Love Me
The kitten turned big gold eyes up at me, his ears twitched towards the sound of the keys tapping on the key board. Why bother? He seemed to be asking, long tail wrapped around his small body as he snuggled into my lap. I pulled my eyes from the computer screen long enough to stare at me furry companion and bent to give him a kiss between the ears on his soft orange fur.
My lips met with a cool sweat coated forehead. “Stephan don't say that, you'll get better again. You did last time.” I stroked at deep red hair, brushing the wet strands off a pale face. The man beneath my fingers looked up at me with light brown eyes that were dulled with illness. They held more fear and sorrow than I thought any one person could ever feel. “This isn't like last time. Lenna I don't want you to cry for me, I don't want to cause you pain. You have to promise me you won’t cry for me.” Colourless lips barely moved with the whispered words as a frail hand reached up to touch my long brown hair, his nails catching briefly in twisting curls.
“I can't promise you that Stephan, you know I can't.” My words came out shakier than I had wanted. I needed to be the strong one here, I was on the verge of tears and I wasn't even the one laying on my death bed. The heavy smell of antiseptics and urine stung my nose making me blink a few times till a cold hand touched my cheek. How many times have we been here before, in this same position? his illness taking its toll. Each time the doctors telling us it could be the last time. He wasn't getting better, he was getting worse. “Hey, Lee, I want to tell you something, I-” A loud beeping made me jolt, my nose buried in warm fur as the kitten gave a soft mew.
A message box was flashing on the computer screen. “YOU'VE DIED. PRESS OK TO BE REVIVED.” Taking a deep breath to push away the thin wisps of memory that clung to my mind like persistent cobwebs, I clicked the flashing OK button. 'I wish it were that easy.' I muttered under my breath as the screen flashed and my character was standing in front of a large shrine. Text flashed in the chat box, “Lee, you still there?” it took me a moment to tap out my reply message while my character started off to where the rest of the party was gathered. “Just zoned out, coming back now.”
The kitten gave a displeased mew and stretched in my lap before squirming under my arm and prancing from the room. Blue eyes followed the little green dot on the map in the corner of the screen, my gaze slowly drifting towards the running figure of my character.
Blond hair waved in front of me and bright laughter filled the air. 'Come catch me if you can Lenna!' The hot summer sun beat down on my face and dried the mud that had splashed up the backs of my legs. 'Slow down will you? I don't feel like racing today.' I shouted after my sister, whose legs were as splattered with mud as my own. Her black shorts ridding up in the back and her tank top loose enough to float about her torso like a loose green blanket. She slid to a stop and spun around to face me so quickly that I almost lost my own balance when I planted my feet on the ground and dug into the mud to stop myself. Loose strands of blond hair fell around my sister's face in perfect disorder, her blue eyes wide and vivid with barely contained excitement. She looked like a wild jungle warrior, ready and capable of taking on anything and everything. While my messy brown curls clung to a sweat coated forehead and checks, my blue eyes dull with worry and mud streaking my too large t-shirt and baggy knee length shorts. I know my older sister is everything I am not, I paled in comparison to my stunning older sibling.
'But it's our last day together; we won’t see each other for a while.' Her words hit that tender spot of worry in my gut making me real backwards a step before I reached out towards her meaning to grab at her hand one last time.
A sudden weight in my lap pulled me back into the present. Blinking the sun filled forest from my eyes as tiny paws kneaded my thigh, the computer screen came into focus. A fist slammed down on the key board, hitting the escape key and exiting the game. The kitten looked up at me with those imploring eyes again and jumped back off my lap.
Pushing up out of the office chair I followed the swaying orange and white tail into the kitchen. The kitten disappearing under the table as a hand slammed down on top of it.
“I will not allow it!” My mother, a tall wiry woman with blond hair as yellow as hay, yelled across the room at me. My nineteen year old self shrunk into the door frame as if it would protect me from the words. “I've already lost your sister; I will not lose you as well!” The mention of her pulled me away from the protection of the wood, my hands planting on the edge of the table as I braced myself to yell back. “Lose me? You won’t lose me! I love Stephan, I want to spend every possible moment with him. I'm nineteen, you can't stop me from getting married!” I was shocked at how loud my voice had become, no more cowering, no more bowing down and giving in. “And... he...” my eyes filled with tears, the room swam and my mother blurred to a colourless blob. He doesn't have much time left, is what I wanted to say, but I never got it out.
When I finally found the strength to rub the tears from my eyes and pried them open I was back in my apartment kitchen, my kitten meowing up at me from the floor as he pawed at my pant leg. So much for my moment of courage. The thought hung for a moment and was quickly swept away as I shook my head, cropped brown curls shaking as I opened the fridge and fished an open can of cat food off the top shelf. “Shh... Stephan, I'm sorry. How about some dinner?”
My lips met with a cool sweat coated forehead. “Stephan don't say that, you'll get better again. You did last time.” I stroked at deep red hair, brushing the wet strands off a pale face. The man beneath my fingers looked up at me with light brown eyes that were dulled with illness. They held more fear and sorrow than I thought any one person could ever feel. “This isn't like last time. Lenna I don't want you to cry for me, I don't want to cause you pain. You have to promise me you won’t cry for me.” Colourless lips barely moved with the whispered words as a frail hand reached up to touch my long brown hair, his nails catching briefly in twisting curls.
“I can't promise you that Stephan, you know I can't.” My words came out shakier than I had wanted. I needed to be the strong one here, I was on the verge of tears and I wasn't even the one laying on my death bed. The heavy smell of antiseptics and urine stung my nose making me blink a few times till a cold hand touched my cheek. How many times have we been here before, in this same position? his illness taking its toll. Each time the doctors telling us it could be the last time. He wasn't getting better, he was getting worse. “Hey, Lee, I want to tell you something, I-” A loud beeping made me jolt, my nose buried in warm fur as the kitten gave a soft mew.
A message box was flashing on the computer screen. “YOU'VE DIED. PRESS OK TO BE REVIVED.” Taking a deep breath to push away the thin wisps of memory that clung to my mind like persistent cobwebs, I clicked the flashing OK button. 'I wish it were that easy.' I muttered under my breath as the screen flashed and my character was standing in front of a large shrine. Text flashed in the chat box, “Lee, you still there?” it took me a moment to tap out my reply message while my character started off to where the rest of the party was gathered. “Just zoned out, coming back now.”
The kitten gave a displeased mew and stretched in my lap before squirming under my arm and prancing from the room. Blue eyes followed the little green dot on the map in the corner of the screen, my gaze slowly drifting towards the running figure of my character.
Blond hair waved in front of me and bright laughter filled the air. 'Come catch me if you can Lenna!' The hot summer sun beat down on my face and dried the mud that had splashed up the backs of my legs. 'Slow down will you? I don't feel like racing today.' I shouted after my sister, whose legs were as splattered with mud as my own. Her black shorts ridding up in the back and her tank top loose enough to float about her torso like a loose green blanket. She slid to a stop and spun around to face me so quickly that I almost lost my own balance when I planted my feet on the ground and dug into the mud to stop myself. Loose strands of blond hair fell around my sister's face in perfect disorder, her blue eyes wide and vivid with barely contained excitement. She looked like a wild jungle warrior, ready and capable of taking on anything and everything. While my messy brown curls clung to a sweat coated forehead and checks, my blue eyes dull with worry and mud streaking my too large t-shirt and baggy knee length shorts. I know my older sister is everything I am not, I paled in comparison to my stunning older sibling.
'But it's our last day together; we won’t see each other for a while.' Her words hit that tender spot of worry in my gut making me real backwards a step before I reached out towards her meaning to grab at her hand one last time.
A sudden weight in my lap pulled me back into the present. Blinking the sun filled forest from my eyes as tiny paws kneaded my thigh, the computer screen came into focus. A fist slammed down on the key board, hitting the escape key and exiting the game. The kitten looked up at me with those imploring eyes again and jumped back off my lap.
Pushing up out of the office chair I followed the swaying orange and white tail into the kitchen. The kitten disappearing under the table as a hand slammed down on top of it.
“I will not allow it!” My mother, a tall wiry woman with blond hair as yellow as hay, yelled across the room at me. My nineteen year old self shrunk into the door frame as if it would protect me from the words. “I've already lost your sister; I will not lose you as well!” The mention of her pulled me away from the protection of the wood, my hands planting on the edge of the table as I braced myself to yell back. “Lose me? You won’t lose me! I love Stephan, I want to spend every possible moment with him. I'm nineteen, you can't stop me from getting married!” I was shocked at how loud my voice had become, no more cowering, no more bowing down and giving in. “And... he...” my eyes filled with tears, the room swam and my mother blurred to a colourless blob. He doesn't have much time left, is what I wanted to say, but I never got it out.
When I finally found the strength to rub the tears from my eyes and pried them open I was back in my apartment kitchen, my kitten meowing up at me from the floor as he pawed at my pant leg. So much for my moment of courage. The thought hung for a moment and was quickly swept away as I shook my head, cropped brown curls shaking as I opened the fridge and fished an open can of cat food off the top shelf. “Shh... Stephan, I'm sorry. How about some dinner?”
---
Kay so I am back to posting things on here, this was a writing assignment for my writer's craft class and well, I really liked the way it came out.
Bitter Sweet
The night air is crisp against my cheeks, the wind softly rustling long tendrils of snow white hair, pushing it against pale olive toned skin and pulling it away again. Playing a constant game with each strand. I lightly shoved my hands in the pockets of my coat, letting my thin fingers slip between the soft silk fabrics as I sighed contently.
The night is young and full of promise. Promise of money to be made and people to meet. My silvery green eyes danced with a light joy. My lips curved in a crooked smile as I carefully stepped along the pavement. This is the richer side of the city; people here dressed well, ate well, and most importantly they paid well. I came to a halt outside one of the only bars on this side of the tracks. Nudging the door open with my foot I entered, a warm smile slipping across my lips as I greeted the man behind the oak counter. "White Russian please, Jack," I took my usual seat in front of the familiar bartender. Tonight is a busy night for the small bar. It seemed like almost every seat is filled with couples.
"Sure thing Apples. So what's on the agenda tonight?" He leaned over the counter a bit to place a peck on my cheek before he went onto to mixing my drink. I didn't answer, I didn't really know yet. I just needed to get out of the house.
The place is teaming with life; people roaming around pool tables, the soft sounds of the balls and queue tips connecting accompanied their clamorous dance. People chatting, bottles clinking, and ice falling into empty glasses.
One of the bouncers was hard at work, breaking up a small soon- to- be fight in the far back between to drunk men over lord knows what.
The bartender slid my drink in front of me, the straw spinning in circles. I caught it between two of my fingers and about to take a sip when something or someone slammed into my back. My drink spilled over the counter and my breath knocked from me as I collided with the wood edge.
I pushed away from the bar in one fluid movement, sending whoever had crashed into me to the floor. I turned to face the person only to see a tall black haired man towering over me. His black buttoned up dress shirt wrinkled and un-tucked. His brown eyes harsh. He is wild, pissed off and glaring at me. I stuttered, losing my resolve before I could yell at him for spilling my drink.
“What the hell!” His glare hardly seemed to soften as he started yelling at me. What did he have to be pissed off about, other then being thrown into someone? That wasn't even my fault. His black hair hung in front of his eyes – which are even wilder then before.
“Y-you're yelling at me?” My voice is quiet as I try to puzzle things out; at a complete loss and over run with confusion. Why was he angry with me? Shouldn't I be the one mad at him?
“You got in the way, of course I'm yelling at you!” His voice only seemed to raise as he glared at me. Struck by his bluntness, I faltered. How was that my fault?
“You're the one that ruined my drink, you could at least apologize.” I managed to choke out, my tone wavering on the border of politeness and something akin to fear.
At my feeble attempt to get an apology his glare seemed to soften. His brown eyes were taking me in as if for the first time. “Oh, please.” His voice dripped with sarcasm.
Jerk.
“I'd say I forgive you, but frankly I don't. Why don't you try being sincere.” I tried to match his sarcasm, it isn't working.
My back against the counter now,like a cornered animal, his gaze had turned into something of a leer.
Was he seriously checking me out? After how rude he'd been?
His whole stance seemed to shift becoming more and more relaxed. He seemed to be realizing how stupid his anger had been... Maybe he wasn't such a bad guy after all.
“Look, why don't I buy you a drink?” Smooth, real smooth. His hand combed through his mused hair as he spoke, his words no longer carrying their bite.
Green eyes widened at his sudden change.
He smirked.
Nope, he is still pretty arrogant.
I took in a shallow breath, about to say something as my hand gestured at my destroyed top, and that's when his hand snaked out and grabbed my wrist, twisting it so he could get a look at my watch.
“Shit! Look, I'll buy you that drink another time. Here.” He dropped my arm and pulled a small business card out of his jeans pocket. “How about tomorrow same place, same time.” It wasn't really a question. I hardly had time to give him an answer before he was out the door, leaving me looking startled and more then a little lost.
As if I would really want to meet him again for a drink, but he did owe me...
The night is young and full of promise. Promise of money to be made and people to meet. My silvery green eyes danced with a light joy. My lips curved in a crooked smile as I carefully stepped along the pavement. This is the richer side of the city; people here dressed well, ate well, and most importantly they paid well. I came to a halt outside one of the only bars on this side of the tracks. Nudging the door open with my foot I entered, a warm smile slipping across my lips as I greeted the man behind the oak counter. "White Russian please, Jack," I took my usual seat in front of the familiar bartender. Tonight is a busy night for the small bar. It seemed like almost every seat is filled with couples.
"Sure thing Apples. So what's on the agenda tonight?" He leaned over the counter a bit to place a peck on my cheek before he went onto to mixing my drink. I didn't answer, I didn't really know yet. I just needed to get out of the house.
The place is teaming with life; people roaming around pool tables, the soft sounds of the balls and queue tips connecting accompanied their clamorous dance. People chatting, bottles clinking, and ice falling into empty glasses.
One of the bouncers was hard at work, breaking up a small soon- to- be fight in the far back between to drunk men over lord knows what.
The bartender slid my drink in front of me, the straw spinning in circles. I caught it between two of my fingers and about to take a sip when something or someone slammed into my back. My drink spilled over the counter and my breath knocked from me as I collided with the wood edge.
I pushed away from the bar in one fluid movement, sending whoever had crashed into me to the floor. I turned to face the person only to see a tall black haired man towering over me. His black buttoned up dress shirt wrinkled and un-tucked. His brown eyes harsh. He is wild, pissed off and glaring at me. I stuttered, losing my resolve before I could yell at him for spilling my drink.
“What the hell!” His glare hardly seemed to soften as he started yelling at me. What did he have to be pissed off about, other then being thrown into someone? That wasn't even my fault. His black hair hung in front of his eyes – which are even wilder then before.
“Y-you're yelling at me?” My voice is quiet as I try to puzzle things out; at a complete loss and over run with confusion. Why was he angry with me? Shouldn't I be the one mad at him?
“You got in the way, of course I'm yelling at you!” His voice only seemed to raise as he glared at me. Struck by his bluntness, I faltered. How was that my fault?
“You're the one that ruined my drink, you could at least apologize.” I managed to choke out, my tone wavering on the border of politeness and something akin to fear.
At my feeble attempt to get an apology his glare seemed to soften. His brown eyes were taking me in as if for the first time. “Oh, please.” His voice dripped with sarcasm.
Jerk.
“I'd say I forgive you, but frankly I don't. Why don't you try being sincere.” I tried to match his sarcasm, it isn't working.
My back against the counter now,like a cornered animal, his gaze had turned into something of a leer.
Was he seriously checking me out? After how rude he'd been?
His whole stance seemed to shift becoming more and more relaxed. He seemed to be realizing how stupid his anger had been... Maybe he wasn't such a bad guy after all.
“Look, why don't I buy you a drink?” Smooth, real smooth. His hand combed through his mused hair as he spoke, his words no longer carrying their bite.
Green eyes widened at his sudden change.
He smirked.
Nope, he is still pretty arrogant.
I took in a shallow breath, about to say something as my hand gestured at my destroyed top, and that's when his hand snaked out and grabbed my wrist, twisting it so he could get a look at my watch.
“Shit! Look, I'll buy you that drink another time. Here.” He dropped my arm and pulled a small business card out of his jeans pocket. “How about tomorrow same place, same time.” It wasn't really a question. I hardly had time to give him an answer before he was out the door, leaving me looking startled and more then a little lost.
As if I would really want to meet him again for a drink, but he did owe me...
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