Last year, I wrote two short romances for Woman's World magazine. It was challenging and fun to write a love story in only 800 words. Just for fun, I wrote a new one inspired by refinishing the hardwood floors in my century home. Here's a little love story.
“Can I walk on the kitchen floor yet?” Helen asked.
Ed shook his head. “Give it one more day and the varnish
will be set.”
One more day, Helen thought. You always think you can do something tomorrow. Up until the fatal
small plane crash that had claimed her grandparents a month earlier, Helen had
always thought the future would stretch on forever. She had believed her
grandparents’ home they were lovingly restoring back to its Victorian grandeur
would be the site of many more memories.
“Come see the staircase,” Ed said. “When I sanded the steps,
I found they were really beautiful.”
Helen followed Ed through the dining room where the floor
had been finished for a week. Ed’s tall frame and broad shoulders exuded
confidence in his work and ability.
“Beautiful,” Helen said. “It’s a shame the stairs were
covered by that carpet runner all those years.”
She sat on the bottom step and offered Ed half her candy bar
when he sat next to her.
“Lots of things are right under our eyes and we don’t see
them,” Ed commented. Helen looked up quickly as he politely broke off a chunk
of her chocolate bar. Did he know how she had loved him from a distance for
years? She had been careful never to give herself away, not wanting to
complicate a family relationship. Ed was the grandson of her grandfather’s best
friend and Navy buddy. He’d joined his father in the construction and fine
carpentry business while Helen had gone off to nursing school.
“At least that’s what I’ve learned from restoring old
houses,” Ed said.
Helen sighed. “What should I do with this old house now that
they’re gone? My parents are counting on me to see the remodel through, but then
what?”
Ed rested an arm behind her on the steps, and she felt his
warmth. “They were planning to keep it in the family, weren’t they?” he asked.
She nodded, tears threatening to fall.
“So why not do that?” he said. “All your happy memories
aren’t behind you. No matter how much it may feel that way now.”
Helen smiled. “I remember standing on these stairs for a
prom picture ten years ago. I always thought I’d…”
She paused, not wanting to say she’d imagined herself as a
bride on those same stairs someday. She’d always thought her family would be
gathered around the bottom of the stairs, watching her descend.
“Hey,” Ed said softly, slipping an arm around her shoulders.
“This house will always be a part of you. That’s why we’re bringing it back to
life.”
He paused and swallowed, and they sat so close together she
could see every detail in his eyes even though she already knew how his hazel
eyes changed with whatever work shirt he was wearing.
“There’s something I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time,”
he said.
Helen put a tentative hand on his knee. Was it possible to
hope?
“I’ve been in love with you for so long I can’t even go back
and put a date on it,” he said.
“You’ve been in love with me?” she asked.
He nodded.
“Why didn’t you ever tell me?”
He laughed. “We grew up together, and I was such a goofball
as a kid. I was afraid you’d laugh at me or think I was pranking you. But my
feelings are real.”
"Mine are, too." Helen leaned closer and kissed him softly on the lips. "I love you, Ed." She
had imagined such a kiss dozens of times. Could her childhood friend who knew
her better than anyone else and whose workmanship was all around her in her
beloved grandparents’ home…could Ed become hers?
“Come with me,” she said, standing and reaching down a hand
to him.
They walked onto the front porch, and she pulled two wicker
chairs together.
“Remember when you threw water balloons at me and my brother
when we snuck up on you with squirt guns?” Ed asked.
Helen laughed. “You thought you were being so clever, but I
was tipped off by an informant.”
“Your grandfather?” Ed asked.
“Yours,” Helen said, smiling. “I remember you delivering
papers after school when I’d come over and do homework here until my parents
got home from work.”
“Your grandmother always invited me in for cookies, and most
of my newspapers were late.”
“Because you couldn’t resist the cookies?” Helen asked.
“Because I couldn’t resist being with you.” Ed took her hand
and kissed her. “We’re going to finish the restoration on this house and make
it honor the past while also being open to what’s next for us.”
“What’s next?” Helen whispered. “Now that I know how you
feel, I want to treasure the present.”
Ed put his hands on both her cheeks. “Helen, let me be part
of your future.”
“Our future,” she said. “And the happy memories waiting for
us.”
Nice story!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on placing a story in WW. I've known writers who've tried for years! Nice story--and an enviable house!
ReplyDeleteAw, so sweet.
ReplyDeleteI love this! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLove the story!
ReplyDeletelovely story
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute read! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteLovely:-)
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! You put so much into 800 words. Amazing!
ReplyDelete