didn’t know better I’d say you were following me,” the man says.

Oh gosh, it’s the mysterious train man, she thinks.

Abby laughs nervously.

“Well considering I’m standing in line, in front of you, I’d say you were following me.”

Wow, that was kind of smooth, go me, she thinks.

The man smirks

“Touché,” he says.

Abby smiles. The cashier calls for the next customer.

Abby walks up to the counter.

“I’ll have a small hot chocolate please,” she says.

The young man walks up beside her, Abby notices slightly thrown off guard.

“Make that a medium hot chocolate for the young lady, and a medium regular coffee for me,” he says handing the cashier a $20 bill.

“That’s really unnecessary…”Abby begins to say.

“It’s on me,” he says with a sweet, yet sexy smile.

“I couldn’t let you…”

“I’m not really taking no for an answer,” he says smirking, his eyes sparkling with a kindness she’s never seen.

“Well aren’t you a little bossy.”

“Hey it’s for a good cause, right?” he says.

“Yes. And Thank you,” she smiles brightly at him.

“You know, you’ve got something about you, that I just, I felt the need to talk to you.”

“Oh wow, well I’m glad you did. Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you again.”

“Your very welcome,” he says nodding politely with a smile.

Abby takes her hot chocolate and walks past the man, heading for the door.

He watches and looks away before going after her.

Abby turns around quickly causing them to collide.

“Whoa, I guess it’s my turn to be sorry,” he laughs.

“We can’t keep bumping into each other like this,” she mocks, laughing along with him.

“I was just curious…what’s your name? It’d be nice to have a name to go with the story of meeting a beautiful stranger,” he says his eyes trying to read her.

“It’s Abby…” she smiles.

The man smiles and extends his hand, “Well Abby, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Shane.”

“Well it was a pleasant bumping into you , several times today Shane,” she smiles.

“Well maybe we could do it again sometime, on purpose,” he says, his eyes questioning with hope.

“Maybe,” she says looking down at her hot chocolate avoiding his intense glare.

“I know this is totally weird, and I’m a complete stranger. But I just feel like sometimes in life, people are just meant to meet. I think in some strange way, I’ve been waiting a long time for you.”

“You believe in that kind of stuff? Destiny? Fate?” she asks.

“Love at first sight?” he adds.

Abby’s eyes shoot up.

“I um…”

“Happy Thanksgiving Abby,” he smiles noticing her nervous reaction Shane takes that as his cue to leave.

“Wait…” she says.

“Don’t worry, I’ll find you again, after all, things that are meant to be, just casually happen.”

Abby looks at him, puzzled.

“I’ll be seeing you soon, gorgeous,” he smiles walking out of the coffee shop.

What the hell just happened? she thinks walking home dumbfounded.

Abby spends the rest of her night pondering her bizarre yet somehow magical run-in with Shane. As she baked her treats for Thanksgiving day, Abby realizes she’s never felt these kind of butterflies before. There was just a strange spark, and instant connection between she and him. And she couldn’t understand how he was ever going to find her again, in this great big world, is there really only one person meant for you?

Abby slept on it and tossed and turned and dreamed.

The next day Abby stands outside her Grandmother’s door, she knocks.

“Hi honey, you’re early!” Grandma Jean says with a big smile as she opens the door.

“Hi Gram, I thought you could use some help?” Abby says, her hands full of dessert treats.

“Oh bless your heart, come in, come in.”

Abby walks in as her Grandmother leads her into the kitchen.

Placing her containers of goodies on the kitchen counter, Abby notices a man standing by the sink washing dishes.

“Abby you finally get to meet my sweetheart of a neighbor, this is Shane, he’s been giving me a hand around the house since Grandpa Bill passed.”

Shane turns around and sees Abby standing there.

They both laugh.

“Grandma we actually met, on the train last night,” Abby recalls with a smile.

“Really?”

“And again in the coffee shop nearby,” Shane adds.

“Oh well what a small world,” Grandma Jean says with a bright smile.

“Yup,” Abby says, the butterflies forming in her stomach.

“It’s really nice to see you again,” Shane says.

“Well I guess you were right about finding me again, I have to say, this is kind of freaky though,” she laughs.

“Freaky in a bad way?”

“No, in a magical way,” Abby says smiling.

“Good,” Shane replies.

“Are you joining the family for dinner?”

“Um…I don’t want to impose.”

“Grandma Jean will insist. And so will I.”

“Well aren’t you a little bossy,” Shane says smiling flirtatiously.

“Hey it’s for a good cause, right?” she says smiling back.

“Definitely.”

Abby takes a bottle of red wine from the fridge, and two classes from the cabinet as she sets them down to pour. She hands one to Shane. And sips the other.

“Ok so here’s the run down. The kids will ask you a million questions each, and there’s about 7 of them. My Aunt Mary is kind of blunt and says the craziest things you’ll ever hear, but you’ll laugh your ass off and love it, and my mother and well let’s be honest the rest of my entire family will probably think you’re my boyfriend because you’re the only new face around and everyone else is paired off, so…”

“Hey that doesn’t sound like a bad thing, I wouldn’t mind playing along,” he winks.

“Remind me to give you my number when all of this is over…I mean that is if you make it through the night with my crazy family.”

“I think I can handle it,” Shane smiles, sipping his wine as his eyes peer over at Abby.

The bell rings, signally company has arrived.

“Uh oh, it’s go time,” Abby smiles.

“Cheers to the first of many.”

Shane smiles raising his glass to Abby’s, as they smile at each other and family comes flooding in to celebrate the holiday.

-The End-

Happy Thanksgiving!

-<3-

*I do not take credit for any images used within my crappy edits ;)*

Stranger Drunk

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

Pouring Rain trickles down storefront windows.

Cars whizz past kicking up water.

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

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

Her umbrella long since destroyed and forgotten.

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

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

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

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

I need a drink…or 2 or 5 she thinks.

The bartender smiles her way

“What can I get you?” he says.

“Let’s start with a shot of tequila…”

The bartender smirks.

“You got it.”

The man sitting next to her glances over, again.

The bartender pours Macey a shot.

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

She winces.

“Keep ’em coming.”

The bartender nods and lines up the next round.

The man next to her turns to her.

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

“You have no idea.”

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

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

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

“We agree on something.”

“Can I be forward for just a second?”

“That depends,” she says her eyebrow arching.

“On what?”

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

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

“There may be room for some cinematic liberties.”

“Cinematic liberties?” he laughs.

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

“And what?”

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

“That sounds entertaining.”

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

“It’d be my pleasure.”

Macey smiles.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I…”

“Hey if you’re not interested-”

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

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

“Your place or mine?”

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

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

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

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

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

“Where’d you come from?”

He smiles.

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

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

Macey looks at his name; dazed.

“Brayden” it reads.

He turns back around.

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

Macey stands there in awe.

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

-End Scene-

-<3-

Drive Me Crazy.

October 12, 2015October 11, 2015michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Propose? Yea sort of,” he laughs.

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

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

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

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

“Okay.”

“Yea?”

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

-The End-

-<3-

Walk With Me.

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

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

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

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

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

“And if we don’t?” he says nervously.

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

Clouds move.

Dreams shift from hearts to hands.

Sun shines bright, as the day nears its end.

Bare feet walk through miles of sand.

Waves pouring in the ocean, for eternity.

And in the whisper of the wind they stand.

On a beach somewhere.

Anywhere.

Everywhere.

It doesn’t really matter.

Heartbreak can happen wherever you land.

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

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

The love is in the air.

Tainted by tension and uncertainty.

Was she trying to save them?

Or give them a peaceful pardon?

Was she going to walk away?

Or was she going to fight to stay?

And in the minutes that ticked by.

He glanced at her trying to read her mind.

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

Tears forming in her eyes.

“Walk with me,” he says.

“Is that a question,” she replies.

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

He extends a hand.

She takes it.

As the sun begins to set.

The moon peeking through high above them.

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

She smiles and replies “I forgive you.”

They dance.

They sing.

Deciding to let the past be the past.

As they walk along the beach hand in hand.

He turns to her and smiles.

She smiles back just the same.

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

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

Sometimes, you try and you get it right.

-The End-

-<3-

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

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 10

June 25, 2015August 27, 2021michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Previously on Love Conflicted…

Read Part 9 HERE

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

Ricky: Got it. We got him.

He reaches for his phone.

Ian is in his car with Maggie and Lily sitting in the back.

Ian: Hello?

Ricky: I got something, I need you to come by the hotel.

Ian: Ok Dave, I will consider that.

Ricky: (realizing) Shit Lily is with you both. Ok just drop them off and get here. Make sure your security guy can keep an eye out and double check the mic.

Ian: Ok Dave you got it.

Ian hangs up.

Maggie: Is everything ok?

Maggie and Ian exchange glances through the inner rearview mirror.

Ian: Everything is fine. Dave is just an old friend, needs my help with something. Shouldn’t take too long.

Lily: I thought you were hired to be Maggie’s personal bodyguard?

Maggie: Lily?

Lily: What? No. If he leaves, then what the hell…all this talk about keeping you safe…how it’s his job…

Maggie: He is keeping me safe.

Lily: Something doesn’t seem right here. What’s going on? Why are you so calm?

Maggie: Just trust me everything is fine.

Lily: How do you know?

Maggie: Ok I don’t. But I’m choosing to have faith. That’s all I can do at this point.

Ian: Look Lily, I understand your concerns. But my friend Dave is working on a plan, he’s part of this whole keeping Maggie safe thing. And I need to meet with him. In the meantime, your building has security and I will be in touch.

Lily: Well why didn’t you just say so. (she rolls her eyes, and crosses her arms)

Ian: Because you’re infuriating and wouldn’t let anyone else get a word in.

Ian’s eyes lock with Lily’s through the mirror.

Maggie notices.

Maggie: (teasing a smile) Well… this outta be fun.

Lily looks away, blushing.

Ian pulls up in front of Maggie’s building, and gets out of the car.

Ian: Ladies. (he says opening the car door.)

Maggie gets out first.

Maggie: Thank you.

Lily follows locking eyes with Ian before looking away.

Ian laughs and follows them toward the building.

The three of them step into the elevator.

Maggie presses the button for her floor.

Within a few moments they reach her floor and exit the elevator, Maggie turns to Ian.

Maggie: Thank you for walking us up here, you should go help your friend Dave, sounds like he can use it. We’ll be fine. Won’t we, Lil?

Ian looks at Lily, who stands there with her arms crossed. Avoiding Ian’s eyes.

Lily: Yup.

Ian: I don’t doubt it. But there are a few things I need to check on before I go. I have to scan your apartment, just to be safe.

Maggie: Oh of course, (opening her door she lets him in.)

Before following, Maggie leans over to Lily.

Maggie: (whispering) Are you blushing? Is he making you blush?

Lily: (whispering) Shut up.

Maggie: Well…I don’t think I’ve ever seen the day.

Lily: Shut up.

Maggie: You’re in troubleee.

Lily: Oh yea ya think? Shut up and go, (she laughs shooing her into the apartment.)

Ian is walking around checking each room.

He leans down to turn on her lamp and subtly checks in on the mic he planted.

Maggie nods at him.

Ian: All looks good. You guys will be fine. Call me if you need anything. I won’t be gone long.

Maggie: Ok thank you.

Ian walks toward the door. He stops in front of Lily, who’s blocking the doorway.

Ian: Lily.

Lily: Ian. (she matches his tone, as she walks past him.)

He smirks and looks back at her before leaving.

To be continued…

Some interesting vibes between these two…what do you think will happen next?

-<3-

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

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. *

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