Lupa DeDanna
Panther
Dark fur glistens, the gleam of ivory fangs stands out.<=
o:p>
Yet all of this happens beneath the muscle of a man.
Like a predator you are hunting, me and like you prey I
stand.
Trembling before the beast I see reflecting in the depth=
s of
your eyes.
My heart is racing; I don’t even know how to try.<=
o:p>
Escaping is an option, as well as bane.
I’m playing a very dangerous game.
Inside each person, our belief is set<=
/p>
That an animal resides, for better
than a pet.<=
/p>
Your animal is darker, and stronger than most.
You have locked eyes upon me.
Your prey, your mate.
Yet I am not ready
I run from you, from perhaps even myself
Not ready yet for the feelings that well up inside me
Yet like the strong beast that you are, you follow<=
/o:p>
My trail, standing out to you in the darkest of nights
You keep up with me, easily each turn and leap in my fli=
ght.
Now you have cornered me, my heart between your claws
Please be gentle, with my heart between your pantherR=
17;s
jaws.
Lupa De Danna
Wanted
I wanted so much
to love you
to understand you
to support you
I wanted so much for you
to love me
to understand me
to support me
I wanted so much
to ignore the temperamental love
to look past the lack of comprehension
to endure the disappointments & heartache
I wanted so much for you
to believe in me
to walk beside me
to hold me
I wanted too much
Genta Hughes
I Believe…<=
/p>
<=
/p>
(July 16, 2007)<=
/p>
<=
/p>
… that guns don’t=
kill
people. Husbands who come home early do. Or so says Jeff Foxwor=
thy.
<=
/p>
Which brings me to where I am rig=
ht
now. What do I re=
ally
believe? About me, my life, my love, my family?
<=
/p>
I’ll start with the easy part first, my family.&nb=
sp;
I believe that I have finally found just the right mix of serious and insan=
e,
enough down-to-earth to balance out the not-so-much-so. Between my
adopted brother and my best friend, I think there lays a lot of grey
area. A gaping grey area filled with people like my Cowboy, ‘Zook, Tim, Andy, Jo, Billy, Bucky and my Cowbaby. And there’s more, too many more =
to
mention here and now. <=
/p>
<=
/p>
Notice I didn’t mention any blood relatives?
That’s because they are so not in my realm of family.&n=
bsp;
My brothers hate me and my parents are just indifferent. Make for a f=
un
life, doesn’t it? And as for my Cowboy’s family, I think =
they
may just hate me even more than my own does, which is quite the accomplishm=
ent,
if you ask me. <=
/p>
<=
/p>
This is the reason I’m so thankful for Albie and even ‘Zook, they
keep me smiling when I want to murder someone. Red and Billy give me
reason to be relieved when the Cowboy and I fight. Seeing another cou=
ple
so much in love that fights more than we do? It’s reassuring.
It’s not always all that pleasant because ticking Scarlett off=
is
never a smart thing to do, but it is comforting to know you’re not
alone. Jo and Tim, I think, are the only two middle-of-the-road peopl=
e I
know. And God love them for putting up with all the rest of us.
<=
/p>
What can I say about Rory, aka Bucky, and the little Cowbaby to be? Aside from t=
he fact
that they are a constant reminder to me of why I should NOT to murder their
father? Kids change your life and Rory has gone above and beyo=
nd
in that area. He’s brought so much joy, light, love and chaos i=
nto
an already crazy home… <=
/p>
<=
/p>
In the realm of my family, I believe that I am blessed.<=
/span>
<=
/p>
My life is a much harder topic to tackle. My job s=
ucks
most days and I never know what’s going to happen next. My
superiors are overbearing, obnoxious jerks that live to make my life
difficult. However, seeing as they’re protecting the fate of the
free world, would I really expect anything less? Would I want anything
less? Probably not.
<=
/p>
Being stuck on indefinite desk duty is a chore. No
idea even when I’ll be allowed to get back to the real aspects of my =
job
once this little one arrives. Six months? A=
year?
And what will the Cowbaby’s Daddy say whe=
n that
time comes around again? I dread that moment. It will not be a
happy point in our relationship I’m thinking…
<=
/p>
I believe that I may just survive my life as a soldier t=
ied
to a desk, just as long as they don’t make me stay here.
<=
/p>
Which leaves me with the state of my love life… ov=
er
the last year, it’s had its ups and downs, but I’ve, we̵=
7;ve,
managed to make it through. I do believe we’ve come out of all =
this
crap stronger, happier, and a much more solid couple. Couple
of what, however, remains to be seen.
<=
/p>
But I digress…<=
/p>
<=
/p>
My Cowboy hasn’t ever been made to be responsible =
for
himself, let alone a wife and a young child. Rory was the surprise th=
at
changed his life, his attitude, and our relationship. His sudden
appearance in our life made us reevaluate how and why we were together.&nbs=
p;
And I think he’s come to understand that, since taking in and taking =
on a
child that’s not even mine, that I’m=
not
planning on leaving anytime soon. Something that, just a few months a=
go,
he refused to believe was possible. As a matter of fact, that was
something he was sure of just a few months ago. Confessing that small=
bit
of information to me has always left me wondering why he’d proposed in
the first place. If he didn’t think here was where I wanted to =
be,
why ask? But, then, you have to consider t=
he
source on that one. <=
/p>
<=
/p>
I’ll never regret this trip he and I are making
together. There are days when I wonder why I worked so hard to get the
right to be his woman, ask myself why I couldn’t just let him go̷=
0;
But then, Rory will give me one of his daddy’s smiles, and those litt=
le
blue eyes will shine with joy and I know: This is what it’s all
about. Being mom to this little boy has been an adventure; I cann=
ot
wait to see what his sister is like. After all, she’s not just =
part
Cowboy; she’s going to be part me as well. God help
her. I’m thankful he loves us all enough to not go postal on us
all. <=
/p>
<=
/p>
I believe that I’ve found the man of my dreams, and that he just may be a bit of a hopeless ro=
mantic
at that… There’s no other explanation, is there?
<=
/p>
~Ali, overflowing with hormones…
Amy
The chance encounter that changed=
my
life was meeting my current partner. I met him online in an aol chat room that I found only by chance one n=
ight.
They were a friendly bunch so I paid repeat visits to the chat room. Then o=
ne
night I was in there and I got talking to one particular person. After a wh=
ile
we went into private chat. He told me he was married and his wife had just =
left
him and gone back to Australia. After a while we exchanged numbers and then
spoke on the phone. Then one night we decided on meeting. He came to my pla=
ce
and it went from there. I visited his place weekly and loved going there as=
it
was somewhere I could relax without my kids shouting out mum all the time. =
We
had out ups and downs as couples do but after 18 months he moved in with me=
and
it was the best thing I have ever done. So AOL i=
s good
for somethings......lol
Janet
An Escape
This is what I needed
Clear blue skies with fluffy clouds
Squishing the grains of sand between my toes
Feeling the warm rays of the sun
Waves of blue crystal crashing to make white bubble
Watching the multicolored sails dance in the distance
Enjoying the smells and sights
Wondering if Heaven is this tranquil
Noticing the seagulls squawking
Picking up the smooth reflective seashells
Observing the surfer conquering the angry waves
Questioning what hungry beasts be underneath
Hasty crabs scurrying to their next destination
Exhaling as I watch the world fly by
Music in the background
Put forths a familar sound
Moving to the busy bar and submitting to the call
Margarita Ville, here I come
Genta Hughes
Daydreaming of you<=
/span>
I watch you from a
distance<=
/p>
I begin to wonder a=
bout
you<=
/p>
How soft your skin =
is
What could make you
smile?<=
/p>
If you enjoy slow
kisses<=
/p>
I glance around and
notice your stares<=
/p>
I dream of staring =
in
your eyes<=
/p>
Noticing the speckl=
es
of gray<=
/p>
Feeling the electri=
city
of your touch<=
/p>
Submitting to unkno=
wn
desires<=
/p>
I imagine us somewh=
ere
different<=
/p>
I view a room lined
with candles<=
/p>
Lying in a bed of
petals<=
/p>
Entangling each oth=
er
with petals<=
/p>
Realizing that this=
is
heaven<=
/p>
I watch you as you =
walk
near me<=
/p>
I wonder if you can
read my thoughts<=
/p>
Savoring your scent=
Wishing for it to
linger<=
/p>
Wanting to leave all
this behind<=
/p>
I offer you a smile=
Praying I’m n=
ot
blushing<=
/p>
Watching you contin=
ue
on your way<=
/p>
Trying to refocus o=
n my
present task<=
/p>
While I continue
daydreaming of you<=
/p>
I’m still
standing<=
/p>
Through all my
pain<=
/p>
All of my tears
All of my fears
Through all my fail=
ures
All of my hit and
misses<=
/p>
All of the close ca=
lls
Through all my letd=
owns
All of the
disappointments<=
/p>
All of the forfeitu=
res
Through all the hat=
eful
words<=
/p>
All of the clenched
fists<=
/p>
All of the broken
promises<=
/p>
Through all of this=
I’m still her=
e
I’m still ali=
ve
I’m still
standing<=
/p>
Life without you
Hands on the home k=
eys,
ladies<=
/p>
First memories of f=
un
From the days at the
Grove<=
/p>
‘Til the days at South<=
/span>
I could not have
imagined<=
/p>
A better best frien=
d
July babies separat=
ed
by 13 days<=
/p>
Remember our 16th?
You almost got a ti=
cket
Guess he realized t=
hat
girls just wanna have fun
Always joking we we=
re
with the wrong families<=
/p>
Ecstatic and pensive
was I the day <=
/p>
You got married and
learned you were moving to Germany
Years have passed
The bond is still t=
here
Encouragement as you
tried to figure<=
/p>
Out what made you h=
appy
Finally bliss is yo=
urs
Unconventionally but
that is your way<=
/p>
I’m not the o=
ne
to gossip so<=
/p>
You didn’t he=
ar
this from me<=
/p>
But I couldn’t
imagine <=
/p>
My life without you=
As one of my closest
friends<=
/p>
Genta Hughes
Dreaming in the Sun<=
/p>
<=
/p>
(July 20, 2007)<=
/p>
<=
/p>
I know I shouldn’t have, but I just couldn’t
bear not to. <=
/p>
<=
/p>
Living in D. C. is nothing like living in Vegas. I
miss the pure heat of the sun. The way it beats d=
own on
you and makes your skin tingle. I miss the way the hot air
caresses your skin, raising goose bumps along your arms and legs, and sendi=
ng a
shiver through your body.<=
/p>
<=
/p>
Blake thinks I’m crazy.
<=
/p>
But then, he’s from a naturally humid area.
Warm, yes, but not truly hot, not unless the moisture factor is through the
roof. He doesn’t get it.
<=
/p>
But I do.<=
/p>
<=
/p>
Having spent my childhood on the coast of Massachusetts,=
I
know. I migrated to Nevada after having spent some time out that way,
searching for something I was unable to find. I was almost twenty-two=
and
looking for my sanity. I’d lost my husband and my child and tho=
ught
about why and who and when, and not finding any answers. My friends, =
and
fellow Army brats, Dusty and Andy, took me in and tried their best to help =
me
out, but it was no use. So, instead, we hung out at Dusty’s
place in Vegas, drank margaritas, soaked up the sun, and burnt our toes on =
the
hot desert sand. Probably not the best way to ease my depression and
heartache, but at that point, I was out of options.
<=
/p>
I may not have been able to piece my heart back together=
at
that point, but I was able to mend my aching soul. I attribute it to =
the
healing powers of the desert, but my brother thinks I’m nuts. <=
/span>
<=
/p>
That seems to be the general consensus these days.
<=
/p>
So, here I am, eleven years later,
and pregnant again. Back home for just a couple days. I begged =
for
leave the moment my Cowboy told me he had a show here, in what has become my
true home. Being with him here, in my much neglected home, was too mu=
ch
of a call to ignore. We were married here, in this house, in this bel=
oved
desert of mine. How could I not want to go?
<=
/p>
He’s gone now, left early this morning.
I’m alone, aside from Blake’s young son, Rory, who’s
sound asleep in his crib. At last check, he had his stuffed bass tuck=
ed
under his chin, thumb in his mouth. A perfect opportunity for a bit of
‘me time’, something I don’t g=
et
much of.
<=
/p>
Excuse me while I stretch and yawn, this warmth always m=
akes
me sleepy. I’d better get up and slather on more sunscreen befo=
re I
drift off. Rory will be up and eager again before too long, so I migh=
t as
well enjoy the quiet and spend a bit more time dreaming in the sun.<=
span
style=3D'font-family:"Leelawadee","sans-serif";color:#B6DDE8;mso-themecolor=
:accent5;
mso-themetint:102'>
Amy and Ali
Taco's are yummy
But they hurt my tummy=
Soft shells are yummy<=
/span>
And so good to my tummy
I like spice=
y
foods
But i=
have
to stay away
From it
©Cindy Sheffield<=
/span>
I have had supernatural experiences more than once.All that i have had =
was
freaky, like once me and my cousin was settin a=
t home
watching tv one night when i
was 12 all the lights were off just the tv was =
on.While we were watching the tv=
both the bedroom doors opened at the same time and as they opened the doors
stopped and there was a bright light and a human form standing there of a m=
an,
we couldnt make out who it was but u could see
through it for sure.Before that i
was a skeptic on this sort of thing i never bel=
ieved
in ghost till then.
To make it short my grand father passed away before i was born and he had always told my dad and aunts and
uncles when he died he would always come to check on his children and
grandchildren now rather or not it was him.I do=
know
it wasnt neone play=
ing
jokes cuz no living person can be seen through.=
Second Story
The second experience i had =
was
when i was 30 yrs old, me and a friend and my 2=
kids
would go ghost hunting so to say.To see if we c=
ould
pick up anything strange on some picutres.Well
several nights we did but on this one particular night it was so freaky.We had just took some pic=
s
and was going down this dirt road one of the pics
fell in the floor board my friend asked me to stop so she could get out to =
get
it when she did and the pics were in her hand.I went to turn round to put the truck in drive.Well as i turned ou=
t the
corner of my eye i saw a human figure at my win=
dow as
soon as i saw it , it disappeared.
My son joked with me by saying awww=
w
mama that could have been a dog but i know bett=
er aint no dog that stand like a human lol...but
like ive said ive h=
ad
several experiences that cant be explained all <=
span
class=3DSpellE>i know is it really happened.
Cindy Sheffield
It was her first night out on the town in almost three
years. She wouldn't be out tonight if she hadn't forced herself.=
She had spent the almost three years inside=
her
house only going out when she had to. She had been through a lot of b=
ad
relationships in her time and keeping herself insider kept her heart
safe. Not to mention the time that it give her to spend with her twel=
ve
year old son.
However, those three years had left her lon=
ging
for converstations that did not include computer
games and what to wear to school. So she forced herself to put on
something nice, fix her hair and to put on make up. Then she headed o=
ff
for the local bar.
She sat herself down at a table on the far =
side
of the bar where there wasn't much light. She wasn't ready to be out =
in
the middle of the floor just yet.
A waitress came to her to take her order and she
ordered a beer. Within minutes the waitress had brought her a frosty =
mug
and a bottled beer. As she poured the beer into the chilled mug she <=
span
class=3DGramE>look forward to the calming affects of the alcohol.&nb=
sp;
After three years of living somewhat like a hermit, she was just a bit nerv=
ous.
Her first drink was a =
meer sip. She wanted to be sure not to dr=
ink
too much too fast. The last thing she needed tonight was to embarass her self by vomiting on the dance floor, or =
to act
a fool dancing.
In about a hour =
she
had finished her beer and had noticed some of the males that had came in.&n=
bsp;
None of them were her type though. She reminded herself that it was s=
till
early and that more would arrive shortly.
After another hour and another beer she
realized that she was right, more people had came in. The band had se=
t up
and had been playing for just a few minutes when a decent looking man sat d=
own
at her table.
"Hi. I am Brian. Can I buy=
you
a beer?" He asked her.
"Hi. I am Amanda and of course y=
ou
can buy me a beer." She answered. She had lied about her
name. She didn't think that he needed to know her real name.
Brian shouted their orders over the screech=
ing
band. The band wasn't very good and she assumed that the waitress was
able to read Brian's lips and had not heard his order.
After the waitress had brought their order
'Amanda' and Brian chatted about small things such as where they worked, wh=
ere
they lived, what they did for fun and so forth.
Before she knew it she had lost count of the
beers she had drank and the time. She look=
ed at
a clock on the nearest wall and noticed that it was already midnight and she
had told the sitter that she would be home by 2 a.m. She would have to
leave the bar by 1 a.m. and get a taxi in order to be home by 2 a.m.
She drank another beer and chatted with Bri=
an a
little longer and then told him goodbye. She stumbled out of the door=
and
into a attractive brunette male.
"Oh crap. I am so sorry."&n=
bsp;
She slurred.
"Not a problem. Let me get you a
taxi." Then man said with a giggle.
She knew nothing until the next morning.
"How did things go last night?"&n=
bsp;
Her son asked her as she fixed breakfast."
"Things went fine." She
answered
"Things must have =
went
better than fine. These were on the door step this morning."&nbs=
p;
He said handing her flowers and a note.
The note said.
&n=
bsp;
Samantha,
&n=
bsp;
You looked wonderful last night. See you next week at the same time.<=
o:p>
It was not signed. She had no idea wh=
o it
was from as she was very careful to use the name Amanda all night to everyo=
ne.
Samantha
Insensitive
Take me.
Own me.
Then suddenly drop me.
Break me.
Hurt me.
And then leave me.
Teach me.
Preach me.
My soul is thirsty.
Clean me.
Heal me.
I'm feeling sick and dirty.
Find me.
I'm lost in my journey.
Please give me back my senses baby
Janet
FIREWORKS
It was fireworks the first time you put you hand in
mine,
Fireworks again when you hugged me tight never letting
go,
but it was the grand finale when you kissed my lips so tenderly it lingered=
on
my
lips,
you kissed me so passionately that the fireworks are still
there,
for every time you lips touch
mine,
the fireworks begin once
again.
Janet
FIREWORKS
That night
I watched the glowing explosions
Light the midnight backdrop of the sky
In the midst of the crowd
They shone for me alone
I was soaring with the fireworks
And only I
Knew the joy of flying to touch the sky
The ecstasy of bursting in a shower of light
The wonder of shattering into a thousand pieces
Each one shining like neon glitter
Janet
Darksome
Darkness and despair line the walls of my inside
Fever and rage serving to fuel the tears I cry,
Though I do not know why.
Loss is not known to me as I have shut it all away, and =
the
ignorance
of
others no longer drive de=
ep
gashes into the wood of my soul.
Why must I be filled with all emotion and passion for th=
at
which cannot
be?
Why am I so sad to see things I cannot change?
Why can I not understand myself?
Digging for diamonds among shards of glass never minding=
the
cuts or
the
drops of blood Severed in
thought from reality and in this I know
I am blessed for never again will I know pain like mortal
man does
Never again will they drive me to my knees with what is
right finally i
climb the stairs into the
moonlight and within Luna’s embrace
Shall I make wonders for this world?
Lupa =
Silent Warrior
Silently in the dar=
k, he waits
Watching with glitt=
ering eyes of crimson
The whispered hiss,=
the rush of air between ivory fangs
The gust of, the sound of flapping wings, just his cloak=
.
A pause, the weight=
of the gaze so heavy, causes the hair to rise.
Hurried now, steps carrying me further into the dark aby=
ss.
He moves, the heate=
d breath at my back, the feeling of sharp talons
Caresses fragile skin, the shiver of fear, of anxiety.
The taste of excitement upon my tongue. I turn and stare into the eyes
Not of a beast, as =
my imagination had so hurriedly ran away with
<=
pre
style=3D'line-height:14.4pt'>
But a man, a strong man.
His arms encase me,=
and without a word my lips he claims
I am saved, by him,=
captured by him. Protected by him.
A Silent warrior.
Lupa DeDanna
~ Delusions ~<=
/p>
I close my eyes
I cannot see
What is right
in front of me
I hold my breath
I dare not make
A sound with which
my soul will take
I feel the wind
upon my face
As shadows form
in time and space
I taste the blood
the sabred kiss
That haunts me in
the night's darkness
I feel the fear
embracing me
As I slip into
eternity
I gasp for breath
just one more time
Before I fear
I lose my mind
I open my eyes
I pause to see,
What is there
in front of me?
But shadows l=
unge
in dark despair -
And so begins
my worst nightmare.
© Christina aka Stina
24th July, 2007
~ Reflections of Imperfection ~
I used to think that others had
the perfect life it seemed
Simplicity beyond the things
of every childhood dream
To have and hold each perfect wis=
h
one couldn't want for more,
A great big house, a pony,
and a maid to do the chores
I used to think perfection
was measured by the things
That either could be bought or sold,
the kind of stuff of dreams
I never knew that those houses
on the hills were made of glass,
I only saw "perfection"
whenever I did pass
I used to think a perfect world
is something we could be
If everyone just learnt to love -
how hard could it be?
When there'd be no more hatred
no violence in the street
And with a little self-respect
we'd make our lives complete
I used to think that someday
I'd meet the perfect man,
We'd fall in love and marry
joining our hearts and hands
That happily ever after
was a life reserved for me
And after fifty years together
he would still be in love with me
I used to think that everyone
could have the perfect life,
With all the things money could buy
or as an adoring wife -
But learning from experience
nothing's as it seems,
Least of all a perfect life
beyond our wildest dreams.
© Christina aka Stina
24th July, 2007
The sun gleamed thr=
ough
a crack in the shade....
She turned over &am=
p; a
ray shone across her face. Forcing her to finally wake =
up.
She peered at the clock. Noon already..... Gosh it felt great to final=
ly
get some rest. This would be her first day off in two weeks. She sat up &am=
p;
pulled her legs to her chest . What should she do
today....
There were a million
things she needed to do. Among them .... Laundry,
Grocery shopping, A package to send off, A wedding gift to purchase, visit =
her
mother & so on ..... How to do all that in one day? When truth was she didn't=
want
to do any of it. Actually, all she wanted to do was buy a bottle of wine, r=
ent
a couple of movies, and curl up on her couch for the night with take out. W=
ell,
none of that would happen if she didn't get up at all.
So she swung her le=
gs
over the side of the bed, stood up & stretched her hands up to the ceil=
ing.
Slipped into her fluffy pink slippers & padded across her bed room
floor to the bath. Washed her face , brushed her=
teeth
& tied her hair up. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror .... ah it would hav=
e to do.
She, wasn't planning on doing anything or seeing
anyone today. Next she walked to her closet threw on a pair of jeans &=
amp;
a top. Grabbed her keys & headed out the door.
First stop
Blockbuster... since it was on her way to the store. As she opened the door=
she
was hit with a gust of cold air. It felt great since it was a smoldering 90
degrees in Chicago. She went to the new movies section & slowly wa=
lked
around reading the backs of the movies. It had been a long time since she h=
ad
the time to rent movies. Hell she couldn't even remember the last movie
she saw in the Theater. Oh, yes she did ....... it was "The Family
Stone", she had seen it with Michael. Ah...=
...
Michael. She hadn't thought about him in quite sometime.
After another 15 Mi=
n's
she settled on a new comedy with Eddie Murphy & her old favor=
ite
"Roman Holiday" she could always=
count
on it to soothe her. Good thing the guy behind the counter didn't mention h=
ow
many times she had checked out that same title. Especially since she w=
as
surrounded by couples in line .......
She walked out... U=
gh
it was hot! Only another couple of blocks & then she could go home to h=
er
nice cool apartment. She saw the sign for "Just Grapes" ahe=
ad.
It occurred to her that it was Saturday & they had wine tasting today. =
It
was shaping up to be a pretty peaceful day. She let out a sigh. She enjoyed
walking in the city no matter how hot it was. She seriously couldn't imagin=
e living
anywhere else. She Loved Chicago!
She got to the corn=
er
& saw that the street to her left was closed off for a fruit market. She
decided she could use some berries to toss on her ice cream tonight. =
She
wandered down the different stands... Checking out the fresh produce, it all
looked so good. She leaned over to grab a nice handful of raspberries, when=
she
looked up she saw him.
Just a couple =
of
stands down stood Michael! He was with a woman & from what she could see
she was gorgeous! She had on a pretty pink floral dress & long brown ha=
ir.
God, she didn't want him to see her. Especially not like this! They had
finished their purchase & were heading this way! She had no where to go .... she saw a small spa=
ce
between the stands & walked back there hoping the hanging tarp would hi=
de
her. They were now at the stand right next to her buying more fruit. She co=
uld
here him joking around with her, while she laughed & said
"Oh, Michael!" As, they passed her, she breathed a sigh of relief!
They hadn't seen her.Then the owner of the stand
walked back there & said "Hey, what are you doing?" She stamm=
ered
& said "Nothing, sorry".
She stepped out &am=
p; was just about to leave when she heard "
Veronica?" (God, she loved the way her name rolled off his tongue) She
turned around, "Michael .... Hi" she said smiling. "Been a l=
ong
time" he told her. "Ya,.... uhhh.... so what are=
you
doing here..?" She questioned. "Buying fruit" he smiled. She
laughed "of, course .........it is a fruit market". He stepped cl=
oser
she could smell that familiar scent of his cologne. He smelled great, heck he looked great. Then the woman that had =
been
with him walked back. "Michael?" she asked. He introduced them
"Sam this is Veronica" Veronica said "Hi" After getting=
a
good look at Sam (She was flawless) she self consciously lifted h=
er
hand to her uncombed hair! ,"Veronica this is Sam" he continued "Hello" Sam
said "My wife"he finished =
"
Your wife?!........"she asked stunned
"Yes" Sam exclaimed " 6 months now!" As she=
she reached for a apple her purse shifted & she s=
aw
the swell of her stomach under her dress &quo=
t; And,
your pregnant!" she exclaimed in a higher voice than she meant
to "Oh, yes..... 4 months & we are so excited!" Sam repl=
ied
the joy evident on her face. They weren't lying about the glow of pregnancy=
...
Sam was absolutely radiant
She was shocked &am=
p;
she knew she wasn't doing a great job of concealing that. "So how do
you two know each other?" his wife asked "Oh were just old
friends" he said waving his hand nonchalantly. "Yes,....
just friends" Veronica mummers defeated. Then he placed his=
arm
around Sam's waist "Darling we should be going all this heat isn't
good for you" he said lovingly " He is=
such
a sweetheart" she said caressing his face " He waits on me hand &=
amp;
foot" Sam exclaims. " Well, it was goo=
d to
see you again" He says, "Yes, it was very nice to meet you,
Veronica" she adds as he ushers her away. She is glued there in utter
surprise staring after them
She had no idea how
long she had been standing there.... But, she knew she had to get out=
of
there fast! She felt the tears welling up in her eyes, her heart beat racin=
g,
her stomach churning, oh this is not good! =
;She
ran into the burger joint on the corner & nearly knocked over a couple
carrying their food to a table. Finally she reached the bathroom & lock=
ed
herself in a stall. Just in time to throw herself over
the bowl & vomit! When she was sure the wave was over, she stood up &am=
p;
flushed. With her back against the stall door she slid down till her
bottom touched the floor. She put her head in her hands & just cri=
ed.
She couldn't seem to stop herself even though she heard the people coming in
& out. Each taking a second to peer through the cra=
ck in
the door at her. A few women even offered her assistance. But they&n=
bsp;couldn't
help her ..... no one=
could.
How was it possible to have your heart torn out &a=
mp;
broken by the same man twice?
Her mind raced back .............
They had dated 5 ye=
ars,
lived together 4. She thought they were happy & would one day get marri=
ed,
buy a house, & have a family. But, those dreams were killed a cold day =
in
December. She had been dropping subtle hints here & there about engagem=
ents
& marriage.... Hoping he would take that next step. She didn't want him=
to
feel rushed but, they had been with each other quite some time. And, she fe=
lt
it was time. He always said he loved her & couldn't imagine his life wi=
th
out her. So why not make it official? But, he seemed oblivious to her desir=
e to
wed. She decided to have a romantic evening in & talk about the possibi=
lity
of their union. <=
/p>
So she spent that
morning preparing.... She went to the salon had her hair done. Got a manicu=
re
& pedicure, she even went to a waxer who
specialized in that smoother look! Hey, one can never do to little in these
cases. She swung buy the mall to Victoria Secrets (She had lingerie.. but he had enjoyed them all already) & picked up
something you would never want your mother to see you in! Also stopping to =
get
a pair of killer stilettos (and I mean killer) walking is impossible, but, =
if
everything went according to plan she wouldn't be doing much walking!
She had everything
prepared. Dinner was finished & cooling on a beautifully set table with=
lit
candles & flowers. The bedroom had candles everywhere & the scent or
her special perfume that she knew drove him wild (it had better at $195 a
bottle). The bed had rose petals on it.
Everything went
according to the plan ..... They had a won=
derful
dinner with wine. Sat in the living room cuddling &
making out. Which got a little more steamy than
she had planned (so early). She tried to stop him & tell him she wanted=
to
talk to him. But, with lust in his eyes he told her that they could talk afterwords. He scooped her up & took her to the
bedroom. Gently laid her on the bed. Removed his
cloths & lowered himself on her, she rolled him over, stood up & sl=
owly
removed her clothing. He gasped as he saw her barely dressed body. She could
feel his eyes hungrily taking in every inch of her. They made love & if
there were ever a time that it was pure ecstasy than this was it.
As they lay in each
others arms... He asked "So what did you want to talk about?" Running his finger down her arm. She gulped, okay mome=
nt of
truth. She had gone over what she was going to say 1000 times but now, face=
to
face with it she forgot what she was going to say. "Hun, you know I lo=
ve
you more than anything in the world..." she said " I feel the same way" he whispered as =
he
nuzzled her neck. She began again " Well we have been together 5
years & I couldn't imagine being any happier than we are." He shook
his head in agreement. "And, I think it is time to start talking about
getting married." She saw his smile start to disappear "I am=
not
talking about ting the knot tomorrow, but, getting engaged soon. Start, planning our wedding. We can marry in a ye=
ar or
so. Would give me plenty of time to plan, you know how I need things
per....." He cut her off.
"Veronica"=
; the color had completely drained from his face.
"We can't get engaged!" he said now standing up. "What? Why
not?" she asked puzzled " I have no
intention of getting married." He told her "B=
ut,
.......but, you said you loved me too!" She exclaimed her voice
getting louder " I do, I love you very much=
. I
just don't plan on marring you." he respond=
. She
felt as if he had just punched her in the stomach! He must have read it
on her face because he continued. " I
don't plan on getting married at all." He said his hands raised <=
span
class=3DGramE>" I am just not the marrying type!" Slowly lowering them. He was now dressing.<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Leelawadee","sans-serif";color:#B6DD=
E8;
mso-themecolor:accent5;mso-themetint:102'>
She sat there
flabbergasted. Tears running down her cheeks. No=
she
did not know! No she did not understand! They loved each other
..... They should be getting married! Having kid=
s ....
Oh god kids? "What about children?" she questioned, scared at what
the answer would be. He raised his head & looked her in the eyes " I have no intention of fathering children
either." The ice cold reality of it all hit her! They had different
dreams! She wasn't even sure he saw her in his.....
After a while she l=
ooked
up at him her face tear stained with mascara. She knew she looked like death
but, she didn't care! He was still standing there watching her, (Her beauti=
ful
lingerie that had ignited so much pleasure strewn at his feet) waiting for =
her
to say something. She started opening her mouth but, closed it again. " Where does that leave us?" she finally managed. "I don't know.... You know h=
ow I
feel." He said, she nodded " The question is can you stay with me knowing that those things well never
happen?" he asked. She looked in his eyes & there was their answer=
. He
turned & walked toward the bedroom door. She put her head down. He look=
ed
over his shoulder as he walked out of the room. A couple minutes later she
heard the front door open & close. He had just walked out her door &
out of her life. She broke down crying.
She heard a knock. =
She
looked up & realized she was still on the restroom floor. "Miss, we
are closing, You are going to have to leave"=
;
Happy
WILD HONEY
I was picking blackberries one day
when this queen bee came to say
that I was in her brier patch
and she needed nectar for her batch.
I really didn't know what to do
as I was picking berries for you
to put in the pie you wanted to make
and I had to have berries for you to bake.
I told the queen bee I just wanted the fruit
and the blooms she was welcomed to it.
The bee buzzed right by me
heading for a locust tree
so I followed it to a big hole
and in the hole was a honeycomb.
I looked in the hole
and lo and behold
barb wire was running through the tree
and the honeycomb was on the barb wire hanging free.
The queen bee was guarding her comb
with drones making her home.
The wild mountain honey was such a tempting smell
with a freshness I could tell
but the queen bee had a big stinger
and I didn't want to be a dead ringer.
So I said I would really like some of your honey
and I am willing to pay money.
But the queen bee said honey
you don't have to pay money
cause I made all this honey for you
for you are my honey too.
Janet
No more tears?=
<=
/p>
Sighing softly she
looked out the window as the rain left tracks on the pa=
ne,
she brushed a finger across her cheek, dabbing away the tears. She lo=
oked
at the pad on her desk “Tears are too good for him” was written
across it. She had written that just that very morning and she cursed
herself for crying now.
Why did he still ha=
ve
that kind of effort on her? Every time she got involved with him it
always ended up in tears and she was so tired of it but yet……. =
she
couldn’t say no to him. He had an affect on her, that was somet=
hing
she couldn’t deny and yet, she loved him and hated him in the same
breath.
They had been toget=
her
for years, on and off, sometimes more on than off. Everything would be work=
ing
and then he’d do something stupid and she’d forgive him till he=
did
it again, too many times and too many tears.
One thing was true =
she
missed him. She had taken the day off to take care of a few things and
ended up taking care of some stuff at home as well.
She shook her head,
coming out of a daydream as the phone rang……..looking at the nu=
mber
she started to laugh, he must have ESP or someth=
ing
“Hello Hon=
221;
“Hey there darling, how ya
doing?”<=
/p>
“Not bad,
what’s up?”
She bit her lip sof=
tly
as the words left her mouth, what’s up could
mean just about anything to him, she hoped he was something other than his
normal mood.
“Oh…=
230;…I’m
up if that’s what you mean, sweety”=
She rolled her eyes, he was in his usual perverted mode
“Oh really no=
w,
that’s not what I was asking”
“I know that,
silly, you want to meet in say…………about a hour?
She looked down at =
the
outfit she was wearing, a paint stained t-shirt and shorts, she
couldn’t let him see her in that
“Yeah, sure <=
span
class=3DSpellE>hon, were do you want to meet?
“Oh, I’=
ll
pick you up, see you soon”
She blew him a kiss
before putting the phone down, shaking her head. Neil had done it to =
her
yet again, did he have any idea what she looked like at the moment.
“Well, Julie, you’ve done it yet again, haven’t you”=
; She walked off to get ready.<=
/p>
Neil put the phone
down, laughing to himself as he did. He heard the tone of her voice, =
she
missed him and he knew it. He really did care about her but always se=
emed
to hurt her without trying. Albeit he sometimes didn’t treat he=
r so
right and sometimes he said he would show up and leave her standing there
waiting for him to show up. Tonight he wanted to change all that, he =
was
going to tell her the truth and ask her to marry him. He was going to
apologize for stringing her over the last few weeks, he had kept coming up =
with
reasons and excuses, which had earned him her tears and a argument that alm=
ost
broke them up…….again.
Looking at the cloc=
k,
he smiled, it was almost time to pick her up.&nb=
sp; He
counted to himself as he picked up the umbrellas, the rain had picked up.
She looked out the
apartment window, cars flew as she tapped her fi=
ngers
against the pane. It hadn’t been quite an hour yet when she saw=
his
car pull into the driveway. She heard the car door close, yet she wai=
ted,
knowing exactly how long it took him to get to her door. <=
/span>
He was walking slow=
ly,
almost nervously, what if she didn’t accept? He shook his head,
knowing it was rather possible that she would say no to him. He stopp=
ed
for a moment to get his thoughts together, knowing the door wasn’t too
far away
Knock, knock, knock
She stood ready to =
give
him a piece of her mind, that was until she open=
ed the
door to find him down on one knee.
“Don’t =
say
a word Julie….”
She stood there dumb
founded, staring at him
“I know I
haven’t always been so wonderful to you but I do love you and I
can’t see me spending the rest of my life with anyone else, please say
you’ll be mine forever”
He opened up a box to show her a beautiful ring
She looked at him, =
then
the ring and back at him, tears welling in her eyes,
she didn’t know quite what to say
“Julie is the=
re
something wrong”
“No hon, nothing”
“So…=
230;……..what’s
your answer?”
“Yes, oh yes
Neil”
Maybe she was wrong, he was worth her tears after all
Marie Kathryn Casalaspro
July 25, 2007
I can relate to this
one from when I was younger and working in a pub. When I first started there
the landlord and his wife were a great couple. I was a single parent of a b=
oy
of 6 months old. They had a son the same age and when I was stuck for a sit=
ter
I took my son to work and he stayed upstairs with their son. I loved the jo=
b it
was hard work at times but we had a great crowd of regulars.
After I had been th=
ere
for a while I started seeing one of the regulars. Things moved slowly and a=
fter
a while I moved in with him. I fell pregnant but sadly lost it. I had 2 wee=
ks
off work resting, which was a good job as there was a relief manager in and=
I
didn't like him. After the regular manager had been back a while he got the
sack as he was selling stock to our local football club who he played for. =
The couple that took
over were horrible. I never got on with them fro=
m the
moment they started. I was the only one that worked lunchtimes and it was h=
ard
as there were 2 bars and an off licence to deal=
with.
I asked the manager if he could get some other staff and he said I could ma=
nage
on my own. I had split from my partner by this times and he had become good
friends with this couple which made things very awkward. If we had a stag n=
ight
or darts night the manager would ask me to work that evening shift as well
which I did not mind as I needed the money. But they would also get my ex in
working which made things very difficult for me. I asked the manager if he
would stop this and he said well you asked for help so you got it. <=
/b>
Then my ex said that
somebody had been taking money out of his bank account while we were togeth=
er
and he said it was me. I swore I did not take it but he called the police s=
o I
was arrested. I was let out on bail till it went to court. The manager found
out about this and made my life hell. After a couple of weeks he got someon=
e in
to work with me at lunchtimes. After a couple of weeks he made us use separ=
ate
tills giving me the furthest one away from the bar. I had a feeling I knew =
what
this was for but never said anything. At the end of the shift he said my ti=
ll
was £5 short and that he wanted it back. I told him I never had it. He
said if I gave it back nothing more would be said and I could keep my job. I
told him to stick his job and that I never had his money and that if he did=
not
believe me then call the police. He told me to get out and not come back. S=
o in
the end I called the police as I was not going to be accused of
something I had not done. When they arrived I explained the situation =
to
them. They asked the landlord questions and he said I had taken £5 fr=
om
the till and he wanted it back. I asked the police officer to search me as I
knew how much money I had on me and I could prove it as I had been to the b=
ank
that morning before work and had a receipt.
The police officer
found I was telling the truth and told the landlord so. He told me I was sa=
cked
and not to come back. I told him to poke his job as I would not work for him
again even if he was the last boss on earth. The next day I went to the pub=
to
collect some belongings I had left there. I was speaking to one of the regu=
lars
and told him what had happened. When I left the whole pub walked out with me
and said they were not going back till he was sacked c=
os
of what he had done to me.<=
/p>
The next day I had a
visit from the police as the night before the pub had been smashed up and
someone had told them I was there and was the ringleader. I had been in all
night with my mum and son but as my mum was out at the time I had no one to
confirm this. I was arrested and taken to the police station and locked in a
cell. It was not till 5 o'clock that same day that I was dearrested
as they had spoke to my mum. <=
/p>
Later that week I w=
as
taken to court about the money going missing from my ex's account. I pleaded
not guilty and his solicitor ripped into me but I stood my ground. Then my
solicitor said she had evidence that it was not me but infact
had been my ex's lodger. Then a video was produced which showed the lodger =
at
the bank cashpoint taking money out. As he did =
not
have an account at that bank it was obvious what he was doing. So I was set
free.
This is an experien=
ce I
never wish to go through again.<=
/p>
Janet