fact or fiction
Is it a fact or is it merely fiction? Fact or Fiction explores relationship myths and truths to get your head out of the clouds and back into romantic reality.
The ghost of winter
The Ghost of winter The brittle ground shimmered with a sprinkling of light frost. Jacob could see his breath given ghostly life in the frigid air and then disappear. He grunted slightly at the sharp pain in his knee as he took a step. The cold weather no longer agreed with Jacob, it made every movement painful, made his arthritis flare into sharp life and his breath wheeze in his throat. He was determined not to let the winter beat him, he continued with his weekly routine of walking the mile to the post office to collect his pension from the local Post Office. He settled into a steady but slightly stuttering walking rhythm, he leaned heavily on his stick and his mind began to wander. As always it wandered into the past, to happier more contented times…
By Clare Smith5 years ago in Humans
The Sorcerer's Scribe
The life of an adventurer isn’t always an easy one. The quests we take on from one day to the next may be vastly different, whether we like it or not. Battling ravenous beasts isn’t a complicated task, but sometimes there aren’t enough attacks to go around.
By Jay Villin5 years ago in Humans
Ambushed On A Summer Day
It was the summer of 1985, I had taken my annual vacation from work and had planned to go spend a week in Cyprus, an island that is 265km from Lebanon by sea. During that time the news of the hijacked TWA airplane[1] was on every news station and the latest update was that it had landed in Beirut airport carrying a number of hostages. Well, that broadcast did not delay my travel plans nor did it even place doubts in my mind to change plans because political and security instabilities had become normal life for us, having gone through 10 years of war then. The airport was open for planes to land and take off and that meant that I can go ahead with my travel plans.
By Grace Kusta Nasralla5 years ago in Humans
What Is Love?
It all started one bright summer day where two Mothers brought their kids to the park to play. Although Angela was a few years older, Derek always tried to be the leader between the two. They were having fun while sharing & playing with their toys at the playground. Also kicking a soccer ball around & throwing it in the sky. The Mothers thought it was unusually sweet for both of them to not fight over toys & stuff like other kids usually do. Since they lived in the same neighborhood their friendship has grown over the years with many adventures. From riding bikes & climbing trees in the summer time to sledding in the winter. Everyday was a new adventure! One time all the kids in the neighborhood were playing hide & seek. Angela & Derek knew the area well so they hid together. They went behind the tall bushes along the fences. Also laughing & giggling quietly since they knew they had the best hiding spot on the block. After sharing some good laughs, Angela started thanking Derek for being such a great friend to her. She then leaned in & kissed him! Derek was surprised & they both started blushing. Shortly after, a spider started to crawl up Angela’s arm which caused her to scream! That ended up with them being caught but no one caught them kissing though. They never really brought it up after that either. Angela moved to another part of the city as they got older but they still went to the same school. Now Derek is a captain & lead quarterback for their football team. Angela on the other hand was also a captain but for the cheer team. They were both on varsity even though Derek was only a sophomore while Angela was already a senior. Both are currently with their highschool sweethearts as well. Angela was dating the running back Ryan on the football team & Derek was dating the flyer from the cheer team named Becky. Derek noticed Ryan one day being loud and aggressive towards Angela after a recent game they lost. It made him furious to see that! He never said anything though because he wanted to mind his own business. Ryan was known for being a “loose cannon party animal”. Anyway, along with Derek & Angela being on varsity, they also shared an advanced elective music class. Piano was both of their favorite instruments. The way they played Fur Elise so gracefully together almost created peace in the room instantly! They still remained very good supportive friends even after they’ve kissed as kids. Some people from the teams all go to this local music store called,” Seth & Sons Music Lounge”, to hang out occasionally. That’s where Angela & Derek first started playing piano together. After another amazing season, Angela was super excited because her prom was coming up. She had a sleek red dress with a white rose. Ryan was more focused on spiking the punch to try & have a better night but only made things worse as the night persisted. They still had an amazing time & an unforgettable night! Derek already went to his homecoming months ago with Becky. He wore a navy blue tuxedo with a white bow tie. They also had a wonderful time & a great night. Ironically enough, Derek & Angela both had limousines for their nights! Derek was pretty upset on the way home because when he went to get himself & Becky a glass of punch, he noticed her dancing with another guy from the football team! Becky didn’t think that he would’ve seen anything but he did. However the truth is time flies & Angela is graduating soon. Derek always wished that he was a little older just to graduate with her too. Angela’s graduation ceremony & party was coming up & Derek knew deep down that he probably wasn’t going to see her for a very long time if not forever. During the ceremony, Derek sat next to Becky, Ryan, & Angela’s parents. They were all cheering & clapping for her as she walked across the stage! Her parents started crying out of pure joy. The party was approaching quickly & Derek felt his time with his lifelong best friend getting shorter & shorter. The day finally came & Angela woke up super excited for her party! Derek on the other hand was really anxious & nervous not knowing how he was going to tell Angela about these feelings for her which he doesn’t even know how to express. A lot of people from their school showed up & they’re all having a good time. Almost as if it was better than prom! Derek & Becky arrived late but Angela was just happy they could make it! While everyone was hanging around the pool listening to music, Ryan started making a scene because Angela didn’t want him to spike the punch again. In a rage, Ryan got into his car and peeled off! Rumor has it that in the middle of all that drama, Becky snuck into the guest room with the same football player she danced with at homecoming! Now Derek is concerned & looking for Becky. While looking for her, Derek ran into Angela. He quickly notices she’s upset but doesn’t proceed to ask why since he knows it’ll only upset her more. Instead, he proceeds to open up to her & finally expresses his feelings for her. He thanks her on how amazing the past years have been between them. He goes on & says,” I don’t like the feeling or idea that we might not be able to see each other as much. Or maybe it’s just the fact that we’re growing up & becoming adults? No matter what happens, I just want to tell you I love you & thank you for being such an amazing person to me.” Angela started to cry & run towards her room! Not understanding what just happened & still can’t find Becky, Derek decided that it’s probably best to just go home. Becky’s parents ended up picking her up later that night. Ten years pass since that moment without them speaking to each other & all they really wanted was at least a hug goodbye. Derek is 25 now & is a Lawyer for a reputable law firm. Angela is 28 & is top in sales in a really good real estate company while trying to start her own. They’re both married to their highschool sweethearts as well, for better or for worse. Ryan’s alcohol problem has only gotten worse along with his anger & aggressive behavior. On the other side, Becky found other methods of escaping & leaving Derek. For days or sometimes even weeks without a single notice. Life was good but also had many challenges for both of them. Angela & Derek got on their knees & begged the higher power for a sign of hope, as they reached another breaking point in their lives. They also bought houses almost a block away from each other & close by to that old music store they used to go to. Not realizing they live so close, they both take a walk to the old music store that late afternoon. Hoping to find something within the music to brighten their day. Derek arrived there a little before Angela did & quickly sat down at the piano. As he’s getting ready & flipping through the pages looking for Fur Elise, he hears the bell at the door ring along with a familiar, charming voice saying,”Hello Seth!” Seth at the counter all surprised replied,” Oh wow! Hey Angela, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you in here!” Derek is thinking to himself that he knew that voice sounded familiar! Seth added,” By the way, I think I just saw Derek walk in here too a minute ago! I couldn’t tell if it was really him or not though because I was cleaning these microphones, but I saw him head back towards the Piano Room.” Angela said,” I must go see for myself at once!” As soon as she started to walk back there Derek started to play Fur Elise & at that very moment Angela knew that it was him! When she turned that corner, they both started to make eye contact. Sending shivers up their spines almost as if they just saw a ghost. She walks up to the piano & asks softly,” May I?” Derek responded quietly,” You may.” They started over & played Fur Elise together the same way they did back then. With complete grace & harmony. Peace filled the room once more. When they finished playing they both said to each other at the same time,” It’s really good to see you. It’s been a while.” Derek then asked,” I’m not trying to come off too strong but are you busy tonight? If you aren’t, would you want to come get a bite to eat with me at this new restaurant a few miles down the street?” Angela happily responded,” I would love too, we can talk & catch up!” After they walk home they both tell their spouses that something popped up at work & they need to go. Ryan & Becky didn’t say anything & ignored them. Arriving at the new restaurant, they were lucky & got seated right away after this older couple were just leaving. Angela ordered some crab cakes with jumbo shrimp & Derek ordered some swordfish with calamari. While waiting for the food they also order a couple drinks & start catching up. They talked about the trials in college & crappy professors & even personal life problems. The good days at work to the most insane days you can think of! Now for the best parts. All of the dreams, goals, & desires! Derek was still concerned about that time at her graduation party. He had to ask her if he ruined it for her or not. Angela admitted she wasn’t mad or upset with him at all that day. She was just upset with Ryan for leaving her like that in the middle of her party. That a matter of fact, Derek saying he loved her was the best part of her graduation party! Both were thinking now that they probably just had a little too much to drink but they both know their limits & aren’t even tipsy, yet. Their food is finally served right at the perfect time. The smell filling the booth with the pure aroma of true mediterranean seafood! They don’t hold back & devour the food in minutes. After they get done eating, Derek paid for it but Angela insisted she leave the tip. Both didn’t want the night to end so soon. Angela came up with a good idea & asked Derek,” Do you have to leave right after? If not you should follow me after we leave here.” Derek replied happily saying,” That sounds like a great idea, I’ll follow you!” Angela ended up leading him to their highschool football field. They started walking towards the home field bleachers to sit at the top & watch the stars twinkle. A shooting star fell across the night sky as she laid her head on his shoulders, both wishing for this moment to never end. This is the best night either of them had in a long time. Peaking through the clouds the moonlight started to reflect across some broken wine glasses & an empty bottle of Merlot at the bottom of the bleachers. They started to laugh because they didn’t notice it at first on the way up. Appreciating this reconnection after long lost time, they both laid back & asked themselves, what is love?
By Seth Strange 5 years ago in Humans
The Log Cabin
I see a log cabin up ahead. Finally, some shelter. I’ve been walking through these lush woods for at least half an hour. I was only planning on taking a quick walk in the snowy forest, but a blinding blizzard started with no warning and I lost my orientation. I have no idea which direction is the right direction, which way goes further into the woods and which way takes me back home. Now, finally, a sign of some sort of shelter. I can take refuge inside that cabin until the blizzard dies down and I can figure out where I am. The snowflakes swirl around me as the wind continues to pick up and blast in my face. Despite the fact that I am wearing a down jacket, snow pants, thick gloves, and heavy winter boots, I am freezing cold. It feels like -20 degrees Fahrenheit out here. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if it was. As I continue walking towards the cabin, it feels like it’s moving further and further away from me. After what feels like five minutes, the cabin stops in place, and I start making actual progress reaching it. I finally make it to the front of the cabin, and I walk up the two stairs leading to the door. I jiggle the door handle, and because the door is so old, it takes me a good ten seconds to push in the door. I quickly get inside and close the door behind me. Oh, finally. I’m somewhere that’s at least warmer than out there.
By Jamie Lammers5 years ago in Humans
Come Sail Away
Brandi was soaking in every ray of sunlight she could as she lay on the warm golden sand. Today was a perfect day to be at the beach. She had searched these shores for a completely remote spot where she could be alone. Ever since she and her mom had moved to this tropical “paradise”, she had not had a moment to herself. Unpacking, new school, new way of life far from all she had known took up all her time. The night before, she and her mom had a huge fight. Her mother said Brandi needed to grow up and take more responsibility. Even though she was going to be 13 soon, Brandi didn’t want to grow up just yet. She still loved playing with dolls, hugging her teddy bear, and coloring with her crayons. Why did everyone need to grow up so fast anyway?
By Janet Freedland5 years ago in Humans
Freedom! Awaits!
My elbows make pockets in the sand beneath the towel I'm lying on. All I can think about is the sunscreen I lathered into my skin in the girl's bathroom back at school before meeting my friends for lunch. Oasis is playing on a radio a few blankets down, and I can't help but wonder about the AP English class I'm missing. I pull out my copy of The Good Earth and try to read a few pages, but the sun is still high in the sky, and the glare from the pages is blinding. I toss the battered paperback back into my bag with a huff and try to chill out. My friends and I ditched school to come to the beach. Senioritis has struck the class of '95 hard, apparently.
By Nicole Olea5 years ago in Humans
Sea of Ambiguity
The rumble of thunder and steady patter of rain gently woke me back into a revelation of paranoia and discomfort, yet dreams of a cold mead and warm bread lingered on. Caught in a storm on the run from The Enemy. Plagued by the unknown terrors of The Black Sea. Stories like these don't exist for they are hardly ever survived, but if I am to die it will not be idly. My second in command, James, was waiting at the helm looking onward towards clearer skies. "Do you see any change of behavior in the clouds?" I asked. James turned and threw a spyglass, "There are grey skies northeast, we should be out of the storm within the hour." I surveyed the perimeter checking for other ships but I still could not see anything. We'd been in the dark for what seemed like two days and there had been no sign of anyone, friend or foe. Still, I held hope for other survivors, and kept vigilant for The Enemy. All looked well on the main deck but the cannons below had not been loaded yet so I made my way there. Not many people escaped so we didn't have much help but James and I weren't the type to surrender, especially not to The Enemy, driven by their "divine rights" they say, lacking all compassion for others ways of life. I was hauling up one of the last few cannonballs into the chamber when I heard the rain lighten on the upper deck. As I made my way up I saw blue glow into my line of sight and was quickly relieved to have clarity of vision. Hope and aggression brushed my mind as I thought to check the perimeter once more, and as I saw a spec on the far side of the storm to our right, neither hope nor aggression were entertained, for paranoia had taken their place again. Even with the spyglass I could not identify the ship but as far as I knew we were the only ship out of our harbor, so if any ship were to have followed, it's more than likely hostile. "Two days! Two days in the dark and a ship is at our neck just a mile out! If they haven't already seen us they surely do now." I thought in silent frustration of the situation. The time would come for conflict. "Go ready yourself for battle and check the cannons. We will sail straight and keep watch of this ship. It could be plotting a course this way as we speak." I kept the ship as steady and straight as possible while looking though the spyglass and after a few minutes I saw the other ship steer towards us. I wanted to believe it was one of our ships, but it was unmarked and didn't have a flag of any kind. There was no doubt it was getting closer, and fast. Friendly or not, turning towards the ship was the best course of action. I was prepared for the worst, and the more I considered the worst, the more I considered doing as much as I could to defend my ship. I suddenly felt some kind of primal instinct to defend everything on this ship. They would take nothing. They would have nothing but death and destruction if they got close. They wouldn't have a chance to get close. The cannons were ready. I was ready. There was no time for questions. James would be the first in danger if they fired first, but he trusted me and I knew when the time came he would fire on my mark. "Prepare to fire cannon one left side!" We were moments away from being in firing distance, and in this moment one must be sure; sure that nothing will stand in the way of certainty. You never know if the first shot could be the last. "Fire!"
By Jesus Fonseca5 years ago in Humans
