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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Write CONTEMPORARY FICTION (10/30/14)
He stared longingly at the faded picture, almost willing it to come to life. Yvette’s smile, although frozen in time, still managed to light up a room in a spectacular way. She was lovely, kind and so gentle.

Her magnificent beauty was startling at times. He’d never seen anyone quite as beautiful and still hadn’t to this very day. The picture in his wallet was all that was left of her. Each time he gazed at her face, his heart ached. Precious Yvette—funny, sweet, and filled with light—absconded with his heart all those years ago, and he never got it back.


He smiled as he lovingly traced her face with his fingertip. Twenty years since the picture was taken. Wasn’t it yesterday they went to the local five and dime store and shared a small seat to pose for the photograph?


He recalled with painstaking detail Yvette couldn’t’ stop giggling as she sought to gain balance on his knee. Her infectious laughter could be heard beyond the curtain that enveloped the photo booth. They were barely into their teens, and so in love. Yvette was the only happy memory of his childhood.


The memories of the orphanage still troubled him upon occasion. The people in charge were awful to him, especially the creep—Mother superior’s brother— that beat him up for fun. He shuddered as his thoughts drifted back in time, horrific images flooded his mind. When he tried to tell people in authority, he’d receive a warning along with another beating. He’d always attempt to “blow the whistle” with the final outcome unchanged…until they used Yvette as bait for his silence. He remembered the sordid details of that night.

“Hey Jimmy boy, you better keep your mouth shut like a good little boy for many reasons. The first one being, if you don’t… you’ll be used the same way you’d witnessed in the gym. And, two—this part you won’t like—we ‘ll pay a visit to Yvette and be as friendly to her as we are to the boys, you wouldn’t want to be responsible for that would you Jimmy boy?” He laughed as he punched him in the face to drive his point home.


“Keep away from her you piece of garbage! I won’t let you go near her.” Jimmy punched him back…all he remembered from that point was excruciating pain then, mercifully, blackness.


Jim was still looking at the picture as he pulled back from his uncomfortable reverie. He whispered, “Yvette, I’ll always love you. I hope you’re happy. That’s all I ever wanted for you my sweet lady. You were the joy of my life, the only love I’ve ever known.”

He placed the picture back in his wallet, and wiped a lone tear from his face. He shut the lights and hoped to get some sleep. He had an interview with a prestigious law firm tomorrow. It was known for their humanitarian efforts. Jim just moved to the city and was impressed from what he'd heard. He needed to refresh his mind, he needed minimum five hours sleep to be his best. But, all he could see with closed eyes was the hauntingly beautiful blue eyes of the girl he still loved so much.


****************
Next Morning


“Excuse me; sorry to intrude…the call you’ve been expecting is on line three.”


She nodded. “Tell me you’ve got the paper work to put these men behind bars. I’ve waited a long time for this.”


“Yes. We just picked up the last piece of evidence. Three more men came forward and want to testify. This is pretty elaborate. We have all the info this time…It’s going to quick.”


She looked up and mouthed a silent “thank-you Lord.”


“Did you hear me?”


“Yes, I did…I’m beyond thrilled.”


“Oh, and—my sympathy concerning your husband’s death—I know things weren’t very good between you, but—”


“Thanks Kevin. I’m expecting an attorney to join my team today. At least I hope so. My assistant said he looks good on paper. He’ll be here momentarily. Thanks again.”


She took a quick glance in the mirror. The individuals that abused children in the orphanage were finally, thanks to God, going to be put away. She wondered, as she so often did… where he was. She never stopped loving him. Jim—her handsome knight in shining armor—kind and protective. A knock intruded upon Yvette’s thoughts, bringing her back into focus.


“Come in.”
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This article has been read 874 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Noel Mitaxa 
11/07/14
Very skilful portrayal of emotions on both sides of painful memories, without getting mawkish. Love the way you have suddenly brought those sides together. Good work, even with a missing word - was this a vestige from the "suspense" topic of last week? ;-)
Toni Babcock 
11/09/14
Thanks for sharing this creative story, powerfully told, and a story that begs for more.
Jo Wanmer
11/11/14
Great story dealing with real life issues. I found it interesting the way you presented different point of views in different styles.
I really enjoyed the read. Thanks
Robert Douglas Brown
11/12/14
This is a very touching article that was well written as well as written from the heart.

I love your articles so very much and look forward each week to reading them. You have such a special gift with writings that touch the heart and soul.

I see a winner no doubt!

God Bless My Friend!
Robert Douglas Brown
11/12/14
This is a very touching article that was well written as well as written from the heart.

I love your articles so very much and look forward each week to reading them. You have such a special gift with writings that touch the heart and soul.

I see a winner no doubt!

God Bless My Friend!
lynn gipson 
11/12/14
I absolutely loved this story. Jim is finally going to see his Yvette again, and they will be working together. Such a heartbreaking, and then heartwarming story.

You take the reader on a journey and then, what a surprise! I hope the judges are paying attention this time. Best of luck with this winner, in my book.

Blessings, Lynn
Dannie Hawley 
11/13/14
Terrific read! I loved the story's ending, though the well-written emotional content tore at my heart.Yes,I know it's fiction, but it's a story bound to be real to someone--at least, the abuse part. I long for each person to have such a happy ending as your MC. Thanks for sharing!
PamFord Davis 
11/13/14
I cannot express in a brief comment how powerful this message is. Keep 'Winging His Words...
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
11/15/14
Wow, what a great story. Although the ending was slightly predictable, I thought it was perfect. I loved the MC. You did a splendid job of bringing him to life.
Tracy Nunes 
11/15/14
I'm with the other commenters. I was really rooting for them and felt real excitement when I saw where it was going. Making the reader care is critical and you made me care a lot. Excellent!