Gems

Aretha was confronted by her nemesis, Maximilian, in an all-too-familiar setting. They’d been in the same predicament more times than she cared to recall.

‘Maximilian’s skills have increased,’ Aretha thought as his first shot barely missed. She smiled. Let him think he caught me off guard. He is in for a surprise.‘ She snorted. “Slowly now, Aretha. Don’t give away your game,” she murmured under her breath. Her vibrant green ammo was ready to fire. She waited for the perfect moment. “This time, I’m going to beat you.” she mumbled.  Aretha was aware that he was a tougher opponent than she, but she had been practicing. Her attention was drawn to the slingshot on top of her rucksack. Her coordination had gotten better.

Maximilian didn’t take his eyes off her, not even to reload his weapon. It was a routine exercise for him. Every move was meticulously calculated.

I’m ready for you, he thought. “You’ve never defeated me before and you won’t defeat me today,” he muttered, softly.

Aretha knew the time had come to prove herself a worthy opponent. She aimed. “Steady nowShoot!” Aretha said to herself. She fired the first shot! Her ammo flew through the air.

The door opened. Aretha couldn’t believe her eyes! She looked, in horror, at how she completely missed her brother. Her ammo landed on Mom’s cheek! Mom’s face turned all shades of red. She inhaled deeply.

“Mom, Aretha is launching peas at me again!” exclaimed Maximilian.

“I’m sorry Mom!” Aretha said. She had been defeated, again. ‘Look at that smug smile,’ she thought. ‘You might have won this round, big brother, but this is not the end!’

Mom looked in dismay at the display of peas that covered the dining room table. “You better clean up your mess, or there will be no dessert!” said Mom. It’s almost time for bed!”

Aretha cleared the mess away. Mom handed them each a bowl. She stepped back into the kitchen. Aretha looked at her bowl of ice-cream and blueberries. She grinned.

“Oh no, you won’t!” exclaimed Maximilian.

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    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    1 year ago

    This story is so much fun, Marianna. I wasn’t expecting that type of ammo, don’t want to say much here and spoil it for other people. Love it! ?

    Julie Harris
    Julie Harris(@julie-harris)
    1 year ago

    What a fun story, Marianna! Strangely enough, I’m sitting here eating a bowl of blueberries and oat milk. Good thing no big brothers are around!

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

    I really enjoyed it so much, Mariana. There is so much fun in it. Well-written.

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

    I enjoyed it so much, Marianna. There is so much fun in it. Well-written. 

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Marianna Pieterse
    1 year ago

    You’re most welcome.

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    1 year ago

    A fun piece of writing with a nice twist at the end, Marianna. The last sentence gives a great opportunity for the reader to visualize a terrible outcome.

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

    This is a fun story, Marianna. I also sense that there will be some more trouble with the last sentence in this story! I love this story and the clear picture it paints in my head as I read it. Great work!

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