Friday, November 30, 2012

My Short Short Story for the Day



The rain splattered down in big plops on the sidewalk as I rushed across the street. I tugged my collar closed hoping to block the chill out. 'When will this rain stop.' I muttered yanking the coffee shop door open and stepping into the warmth. I walked to my usual spot putting my bags on a chair before taking my damp sweatshirt off and draping it over the back of the chair. I paid for my water and made small talk with the girl behind the counter. 'They are always so cheerful here.' I thought walking back to my chair. It's nice to be greeted on such a chilly, blah day with a smile and a friendly word. I sat down, cracked open my water and took a long drink. Tightening the cap I set the water back on the chair and pulled out my laptop. Within a few moments it was up, running and ready to go. I looked at the blank page with my fingers hovering over the keys. I stared for several minutes. Nothing. I sat back, took another sip and replaced the cap again. Setting the bottle down I leaned forward and placed my fingers on the keys. And......nothing.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

My Short Short Story for the Day


My daughter's camera has croaked, but the good news is she'll be getting a new one from Santa.  The bad news is, my stories will be with my photos instead of hers until the new year.  Look for a new short short tomorrow. 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

My Short Short Camp 36 Story for the Day



I blushed against my will as my eyes settled on Shane's face. He looked so cute up there. They did a dance routine to a Van Halen song. It was pretty funny. I crossed my fingers hoping they wouldn't make a mistake and they didn't. Well, if they did, at least it wasn't obvious. Cinder and I stood up and cheered as they took a bow. After the show everyone stayed in their seats waiting for the announcement of the winners.

A short time later the camp director walked onto the stage and tapped the microphone a couple times. “This has been one of the best groups of kids we've ever had here.”

All the kids cheered, whistled and clapped enthusiastically. After several minutes they finally settled back down.

Everyone did a great job today. You've been working hard all summer and it certainly shows. It was a very difficult decision to pick the top three acts. All of you should be very proud, parents and kids alike.” Everyone clapped again. “Yes, you all deserve a round of applause. But now, without further ado, in third place is Cabin 4.”

Jonas and Shane jumped up high-fiving each other before going on stage with the rest of the boys from their cabin. The audience cheered as each boy received a ribbon.

In second place is Cabin 10.”

The girls of Cabin 10 hurried up on stage giggling and blushing and hugging each other.

And the winner of this summer's talent show is...Cabin 12”

Cinder shot out of her seat with a loud whoop. I sat frozen in place, too stunned to believe my ears. Cinder grabbed my hand and dragged me up onto the stage. I was still in shock. We actually won. I couldn't believe it. As we received our trophies the audience stood and cheered. I finally managed to smile. Cinder put her arm around my shoulder and smiled waving her trophy.

I look around and my eyes meet Shane's. He smiles and shows me his wrist. It takes me a moment but then I recognize the friendship bracelet I gave him. I smile remembering his note is still in my pocket. Then Cinder gives me a big hug and I know that no matter what, we'll always be best friends. 

My Short Short Camp 35 Story for the Day



As the girls from cabin 15 went out onto the stage I paced back and forth too nervous to watch. We decided to do a dance routine to my favorite Bette Midler song. Cinder and I had suggested the song to the group and everyone had readily agreed. Then we all worked together to create a dance routine. We had practiced so much that I could do it in my sleep but now, at this very moment looking out at all the faces watching us, I felt terrified and my mind blanked.

Cinder. Cinder! What if I forget the moves?” I said as tears glistened in my eyes.

Melina, it's ok. Don't worry.” Cinder put her arm around my shoulders and leaned her head against mine. “You know the routine. You'll be fine. Just forget about them out there. Think only about the dance moves.”

But...” Panic was swelling up in my throat.

Stop.” Cinder put her hands on my shoulders and made me look her in the eye. “You CAN do this.”

I took a deep breath and let it out very slowly. “Ok. I'm ok. Just lost it for a minute. I'm ok now.”

Good cause we're on.” Cinder's smile chased away the rest of the fear.

As soon as the music started my mind blocked all else out except the dance moves. I hit every mark and didn't trip over anyone. When the song ended and the curtain fell, we cheered and hugged. We hurried off the stage giggling in relief and sheer joy.

We did it! I can't believe it. We really did it!” I was shocked and thrilled. I'd never danced so well before in my life.

Yeah! We're awesome!” Cinder yelled.

I'm so happy it's over, though.” Alice said sighing loudly.

We did a group hug then made our way to the front row to watch the rest of the acts. The other acts blurred together until Cinder elbowed me sharply.

Ow! What?” I said rubbing my ribs.

Jonas and Shane are up.” Cinder whispered pointing.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

My Short Short Camp 34 Story for the Day



I was repacking my stuff when Cinder came in looking a little flushed but happy. I elbowed her and she only laughed. About an hour later our parents arrived and everyone rushed to meet them. There were hugs and laughter and talking. My parents asked about my arm but I shrugged it off. I didn't want my last day at camp to be sad so I ignored the discomfort. I took them to my cabin first to show them where I slept and introduce them to the other girls. Then we went to the craft hall to see all the art projects. Next I took them to the lake and told them about our team jumping in that super hot day and how much fun that was. I let my gaze wander across the lake and down the sandy beach to rest on the docks. The docks where Shane kissed me just last night. I started to blush at the memory and quickly turned away.

Let's go. I'll show you the soccer field.” I said hurrying ahead hoping the blush would disappear before my parents noticed.

As we walked across the field I told them about my team and how Cinder and I got to be together. The happiness turned to sadness but I brushed it aside.

Oh, look. We should head to the auditorium now. Almost show time.” I grabbed my mom's hand tugging her along. My dad laughed and fell in step with us.

I led them to their seats then went around to the back looking for the other kids from my cabin. It wasn't too hard to find them as Cinder was jumping up and down waving her arms like a maniac. I laughed and made my way through the pack of kids.

When's our turn?” I asked.

Oh, man, we have to go second. Can you believe it?” Alice whined.

I know. That stinks but at least we aren't first.” Cinder said. “Besides, this way we get it over with pretty quick then we can relax.”

That's true.” I said feeling the butterflies start to flutter around in my stomach.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

My Short Short Camp 33 Story for the Day



The next morning the entire camp was buzzing with anticipation as our parents would be arriving soon after breakfast. Cinder and I arrived a little early for breakfast, got our food and sat down at a table in the corner. We wanted to talk but neither of us knew what to say. We watched as the other kids laughed, talked and had fun, enjoying the last day of camp. I was picking at my pancakes when Jonas and Shane walked in. Cinder saw them, too and waved them over. They were a nice distraction. They walked us back to our cabin and when we neared the fork in the path, Jonas and Cinder kept walking towards the boys cabin while Shane and I stopped in front of the girls cabin. I suddenly felt very shy.

Here. This if for you.” He hands me a note neatly folded into a square. “Don't read it now. Wait until you get home. Please.”

His smile was so sweet and his cheeks had the faintest hint of a blush. I never liked any boy more than I liked him right at that moment. I grinned at him like a fool for several moments before I had a thought. “Wait here. Don't go.”

He nodded. I rushed into the cabin and tore through my bag. “I know it's in here somewhere.” I mumbled finally deciding to dump my bag onto my bed. I could clean it up later. Here it is. I hurried back out and nearly ran into Shane who had moved over to lean against the railing of the steps.

Oh, sorry.” I said. “Here. I want you to have this. It's...it's a friendship bracelet. Cinder and I really got into it this past year. It was very popular among the girls. Anyway, this is my favorite one and I want you to have it.” I quickly tied it around his wrist.

Thanks. It's cool.” Shane said.

My heart was pounding a mile a minute. Without another thought I kissed him on the cheek and rushed back up the steps. I stopped at the door and looked back at him. He was still leaning on the railing and smiling up at me. “See you later.”

See ya.” I said and went into the cabin.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

My Short Short Camp 32 Story for the Day



I could feel his hand so close to mine and I wished with all my might that he would reach over and take it. My mind was racing with questions, thoughts, feelings that I wanted to share with him but I couldn't make the words come out. My cheeks started to heat up under the blush that wouldn't stop. I had to say something, anything. This might be the last time I ever see him. Of course that thought just made my heart flutter faster and my mouth go dry. Hurry, say something. Now's your best chance. I turned to face Shane without moving my hand, still hoping to accidentally brush against his. Focus Melina. It was a struggle but I brought my eyes up to meet his. He smiled and I relaxed a little and smiled back. I took a deep breath and was about to speak when he leaned ever so slightly towards me. I froze. Could he be...? Is he trying to...? Really? Right now?

Shane hesitated for a moment then leaned over and kissed me. It was quick but enough to make me forget whatever it was I was going to say. I stared at him in shock, pleasant shock. He smiled a little then looked down at his hands. I couldn't believe it, he was being shy. I smiled at the thought. How sweet. I looked down at my hands still smiling.

That was...nice.” Shane's voice was soft.

Yes.” I wanted a witty comment but nothing came to me. “You're really nice.”

Really, that's the best I could come up with. I wanted to smack my forehead.

You, too.” Shane gave me a quick look.

Hey you two! What're you talking about?” Cinder clomped down the dock squeezing in between us.

Nothing.” We said in unison then burst out laughing.

Cinder gave me a look but kept quiet.

We should head back.” Jonas said.

We nodded and walked slowly down the path back towards the camp. Nobody spoke except for a quick goodbye at our cabin.

I didn't know what to say to Cinder. There were too many feelings and not enough words so we lay silently in our beds until sleep came.

Friday, November 9, 2012

My Short Short Camp 31 Story for the Day



We sat on the beach watching the other kids running down the dock and jumping in. The spray shot into the air with each cannonball. The sun was still out but a chill crept into the air. I picked at the sandwich for a while but eventually put it back in the bag. Everyone was having fun, enjoying their last few days of summer, except for me. My best friend was moving away and it just wasn't fair.

Hey! Stop that!” Cinder's laughter broke into my thoughts. Shane and Jonas were splashing her with water. Then Jonas reached out to grab her but before he could Cinder raced up the beach and flopped down next to me dripping all the way.

Hey! You're getting me wet!' I said trying to sound mad.

Jonas collapsed on the sand in front of us breathing heavy. “I think I could fall asleep right here.”

Shane sat down on the other side of Jonas. “Looks like everybody's leaving for the barbeque.”

It wasn't long before the beach was empty except for the four of us. “Should we go?” I asked.

We all looked from one to the other. Cinder grinned and soon Jonas was, too, followed by Shane and then me. The barbeque was a summer end event they had every year. The cooks went all out and the kids loved it. It was the highlight of the summer. But this year, it just didn't feel that important.

Well, what should we do, then?” Cinder asked.

Jonas stood up and brushed the sand off his hands. “I don't know about you but I'm going to...” Just then he scooped Cinder up and rushed towards the lake. She shrieked, kicking and swinging until the fell in a heap on the sand only a few inches from the water.

I stood up dusting my shorts off, laughing at my friend and wishing my arm was all better. Shane fell in step with me as I walked out onto the dock. I settled in at the end careful not to jostle my arm. I dangled my feet into the water and didn't mind the icy coldness nipping at my toes.

I wish summer wasn't almost over.” Shane spoke softly.

Me, too.” I said putting my hand on the dock wishing I had the nerve to look at him.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

My Short Short Camp 30 Story for the Day



Cinder and I walked to the mess hall. It was too late for lunch but too early for dinner. We were hoping maybe the cook was still there and had some leftovers or something. I wasn't really hungry anymore but I didn't know what else to do. The end of summer was looming over us. When we leave camp tomorrow it'll be more than just goodbye, see you tomorrow. It'll be goodbye forever. Tears blurred my vision and I stumbled. Cinder caught me before I fell.

Thanks.” I said swiping the tears away.

It's going to be ok.” Cinder smiled.

But what if we never see each other again? What if you get too busy? What if you find a new best friend? What if you forget about me?” I couldn't stop myself.

It's going to be ok.” Cinder put her arm around my shoulder and started us walking again. “We'll stay in touch. I promise. We can even have sleepovers

sometimes, too. And who knows, we could always go to the same college.”

I stopped and looked at Cinder. I stared at her for a long time. “I sure hope so.”

You'll always be my best friend Melina.” Cinder laughed. “There's no one else quite like you.”

I laughed, too. When we got to the mess hall Jonas and Shane were sitting outside.

What took you so long?” Jonas said with a grin. He held up a brown bag in triumphant.

What's that?” Cinder asked.

Since you two missed lunch we thought you'd be hungry. Just didn't expect to sit here so long waiting.” Jonas held the bag out to us.

Thanks.” I said looking to Jonas and then Shane. I couldn't stop the blush when Shane smiled at me.

Let's go down to the lake.” Cinder said taking the bag and leading the way.

Friday, November 2, 2012

My Short Short Camp 29 Story for the Day



The nurse worked quickly wrapping my arm and putting it in a sling. The pill she gave me worked great, making the throbbing stop.

You have to move this as little as possible. And you can't sleep on it.” She secured the sling and helped me off the table. “And take these only when you absolutely need them. If the pain gets to be too much, come get me.” This last part she directed at Cinder.

We will.” Cinder took my arm like I was an invalid. “Thanks.”

I could only smile at the nurse as we walked out. “I'm hungry.” I said pushing aside how tired I was.

We have to go see the director first. Then we can see about food.” Cinder lead me to the director's office which was only a few doors down from then nurse's office.

Our knock was quickly answered. “Come in.” The director was seated behind his cluttered desk with a phone in one hand. He motioned us to sit down. “Yes, I will. Just a moment. She just walked in.”

I took the phone from him and held it up to my ear. “Hi.” I cleared my throat as it suddenly felt very dry.

Honey, are you ok?” My mom's voice was wonderful.

Yes, I'm alright.” I relaxed a little.

Are you sure you don't want us to come get you?” I noticed the concern in my mom's voice now which made me start to doubt my decision.

I looked at Cinder and her smiled reassured me. “No, I'll be ok. It's only for one more night. Besides the show is tomorrow and I can't let everyone down.” I said hoping I sounded more sure than I felt.

Alright. But call us anytime if you change your mind. Ok?” I knew it was hard for my mom but she didn't press any further.

Thanks Mom. I will.” I smiled. “I love you.”