I could feel my stomach flip-flop. “No! Jacob, Why Me? Why does it have to be me?” I ask knowing that I would be disappointed in his answer. His plans always end up with the same result. He gets the girl and I get something broken. I’ve known the guy for 10 years. I was six when he and his family moved in next door. We both started out as average kids. He grew up handsome. I just grew… Kind-of.
 

Inspired by my own "Ballad of the Sailor Suit" and Lainie Lee's Suit Your Self:
 

Pretty Soldier Suit
 

 
by Erin Halfleven

Chapter 12

After breakfast we dropped off the hire car and entered the airport. After checking in our luggage there really was nothing to do for hours, waiting for our flight. It did give me a chance to interrogate Gem. She was pretty open about herself, but couldn't tell me much about what was going to happen after we arrived, because she didn't know.

Immediately after I came home from school on Monday afternoon I changed into my girl clothes, to connect with my experiences. That had been Becky’s suggestion. I then re-read my journal and started on the essay. I noted the stereotypes which were relevant to my experience, and decided to limit my essay to just those points. According to the instructions, Mrs. Benson wanted the essay to be at least one thousand words. My first draft was twice that. I set it aside to polish it over the next few days. I changed out of my girl clothes for supper, to avoid any snide comments from my sister although something in me was saddened when I did.

At that point I realized that having let my feminine side out, she wasn’t going to go away without a struggle. I decided to keep the name Renee for my feminine side.

Previously

“Wow! My entire face looks better. I love what you did with my eyes.” His hand involuntarily fingered his earrings. He leaned over and gave Jackie a gentle kiss. “Thank you” he said. Jackie returned his kiss with more ardor and said “I’m glad you came over today Mike; it makes me feel pleasantly slutty too.” Jackie tweaked Mike’s panties and kissed him again.

[Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend]
The town was quiet that day. The next county was having its fair. This was the first of the season so a lot of the townspeople had decided to head on over there to enjoy themselves.

I was in the office doing some of the never ending stream of paperwork that a Sheriff seems to attract almost every day of the week when the front door burst open and a man in his 50’s burst in.

“Can I help you Sir?” I asked trying to put a smile on this rude interruption to my work.

“You dammed better be able to help me,” came his gruff reply.

*****

When Jack's hand touched his breast, the woman closed her eyes. An old memory flashed into Jack's mind...

*****

https://youtu.be/OSbCqp_a3iE

*****

My name is Josette Du Pres. Jack Eaton has been viciously attacked by two fierce creatures that prey on the young men of Collinsport. A strange woman has appeared. While tending his wounds, she brings an old memory from Jack's past - a memory that will affect Jack's uncertain future...

*****

Why did it have to be lizards?

 

Fantastic Mars
7. Lizards of Mars

by Erin Halfelven

Chapter 11 Sophia's POV

I woke up still wrapped in Gem's arms. She was snoring mildly, so I knew she was still fast asleep. I felt a little embarrassed about my middle of the night freak out. My male pride had taken another blow. Considering the circumstances, that was not necessarily a bad thing and there was something nice in not having to be the strong one.

Craig glances wistfully out at the pool in the backyard of his Aunt’s place. He had agreed to come over and help clean out her garage. In exchange, she was going to pay him for completing the job. He was trying to make enough money to buy a new computer. So, far he has half of what he needed. If he managed to finish cleaning the garage, he will have three-quarters of what he needed.

Chapter 10

We drove to a hotel near the airport and Gem arranged a room. Since she had not pre-booked we ended up in a room with a double bed to share. I didn't mind that, and considering my recent state of mind, it was probably a good thing. Gem apologised though and explained that she normally plans way in advance, but this time she had literally driven to the airport with a few clothes and worked it out from there. I asked if I could call Jen on the hotel phone and she agreed.

On the way to the mall, Becky and I explained our essay requirements to my Mom. “Maybe I can help you with it.” she said.

My mother and Becky dropped me off at the men's wear department, and took off on an adventure of their own. As mom explained it, “I’m going to borrow Becky as my daughter for the day to shop with.” For some reason both Mom and Becky began giggling madly.