Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Tuesday Tales - Word Prompt "Board" - Excerpt from "Sarah's Dilemma."

 


Welcome! This week we are writing to the word prompt "Board". I have another excerpt of "Sarah's Dilemma" for you. Don't forget to return to Tuesday Tales when you're done to read the fine stories there. Thank you for stopping by. 


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Sarah turned her head and faced an angry copperhead. He hissed and coiled himself up tall. Sarah’s heart pounded, her pulse kicked up, and sweat started under her arms. Sam’s warning words when she was five repeated in her head. Her mouth felt as dry as a wad of cotton.

Keeping her eye on the serpent, she stayed still until she could figure out what to do. Suddenly the sound of a gun exploded in her ears. She jumped back, stumbling away. The young men ran to her.  

“What were you doing, Sarah?” Sam’s face darkened.     

“Are you all right? That copperhead almost got you.” Ben held his gun. 

Standing on wobbly legs, Sarah glanced at the snake, which had been blown to bits. The sight made her nauseous. Her knees gave way. As Benjamin caught her, Lizzy screamed. Sam grabbed his little sister while Ben carried Sarah to a large rock flat as a board. He set her down gently, sliding his arm around her shoulders. As she softened against him, her eyes drifted shut. She smelled the pleasant aroma of smoke and pine needles. His scent and the strength of his muscles calmed her.  

“She’s fine now, Ben,” Sam said, gesturing for his friend to move away. 

“That was a close call. She’s weak.” Ben replied, standing his ground. 

When she opened her eyes, her gaze came into direct contact with Ben’s. 

“She’s faking.” Sam held his gun,  muzzle to the ground.

“I am not!” She sat up straight. 

“See?” 

Her faced heated. She turned away from the truth, ashamed she’d been caught enjoying her cuddle with Ben. 

“I don’t mind,” Ben mumbled. 

Slowly turning back to face them, she caught a mischievous, flirty look from Ben, deepening her humiliation. 


That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by. 


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Monday, July 12, 2021

Tuesday Tales - Picture prompt week




Welcome! This is picture prompt week. We have another episode of "Sarah's Dilemma".  Last time, Sarah wondered if she was old enough to marry. This is a sweet historical romance. We are limited to only 300 words. 

Comments are always welcome. Thanks for stopping by. Scroll down to return to Tuesday Tales. 


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“Don’t fret about marriage, Sarah. It will come soon enough. Go help your grandmother and get some fresh air. It’s a beautiful day.”

“Come,” Sarah said to her sister, and offered her hand. Caleb set the child down and gave a nod to his other stepdaughter. Lizzy skipped down the stairs with Sarah close behind.

Martha Chesney, the girls’ grandmother, handed Sarah a large basket.

“Please gather some fresh wildflowers for our tables. My corn muffins will be ready when you return.”

Sarah took the basket in one hand and her sister in the other. They climbed the hill behind the Inn, their eyes searching the grass for colorful weeds and blooms. Lizzy tugged at Sarah.

“Look for milkweed and Queen Anne’s Lace, Lizzy.” Sarah let go of her sister’s hand.

“Buttercups!” Lizzy pointed then ran ahead to the bright yellow blossoms.

A rabbit in the field in front of her stood stock still. The lone bunny’s nose twitched. He’s alone, too. Bet he has a nice nest to return to and a wife to share it with. Tiptoeing forward, she sighed when the creature sped off into the morning sun.

Sarah shaded her eyes with her hand and scanned the horizon. Two male figures appeared, heading their way. One held a rope over his shoulder. She recognized her brother, Sam, by his gait. The swagger of the other boy toting a musket at his side identified him as Benjamin Fitch, son of the man who owned the town, Fitch’s Eddy.

Sarah spied a patch of daisies and bent down to pick some. Unaware she wasn’t alone, she caught movement in the grass out of the corner of her eye. She froze. There was only one creature that could move silently through the grass. A snake!

“Don’t move!” Ben yelled.

 

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