Gems

Zack had noticed her before, but not really seen her. She’d always kept her face covered by curtains of hair. He’d presumed she was shy and trying to avoid looking at people, hiding from the world. But that day, at the end of autumn as the air smelled and tasted of that early winter frost, she raised her head and smiled at his approach. His heart stuttered and beat a rapid tattoo in his chest before he had the thought that perhaps he should smile back. He gave her a nod of acknowledgement as they passed. She wasn’t beautiful in the conventional way, but had an inner radiance, so light and pure that it shone from within and she had the most glorious green eyes. His need to know this woman was utterly overwhelming.

Her border collie, Jax, approached and leaned against his leg, as if demanding to be stroked. He happily obliged, scratching the dog behind his silky black ears, one brown and one blue eye observing him.

The young woman turned slightly and noticed. “I’m so sorry,” she said. Her voice had a hint of desperation to it, as though being an inconvenience to people would cause her real distress.

“Not a problem,” he said. “I love dogs and really wish I could own one. Maybe one day.”

She didn’t answer, but gave him a smile that melted his heart. She called to Jax, who gave his fingers a lick before disappearing down the tree-lined path with his mistress.

All the deciduous trees were naked, the golden leaves lay trampled on the pathway where reams of children had jumped and played. The leaf veins were rimmed with early evening frost, the white crystals sparkling in a late sunshine that filtered weakly through the skeletal silver birch trees. But on that day, Zack’s world was suddenly, magically, filled with colour, so clear and bright that he could have been gazing out upon a summer’s day full of golden light.

He gave himself a shake, uncertain of this new emotion, and trudged back down the brown compacted path towards home.

    0 0 votes
    Post Rating
    9 Comments
    Oldest
    Newest Most Voted
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments
    Fuji
    Fuji(@fuji)
    1 year ago

    I love your second story of Sherwood Forest, Carrie. This brings the character Mary-Anne to life even more. I can’t wait to hear what happens next. By the way, the picture is really beautiful. I’m sure it’s one of yours, isn’t it?

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    1 year ago

    I do love some romance Carrie and your story is certainly supplying that. Intrigued to read how Mary-Anne and Zack’s relationship progresses.

    Melissa Taggart
    Melissa Taggart(@melissa-taggart)
    1 year ago

    I’m sure this won’t be the last we hear of Zack and Mary-Ann. I’m excited for this couple! Great Job, Carrie. I’m looking forward to more!

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    It is a lovely romantic tale of Zack and Mary-Anne, Carrie. You make me want more on their journey. Can’t wait to hear more about this couple. Well done. 

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Carrie OLeary
    1 year ago

    Hello, Carrie. No. Don’t say sorry. It’s okay. And yes, I know the whole story now. I love it so much. Well done. 

    Recent Comments

    9
    0
    Selected Authors may submit comments (5 Credits)x
    ()
    x
    Scroll to Top

    Sharing a Post

    Why do my friends need to SignIn to read the post I shared?

    Actually, this is a voting security feature. During public voting, only club members can read posts submitted for that contest. Since anyone reading the story is able to vote (click the Like button), we reserve these capabilities to members who SignIn. Before we implemented this security feature, people were voting multiple times and making the public voting process unfair and out of balance. To fix this, our staff finally decided to allow only members who SignIn to read the stories. Membership is free and easy, and ensures our club is safe, secure, and family-friendly!