Why Yes, This is a Bikini (Flash Fiction)

Thank you, Priceless Joy, for hosting this writing challenge: Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. Another thanks goes to Louise for providing the inspiring photo prompt this week. If you lovely people reading haven’t heard of or joined this challenge, please try it out. It’s a great way to connect with others and share stories. 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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He pushes a wheelbarrow out to the field. My hands get clammy. I wish I could say it’s just from the sun.

He gets to work, muscles moving underneath his shirt. The jerk. I’m Gloria Freakin’ Gonzalez. The least he could do is spare me a glance. I mean, it’s only right since I’ve tried talking to him countless times through the tall fence. I even sat outside once in a bikini, surrounded by roses. And I invited a bunch of friends over, like see, everybody loves me.

Nothing works.

I pat my breasts. “You win some, you lose some, right?” I sigh and glare over at the field.

Just then, some elderly woman with sagging tattoos comes out of his house. She hobbles over to him and taps his shoulder, pausing his sifting through the dirt.

She makes a sweeping motion with her left hand. Then another with her right.

He nods and moves his hands with quick, measured gestures.

I gasp. “He’s deaf?!”

The woman jerks her head up, startled.

I hurry back inside, blushing, grinning, and restrategizing. Game back on.

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(183 words)
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