Thanks as always to Robyn and Cressar, and to all of you who read and comment. Enjoy!

Part 3

I spot Poppy waiting for me at the bus stop just before she sees me. She's wearing a vintage dress, Doc Martins and an old leather jacket. The girl's got style and it makes me feel self conscious about my scruffy skin-tights, hoodie and duffel coat. The tight jeans pull against the lower half of my body as I walk, making me even more self-aware. There are curves where there shouldn’t be and something missing up front.

The Wedding

Nikkie Silk

Part One

Trust me when I tell you I don't normally check the wedding announcements. I hate weddings. Ever since I was a page boy at my Aunt’s wedding, when my mother made me wear a pale blue tuxedo. I was only six, for God’s sake. She said I looked so cute.

The Little Girl Who Lives Down The Lane - Part 6
By Barbara Lynn Terry

(Author’s note: Susan Marie Kelly is an involuntary nom de plume for Barbara Lynn Terry. When it says submitted by Susan Marie Kelly, it should read “submitted by Barbara Lynn Terry. Thank you. Barbara.)

Chapter 8 - After the extradition hearings.

Part 1 - Jonah Carruthers and David Adams are taken back to Detroit.

Heir to a Title Chapter 24

Michael stood there whilst the silence became almost unbearable. He felt his upper lip threatening to quiver but just managed prevent his fear turning to terror while even yet holding his mother's stunned gaze. Eventually, whether through fear or anger, he knew not; he found his voice.

“Well mother? Have you nothing to say, no brutal put-down, no vicious stab with that rapier tongue of yours, no wail of remorse? Emotional blackmail?”

Customer Service

It had been a typically slow day in the Walmart electronics department. New games and movies come in on Friday, so usually by mid-week I end up covering some other department as well, just to give me something to do.

So it was just luck that I was in the area when a boy came up and asked for help. He looked to be about thirteen, with sandy blond hair and green eyes partially obscured by glasses.

“I would like a girl controller, please” He said softly.

Maybe you need to get out more often...

 
Vector -5-
Excursion?
by Lainie Lee and Erin Halfelven

Quite honestly, the rest of the school-year is anti-climactic. Yes, we DO go to State as a cheer squad. No, we don’t win—we don’t even come close at third place. BUT WE WENT! And we will go next year, too—at least if I have anything to say about it.

Felicia slowly comes out of her shell. Emily and I spend a fair amount of time with her. They both come over to the house about once a week and we spend a lot of girl time—especially after I don’t have to go to cheer practice.

The girls had walked home that night from the tavern; they had had a lot of fun. Hailey was changing. She wasn’t forgetting her friends, but was making new ones, since she knew there was nothing she could do about her situation. Besides, the call to explore was strong. She had already learned in her short time here, that in 60 years, they had only really thoroughly explored a dozen or so islands.

Ryan/Kaylee is now safe in the home of Eve and Greg, however, old wounds surface, creating friction between Eve and Ryan. While clearly still in need of help, especially in keeping his secret, other help, however, may prove lethal to Ryan’s battered adult mind. Meanwhile, Ryan’s male self is challenged as Kaylee, who had previously simply been a little girl in the mirror, develops a sense of self and establishes a meagre but still present identity.

Excerpt: I added, “Without Tracy, I’m trapped like this. And every single fucking day, I feel like I’m fighting against myself. You know yesterday I saw these girls just skipping rope? And it looked like so much fun, as fun as sex with Monique and Jessica. At the same time. Fuck, I’m going crazy.”

Greg said, “That’s why you need to get out of here. Come on, man. It’s your favourite restaurant.”

I shook my head, “No way. All the waitresses will make these stupid goo-goo eyes at me. You know the look, it’s how Eve looks when she sees a baby with a puppy or a kitten. I’m safe in here from cheek pinching, gushing bullshit and constant reminders of how I look.”

Greg smirked, “You’re not that cute.”

I retorted, “Fuck, you man. That’s not what I meant.”

The Camp Of The Willows - Chapter 5
By barbara Lynn Terry

Cammie Davies went in to Rachel’s room to wake her up. It appeared that sometime during the night, Rachel had gotten in to her own bed. But, when Cammie Davies went in Rachel’s room, she found Rachel wide awake. She was just finishing getting dressed, when her mom walked in.

“Well, I was going to wake you up, but it looks like you beat me to it. Is everything ready for camp?”

“Yes, mom, I heard Sharon just a bit ago, I think she is ready, too.”