More Than A Flash of Fiction
by
Paul Andrew Russell
Published by Paul Andrew Russell
Copyright © 2011 by Paul Andrew Russell
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
License Notes
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Lizzie
They saw each other at the exact same moment. Their eyes locked for a few seconds, then Lizzie felt the warm glow of her cheeks reddening as she blushed. He averted his gaze, giving her time to compose herself. When she looked again he’d gone. She turned away, hoping he’d magically reappear when her eyes went back to the chair he’d been sitting in, but he wasn’t there.
“Hi there,” came a voice from beside her. “I couldn’t help but notice you were blushing. I’m sorry for staring at you like that. By the way, my name’s Greg.” Lizzie was all ready with a witty comeback line in response to his lame attempt at a pick up line. However, when she turned to look at the newly introduced Greg, she saw no guile on his face; just a pleasant, boyish grin.
“Hi Greg,” she found herself saying. “I’m Lizzie.” And that’s how Lizzie and Greg came to meet. They fell in love instantly, a fact neither of them would admit to the other for fear of being seen as needy, weak or impulsive.
From that day forward they spent every spare moment together. Theirs really was a whirlwind romance. Over the course of the next month they proclaimed their love for one another for all the world to see, except their families. They planned on doing that over the holiday weekend which was only a few days away.
On the Friday, Lizzie’s mother called to say she wanted to see her. It wasn’t unusual for Lizzie’s mother to telephone her the day before she wanted to visit. It was an arrangement that worked for the both of them. Lizzie told her she was planning a visit for Sunday, if she could wait until then, but her mother insisted they needed to spend Saturday together.
Then Greg called, said he had a family thing he had to deal with. Lizzie had already said yes to her mother. All appeared to be working out beautifully. Lizzie would introduce Greg to her parents on Sunday, then they would go and see Greg’s family later in the evening.
Greg stayed over at Lizzie’s Friday night but left early the next morning. When Lizzie’s mother arrived a couple of hours later she appeared nervous, and couldn’t sit still.
“I’ve got something to tell you, Lizzie or rather, I have something to show you. No, that’s not it. Oh hell, just get your coat and come with me and you’ll see what I’m talking about when we get there.”
“But mum, can’t you just tell me here?”
No, my dear, I can’t. It’s way too important. That would be like telling someone you’re breaking up with them over the phone; bad form, bad form indeed.”
“Oh mum.”
“Come on my dear, hurry up or we’ll be late.”
And I gave up a day with Greg for this? Lizzie thought to herself as she followed her mother out of the door. I hope he’s having a better time with his family.
A few minutes later they were walking through the doors of the Belmont Hotel.
“What are we doing here mother?” Lizzie asked.
“There’s someone I want you to meet.”
“Mum?”
“Don’t worry. You’ll like this surprise. I should have told you sooner but the time never seemed right.”
“What are you talking about mum?” Lizzie’s mother waved her hand dismissively.
“Never mind, here we are,” she said as they rounded the corner into the hotel’s plush lounge. Lizzie, I’d like you to meet your brother-”
Before she had time to finish, the man standing beside the fireplace turned around, shattering Lizzie’s world. She screamed.
“Greg!”
New You
Norman Frost flinched as he saw the young girl look and then point at him. She screamed. He tried turning around but there were people everywhere. They all began pointing at him. Some screamed along with the little girl, who now had tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Make it go away mummy! Make it go away!”
Norman became confused. He had no idea what to do. All he had wanted was to get to the ‘Bigger Buy’ store. He hadn’t figured on all this happening. People were crowding around him. Some were pushing, others looking at him with disgust on their faces. A few turned away, unable to stomach what they were seeing. Still the girl screamed.
“Mummy, it’s horrible! Why won’t it go away!”
“See how lucky you are,” her mother replied. You will never have people looking at you the way they’re looking at him. You’re beautiful my dear, always will be.”
Norman pushed free from the crowd and ran, heart thumping, to the corner of First Street, the home of ‘Bigger Buy’. As he flung open the door and dashed inside a collective gasp went up as the other shoppers saw him. His eyes searched for the red and white uniform of the Cosmo ‘we can make you beautiful’ staff. Three of them were already making their way over to him.
They quietly ushered him into one of the consulting rooms.
“Left it a bit late haven’t we sir?” One of them asked.
“Yes, I’m afraid so. Couldn’t afford to get recharged until today,” Norman replied.
“I’ll bet you won’t leave it so long next time will you?”
“No.”
“Remember Sir, three strikes and you’re out. How many is it for you now?”
‘Two.”
“You’d better be careful then, or stay indoors. Can’t go around scaring the children now can we?”
Norman looked down at the floor.
“No worries,” said the member of staff. “Here’s Jerry with your new pack.”