I don't want my last thought to be about John Steinbeck, I told myself.
I tried to kick; I struggled to breathe.

Masks Chapter 32

Chapter 32

*Before…

Then it’s a night shirt…Fluttershy actually and some cute but pretty normal panties and I slip into bed and I turn the lights off and settle in.

I can just sort of remember how right it felt when I rolled over onto my side and snuggled up against my spare pillow and that weight shift thing, the form and pressure and then it was drifting away…smiling.

This was good…so good.

Tomorrow will be better.

*And Now…

 
"It means that when he tries to put the move on you,
he doesn't want you thinking about the hot little chick
who smokes like a chimney."

 
"You're very quiet," Lane observed. "If you've got any more questions,
I urge you to ask them now, because I doubt I'll be willing to discuss these matters again."

"Why not?" I asked, more than a little irritated. "What does it cost you?"

 
"I have never taken a mind-altering drug," Lane told me, "but I'm pretty sure
I know what it would feel like. After a night of listening to her crazy stories,
my brain would overload, and my head would spin like a top for an entire day."

Bridges 41

Chapter 41

*Before…

And I’m with Cass…and the baby and last night.

I step into the shower with her and I hug here again. “You’re amazing y’know.”

“I am?”

“Yeah with the chopper and everything it all could have flooded back on my after
everything calmed down but it didn’t. And that’s you…”

“Sam……”

I tilt her head up and I kiss her.

“Thank you for loving me Casey Chase.”

*And Now…

 
Mr. Lane drew an envelope from his pocket. "I have your birth certificate here.
I know you've never seen it, and there's a reason for that.
This document is yours, and I'm going to give it to you,
but we ought to have a look at it together first, because it needs a bit of explaining."

 
"Why would I do that?"

She scoffed. "Because you're a teenager! What do you think you'll be doing from now on?
Do you think you're still retired? Are you going to dig in the garden and play bingo and shuffleboard?"

"I never did those things!" I protested.

Masks Chapter 31

Chapter 31

*Before…

Add that to Mark making apple pie…yeah he made pie and Rob and Will making hot apple cider with spices in the slow cooker.

Dad kills the some of the lights in the house and Mom puts on the radio from the stereo in the den and stuff and we all settle down for a big Saturday evening supper passing food and dishes and talking as the music plays on.

*And Now…

Martin Fleming meets a watery end, but from beneath the surface something new will arise.

"Mother bought a huge new mirror — and it's haunted!"
Arliss' sister had informed him on the phone.
"You'll see when you come home!"

Arliss In Wonderland (or Ten Years Before The Looking Glass), by C.S. Lewis-Carroll

Sweet Dreams-55

Chapter 55

*Before…

“You are home.”

“Yeah…but I’ve never felt this before in my life.” (Sniffle.)

I’m kind of trying not to cry but when Adam and April come out with Jen and Cindy and some of the others from school…here…here for me and then there’s the Welcome Home Hunter Banner in the garage as the door’s opening.

I can’t help it I start crying.

Oh…oh…wow…these hormones are strong!

*And Now…

Things start to fall into place as Julina gets more appointments, but things are happening at a far greater speed than anticipated

 
Julina of Blackstone
Her Chronicles

by Julia Phillips

013 — Plotting At Pace

Julina's second day of 'freedom' gets far busier and grittier than expected

 
Julina of Blackstone
Her Chronicles

by Julia Phillips

012 — A Busy Time And A Dark Cloud