This scene was vaguely taking form, but this week's prompt helped to put some flesh on the bones. This developing story involves four characters, but so far never more than two at a time. Each character's thread can be accessed from the links in the right hand frame.
Somehow, I almost missed the prompt, and thought we were skipping a week. I hadn't known of Lillie's illness, and wondered what was going on. I wish her the best, and am very thankful for the inspiration she provides.
THE BIRTHDAY FEAST
For her 32nd birthday Rob treated Marci to a special dinner at the fanciest restaurant in town.
He wasn't always around, but when he was he always made it special.
And when he wasn't, Gil would sometimes fill in for him, and that - in its own way - was special, too.
But neither of them knew - in fact nobody on this earth knew - that Marci was worth close to 5 million, that she was a mother, and - though this was only her 32nd birthday - that the total chronology of her life spanned almost 36 years.
Marci knew from Rob's reaction to her painting that he had also had some other-wordly experience; and as she gazed at him over her grilled salmon and the iced bottle of Chardonnay, she wondered if maybe - just maybe - he could be the one she would share these secrets with.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Reduced to a haiku
The birthday lady
Reduced to a haiku
The birthday lady
And her escort, both with dark
Secrets - can they share?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Marci's Thread
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Update: Phil Hall's entry reminded me of a demented sonnet I wrote a few years back. It doesn't relate to the Marci story, but it can be construed to relate to the theme. plus, if I counted correctly, it contains exactly five sentences.
PASSIONATE PRETENSE
Her throat, no longer perfect, but still white,
Invokes the crimson from the sunset glow,
As she awaits the dark - to taste, to know
Carnality incarnate in the night.
The sun's suffusion stains her skin to pink
With its last russet bloom, as if she were
A blushing maiden, innocent and pure,
On satin sheets where white and scarlet link.
What has her throat to do with being white?
Like thorn and petals torn they two entwine,
But not as lovers do -- instead, to dine
In sweet engagement of an ancient rite.
Her white throat is a passionate pretense
That now, twice pierced, belies her innocence.
Her throat, no longer perfect, but still white,
Invokes the crimson from the sunset glow,
As she awaits the dark - to taste, to know
Carnality incarnate in the night.
The sun's suffusion stains her skin to pink
With its last russet bloom, as if she were
A blushing maiden, innocent and pure,
On satin sheets where white and scarlet link.
What has her throat to do with being white?
Like thorn and petals torn they two entwine,
But not as lovers do -- instead, to dine
In sweet engagement of an ancient rite.
Her white throat is a passionate pretense
That now, twice pierced, belies her innocence.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Not a fan of Chardonnay, but I guess I'll have to keep reading to find out what the secrets are...
ReplyDeleteI actually do enjoy it when people write a continuing story based on the different prompts. It's interesting to see how they work the action around it.
I enjoy continuing stories, but when I'm on limited internet connection (as I am now) I can't always follow up on the back story. Nevertheless, this was an intriguing piece, and hopefully if I remember when I get back home (and to ADSL) I can pick up on it. Good one.
ReplyDeleteAlways erudite and interesting writing. Nicely done, sir.
ReplyDeleteThanks all.
ReplyDeleteChardonnay isn't my fav either, but it's what Rob likes. Gil and I prefer a nice Pinot Noir.
I tend to get emotionally involved with my female characters, and Marci has me hooked.
Cheers!
JzB
Ooh, secrets...fascinating!
ReplyDeleteVery intriguing, pulling is into it's web!
ReplyDelete