Orders

            The Spare knew death was always a possibility. He knew that being a Knight of Cydonia – as they liked to refer to themselves – meant he would very well leave St. Benedict behind for combat. With skirmishes brewing in the Middle East, Parliament elected to get involved. They were joining other members of the UN to help calm the tides and provide security for ambassadors and citizens. James didn’t argue when his unit received their orders.

            It was the commands that got him here, staring up at the blue sky. His ears were ringing, as he shifted his head, seeing boots come in and out of cloudy vision. Someone was talking to him, inquiring words he couldn’t hear. The Spare felt himself growing tired, opting to close his eyes instead of follow the flurry of activity.

            Feeling a constant rush of wind, he opened an eye to see the blades of a helicopter. At some point they had put him on a stretcher, thoroughly strapped down as they rushed to the medevac.

            Adjusting his crutch, he started down the hallway. It was slow going, the prosthetic hindering what was normally a casual walk. He remained within the Palace at Latcharbour ever since his return to St. Ben. The media was pressing for an interview, but The Spare continued to decline, promising he would in the near future. For now, he just wanted to feel normal again.

Smile

 Don't worry, I haven't died. Short story updates are in the works. Depends on what my inspiration strikes me with. Enjoy!

Smile

            “This is a bad idea,” she whispered, her voice as soft as a hummingbird’s heartbeat.

            “If this was a bad idea, we wouldn’t be dressed to the nines and waiting for our names to be called,” Zoe says, squeezing her hand tight, the only lifeline of reassurance. “She talked to them, okay?” Eyeing her brother, she watched him step out the doors with his girlfriend linked perfectly on his princely arm. They were greeted with flashbulbs and clapping.

            Shuffling forward, she held tight to the hand clutching her arm. The doors were closed, leaving them shrouded the shadows before their grand entrance. Catching a nod, Zoe looked to the one on her arm and cave her a brief, calming, kiss.

            “Inhale. Exhale. Smile.”

            “Her Royal Highness, Princess Zoe Allegra Alista! And Miss Terra Ann Welton!” The guard announced.

            Together, they smiled and stepped into the light.

Soon Enough

             He paced around the jet, rubbing his hands and ear by his hearing aid. With her feet tucked under her on the couch, Calli watched her boyfriend. For the past few weeks he had assured her he was ready to meet her parents; now she wasn’t so sure. The previous morning he had been tense through breakfast – almost unable to eat – and was continually checking that he had a pair of black dress socks for the appropriate formal occasion that could arise.

            “Casey, please, come sit and relax,” she said, watching as he made another pass before finally turning as her voice seemed to break him from panicked thoughts.

            “Are you sure dhis is a good idea? I don’ dhink I’m dhe one dhey wan’ ‘o see you widh,” he said, rubbing his face and taking a few more steps around the cabin of the private jet.

            “Well, it’s a little late to turn back now. We’ve been in the air for nearly four hours,” she said, patting the cushion next to her. He sank next to her and hid his face in his hands.

            “I jus’ don’ wan’ ‘o make a bad firs’ impression and embarrass you,” he said, looking at his girlfriend. She placed a hand on his cheek, smiling softly and brushing her thumb over his skin.

            “They will love you and understand why I love you,” she said, grabbing a blanket and putting it over him. “Just rest. We’ll be there soon enough.”

Grand Piece

This is a "what if" to Inevitable. Enjoy!

Grand Piece               

            He cuddled the small blanketed bundle, holding her close in the late hour. She fussed, a sure sign she wanted sleep as much as he. Pressing his lips to her forehead, he stepped away from the window to a nightstand. Clicking a button on the tape deck, he smiled as the first track started to fill the room.

             Moving around the nursery in time, he glanced to the frame on the shelf. This was the first song they danced to at their wedding. This grand classical piece always seemed to calm their daughter. Smiling at the memory of his wife, he continued to twirl slowly about the room, reminiscing.

Unforgotten Feelings

           They sat across the table, the blonde woman before him staring at his face. He wasn’t sure what was wrong—she seemed to be speechless but he was unsure why. All he knew was that this was the woman he had sketched, filling up two drawing books. She’d been the one to absorb his thoughts and enter his dreams. And now here she was in the flesh, and all either of them could do, was stare.

            Smiling, he sat, hoping he would speak. His heart beat out of his chest at the sight of this woman. She was everything he drew and more. Glancing at her hands as she clutched the glass of water her knuckles were white, he reached his hand out. Placing his hand on hers, he grinned. The simple wedding band on his finger gleamed up at her as he squeezed her hand gently to ease this tension she seemed to be overcome with.

            Her lips, having been pulled into a taught line, finally turned slightly, a small smile finally slipping on her façade. Returning the expression, he started to pull his hand away, but was stopped when she took his. Following her eyes, he saw her gazing at his ring. He had no idea where it was from, but that it signified his union with someone. The inkling at the back of his mind that they were married made his heart race. She must have been the one.

Wandering Mind, Yearning Heart

 This is definitely going to be longer. But for now, a shortened version of what's to come! And it's part of the #royalty series!

Wandering Mind, Yearning Heart

            Nothing in the pages made sense. Every turn of the sketch book continued to puzzle him. The faces were familiar, but he couldn’t put names to them. He could guess and call these strangers whatever he wanted, but that’s all they were; strangers. Two months in this hospital and he’d filled up four books with the same people. Each book now spread across the table before him.

            Flipping the page of one, he watched the people change. Expressions of the same person filled one page before shifting to someone new. The facial features were similar, which lead him to believe they were all related. But kin to whom, he wasn’t sure. His next book had three children, happy, carefree and grinning up at him. However the final two books were his biggest mystery. A woman stared up at him with penetrating eyes despite her smile.

            Tentative, his finger traced the pencil, leaving a small smudge. No one could tell him who these people were; they were as clueless as he. Sighing, he closed the other books and continued to stare at her. Flipping a few pages, he stopped again, staring at another joyful expression gracing her delicate features. Still nothing signaled he knew her name. Inhaling deeply, he tried to calm his pounding heart; some part of him remembered her, yearned and loved her.

            He just wished the rest of him would catch up with his heart.

Wedding Whispers

Finally the long awaited update! I've been busy in my new department at work, so it's been hogging my mind. Hopefully you won't have to wait so long!

Wedding Whispers

            It had been a nerve-wracking morning. He was up early thanks to his brother dragging him from bed. Breakfast followed, although he wasn’t sure he could keep it down with how his stomach kept clenching. A lot of people would be watching today, the thought making him even more anxious. After downing two cups of tea, he pulled on his tux.

            Leaving the room he had been given, he headed down to the car. It was about time he get to the church. Much to his chagrin, he had to wait while the rest of the events took place. Climbing from the car as it slid to a stop, he smiled and waved to the people cheering that had gathered outside. This was going to be his new life as a prince; continually being in the public eye with his soon-to-be wife and already princess.

            Hours passed as finally the guests started to arrive and take their seats. Peeking out, he could see that all the seats had been filled, including those for his family and the Royal Family. Pacing in the back room, he looked up as someone gave him his cue to enter. Taking a deep breath, he walked out to the altar, back turned. Staying quiet as the rest of the ceremony began, he could hear everyone stand as the music played and she walked down the aisle.

            Finally turning to see his bride, he grinned at how beautiful she was. Accepting her hand, they turned forward.

            “You look gorgeous,” he whispered.

Quiet Patio

            Everyone seemed to be tracking his movements. With most tables full, he looked for a quiet place to sit among the murmuring and watchful eyes. Kids at his old school had long since accepted him; but now he was forced to play “new kid.” It was painfully obvious because his lack of uniform. Having finished moving into his dorm, now seemed like the perfect time to snag lunch.

            His parents meant the best for himself, his twin and their cousin. This boarding school would be a good place to restart. At least, he felt it would be for everyone else. Keeping his eyes averted after giving up his search for an empty table, he moved for the doors to the patio. Crowds weren’t his thing. The only thing he could be thankful for was being unable to hear most of their hushed voices. Slipping out the door, he was greeted by chirping birds and a slight breeze.

            Most the tables were vacant save for a girl and a man that appeared to be a teacher. Noticing the girl, he smiled and moved towards a table next to hers. She was munching on a salad, and seemed a tad lonely since she was outdoors by herself. Sinking into a chair, he sighed in content. All he wanted was lunch and to hide away. It only took a second before he was eagerly feasting on the sauce-drenched meatloaf.

            In the corner of his eye, he could see the lonely girl starting to pack her things. His shoulders sunk as he saw her stand; he’d ruined her peaceful lunch. Stirring the mashed potatoes and corn into a swirled mound, he looked up hearing the clatter of dishes. Somehow she’d ended up on the floor. On his feet, he was at her side and started to clean up the spilled romaine and iceberg mix that now littered the concrete. She still seemed stunned, but appeared unharmed. Getting everything back into place, he smiled, holding out his hand to help her up.

            As she stood with his aid, he felt his heart pound; he continued to stare, unable to look away. Returning the gaze, an equally small grin in thanks, she glanced to the man he’d earlier assumed was a teacher. Speaking to this girl in some unknown language, he let her fingers slip from his own as she walked off with the strange, tall, man.

            Alone, he blinked a few times after several minutes. She was the first to ever stop him in his tracks. Gathering the garbage and trays, he ducked inside to return the trays; he was suddenly looking forward to this school year.

Cowardly Lion

            He was rooted just outside the door. A cacophony of voices flooded the otherwise quiet hallway each time it was opened. Trying to work himself up to entering, he would back away and pace by the windows. The way he paced reminded him of a caged tiger. But he was no fearless tiger; more like the Cowardly Lion.

            Crowds were never his “thing.” In fact, he had done well to avoid them, especially when located in small spaces. Now, he could never get away. Being married to a princess had its benefits… and of course his biggest fear. Swallowing as he tugged at his tie, he once again approached the door—unfortunately chickening out at the last minute. Returning to the windows in defeat, he sighed.

            Someone must have mentioned to the princess that her husband was struggling, for moments later, she came around the corner. She glowed as she approached, her smile instantly brightening his otherwise dismal mood.

            She needn’t speak a word. Slipping her hand in his, their fingers entwined and she pressed her lips to his. The shaking he had developed  seemed to dissipate as they separated. Fixing his tie with her free hand, she turned and took his arm.

            They would enter together.

Inevitable

            Everything in the room beeped. Or at least they had some kind of bell or whistle. The most prominent being the heart monitor. It was calming to hear it consistently peep with each pulse; the line steady with each flicker. Two days had passed, and there was still no change. He’d barely left her bedside; peeling himself away to go eat and shower, or visit their newborn in the nursery. By this point, he knew his way around the hospital with his eyes closed. Every few hours of sitting in his wife’s room, he’d wander to hold their daughter.

            But now, he was back to her room; he hoped today would be when he’d see her eyes open. When squeezing her hand would result in a response and finally she could meet their baby. Reaching over, he took her hand and pressed his lips to the back and held it between both of his palms. Beep. Beep. Beep. Her pulse remained as unchanged as it had two days ago after her emergency C-section. Pressing her hand to his cheek, he wished to feel her fingers through his hair or hold her close and inhale her fruity shampoo. Kissing her hand once more, his eyes focused on her face, currently marred by the wires and breathing mask.

            In the back of his weary mind, there was doubt that she would never open her eyes again; that they would never be a family. The inevitable. He couldn’t imagine being alone to raise their daughter, to know that they would never be together again.

            Shaking his head to rid himself of the thoughts, he reached up to wipe the tears that were slipping down his cheeks. The door opened, revealing a doctor to update the charts. Glancing to the woman, he watched her check the fluids and jot a few things down before she turned to retreat. Pausing, she placed a hand on his shoulder, giving him an encouraging smile. A moment later, she was gone and he was once again alone. Beep. Beep. Beep.