Inside My Imagination

Amas Veritas

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 19:07:03 +0100

Springtime petals spiral amid warm winds

Floating toward a vision of rare beauty,

Effervescent sunlight sings your song

And I imagine soft pink lips on mine.

Copper brown eyes, deep and wistful

Embrace the vulnerability of my heart,

Strong, kind hands hold compassion

And I know love radiates within your soul.

Crystal clear waterfalls emanate your touch

Rippling through my trembling skin,

Your existence is a pure, magical secret

And I pray I may never be broken hearted.

You just do.

Sun, 05 May 2013 22:18:09 +0100

It can take seconds. An instant connection formed by a short glance, a chance meeting or a deeply bonded friendship. An emotional imbalance that takes you by surprise and sweeps you entirely off your feet. A suffocating experience so intense it was as if you were drowning and the realisation is like coming up for air. A feeling so momentous that your heart skips beats and for just one minute you feel like you might collapse from the clarity between your shared gaze. A shiver, ever so slightly unnerving that your skin tingles and the world begins to blur in the distance. A feeling of warmth, of safety, of pure endless bliss… a feeling of being whole. How do you know when you’re falling in love?

Cunnilingus

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:51:00 +0000

(Warning: The following material contains adult content.)

I still my thoughts

I take you home

You kiss my neck

You hear me moan

I bite your chin

I feel your need

You lift my dress

You make me plead

I peel your shirt

I touch your chest

You stroke my skin

You free my breasts

I pull your hair

I suck your tongue

You push me down

You lick my thong

I scream my joy

I raise my hips

You grab my legs

You wet your lips

I writhe my body

I squeeze your arms

You pulse my sex

You work your charms

I lose my breath

I close my eyes

You hum your sound

You hold my thighs

I cry my bliss

I slow your head

You taste my juice

You rocked my bed

No Longer Estranged Deep blue eyes sought mine Intense, my breath abated No longer estranged Oh,...

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 11:30:50 +0000

No Longer Estranged

Deep blue eyes sought mine

Intense, my breath abated

No longer estranged

Oh, what sadness weighted me

For I had loved another.

In Loving Memory With every seed planted, With every garden...

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 09:01:31 +0000

In Loving Memory

With every seed planted,

With every garden grown,

With every budding rose,

You will be remembered.

In every passing day,

In every beating heart,

In every written word,

You will be remembered.

For every blooming life,

For every radiant flower,

For every petal wilted,

You will be remembered.

The Worst Day

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 10:46:26 +0000

(Warning: The following material contains strong language.)

9.30am

Late for work. Shit. Stare at alarm in disbelief. Fuck. Shit. Jump in shower still wearing boxers. Ugh. No shampoo. Shit! Slip on wet floor of bathroom and bang knee. “Fuck that’s going to leave a bruise!” Run around like headless chicken trying to find clean, white shirt. No luck. Fish through washing basket and use modern day instant cleaning technique, Febreze. Fumble arms and legs through navy blue suit looking for car keys. Dog has them. “Chief, give me the keys!” Tug of war fight with dog to attain drool covered keys. Leave flat in hurry and forget to lock up. Limp back as sore knee prevents running. Lock up.

10.20am

Stuck in traffic. “Seriously? It’s twenty past ten. You should all be at work by now!” Honk horn even though not supposed to. Fucking road laws. Slam on accelerator once traffic is out of way. Sirens. No. No. No. No. No. Please not today. Pull over. “License and Registration.” It’s Alan. Phew! “I’m really sorry Al; I’m in a rush.” Hand over documents. “You and everyone else at this hour, Heywood. You know the rules.” Shit. Fuck. Fucking Shit. Why the fuck today?! Half an hour she said. Just one drink she said. Shake self furiously against steering wheel. Deep breaths. It’s not her fault, I should have more discipline. Fuck it. It is her fault, what are best friends for if not to place blame? Alan returns. “It doesn’t look good. Do I have to ask you to step out of the car?” Roll eyes. Force smile. “I’m sure we can make an arrangement.”

10.40am

Arrive in office. Boss taps watch in my direction. “You’re late Heywood. That presentation better be ready.” Right. Err. “What time is the meeting?” “11 o’clock.” Argh! Fuuuucccckkk. Begin super human speed gathering of all papers needed, including copy and paste of Power Point presentation from computer to USB pen. Where the fuck is my USB pen? “Anna! Can I borrow your USB pen?” Thank God for receptionists. “Yea, here you go. Just make sure you give it back.” “Will do. Thanks.” “Um, Mark?” Stop dead in tracks and twist head exorcist style. “You have lipstick on your collar, Hun.” She giggles. Shit.

12.25pm

Post-apocalyptic lunch break. I want to die. Power Point presentation was epic failure. Formatting completely fucked up and I dropped papers everywhere. Sara from advertising attempted to help and we somehow wound up with a face-in-crotch moment. Improvised whole thing. Sink in chair. “Heywood!” Bolt upright. “1 o’clock. My office. Sharp.” Fuck. Shit. I’m fired. I know it. Call Jon. “I fucked up. I fucked up royally this time. My life is over.” “Whoa, whoa. What are you talking about?” “My boss is going to fire me.” “Oh. How do you know?” Recall events of entire morning so far with manly sobbing in-between. “And now he wants to see me in his office at 1.” Imitate boss. “Sharp.” “Calm down. I’m sure it will be fine. You will be fine. Want to get a pint later?” Great idea Jon.

1.00pm

Must have still been drunk whole morning as wave of hangover suddenly crashes into head like car into lamppost. Slowly approach boss’ office. Feels like treading on eggshells. Knock. “Come in.” Pop head round door feeling like Chief when he’s been caught rummaging through the rubbish again. “You wanted to see me?” Boss looks up from desk. “Yes. Yes, Heywood. Come and sit down.” Sit down. Boss crosses hands on desk with concerned parent expression. Deep breaths. “Is everything?” Pause. “Is everything alright at home?” No. Cough. “Yes, everything is fine sir.” He nods. “Right. If everything is alright at home then perhaps it’s something in the work place. Are you happy in your current position?” No. Cough. “Yes, absolutely sir.” He nods again. “Right. Well I’m afraid this is to do with your performance. If you are indeed content as you so claim…” Hangover begins to swirl in head like Ferris wheel. Unable to concentrate on what Boss is saying. Vomit in mouth and force swallow to prevent projectile mess. “Are you sick, Heywood?” Yes, self-inflicted but yes. “I haven’t had any lunch yet.” “Right. You’re on one month’s probation.” Fuck.

3.10pm

Have eaten meatball sub and gobbled some Nurofen. Feel better. Take sip of coffee and glance at clock. Jesus this day is dragging. Rub hands over face. “Hey Mark.” Jump. It’s Anna. Relief. “What can I do for you, Anna?” “I wondered if you fancied a drink tonight?” Oh No. “Well, actually…” “Great! So, I’ll meet you downstairs after work? Bye.” I loathe myself. “Yea. Bye.” Fuck. Fuck. Fuckety. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

5.35pm

Have failed at doing anything productive all day. Boss will surely fire me in less than a month. Can’t believe let Anna bully me into date. She agreed other night was one time thing. Will take stairs in hopes of escaping her acrylic red claws. Peek head round corner from stairwell. Anna is talking to some colleagues. Quickly dive head first into run for freedom. “Mark!” Damn! Turn around. “There you are. I thought I was running late.” She looks unconvinced but walks with me anyway.

6.15pm

Bored to death. Anna will not shut up about sister’s engagement. Explains usurped date. What was I thinking sleeping with this woman? Call from Jon. “Excuse me, would you? I need to take this.” Obtain safe distance. “We still going for a pint mate?” “Yes. I’ll meet you at the Bull in thirty minutes.” Return to a desperate faced Anna. “I’m really sorry Anna. That was my brother. I need to go. Family emergency. You understand.” Quickly grab jacket and leave before Anna has time to reply.

7.55pm

Sat in Bull with Jon. Have drunk like fish and on fourth pint. “Slow down mate. It is a work night after all.” “I know you’re right but it’s been one fucking shit day.” “Exactly the reason why you shouldn’t let tomorrow be the same. Why were you late this morning?” Gulp two fingers. “I went out with Em. Something about her boyfriend being a dick again.” Jon slumps back with judgemental look. “Mate, you can’t be friends with her.” Shocked. “Why not? We’ve been best friends since High School?” Jon rolls eyes. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe because you’re IN love with her?” Beer comes out nose. Deny it. Go on. Deny it. Why can’t I deny it? “Am. Not.” Even I don’t believe me.

9.05pm

Am pissed. Realisation of love IN Em is last straw of day. Perhaps need to re-assex life. Crap. Have nut been home to walk or fed Chef. “I need go. I forgot bout dog.” Jon gives another joodgemental look. “If you’re that adamant on keeping him get a dog-sitter.” Nod. Down rest o pint. Stand and stubble backwards when putting on jacket. Apologise to coat rack. “I’ll walk you home.” Night iss coldd. Jon is sturdyy. “Mark?” Oh Nooo. “Mark, I thought you had a family emergency?” “Anna! This my brother, uur…” “Hi Anna, I’m Jon. There was no family emergency. Mark here has a serious drinking problem.” Attempt soldier salute! “Enjoy the rest of your evening.” Jon wink. Anna blush. “Right.”

10.50pm

Have fed and walked Chief. Jon insisted I drank copious amounts of water. Really need a piss. On toilet when phone rings. For Fu… Scramble to get phone with trousers around ankles. “Hello?” “Mark, it’s Em. Can I come over? I really need to talk.” Pull hand through hair. Deep breaths. “Em, it’s a bit late.” Em sobs. “Em, don’t cry. You can come over.” Phone clicks. Fuck. Shit. Fuck. Turn back to bathroom. Face plant into floor. “Bloody trousers!”

11.45pm

Nervous doesn’t cover it. Em has wept puddles all over shirt. Doesn’t realise how beautiful she is. “Why are you still with him?” Put arm around Em. Shake head. “You should.” Pause. “You should be with someone who appreciates you.” Me. ME. Em looks up at me with glazed almond eyes. Can’t contain self any longer. Kiss Em. Am Kissing Em. Holy shit am KISSING EM! Em pulls away. She looks confused. Say something. “I want to be with you. I.” Pause. “I love you.” Em’s eyes widen. Shit. “Mark, I.” Pause. Heart in stomach. “I can’t.” Em gets up to leave. Stare into void. Hear the door opening. Wait. WAIT. Chief barks. Door closes. Still staring into void. Head to kitchen. Pour glass of scotch. Drink scotch. Look at scotch. Remember Dad. Fuck.

Merry Christmas I think about you. Do… do you think about...

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:50:32 +0000

Merry Christmas

I think about you.

Do… do you think about me?

Well, Merry Christmas.

The Break Up

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:12:00 +0000

She looked at me, hopeful that I might be joking. The hint of a smile playing on her luscious lips. The way she wrinkled her nose when confused made my knees buckle. And there they were, each cute little line furrowed between her brows. I almost lost it and gave in to her plea. She always did that to me. Tori was my biggest weakness. I shook my head, knowing I had to remain strong. I looked deep into her eyes. Hoping to find answers where there were none. I could spend all day looking into her dark, green eyes or pushing the swirls of red hair away from her beautiful face. Her skin was soft to touch. I desperately wanted to touch her. My body yearned like fire for oxygen to touch her, even now. Even when there was no hope for us.

Tori tilted her head to the side, waiting for my answer, still expecting my words to be a morbid prank. I stood in silence. It felt like a thousand moments slipped by in those few minutes. My heart breaking piece by piece with every breath I took. Was I truly doing this? I shook my head again, looking down, feeling the tears on the brim of my eyes. I breathed deeply, exhaling through my mouth. I wanted to die. If I couldn’t have her, I didn’t want to live. Letting her go would surely kill me anyway.

“Kieran?” she asked. Prompting me to finish what I’d started. I think she saw my distress because she reached out to stroke my arm. I pulled away. The pain in her face tore me apart. She knew then that what I had said was true. What had I done? A single tear rolled down her cheek. Mine came in floods. She said nothing. I felt empty. She turned and ran. My pulse raced and my legs twitched, needing to run after her. But I didn’t. I couldn’t. Tori wasn’t in love with me.

Ode to the Raven Enchanted with a quest, a deathly spell, Journeying souls through the rivers of...

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 14:42:00 +0000

Ode to the Raven

Enchanted with a quest, a deathly spell,

Journeying souls through the rivers of limbo,

A heavy burden for ebony wings to bare,

Legend tells the tale.

Soaring over clouds, soaring under stars,

A lonely traveller of duty,

The plight of a strong and spirited will.

Saviour to the lost,

Prisoner of magic.

Te Amo Forlorn whispering upon thy soft trembling lips, My heart...

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Te Amo

Forlorn whispering

upon thy soft trembling lips,

My heart awakens

to a sombre melody,

Forget me not, te amo.

One Night

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:47:00 +0000

Imogen fiddled with the straw in her cocktail, boredom taking a turn for the worse. She refused to go home, nothing waited for her.

“Is anyone sitting here?” asks a tall, shabby-haired man.

Imogen shifted slightly on her bar stool, entranced by his dark blue eyes.

“Ah. No.” She flipped her hair and leaned toward him. Removing his jacket, the man positioned himself comfortably on the stool next to her.

“Scotch on the rocks please,” he calls to the passing bar tender, side-glancing in Imogen’s direction. Casting her eyes south, she noted a muscular body and narrow hips. Tall, dark and mysterious. He stole a second look, pulling Imogen forwards with his alluring stare. Crossing her legs, she fought the erotic thoughts swirling inside, all featuring this beautiful stranger. Heat rushed to her cheeks snapping her back to the cocktail. What’s wrong with me? She thought.

“You’re not from around here,” he states, forcing them to lock eyes again.

Imogen takes a deep breath and clears her throat, “I’m sorry?”

“I’ve lived here my whole life. Where are you from?” The bar tender hands him the scotch.

“I just moved here yesterday.”

The man nods taking a sip of his icy cold drink. Imogen watched him, feeling the fine hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Shake it off! She demanded of herself and ordered another cocktail.

“Put it on my tab, Joe.” He smiled then.

“Er. No. That won’t be necessary.” Imogen recoils hearing her own words.

“Necessary? Are you always so blunt when people are trying to be kind to you?” Imogen cuts him off, immediately apologetic. “I didn’t mean to be rude. Please forgive me. Perhaps I can buy you a drink?”

“It’s fine,” the corner of his lips twitch. “So, are you going to tell me where you’re from?”

(Warning: The following material contains adult content.)

Thrusting Imogen up against the wall, the shabby-haired man pinned her arms above her head with one hand, cupping her ass with the other. Sexual desire burned through her skin as his tongue invaded her mouth. Imogen longed for him to be inside her. The dark stranger unzipped her jeans, boring his eyes into hers, watching while his fingers circled her clit and began an assault on her pussy. A soft moan escaped her lips as she yearned for more.

Insatiable hunger coursed through Imogen’s blood, raw need threatened to make her knees buckle. Her heart beat faster unable to contain her excitement. Lifting her top, the man teased her nipples with soft lips, his dark blue eyes still watching. Imogen wriggled to be free of his seductive torture, her want for his sex pulsing inside her own. Standing on her tip-toes, she pushed her breasts into his mouth, quietly demanding he handle her harder.

Angling her to the bed, he threw her down and peeled off her clothing before his own. Every touch felt intoxicating, feeding Imogen’s wanton lust for his body with every encounter of skin on skin. His handsome form caressed her, he kissed her deeply, kissed her neck, her chest, her torso. Lingering wet kisses trailed a path to her pussy, she groaned a fervent plea. Sliding two fingers inside her, he slowly licked her clit and tasted her flowing juices. Imogen brushed her hands through his brown locks, pushing his head deeper into her sex. Unable to contain her fiery passions, she pulled his head upward and forced him to lay beneath her.

Imogen cried with pleasure as her pussy swallowed the man’s hard cock. She rocked slowly, back and forth, taking her fill. He cupped her pert breasts and supple ass while she eased herself up and down, gently increasing her speed. Grunting his satisfaction, he flipped her and pumped wildly into her, clamping his arms around her legs. An eruption of spasms filled Imogen’s pussy. Sensation overwhelmed her and light flashed behind her eyelids as the power of their combined orgasm slammed into her. Energy spread through her as her back arched in ecstasy. They screamed their undoing together. Seized within his arms, her body was calmed, as they recovered from their release.

Winter The sun hides behind mist and clouds,Birds sing the last...

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 13:05:00 +0000

Winter

The sun hides behind mist and clouds,
Birds sing the last of their hypnotic sounds,
Toward the south their wings will fly,
Silence to reflect on the year gone by.

Icy winds make the skin feel raw,
Then snow comes and hearts soar,
A blanket of white for all to see,
Cheeks and noses red with glee.

The streets are full of sparkling lights,
Colourful auras and beautiful sites,
Many are bursting with Christmas cheer,
The season is festive, Winter is here.

Playful fingers run softly through brunette tendrils, Amorous...

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 20:02:00 +0000

Playful fingers run softly through brunette tendrils,

Amorous yearnings escape luscious red lips,

Sensual shivers linger upon smooth olive skin,

Sexual pulses entice lustful hunger with every beat,

Intoxicating desire feeds the fire between limber legs,

Orgasmic excitement teases irresistible addiction,

Natural intensity leaves her undone.

The Legendary Bookworm

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:32:00 +0100

As I wake, my fingers lightly brush the floor in search of my latest read. Unable to function without satisfying my ‘chapter’ withdrawal, the book falls open on my lap, impatiently waiting for me to find my glasses. “Where are my glasses?” I scream, only to realise I’m already wearing them, having fallen asleep reading the night before.

I was nine the first time I finished a novel on my own, and proud. However, upon turning the last page little did I know that I would unearth a deadly monster. A universal terror known only to mankind. An unworldly creature that feeds on the minds of intellectuals and adventurers alike. It latches onto your brain attempting to quench a murderous thirst nothing can sustain… nothing except books. Such a terrible beast threatens to undo you from the very moment it takes possession, enticing you with smarts, cleverness and an undeniable ignorant social life. This monster is known as the, “Bookworm”.

Since that day, I have read, anything and everything my mind is able to comprehend, if only to keep the Bookworm at bay.

Autumn The wind whispers through the trees, Red, Orange and...

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 19:49:00 +0100

Autumn

The wind whispers through the trees,
Red, Orange and Yellow leaves.
Animals burrow for warmth underground,
Somewhere to sleep, nowhere to be found.

Nature wilts of all its beauty,
Calm, crisp and colourful serenity.
The equinox of peace when life comes to end,
A time to remember as maturity descends.

Day turns to night as the sun sets early,
Purples, pinks, a sky unworldly.
A tender reminder of the Summer past,
The season of harvest, it’s Autumn at last.

Insomnia So many hours spent counting sheep, Tossing, turning,...

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 08:41:00 +0100

Insomnia

So many hours spent counting sheep,
Tossing, turning, still can’t sleep.
Watching, waiting, staring at the wall,
Can’t close my eyes, can’t sleep at all.

I’m so tired I believe I’m sinking,
Falling, failing, so close to drinking.
Yawning, yearning, chasing the shadows,
Can’t close my eyes, can’t dream of meadows.

Lay in silence I hear the clock,
Ticking, tocking, wish it would stop.
Creeping, crawling, under my skin,
Can’t close my eyes, can’t give in.

An ending...

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 05:11:00 +0100

Surrounded by few belongings, the consequences of his actions overwhelmed his heart. How easy it had been to give in to temptation; a momentary lapse, a mistake. The man felt the cold sweep across his skin with delicate fingers. He no longer had a place to call home. The sadness that glazed over his daughter’s sweet brown eyes was to be the death of him. Sorrowful pleading, words of regret, lamenting a broken heart, none would help. It would be the hardest thing he would ever have to do. And with a desperate sigh, he left.

Beyond the Shadows Within Mother Earth’s abyssal molten...

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 15:56:00 +0100

Beyond the Shadows

Within Mother Earth’s abyssal molten womb

Transcendent sparks created eidolons

Bathing the world in auroral pearly lights.

With lives fated in anguished evanescence

Darkness transpired o’er the watchers

And shades of black embody the forgotten.

Time contemplates obscurity with silence

And opacity manifests unfamiliar skeletal beings

Varying location as the eternal eye mitigates.

Mortal souls evoke primordial magic

Arousing fallen guardians to despair

For spiritual auras equate eternal life.

Pas de Deux “Voulez-vous danser avec moi?” powerful...

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:10:00 +0100

Pas de Deux

“Voulez-vous danser avec moi?”

powerful arms lace a silken bodice

floating feathery feet,

two souls evolve into one

lengthy loving leaps.

“Voulez-vous me donner votre coeur?”

moving graciously by candelabra

silent slender silhouettes,

lost to passion’s sweet embrace

pacing perfect pirouettes.

“Je suis à toi et tu es à moi.”

intricately balanced on a precipice

elongated extremities entwine,

bound unto the woven folds

dancing delicately divine.

Melting Heart

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 08:46:00 +0100

Hell found me. Unbearable heat surrounded my body. The flames seethed my skin and smoke filled my lungs, slowly suffocating me. Trapped with no escape, with no hope; I was going to burn alive.

#

Sent home early from a business trip in London, my stomach fluttered with excitement to surprise James. Calling from the train, I instructed him to pick up a ‘present’ from the station around two o’clock. Upon seeing him, alarm bells rang loudly in my ears; something was deeply wrong. His tiring eyes, his light touch, his brief kiss, all of it, completely alien. A bump in the road, repeated in my head like a mantra; James and I are happy. Who am I trying to convince?

“What’s wrong?” I asked, after a prolonged and uncomfortable silence.

“Nothing,” he replied.

“Don’t lie to me James, I know when something is bothering you.”

He pulled the car to a stop.

“James?” I pressed.

He shouted suddenly, “You cheated on me!”

Shocked I questioned, “What are you talking about?”

“Sophie, she told me everything whilst you were away. She told me all about Alan and your secret life. How could you do this to me?”

Infuriated by his accusations, and the influence having come from my best friend, I began to raise my voice, “How could I do this to YOU?! How could you do this to ME?!”

James looked dumbfounded, “What?”

“You’ve been cheating on me for months, with several of your ‘girl-friends’!” I corrected, “And you’ve had a crush on that Paige girl from work for almost a year! I’m not an idiot, I just hoped it would pass.”

Calmly lying he said, “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about,” which only angered me more, “Oh please, your act of innocence is insulting.” A wave of nausea hit me, “Why is Sophie involved in this?”

A knowing smirk twitched across his lips, “No reason, she’s involved in a lot of things you don’t know about.”

I stopped breathing. My palpitating heart pained my chest as his words drowned me in an ocean of betrayal. I cherished James, loved him beyond thought or reason, believing myself worthy of his affections. Yet he stood before me, playing the delicate strings of my heart with tainted fingers; delightfully amusing himself with the tale of his latest conquest, my best friend. Ten years of friendship and for what? The realisation became too much to bear, my relationship, my life, a mockery. Bile began to rise in my throat; I stepped out of the car, slamming the door in my wake. Crossing the road, I hailed a nearby black cab. With my gaze firmly locked ahead, I surrendered to my tears.

#

Unable to fathom my grief, I arduously negotiated a sabbatical with my boss, packed some clothes and headed North. My favourite Uncle owned a small cottage in the remote seaside town of Dornoch, and agreed to let me stay there for the rest of Winter. The rather curious building lay on a hill about half a mile out of Dornoch, but a short walking distance from the beach. Painted white walls covered with decorative plants and flowers gave the cottage a dated look, along with its thatched roof. Inside, four adequately spaced rooms, each furnished with an old fashioned sentiment completed the image. Still, it was quite beautiful.

The crisp morning air, occasionally refreshing, left a cold and painfully dry sting in my chest. The wind blew harshly causing my muscles to seize. Keeping myself warm became a matter of layers as I duelled with the heating, unable to figure out how to work the fire. Having left my phone at home in a bid to cut off outside communication, I couldn’t call my Uncle to ask.

Despite the cold, it felt good to be alone. Although, putting my life into perspective seemed a daunting task, like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. I thought about James with a strange sense of relief. A whirlwind of questions filled my mind, speculating over my previously clouded judgement. Remembering Sophie, the stain of her treachery still fresh, I struggled to feel surprised; a failed friendship I somehow expected. The clarity of hindsight being too much to bear, I donned my favourite purple coat, believing a brisk walk would cleanse my insipid thoughts.

#

My face and hands were met with icy blows from the wind, making me regret my decision. Determined to put myself in high spirits I battled the frost towards the beach. The waves crept slowly toward my feet and peace greeted me with open arms, embracing me with calm serenity. Closing my eyes I inhaled the fresh salt air when something wet and furry pawed at my legs. Jumping at the disturbance, I looked down to see a black and white sheepdog panting, drooling and wagging it’s tail.

“Abbey, com!” A voice shouted.

Turning my head in the direction of the deep, husky voice I felt my heart stop as the most beautiful man approached me. Luscious brown, curly locks tousled around his face, revealing a hint of almond coloured eyes. His tall and muscular form walked gracefully toward me, leaving me breathless.

“Sorry aboot her,” he spoke with a thick Scottish accent, “A think she likes ye.”

Locked in a stare, I mindlessly stroked the dog’s soggy fur, “It’s fine,” I said, “She’s a lovely dog.”

“Yer from England a see, what are ye doin so far up North?” he asked.

I struggled with my words, still fixated by his eyes, “I… err… I’m… sabbatical! I’m on a sabbatical… from work. My Uncle owns a cottage not far from here.”

He nodded and I mimicked his actions. Catching a glimpse of his smile my cheeks burned red with embarrassment.

He interrupted the silence, “Well, wis nice meetin ye.”

“You too.” I managed.

I watched him walk away averting my gaze when he looked back. With flushing cheeks and a sinking stomach, I wondered where I had lost my voice. I pondered the thought a little longer, my heart performing pirouettes, then the angel returned, “Scuse me?”

“Yes,” I replied a little over zealous.

“Thare’s a Christmas party goin on at The Eagle the nite aboot nine. Would ye like tae come an meet som a the locals?” he asked sweetly.

“Sure, sounds great.” I said with nervous excitement.

He extended his arm, “The name’s Kirk.”

Butterflies stirred in the pit of my abdomen as I returned the gesture, “Megan.”

“See ye the nite then Megan.” He smiled.

Watching him walk away for the second time a dreaded interrogation took over, what am I going to wear?

#

Having rummaged frantically through my suitcase, I despaired at the clothing carpeted floor, still undecided on an outfit. With a deep sigh, I flopped on the bed questioning the massacre I had committed on my wardrobe. Taking a bath seemed a better option.

Several kettles later I eased myself into the hot water letting the heat soothe my stresses. My mind traced over the catastrophe of the last few weeks, drawing outlines of images; my reasons for the overwhelming need to run away, the sudden abandonment of my family over the holidays and the complete stranger spellbinding me into a stutter. Insanity gushed through my veins, yet, I still wanted to attend the Christmas party thinking, who spends Christmas alone? Gathering some composure, I withdrew from my pensive bath, dressed in a red top with jeans and made for The Eagle.

#

Warmth radiated throughout The Eagle, calling to the patrons still outside in the ice. Colourful Christmas decorations hung from the ceiling and a quaint little tree sat on the bar next to a burping Santa. The most welcoming sight, had to be the stone fire situated in the centre of the left wall, burning peacefully. Nothing like home, I reprieved. I approached the bar swiftly, ordering a cocktail, my nerves getting the better of me. Sitting on a high stool I began observing the people around me, watching them laugh and play party games, share stories with their families and in general, enjoy themselves, emphasising my unhappiness. I mulled over my cosmopolitan for a while longer and contemplated leaving when a voice crept up behind me, “Glad ye could make it,” Kirk said with a polite tone.

He then focused on the barman, “A malt whiskeh an w’ever the lady’s drinkin’.”

“Thank you,” I said shyly.

“Com an sit wit me an me friends, thay aw wanna meet ye.”

I stood shocked by this sudden invitation. Kirk took one stride, laced his fingers through mine and sauntered us both toward a table of similarly attractive and burly men. The intimacy of his touch felt strange yet comforting, then he let go. Did I want to hold his hand? Shaking myself from my reverie, I removed my coat to take a seat. Regardless of feeling completely ridiculous, I was determined to enjoy myself. At first, I found difficulty in understanding their thick Scottish accents, though, amusingly, the more cocktails I supped the more I understood. When the bell rang for last orders my mind buzzed merrily and Kirk offered to walk me home.

Arriving at my door, Kirk ceased talking, looking at me with a gentle smile. Eager to kill the silence I asked him how I might work my fire.

“Hiv ye tried turnin it on?” he joked.

Giggling, I pushed him lightly on the arm for teasing me, then he kissed me. A rush of sensations spiralled through my body, my knees weakened as Kirk glided his hands through my ebony hair and down to my waist, pulling me closer. His lips were moist and soft as they caressed my own. Is this truly happening? Confusion overwhelmed my thoughts, forcing me to stop, “Wow,” I gasped.

Unsure of my feelings I took a step away from him, ”Well, thanks for the lovely evening. Goodnight.”

Gazing into my eyes he smiled sweetly, “Gunite Megan.”

#

Stumbling into my frozen living room, drunken witchcraft willed my fire to life. With the room slowly beginning to thaw, I grabbed a blanket to curl up on the couch with, safely assured I would remain warm.

I awoke suddenly feeling very hot and proceeded to remove my blanket. Briefly opening my eyes, a bow of light pierced me with an arrow of fear. Hell found me. Unbearable heat surrounded my body. The flames seethed my skin and smoke filled my lungs, slowly suffocating me. Trapped with no escape, with no hope; I was going to burn alive.

My eyes flashed to every corner, searching for a way a out. I found none. The fire grew bigger, devouring everything it touched. The Reaper swung his scythe impatiently. I ran for the kitchen door kicking through the flames, desperate for freedom when an explosion hurled me across the room and knocked me unconscious. The room temperature increased rapidly, the monstrous fire taking its fill. In the depths of my subconscious, sirens wailed and people screamed for help. I sleepily awaited death.

#

The beeping sound of a heart monitor startled me awake. Surrounded by white clinical walls I knew I lay in a hospital bed. Relief washed over me, reminding me of the sun pouring through a cloudy day. A red haired woman dressed in baby blue plodded through the door; tears streaked my face.

“Dunny cry, Miss. Yur safe now. Doctor!”

Attempting to recall past events leading to medical attention, my thoughts lingered on a kiss. A deep, sensual kiss forcing my nervous system into submission. Kirk’s kiss. My body responded to his touch in unimaginable ways. Closing my eyes, I remembered the circular shape of his face, his light brown eyes, the stubble on his chin. I felt the soft whisper of his hand upon my face. Bewildered by his sudden appearance, I noticed he wore a Fire Fighter’s uniform. Kirk saved me? A cascade of emotions caressed my skin, showering me with knowledge. Kirk and I were soul mates.

The End