Once again, a group of writers from different parts of the globe join forces to create one linear adventure. The theme this time? Love.
The photograph above serves as the inspirational theme for the 6th Flash Fiction Chain hosted by Jithin of ProTraBlogger. Give his beautiful site a visit and feast your eyes on the inspirational photos or read about his exciting adventures.
A comprehensive list of important characters in the story:
(Main)
Anna Brighton- a 32 year old CEO that owns and runs a publishing company
Alex Burns – well established author, Anna’s ex, Toby Blackwell’s cousin
Melissa Doyle – the bride, Anna’s dear friend
Toby Blackwell – co-owns the Blackwell estate, Alexis’ cousin
(Supporting characters)
Jenny- Anna’s secretary
Adam – Owner of Adam and Eve’s
Harrison – Melissa’s fiance.
Percy Tuppence – Owner of the ring shop
I am entrusted to write Part 7 of the story… To know what has happened already, check out the previous six parts below…
PART 1 by Sona
PART 2 by Yinglan
PART 3 by Priceless Joy
PART 4 by Frenesthetist
PART 5 by Dr Ko
PART 6 by Sweety
Part 7
Alex stared off into the road. His mind was running at a hundred miles an hour while he chewed the inside of his lip; contorting his face in grimace and frown.
What had he hoped for with Anna? He didn’t feel that way any more, did he? They had been good together once, but breaking up had been for the best. Was it pride? She had cut their relationship short claiming she couldn’t stand not being the thing he loved the most in the world. Unusually for him, he’d had no words in response. He’d felt she was right, even if he didn’t like it. But recently…
He felt a gentle tug on his trousers. Looking down he saw the smiling face of a little girl. It was Sara the flower girl. She had a gap toothed smile, resting peacefully under bright eyes.
“Hello little princess,” he said, squatting down to meet her at eye level. “What’s that you got there?” he asked, gesturing to the cone and flowers in her hand.
“Cupid chose me to carry the flowers.”
“The perfect choice,” Alex said, smiling.
“He left the flowers outside my door. Mum says it’s because I have a loving heart, and that my spirit is pure. I think you have a pure spirit too,” she said.
“Thanks very much Sara, it’s nice to know someone does,” he said, mussing her hair and smiling at her.
Sara blushed and looked down, giggling excitedly.
“Now come on, let’s go and find your mother. I reckon she’ll be missing her princess.”
There was a knock on the window. Anna looked out and saw the helpful and pasty face of Percy Tuppence, the ring maker. He didn’t look like he had been aged but rather, had been pickled. His thinning grey hair was gently being lifted by a slight breeze in the air as his tiny eyes tried to focus behind thick glasses. She wound down her window as Toby straightened up in his chair.
“Hello folks, sorry to interrupt. Miss Doyle called ahead and said I should wait outside with the ring for a red Mercedes,” said Percy softly.
“Thanks,” said Toby sarcastically. Even grumpy he was sexy. Anna felt frustrated she had been so close to getting her kiss, she wanted it more than ever now.
“I appreciate it. Can I have it now,” she asked.
“Oh of course, where is my mind,” he said, reaching a hand into his pocket. “It’s right here,” he said, rummaging around. However, when he retrieved his hand there was no ring. “Oh silly me, I’ve left it inside,” he announced in a croaking voice to the street. “Please bear with me one second while I fetch it,” he said before turning and shuffling back into the shop.
“Is he for real?” asked Toby. Anna found Toby’s subtle anger a little exciting. His attitude, she supposed, was not just from the frustration at the ring maker but also from his desperation to kiss her. It felt nice to be wanted, she hadn’t felt it for so long.
Percy appeared in the doorway with a ring box in his hand and was stepping cautiously on the pavement. As he was about two steps from the car a tramp ran over to him, grabbed the box, and pushed him to the floor.
Toby was out of the car in a flash and straight after the tramp. They disappeared down an alley and out of sight. Anna got out of the car to help the fallen Percy.
As she stepped onto the curb her phone began to ring. She answered instinctively, not giving herself time to see who it was.
“Hello,” she said.
“Hi Anna, it’s Mel. Where are you?”
“Just at the ring shop now.”
“Is everything ok? Is it Toby? Has he stolen your heart?” she said.
“Things are definitely getting stolen here.”
“You sound distracted. Are you two planning on running off with the ring?”
“Not both of us…”
“Are you joking?”
“We didn’t plan it…”
“Anna, are you coming back with the ring?”
“Sorry Mel, I can’t hear you, there’s a tunnel, an… rain… engine”.
She crouched down and helped Percy to his feet.
“How easy would it be to replace that ring?” she asked.
“Not very, it’s one of a kind. I had to get stuff specially shipped in.”
“It’s ok, I’ve got a plan.”
Stay tuned – part 8 coming next from Ruth
Part 9 by Austin
Part 10 by Rashmi
Part 11 by Phaena
Part 12 by Manvi
Part 13 by Sona
Part 14 by Yinglan
Part 15 by Yinglan