It's Thursday, so what should you be doing? Writing #FlashFiction, that's what! Welcome to Week Six of #ThursThreads. Half-way through January already and there's been a lot of writing going on. Mostly, right here! ;) Back to the challenge. :D
Here's how it works:
- The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale.
- The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.
Rules to the Game:
- This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
- Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count).
- Post your story in the comments section of this post
- Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)
- Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)
- The challenge is open 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific Time
- The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. ;)
How it benefits you:
- You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)
- You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!
- Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +
Our Judge for Week Six:
The lightning bringer of flash fiction and the original wolfman, LupusAnthropos.
And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.
The Prompt:
"You look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks."
Away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThread. Good luck! :)
Why do I do this to myself? I will never look like my best friend, Kim, so there is no use making comparisons, yet I can’t seem to help myself.
ReplyDeleteI am sitting on the couch, eating chips and salsa, while she primps and pampers herself in anticipation of her date tonight.
As she vigorously brushes her long luxurious sandy blonde hair, I can’t help but notice my dull brown locks in the reflection of my beer stein. Her tanned and toned legs are showcased in a white halter dress and pumps. I could never pull off a dress like that… and heels, forget it. I look down, as a chunk of salsa drips onto my tattered and frayed USC shirt, and notice the roll of fat protruding over my size fourteen jeans.
“Becca, I am really excited about this guy tonight. I think he could really be the one!” Kim gushes, painting her lips a glossy pink, as she walks towards me. “He is such a gentleman! He opens doors for me and pulls out my seat, and he has the most wonderful sense of humor. I can’t wait for you to meet him!”
“Do I have to meet him tonight? I mean, you look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks, but I look like your fat, ugly sidekick.”
“Becca, why do you talk about yourself like that? I hate it.”
I sigh with resignation and stand, knowing she could never understand how I feel about myself.
250 words
@BethanyLopez2
He opened the door of the borrowed car and stepped out of it, turning fluidly the toe of his leather shoe. The black gleamed with shine and blended into the shiny satin seam sown down the outside of his trouser leg. They were tuxedo pants, but his shirt was unbuttoned over a band tee and his tie hung loosely down either side of neck.
ReplyDeleteJenn admired the way the shirt billowed around him, flaring. His hair ruined the effect slightly, one cowlick refused to cooperate. It gave him the rebellious streak that irritated her to no end. It was also the part she loved most about him, if she could ever admit that to herself. He started buttoning the shirt as he approached.
“How do I look? Worth a million dollar record deal?”
"You look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks."
143 words
@Kimmydonn
The unnamed ship bobbed gently in the calm waters, belying the unease on her decks.
ReplyDelete“Darling,” a man’s voice laughed, “You are an A-lister. Don’t let that little nothing walk all over your set.”
“Oy, Cap’n,” Higgins whispered. “Who said that?”
“I’ve no idea.”
We gaped at the man materializing before us. His impeccable suit did not match any fashion I knew. He turned, showing the stark white of his shirt and the brilliant crimson of a simply tied cravat. He held a tiny black device to his ear and prattled on, his free hand gesticulating broadly.
“You look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks.” He buffed his nails against his coat. “Actually, you’re worth fifteen million, but you get the idea.”
He paced toward us so quickly we scrambled to get out of his way. His shoulder clipped me, but instead of knocking me aside, his arm wavered like disturbed smoke. He walked straight through the deck rail and vanished into the fog.
I crossed myself.
“What kind of accursed place is this?” Crandall’s hissed question echoed through the crew.
“Not everyone here understands,” a woman’s voice said softly.
We whirled around, but did not see her.
“Understands what?” I asked.
“For some, this is a never ending fantasy. For others, an endless hell. You should not have come back, Jonathan Bryant. You should have taken the freedom we granted and never looked back.”
“We’re leaving,” I said, to her or my men or both. “Right now.”
@caramichaels
250 #WIP500 words!
"Do you like me or not?" Margot asked.
ReplyDeleteLuke sighed. "You have a beautiful voice and an artist's spirit. You look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks. You're amazing."
"I am pretty amazing, right?" Margot smiled. "Seriously, if that's how you feel then what's the problem?"
Luke searched Margot's eyes; she seemed to be deadly serious. "The problem is I just broke up with your roommate, Carrie."
"Who happens to be the person who set us up on a date," Margot reminded him.
"Yeah I know, but don't you think that's a little strange?"
Margot giggled. "Listen if there is one thing that I can tell you about Carrie, it's that she has her own way of thinking. Her rational logic completely escapes me sometimes. But, I don't believe that she would ever play head games with you. She thinks you and I make sense and she's a pretty smart cookie."
"And why would we work if she and I didn't work?"
"Well for one, I'm a free-spirit. Carrie needs to have control of her environment, her schedule, her emotions." Margot seemed to stare off into space.
"What is it, Margot?" Luke asked.
"I'm just wondering if the problem was she liked you too much." Margot shook her head and grinned. "Oh well, I guess we'll see if you’re a magic man. Do you think I'll be addicted to your voodoo bedroom tricks?"
Luke stared at the floor. "There was no bedroom involved."
"Really?" Margot raised her eyebrow.
250 words
@WakefieldMahon
“You look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks. But don’t fool yourself, baby. You’re still a hooker.”
ReplyDelete“A high priced escort,” she said as she smoothed her hand over her perfectly ironed hair.
“A hooker’s a hooker, Katie,” I replied, turning away. “Don’t get uppity just because you charge more to show your tits than most girls make in a day.”
“Look at me,” she commanded.
I resisted. That wasn’t my Katie. Sure, she was somewhere under all that colorful goop, but she was buried so deep I didn’t recognize her.
“This has gone too far,” I whispered.
Her perfume surrounded me. It was a cloying scent that would stick to my clothes throughout the evening. Katie placed a manicured finger under my chin, her skin on mine felt so real that it brought me back to her. Her blue eyes swam in front of mine as I blinked away tears; Katie was there just under the surface.
“This is what I’ve worked for,” she said, her voice detached. “Raphael hired me and tonight I’m going to make him pay for all those years. When I come back to you tomorrow morning, Sue, I’ll be all yours. Everything, even the memories, will be gone.”
As she slipped the switchblade into her pocket, I wanted to believe her. I wanted to believe Raphael’s blood could wash away the monster she’d become. But she’d been damaged badly and I feared all the scrubbing in the world couldn’t erase the cracks.
@JenD_Author
250 Words
Big Bad Wolf?
ReplyDeleteKala worried what would it feel like the first time? Would it hurt? She felt the change her skin stretching, agonizing pain, as her muscles stretched and limbs changed shape. Then in what seemed forever it was over. She looked at her sleek muscular frame at the mirror and grinned. It was then out of the corner of her eye she spotted him, as he moved so rapidly she barely saw him, but she did see his gun pointed at her.
"You look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks." he said as he moved on her.
“I’m going to be rich.” He continued and fired his gun. The shock on his face as the bullet bounced off her was priceless.
“You should have read about the big bad wolf. It was my favourite bedtime story. Of course mine always had a different ending .You look great and you taste even better.” Kala said through bites as she ripped him to shreds.
Kala felt the change as the sun arose and smiled that wasn’t so bad. She was back to herself She had a tasty meal and got rid of vermin while she was at it. Life as a werewolf wouldn’t be so bad.
208 words including title
@SweetSheil
“Are you going out dressed like that?”
ReplyDelete“Excuse me?”
“Do you see what you’re wearing?”
“You know I see what I am wearing.”
“Didn’t you hear me mumble as you reached for the sandals?”
“You live in my head. Of course I heard you mumble. And, I do my best to ignore your mumblings.”
“Why do you insist on embarrassing me like this?”
“Are you serious? Folks don’t even know you exist. You are a figment of my imagination.”
“I am not a figment. I am just as much you as you are.”
“You are not.”
“Am, too.”
“Are not.”
“Are not.”
“Are too – hey! Wait a minute.”
“Ha! Gotcha. Could a figment of your imagination getcha like that?”
“Whatever. I’m the basis of this being – you just like poking your non-existent nose where it doesn’t belong.”
“Fine. But, you’re not going out in public dressed like that, are you?”
“Would you lay off my attire? I look fine!”
“Socks and sandals do not go together. I repeat; socks and sandals do not go together.”
“Socks and sandals go together like Ben & Jerry ice cream and a large spoon.”
“Figures you’d bring up ice cream.”
“Shoot, the socks and sandals look is way better than the low riding or baggy-ass jeans look. I rock this look! I look like money!”
“You’re right. You look great. And yeah, you’re worth a million bucks. Not.”
“I heard that!”
You are such a dork.
“I heard that, too!”
@Lenore_Diane
246 Words
Kip wrapped the towel around the lower half of his freshly showered body. He came out of the bathroom, watching Pam laying on the bed.
ReplyDeleteHe watched as she applied lotion to her legs, before she slipped on her flip-flops.
She looked up, catching him with a smirk across his face. “Yes?”
“You look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks.” He watched as she stood, studying the way her skirt looked and the little bit of her navel revealed by her tank top.
She blushed, not expecting such a compliment, “Thanks.”
He moved towards her, his hands at her waist, “Never forget how beautiful you are.”
Pam’s arms wrapped around him, as her lips kissed his. “You’re too sweet. I gotta go though.”
Kip watched her pull away and pick of up her keys, “Where are you off to?”
“I gotta run errands, if I don’t now I won’t get a chance for another week. Lock up when you leave, okay?”
He sank down on the bed, wondering if he’d just been used for sex. He was used to being the one to leave first, not the one left wondering.
192 Words
@KatDVS
Her head was so… foggy. Why was everything so foggy? Larissa tried to make herself open her eyes, but just couldn’t seem to put forth the effort. She let out a big yawn and snuggled deeper into her pillow. Her arms and legs felt too heavy to move.
ReplyDeleteLarissa felt a hand slide gently up the inside of her ankle. Whoa… she didn’t know who that hand belonged to. She knew she should get up, should force her eyes open and find out what was going on. But the fog was too hard to fight.
Larissa felt warm breath replacing the hand on her ankle. Tension crept into her mind, piercing the fog. Where was she? Whose hand was this? *Damn it, Larissa. Open your eyes. Move. Do something!*
But the fog was still too heavy.
“You’re beautiful, baby. You look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks.” Larissa sucked in her breath and tried to focus on the voice making its way up her leg. It was so familiar, but not in a safe way. “Actually, you’re worth more like 5.6 million after I cash in the stock options.”
Larissa gathered all her energy to fight against the fog. She forced herself to move her legs only to find they were tied to the bed. Same with her arms. She opened her eyes, but all she saw was blackness. Blindfolded.
“Aw, coming back to me, Sleeping Beauty? Such a shame. Now I’ll probably have to gag you too.”
@janiecrouch
250 words
“Dad, am I alive?”
ReplyDelete“Yes Charlie, you are alive.”
“Did they get the cancer?”
“The doctor said, it went better than expected.”
“Will I have to have more surgeries?”
“Yes, every surgery gets you closer to being healthy.”
“I don’t want any more surgeries.”
“I know son, I know.”
“Dad is it true my medical bills are going to be over two hundred thousand dollars?”
“Who told you that Charlie?”
“I heard Grandma talking about it.”
“Don’t you worry about the money.”
“Dad, I lost my hair, my leg, all my strength, am I really worth that much?”
“You look great, and yeah you are worth a million bucks.”
“Thanks Dad, please don’t cry.”
“I love you Charlie.”
@antonioangelo21
118 words
Melinda fucking Warren! Again!
ReplyDeleteRain felt like she chewed on broken glass. Jozsef blithely followed the voluptuous red-head as she dragged him by the arm through the bar, leaning close to whisper in his ear. Why is he solid for her? Why can she see him? Why do I care so much?
Rain tried not to grimace as Steve Carlisle touched her shoulder, making her focus on him again.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“I said, it’s been a long time,” Steve repeated, his mouth wreathed in a warm smile.
Oh, she’d fallen for that smile three years ago when he’d met her at the Mining Expo when it was held at the Convention Center near the Strip. Unfortunately, she learned too late and too fast he had a possessive streak a mile wide, and he didn’t like to lose. It didn’t mean he wasn’t a charmer, though.
“It has,” she agreed as she watched his gaze flick over to Jozsef and Melinda before zipping back. “Who’s your friend?”
She heard the sneer in his voice even without the matching expression. “His name is Jozsef Kiraly and he’s a research partner from Hungary.”
“She’s worth so much better,” he muttered under his breath.
“Sorry?”
“I said you look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks,” he replied smoothly, his gaze locked firmly on her face.
“Thank you.” Rain didn’t want Steve’s compliments or Melinda pawing Jozsef.
She smiled sweetly at Steve, but underneath she fumed and plotted.
She so needs to stay away from my man!
246 ineligible #WIP500 words, 12 previously written words
@SiobhanMuir
Never, ever get a tramp stamp. That’s what my mother told me. I should have listened. Not only because they turned out to be a fad, but because I allowed my tattoo-artist-ex-boyfriend to do it. I stretched out on my tummy on an old doctor’s examination table in his shop, telling him how great things are with me now. You know, new boobs, new boyfriend (a librarian), better apartment (than the one we had shared), and that it was so cool he and I were still friends. I never once flinched during the procedure, even though the needle dug hard a couple times. And when he was done and I got his opinion on the tat (him, “Pretty awesome if I do say so myself”) I raced home to show my boyfriend. When he (having a minor in Chinese) asked, “what’s it supposed to mean?” I felt my first frisson of panic. “Um,” I replied, “it says ‘soul-mate’ in Chinese characters, with the right side mirroring the left side.” Pregnant pause. “No it doesn’t.” My heart starts racing. “Then what does it say?” And as he stifled laughter while reading off “You look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks," I knew that once again, I should have listened to my mother.
ReplyDeleteword count 213
@tinaofborg
On Another Day...
ReplyDelete~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Hannah? Darling? Is that a gun?”
The luscious redhead gave a wriggle against me, jabbing my groin through her dress and my trousers with something hard and rather cylindrical. Not? the way this sort of conversation was supposed to go. “I’m just happy to see you.”
“In that case, I wouldn’t go flashing around such a puny endowment.” Being taller, I had a good vantage point to examine her more northern endowments. She could flash those all she wanted, I only wished the bodice had less lace obscuring the view. “It’s bad manners to bring a gun to a wedding.” I had to remind her of everything.
She whirled away to regard herself in the body-length mirror occupying a corner of our hotel room. “Still not sure if this color is what I would have picked. Red? Really?”
Tough as nails Hannah, bickering with her reflection like a vain little debutante. I wasn’t stupid enough to give voice to the thought, but I did grin as I came up behind her. I used the mirror as an excuse to get close to her again, fiddling with my cravat over her shoulder. “It’s scarlet. Relax. You look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks.”
She turned, pressing a finger to my lips. “Now, you know as well as I do that it didn’t take that much to fix you up after I kicked your ass, but thank you.”
She just loved to rub that fight in my face, didn’t she?
250 Words
@ModernBard1024
I have no idea how this happened. One minute I was waitressing at what I loving call Brews for Coos, the next minute I’m standing in a line up at the cop shop. Only would this happen to me. I wasn’t there, I don’t even know the dude, but since I look like the “perp,” I get my ass hauled in.
ReplyDelete“Number 3, step forward,” the voice filled with static demands of me. What choice do I have?
The next thing I know, the others are leaving the room and the cops have me in cuffs. Seriously? So what if there are some bald spots in my memory of last night? So what if I had blood on my blouse, it was probably from that bitch I punched in the bar?
I vaguely saw my reflection in a window as they ushered me down the hall to booking. My hair stood up in different directions, looking like I hit the jackpot in bed, my makeup pooled in dark circles below my eyes.
“Face forward,” the woman cop said. “Don’t worry honey, you look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks. Good, now face to the left.”
@ChuckWesJ
197 words
He lay spread-eagled on the bonnet of the Ferrari, his cheek pressed hard against the windscreen. It felt martini cold, smooth as silk beneath his skin. Gorgeous, delicious. With a voluptuous sigh, Gerry slid to his feet and stood up to stare as his new purchase. In the harsh strip lighting she glowed like fire, a provocation in scarlet. With careful veneration he placed both palms on the sleek bonnet and inhaled slowly, breathing the rich scent of petrol and money.
ReplyDelete"You look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks. Damn it, you’re worth every penny."
He didn’t hear the door creak until the voice caught him like a whiplash.
“I didn’t believe it.” It was a thread in the still air, barely audible.
“They told me, but I didn’t believe it. Oh God. It’s true. How could you?”
Taking a deep breath he turned. “Mel, I can explain.”
She looked so thin, outlined against the light. Painfully so. Bryony was clutched against her shoulder, sleeping. With a stab of guilt, he saw that her playsuit was grey from washing, worn at the knees.
“You said that you’d never gamble again. Never.”
He stepped towards her, holding out his arms. “Mel, it was a sure thing. A million bucks! We can start over.”
She looked past him at the gleaming red beauty. Her mouth wrinkled, like she was trying to hold in the words. “You can start over, Gerry. But not with us.”
@charitygirlblog
244 words
Reassurance
ReplyDelete"Are you sure my hair is okay? Is it the right length? Is it the right colour? Is it the right style?"
"Yes, Chi, it's beautiful. You don't need to change it at all."
"Maybe I should get breast implants. Wouldn't you like me better if I were - you know - bigger?"
"No, Chi, you are fine the way you are."
"You're sure I'm not getting to be too old - especially for my original price? So many others are available now, for a lot less."
"Yes, Chi, I know you're not the latest model of persogynbot. That doesn't bother me. You look great, and yeah, you're worth a million bucks."
109 Ineligible #WIP500 words
@LupusAnthropos
Severance Pay
ReplyDeleteShe was Vanessa Montaigne, the legendary grand dame
of stage and screen. The trademark phrase that
distinguished her was: "You look great, and yeah, you’re
worth a million bucks."
The iconic film producer Hugo Kaine first uttered those
words when young Vanessa had queried him as to the
likelihood of her making it big in the cinema.
That had been some fifty years and one helluva lot of
water under the proverbial bridge ago. Vanessa
Montaigne was unlikely to be a household name anymore
unless, for instance, your household was the Sunny Glen
Retirement Community.
Tommy regretted hitching his star to Vanessa's creaky
old wagon. For five years he'd been her bodyguard and
confidante. His plan had been to insinuate himself into her graces and secure a spot in the old bat's will.
His hopes faded with each year of no work offers for
her and the need to liquidate more and more of her
dwindling assets. The final straw came when the mansion
had been sold out from under her.
He found her in the screening room, lost in her past
glory. Under his coat was her jewelry box containing
treasures garnered from five husbands and countless
long-dead suitors.
He stroked her withered face and she smiled dreamily, "Dear Tommy...am I still as lovely as I once was?"
His strong hands snapped her neck with ease. Thinking of
the box, he whispered,
"You look great, and yeah, you're worth a million
bucks....give or take the cut to fence this stuff."
250 words @klingorengi
“I’m glad you can find some way to make yourself useful.” Belebien glanced over at the redheaded man who was currently putting his feet on the table. He frowned at the action. “Feet on the floor. Or you’ll lose them.”
ReplyDeleteMat rubbed a hand through his hair and leaned back in the chair on two legs. He laughed at the pursed lips and scowl on the other man’s face. “Eh, don’t feel like it. And considering that I got you that journal, which no one else could. I think I can be a little relaxed.” The redcap smirked, yellow eyes glittering in the low light of the room. “Maybe next time you need me to do something, I’ll charge extra. And maybe they’ll fight a little harder. Been a while since I’ve been in a good fight.”
Belebien sneered. “Fisticuffs are very lower class.”
Mat stared at him before cracked up. “Oooo, fisticuffs. Aren’t you fancy. Might want to familiarize yourself with the modern world. You sound old.”
There was a knock on the door that drew the other man’s attention. “You need to leave.”
“Uh-huh. Can’t let the ladyfair be kept waiting.” The chair legs slammed down onto the floor.
The Sidhe scowled and smoothed a hand over his hair.
Mat smirked. “You look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks, baby.” He cackled as the other man’s face puckered up like a lemon. “Later, Your Grace.”
239 words
@solimond
Bah, kept starting and stopping a couple times.
Title: Nerves
ReplyDelete“Alana, what you possibly worried about? They will love you,” David said as he stood behind her, rubbing his hands up and down her arms. She fidgeted in front of the mirror, adjusting the same strands of hair over and over again.
“They knew my parents and my grandparents. What if I don’t live up to what they expect?”
“Alana, I know my parents. I’m telling you, you have nothing to worry about.”
She sighed, straightened her shirt, and turned to face David. “I hope you’re right.”
He pulled her face towards him and kissed her forehead. “I am. You look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks, and you don’t give yourself enough credit.”
She blushed and looked away briefly. “How do you know just what to say?”
“It’s a gift,” he replied with a smirk. “My father taught me everything I know.”
Alana laughed, her nerves finally breaking. “Okay, let’s go.”
@MLGammella
154 Words
"You look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks."
ReplyDeleteShe grinned at the compliments. She hadn't been fishing for them. Well, not really, just mentioned that she'd bought a new dress. She didn't buy things for herself very often; there were more important things: food, rent, clothes and toys for the children, his internet.
But this morning she was at the mall picking up a new video game for her sons. As always, she walked by the store with the beautiful clothes that she tried not to look at. Today she couldn't help herself and when her eyes had landed on this dress, she knew she had to have it. More than that... she hoped he would like it. They'd not had much time to spend together lately. He'd been working extra shifts to save up for the holidays but tonight was their anniversary and they were going out to dinner.
She ran the brush through her hair one last time and set it on her old vanity. When she turned around to thank him, he was still laying on the bed in his jeans reading his Sports Illustrated and she realized...
He wasn't even paying attention to her.
200 words
@AuroraLee
“Oh, my sweet, we must get you ready for tonight,” Daniel whispers as he coaxes Janine’s hair into soft curls that frame her perfectly made up face.
ReplyDeleteClassical music plays in the background, and he closes his eyes during his favorite part, humming along before he continues.
“You’re going to look so perfect.” He straightens the neckline of her purple dress, fastening her most treasured diamond pendent around her neck. It rests against her ivory cream skin, a lovely accompaniment to her decolletage.
The last notes of the song fade out, and the only sound in the room comes from the vents which pump in chilled air.
A light tap on the door draws his attention. “It’s time, Daniel. Are you ready?”
“As a matter of fact, we are.” His eyes return to her beauty. “Jared will escort you in, dear one.”
After spending a few moments alone in the hall, he opens the double doors and enters the room, gazing around pleased. The chairs are lined up in perfect rows, the flowers exquisite.
The priest nods to Daniel, and he walks up the aisle to stand before his beloved. Kneeling, he pats his chest, feeling the comforting thickness of the envelope which holds the life insurance policy. With a tingle of anticipation, he leans forward, fingers caressing the satin liner of the coffin. He brushes his lips against Janine’s cool, hard cheek.
"You look great, and yeah, you’re worth a million bucks."
@SarahAisling
248 #WIP500 words
#ThursThreads is now CLOSED. Thanks to everyone who wrote today and see you next week.:)
ReplyDelete