Waiting…

December 28, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha26 Comments

She slowly shuffled down the alley, her old, pink umbrella barely kept the light drizzle from dripping through.

She looked at the piece of telegram in her hand, it had yellowed with age and handling, yet the faint words were emblazoned on her mind.

He had said to wait for him at the old alley, where they always had their secret rendezvous, away from the prying eyes of goldfish bowl town of theirs.

They were to leave town and start anew; but he never came.

Year after year, she faithfully trudged back. Patiently waiting for him to arrive and take her away, but no news; nothing to show that he ever existed.

At ‘The Home’ they looked at her with eyes of pity. They called her fancy names: delusional, dementia and indulged her racy thoughts.

The last laugh would be hers.

Each time she dressed to go, sure that it would be that day, though it has been 28 years of going to the alley to wait.

He would come.

He promised.

Pete is a man of his words.

Inlinkz

In response to the FFfAW photo prompt above. Thank you Etol for the photo and Priceless Joy for this challenge platform.

A link to my neighbours/Community · Creative Writing · Fiction · Love · Short Stories Series

Dating At Last!…Husband Wanted Urgently!

December 27, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha10 Comments

”Hold it right there.” Tess tried to rein in her runaway trail of thoughts.

”Don’t go getting all mushy right now and seeing visions girl.” She admonished herself.

”It’s just a date.”

”Repeat slowly after me.”

”Just. A. Date.”

The two voices in her head continued their tussling, as she pursed her lips in admiration of her new cherry, shimmery lipstick that matched the gloss of her new O.P.I nail polish.

”Yeah right! It’s just the 9th date in a line of quick successive dates. Ha!” Snickered inner Goddess

”With the same guy.” Goddesses inner cynical eyes were raised.

”Who by the way is ole fancy pants, pompous Humphrey.”

”Who would have thought it? That he could pack such a punch in his kiss. Girl, you are so hooked and reeled in.” Goddess proclaimed.

”Hey! Cut the guy some slack.” Protested Cautious voice.

”Okay. Let’s calm down.” Tess interjected into the muddled log jam of the two rioting voices in her head.

”I admit that I was a tad too hasty to jump to conclusions and in summarizing him” She accepted her default.

”I just thought that he was always too full of himself in Church, you know.” As the son of the Vicar, he always cut across like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth and all those choir girls batting their eyelashes and singing out their hearts to him, just made me want to puke.”

”You could see the trail of their eyes and their flouncy skirts swishing flirtatiously and panting after him and I think he knew it too.”

”See, a girl has to keep herself out of such quagmire, you know.” ”I can’t be seen drooling after a fine brother and hanging onto his very last word like my life depended on it.” She concluded.

”Oh, oh! You’ve sure been paying him a lot of attention, haven’t you?” You are practically drooling right now Tess,” Goddess chimed in. You have checked your time like, what? The umpteenth time!”

”Ever since the accidental cinema date, your eyes have gone all starry, you are wearing all the girlie stuff that you have and fussing so much over your appearance. I know that smile girl.” ”Just be careful!” ”That’s all am saying.” I don’t trust all that gentlemanly courtesy and all that fineness wrapped in his sleek BM. He hasn’t even made the expected sleek fresh finger moves. No booty calls. I am kinda worried girl. That’s not the usual way these beaus move you know.” ”I wonder what tricks he is up to?” Sage Goddess queried.

”Hey! Goddess just shush.” ”Come off it!” ”There are still a couple of good guys out there you know.” ”I have a good feeling about Humphrey.” Said Cautious voice

The little birdie doorbell chimed. ”He’s here.” ”Comport yourself.” She quickly smoothed her skirt and a quick spritz of her CK Contradiction perfume, she opened the door to let Humphrey in.

To be continued.Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

It’s been a bit of a slow week, I haven’t read as much as normally do, but I still tried to dig into the neighbours yards, though a whole lot seem preoccupied. I still managed to find a bit of this and that.

Thoughts by Star Lit Octave.

This photo from Conversations around the tree made me smile.

An inspiring story of The tiny frog from Gchan.

Anand’s 3rd QSM Humor magazine.

Smart Goal Setting by bikini book worm.

5 Inspirational and 2 children’s books from Emma.

Can You Help?

This post, The day after I survived from Tess…

Beautiful pictures from my sis Lucid Gypsy always makes me happy.

Have you sent out holiday love this season, from Damyanti

Creative Writing · Fiction · Five Sentences · Saturday Snippets · Short Stories

Puckered For A Kiss…

December 26, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha14 Comments

Hello he said, flustered she smiled.
I am Dave; I am Susan, she replied.
May I see you again sometime? He asked.
She came and he was glad.
Under the mistletoe, she puckered for a kiss.

Saturday Snippets Of Fiction In Five Sentences.

Image: Pinterest

Creative Writing · Fiction · Short Stories

Bright Long John…

December 21, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha19 Comments

The name had changed from Bright Scholars to Saint Brigid’s, but the trademark bicycle ‘Long John’ was still mounted at its entrance weathering the elements.

The owner of the bicycle was the founder, teacher and headmaster of St. Brigid’s.

He was called Bright Long John. The first son-of-the-soil who could communicate with the foreigners in their strange language. He was Umuchime’s ears and mouthpiece with these strangers.

Folklore has it that he kept his bicycle ‘the only one far and wide’ in impeccable state. That the distinctive jingle of it’s bells were heard from afar when he rode down the village paths.

”What happened to him Papa?” Onyeka inquired.

”No one is sure. It is said that one day, after starting the school, he vanished.”

”A search was done but he was never found.”

”The belief is that he was kidnapped and pressed into slavery in foreign lands.”

”His bicycle was kept for him just in case he returned, but he never did.”

”Sometimes, at nights the bells of the bicycle can still be heard jingling down the village paths.”

In response to the FFfAW photo prompt above. Thank you Priceless Joy for this challenge platform.

Inlinkz code

Quick Glossary

Umuchime – Means ‘the children of Chime.’ A ficticious name of a village in Eastern part of Nigeria

A link to my neighbours/Community · Creative Writing · Fiction · Humor - Bellyful of laughter · Love · Short Stories Series

No More Urgently….Bridegroom Wanted…

December 20, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha26 Comments

For several weeks Tess has decided not to bother any longer with the online dating hullabaloo.

The ping-pong uncertainty of it all was just not for her nerves. She simply wanted to meet a nice gentleman in a more conventional way and not chew her nails down to nubs from the nerves of dating a total stranger.

She still finds it romantic that her parents met some thirty five years ago at a friends wedding and within the space of a few weeks they knew that they were meant for each other.

”I think I am just going to enjoy being by myself; living and loving myself and letting my harmony flow.”

All the relationship Buddha’s advice about focusing on doing you, doing something that you love, staying in tune with your inner-self, self development, examining and getting rid of the junk in your trunk and growing the feeling of being complete in yourself, so that when the gentleman appears, he only complements the wholesome you, all sounded worthwhile.

She decided to do more fun stuff and not let her life revolve only around work, online scouting, mooning under the duvet reading romantic novels that left her with unsatisfied cravings in the pits of her stomach and yet more work.

She found that indeed there was so much that she could do alone or with a gal-pal and for the first time in some good moons, she felt satisfied, happy with herself and not pressed.

The tinkling ring of her telephone interrupted her thoughts. It was Anna.

”Sorry Tess, I can’t join you for the movies today, can we do next week?”

”Why? What’s up? I was just getting ready to leave.”

”Joe is town unexpectedly and I have agreed to have dinner with him tonight.”

”Girl, you know that’s just a booty call?” She tentatively said to Anna.

There was a lot on the tip of Tess’s tongue to say but she held it in check. She didn’t want it to seem like she was a miserable, jealous friend, but her guts told her that Joe is simply stringing Anna along and that doom would surely arrive one day soon.

”Oh well! Have fun. I’ll still go.” She said and hung up.

The trailer of the The Kings Men was very interesting and it promised to be an adrenaline satisfying watch.

She settled down with her buttery popcorn and a soda in the cinema, whose darkness was only interrupted by the flickers of screen-light and the tiny blue lights on the stair edgings.

Just as the movie started off, a bumbling, hulking shadow picking his way to the seat behind Tess’s row tripped over someone’s feet and his ketchup, mustard covered hot dog flew through the air, landing in Tess’s lap.

She squealed in startled surprise thinking it was a live creature. When she realized it was a hot-dog, she shot daggers with her eyes at the skulking fellow who had mumbled an apology and quickly settled into his seat with all the urgent shushing sounds of other viewers.

It was quite a worthy watch and she soon found herself enjoying the movie and no longer stewing over the startling fright.

Making her way to the ladies with the exiting crowd, a warm hand tentatively settled on her shoulders just outside the doorway and she paused in her strides.

‘‘So sorry about that Tess.”

”Of course! It has to be pompous Humphrey.” She thought uncharitably.

”Its okay!” She accepted his apology with an impatient wave of hand.

”If its really okay, them you must allow me to pay for the laundering and to buy you dinner at least?” He suggested.

”Oh why not?” Her little sensible voice said.

‘‘With such gracious and earnest request, you’ ve got to accept.” The inner tussle continued.

”But it’s boring, pompous Humphrey!” Her inner goddess grumbled.

”It’s just dinner, not a walk down the aisle.” The two voices tussled.

”Okay! Tess said to him. ‘‘Let me just freshen up.”

To be continued…Part 1, Part 2,Part 3,Part 4,Part 5

There’s been a lot of harvesting this week from all the neighbours pastures but I will just share these few with you. I hope that you find time to visit them.

Have a good week ahead lovely people.

How your worst fears can lead to your biggest triumphs by Commonsensegal.

Santa has a sweet tooth. Why not find out for yourself 🙂

Alone but not lonely. Detox as recommended by Dr. Yelhispressing

Are you driven by passion? Asks Enlightenment Angels.

All I want from Santa from Diane. Maybe it’s all you want too.

You might be interested in this senior salon presented by Haddon Musings.

Relaxing holiday stress relief from Nurse Kelly.

Stop all the excuses – advice to self by Dialogueftdepths.

Six fantastic tips to help inspire you through writers block, from Dream Big, Dream Often.

Image credit: Pinterest

Creative Writing · Fiction · Hope · Love · Short Stories

The Place…

December 14, 2015December 14, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha35 Comments

He wiped his glasses again in an attempt to steady his nerves. The ring in his pocket was burning a hole through the lining.

Every passing moment, his pulse increased a notch.

”Would she say yes?” he pondered.

This is where he met Lily the first time. He was a busboy and she, the daughter of a rich squire.

His love had grown from afar but, he had said nothing, until it was too late and she got married to Arnold.

A lot had changed over the years. Her husband Arnold died and so did his wife. From a busboy, he is now the owner of the restaurant.

Lily came back to settle her late father’s estate and seeing her transported him back to 25 years ago, to his huge crush which had blossomed into love that had never stopped and he knew that he wouldn’t let her walk away once again.

The glimpse of her swinging blond hair and smiling face, caused his heart to trip as she walked over to join him.

Inlinkz code

In response to the FFfAW photo prompt above. Thank you Louise for the photo and Priceless Joy for this challenge platform.

A link to my neighbours/Community · Creative Writing · Humor - Bellyful of laughter · Love · Short Stories · Short Stories Series

He’s Hung Over….Husband Wanted Urgently!

December 13, 2015December 13, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha26 Comments

It’s been a couple of weeks since Tess bothered to connect with anyone online.

A number of pings had come in, but she was tired of trying to imagine who the real person was; behind the eyes and their best profiles showing off their best angles.

After her last dates debacle, she was a bit down in dating spirit and also leery about jumping back into the fray.

She had no idea what kind of fish she might catch again. Would it be a friendly snapper, a piranha, a barracuda, an octopus or an outright snarky shark. Her man fishing luck hadn’t yet yielded much dividend.

Mark looked like a decent sort according to the online matching criteria and their brief chats whetted her appetite to meet him.

”Okay! This is one more taking a chance. Third time lucky or simply not.”

No dressing to the nines for this particular date. A nice pair of slacks paired with soft flowery cashmere blouse and comfortable pumps, she was good to go.

They had agreed to meet at Mid-Point, a pub favoured by the young and smart.

She waited for twenty minutes in her little car, admired her shiny new nail polish and when she felt certain that he would have arrived, she strolled into the crowded pub.

It’s Friday evening and the happy hour crowd were gathered in little cliques.

She paused for a bit as her eyes did a quick scan of the room to identify the face that had stared back at her over the past few days.

He had proposed skyping but she still didn’t get the hang of it and for some reason the idea didn’t quite gel with her.

”Hello Tess?” A hesitant voice that belonged to a pleasant faced looking chap asked as he stepped up to her.

With her acknowledgement, they got seated in a nice spot which offered vantage view of the pubs goings-on.

”He looks okay.” Her little sensible voice argued with her cheekier goddess voice that thought Mark had no ‘oomph’ about him.

”Well, those ones who have loads of oomph always seem to have baggage of trouble as well, remember Tim?” Sensible voice reminded inner goddess.

Soon enough they had their orders placed and got down to having a chat.

”Hmm! This is really delicious. Thank you for telling me to choose this.” Taking a long sip of the Chipotle grapefruit margarita, Tess expressed her delight with the drink.

”It’s really good right? That’s Shawna’s favorite drink too.” Realizing his gaffe, he quickly tried to cover it up, but, it did not take a long time for Tess to realize that Mark was still totally hung up on his ex-girlfriend.

Every tail of their discussion found a way of swinging back to his past relationship, to his sadness, bitterness and disappointment.

It came as no surprise to learn that Mid-point was Mark and Shawna’s fave pub. He probably kept coming back in hope of catching a glimpse of his ex.

It was embarrassing for Tess to watch as his eyes involuntarily kept drifting around in expectation.

From all indications, he was simply on a rebound and if Shawn changed her mind and came back to him, any unlucky new lady involved with Mark would be dropped like hot potato.

He was a nice chap, from all indications, but he just wasn’t the one for her.

Her heart went out to the nice young man seated before her. She knew what it felt like to love someone who just didn’t love you back.

She had been in such a relationship in the past and had no intentions of investing her emotions anymore in a one-sided affair. She felt sorry for Mark but not sorry enough to be a second fiddle.

Her man was somewhere out there waiting to find her, but she wasn’t sure it was going to be online.

Her nerves couldn’t take all the dating anxiety and gambles like Kate had. There has to be a better way but she is yet to find it.

To be continued…Part 1,Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Like you already know, I love digging in the neighbours yard. One never knows the treasures that may be found within. I present to you this bits that I found:

Tasha has a way of putting a smile on this face of mine with her post blogging buddies.

I think that I am inclined to agree with GP on this issue. Why not take a peek and see what you think?

Just in case you are wondering why it’s snowing on some peoples lot and not on others, my girl Claremary hooked me up. Pretty simple too!

A worthwhile life lesson for children from Two Cents For You.

We will be doing a lot of gift wrapping this season and this insight from snapshotsincursive might be useful.

Staying on top of reading blogs is a problem that we all share. I am glad to know Eric thinks the same too 🙂

This brief quote shared by Amra is self-explanatory.

I think I like Rollingblogger’s thought process. What do you think?

If this doesn’t make you smile, I wonder what else will? Elemental healing.

and From my very own home girl and sister blogger OBA enjoy her lovely Christmas release. Just follow the YouTube link below.

My kind regards to you all and have a good week ahead 🙂

Creative Writing · Fiction · Short Stories

Barnyard Circus…

December 7, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha20 Comments

The circus came to town. Lizzy wished to go, but she knew that was unlikely.

They were poor. Ma couldn’t afford such frivolities as she called it, but Lizzy’s eager heart still yearned.

As she milked Bess her friend, she confided in her.

”Oh Bess, it would be lovely to see those wonderful things that Alice described.” Bess mooed in understanding. When she was done, she patted Bess, collected eggs from Henrietta and went back to the cottage.

Bess mooed to Henrietta, who clucked to Gertrude the Gander, who quacked to Bucko the goat, who bleated to Gobbles the Turkey, until Hootensia the wise barn owl made a suggestion and they agreed to the plan.

What a wonderful time Lizzy had. Lots of fun stuff to do and bright lights too.

Her animal friends and the fairies dotted on her. They made face paints from flower petals and wove a flower tiara for Lizzy.

When she woke up, she was disappointed that it was a dream, until she saw some petals stuck in her hair and the sprinkle of gold dust on her window ledge.

Inlinkz code

In response to the FFfAW photo prompt above. Thank you Priceless Joy for this challenge platform.

A link to my neighbours/Community · Creative Writing · Fiction · Humor - Bellyful of laughter · Love · Short Stories Series

Dating Debacle…Bridegroom Wanted Urgently!

December 6, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha31 Comments

Tess tried not to feel upset and anxious.

45 minutes…

She has been waiting for 45 minutes and the small sips of her drink had dwindled to the last remaining drop.

”After this drink, I am just going to leave,” she muttered.

”It’s not as if I needed this drink that badly, but I couldn’t very well sit and twiddle my thumbs while waiting for a dude who obviously has no plans of turning up.”

The Goose and Berry was not really her kind of place.

It’s a testosterone filled pub where men stared unabashedly at her, which made her throat tighten in discomfort.

”My mistake not to have taken Kate’s advise to heart.” She chided herself.

As the queen of online dates Kate has quite some experience under her belt.

”Always breeze in 10-15 minutes after the agreed time and if the dude is not seated and waiting, walk out quietly.” ”Never set off on the footing of sitting around and waiting for the guy to turn up.” A very bad trend! Kate advised.

Just as she signaled the waiter for her bill with her lovely manicured fingers, her late date came breezing in and as he ambled over, her internally wired male data appreciation did a quick scan.

He’s not bad looking.

”Tall” – Check

”Attractive” – Check very attractive.

Nicely turned out in his fitted deep blue jeans and light blue checkered shirt with rolled sleeves, which showed off appropriately muscled and brawny arms.

Not bad by half an inch, her inner goddess muttered but he obviously sucked at time keeping.

With a wry smile of apology he drawled an excuse of a meeting running late and battery running low.

He is easy on the eye like Sunday morning and she was willing to take his excuse.

”Who knows? We might hit it off.” She thought.

She felt the stirrings of attraction – on her side at least, and as she ran her appreciative eyes once again from his face downwards, her zoom lens zeroed in on a well placed hickey by his left ear.

She blinked and stared. Yes indeed, its a hickey and even a faint trace of lipstick and powder on his collar.

Maybe it’s an enthusiastic colleague, she excused the hickey.

”My apologies once again,” Tim said. ”So what would you like to eat, have you had something?”

”Hmm!” She thought ”Ah! A guy who likes to take charge of things.”

They ordered and got comfortable in getting better acquainted beyond the online basics and everything seemed to rhyme well, but Tess’s eyes couldn’t stay away from straying to the hickey and powdered collar now and again.

He had her laughing in no time, sending the right vibes up and down her spine.

”He’s worth several more dates.” Her inner goddess sighed in agreement.

”Good sense of humour” – check.

”Seems confident in himself” – check.

She tried to rein in her runaway thoughts, but he stood up suddenly and before she could say Linda, a buxom fireball of a lady descended on them, fireballs stance all taut and poised for a showdown.

”Tim, what a surprise.” Uttered fireball in a voice that dripped with lethal anger and not too surprised.

”This must be your illustrious business partner.” Fireball gave Tess a disdainful look.

Tess was quick to deduce that fireball must be the hickey planter and lipstick owner.

”Close your mouth darling. I am sure you thought I was too stupid not to know that something didn’t add up with your sudden flux of meetings in recent times. I had to confirm my suspicions for myself.”

Tess quickly gathered her wits and her handbag and made a quick exit. She didn’t want to get caught in the flak of an angry woman’s tirade.

”What a philandering Tomcat!” She shook her head as she tried to process the entire scene.

”Why on Earth do I always manage to find the dodgy, cheating characters?” She muttered in resigned sadness.

To be continued…Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

The links to other parts are attached in case you haven’t read the previous series.

As you know, I always like to excavate other neighbours treasures and I offer some to you today 🙂

Nutstrok always has me howling in laughter.

This quote by Deb put a smile on my face.

A new cooking discovery at Chez Gharkepakwan.

Lovely pictures of beautiful libraries to visit from Noirfifre.

I am not old by Non smoking lady bug.

Best song for grammar police found in Deb’s backyard.

Helpful tips for those who experience allergic, reactions from Smiling away allergies.

Today’s inspiration from Etta.

Some vibrant Christmas cheer from Lucid Gypsy.

One Love Many Names from Blabberwockying.

Creative Writing · Fiction · Photographs · Short Stories

Ladies, Ladies, No Squabbling Please…

December 4, 2015December 4, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha26 Comments

”Talk to the hand!” ‘Patra hissed at Delilah in a vexed tone.

”What’s with you girl?” Delilah feigned ignorance and asked in her pretentious calm voice.

”How dare you try to steal my customers for yourself?’‘ ‘Patra continues with her tirade as she accused Delilah:

”Do you think that I did not see you batting your bald eyelashes at them and you dare to stand and pretend as if butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth?”

”But I…” Delilah tries to get a word in..

”Sheesh! Just keep your buts to yourself” ‘Patra practically growled.

”We may be confined to sharing this fashion space, but know this and know it well! This is my turf! No encroaching on my customers, you wannabe! Except I decide that I am not interested in them, you can then try to charm them with your oily and smooth ways the way you must have confused the manager to allow you jump three steps up from the back of the shop to the prized show glass.”

For the first time in ages, Delilah is really ticked off. She has had enough of being the underdog and in raised voice she said:

”Listen up Patra! Delilah hissed back. ”I have had it with your uppity, bullish ways. If you have bones to pick with the Manager, feel free to go and do so.”

”It is not my problem that you don’t want to share the limelight with someone else. I am here now! Deal with it!”

”Besides, who actually appointed you the queen of this runway, if I may ask?”

They were getting all hot and ready to have a full-fledged shouting match…when Jerry the male mannequin bellowed at them.

”Girls, girls, calm down.” ”No fighting or gouging out your eyes!”

”You will frighten potential customers away!” He chastised. ”That will surely earn both of you a relegation to the store.”

”Come on ladies, try and work together for pity’s sake.” He muttered as he sub-consciously ran a check over his suit to ensure that it was lint-free.

DAY 4

Jennifer at INK and QUILL has invited me to participate in 5 day photo story challenge.

Challenge Guidelines:

Post a picture each day, for five consecutive days. Attach a story to your image.

*can be fiction / non-fiction
*poem / short paragraph
*each day nominates another blogger

I invite afairymind a fabulous blogger and story teller, to join the photo story challenge. I look forward to reading from you if you choose to participate. Enjoy 🙂