WEP - Over To You

 

Photo by Merch HÜSEY on Unsplash

Hope on the Silver Screen

The projector's hum resonated through the small, dimly lit room, its echo mingling with the flickering light that painted dancing shadows on the walls—a cinematic ballet mirroring the emotions unraveling within her.

It was another Friday night at the vintage movie theater, but tonight held a distinct air. She found herself alone, having spun another tale of work to escape the confines of home. Lies had become her refuge, a desperate means to avoid his anger and her own tears.

The end had come for them. It was a truth acknowledged by both, yet he clung to denial. His obsession had become a paralyzing force, and her attempts to break free in the past only led to her surrender and transformation into someone unrecognizable.

However, her true self couldn't remain imprisoned indefinitely. The question loomed: how could she escape without shattering him and herself? The credits rolled, and she sat in the afterglow of a film that had woven itself into the fabric of her soul. Characters lingered, and plotlines carved permanent residence in her thoughts.

It was an escape, if only momentary, but each happy ending kindled hope for her own. Her dream felt within reach. Why else would God permit such unhappiness if not for a reward at the end?

As the theater emptied, she lingered in her seat, suspended between the reel and reality. The story had seeped into her heart, leaving an indelible mark. It wasn't just a movie; it was an awakening. Could she sustain this belief?

Outside, city lights twinkled like distant stars. She took a breath, feeling the cool night air on her face. The protagonist's journey mirrored her struggles, and the resolution became a roadmap for her uncertainties.

The movie had whispered truths she hadn't dared to acknowledge, sparking a fire, a catalyst for change. Stepping into the night, she carried the film's essence like a talisman.

In the following days, she navigated life with a fresh perspective. The movie's lessons guided her decisions, its soundtrack the melody of her daily rhythm. She chased dreams with the same fervor the characters pursued their destinies.

Change would only occur if she willed it. She was determined to make it happen!

As time passed, the movie became a silent companion. In moments of doubt, she replayed scenes in her mind, drawing strength from fictional triumphs. The cinema transformed from a mere escape to a wellspring of inspiration.

Under the city lights, she embraced the serendipity of that cinematic night. The silver screen birthed a metamorphosis, and as the credits rolled on her own life, she whispered gratitude to the universe for the movie that changed everything.

***

TAGLINE: Hope comes in many formats even on the silver screen

443 Words

Yolanda Renee © 2023

TO READ MORE GREAT STORIES

PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINKS

WEP - December Challenge

 

 XXX

UPCOMING WEP - WHAT MOVIE INSPIRED YOU?

 

For this

WEP Challenge?

Wondering how to go about

preparing,

writing,

& submitting?

Photo by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash

Then Go HERE!

For all the details!

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/p/challenges-2023.html 

PLEASE JOIN US IN DECEMBER

FOR

OVER TO YOU!

the movie that inspires...

Photo by Fidel Fernando on Unsplash

IT'S ALL UP TO YOU!

this challenge is new

and it's all for you

you get to decide

what movie

most inspired

so simple

so true

what made an impact

give us the facts

the skinny

the tale

holiday special or not

romance

mystery

sci-fi

or horror

what movie found your heart

gave you a start

influenced your muse

or gave you the blues

just remember

share it with us

this December

despite all the fuss.

***

YRS © 2023

***

IT'S AS EASY AS THAT!

See you there!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Photo by Preslie Hirsch on Unsplash

WEP - The First Time

 

Photo by Katie Harp on Unsplash

THE FIRST TIME

 

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

my heart began to race

time stood still

the world withdrew

I saw only you.

 

The First Time

I instantly understood

you'd slay the dragon

release all fears

you were the answer to all my prayers.

 

The First Time

your kiss

shattered all doubt

ignited desires

passionate fires.

 

The First Time

your touch destroyed my defenses

heightened my senses

ignited a blaze

I want replayed.

 

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

I immediately knew

you'd be my love most true

your devotion was mine

throughout all time.

***

Yolanda Renée © 2022

Nothing can surpass the lyrics of the song or Roberta Flack's version. 

 This poem was based on a blind date that turned to love at first sight.

Tagline: Love defined.

If you want more. Here's an excerpt from a WIP.

Her Mona Lisa Smile

 

Zane wandered through the Eden Gallery, unaware of the magnificent art surrounding him. Instead, his mind was on his career. He'd built a reputation in New York as a heart surgeon. Yet he was ready to throw it away for a quieter, less stressful life.

"How can you even consider leaving?" Emma said quietly.

Zane shrugged. "I'm thirty-five going on seventy because my days are filled with constant life and death situations, not art." Zane was about to chug his third glass of champagne when he spotted her. He stopped cold and just stared.

It can't be. She's…No. It's not possible. 

And yet it couldn't be anyone else. The same reddish-golden hair. Deep green eyes and a smile that would melt the coldest heart, light the darkest room, and cause his heart to beat like a drum. His body had the same reaction gazing at a painting of her as it had when they'd met in person.

He moved closer. On the exhibit label was the name of the artist Troy Handleson, the name of the painting, Sunrise in Paradise, and another title in parentheses, Her Mona Lisa Smile. Zane chuckled. It was clear from the emphasis on the girl in the painting that the sunrise was not the feature.

Zane's mind traveled back ten years earlier to a homecoming party at Penn State. The party was in full swing when he saw her enter the room. She had a vibrancy that surpassed the celebration of the thousands of screaming fans when Penn State won their game that day. The girl had an alluring smile, bright, sparkling eyes, and long luxurious locks that fell in soft curls over an exquisite body. He knew instantly that she was the one.

The girl he would marry. There was only one problem, she'd walked into the party on the arm of Harris, the star quarterback. Zane did his best to learn all he could, and a friend told him her name was Brandy. He thought it an odd name for a goddess, but names didn't matter.

God answered his prayer when she accepted his request for a dance. She beguiled him. He was speechless, caught in her spell, and lost in the emerald green and gold of her eyes. The warmth of her touch threatened to betray a very physical response. He wanted nothing more than to see her silken tresses cascading across the pillow as he...

Blocking the fantasy, he finally found his voice and learned her nickname was Randi, not Brandy.

"Cassandra is too formal. Randi is more down to earth," she told him.

Whatever name she went by. She was perfection. He discovered she was a high school senior visiting the campus but hadn't decided where she'd attend.

"Why should I choose Penn State? She asked.

"Because I'm here," he said.

She smiled. "Aren't you a senior?"

"I'm going for my master's. How'd you meet Harris?"

"We've known each other for years. He's such a hero, isn't he?" She said dreamily.

Zane wanted to converse. Randi wanted to dance. And as easy as that, he had a second chance. He pulled her close for the slow dance and did his best imitation of Fred Astaire. She responded beautifully, the crowd parted, and they were a solo hit. Of course, he didn't want the music to end. But when it did, she kissed his cheek and squeezed his hand.

"Maybe in a different time," she said and walked out of his life and into the arms of Harris. But she'd already stolen his heart.

*****

A slight breeze riffled the sheers covering the wall of windows that looked out over the Atlantic Ocean. A brilliant blue with rolling waves and a bright cerulean sky filled with feather-like clouds. The white caps dissolved into smaller and smaller breakers as they raced across the sand. Randi was so lost in thought that neither beauty, the sun's warmth, or the cries of seagulls could break through. She read, then re-read the email.

Randi:

A mutual friend, Troy Handleson, gave me your email address. Naturally, I wanted your phone number, but as a good friend should, Troy was protective of your personal information.

Please accept my deepest condolences. I know this is a bad time for you, but if you ever want to talk. I'm a good listener.

I'd like to know you better, and the funny thing is…we've met before. A story I promise to share on our first date.

In the email's signature, Zane Winters gave his New York address and phone number. Randi, now simmering with anger, called Troy. "Who the hell is Zane Winters?" She shouted as soon as he answered.

"Oh, my God, I'm so sorry. I intended to text, but I had so much fun at my opening that I completely forgot. Zane bought that sweet portrait of you. The one I titled  Her Mona Lisa Smile," Troy explained.

"Portrait? You didn't…. I never gave my permission."

"But you did. I asked you what I should do with the portrait I'd done of you for HIM, whose name shall never be mentioned. And you said, whatever I wanted."

HE was Randi's ex, and all her friends knew better than to mention his name.

"No. I said, destroy it. You claimed it was valuable. And I said whatever!"

Troy laughed. "So, I took a little license with your response. Can you blame me? My best work and the highlight of the show. I couldn't destroy perfection. Damn, girl, I got thousands more than I was even asking. And because of my artistry, the man fell in love with your Mona Lisa Smile. Hell, his girlfriend even hired me…."

"Why would anyone pay that much? God, Troy. What he bought was my email address. Holy Hell, what have you done? Sold me out to some creep? After Damon! How could you?"

***

979 Words

Yolanda Renée © 2022

Tagline: Chance meetings.

WEP - Narcissus

 Photo by ian dooley on Unsplash

Narcissus

so beautiful

the first

in everything

influential

inviting our stare

sell everything,

we'll buy it all

just say the word

our souls,

are sold

we want

need

all that you do

a new dawn

of only your truth

our passion ignited

love blooms

seeds rooted

all for you

the world implodes

selfies explode

the birth

of voyeurism

the death

of normalcy,

lies are truth

materialism

our new reality,

an influencer,

must approve

before we believe

transact

succeed

Narcissus

for you

we bleed.

***

© Yolanda Renée 2021

Tagline: Narcissistic led materialism the new golden idol.

WEP - A New Genesis

RIBBONS & CANDLES

A New Genesis

Snow was falling at an angry rate, and Lilith was sure God was to blame. She expected her lover, Lucifer, the man deemed most evil by all of existence, to arrive at any moment.

Watching the dancing flakes from her secure but opulent prison, Lilith waited with zealous expectation, confident that Lucifer would defy both God and the tremendous odds against him to rescue her from exile.

Their union was forbidden, but Lilith couldn’t understand why. Bringing heaven and hell together could be the beginning of world peace. She was sure that together, their reign would benefit mankind. Her love was pure and honest, and she knew she could calm the rage that had grown in Lucifer over their years of separation, leading to an increase in war, disease, and chaos. She alone could help Lucifer see reason, but would he travel the distance? Would he fight the odds for their sacred love?

Ten thousand miles of nothing but fierce icy winds and torrential snow at temperatures that could freeze even the depths of hell. Could her love guide his path, or would the Ice Angels win the day?

She re-read the note he managed to smuggle to her.

Dearest Lilith, my Love:

The night will not defeat us. Our love will be consummated, and peace on earth will result. Prepare yourself, my love. I’ll arrive at the stroke of midnight, and at dawn, a new genesis begins.

Forever yours,

Lucifer

Lilith bathed in rose-scented water and dressed in a seductive, silky white gown. She tied the ribbon of the gown over her breasts and thought of the moment when Lucifer would pull tenderly at its silkiness, and the dress would fall away, revealing all that was his, and his alone. She longed to have him take her in his arms. As for the fires of hell, Lilith’s touch would neutralize the inferno, and together, their children would rule the world.

The clock sounded the first chime of the midnight hour, and the candles’ flames leapt and grew more substantial. Lilith ran to the window and peered out into the vastness, struggling to catch a glimpse of movement through the blanket of snow. A smile touched her lips. There, in the distance, was Lucifer’s chariot, glowing as brightly as the sun. As he drew ever closer, the thundering hooves of the hell beasts shook the ground, and the spears and arrows of the Ice Angels disintegrated on contact with his flame, leaving a black quagmire of death in his wake.

At the last stroke of midnight, Lucifer arrived, and Lilith threw open the door to receive her Prince. She ran into the night and stopped just inches away from him. Their eyes locked, and without speaking, he reached out and delicately untied the silky ribbon that was hiding her from him. The gown fell to her feet in ashes, and Lucifer embraced his Lilith within a maelstrom of blue flames.

The next morning the headlines read: TRUMP DEFEATS HILLARY

FCA / 500 words

Yolanda Renee © 2018
All photographs thanks to UpSplash
****

TO READ MORE ENTRIES FOLLOW THE LINK

WEP - THE END IS THE BEGINNING OR IS THE BEGINNING THE END?

Dawn inserted the last invitation into the envelope and sighed. “Just weeks away, can you believe it? Charles will have a full month of leave before his next deployment. Our wedding and honeymoon will be heavenly.”

            “I’m sure it will be dear. You’ve been very patient, both of you. Your father, and I are very proud of you.”

            “It’s been difficult, but we’ve both wanted to fulfill our obligations. Working at the Pentagon has been a great honor, and Charles has spent three years in Afghanistan. Now he’ll join me in Washington, and we’ll complete our military careers together.”

            “I’m amazed that you’ve both stuck to your goals so stringently, but it’s why we’re so proud of you.”

            “Thanks, Mom. This wedding proves that.”

            “Your dad thought it was the least we could do. You’ll need your money to furnish that new house.”

            “Has Charles told you where you’ll be going on your honeymoon?”

            “No, he’s got it all arranged though. Charles said I won’t know until we land. A private jet and all first class. The one thing I’m sure of is that I’ll need a bikini.”

~~**~~**~~

The minister started the ceremony with Isaiah 32:

“Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a covert from the tempest, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land. Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness, and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. Please be seated.”

“The bride and groom have written their own vows. Dawn, please share with us your words for Charles.”

Nervously Dawn cleared her throat, smiled at Charles, and their eyes locked. “Charles, you are my life, my love, my hero. I promise to cherish, honor and always be ready for a new adventure.  I pledge to hold your hand through life, to never interrupt your football games, and to always seek your guidance for the important decisions. I am blessed with your love, your friendship, and vow my devotion, forever and always.”

She smiled through her tears when she saw his eyes fill with moisture and delicately wiped the escaping drops as they rolled down his cheek.

“Now it’s your turn, Charles,” The minister said.

“You are the most blessed thing that has ever happened to me. I cherish you, your honesty, your strength and especially your smile. I promise that laughter will always outweigh the tears. I vow a shared future, of fulfilled dreams, diminishing obstacles, and a balanced life of love, family, and personal satisfaction. You are my hero, and I will love you until the end of time.”

They exchanged rings, and the priest pronounced them husband and wife. At the reception, their first dance as man and wife held so much meaning as it was their first real moment together since his arrival was last minute and just hours before the start of the wedding. Dawn finally relaxed in his arms, and they clung together in silence. Swaying to the music, appreciating each other, and looking forward to their future together.

~~**~~**~~

Spending Christmas and their honeymoon on the beach in Hawaii was everything Dawn had ever dreamed of, and as they soaked up the sun, she noticed their glasses were empty. Rock, Paper, Scissors decided who would refresh their drinks. Charles won again, but after declaring himself the winner, he kissed his wife and told her. “Relax, Mrs. Collins. It will always be my pleasure to serve you.”

Charles had only been gone minutes when the air raid sirens went off. Thinking it was just another drill Dawn remained in her seat but searched the sky. Hearing shouts of "it's not a drill! I can see it. Look!" She jumped to her feet and sprinted toward the bar and her husband. 

During those same moments, Charles dropped the drinks he'd just purchased. He witnessed the missile hurtling toward them and raced back to Dawn. They met in an embrace just seconds before their world ended.

~~**~~**~~

*****

What-would-a-person-feel-see-before-dying-by-a-nuclear-bomb-blast

750 words

Yolanda Renée © 2017

*****

My apologies to those looking for a happy ending, I honestly meant for my story to be light and uplifting when I first started. I began writing it while at the dealership waiting for the oil change on my car. The television station on in the waiting room was set to CNN, and a story about Hawaii reinstating regular Nuclear Attack Warning Siren tests caught my eye and sadly changed my story.

WEP - PURPLE GREEN & GOLD

Time for another WEP - Write...Edit...Publish Flash Fiction Challenge. For this challenge we asked folks to write a story about a Holiday Celebration that's out of this world.

1000 words or less with a science fiction theme.

With the dozens of celebrations that occur during this time of the year, picking one wasn't difficult, but adding an off planet mix, made it a bit more intriguing.

This is my contribution. Enjoy.

And please follow the links to read the others!

PURPLE GREEN & GOLD

Jaysa put an X on the calendar, marking another day gone, and surprisingly another year. New Year's Eve had always been her favorite holiday. She looked forward to the promise of new beginnings. Tears threatened. To distract herself, she prepared a cup of chamomile tea. Lost in her memories, Jaysa wandered to the front window and gazed outside.

The panoramic view of the alien valley below raised her spirits. The temperature outside registered a minus fifty degrees, warmer than usual. Trees that bloomed bright gold and red in the summer now stood as frosty sentinels around the compound. Winds from the West blew in gusts of seventy miles per hour, but the mature trees stood tall and unmoving. The younger trees, however, swayed; doing a dance resembling a yoga sun salutation.

The planet Verre Koude, meaning “distant cold,” was in the Andromeda Galaxy. The Sun was one and a quarter times farther from Verre Kouda than the distance of Earth's sun, so winter was the dominate season.

Jaysa and her husband, Jules, had volunteered to establish an outpost and do research on this new discovery. Their spacecraft was equipped to make the one-way trip and serve as their lodgings. Jaysa and Jules meant to raise their family on Verre Koude and send their discoveries to earth via a state of the art communications pod.

NASA had made no promises for future settlement or even supplies. It was an opportunity to be pioneers without a lifeline. The newlyweds saw it as the perfect adventure. Equally excited by the possibilities, they married on New Year's Eve, and one month later, took off for their new home. Their craft carried everything they needed, a comfortable apartment, greenhouse, medical and research lab, and the all-important communications pod. With enough supplies to get them through ten years, they realized survival would depend on ingenuity and skill, but they assumed more explorers would eventually join them.

However, a meteor storm during flight had destroyed one-third of the ship. The communication pod and the two small crafts, which were supposed to provide them with the transportation to explore their new world, were gone along with half of their supplies. The autopilot had jettisoned those compartments to save the ship.

Jules was confident he could find enough parts from the rest of the craft to create a new antennae that would allow them to communicate with Earth. He would use the undamaged communication equipment from the flight deck once they landed.

They'd settled their craft on a high mountain plateau with the valley and ocean spread in front of them. Jules had called it a good defensible position; Jaysa appreciated it for the view.

Their communications problem was the first thing Jules tackled while Jaysa gathered data and plotted their first movements across the planet for exploration. Jules was partially successful with his repairs. They could send messages and data, but they couldn't receive confirmation back from NASA.

It took months for Jules to build a receiver. Every evening they listened to static, hoping beyond hope that someone would return their messages. Two-way communication hadn't happened, but they'd settled into a regular routine.

Jaysa yearned for children to make their stay less lonely, but Jules refused to allow her to get pregnant. He didn't want his children to be alone with no hope of returning to Earth. Jaysa tried to convince him that NASA would send another ship, but Jules argued that the billions in funds that NASA had spent for this trip would be a political hot potato.

Procreation was the only source of discord between them.

Now Jules was gone. Maybe lost forever. She was alone. If he had granted her wish, she might have a child, maybe even children, to keep her company. Now all she had were the birds and beasts of Verre Koude, some more vicious than others.

Six months ago, Jules had left for the ocean intent on having fresh fish for dinner. He never returned. Jaysa searched for him for days, weeks, even months, but she never found his body.

She delayed her grief with false hope, but with her dream of adventure destroyed, Jaysa grew homesick. Instead of sending out data regarding her life on Verre Koude, she broadcast a repeating Mayday call.

This New Year's Eve would’ve been their eighth anniversary, five years of which they'd spent in cryostasis for their trip to Verre Koude. They'd had two and a half years of actual marriage and exploration, and she'd spent six months searching and grieving.

A pity party instead of a New Year's Eve party was all Jaysa had to look forward to, but something stirred inside her and she refused to allow depression to take control.

Dumping her cold tea, she went to the bathroom and showered. Putting on her most daring dress, and switching on her favorite music, Jaysa popped the cork on a bottle of Champaign and made her first toast.

"To you, Jules, and whatever the future may hold." She drank the glass in its entirety and sipped the next. Glancing outside, she noted the winds were calm, and the Aurora Borealis was providing a magnificent display of blues, greens and reds in a dramatic artistic swath across the heavens.

A strange light caught her eye. Jaysa thought it was a meteor but quickly realized the speed was too erratic. A ship on a crash course. Is this my rescue?

She changed into winter gear, grabbed her gun and skis, and headed down the mountain. Explosions and flames filled the sky. "Oh God, please let them survive!"

At the crash site, she found a man dressed in a t-shirt working to contain the fire. Tall and un-phased by the cold temperatures, his muscular arms glistened from his labors.

He looked up as she approached and smiled. She moved closer. Realizing that his dark purple skin meant her savior was alien, she stopped in her tracks, but his green-gold eyes conveyed delight allaying her fears.

999 words/FCA

Yolanda Renee © 2015