Blowing florets
I want to dance in the air
Blowing florets
And just not care about anyone or anything
But you and me
So don't let go of me
Don't let go of me

The elevator quietly chimed and started up. Filippo politely watched the floor indicator. Gab just stood, thinking about something. I silently cursed myself for overstuffing with the omelet, then wondered if Gab will try and look at Vinnie who was standing right next to him. Sure, the long skirt of her uniform covered her legs completely, but a man would always try to steal a glance after such a talk. To be honest, I did several times while nobody watched me.

“Um, G-g-gab? M-m-m-may I a-a-ask for s-s-something?”

“Huh… Yeah, sure.”

“I… I p-p-plan b-b-bying a g-g-game c-computer. C-c-could you a-a-advise me w-w-what to b-buy?”

In 2026, the United States embarked on a daring and audacious endeavor: testing a new weapon intended to replace atomic weapons. This singularity bomb, a marvel of cutting-edge technology, was engineered to unleash the destructive power of traditional nuclear weapons without any of the radioactive fallout. However, the test didn't unfold as planned.

We'd Like to Help You Learn to Help Yourself
By Angela Rasch
(inspired by the Aria Nova image)

“Plastic. . .,” My sister said in an accusatory tone.

We sat in the living room of the Hinsdale, Illinois house we had inherited from our parents -- enjoying Sunday morning mimosas. Citrus and champagne tainted the air.

“Plastic?” I teased. “Is that a reference to that sixties’ movie with Dustin Hoffman, Katherine Ross, and Anne Bancroft?”

“The Graduate?” She shook her head.

Queen Dana of Highwinds the Elf Kingdom inside the Empire has a problem. One that she cannot fix personally. The problem is with a small minority of her population. A problem that has been brought to her attention by the half elf son of a problematic Duke. What is a Queen to do? She calls on help from a friend. The question now is does she realize what she is letting loose on her kingdom?

CHAPTER 37
It hissed at a couple of walkers on the path, no teeth visible, and then ambled back into the long grass. Kul waved at the nodding stems. Kul waved at it from our perch on some railings.

“You’ve probably guessed I am actually serious about the snakes, mate. Always, always check grass and that before you walk into it. Avoid the long stuff if you can. Don’t step over dead logs, walk round them. Don’t peer into holes. Whatever you do, even indoors, don’t poke your hands into somewhere you can’t see”

I woke up Saturday morning with two legs, much to my relief. I showered and returned to my room. As I looked through my closet I noticed the one pair of jeans I had purchased just a handful of days ago. Reaching for the jeans made me feel funny on Thursday. Today, I picked them up off the rack without my compulsions complaining about it. I put them on and still there was no problem. I had to admit I liked the way they hugged my body. When I finished dressing I went downstairs for breakfast. Mom and Daddy were already up.

“L-l-lexie… M-m-m-may I ask you s-s-something? J-j-just b-b-between u-us?”

“Of course.” When the other women had gone out of the room for lunch, I had remained behind, wanting to put the last touches on a script and have it run during the lunch break. Vinnie had too.

“I-i-i-i-it is a-a-a-about t-t-to… Oh… A-a-a-about h-h-how t-t-to b-be m-m-more s-s-succces-s-sful w-with m-m-m-m-men…” Vinnie was redder than a tomato.

Part Ten

Chris didn’t waste any time.

Diva in Disguise Chapter 18

Karen… it could only be she… was seated on the bed when I entered. “Set the food down on the table” she commanded, “and sit in that chair in the corner. You and I are breakfasting together this morning. I’ll be fine here. Now! Isn’t this nice?”

My expression of thanks was perhaps overly hearty. I was wondering what the devious girl was up to now. For one thing the way she was dressed was unsettling to say the least.

The girls just wanted to see their treasured friend again – and help her take a baby step. That’s all it was supposed to be!

This was an alternate opening to the story that I submitted for the New Year’s Resolution contest. My muse has finally revealed that this was to be a story all its own.

Disclaimers
* No characters were harmed in the making of this story.
* This story is not related to that of Lilli from my earlier story, Budding Lilli.

The day after our anniversary, I woke up feeling rather chipper. Spending a romantic evening with my wife had buried deeper the doubts I'd been having about my true identity. They weren't gone completely: there remained a lingering voice trying to tell me that something was wrong, but I chose to ignore it. I couldn't possibly be Dennis Mellon; my body clearly demonstrated otherwise. Plus every single person I'd interacted with the previous day - my wife, pupils and colleagues - all referred to me as Denise or Mrs McGrath. My doubts could do one as far as I was concerned.