I must thank the lovely Priceless Joy for hosting Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (75 – 175 words) and providing the inspiring photo prompt this week. If you haven’t heard of or joined this challenge, please do yourself a favor and check out PJ’s blog for more details and entertaining entries. You won’t regret it.
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Now, to the story:
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Penny needed a ride. Penny, ex-girlfriend Penny.
My quote, unquote best friend offered her one — free of charge — after we overheard she’d missed the bus.
Sawyer should know I’m a petty jerk. Under no circumstances was he supposed to acknowledge her existence. As he drives down the winding road, I curse the pouring rain from the backseat.
Sawyer and Penny are laughing about something. I plug in my earbuds and drop my head back.
Every now and then, my skin tingles, or something stupid like that.
Wait. Is she looking at me? My heart races. I don’t open my eyes.
When we stop, Sawyer gets out and hugs her. “Don’t you dare be a stranger. If you ever need a favor, ring me up.”
I have to remember to throw up on him later.
A hard knock on the window makes me jump.
Penny smirks from the other side. “No hug from you?”
Hell no. But after a few awkward seconds, I haul myself out.
The smell of lavender hijacks my senses as she wraps her arms around me. I can’t move, and I hate myself.
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(184 words, one day
my story will be 175 or less,
but that day isn’t today)
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Isabelle-grabs-life 
I like this one, very enjoyable stuff 🙂 I wonder if he will end up back together with her…
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Oh, we can only hope. =)
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Hahaha! I love this! I love the narrator of this story. She’s a riot! “I’ll have to remember to throw up all over him.” haha! Great story Izzy, I loved it! Thank you for participating in the Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers Challenge!
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Lol! Thanks, PJ. And it’s interesting that you interpreted the MC as a “she.”
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Probably because you are the writer of the story. I automatically think in terms of the writer’s gender.
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Mmm, now that’s something to ponder on. I’m seriously thinking back to recent reads—if the author’s gender affected my initial thoughts of the main character. Thanks, PJ, for continuing to inspire ideas
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Haha, this story reminds me of why I do NOT want to re-live teenage years, ohhh, the (ex) friends drama :D.
You did a great job of capturing the specific age group voice. I don’t know how you did it?!
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If I told you my secrets, I’d have to… 😛 Jk. YA is my favorite genre, so I’m very happy and thankful to read your reaction. I actually liked my teenage years, for the most part (which sounds odd to say because I’m not that far off), but I’m not dying to go back either.
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I have to remember to throw up on him later…good one!
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Ha! A memorable line for sure. Thanks 😀
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Oh, I just loved this light hearted tale 🙂
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They come to me every now and then ^_^ (Btw, your profile ladybug always makes me smile)
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I am glad to know I make you smile 🙂
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Go Sawyer! No need for you to be a petty jerk too.
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😛 Some things can’t be help, lol. Thanks, Fuzzy Panda Barista (love that!)
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Good story. How awkward to have to give her hug or feel like he has to. I think he didn’t have to.
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Exactly! It’s a tug-of-war with no visible rope. Thanks, Mandi!
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I love the narrative voice of this – particularly ‘Sawyer should know I’m a petty jerk’. At least he’s honest with himself! Very well done, Izzy. 🙂
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Yesss! Being honest with yourself is the first true step, isn’t it? 😀 And thanks ever so kindly for picking out a favorite line.
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Loved your tale Izzy and your characterisation. Is there going to be more?
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Hmm, if the inspiration hits me we might just explore what happens next =) Stay tuned
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Light-hearted but also a great feeling of that horrible awkwardness with ex’s that we’re not quite totally over yet… And I hear you on keeping to the word count limit, it can be a real challenge.
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I actually kept to the word limit with this week’s prompt (the horses)! I’m amazed lol. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts on this piece. That awkwardness makes for a good story, but it can be a horrible experience.
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Sweet! Enjoy reading your story. Wish there is more 🙂
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Ooh, glad to hear/read that. For now, we’ll just have to imagine what happens next. Thanks!
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Enjoyed this story, sadness and humor combined..I felt the sense of awkwardness that he was going through. I’m wondering if she wanted to get back with him or maybe just felt like torching him.
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And that’s a great question! In my mind, it’s the former, but “scary” enough, the latter is possible too. I love your reaction and lingering thoughts. Thanks! ❤
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[…] (Btw, this was part 2 to a past entry: Penny Needed a Ride) […]
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