Dummy Run

November 20, 2013November 20, 2013 / Steve Lakey / 25 Comments

Dating a conceptual artist could be confusing. She never used phones – too boring and conventional. But this was extreme even for Juliet. What was the meaning of the cryptic message on my doorstep?

Was she asking me to make up, or break up with her? Had our relationship fallen to pieces?

It was then I noticed the taxi parked outside. Juliet came running towards me, carrying two white arms and a bulging canvas bag.

She had decided to move in with me! I was beside myself with joy.

If I had known she was coming, I would have tidied up.

This is my contribution for Friday Fictioneers 100 Word Challenge, using the photo prompt, and hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.

To read the other stories, please click here.

Take Two

November 19, 2013 / Steve Lakey / 1 Comment

Amanda was one click away from making a huge mistake. She knew it, but it was so tempting. She loved the Photo Challenges, but never got the recognition she wanted. For the “Nature” theme she hatched a scheme to get loads more ‘Likes’.

She selected a photo of Giant Redwoods. But it wasn’t her shot – she’d taken it from Google Images.

Just as she was about to post, the dogs pestered her for a walk. She gave in, and took them out onto the park. Amanda took a picture with her phone and posted that instead. Her most successful yet!

Thanks to my wife Amanda who has let me use her photo and her name in the story. I’d like to point out that the story is pure fiction – she wouldn’t dream of passing anyone else’s photos off as her own, and she gets plenty of recognition!

This is my contribution for 100 Word Challenge For Grown Ups #11, hosted at Julia’s Place.

This week’s prompt was …Decisions, decisions, decisions..

To find out more details of 100WCGU click the logo.

To read the other stories for this challenge, click here.

Pomp Idol

November 17, 2013November 17, 2013 / Steve Lakey / 8 Comments

Gerry, a Tower of London Beefeater, viewed her out of the corner of his eye. She looked strangely different from last time, but it was definitely her. That’s the third time this week. Maybe she was bored…

“Hi there young man! How y’all doing? I’m loving those Family Crown Jewels!” The accent was a wobbly Texan drawl. She tottered along in high heels and fur coat.

“You know I truly love everything about your British Royal Family. They would still be ours too, if it wasn’t for that little unpleasantness back in the Seventeen somethings. Poor old George. It was simply awful what those Yankees did!”

Gerry smiled as best he could.

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Well, Gerald, it must be real tough on Her Royalness, being in the spotlight an’ all. You’d think she would want to have a few minutes peace when no one would recognise her. Maybe go out in disguise?“

Gerry turned away briefly before rolling his eyes.

“Damn! You know it’s me Gerald, you’ve known all along! Was it the entourage or the dogs that gave it away?” The accent gradually returned to it’s native Queen’s English.

“Fooled me again, Your Majesty.”

“Ha! Wonderful! See you tomorrow.”

This is my contribution to Sunday Photo Fiction, Hosted by Al Forbes. Click here for more details.

Click the logo to read the other stories.

Alley Inclusive

November 14, 2013November 14, 2013 / Steve Lakey / 16 Comments

Photo: copyright – Kent Bonham

The young couple sauntered out of the Hotel Splendide and found themselves in a narrow alley.

“Lee, let’s head up these steps, and see where they go!”

His smartphone compass was spinning wildly through lack of a signal.

“Forget it, Bianca, we’re out of Wi-fi range!”

“I could take some photos while we’re here and capture a bit of the local flavour?”

“Hurry up. It’s boring! Speaking of local flavour, I fancy a kebab. Take a few pictures for Facebook, then let’s go.”

They scuttled back into the hotel lobby, where their All-inclusive package was waiting for them.

This is my contribution for Friday Fictioneers 100 word challenge, based on the photo prompt, hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.

To read the other stories click here.

No Grass in No Man’s Land

November 11, 2013November 11, 2013 / Steve Lakey / 5 Comments

(Christmas Day, 1914. No Man’s Land, The Western Front.)

Benson skilfully kicked the heavy leather football past his man, but an outstretched German boot caught his khaki shin. He fell onto the hard ground.

“Oi, Fritz!”

“Entschuldigung, Tommy!”

The laughing corporal helped Benson back to his feet, then offered him a swig from his hip flask. Not strictly within the rules, but well within the spirit of this impromptu kick about.

This England v Germany game was friendlier than most, helped along by the shared cake and alcohol. Helmets for goalposts. Men on both sides sang Christmas Carols…

Then officers barked orders. A bigger game was about to restart.

This is my contribution to 100 Word Challenge – Week 113, Hosted at Julia’s Place. Click the logo for more details. Click here to read the other stories.