The gravel crunched softly beneath their feet, a sound both familiar and strange to Hazel. She'd heard countless stories about this place from the group during their time away, but this was her first time seeing it in person. Alex moved with practiced caution, his gait carefully modulated to appear normal despite the enhanced musculature beneath his clothing.

Part 2
I gave him enough time to get back down the path to the public car park, then gathered my two for their ride home. Ryan was wanting a chase again, so he stayed on the lead while Tara did her own in and out of the trees roaming, which I had worked out meant she typically walked and ran about a dozen times the distance I did. It was heading towards school run time, so I stopped by the little tea place, where they had a warm pasty and, to my delight, a piece of lemon drizzle cake.

It was time for our companies New Years costume party. Kind of a tradition, since this year will be the thirteenth edition of the affair. Over the years the party has changed quite a bit from scary monsters and witches to famous movie stars.

This year Monica, the CEO wanted a more lighthearted theme since with the virus, the depressed economy and so many people unemployed anything to help people forget for a while would be welcome.

Precious Time - Part 2

On the next day the first of my modelling sessions was to take place. After a shower, I addressed the most pressing question facing a girl in my situation, deciding what to wear. After trying a few different styles I chose a pleat skirt in an ecru shade and a tight top which went well with it. Pleased with the how the result discreetly showed off my curviness, I headed down to the restaurant for breakfast. The Plaza provided a tempting choice to suit all tastes but I resisted and helped myself to coffee and a bowl of fruit and yoghurt.

CHAPTER 71
I nodded, with a meaningful glance toward the other passengers.

“Chat later, love. Messy stuff”

“Late, then. One question now, though: is he all right?”

“I think so, especially with Alys to look after. Later, though, be best”

A Step Too Far?

by Suzie Dalkin

This was written without any idea where it was going. As a result, readers may find it funny or offensive – or neither – or both.

Edward Arley was a very organised young man. His parents were staid pillars of the community who for many years had run a successful estate agency business in Sutton Deering, an old market town about 50 miles north of London.

"Come on, come back," Remi whispered, pacing the clearing as Brother watched with evident concern. Her bare feet had long since toughened against the rough stone, but she kept moving more from nervous energy than any real purpose. "Just bring him back safe. Please." Speaking aloud helped maintain some connection to her humanity, even if the words were meant for no one but herself.

David sprinted toward the crosswalk, glancing at his watch with growing panic. He was cutting it close—ten minutes until his shift started at Morgan's Grocery. Mr. Morgan wasn't exactly known for his flexibility when it came to tardiness.

CHAPTER 70
Murdo had been incredibly generous, but he remained a very sharp businessman, and springing for accommodation as well as the venue would have cost rather a lot, so we were booked on a late afternoon boat back. Rod had arranged a small coach, and Phil a few taxis for those we couldn’t fit in. Tradition had to be observed, and so we bounced back over the water before trundling up to King’s Park, where Kul did his video thing and Neil the snaps.