by Philip Johnson Chapter One The four of us had been friends for several years and had taken a few vacations together. We didn't drink a lot, but would do crazy things sometimes anyway. We were old enough to know better and young enough to not give a damn. It was late July, and this time we were at a little cottage for a we...
PROLOGUE -- THE RISE OF THE STORM "Rainy days as I urge my fingers to jot Down, words so lovingly devastating; that I should swell beneath this body; alas To rise again; with the slightest spark; that Love is there to all." Chapter I -- what a storm! From a great distance, one could see contrasts. The nearer silhouettes, those of a man and a wo...
Author's Note: This is my first try at writing a grand epic fantasy. When the idea for this hit me, it came on fast and furious, and I found myself rushing to write down all the notes for it. At the moment this series doesn't have a full, written ending, and I intend for it to be an ongoing work for quite a while. I have a lot of ideas for where I can take t...
A big thank you to those who have enjoyed my One Week stories. I'm adding a One Week Chronicles story, all of which feature characters from the main stories and also a few new ones. Kind of like an MCU or a TGU, if you will. I've been asked a few times on the timeline of these stories and where they fit in, so I've posted the timeline for you to see below....
Part VI - The past intrudes Chapter 62 Kari's emotions remained mixed as she drove to her hotel. She would have stayed if Ray had made any sign that he wanted her, but she realized that it was for the best. They needed to cool it a little until they could each get their heads around what was happening to them. "We'll see how we feel tomorrow," she said a...
It was the screaming that woke me and my eyes bolted open to perfect blackness. Another scream, the tail end of it garbling with sobs, and I remembered where I was. Exhaling, I shook off my alarm. It was nothing. The new girl was awake now, that's all. Reaching over my head, I grasped the chains I was tethered to and hauled myself up on stiff legs. My sh...
I She sat quietly in a thickly cushioned chair built on a wicker frame -- her eyes were closed as she rubbed her swollen belly. She carried a new life inside her and she knew it was going to be unlike any life the world had ever seen. Bailla'Tayne Jeva stood and walked to a large bowl sitting on a low table and she scooped a goblet full of water. The under...
Chapter I "Well at least it's better than that place in Innsbruck," Grace said matter-of-factly as she peered into one of the bare cupboards. "That place was absolutely awful." Sandy sniffed the stuffy room as the cupboard swung open and was grateful when Grace closed it again; it was musty and stunk. "Yeah, OK, we had to share a bed, but that wasn't too b...
Author's Note: Although this story occasionally refers to earlier events I believe it works well as a standalone story for those who haven't read previous chapters. THE RELUCTANT EXHIBITIONIST - MEREDITH By Seahawk76 and Falcon ****** Traffic grew progressively heavier as I stared out the passenger side window at other cars and their inhabitants. People...
This is a work of fiction. All characters are 18 or over. *** An Uber sat idling at the curb outside the hotel. Throwing Vicky's gear on board, they climbed into the back of the black Mercedes, like soldiers mounting a transport in the wake of a long, bloody battle, wounded but euphoric, going home. "First stop the bottle-oh." Beck cried- the old man's Ve...