Thursday, July 28, 2011

Drive or Drivel?

I’ve been spending a lot of time wondering exactly what I have to offer visitors to this blog. I’d love for this space to always be creative and informative – for readers to leave with knowledge or inspiration that spurs them on to further success, wealth, happiness or self-discovery. Alas, for better or worse, I’ve embraced this place is mostly my playground and a source of entertainment. -- At least, I hope it is the latter for you. (Please don't burst my bubble. That stuff is really tough to get out of my eyelashes.) 

I present my latest short story, “Drive.” I hope you like it. (Sorry, Anthony’s not in this one.)

“Drive”

Instantly, as Jimmy touched his trembling foot to the pedal, he knew it was far too late to turn back. His journey had begun. His lust for the road subdued his intermittent fear of the future. Images of murderous hitchhikers emerging from his mother’s frightening tales of misfortune disappeared. Echoes of piercing, insufficient cries for help escaped earshot — despite their repetition and paraphrasing. 

The warnings were designed as a safeguard for the fairly naïve son Kate worried would endanger himself. But, his biggest threat, thus far, had stemmed from sleeping in his own soiled sheets. He’d learned the laws of the land. He always surrendered the right of way when it was warranted. He signaled before every turn. And over time, he’d grown especially proud of his expanding experience with parallel parking. He’d yet to scratch his paint. 

Still, the young traveler’s knuckles stiffened at the sight of an unexpected pothole. He tightened his grip and grimaced — anticipating damage far more reaching than any spare could fix. Jimmy was much too anxious to even look behind him. Aghast, he pictured flashing police car lights. An angry cop would ticket and arrest him — lock him up, impound his vehicle and toss the key. Possibly for speeding.

Despite his vast knowledge of dos and don’ts, Jimmy had no proper license. And his mother knew it. He wondered why she’d even let him leave. Surely, she’d recognized the call to explore had overpowered his capacity to resist, he believed. His response to obvious temptation needed to be tested, he suspected. He was clearly failing. But, undaunted, he decided to proceed.

Abruptly, Jimmy slammed on his brake — stopping only inches from a passing couple with no crosswalk. “Stupid pedestrians,” he muttered beneath his breath. He sounded just like his dad, he thought, and donned a twisted grin. Memories of his father’s shaking fist and the car’s horn blasting inattentive plodders made the unexpected encounter almost enjoyable. “Look where you’re going,” he yelled. He didn’t want the walkers to realize that he’d been easily rattled.

“I’ll just go down to the corner and get some gas,” he announced to no one in particular. He had no willing passenger. But, when he eventually arrived at the station’s location, the ground was occupied — by a fair queen and her massive castle. The grumpy monarch calmly bid him adieu before ordering sizeable guards to chase the traitorous trespasser who’d rather drive than work for her.

“Dinner!” Jimmy’s mom shouted out his bedroom window.

He wasn’t allowed to pass the edge of the parking lot. And the loyal servants were forbidden a voyage which included invading Mr. Connor’s decorated porch by the base of the concrete steps. A formal declaration of war would have been required. Jimmy stuck out his tongue.

“Wait till recess,” Tommy said.

As he picked up his plastic bike, Jimmy hoped his schoolmate’s memory remained short during the glorious day. Then, he’d brave the roads again with wavering confidence. — All first grade royalty and commoners alike were condemned to separate homes or the protection of an ancient peacekeeping escort after dark. 

So there.

15 comments:

  1. Kenya, I like your playground just as it is. Don't change anything...As for your short story, you are a very talented writer. I especially like your last sentence "an ancient peacekeeping escort after dark"...You do play beautifully with words.

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  2. I agree with Muriel! The last sentence was a KILLER. You rock, girl :D

    (And please don't change! This blog is awesome as it is :D)

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  3. I love this blog...definite entertainment to be found here! You have a real gift with words and I love your short stories. Like the others say, don't change a thing!

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  4. Muriel - Thank you! I read your posts on current events, etc. and sometimes feel like what I do here is pretty frivolous. I'm so glad there's online room for all! :)

    Sam - Thank you! I don't know how much fun you have creating new posts, but your readers (myself, included) have such a blast every time you do. I'm counting down -- a few more days till I'll own my first Samantha Sotto novel! :D

    Annie - Thank you! I loved your Fire Sale short story. I laughed. I gasped. I laughed again! It's wonderful -- how many different voices writers bring to the table. Now, if I could only remember to keep my elbows off the table... ;)

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  5. Wow. I really liked the suspense and the unexpected ending. Well done! Your style is so natural, easy to read. Great stuff. Thanks so much a very cool story!

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  6. Thank you, Monica! I had that "What are you thinking? You're not really gonna publish that?" moment. But, I ignored it. :) I love your attention to detail, amazing memory and natural flow in your writing. I'm off to see the latest!

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  7. Hi Kenya!

    I really enjoyed your short story. It really threw me for a twist and I love that! I think your blog is terrific!

    I just wanted you to know that I've extended you a blogging award. If you are interested in learning more about it/forwarding it on just go to this link:
    http://amyjonesyaff.blogspot.com/2011/08/book-blogging-rocks.html#comments

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  8. Thank you so much, Amy! I'm glad you enjoy my slightly twisted sense of humor. :)

    I'm heading to your blog now!

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  9. Loved the Calvin and Hobbes feel to this story. Writers like you keep the dreaded dreary dragons at bay!

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  10. Thank you, Scrollwork! That means a lot -- especially coming from an artist like you. :)

    I searched and found this old Calvin and Hobbes. Who knew you could defeat dragons with Colgate? ;)

    http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/2010/01/23

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  11. That's awesome!! I love the unexpected twist in the end and the determined bravery of your young character! That's awesome! Full speed ahead! :)

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  12. Thanks, Nicole! I hope you're having a great writing day! :)

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  13. Just to let you know that I have given you another Liebster award. Hope the writing is going well!

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  14. Thank you, Muriel! You're too kind. I've been so distracted with the books, I've neglected my poor blog. I'll be sure to pay both Liebsters forward. In the meantime, I'm hopping over to your blog! :)

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  15. I enjoyed your story very much. Your character had depth and I saw everything through his eyes. Nice ending.

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