Alone in the Woods, part 10

I was surrounded by tall clothing racks full of solid color jumpsuits in red and yellow. These were what everybody had been wearing outside. They all looked the same. Although another rack had pants and shirts. Okay so there was a little bit of variation.

"Welcome to your one stop uniform shop!" I jumped at the perky voice next to me. I looked over to see a young woman with short dark hair wearing a yellow suit. "What is that crazy getup?" She stared at my clothes.

"It's a costume," I lied.

"You better not let any Blues see you in that."

"I already have and I explained the situation to him. I'm filming a movie with some friends. They have permits."

"Oh, yeah? Which web is it on? Will I get to see it this week?"

"Web?"

"You know, dark web, mainstream web, military web, whatever."

Before I gave myself away I blurted out, "It's for the dark web. It's a horror movie!"

"Nice! You gotta punch in your yerly for me."

"Yerly?"

"Your U-R-L."

"Oh, right." I didn't have a clue what she was talking about.

She touched a spot on her wrist and it glowed! Words appeared on a tiny screen. It was like something out of James Bond...or Secret Squirrel. I could feel my breath coming in quick pants. In a few more minutes I was bound to pass out. But I had to know what the hell had happened to me and where I was.

"I actually don't know the URL, but I can get it to you later. I'm sorry, but I'm feeling a little dizzy, like I might have blacked out and lost time." I had heard about that in a science fiction movie once. "Can you tell me what day it is? Do you have a calendar?"

"Sure I do. Don't you? Where's your display?" She grabbed my hand and I pulled it back quickly.

"It's malfunctioning. Can I see your calendar?"

She swiped her wrist again and a mini calendar appeared. June 2036.

I grabbed hold of the clothing rack and nearly fell over. It was still June, but I had somehow jumped ahead sixty years!

"Hey, you a'right? You don't look well."

"I need some air," I whispered before stumbling out the door.

Alone in the Woods, part 9

I whirled back to face a man dressed in a blue uniform and my heart nearly stopped. I swallowed hard and put on a fake smile.
"Hi!" I put out my hand, but he just glanced at it briefly before staring into my wide eyes. "I'm from the local talent agency. I was told to come here for an advertising campaign. I'm just waiting for the crew. Hopefully this is the right walkway. Is there another walkway that's more central? Have you seen a camera crew? Have you seen others dressed like me? We were told what to wear. I know my clothes are totally trippy, but that's all it is. A costume." I took a deep breath and the blue stared at me like I was crazy. I was getting used to it.

"A commercial, huh? That's pretty retro. Nobody does that anymore, well not since the twenties."

"The twenties?" The twenties?!?

"I know it's hard to believe it's been ten years already since the end of network television." He looked at my outfit for a few moments and nodded. "You do look vintage. Is it for that Remembrance store?"

"Yes, I think it is! The agency didn't tell me that much. It think it's a secret campaign."

"Okay, I won't tell a soul."

"Hey, thanks! If you see the crew would you let me know? I'll just wait here so I don't accidentally walk off and miss them."

"Sure. And if I run into them I will bring them over."

"Wonderful! I really appreciate it!" My fake smile was still frozen in place as he walked away. What the hell had he been saying? The end of network television? The twenties? He couldn't have been referring to the 1920s. There was no TV then. I had to take a chance and find out more. Apparently my story was believable enough in case anybody looked at me weird or asked questions. I ducked into the first open door I came to.

Alone in the Woods, part 8

The shopping center was massive. When I stepped through the walkway I could see another row of shops on the other side of a parking lot. The cars looked like a rainbow sea, with designated areas for each color. I hung back in the shadows observing the people who seemed to be dressed as colorfully as their vehicles. Bright red, yellow and pink (for the children) matching outfits passed by each other without acknowledgement of any kind. There were a few people dressed in blue positioned every few feet.

These must be what that strange family had warned me about. They looked like military of some kind.

My head was spinning. This had to be a dream. A very vivid dream. I could smell food cooking and could feel the heat of the sun. I was too scared to walk among them. I would stick out like a sore thumb in my orange pants and lime green gingham shirt.

I was about to slip away quietly, when a voice behind me asked, "Who are you? How did you get here?"

Alone in the Woods, part 7

I ran along the newly paved path, clutching my fancy bottle of water, and didn't stop until I had to catch my breath. I listened for a minute, but heard nothing but the whisper of trees. I hadn't noticed before, but I didn't hear any birds or planes. We lived in a flight path and usually there were planes overhead at least every few hours or so.

Finally I made it to the main highway, but what I saw made my blood run cold.

There were buildings everywhere!

When I had arrived yesterday this was nothing but a lonely road full of farms. Strange cars passed by in bright colors, but they hardly made any sound at all. People across the road were milling about among what I determined to be stores. It was a shopping center. A really big shopping center. How could this have appeared overnight?

I had to investigate.

Alone in the Woods, part 6

"What is it?" I asked.

"You're weird," the little boy replied.

I swallowed. "Thank you for the compliment," I said with a smile. "I pride myself on being different." I looked up at the couple. "Thank you for the water."

"You're welcome," the dad said warily. "What are you doing out here in the woods all alone, if you don't mind my asking."

"My friends ditched me. My friends who are no longer my friends, that is."

"They ditched you?" The mom asked. "You mean they just drove away and left you all alone? Are they insane? You could've been killed out here. You should never be alone. Ever."

I was getting a little spooked. These were the strangest people I had ever met. They were all dressed in matching red outfits, like they were going to pose for a family portrait or something. Their little car looked like a spaceship and had these official little stickers on it giving it access to some special lane. Even their tent was strange. It was round! I had never seen such a thing. Obviously they weren't from around here. Maybe they were from Canada?

"Well, I'll be going now." I backed away slowly, each of us staring at the other. I broke into a run.

"Stay on the road! Don't talk to the blues!" The dad shouted behind me. What the hell? What was a blue? Hopefully I wouldn't find out.

Alone in the Woods, part 5

I curled in trying to keep warm. The cold wind I had felt when I first walked in kept blowing intermittently throughout the night. Then I thought I heard voices. I would wake up and could've sworn I heard my friends calling to me. At one point I even called back. That was silly. They had left me here.

Finally the sun came up. the warmth piercing through the coldness of the cave. I sat up and stretched. Ow. I felt more tired than I did when I went to sleep. My whole body ached. How was I going to hike anywhere, let alone miles back to town? I had to try. I pulled myself up and walked slowly into the morning light. At least it was warmer. I unzipped my windbreaker and tied it around my waist.

Thankfully there was a clear road leading the way out. I stared at the ground. How odd. I could've sworn it was just a dirt road when we arrived, but it was paved smooth, like a city street. Well, at least it was cleaner. I sure didn't want to walk through the dirt getting my keds all grody.

As I walked down the road I listened carefully to the sounds of the forest. I heard children laughing. People! I was so thirsty; hopefully they would share their supplied with me. I rounded a curve and saw a family. The parents were putting up a tent, while their kids played tag. After a few seconds the kids seemed to get bored and sat down at the picnic table. They each pulled a flat little box out of their pockets and proceeded to stare at them, completely ignoring each other. What could be so fascinating that they would give up a fun game of tag? I loved tag and I wasn't even a kid!

"Hello!" I called out, waving my hand.

The kids looked up in fear and ran behind their parents. Gee, I didn't think I looked that intimidating.

The dad held out his hands as if trying to placate me. "We ddidn't bring any money with us. Please, just leave us in peace."

"Sorry?" I was getting a little freaked out by these people. "I was just going to ask for a cup of water."

They looked relieved. The mom said, "Oh, water! Sure! We have some water." She ran to a fancy cooler and took out a clear bottle. It was so beautiful, almost like glass art. She handed it to me. "Here ya go."

"You're giving that to me? It looks so expensive."

They all laughed at me. "It's just bottled water! Haven't you ever seen a bottle of water before?" The little boy asked.

I shook my head as I tried to open the top. The little girl took it from my hands. "Like this." She pulled the small cap upward and it produced a drinking hole. She turned it upside down and squeezed, making the water squirt out in a stream.

"Where did you get this? It's incredible!" I took the bottle back and squirted a stream into my mouth and then laughed.

They all stood there staring at me like I was a lunatic.

Alone in the Woods, part 4

A cold wind blew through me as I approached the mouth of the cave. It was almost as if the darkness was calling me. I held my breath, but went inside anyway. Immediately I felt warmer. Yes, this would definitely be better than trying to sleep out among the trees, where anything could fall on my head. Leaves. Bugs. Bird poop. No thanks.

Afraid I might get lost again, I decided against walking in any farther. Besides, if Yogi or Boo Boo was lurking inside I would easily be able to run out and climb a tree. 

Wait. Couldn't bears climb trees, too? Dangit!

I found a smooth piece of ground and curled up. A good night's sleep was all I needed. Then I would be able to hike back down the road to town and find a pay phone. Boy, were my friends gonna get it!

Alone in the Woods, part 3

I sat down on a tree stump and waited.

And waited.

I recited the alphabet, counted up to a hundred and tried spelling my name backwards a few times. My friends hadn't come back for me. The sun was getting closer to the horizon line and I did not want to be out here alone in the dark.

I had two choices. I could go back to the cave and sleep there until morning or I could try to walk back to town.

Both held little appeal. Janice was the girl scout, not me. I didn't even want to go on this stupid camping trip. I hated the outdoors! I longed for my clean bedroom, with my pink canopy bed and princess telephone. I wanted to paint my toenails, while watching The Tonight Show. Slumber parties beat camping trips any day of the week.

Deciding there was no way I'd make it back to town before nightfall I headed back to the cave.

Alone in the Woods, part 2

How could my friends just up and leave me like that? I walked down the hill back to our campsite. When I reached the clearing it was empty. It was as if we had never been there at all. Even my own belongings were gone!

"Not funny, gang!" I yelled. If those jerk-offs thought I would be going camping with them ever again they had another thought coming.

I checked my watch again. The time read 1:15 pm, the same as when I had checked several minutes ago. I lifted my wrist to my ear. Silence. "Dangit!" I thought I had wound it before we left! I turned the fob until it wouldn't go any further. The second hand started running again, but I had no inkling what time it really was. By the position of the sun in the sky, I would guess it had to be close to dinnertime.

And I had no food or water. Or shelter.

My friends were going to be back any second. I was sure of it. Then we would all have a laugh.

Ha ha, very funny.

Alone in the Woods, part 1

I stumbled outside and pain shot through my head, bringing me to my knees. I had to shut my eyes against the brightness of the sun's rays. How long had it been since I had seen daylight? It seemed like I had been wandering around in that cave for days. I squinted and checked my watch. Two hours? That couldn't be right!

I glanced around. Where were my friends? "Hello!" I called out, getting no reply but an echo of my own voice. I was alone.

-

This story started out as merely a description of my headache. Interesting how one thing leads to another.

Pirate Fantasy, part 7

Edward brought three men with him to meet with Hopewell one last time. The older man came to greet him as soon as he entered the villa.

"Ah, there you are, Lafitte! Thank you for agreeing to have the ceremony so quickly. You'll understand if I don't let my daughter leave here without such protection."

"Absolutement, Monsieur Hopewell. I, too, am eager to take my bride away wis me." More than the old man realized.

They adjourned down a long corridor to a small chapel. His bride was already waiting there with her mother by her side. She was stunning, dressed in a gown of white satin with tiny flowers in her hair. For a moment he forgot how to breathe. At her wide eyed stare he remembered who he was supposed to be. He stepped up to her and bowed gracefully. "Mademoiselle, it ees an honor to have one so lovely as you for my wife. I assure you will have zee best of everysing."

Carina curtsied. "Thank you, Monsieur. You honor me, as well." She stared at the floor. It was too bad. He longed to gaze into her eyes.

The minister joined their hands together and began the ceremony. An hour later Edward's men were loading the last trunk onto his ship. He helped his wife step aboard. "Welcome to your new home, my love."

Carina stopped and glanced at his face. "I'm sorry. Did you just lose your accent, sir?"

"All will be explained shortly. First, let me show you and your maid to your rooms." He led the two women downstairs and opened a door to a large suite. "This is my room, but consider it yours now." She blushed at his words. "Do not fret. I promise not to enter this room without your permission." He saw her visibly relax. "I will let your maid help you settle in, before I show her to her cabin." He left them alone.

Carina grabbed the other woman's arms. "We did it!"

Mrs. Hopewell looked up at her from beneath the large ruffle of her mobcap. "I find it hard to believe no one recognized me."

"Why would anyone suspect you would be disguised as a maid?"

"I warn you, I have no such skills whatsoever." Her mother smiled.

Carina laughed. "I'm sure we'll be able to take care of ourselves."

Edward Lafitte gave a farewell salute to the island as they sailed away. Then he went below to visit his captain. "Sir, we are away. Our contacts should be raiding the villa even now."

"Good. Good. I'm sure they'll find plenty of damning evidence of Hopewell's betrayal to the Crown."

Edward nodded. "I have a wife!" He sighed happily.

"Congratulations, my boy. Is she pretty?"

"She is a goddess."

"Then what are you doing here? It's your wedding night!"

"Sir, we've only just met. I would never force my attentions on her."

"Oh. You married a woman you only just met? How does that happen?"

"We rescued her, remember?"

"Right! Did I ever tell you I tried to rescue a damsel in distress?"

"Yes, sir. You did at that. What happened?"

"I wanted to marry the girl, but her father forbid it. I knew she loved me, so I vowed I would steal her away. I plotted and planned for weeks, but when I returned with my crew I discovered she was to marry another. Women can be so fickle." He stared at the wall, telling Edward he was done talking.

Pirate Fantasy, part 6

Edward sat down by his captain. "It's done, sir. Hopewell is drawing up the contracts right now. By this time tomorrow we should be on our way from here."

"You're a good lad. A good lad. Did I ever tell you I also once tried to rescue a damsel in distress?"

"No, sir." Edward wondered if the man was delirious.

"She was so beautiful, hair of gold and eyes of blue. She lived on an island."

"Sir, I think you are confusing things."

"Oh. Maybe, I am." He looked sad. "I tend to forget things lately."

"It's all right. I will keep you informed." He got up to leave.

"Keep her safe, my boy."

Edward looked back, but the old man was asleep.


Carina paced her room. Francesca had just brought news of her future husband. He was a pirate! She hoped he was a good man. She had never heard of a kind pirate, but she was sure there had to be some. He could be like Robin Hood, taking from the wealthy and giving to the poor.

She walked to the window and stared out at the water, hoping to catch a glimpse of his ship, but there was nothing there. It was probably on the other side of the island. She sighed and looked over at her lunch of cold pheasant and fruit. She hoped her husband would feed her lobster.

She was startled when her mother burst into the room. She rushed over and took hold of her hand. "Daughter, I must throw myself on your mercy. Your father is punishing you for my past indiscretion."

Carina was shocked. She had never seen her mother as anything less than composed. "Whatever do you mean?"

"I had sworn never to reveal my secret, which is the reasonI haven't been attentive to you these last few years. I love you, my daughter, but it is just so painful to see you each day and be reminded of love lost."

"What are you saying? Do I remind you of your younger self so much?"

"You do, yes, but it's your father I see in you most of all, and it feels like my heart being torn from my chest whenever I see his beautiful eyes looking back at me." She smiled sadly.

"I never thought I favored my father much."

"Hopewell is not your father," she said in disgust. "My own father forced me to marry him when he found out I was with child."

Carina froze, her head starting to spin. "I'm a bastard?" She gripped the edge of the table for support.

"To the rest of the world you are legitimate. My father made sure of that."

"Why didn't you marry my real father? Was he already married?"

"No He was a captain on a merchant ship. He had regular business here with my father. We became friends, then sweethearts. I gave myself to him on his last night here and he promised to return and marry me. I believed him. I had loved him so very much. I never saw him again. He never even knew about you." Silent tears rolled down her mother's cheeks.

Carina's heart clenched as she listened to her mother's pain. She wiped away her tears and embraced her. "I'm so sorry. Do you think he perished in the sea?"

She shook her head. "I found out years later that he had returned just as he promised. A few weeks after our night together he asked my father for permission to wed me. But my father had loftier expectations for my future. My husband never forgave me for bearing another man's child."

She chuckled. "I think he was more upset that the man had been a common sailor, rather than a nobleman. And he blames you for us never being able to have more children. Now he has searched for the most despicable of husbands for you. He is practically crowing over the fact he's marrying you off to a sailor, and a disgusting one at that. I am so sorry."

"Mother, do not despair. I am ready to meet my fate and the new adventures that await me. Anything is better than being stuck in a tower for the rest of my days." She stared out at the vast blue. "The sea calls to me."

"Just like your father." She held her daughter tight. "I wish I could go with you."

Carina smiled to herself. "Maybe you can. I have an idea."

Pirate Fantasy, part 5

The office was immense. It was more like a library, with books lining three of the four walls. Directly across from the entry was a set of large french doors that opened to a patio and garden. Throughout the room was plush furniture for conversation or lounging.

"If you are quite finished examining my office you may have a seat, Mr. Lafitte!" Old Hopewell bellowed.

Edward tilted his head, hoping to express he was not impressed, as he slowly took a seat across from the massive mahogany desk. In a practiced French accent he said, "Merci, Monsieur Hopewell. It ees an interesting little home you have here on ziss island."

"You think my home little?"

"Forgive me. My English iz not so good. I find it... quaint?" He fluttered his hands at the room. "My own estate is quite large and can accommodate two of you own. But zen I have many people who work for me and live on my property. I am a very powerful man looking for an equally powerful family in zee Americas wiss whom I may combine resources."

"What can you offer me in exchange for my daughter's hand?"

What a pig! He was selling his daughter off with no care for her feelings? He cleared his throat. "I have many trading ships. I am zee most powerful trader in all of Europe, and soon to be zee Americas. Zere is no one comes close to my connections and operations."

Hopewell grinned at him and nodded, looking him up and down. There was actually a twinkle in the old man's eyes. Edward tried not to shudder at the fact this man would give his daughter over to an obvious pirate.

"You'll do nicely."

A woman's gasp came from across the room. She had been half hiding in the shadows of a bookshelf. She stepped into the light. "You cannot be serious, Chester!"

"Do not speak against me, woman! You of all people should not be surprised by my choice." He glared over at her and she shrank back, staring at the floor.

Edward maintained his persona and flashed an arrogant smirk at the old man. "We must keep our women in zere places, yes!" He laughed loudly.

Chester Hopewell stood and extended his hand to seal the deal. "I will have a marriage contract drawn up immediately. We can have the ceremony at your earliest convenience."

"Zat would be most appreciated." Edward shook the disgusting man's hand before turning to go. He was in shock. What sort of man would give his daughter to a pirate? For all he knew she could be sold into slavery or used among the men on the ship. He was not about to let anything like that ever happen to his midnight angel. Once she was his he would protect her with his life. For she would soon be his wife in truth.

Pirate Fantasy, part 4

Chester Hopewell sat back in his gloriously plush desk chair and puffed away on his cigar. He eyed the man who hoped to marry his daughter. "Why should I let you wed her?"

Douglas Redding, Esquire came from new money in America. Something to do with railroads or shipping or something. He was the youngest son in that family, though, and most likely did not stand to inherit much at all. Businesses usually fell upon the eldest sons. He had a weak chin and a lisp.

"Thir, I can athure you your daughter would not want for anything. I will treat her like a queen!" He smiled proudly.

"Why the hell should I care what you can do for that chit? Tell me what you can do for ME!"

Douglass shrank under the older man's intense glare. "Well, I-I-I'm not thure what you mean, thir. My family is quite rethpectable, revered in fact. It thertainly would not hurt your reputathion should our families align."

"Get out, you ninny!" He nodded to his butler. "Send in the next candidate, Collins."

"Right away, Sir." He led Mr. Redding away and announced the next potential groom. "Mr. Jebediah Crabbich."

Mr. Hopewell squinted at the skinny, smarmy old man as he daintily seated himself across from his desk. "And tell me why I should let you marry my daughter."

The older man snickered and licked his lips. "I own several thousand acres of certain medicinal plants, if you take my meaning."

Hopewell sat up straighter and raised his eyebrows. "I think I do." He smiled.

Outside the office, Edward paced in the hallway. He was next. Thankfully, his informant on the island had met with him late last night when they docked in the cove. The man had mentioned the husband interviews and that Hopewell was seeking someone to align his business with. Edward had the perfect proposition, not that he had any intent of making good on it.

Upon hearing that the man apparently had no love for his daughter, Edward decided a disguise was in order. After all, the man surely would not want his daughter to have a happy marriage to a nice gentleman. That idea held more merit when he viewed the trail of men who had left with their tails between their legs. Each one was more hideous than the last.

The butler led out the next man and pointed to Edward. He reached up and adjusted his eye patch, stroked a hand over his facial hair, adjusted his sword and pistol and followed the servant into the lion's den.

Pirate Fantasy, part 3

Edward forgot how to breathe as he gazed upon the girl in the window. She had golden hair that hung to her waist, full pouting lips and big sad eyes. He wanted nothing more in this moment than to make them shine with joy. Why was she so unhappy? Could she be a prisoner? He hadn't been made aware of such happenings here. He knew this island well, including every access point to the entire fortress. If she was being held against her will he would make it his personal mission to rescue her.

"What you lookin' at?"

Edward barely heard Cookie, but spoke, still mesmerized. "An angel in white."

"Ya don't say? Might I take a gander at such a vision? I've ne'er seen an angel meself."

Reluctantly he passed his glass to his friend and pointed. "See that light in the distance there?"

"O'ho! She is indeed a beauty. So sad, though."

"I think she may be a prisoner."

"Or perhaps she's Hopewell's daughter. I'd be miserable too, were he my da."

Edward chuckled. "Either way, we need to get her out of there."

Cookie nodded. "I agree. Fire is about to erupt. We don't want the little lady caught in the crossfire. 'Sides, she might be mighty grateful, if ye catch me meaning."

"I do, indeed." Her gratitude would be most welcome, especially if she afforded him a thank you kiss. "I need to tell Captain."

"You do that," Cookie smiled knowingly as the boy walked away. He was the only other one on board who knew of the captain's illness, but had sworn loyalty to Edward. He knew the rest of the crew would do the same when they found out he had been their leader all this time.

Pirate Fantasy, part 2

Edward stared out at the waves, letting the lull of the water calm him. Being on the ocean was home to him. He had never felt like he belonged anywhere until he was taken aboard this ship. That was nearly ten years ago. He knew this ship like it was his own. Someday it would be.

"What ye be doin' out here, boyo?" Old Jim croaked. "Dreaming again?"

"Drinking again, Jim?"

"Always!" He laughed and tottered off.

Poor Jim. He hadn't been the same since his wife died last year. He had been out on a job when she passed. Fortunately their three sons were there taking care of her. Jim had provided for his family the best way he knew how, even if he had missed out on raising his children.

Edward knew he would never have a family of his own. He could never give up this life and he would not want to abandon his family. A ship was no place to raise children.

After one last gaze out at the waves he walked around the deck, inspecting rigging and making sure everyone was doing their jobs. He had come a long way since his thankless job as cabin boy.

"Evenin', Eddie!"

"Evenin' Cookie. Out for a smoke?"

"That and some fresh air, mate. It's hotter than Hades down below, especially in the kitchen."

"That it is. It's calm enough to sleep on deck tonight, if you prefer."

"I might indeed."

"And I just might join you." With a pat on his back from Cookie, Edward finished up his rounds, before heading down below to the Captain's quarters. He rapped quietly before stepping inside. He walked over to the bed and looked down at his mentor.

"Ah, Edward my boy, you're here."

"And where else would I be, Sir?"

"Oh, I don't know. Out looking for mermaids, perhaps? You're a fine looking lad. They would not be able to resist you." He laughed until he started wheezing.

Edward quickly helped him sit up. "Here now." He grabbed a mug off the table and made him drink.

"What would I have done without you these last few years? You are literally my right hand." He waved his stump of an arm in the air then let it drop to stare at the wall.

This strange behavior was happening with more frequency. Edward had secretly been making all decisions for years, ever since their ship had been bombed by an enemy of The Crown. The Captain had been severely injured and had never fully recovered. He made an appearance to the crew every now and then, but usually it was to tell them all that Edward was in charge when he wasn't around. That hadn't been a problem, as he was well liked by all. He just didn't want to make all the decisions alone. Sadly, his captain could no longer help him.

After seeing to his captain's comfort Edward went back to his favorite spot on deck, staring out at the waves. A point of light caught his eye and he glanced up. It looked like a window. He pulled out his spyglass.

Gazing out of that window was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen!

Pirate Fantasy

Carina stared out the window of her parents' island estate, at the vast expanse of dark blue. The sun had set nearly an hour ago, but under the moonlight she could make out the white tips of the chopping waves. How she longed to sail away from here. She didn't even care where she went. Anywhere was better than this prison.
She slapped her hand against the stone wall. No matter how much plaster was slathered over it, the imposing weight of what was beneath radiated through.

"Miss Hopewell, I have your dinner."

She turned to see Frannie or Fanny. Or was it Federica? It seemed like her mother hired a new lady's maid every other month. What had been the problem with Anna? Was it that she had been too nice? Carina still longed for her first maid, Beth. They had been close in age and she had sorely needed a friend when she had first come home from boarding school. She heaved out a sigh. There was no point dwelling on the past. It had been two years.

Now her life was this tower cell awaiting an arranged marriage.

"Thank you, um--"

"Francesca, Miss."

"Yes, thank you, Francesca." Carina sat down to dine on roast beef and asparagus in a rich cream sauce. One would suppose when one lived on an island there would be an abundance of seafood. Of course, since it was her favorite, her parents would never serve it. God forbid, they allow their daughter a modicum of pleasure. She chewed the beef slowly, while longing for branzino.

"Will there be anything else, Miss?"

"No, thank you. Good night." She watched her maid leave then set down her fork. She got up and went back to the window. She let the waves calm her worried mind.

Out in the distance, still out of sight, a small ship with black sails crept around the far side of the island.

The Clown, part 6

"It's okay! It's okay. Shhh, calm down." Brad's voice soothed me as my breathing normalized. "You were just dreaming."

"We need to get away from here." I was hysterical. "There's something wrong with this place. I've never had nightmares like that before. I've never seen clowns as evil, but I keep dreaming about that one in the lobby, even before we got here!"

"Okay, hon. We don't have to stay here. I just want you to be happy. I thought this place would be fun."

"I thought it would be, too. I loved it when we first got here. The energy is just bad."

The sun was coming up, warming the chills in my body. I was so eager to leave, I didn't bother to change my clothes. I jumped out of bed and grabbed my suitcase. "Race you downstairs!"

"Hey! No fair." Brad got up more slowly. He was never much of a morning person.

"I'll drive." I went downstairs and put my suitcase in the trunk before heading to the lobby. The desk clerk was the same cheerful guy from last night.

"Hiya! Did you sleep well? You got the quiet room, ya know?"

"I noticed. Unfortunately we need to leave sooner than expected." I handed over my room key just as Brad walked up behind me. He turned in his key as well.

"Interesting place you have," Brad said kindly.

"Why, thank you. We think so."

"We?" I asked, glancing over at the clown collection. The giant clown doll was missing. My body started trembling again.

"What is it?" Brad gently ran his hands along my arms, trying to soothe me.

"I'll be outside." I left without another word, unable to stay in there any longer. Brad joined me a minute later. I turned to him and hugged him tight. "I'm so sorry, Brad. I didn't mean to ruin your special weekend."

"What are you talking about? It's not ruined. I only planned for us to stay here one night anyway. We're headed to Las Vegas, baby!"

I looked up at him in surprise. "Vegas!"

"Let's do it. Let's get married. I hear they have a circus wedding chapel over there." He smiled, his eyebrows wiggling up and down."

I laughed. "Yes! I would love to marry you in a circus chapel, you goofball."

"I was hoping you'd say that because our families are waiting for us."

"WHAT?"

"Surprise?" 

I laughed and gave him a shove. "Some surprise!"

He chuckled. "Sorry, you know I can't keep a secret. Just act surprised when we walk in, okay?"

"Sure." Tears suddenly filled my eyes. I loved this man so much. Not only did he understand me unlike anyone else, but he put up with all my weirdness. No, he embraced it. "I love you."

"I love you, too. Let's get going."

We jumped in the car and headed for Sin City, where we would become a traditionally (or untraditionally) married couple.

--

Back in the lobby, the desk clerk's smile became a frown as he watched the car speed away. "Dammit, Larry! What happened?"

A skinny man walked out from the back room wearing the blue and yellow striped clown suit. He held a large butcher knife. "I dunno, man! I was about to go in when this black and white clown just appeared in front of the door. Like, out of thin air! He glared at me and shook his head, so I got the hell outta there fast!"

--

The End.

The Clown, part 5

I awoke to a cool cloth on my face. It felt nice. I slowly opened my eyes to find Brad looking down at me with panic in his eyes.

"Thank God," he whispered.

"What happened," I asked, unable to remember anything prior to our arrival.

"You fainted, gave me a heart attack."

"Oh, is that all? Maybe I'm just hungry or something?"

He nodded slowly, then smiled shyly. "Is it possible you could be pregnant?"

I stared at him in shock. Would he be happy about it if I was? We had never discussed children before. "Um, I don't think I am...but what if I was? What would you do? Out of curiosity, that is."

Brad sat back as I tried to move into a sitting position against the headboard. How did I get in bed? I suddenly remembered I had been standing. Did he carry me? Whoa. He was stronger than he appeared. That made me feel good. Such a big strong, sweet lovable guy would make a great daddy. Wait, why was I suddenly thinking about kids?

"Huh, ya know I never really thought about it before. I mean the idea was floating out there like some far off maybe someday fantasy, but I hadn't really considered it seriously. Me, a father? Of course, you would be an awesome mother, no question. But if you were pregnant I think I'd be really happy."

I smiled, feeling such a glow of love in my heart for this man. "Good to know. I think you would be an exceptional father. I should know, right? I had the best."

"Yeah, he was a great man. I still miss him."

"Me, too." My dad had been so funny and kind and had brought joy to so many people as a clown until the circus closed down... "Oh, god." I just remembered what I had seen outside the window.

"What is it?"

"You're gonna think I've totally lost it, but I thought I saw a clown walking out in the cemetery."

"Really? That's creepy! Do you think the hotel does that just to freak out the guests? It is close to Halloween."

"Oh, I hadn't thought about that. Maybe you're right!" I laughed. That had to be it. Right?

"Let's get some sleep, so we can go exploring in the morning."

"Yeah, good idea." We didn't bother to undress. I could barely move, so Brad just put his arms around me and we slept.

I dreamed of my father. He was dressed in his old black and white clown costume, patiently teaching me how to juggle. We started out with bean bags, then moved to balls, then pins. When he handed me a knife I was shocked. I looked up at him to ask him why, but it wasn't him. It was the evil looking clown from the lobby! And he was handing me another knife, but this one was covered in blood.

I woke up screaming!

The Clown, part 4

I whirled to face my boyfriend, the guy that was supposed to love me and make me feel safe. I gave him a big shove and he stumbled away.

"What was that for?"

"You booked us in a hotel next door to a cemetery?!? What the hell, Brad!"

"Why is that so bad? They're dead. They're quiet. You wanted someplace restful--"

"Not the best choice of words right now, Brad!"

"Aww, hon, don't tell me you're scared." He pouted and strutted towards me.

"Stop it," I said weakly, trying not to giggle at his puppy dog eyes.

"My girl is braver than that." He put his arms around me again. "You are fearless. And there really is nothing to fear."

"What about ghosts?"

"What about 'em?"

"I don't want them to come over here."

"Why would they do that? We're not very interesting. Oh, maybe they could be voyeurs. We might put on a show for them."

"Oh, hell, no! I am not having sex next to a cemetery."

"Wha--?" He gasped as I poked his chest.

"You've only got yourself to blame, pal. Did you honestly think this would be romantic? I am seriously creeped out! FYI, we are leaving in the morning." I moved away from him and was once again drawn to the window. Another light shined over the area and caught the flash of yellow and blue stripes. The clown was walking among the graves! 

Suddenly I couldn't remember how to breathe, the room began to spin and everything went dark.