Friends

Image Credit: HERE

"Mom, I wanna play with Sofia,” Justin begged of his Mom one fine morning. “I want to see those sheep in the coral…I like those furs, it’s so fluffy, am gonna die,” he added mischievously. His Mom could only smile at Justin. 

“Dad, can I play with Justin today?” Sofia asked his Dad while the latter was busy with the morning papers and a mug of coffee. Her dad peeped through with the papers he was reading. “But it’s too early Sofia,” her Dad mumbled. “I wish to see those sheep in our coral as we usually do with Justin,” she begged of her Dad. “I love those furs, it’s so fluffy, am gonna die,” she added with mischief written all over her face! 

Sofia and Justin is a permanent fixture near the coral. Justin would pick up Sofia in their home, just next to his home and would be shouting “Sofia, Sofia, please come now, those sheep are waiting for us,” and Sofia would run down the grand staircase of their house from the second floor where her bedroom is located. 

His Dad, amused, would just let Sofia go. She’s his angel, the only priceless gift left by his wife who died giving birth to Sofia. 

“Justin, be careful,” his Mom would always remind him. Justin and Mom are best friends. Justin’s Dad died of cancer when he was barely 2 years old. 

Justin and Sofia were very good neighbors in beautiful country homes in Texas. Sofia’s Dad is tending hundreds of sheep enclosed in a big coral. These kids are best friends. Near and around the coral was always the place where they play. They would watch the sheep munch grasses every morning. They would hold hands. And their famous and fabulous lines while watching the sheep would always be: “I love those furs, it’s so fluffy, am gonna die”! Followed by a wild, innocent shriek from them. 

From a distance, their respective parents would be watching them. In their innocence, they  displayed a sweet, close friendship, holding hands while watching those sheep. 

“Sofia, will you forget these moments once we grow up?” Justin would often ask Sofia. And Sofia could only smile with a big a shake of her head signifying a no. 

Suddenly, one day, when they turned their heads to see if someone was watching them, they saw to their surprise their parents too were chatting happily  holding their  hands together  in warmth, oblivious of the baffled stares of their kids from afar. 

~*~*~*~

Written for Thursday Tales

Tale # 54

Also for April A-Z Challenge in 26 Days

I for I'm Gonna Die

Time is running out....

You can’t push it underground,
You can’t stop it screaming out
How did we come to this?
You will suck the life out of me…
Muse, time is running out”

Image Credit:HERE

Irene sobbed uncontrollably with tears flowing down her cheeks."How can you do this to me? With what face can I meet my parents? They will be shattered by this news.”

“They have always held you in high esteem and never hesitated to permitting me to date with you. I just cannot live with this shame. I would rather die."

Patrick patted her shoulders and said, "You are behaving like a child. Remember this is not a one man show. I am not saying the blame is on you. We should have been careful. Never mind. Let us solve the problem. Let us think of what we should do now. Crying doesn't solve problems," he said with a hint of his patience waning.

"It is easy for you to talk like this. The thing will show up anytime and I cannot hide it from my college mates. I will become a laughing stock. You have sucked the life out of me.” She wailed.

"Be calm. How many weeks now? Let us work a way out," he asked and suggested.

"It is the 6th week. I feel like throwing up I felt when my mom looked at me there was a streak of concern in her face. She didn't ask me. I told her some food at the canteen is not suiting me," she replied.

“Oh, oh. Let us go and meet an OB-Gyne tomorrow. She can find a way out easily. Let us own up the mistake and plead with her for her help," he assured.

“No, no! This is a small community and the word will get around. Let us go to the adjacent city. Let us act fast as time is running out,” she sobbed.

The OB-Gyne in the adjacent city looked matronly and stern. There was a look of consternation as they both blurted out their problem. "Aren't you both literate and college going? Are you not aware of the consequences of your actions? I am sure your parents have not been taken into confidence. I hope you two are above 18. I would need a signed letter before I do anything. Let me check her first," she said.

A few minutes later both of them came out with grim face. The OB-Gyne told calmly, "What do you expect me to do? The damage has been done."

Both the youngsters were devastated. Irene started crying. The doctor was looking at them with a poker face. Patrick said, "Don't be worried Irene I will not let you down, I will marry you within a fortnight come what may. He turned to the doctor and said, "can you please do something to help us out. I promise I will in no case let her down."

The doctor broke into a guffaw and said, “Don't be worried. She is not preggy. I will give her some medicine.  But promise to me that both of you will be careful in the future".

"Muse, time is running out!"

~*~*~*~

Written for Thursday Tales

Tale No. #51

Hannah's Secret Garden

Hannah is a very pretty li'l girl, aged two. She had just started telling small words like mommy, daddy, and more. She lived next door. The only daughter of the Smiths. They lived in a very beautiful home with a sprawling, beautiful garden. 

I did not fail to notice each morning when I went for a walk as part of my daily regimen to stay fit, Hannah prancing around in their garden, touching and smelling those colorful flowers that festooned their garden. I envied her for the spirit of joy and appreciating beauty even in her tender age. She will throw an innocent smile at me invariably and mutter auntie. What struck me was the large mole just below her lower lip in her chin that added to the girl’s charm.

I did not see the girl for a couple of days and wondered whether she had fallen sick. On the third day I learnt from my help that someone who came in a truck had kidnapped the girl two days back when she was alone in the garden.

Her parents were devastated. The police could not make a breakthrough as the only witness who saw the girl being put in the truck did not notice its number or remembered the model.

Her mom was constantly crying "Hannah, where are you my girl..........." and no amount of care by her husband could console her. Days and nights passed. Weeks and months passed. Hannah was nowhere to be found. Police were only assuring that they are trying to trace her but they had lost all hopes. In memory of Hannah, they named their vast garden, "Hannah's Secret Garden."

Six months later I had some official work at a neighboring city. I had finished my work by 3pm and my bus was only at 7pm. I went to the mall nearby for a quick bite and for time pass. As I was sitting on a bench and eating, I saw an aged couple with a small girl walking towards my direction. They looked as somebody who came from impoverished family. When I looked at the girl, I was astonished to see the large mole on her chin. To my utter surprise the girl smiled at me and called me auntie.

I learnt the couple found her crying in the road at the outskirts of the city. They had obviously discarded her there when they saw a police car coming behind thinking wrongly they were being chased. She could not speak. She seemed afraid. They brought her home and were taking care of her. I told them about the grieving neighbors and asked them to accompany me promising them some reward.

Imagine the shriek of joy let out by Hanna’s mom on seeing her. They thanked me profusely and rewarded the couple with money, clothes and tidbit.

They did not remove however the name board and it remained “Hannah’s Secret Garden.

The next day, Hannah was seen prancing again in her beautiful garden, hopping from one flower to the other and smelling each one of them. She’s free again but with tight security implemented by her parents within their abode’s perimeter.

~*~*~*~ 


Written for Thursday Tales
Tale # 50

My Piano

Listen to the Piano Rendition HERE or with Vocals HERE!

“Remember that piano, so delightful, unusual…

That classic sensation, sentimental, confusion!”

Even as a child, Leeanne had a fancy for piano toys. She would beg her Mom to buy her one. Then one day, her Mom decided to send Leeanne to a music school. Though expensive for her since they could hardly make both ends meet, she knew Leeanne would love it.

She saw in the music school that many of her age group was enrolled in the same class. Some silent, some boisterous, some nerd-looking and most unfriendly. However one little boy may be two years her senior was kind of sweet when he introduced himself as Joshua. A handsome boy with a smiling face, she took an instant liking and they soon became friends. They lingered in the school even after their piano recitals talking to each other about music and many sweet nothings. They both loved this piece very much.

“Used to play, I like Chopin
Love me now and again….”

Interestingly they were recognized as the best performers for playing the song “I like Chopin”!

Young as they were, there were twinkles in their eyes as they threw a look at each other. They were young to be lovers in the normal sense but rejoiced in each other’s company and often holding hands. A case of puppy love presumably!

“Rainy days, never say goodbye
To desire when we are together
Rainy days growing in your eyes
Tell me where’s the way…”

They grew up to be both equally attractive teenagers and their friendship of piano days grew close. They went to the same college. Their friendship went to a higher level and blossomed into deep love. They now longed for each other’s company more than anything else. Sunshiny or rainy days, they had each other to cling to. When he missed her in the college even one day Joshua would get worried whether Leeanne was sick and it was the same way when he would miss his classes. Their parents were not aware of their love. They hid it even among college mates.

Special occasions like birthdays, Valentines and New Year’s Day for each other would mean meeting stealthily at a restaurant. They promised to each other that they would marry after graduation and on getting a job in the same city. It was all hunky dory the days in college were over. They had graduated and were looking for job.

It was then that Joshua suddenly stopped seeing her at the music school that was their meeting place. Those were the days when there were no mobile phones or net. She heard from a common friend that his house was locked and no one lived there. Life became a misery for Leanne. She cried all the time pining for him. The suspense of his whereabouts and the uncertainty about his well being tormented her. But there was no news. Months rolled by as she lived on the memories. She had lost her zest for life.

Her music teacher requested Leanne help her in the music classes and take classes for beginners in the evenings and weekends. One evening as she was teaching young children the lines

“Used to play, I like Chopin
Love me now and again….”

Tears rolled down from her eyes as she saw a young girl and boy sitting adjacent to each other. She wiped her tears and turned towards the piano playing feverishly the same lines to the amusement of the children. She was oblivious to the surroundings and was lost in her own thoughts. It was then she sensed someone tapping her shoulders. She was startled to find Joshua standing opposite her. He had become more handsome, plump and was well dressed. Forgetting she was in a class, she clasped her hands involuntarily with his until the children giggled. She disbanded the class to the merriment of the children.

When left alone, Joshua explained the urgent circumstances he had to leave on the sudden demise of his father along with his mom and siblings to a far away city and he could not contact her. He had secured a nice job and found one for her too. He told her to her great delight “I have come specifically to propose to you and meet your parents. I want you to come with me and take up the job. We will get married very soon with your parents’ blessings. I have informed my mother of my love for you and of my intention to bring you home along with me.”

Her joy knew no bounds. She hugged him tightly and dragged him towards the piano.”Come on, play on the piano. Let us relive our school days,” she implored.

When he started pounding the keys to play the song


"Imagine your face
In a sunshine reflection
A vision of blue skies
Forever distractions"

She sang along with him smothering him with smooches. The world looked suddenly bright after the drizzle stopped and a rainbow of magical hues appeared on the horizon.

~*~*~*~

Written for Thursday Tales

Photo Courtesy: HERE



Realization

She was like a blind man groping in the dark, trying to find the meaning of life, the reason of her existence, her mission in this world.

She was already in her middle years, but still, she couldn’t find the meaning of her existence. Life was routine spent on eating, sleeping and mundane activities. She admired Mother Theresa of Calcutta, India. Now she wished to follow in her footsteps, but how?

She wished to remove that abstract blindfold she had voluntarily worn for years. She felt unhappy with her life. She wanted to find the right direction to a fulfilling existence. 

To start anew, she felt learning the ABC like a child, counting 1,2, 3 by her fingers, trying to take bold steps like a nine month old baby who was  just starting to practice her motor skills.

And finally, in a twinkling of an eye, she knew what to do. She became aware of  what  she was missing in her life. And yes, she now  knew what can make her happy.

On a Sunday morning in church, she informed the Church Pastor of her keen desire to teach the  kids in Sunday school and if she still had enough time, to teach the adult ladies also in Sunday school. The pastor readily agreed praising her for her compassion and telling her that she was nearer the Lord than she ever was.

Now all of a sudden  her world looked bright and sunny. She promised herself that she will do what she had decided till her last days when God will come and take her to His bosom, in Heaven.

Happiness is not having a lot of money but it is in having compassion for the poor and needy. 

~*~*~*~

Written for Thursday Tales

Precious Time...

Kringgggg……kringggggg………..the alarm on my bedside kept blaring. This morning, I felt like squeezing it in my hand and stopping it from waking me up. Unwilling to get out of bed, I still feel groggy, giddy, with my eyelids drooping. Wanting to catch up the  sleep  that I lost while I kept tossing and turning for so many nights now.

It is always an effort and a struggle to get out of bed to get ready. But today being  a Saturday, I had no intention to be anything but lazy. After all it is only 4:19 AM in my lappy time and is too early I can still snuggle inside the blanket that is warm and comfy.

Sadly I could not sleep anymore after getting up for an urgent necessity. Reminded of the  promise I made to update my space soonest, to several of my buddies. Wanting to write but my mind still seemed to be lazy and hazy. Thoughts and ideas, groping from the dark, make me go crazy…:(

My mind is burdened with so many pressing concerns of late….Whatever I do, however much I try to manage my time, to keep my schedule right, I find my time is short while things remain undone on my plate. Isn’t that the dilemma of every busy body? I contemplate.

Time is always in short supply even on simple and mundane matters. Like sleeping, having breakfast, getting ready for work leaving me in tatters. What shall I do for bonding with family, singing,  enjoying being with nature. Have you found any way for me to get out of this discomfiture?

~*~*~*~

Written for Thursday Tales

Rain only reminds me of you.....

It was one fine morning. Liz had to meet Jay. As agreed over phone, Jay picked her up at the appointed time. 

Jay liked Liz and so did Liz. Meeting each other happened just once in a blue moon. Whenever Liz travelled to the city for a very important business appointment that was mostly infrequent, Liz would always made it a point to meet Jay. Even when Jay was very busy with his work, he always found time for her and was also excited to be with her.

And today, today is very special for Liz. It’s her birthday and meeting Jay is almost a treat…! Jay was on time to pick up Liz.

While driving on a boulevard to the international airport, it started raining suddenly. Not just, drizzle, but a heavy downpour. Whenever they were together, Liz remembered that it always rained and the cool ambience made them utterly romantic.

That’s what happened today too. “I wish this rain and the journey with him will not end,” murmured Liz to herself even as she stole a look at Jay. She felt like melting in his arms with her knees growing weak especially when Jay responded with a mesmerizing smile and those attractive squinting eyes rendered her defenseless against his charm.

“Oh my, those eyes,” Liz could only whisper to herself.

Jay on the other hand, reached for Liz’ hands and clasped them tightly. The touch sent thrills along her spine and gave her goose bumps. She could sense that Jay too was kindled. He stopped the car in a road shoulder and smiled at her. He drew her close to him and ran his fingers across her hairs softly. She snuggled closer and his lips brushed against her cheeks. Her heart pounded feverishly fast and seemed to burst in the sheer excitement. No words were spoken but they became aware of the intensity of their emotions. They could only savor the ecstatic silence as their lips locked with each other. 

“I wish to hug you tightly,” Jay whispered under his breath, “Liz, my God, what have you done to me? You are a perfect angel for me, but why can’t I have you all to myself?”

His warm embrace gave Liz a feeling of bliss, making her wrap him in her arms. This willing reciprocation from her made Jay all the more crazy.

Then suddenly, from out of the blue, Jay pushed her down on the seat and fell upon her chest tightening his hold further and smothering her with passionate kisses. Liz could only helplessly oblige and respond to his fervor.

“I love you so much Liz,” he whispered into her ears. “I love you too Jay, only God knows how much” she uttered, almost teary eyed.

Suddenly he realized that he should hold back and sat up to say “Happy birthday Liz.” Liz could only smile understandingly at his control of emotions. Though a trifle disappointed, she was proud of him. As he hugged her, again tears of joy fell from her big brown eyes, as if trying to compete with the rain outside that came cascading on the windshield of his car.

Every time it rained, Liz was always reminded of Jay. Though miles apart, the rains as silent witness always brought back the memories of Jay and the happy moments in the car….they both loved the rain….the sound it gave them in the car and the romantic feelings it brought. She felt in such moments that Jay was just beside her ready for her embrace. 

~*~*~*~

Written for Thursday Tales

Also linked to One Single Impression

Prompt: Free(dom)

Image Credit: HERE. The artist is my dear friend/sis, Preetilata, at her blog White Window.

G for Goosebumps

I bought that wind chime, six years back in Baguio City. It is believed to ward off evil every time it chimes. It is even used to enhance the good chi in a house, according to Chinese belief. So there, I bought one.

It chimes whenever someone comes near the main door as it comes into contact with the head and I get alerted. When my kids come home from school I rush to hug them.

It was  late night when everyone had  retired to bed and the main door was closed. As I was falling into sleep I suddenly heard the bell chime. Who could it be at this odd hour, I wondered....I was alone with kids  with my hubby away. I tiptoed silently and saw through a  peep hole.

There was no one. Is someone hiding and playing tricks with me? I waited for another chime. It did not occur.....I dared not open the door but the long silence gave  me creepy feelings. It sent shivers down my spine.

Am I imagining? Whatever it is, I will not remove that wind chime. Because I know when my kids arrive from school or when someone is entering our house without permission. As I was turning back to the bed room, I heard the chime distinctly and clearly again. Sure a trespasser was there and his intentions were not honest as he hid from peep hole. I again walked gingerly to  peep thro the peep hole.

What I saw gave me a hearty laugh. It was my parrot Charlie that escaped from the cage and fluttering about between the chime and the cage. I tried to be brave and opened the door to put it back in  the cage.

It was then that a strong hand clasped my neck from behind......How foolish I was, I thought!

~*~*~*~

Written for Thursday Tales - Tale #34

Also written for Leo's Z to A Challenge for the month of November.

G for Goosebumps

V for Vaya Con Dios

Image Source by Janis Katlaps

She felt sad, so sad. Friends left her alone after the party and mingled among themselves. She cried in silence as she walked back home from the party venue, teary-eyed with balloons in her hands.

Annie, a 9-year-old girl, is an orphan. But her childhood friends would always invite her when there were parties for kids, more out of respect for their teacher, Mrs. Morales, Annie’s Mom. But more than that, Annie is just an ordinary girl for them with her plain looks, cheap dress, not rich, no parents and a resident in an orphan home. Father had died in a car accident when she was barely 2 years old and her mother, a teacher in a nearby public school succumbed to cancer a year ago.

It was two months later when one day Annie came to school in a swanky car accompanied by a well-dressed gentleman. She had come to bid good-bye to her classmates as she was moving to her adopted parent’s home in the town. Her mom's distant rich cousin took Annie under his fold. She had come in finest clothes to distribute chocolates and cookies. 

"It pains me, but I have to go, leave you now. My Uncle Tom was too kind enough to take me in his custody and will send me to the finest school in town til college. I know I will miss you for sure, but I have to go," she said on the verge of tears now. 

"I will leave you now but promise, I will come back again," she added with warmth in her hoarse voice. "Thank you for the good friendship and the love you have shown me in spite of my poor situation," she said with all honesty in her heart. 

All the kids swarmed around her, each one hugging her and pleading with her not to go away from their midst. 

Is true friendship based on riches, a well settled home and loving parents? It should not be but it is so sadly, a reality. 

~*~*~*~

Written for Thursday Tales

Also:

This post has been published as part of Leo's Z to A Challenge for the month of November.

Diwata

Diwata suffered ridicule from her classmates when she thought that all the way they were her true friends. They kept taunting her because she always stammered whenever she spoke or recited. The mocking looks of others only aggravated the problem. Little did they know that her stuttering was an inborn defect.

She would always come home crying with swollen eyes unable to bear the sneering jibes in school. However, in spite of these when the kindly teacher noticed the rude hissings, and enquired her, she would always absolve her classmates of any wrong doings. Conversely, the teacher knew the truth.

One day when the Principal was in the class, the teacher proudly presented Diwata and said, "Diwata is the brightest in the class and writes with great felicity and charm. She has a handicap. She stutters while she speaks but when she writes she is so articulate and superb. Others may speak well but stutter when it comes to writing. God has endowed each one of us with some skill and some flaw. We should learn not to hurt others less fortunately born."

The Principal made known, “Your teacher has given a strong message. Mingle with Diwata, play with her, encourage her to speak freely without fear of ridicule. She will become one like you very soon."

Image Courtesy: HERE

There was the annual day the following month. The teacher talked to Diwata and made her agree to sing the opening song. She promised to work with her all the thirty days. She took the Principal who had initial reservations into confidence. 

The printed circular carried Diwata’s name as the person who would render the opening song, which usually set the pace for the function. All the other teachers and even some parents who knew of Diwata's disability thought her teacher had gone mad. 

Nevertheless, the teacher and girl spent days together practicing and pronouncing each word repeatedly. The rehearsals in private were many. More than anything, Diwata developed self-confidence. There was a fire in her belly to succeed.

On the appointed day, when the curtain rose, the entire audience was unusually silent when Diwata came on stage. There was an uneasy quiet. Diwata started with a little trepidation but when she saw her teacher on the sideline encouraging her, she got bold and sang the song slowly with no stutter but beautifully. 

When she finished, what started as a mild clap soon became a resounding standing ovation. The teacher came on the stage and hugged the child with tears flowing from her eyes.

From then on all the children competed with each other to befriend Diwata. Blessed is Diwata to have such a loving and understanding teacher.

~*~*~*~

Written for Thursday Tales

Also for Three Word Wednesday

Prompts: absolve, hiss, ridicule

Princess Michiko

Princess Michiko. But her pet name was princess. Though not in the direct line of ascending a throne, her parents belonged to a royal lineage with all the perks and vestiges that go with it. A palace in the city, a castle in the country, tax free income, insignia, horses, coach, liveried servants, the awe and respect from the people, they had everything. A bubbly little girl precocious for her age and pretty in looks, she was a bundle of mischief but still lovable and adorable. The only daughter of Duke Alex and Duchess Lyn, she would one day be a duchess herself. Wow, what a blessing to be born a princess?

One fine morning, she urged her nanny to allow her to join the kids in the play ground a little farther from her parents’ mansion  flying kites, skipping ropes, jumping jacks  and  playing with abandon, name it and they have every game and thoroughly enjoying it.

But her nanny was adamant in her refusal scared as she was of being taken to task by the duke and duchess if they found out their little princess playing with commoners. No amount of tearful pleading or persuasion could move her nanny. Michiko had to be content seeing them play from her balcony. As luck would have it, one late afternoon when nanny was not around, she heard the boisterous laughter of the kids from yonder. Impelled by strong desire she quietly removed her shoes from her dainty feet, tiptoed on the large hallway downstairs and hurried unseen across the gate in barefoot as fast as her legs could carry her.

At first, her feet were quite wobbly, a li’l bit painful and a li'l bit shaky as she had never walked barefoot let alone on the pavement. Her heart was pounding in excitement of the fun she would have with her soon-to-be playmates.

Photo Courtesy

Tip…toe…tip…toe, then kids came running near her. “Who are you?” asked one of the daring kids dressed in soiled clothes…

“I am Princess Michiko. I have come here wishing to play with you all,” she answered with a beaming smile. “I want to be friends with you all…” while pointing her dainty-reddish fingers to each and everyone around her, “and that is the reason I escaped unseen,” she added without any guile.

The kids looked at each other in a perplexed manner. She looked different with her braided hair in her spotless silk gown of brocades and embroidery. There was not a speck of dirt in her silky skin unlike their dirty clothes and muddy legs. She is not one of them they thought as they slowly one after the other left her alone. “Why are they leaving? Why wouldn’t they play with me? I can also get dirty like them if they wish so,” she thought. The little girl could control no longer the tears flowing from her eyes. She waited at the spot looking at the children receding away from her again in laughter and noise.

Wait!!! One girl stopped and started walking towards her. Slowly the other urchins followed suit though haltingly. Soon Princess Michiko was surrounded by all the kids once again with some looking at her with wonder and some were trying to touch her. The girl who turned towards her first said “I am Mariah. We all wish to be your friend, if you don’t mind. You look like a real princess.”  Teary-eyed Michiko said, “Thanks….but I may not be able to come daily though I will try. I am glad you are all friends to me now. I will treasure it. Let me go. My nanny is watching….”

As she tiptoed back home, she saw her friends waving hands at her. Her nanny who had been watching met her half way and said, “do not worry, I will allow them to enter our garden and play with you once a week. We can even give them cookies, chocolates and candies to eat….Wipe the tears now and be cheerful…”


She did try to make friends with the commoners. She succeeded.

And from then on, Princess Michiko remained a cheerful, well-loved princess by her commoner-playmates.

~*~*~*~

Written for Thursday Tales

Also linked to One Single Impression

Prompt: Try