Admin Note: This story was originally published on Monday December 2, 2016 at 11:18:34 am. This story has a slight sardonic twist in the second chapter that plays out into the third that I think most readers will pick up on. Leila is never a straight writer so be prepared for the twist. ~ Sephrena.

The healers had instructed me to keep my arm in a sling for two weeks, allowing the muscles to repair themselves. While I understood the necessity, my parents' added concern was starting. They had become overprotective, insisting I couldn't go out to the lake because I couldn't take someone with me.

Themed Birthday Party
A Vignette
By Maryanne Peters

Alison would never have been able talk me into it, but it was my father’s input that settled it.

“You aren’t making enough effort to get on with my wife,” he said. “And don’t keep on calling her Alison. She is your mother now. Call her Mom.”

It's time to stand up, stand out, BE out (maybe)

I hope my friends are friendly.

I’m not actually OUT but I’m opening to more people.

“Fire! Fire!” I yelled as I ran through the house. After getting my sister's unconscious body out of the house, and seeing that my parents were beyond hope, I grabbed my two most important belongings: my college paperwork, and Frosty's hat.

It is now the 2nd November. but the shops are already bedecked with all the toys, food and decorations for Christmas. Perhaps time to put pen to paper for the Christmas story. As always, I am not fussed about the story being a formal entry to the contest, but I hope readers will enjoy the story, and it may act as a prompt for other people to join in and make an entry.

A Crumb-free Christmas

Part One - Charlotte’s Story