Green Thumb

Maggie tended the roses in her garden. There was so much work to be done, and the weeds were getting out of hand. As she looked at the flowers, her thoughts ran on the new boarder and she smiled.

Ben Mathews was a sweet old man who had recently taken up residence at her home. He had no close relatives and didn't socialize at all, preferring to be by himself and often took long walks. Ben was just the type of boarder she liked.

The money made from renting the room helped take care of her needs, and upkeep of the house which had been in the family for generations. Later, when Maggie was preparing dinner, Ben came through the back door with leaves stuck to his clothes.

“Ben, where have you been? You look a mess!" she exclaimed.

"I went for a walk and saw an enclosed area by the white picket fence at the back of the woods. Thought it would be nice to go in and take a look, but the bushes are overgrown and it was getting dark, so I decided to come home."

"Didn't I tell you not to go there?" Maggie asked, showing concern. "That place has old family graves and is very rocky. You could hurt yourself."

"Yes, you did warn me. I'll try to be more careful," said Ben, putting his hand on her shoulder. She smiled, taking a cake out of the oven.

Maggie woke early the next morning as she had to drive into town. Before leaving, she handed Ben a basket containing some sandwiches, cake and a thermos of coffee. There was not enough time to cook the large breakfast he usually ate. The man had a healthy appetite.

She spent a couple hours in town going to the post office and bank, then got some shopping done before heading home. After putting away the groceries and changing into overalls and sneakers, Maggie grabbed her gardening tools and went outside. It was a sunny day for gardening.

She went through the open white picket gate and walked in the tall wild grass, doing her best to avoid the prickly shrubs in her way. Ben was sitting against an old apple tree which no longer bore fruit. The basket lay opened beside him, its contents gone. Perfect timing, she thought.

"Ben," Maggie called out, but he didn't respond. She touched his shoulder and he fell sideways. Maggie checked for a pulse beat, but didn't get any and turned away.  Below the apple tree was a tall wall covered with vines and wild shrubs. This spot was not too overgrown with grass and bushes like the other areas, and the soil was recently tilled. Maggie walked there and sighed deeply, before digging with her shovel. This was the part she hated, but knew it had to be done. Ben’s curious nature had sped up her plans.

Maggie only took in elderly boarders like Ben, so she could live off their pension. She went to the post office every month and collected pension for her boarders, past and current. They trusted Maggie, believing she was being helpful when she offered to deposit their money into their bank accounts. She did make the transactions, but forged their signatures on the personal cheques she took from them. It was so easy and no-one suspected.

It was in this spot that she buried all the boarders she poisoned. Their graves were in rows near the wall. On top of each grave was a different type of rose plant that Maggie had planted, believing it was the only way to clear her conscience for the crimes she committed. After burying Ben, she walked slowly back to the house, thinking of a rose to plant on his grave. Maggie looked up at the sky and hoped the rain would come and water her beautiful rose gardens.

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Morning Sickness

Rick felt nauseous and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. His headache was not going away either and propped his head against the pillow, thinking about the night before. He had started having a good time at the party. It was lively, the food wasn't bad and the drinks flowed like a river. In fact, the atmosphere was just right.

Rick had been sitting at the bar savouring the flavour of his second or third whisky, when Jenny walked into the room. She saw him and smiled as she made her way through the crowd. He gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

"Hi Jenny, can I get you a drink?"

"A glass of red wine would be fine." Rick gave Jenny the wine and they strolled the garden before sitting in the gazebo behind the hibiscus hedge.

"It's a fun party. I wish Brad could have made it," he commented, listening to the music playing and occasional laughter from the guests.

"Me too, but he had another meeting. It seems we never spend time together anymore," Jenny said, sighing deeply. Rick looked closely at her face and saw tears forming. He put his arms around her and Jenny burst into tears, resting her head against his shoulder.

"Jenny, what's wrong? Did I say something to make you upset?"

"No, it's not you. Brad and I are having problems. I feel it's time we started a family, but every time I discuss it with Brad, he says he's not ready. Now he spends more time at the office than with me. I'm so unhappy!"

"Don't cry Jenny. Everything will be alright. I'm sure once Brad gets some of his hectic workload sorted out, he'll spend time with you. You know he's working hard to get the Briggs contract."

Rick consoled Jenny before giving her a quick kiss on the mouth. Jenny held onto him, responding to the kiss. His hold tightened and he began to caress Jenny, moving his hands over her body. The next thing Rick knew they were having sex. He apologised to Jenny when they were finished, but she had given a blushing look, mumbling something before running off.

Rick looked everywhere for Jenny before realising she had left. Feeling crappy at his behaviour, he made himself comfortable at the bar and drank more whisky, hoping it would soothe his conscience. Rick groaned, punching the pillow as he remembered his actions last night.

"What the dickens have I done?  How could I have been so dumb? Okay, I wanted it badly, often thought about what it would be like to kiss Jenny, but to actually go through with it. Damn!"

The doorbell rang and the noise jarred his headache even more. It took all his strength to open the door and was surprised to see Brad. Feeling guilt wash over his body, he let Brad into the apartment.

"You look like hell," Brad commented, taking in his dishevelled appearance.

"Yeah, I've been there too!" Rick exclaimed, sitting down on the couch. Brad joined him.

"Something has been bothering me and I had to come to you."

Rick thought his heart was going to give out, fearing Brad's reason for coming by.

"I love Jenny and want to spend my life with her. We both want a family, but I haven't told her that the doctor said I can't have kids due to my illness years ago. It's embarrassing for me so I work more, avoiding her. Rick, I want you to sleep with my wife and get her pregnant. Please, do it for me!"

This wasn't what Rick expected to hear from Brad at all. He stared at his reflection sitting beside him. Brad was his twin brother and Rick would do anything for him, but this sudden request rendered him speechless. Rick felt the nausea suddenly rise in his mouth and ran to the bathroom, kneeling over the toilet.

"How am I going to deal with this?" was his last thought before passing out on the floor.

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Urn My Love

Urn

Melanie decided to get some spring cleaning done before Dan got home from work. She worked most of the morning moving furniture, vacuuming the rugs, and dusted most of the rooms. As she dusted the bookcase in the living room, an urn that was on the top shelf fell off.

"Why did this have to happen now?" she grumbled.

The contents of the urn had spilled all over the floor, but the container was not damaged. Melanie quickly cleaned up the mess and placed most of the ashes back into the urn. She returned it to its original position and looked around the room.

There were a lot of useless objects taking up space. If she could get rid of most of them today, then maybe the house would feel more like hers, once she did some redecorating. This thought cheered her spirits.

Melanie worked hard sorting through pieces to keep, and throwing away others she considered junk. The garbage bin was full and Melanie dragged it outside to the curb. She returned to the house and made herself a cup of coffee, finally relaxing.

As Melanie looked out the front window, she saw the garbage collectors. One of them was examining her trash and picked up something from a box she had dumped.

"Hey, look at this beauty! Why would someone throw it away?" he asked excitedly, looking at his reflection on the object.

"Some folks don't appreciate fine things," his partner remarked.

"I bet I could get a good price at Joe's Antiques," the new owner said. Melanie smiled when she heard the conversation. She looked at a framed picture of herself and Dan on their wedding day and started to laugh.

"Well, Mother Harper, you didn't want your precious son to marry me. You said I wasn't good enough for him. All you ever did was complain about my cooking and cleaning."

Melanie and Dan moved in with his mother when they married two years ago. Mother Harper died from an illness three months ago. She had requested cremation and her remains were to stay in the house. Melanie was convinced she only did this to spite her daughter-in-law, as Mother Harper was a tyrant who tried her best to come between her and Dan.

"This place won't be the same without your presence. In fact, it's going to be a pleasure to finally live a happier life without a constant reminder of you."

All she had to do was tell Dan his mother's urn was in the basement because she was redecorating. That excuse should work. For now.

"Pity you're not around to see how I finally keep house!"

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A Pesty Problem

Smelly Sock

"Were you a fly on the wall? What did you overhear?" asked Crawlos Cockroach, as he made himself comfortable on an old smelly sock that was tossed in the dumpster.

Fanny Fly

"It's just awful," Fanny Fly replied. "I was flying around looking for a delectable place to land, when I noticed the back door to Chick "N" Chips was opened, so I flew in and saw the cooks frying some mouthwatering food. You know they make the best potato wedges in the neighbourhood, don't you?"

"Yep, I like the seasoned ones best," Robbie Rat said, while nibbling on a half eaten pizza he found in the garbage." Anyway, what's all the buzzing you were making about?"

"Well, there I was, a fly on the wall, (literally) when two men walked through the door, and I recognised one of them. He's Pete, the exterminator."

"I know Pete, and he's an annoying character," Crawlos Cockroach commented, shaking his head.

"He sure is. I heard him tell the other man that the neighbourhood is overrun with pests, and he and his colleagues are going to swat us out tomorrow by doing more in depth spray jobs and setting extra traps and baits."

"What!" exclaimed Crawlos Cockroach. "Why can't these humans let us live in peace? We're not troubling anyone. All we want is food to eat and shelter, just like them?"

"That's right, and some of the food they cook doesn't even taste great. We're doing them a favour by eating that crap they toss in the garbage," Robbie Rat complained, licking his greasy paws.

"What are we going to do?" Fanny Fly asked. "The last time they sprayed the area where the Fish Bowl Restaurant is, I lost my aunt Mildred and a couple dozen cousins when they dined there."

"I lost one of my brothers when he was caught in a trap at someone's home," lamented Robbie Rat. "It's becoming more difficult to survive around here, with critters like Pete putting us down every chance they get."

The Solution

"We really have a serious problem, but I think I have a solution."

"Let's hear it, Cockroach," said Robbie Rat.

"We have to spread this terrible news via the grapevine as soon as possible to the other rodents and insects. Tell them to stay off the streets tomorrow and hang out in another location for a few days. We don't know how long Pete will take, or how effective his stuff will be this time. Sometimes it works, other times it's harmless as a baby."

"Good idea. I know a few probably won't listen to the warning, and will most likely die. However, there is safety in numbers, so let's make sure everyone sticks together as much as possible," suggested Robbie Rat. "I think I'll take my family to spend a few days in the country with my cousin, Mickey, on his farm. The fresh air will be a welcome change."

Robbie Rat

"Don't these humans know they can't kill us off with their pesticides and traps? We will always be here, long after they're gone. Every time they crush one of us, another rodent or insect will be there to take its place," Crawlos Cockroach commented, jumping off the sock.

"Now that's the truth," Fanny Fly agreed. "I love fly fishing so I'll  buzz all my family and friends, and we'll head on down to Fishermen Wharf for a few days too. The catch is always great, especially when it comes fresh from off the boats."

The Revenge

The Gathering

"I was thinking that when things return to normal around here, we should get our revenge for what Pete and his friends put us through," suggested Crawlos Cockroach, rubbing his antennas together.

"Got a plan?" asked Robbie Rat, excited at the thought of revenge.

"You bet I do! As soon as we inspect the place when we return, why not invite everyone we know to spend a few days with us. That will surely drive them crazy, wondering what to do about the sudden invasion of rodents and insects."

"It certainly will, especially after their recent attack on us. I love the plan!" Fanny Fly exclaimed, laughing.

"Good, now I'm going to gather my brood and do a bit of rock climbing. There are some nice ones with plenty of space to crawl under. It's a lot of fun and the perfect place to hang out for awhile," Crawlos Cockroach said, as he crawled out of the dumpster.

"I passed a picnic in the park on the way here, so maybe I'll stop there on the way to Fishermen Wharf and grab a bite of those delicious looking cupcakes they have. Who knows, it could be the last thing we'll eat, if we don't survive," Fannie Fly commented with a buzz, as she flew away.

Delicious Cupcakes

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C Is For: Cinderella's Charming Life

Cinderella's Castle

"I can't believe Good Housekeeping wants to interview me for their magazine!" Cinderella exclaimed, after ending the telephone call.

"Well, I'm not surprised. You've worked so hard cooking and doing the household chores for your ungrateful stepmother and stepsisters. Now you're managing the castle duties nicely, and saved us money when you took over its expense account," replied Prince Charming. "Even your country cottage has become the talk of the town."

"Prince darling, I couldn't have done it without your support. It was you who agreed with me that the castle couldn't accommodate the numerous guests we always entertain. I also realised we had very little privacy together with so many guests around," said Cinderella, blushing.

"Hmm. I would like to make you blush some more, but duty calls. I have a meeting with the Heads of State. It would be nice if they came with their bodies attached," said Prince Charming kissing his wife before leaving.

Cinderella sipped her tea, while trying to make a selection from the dozens of designer clothes in her walk in closet. There was a time when all she had to wear were the tattered castoffs her stepmother gave her. Look how the tables turned. Now it was she, her stepmother and stepsisters constantly called whenever they needed money, and they bragged about their kinship. She quickly changed into a blue silk suit and drove her Mercedes Benz to Cinderella's Country Cottage, located on the other side of the castle estate.

Cinderella's Country Cottage is a stately Georgian mansion that was seldom used by Prince Charming. Cinderella loved the building and thought it would make a beautiful country inn. Despite her many duties as a princess, Cinderella liked her independence and realised how restless she had become. After discussing her plan with the prince, she redecorated the place and had a spectacular grand opening.

The princess loves her new position as Managing Director, and with her past experience in housekeeping and warm hearted personality, Cinderella's Country Cottage has become a popular place to vacation. The reservation list is long, and even royals William and Kate will have to wait patiently until space becomes available.

Cinderella hoped the reporter from Good Housekeeping would soon arrive. She always had butterflies when interviewed. Another day, another challenge to C, she thought.

Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother. Lucky her!

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B Is For: Bandit Bear Strikes Again!

Bandit Bear

The Daily Buzz Reporter: Newz-Mewz (Honeyville, Bearsylvania) 

An angry crowd had gathered outside the Nutten But Honey Store. The owner, Miss Sally Bear had been attacked and robbed by Bandit Bear, a villain known for stealing honey. You may remember him as Baby Bear, formerly of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Miss Bear was upset and could barely manage to growl a few words when questioned. 

"How dare that sweet tooth philanderer try to proposition me? Who the dickens does he think he is, walking into my store demanding to sample my honey? No money, no honey!"

Jars of honey on shelves at Nutten But Honey Store

Sally is a successful business bear and in her line of profession, sampling the honey before buying is not good business ethics. She is a bear of high morals who refused to lower her standards for this honey sipping scoundrel. Sally Bear tried to reason with the villain but was unsuccessful.

Bandit Bear became volatile and grabbed a bottle of honey from the shelf, with the intention of walking out the store. Sally reached out to take it from him and was pushed hard, hitting her back against the shelf behind her.

She growled in pain and the noise alerted the Bear Patrol. They chased Bandit Bear and were able to make a stinging arrest, after he ran into a bush occupied by a hive of bees. The sweet loot was later returned to its rightful owner. 

The buzz around Honeyville is that the once adorable Baby Bear was influenced into a life of honey snatching addiction, after Goldilocks broke into his family home and got away with the crime. Bandit Bear's parents were not available for an interview when contacted, but sources say that Papa and Mama Bear have spoken to psychiatrist, Dr. Alice of Wonderland Retreat. We hope to have further updates of "Baby Bear gone bad."

Honey Hive

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A is For: Alice Of Wonderland Retreat

Alice of Wonderland  Retreat

Dr. Alice looked out the office window of her Wonderland Retreat. She smiled as she watched the Mad Hatter arguing with the Queen of Hearts. Those two will never agree on anything, she mused.

She remembered the day she fell into a hole which took her into another world she hadn't known existed, and no-one believed her when she related her tale. It was there that she met the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, March Hare and many other colourful characters. They were always doing crazy antics, but thought she was the loony one for not acting like them.

That little adventure changed her forever. After returning home, Alice reflected on her life and decided to become a psychiatrist. She eventually opened the Alice Wonderland Retreat, a highly recognised institution.

It was the March Hare who discovered Dr. Alice's whereabouts while attending a March Hare Hop fest, and decided to pay her a visit. He didn't leave. The others eventually came and checked themselves in, believing the Alice Wonderland Retreat was an all-inclusive resort.

The friends are still not convinced Alice is a doctor, but always want to recline on her hot pink couch and pour their problems out. They even refuse to leave her office until she hands out those giant lollipops with the swirls on them. The Queen of Hearts now rules her kingdom from the retreat, as the place is fully equipped with Internet access. She also bought a smartphone and joined Google+ to keep up with current affairs.

Dr. Alice returned to the desk and waited for her next appointment...Pinky and the Brain. The obsession to take over the world had gotten out of hand, and the International Cuckoo Investigation Agency (I.C.I.A.) had requested her medical expertise. She sighed and took a sip of strawberry smoothie. This was going to be as challenging as AtoZ.

The Mad Hatter

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Lydia of the Lighthouse

Negril Lighthouse

"It was the best of times; it was the worst of times," Mike Walters recited his favourite quote, as he looked out the lighthouse window. A storm was brewing, and the sky had suddenly become darker. He could hear the wind whistling its haunting tune.

"True words spoken, my friend," remarked Gary Morris. "I hope the weather changes soon. The fishermen have a good season so far, and it would be a disaster if the storm ruins it for them. Besides, most of them owe me money for the supplies they took on credit at the store. Let's hope for the best." The two men spoke for a few more minutes before Gary took his leave.

Mike made himself a pot of coffee, realising it was going to be a long sleepless night, as the storm increased in size. A few of the trawlers had not returned to the dock. The sea was rough and the waves beat angrily against the rocks. His thoughts ran on Lydia and he smiled, knowing he would see her soon.

It was early in the evening but the storm was thick, making it difficult to see anything on the horizon. The lighthouse was brightly lit, and Mike prayed anyone unlucky to be out in this weather would be safely guided by its beckoning light that shone from the tower.

As he looked through the telescope, Mike heard a familiar wail and turned to where the sound came from. A woman was running up the rocky path towards the lighthouse. Lydia had finally made it. Mike put on his jacket and quickly made his way down the spiral stairs to meet her.

"Mike!" Lydia called out, reaching out to him with outstretched hands. She wore a long white dress which swayed against her slender body in the strong wind. A beam of light shone on her pale face, and Mike saw how frightened she looked. Lydia was terrified of the loud thunder and lightning flashes.

"Don't be scared darling, I'm here," he gently replied. Mike touched her hand feeling its coldness, and led Lydia back to the warm lighthouse. She always felt safer there with him. They went into the tower and Mike placed Lydia in a chair near the heater.

"I love you so much," he said trailing his hand along her face. They were married fifteen years. Mike closed his eyes, remembering their wedding day which was embedded in his memory forever.

Lydia of the Lighthouse

It was a sunny day and Mike heard the seagulls calling out to each other. He had returned to the lighthouse to speak to Gary, who would manage things while he and Lydia went on their honeymoon. They were married a short while ago. Mike was happy knowing he had finally married the woman he loved. His bride was waiting for him at the church hall, where they would leave to go on the cruise he had promised her.

It suddenly became unusually windy, and the sky darkened blocking out the sun. A loud thundering rumble was heard and a heavy downpour of rain came. A freak storm had hit the small fishing town of Baleen Shore.

Mike and Gary were shocked by this unexpected change in weather, but quickly got into action; sounding the bellowing horn and switching on the floodlights. There were never any signs that this storm would develop, although it was not uncommon for one to occur without warning.

"Unbelievable!" Gary uttered. Mike swore, stunned by this turn of events that now ruined the start of his new life. It rained heavily, and Mike had no choice but to remain in the building and hoped the storm would quickly pass. The telephone line seemed to be damaged by the storm, and the radio was not picking up any frequencies. This made his mood more sullen.

"What's that?" Gary asked, pointing at something he saw. Mike looked closely and picked out the shape of someone running up the pathway. It was Lydia!

"What the hell is she doing out here!" Mike exclaimed and ran out the building.

"Mike!" Lydia called out to him with outstretched hands. She wore a long white dress which swayed against her slender body in the strong wind. A beam of light shone on her pale face, and Mike saw how frightened she looked. Lydia was terrified of the loud thunder and lightening flashes.

"Lydia, you shouldn't have come!" he shouted against the howling wind, running as fast as he could down the path. The water rose higher, pelting the rocks.

"I was worried and wanted to be with you, and the telephone isn't working," she replied. The grass was slippery and Lydia fell, rolling towards the edge of the cliff. She screamed, landing on a lower ridge of the steep cliff. Mike finally got to Lydia.

"It's going to be alright. Don't panic my love," Mike reassured her, but felt scared himself.

"I love you, Mike," she said in a trembling voice as he grabbed her hands, trying to pull her to safety. But the wind was strong, and the rain pelted down his face. A huge wave rose up and covered Lydia, which released his grip on her. Gary had followed Mike when he saw what had happened, but was too late to offer any assistance.

Mike screamed his wife's name, and it took all of Gary's strength to keep Mike from jumping into the raging sea below. They held onto each other, raindrops and tears mixed together as they made their way back to the lighthouse.

"That cursed storm changed my life forever," Mike said out loud, realising that he had been lost in thoughts again.

"What do you mean?" Lydia asked, putting a cold hand on Mike's shoulder when she stood up.

"I meant the storm just changes my plans, and now I'll have to stay indoors for awhile," he lied.

Mike closed his eyes, fighting back the tears. Lydia had been dead fifteen years now, and she still did not know. He just could not bring himself to tell her the truth after all this time. Whenever it rained or there was bad weather, she always appeared in her wedding gown, running up the pathway calling his name. Lydia always assumed she had left the church hall to be with him in the bad weather, believing they would go on their honeymoon after it cleared.

Some sailors around Baleen Shore often claimed they saw a figure in white on stormy nights at the lighthouse. The older folks who knew the tragic story called her Lydia of the Lighthouse. Mike had refused to leave this place after his bride died, preferring to remain to protect her from the storms. He blamed himself for Lydia's death and became a recluse, avoiding contact with most people in the town. As long as he had Lydia, he would never be lonely.

Maybe someday she will learn the truth, but not today, he told himself. She will always be his Lydia of the Lighthouse.

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This really SOCKS!

My son's cleanest P.E. socks!

Scott, my son, has to wear white socks to school whenever he has P.E. He looks so neat in his P.E. uniform when leaving the house, but I dread picking him up after school. The clothes and sneakers will be covered in the reddest dirt, and just the thoughts of laundering these give me the blues.

I live in Manchester, a parish known for its bauxite, which is a major export of Jamaica. This soil is one of the reddest and richest types to be found in the island. Although plants and agricultural crops thrive from the rich nutrients it contains, it can leave a negative impact on the shelf life of clothing (namely children's.)

The photo I uploaded shows the cleanest socks in the laundry hamper. It is my assumption that my son didn't play a lot that day. I wouldn't take a second glance at his dirty sneakers right now, but know that it will soon have to be cleaned. The sneakers are supposed to be white as well, but I could no longer wash those, and made Scott wear a black pair to school.

Sometimes the socks go straight into the trash bin as I refuse to scrub them. The dirt tends to stain clothing, so tossing them directly into the washing machine won't get rid of the grime that easily. You will have to hand wash first, using a bar of laundry soap made specifically for this purpose. I really don't have the time or patience to go through this weekly routine. Poor Scott sometimes go to school wearing socks which are off white in color, (but they're cleaner, I console myself.)

"Mom, I can't find any socks to wear" is what I have been hearing regularly, as the socks are often ignored on laundry day. Scott went to school a couple times wearing ankle socks which are forbidden. The principal recently reprimanded me on this, so I will have to go shopping again.  Purchasing this item is becoming costly. I often tell anyone who wants to buy my son gifts that socks will be much appreciated. Other parents have similar complaints, and will also buy bags of socks. No-one wants to spend time on this tedious chore.

Forgive me for airing my dirty laundry so publicly, but I feel a little better writing this rant.

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Rock Bottom (100 word flash fiction)

Photo of River

Brianna smiled, drinking a scotch. That heartless bastard had made her life a living hell. She remembered the look on Rick's face, before stabbing him with his own knife she hid under the kitchen sink. After the cruel treatment Rick metered out to her, Brianna did not regret killing him.

All she had to do was tie the huge rock she found onto Rick's body, and dump him into the river behind the cottage. Brianna waited a couple days before calling her family, telling them her husband abandoned their marriage. All was not lost, happiness waited in the bank account.




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Sweet Revenge

The door slammed, echoing down the hall. Joan smiled as she put dinner on the table. Jim was home on time, just like clockwork. Dinner was a silent affair, for Jim did not care much for conversation, and did not want his wife to talk unless she was spoken to. "A woman must know her place," he often told her. 

Joan had left her husband  several times, only to have Jim track her down and bring her back to their house, beating her on each occasion. The last time he threatened her, saying he would kill her if she ever left him again. Joan took his threat seriously, especially after seeing the crazed look in his eyes.

Well, tonight was the last time she would spend here, if her plan worked the way she wanted. Why shouldn’t it? She thought, making herself a cup of cocoa after dinner. Jim came into the kitchen and put a couple ice cubes in a glass, then poured some whiskey in it, and drank, watching his wife the entire time.

“You made me look like a damn fool in front of my friends, running away from me!  Now my friends think I am not man enough to keep my wife at home. You embarrassed me with your stupid actions.”

Joan flinched, thinking she was going to be hit again. When she realized that it was not going to happen, she took a sip of cocoa, sitting down at the table. Jim swallowed more whiskey before continuing his rant. "Y you will never g get another chance to leave me again. I made sure of that, you, you!" Jim began to slur his words.

Good, the poison was taking effect, Joan thought, smiling. Jim always had whiskey before going to bed. The glass dropped from Jim’s hand, and he began to stagger towards the table, reaching out to Joan with outstretched hands.“W what did you do to me?” he asked in a raspy voice.

Joan stood up, finishing her cocoa. She felt a pang of anxiety at what she had done, but when she heard Jim cursing her, her confidence was boosted knowing she had finally overpowered him in her own way. “I poisoned your drink, you bastard. It was the only way I would ever be free of you.”

Jim now lay dying on the kitchen floor, perspiring heavily and could barely breathe. He did manage to smile briefly while Joan watched him suffer. Then Jim struggle to talk, beckoning her to come closer. Joan knelt at his side, no longer afraid of her husband.

"P poisoned th can cocoa!”  It was the last thing Jim said before dying, but he lived long enough to hear his wife scream in fear.

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A Neighbour to Watch

Mike and I were pleased when the house next door was sold. It had been empty for a while, and we hoped its new occupant was friendlier than the last couple who lived there.

My curiosity got the better of me, thinking the neighbour had enough time to get settled in. I baked some cookies to take along, and we went to welcome him to the neighbourhood.

Jake Briggs was a pleasant man and we hit it off instantly. He was in his forties, divorced, and worked as a freelance accountant from home. Mike and I invited him over to dinner a couple times, joking that single men shouldn't eat alone. It was good that Mike had male company to hang out with, I thought.

One morning after Mike left for work, I went to make myself a cup of coffee, and happened to glance out the kitchen window which faces my new neighbour's own. Jake was looking at me with a smile on his face. I waved and saw that he was shirtless. My eyes travelled down and realised he was in fact, stark naked. I quickly turned away from the window in shock.

When Mike got home I told him about the incident. He shrugged his shoulders, and told me Jake probably was embarrassed too, so I should forget about it. His response did not reassure me but didn't bother to comment.

Over the next few days Jake seemed to know my routine, and would stand by the kitchen window making sure I saw his nudity.  He even had the nerve to wink at me a couple times. I was embarrassed at first, but as he continued I was hopping mad.

My complaints fell on deaf ears whenever I spoke to Mike and we quarrelled.  He accused me of being jealous because Jake did not have a wife I could talk to. That remark stung because it wasn't true. Whenever Jake came over to hang out with Mike, he was so charming to me that Mike did not believe my complaints. 

I decided to take matters into my own hands and got even. Two can play the game, and I was not going to let my perverted neighbour win. He seemed to spend more time flaunting his naked body than working. As soon as Mike left for work the next morning, I went to the kitchen and washed up the dishes. Jake soon came and stood by his window blowing me a kiss. I felt like walking away but stayed to see my plan through.

I smiled as though I was now enjoying Jake's flirtatious manner, which only seemed to please him more. He slowly licked his lips with his tongue, and touched his genitals. His actions repulsed me, but my determination to put an end to Jake's lewd behaviour made me watch. Later that night while Mike was asleep, I sat at the computer and began to work.

I got up early the next morning, stuffed some sheets of paper in Jake's mail box, and put a few more in a couple of the closest neighbours' mail boxes as well. When Mike left for work I went and stood by the kitchen window, sipping my coffee while I waited for the creep to appear. It didn't take long, and he was soon up to his antics again. I gave him the finger and walked away.

Jake went to collect his mail and found some posters of him in all his glory. Each poster had him posing in various positions, and it was obvious he was enjoying every minute of it. Jake wore a stunned look on his face and glanced at my front window. I waved at him, and held up a sign with the word "BUSTED!" He hurried inside his house and slammed the door. By evening, everyone on the block knew about the pervert who recently moved there.

Jake won't be a neighbour for very long, as a Realtor came by to inspect his house. I hope the next occupants who live in the house will be a nice couple, and their stay will be much longer than Jake's. Hmm, maybe I shouldn't be too hasty to put away the hidden camera I installed in the kitchen.

Image courtesy of wikimediacommons.org

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Horsing Around

“Quit horsing around, and behave yourselves!” scolded Harriet Hen as she marched her chicks into the courtyard.

“It’s not our fault, Mom. Percy Pig was acting like an ass.” said Cherry Chick.

“Why did you have to rat on me?” asked Percy Pig in an annoyed manner.

“My sister‘s not a squealer. You take that back!” shouted Lucky Chick.

“What’s all the quacking about?” asked Dan Dog, as he approached the other animals.

“Percy Pig tried to milk us by eating most of the corn.” Rusty Rooster complained.

“I did not, you goatish old liar!”

“That bullish attitude will not be tolerated at all, Percy Pig!”Dan Dog said as he listened to the squabble.

That Percy Pig is baaad news,” Dotty Duck commented.

‘We all have to share and live peacefully on Friendly Farm. If you can’t abide by the rules, I’ll have to report you to Farmer Brown," warned Dan Dog.

“Please don’t report me, Dan Dog," pleaded Percy Pig. "I’m sorry I acted like a sly fox. It will not happen again,” 

“We’ll be watching you. Your wolfish appetite is always getting out of hand,” Clover Cow remarked, while chewing her cud.

‘That’s the clucking truth!” agreed Sam Sheep, slowing nodding his head.

Image courtesy of wikimediacommons.org