500 < Short Story < 7500 words

Like for Like. Chapter 15

Chapter 15

The girls were delivered with their luggage a couple of days later, excited at being in London but also wondering why they were with us so early. I explained that the agency we worked for had an urgent need for four models to take part in a long photo shoot and that I had volunteered them for the job.

The Adventures of Over-Powered Girl

Author’s note: This started as my entry in the tropes contest, but since I couldn’t finish it in time, I decided to set it free as a solo ….

The adventures of Overpowered girl (and her sidekick The Scribe)

Cast of Characters:
Dottie (Me!), aka the Scribe, sidekick of Overpowered girl
Jaci, my best friend, and not-so secretly known as OP girl
Now on with the show!

Like for Like. Chapter 14

Chapter 14

We went now to the Officers Mess where we were allowed to freshen up. We were then taken into the mess hall where a long table was set for dinner. The Major told us that we would be joined by some of the officers and invited NCO’s that were in the camp at the moment. “Many of these men have served more than one rotation overseas and all had been down that village street so there may be some comments about it later” he said, with a wicked grin on his face.

Marketing

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Marketing
A Short Story
By Maryanne Peters

After completing his degree in marketing, Fabian worked for a while as a minor brand manager for a large cereal company before entering the medical industry, working for a supplier of specialized medical equipment. With so many graduates carrying that degree, it was only through hard work and commitment that Fabian quickly rose in the business.

Sophia's Choice

Michael and Jason had been partners in a failed scientific venture. A few years later, when Michael’s wife left him, he blamed Jason. He then used the knowledge they had learned together in their laboratory to exact his revenge.

The Promise - Chapter 3

The Promise - Chapter 3

Life goes on. The house down the street from the school was torn down. Celia thought to herself, “Even if Amy could come back she wouldn’t have parents or a home to go to.” She was sure Amy must grieve for her parents. She loved them regardless of what they had done. But a hail of bullets had ended any chance of ever seeing them again. Celia wondered how Amy could deal with the loss. She was sure she couldn’t if it were her parents.

Like for Like. Chapter 13

Chapter 13

On the way back to Hereford we discussed the situation and decided that the four TG girls we did have needed to be tested to see if they had been subjected to extra training. The problem would be that we didn’t know their individual code phrases.

Girlyfriend

It all started one morning in Home Room, soon after I had started Sophomore year, when Mrs Black announced that a new foreign boy would be joining our high school. She looked at the paper and said that she thought he was from Germany since he was named Gerd. At that moment the new boy arrived. He conformed to the stereotypical German in that he had blond hair and the most amazing blue eyes. He wasn’t tall, probably some eight inches shorter than me. Overall “Cute” would be an apt description. I also noticed his long gorgeous legs. I was determined to enjoy them as much as I could that day, since there was no way the school would allow him to wear such a ridiculous short skirt more than the first day.

House Spouse

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House Spouse
A Short Story
By Maryanne Peters

I worked alongside Matt Linaker for three years. I had no idea that he was anything other than a normal guy. I knew that he was married, so the fact that he had a slightly effeminate appearance I simply put down to “metrosexuality”.

The Promise - Chapter 2

Amy showed up at school the next day looking not quite as gloomy as she had been. Celia hoped that she had helped Amy by sharing the burden. Then, after just a few minutes in class, Amy was called to the office. On her way out, she looked at Celia. It wasn’t an accusing look. It looked more like a sad “goodbye”. Celia was sure Amy would be back, but just the fact that she was called to the office set Celia’s mind to manufacturing terrible scenarios. Maybe Amy’s parents were headed to prison. Maybe Amy was headed to prison! Whatever was happening could not be good!

The Promise - Chapter 2

Amy showed up at school the next day looking not quite as gloomy as she had been. Celia hoped that she had helped Amy by sharing the burden. Then, after just a few minutes in class, Amy was called to the office. On her way out, she looked at Celia. It wasn’t an accusing look. It looked more like a sad “goodbye”. Celia was sure Amy would be back, but just the fact that she was called to the office set Celia’s mind to manufacturing terrible scenarios. Maybe Amy’s parents were headed to prison. Maybe Amy was headed to prison! Whatever was happening could not be good!

Viral Hot Spot

Viral Hot Spot
By Ellie Dauber © 2020

A viral hot spot -- not Covid is found on a college campus; as reported by the CDC.

Viral Hot Spot
By Ellie Dauber © 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the presence of a Bimbo Virus hotspot at Crayton University in Abadla, Texas.

Cold

It was cold. The windows of the small cabin rimmed with frost and wisps of cold air intruding through any opportunist gaps in the defenses. The cast iron stove in the center of the small abode struggled against the encroaching chill as the last bits of furniture smoldered in its belly. It was a race, Mother Nature vs human ingenuity... and human was losing ground.

It was the coldest winter ever recorded, lasting a full month longer than any other winter thus far that was known of. Even the local stories didn't compare to this extent, of this winter.

Matching Maids

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Matching Maids
A Short Story
By Maryanne Peters

She went way too far, and I let her. The fact is that I wanted to be her boyfriend so much, I would have (as the man said) caught a grenade for her.

When she insisted on the all body waxing, I should have refused. It was just that the chance to lay beside her and go through the same pain, seemed like something special to share.

The Promise - Chapter 1

Celia Thomas and Amy Jordan had been friends for a very long time. As Amy put it, “We’ve been friends since ‘forever ago’.” They had most classes together at school and sleepovers as much as possible. Amy lived straight down the street a few blocks from the school. Most everyone knew where she lived, but she was very shy and Celia was the only one who was able to befriend her.

Like for Like. Chapter 12

Chapter 12

A week or so later the chief got in touch and asked us if we could try to get a three week break from modelling as he wanted us to attend a course. As we still had not got around to resigning we were intrigued about this and called the agency to see if we could get the three weeks break.

The Patsy Project. Book 2. Patsy Power Parts 41 & 42

Patsy Power Part 41

Stephanie tinkled a little bell and a maid appeared from a side room. “Yvette, please go to my office and bring me back the new L’Estrange catalogue you will see on my desk.” Yvette did a little bob and went out the room. We all went and sat around a big boardroom table and Gerome offered refreshments. I was finding it all a bit odd but held my tongue.

Summer Intern

Summer Intern
A Short Story
By Maryanne Peters

Who could believe such an asshole could become my closest friend? I put it down to the power of womanhood. When it comes down to it, we are the superior sex. Our chemistry can dominate and drown out the worst things about men.

The Dealer

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The Dealer
A Short Story
By Maryanne Peters

Kellen Dougherty was the best trichologist in Las Vegas. He ought to be, as he was certainly the most qualified. First a pre-med degree, then MD, then 3 years specializing in dermatology, before concentrating on trichology and the human scalp. People would come from Los Angeles and San Francisco to consult him. Kellen had discovered early, that when it comes to overcoming baldness people will go to great lengths.

My Summer Job as Eye Candy in the Fashion World

This is a sequel to ”My Date as Teenage Girl Model”. You really should read that first (can be read as stand-alone). This time it’s told from Darius’ point of view.

I had really enjoyed my date with ”Amy Amstel” but I thought that was it. I was mistaken. The (very) local TV-station got hold of it and made a silly piece about it. This caused me and Andrew some discomfort. Andrew made a joke out of it and I – well, I just let it blow over and that was it, I thought.

A couple of weeks later I was asked to come over to Andrew’s place. Why? We never interacted. Well, apart from the “date” but that was definitely with Amy and not Andrew, remember. When I got there I was getting very worried since a representative from Amy Amstel’s agency was there. Had I got myself involved in some breach of copyright or anything like that? Honestly, it was just a bit of fun! So what if I’m a bit obsessed with Amy Amstel? I’m not a stalker. At least I don’t think so. The situation was worse than I thought at first. They offered me a summer job. A completely outrageous, ridiculous job bordering (on the wrong side) of lunacy.

Like for Like. Chapter 11

Chapter 11

The chief and the Major had a confab and it was decided that Wendy and I could ride with a police driver to do the pick-up. The armed response boys would find a spot near the house before we get there so they could clear the house afterwards.

The Patsy Project. Book 2. Patsy Power Parts 39 & 40

Patsy Power Part 39

On the Sunday we went for walks in the city parks but had to get a taxi when someone thought they knew me and was getting a bit too personal. Sunday evening we flew back to Nashville. It seemed that we were better off in a town where everyone knew us and let us be.

The Wounded World by Aladdin, Chapter 2

TG heroine Mantra (Malibu Comics) realizes that she is missing six days of time and finds herself living in a completely different (and disconcerting) version of her own life. Is she having delusions, or has the world itself changed into something strange and new?

Idle Thoughts

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This photo of Hotel Classic Inn is courtesy of Tripadvisor

Saturday Afternoon
Harry was relaxing on a Saturday afternoon, the recliner tilted back, the cat in his lap and a good novel in his hands. His wife Carmen was out shopping, leaving Harry a very contented man. So content that the good novel was resting upside down on the cat, who was sprawled across Harry's lap in a posture that only a trusting feline could find comfortable.

Weerd Hep

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Weerd things happen in th’ werld. Ah’ve seen some really weerd things in my life. But th’ weerdest, though. That ‘ad to‘ve been the summer of ought eight.

Ah was near ‘bout thirty years old. Ah don’t rightly know the exact number a years, cause ah was borned in the country, ‘n Mam ‘n Pap; Well they didn know the year any more ‘n ah did.

Ah kina followed in Pap’s ‘xample, ‘n ah made a farm fer m’self. Ah married Polly soons ah sold m’ first few head a cattle.

The Magic Tattoo

The Magic Tattoo
With thanks to The Who for their music.

My brother Zack was two years older than me and a universe away in body. That is to say that he had a body like Mr Universe and I didn’t. I looked up to him as a role model and he made sure I, as a runt, didn’t get bothered much.

Me and my brother were talking to each other
'Bout what makes a man a man
Was it brain or brawn, or the month you were born
We just couldn't understand

The Governess

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The Governess
A Short Story based on American History
By Maryanne Peters

It was in the year 1703, 20 years ago, that I first came to work for Edward Hyde, His Lordship Lord Cornbury, then His High Mightiness the Governor of the Colony of New Amsterdam, now the state of New York in the Americas. Now I am Lord Cornbury, soon to die, while he who once was His Lordship, leads the life he always wanted on those distant shores.

You Are a Meany Chapter 20

Adolescence is the most confusing time in a person’s life. The process of going from being a child to an adult is filled with changes, the unknown, instability, intense emotional feelings, contradictions, progress, and failure along with it feeling like a never-ending process. The worst part about it is sometimes a person feels like everyone else is changing yet they are staying the same. Somehow the others were being adults yet they were in arrested development

Like for Like. Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Back in London we were working hard and everything seemed going well. I had not been contacted by the gang so I thought that I may be free of them. A couple of weeks later the chief let us know that the Scottish project had been wound up after the target had been sent to a retreat in the hills.

The Patsy Project. Book 2. Patsy Power Parts 37 & 38

Patsy Power Part 37

Mary pointed to her ID lanyard and Jenny laughed and said “I see now what has got the boss in a tizz. There are two, very high powered, ladies in with him and Angela. I’ll tell them you’re here.” She announced our arrival on the intercom and got a cheery “Send them through and see if you can rustle up some more coffee and biscuits, if you can.”

Bridal Choices

Bridal Choices
A Short Story
By Maryanne Peter

I now understand why it happened. I have been a fool all my life. I imagined a life for myself that was dictated by the shape of my body, not the shape of my soul. I now know how wrong I was.

Lucky Russo

Lucky Russo knows the tendencies of each of his high-stakes poker opponents. He knows which hands they will play and almost exactly what they will bet on those hands. For him, poker is more about the mathematical calculation of pot odds than it is about having good cards. That’s why it’s so surprising to see him suddenly lose consistently.

A Friend When Needed

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A Friend when Needed
A Short Story
By Maryanne Peters

Tad looked suddenly very serious. The game was long over and the last two pieces of pizza had gone cold. Beer had been drunk: enough to lower the inhibitions but not enough to drop them both into a stupor. He looked at Jason, squarely in the eyes.

“I can trust you, man,” he said, “I know I can. We’ve been true pals for so long that I feel I can tell you anything. I can, can’t I?”

Passing for White

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Passing for White
A Short Story
By Maryanne Peters

My mother was a quadroon. It’s not a term that is used much nowadays, but it refers to a person, and usually, a woman, who is only one quarter negro.

The Patsy Project. Book 2. Patsy Power Parts 35 & 36

Patsy Power Part 35

On Monday we all went our separate ways. Joanne and Minh went back to Nashville with the band; Julia went home; Riordan and Nina left for Riordans’ house; Tom and the crew in the trucks and the buses left for Nashville by road; Angela and Mary and I went into the head office as Simon wanted to talk with me.

Truth in Tears

FeatherTears

Truth in Tears

by Erisian

 

My dad was never one to go to church, nor one to talk about what he believed. As a teenager I asked him once if he believed in God and even now I remember his reply. He looked at me carefully from behind those antiquated black-rimmed glasses of his and said simply, “Doesn’t matter if I believe or not, son. God is either there or he isn’t. But this life, well, this life is mine to live as I choose.” At the time I was frustrated that he didn't answer the question; it wasn’t until much later that I realized he had in fact answered something perhaps far deeper.

He was like that, my dad.

The Ice Storm - A Linking Spell Story

The Ice Storm - A Linking Spell Story
By Anon Allsop

This story was originally written six years ago. It was intended to be transformed into comic form but that fell through. I've held onto it for so long that I just decided to release it here. Hope you enjoy.


The Ice Storm

The freezing rain was falling hard, and had been for awhile. It was causing little pellets of ice to bounce off of the exterior of the house. Two college students on their winter break, stood at the window and watched the ice build on the streets, trees and walkways.

The Patsy Project. Book 2. Patsy Power Parts 33 & 34

Patsy Power Part 33

“I think I have heard of them “I said, “Aren’t they a heavy metal band from the UK?” Jake nodded his head, “Yes, if Carl was still here he would be on his knees right now as Grog is his hero.” “Grog?” I asked, “I thought he was teetotal.” Jake laughed and said “No, I mean the nuggetty guy talking to Jock. His name is Greg Goggins and he has been known as Grog forever. He was rather attached to drink in his youth but has tried every drug known to man. It’s said he is totally clean now.”

Like for Like. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

I had to sit as I was feeling quite odd, as if someone was shouting at me inside my brain. They sat down and I said “Gwen, for the couple of years I have been thinking that there are things happening that I should tell you but I don’t know why.”

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