Writing Prompt 19

[kshsj777]

Write a story about a 19 year old girl. It can be any genre and it can be up to 1,000 words. No bonus words or anything. Have fun.

And I'm going to force myself to do my own prompt... :)

[kshsj777]

Here it is, as promised.

Shannon

Word Count: 999

Shannon rolled her eyes at the bathroom mirror as she applied the finishing touches of her makeup. Her parents were always so restricting. They never respected her or the choices she made, but now they wouldn't have a choice. I'll show them! She quickly inspected herself before grabbing her purse and heading down the stairs to her car.

“Shannon, where are you going?” her mother called out after her still half asleep.

“Out!” she shouted, opening the drivers' seat and getting in. She grabbed a bulletin and turned it to the back where it listed an address. “Two five seven, Cherry Street. All right then.” Then she started the engine and pulled out the driveway.

It was still dark out; the sun's rays just beginning to peek over the horizon. Shannon made a turn at an intersection before merging onto an highway. She drove only a few miles before taking an exit. Ten more minutes until I get there.

Just as she was about to turn onto Cherry Street, a figure dashed in front of her car. She slammed on the brakes, but the thud that followed sickened her.

No! No! She leaped out of her car and ran to where the man lay, unconscious. “No!” She bent over him and felt for a pulse.

He was still alive.

Frantically, Shannon grabbed her cell phone and dialed 911. Paramedics arrived in a matter of minutes and took him to the nearest hospital.

She managed to follow behind them in her car, even though her entire body was shaking. What if he died of his injuries? What if he had a huge medical bill? No, he would have one! What was she going to do?

“God, help me!” she whispered, before realizing she'd just said a prayer. What am I doing? God doesn't exist!

***

As Shannon paced back and forth in the waiting room, she kept biting her lip, hoping that this guy would be all right.

Finally a doctor came to see her, followed by two policemen. “He'll be all right,” he assured her. “He has several fractures, but none of them are life threatening.”

“We've spoken with him and he would like to speak with you,” one of the policeman said, “before he decides whether to press charges or not.”

Shannon gulped, and nodded. “Of course.” She strolled down the hallway and tentatively pushed open the door to his room. “Hello?”

“Hey, come on in,” the man invited. “I'm David Steel. What's your name?”

She placed her hands in her back jean pockets. “Shannon Welby.”

“And how old are you?”

“Nineteen.”

“Yeah, I figured you'd be around that age. How are you?”

“How am I?” She glanced at him strangely. “What kind of a question is that? You're the one all bandaged and bruised up, no thanks to me!”

David shrugged. “Well isn't it a bit strange for you to be driving around this early in the morning, especially in that area of the neighborhood?”

Shannon grew defensive and crossed her arms. “I don't know what you mean.”

“I think you do. Tell me, Shannon, when you leave here, do you still intend to go there?”

“It's none of your business what I do.”

“Considering that you almost took a life, I'm so surprised you're willing to take another.”

Oh great! Another nut! “Save it. I'm a big girl, I can make my own choices.”

“Oh yeah? Well I'll only agree to not press charges on one condition.”

Shannon scoffed. “I'm not going to change my mind, Mr. Steel!”

“I want you to have an ultrasound.”

“An ultrasound? That's it? I have an ultrasound--”

“--this morning before you go anywhere else,” David interrupted.

“This morning and you won't press any charges?”

“Yep.”

Shannon sighed and tossed up her arms in defeat. “Okay. I'll do it.”

***

As the nurse applied the gel on her stomach and started scanning her, Shannon fidgeted uncomfortably, waiting for this to be over. Even though she knew she was getting off easy –she sure was getting the better end of the bargain -- she felt like it was a waste of time.

“Would you like to take a look?” the nurse asked.

Shannon shook her head. “No.”

“I think you should, Ms. Welby. It won't hurt for you just to look.”

Shannon shrugged her shoulders. “All right... I suppose.”

The nurse titled the screen and Shannon's mouth dropped open in wonder. “That.... that isn't just a blob of flesh.” Her face turned ash white. “Oh my word, you can actually make out the head and...” She choked back sobs as the reality of what she had been about to do hit her.

Her parents were right after all.

***

Shannon hurried as fast as she could to get back to David's room. “You were right,” she blurted. “You were right.” She struggled to control herself as tears started streaming down her face. “Thank you, David! Oh thank you!”

“You're welcome.”

“It might seem a bit mean to say this,” she said, sniffling, “but I'm sort of glad I hit you with my car.”

“Well the truth is...it wasn't an accident...” David admitted. “I felt a voice inside of me telling me to jump in front of you. I couldn't believe it, but the urge was so irresistible that I did it. Looks like there was a good reason for it too.”

Shannon gave him a smile. “I have to go now. I need to speak with my parents... they don't know anything about this... but I'll come back and visit, okay?”

David nodded in understanding.

Half an hour later, Shannon climbed out of her car and slowly made her way up to the house, where both of her parents sat in the kitchen drinking coffee. “Mom, Dad, there's something I need to tell you...”

[Tommie Lyn]

Good story, 7. See, you can do it. You can write to prompts.

[PattyU]

Wow, I really liked your story. Good job.

[kshsj777]

Thank you Tommie & Patty!

[Tommie Lyn]

Sweet Tea and Cornbread

Word Count: 984


Patsy set the plate on the iron skillet and flipped them, dumping the pone of cornbread, fresh from the oven, on the plate without breaking any of the crust loose. Mama always gave Patsy the job of cooking the cornbread because she did it better than anyone else, even Mama. She set the hot pan on the stove eye and carried the plate of bread to the table.

“Better slice that cornbread,” Mama said. “With Jim Bob McClure at it, he'd break off half the pone for himself and wouldn't nobody else get but a mouthful.”

Janie Sue brought the bowl of pinto beans to the table while Patsy sliced the cornbread and Mama finished pouring the tea.

“All right, we're ready,” Mama said. “Call your daddy and them to the table, Patsy. And Janie Sue, you go call the children.”

“Yes, ma'am,” they said, almost in unison.

When Patsy got to the front door, Jim Bob McClure was holding forth on his favorite subject: politics. He appeared to be oblivious to the withering glare both Daddy and Uncle Thomas directed his way. Patsy pushed through the screen door and stepped from the heat of the house onto the cooler porch, waiting for an opportunity to issue the summons to supper.

“Yessiree,” Jim Bob said. “We don't want no governor like Macey. He thinks he's a big white hoss but he ain't even a spotted pony.”

Daddy gritted his teeth. Daddy was a Macey supporter, but Patsy knew he'd be polite to this unexpected guest if it killed him. He caught sight of Patsy and a look of relief passed over his face. He asked, “Your mama got supper ready?”

“Yes, sir. She said y'all come to the table.”

“Jim Bob, we getting ready to set down and have a bite of supper, such as it is. Won't you join us?”

Patsy knew what Jim Bob's answer would be. He had a habit of showing up on folks' doorsteps at midday or in the evening when they were ready to eat.

“Why, thankee, Virgil. Don't mind if I do.” He looked past Patsy as he hefted his over-sized body onto his feet with a grunt. “June, get a move on, boy.”

Patsy's head swiveled. And her breath caught in her throat as her eyes caught sight of June: James Robert McClure, Junior. She hadn't known June had come with his daddy. She wished she'd checked her appearance before she'd stepped onto the porch, and her hand unconsciously rose to pat and smooth her hair. She turned, fumbled with the screen door and rushed inside to her room.

The quick look in her mirror showed the bright flush of red on her face. Nothing I can do about that, she thought as she ran a comb through her hair with a trembling hand.

Wish I was wearing my poodle skirt. The girls all said Patsy looked good dressed in her pride and joy: a charcoal gray skirt with a pink poodle cavorting on one side, the coordinating pink blouse and gray neck scarf. She'd gotten the outfit for her birthday. But this day, she wore a blue-flowered everyday dress Mama had sewed for her from flour sacks. She smoothed it, swallowed, took a deep breath and hurried to the dining room.

Mama directed the seating. She and Daddy sat at opposite ends of the table, like always. She put Uncle Thomas, June and his daddy directly across from Patsy and Janie Sue, with the younger children seated around the oval ends of the table next to their parents. Patsy had an unobstructed view of the handsomest boy in the mill village: June McClure.

“Fine cornbread, Mrs. Annie,” Jim Bob said, as he scooped a forkful of beans.

“Thank you, but Patsy's the one made it,” Mama said. “She's real handy in the kitchen.”

Jim Bob said nothing more, his mouth otherwise occupied.

“It's real good,” June said softly, looking straight at Patsy.

She felt the heat of a blush creep up her neck and lowered her eyes. “Thank you.”

“And Patsy made the tea, too,” Mama said. “I never can get it right. Always too sweet or not sweet enough. But Patsy, she does it up just so.”

“Yes'm,” June said, keeping his eyes fixed on Patsy. “It's real good, too. I like things sweet. 'Specially . . . my tea.”

Patsy wished she had one of the funeral home fans they used at church. She wondered if anyone had ever melted from the heat of unrequited desire.

After the meal, when she and Janie Sue started clearing away the dishes, Jim Bob patted his stomach and said, “Wonderful meal, Mrs. Annie. But I reckon we've overstayed our welcome, me and June. We'd better be getting along.”

“You go on ahead, Daddy. I've got some other things to see to afore I head for home,” June said.

“Well, don't be too long. You know you still got some chores to do for your Aunt Minnie.”

The elder McClure left. June went to the front porch with Daddy and Uncle Thomas. Patsy and Janie Sue washed the dishes while Mama put the leftovers away. They finished and Patsy turned from the sink.

“Miss Patsy,” June said from the kitchen doorway. “I was wondering. Since it looks like you're done with the dishes, maybe you could come sit a spell on the porch with me.”

Patsy turned to Mama. “Yes, I suppose you can.” Mama said.

“Thank you, ma'am,” June said. He hesitated. “It's still warm out on that porch. Do you suppose I could trouble you for another glass of your sweet tea?”

Patsy smiled at June, dried her hands on a towel and started for the refrigerator. “Why, sure, Mr. McClure.”

“Call me June.”

[Laina]

Great story KS. Good job!

Tommie I liked your's too, but the "June" threw me. My mom's name is June and I struggled understanding the story until the very end when she said, "why sure, Mr. McClure."

Reminds me of "A Boy Named Sue." LOL

[kshsj777]

Thanks Laina.

I liked your story, too, Tommie.

[Tommie Lyn]

Tommie I liked your's too, but the "June" threw me. My mom's name is June and I struggled understanding the story until the very end when she said, "why sure, Mr. McClure."

Reminds me of "A Boy Named Sue." LOL
LOL! I forget sometimes that regionalism means people from elsewhere won't relate. "June" is a nickname used around these parts, short for "Junior." Maybe if I left off the "e," but then ... it might be read with a short "u" sound (to rhyme with "gun").

[seasalt]

Here it is, as promised.

Shannon

Word Count: 999

Shannon rolled her eyes at the bathroom mirror as she applied the finishing touches of her makeup. Her parents were always so restricting. They never respected her or the choices she made, but now they wouldn't have a choice. I'll show them! She quickly inspected herself before grabbing her purse and heading down the stairs to her car.

“Shannon, where are you going?” her mother called out after her still half asleep.

“Out!” she shouted, opening the drivers' seat and getting in. She grabbed a bulletin and turned it to the back where it listed an address. “Two five seven, Cherry Street. All right then.” Then she started the engine and pulled out the driveway.

It was still dark out; the sun's rays just beginning to peek over the horizon. Shannon made a turn at an intersection before merging onto an highway. She drove only a few miles before taking an exit. Ten more minutes until I get there.

Just as she was about to turn onto Cherry Street, a figure dashed in front of her car. She slammed on the brakes, but the thud that followed sickened her.

No! No! She leaped out of her car and ran to where the man lay, unconscious. “No!” She bent over him and felt for a pulse.

He was still alive.

Frantically, Shannon grabbed her cell phone and dialed 911. Paramedics arrived in a matter of minutes and took him to the nearest hospital.

She managed to follow behind them in her car, even though her entire body was shaking. What if he died of his injuries? What if he had a huge medical bill? No, he would have one! What was she going to do?

“God, help me!” she whispered, before realizing she'd just said a prayer. What am I doing? God doesn't exist!

***

As Shannon paced back and forth in the waiting room, she kept biting her lip, hoping that this guy would be all right.

Finally a doctor came to see her, followed by two policemen. “He'll be all right,” he assured her. “He has several fractures, but none of them are life threatening.”

“We've spoken with him and he would like to speak with you,” one of the policeman said, “before he decides whether to press charges or not.”

Shannon gulped, and nodded. “Of course.” She strolled down the hallway and tentatively pushed open the door to his room. “Hello?”

“Hey, come on in,” the man invited. “I'm David Steel. What's your name?”

She placed her hands in her back jean pockets. “Shannon Welby.”

“And how old are you?”

“Nineteen.”

“Yeah, I figured you'd be around that age. How are you?”

“How am I?” She glanced at him strangely. “What kind of a question is that? You're the one all bandaged and bruised up, no thanks to me!”

David shrugged. “Well isn't it a bit strange for you to be driving around this early in the morning, especially in that area of the neighborhood?”

Shannon grew defensive and crossed her arms. “I don't know what you mean.”

“I think you do. Tell me, Shannon, when you leave here, do you still intend to go there?”

“It's none of your business what I do.”

“Considering that you almost took a life, I'm so surprised you're willing to take another.”

Oh great! Another nut! “Save it. I'm a big girl, I can make my own choices.”

“Oh yeah? Well I'll only agree to not press charges on one condition.”

Shannon scoffed. “I'm not going to change my mind, Mr. Steel!”

“I want you to have an ultrasound.”

“An ultrasound? That's it? I have an ultrasound--”

“--this morning before you go anywhere else,” David interrupted.

“This morning and you won't press any charges?”

“Yep.”

Shannon sighed and tossed up her arms in defeat. “Okay. I'll do it.”

***

As the nurse applied the gel on her stomach and started scanning her, Shannon fidgeted uncomfortably, waiting for this to be over. Even though she knew she was getting off easy –she sure was getting the better end of the bargain -- she felt like it was a waste of time.

“Would you like to take a look?” the nurse asked.

Shannon shook her head. “No.”

“I think you should, Ms. Welby. It won't hurt for you just to look.”

Shannon shrugged her shoulders. “All right... I suppose.”

The nurse titled the screen and Shannon's mouth dropped open in wonder. “That.... that isn't just a blob of flesh.” Her face turned ash white. “Oh my word, you can actually make out the head and...” She choked back sobs as the reality of what she had been about to do hit her.

Her parents were right after all.

***

Shannon hurried as fast as she could to get back to David's room. “You were right,” she blurted. “You were right.” She struggled to control herself as tears started streaming down her face. “Thank you, David! Oh thank you!”

“You're welcome.”

“It might seem a bit mean to say this,” she said, sniffling, “but I'm sort of glad I hit you with my car.”

“Well the truth is...it wasn't an accident...” David admitted. “I felt a voice inside of me telling me to jump in front of you. I couldn't believe it, but the urge was so irresistible that I did it. Looks like there was a good reason for it too.”

Shannon gave him a smile. “I have to go now. I need to speak with my parents... they don't know anything about this... but I'll come back and visit, okay?”

David nodded in understanding.

Half an hour later, Shannon climbed out of her car and slowly made her way up to the house, where both of her parents sat in the kitchen drinking coffee. “Mom, Dad, there's something I need to tell you...”

Way to Go. This is good stuff. seasalt, ps I am not exactly sure how to get this to work, I may have done it wrong, but I had to say it.

[melw]

Unexpected
776 words

Lisa leaned back and stretched her back. She didn’t know why she was feeling so tired. She had just got married and sure that was an adjustment but it shouldn’t make her this tired. She was just glad she was going home in two hours.

“Big plans this weekend Lisa?” Kerry asks as she stopped with a cup of coffee. “I am going out for dinner at the Rocks Saturday night.”

“I just plan to relax at home with my husband. Maybe rent a movie and make some popcorn.”

“Oh your new hubby. I haven’t found Mr Right yet. But you never know this weekend could be it.” Kerry continued on to her desk.

Lisa logged off her computer and set the phone on the answering machine. It was time to go home. She stopped in and grabbed some microwave popcorn and a nice bottle of wine. It would be nice to relax on the weekend. She just wanted to rest. She got home and put the soup on to heat, and rolls heating up in the oven.

The phone rang and Lisa picked it up. “Hello?”

“Hello Lisa, it’s mum here.”

“Oh Hi Mum, how are you?”

“I think I should ask how are you? I was sitting here getting dinner ready and something told me to call you. Are you all right?”

“Yeah mum, just a little tired. It’s been a busy week.”

“Are you sleeping well?”

“Yes, apart from having to get up to go to the toilet. The last week I have woken up every night. It’s terrible because I wake up Peter.”

“So you are tired and going to the toilet often. Anything else?”

“What do you mean?”

“Sore breasts, feeling queasy. Are you late?”

“Mum, do you mean I could be pregnant?”

“It’s possible isn’t it?”

“I guess so; I just have been so busy I didn’t think anything like this. I mean we have only been married a few months.”

“Look I will leave you, your father just came in. Give my love to Peter and call me if you get any news.”

“Bye mum,”

“Bye Lisa.”

Lisa hung up the phone and sat down. Could she be pregnant? She had felt sick a few times, and she was late. A few days late, but that sometimes happened. She was still sitting on the couch when Peter came in. He came over to her and gave Lisa a big kiss. “How are you Sweetness?”

“All right, I guess.” Lisa’s voice was very soft. “I’m late.”

“Late?” Peter faced Lisa as understanding dawned. “Late, are you pregnant?”

“I don’t know. Peter, Mum called and got me thinking. I am just not sure. What if I am?”

“Aren’t you happy about this? Look how about I go out and get a test. It’s only three doors down to the chemist.” Peter kissed Lisa and said “I’ll be just a minute.”

Lisa felt tears well up; she was only 19 years old. She didn’t plan on having a baby yet. She had married Peter as soon as he had graduated from University. He was so caring and she felt very blessed to have met such a man. She wanted to have a family; she just hadn’t expected it for another few years.

Peter came in with a paper bag. “Here.”

Lisa just sat, trying not to cry. “I’m scared Peter. We didn’t plan this yet. I don’t know if I am ready.”

Peter knelt in front of her and looked up into her face. “Baby, just do a test. Then we will know for sure.”

Lisa took the test and went to the bathroom. She came out with the test and smile on her face. “It’s positive, it’s meant to take 2 minutes but it came up almost straight away.”

Peter caught Lisa up in his arms. “We are going to be parents.” Lisa smiled and then laughed.

Lisa sat down and wrote the whole story in her diary. She hadn’t ever thought that this first year of marriage would also bring a baby. She saw a shadow come over the desk and Peter put a bag on her desk. She opened it and smiled when she saw the tiniest pair of booties. They had little pink ribbons around the top.

“What if we have a boy?”

“Well we will just keeping trying. Just think you will be such a cool mum being only 19.”

“You are so old at 23, I love you Peter. Can we just relax and talk tonight? This is such good news, and we should thank God for this gift.”

“Yes, he has blessed us so much.”


MEL

[kshsj777]

That is a cute story, Mel!

[melw]

I hadn't read yours 777 before i wrote mine. I can't belive we were thinking about babies at the same time.

MEL

[kshsj777]

Yeah that is a coincidence.

[Tommie Lyn]

Good job, Mel.

[seasalt]

Ya done good.