The Other Guy
Did you ever fall in love with someone you shouldn't? (My second offering for my Story Every Day challenge. Story #2/366, 2nd January. Prompt: Write about an introvert.)
Mark would be so mad. He has no idea.
It's this new guy at work. I feel guilty, but I can't help it. I've tried to hide my feelings, suppress them... but they're too strong. Have you ever felt a connection you can't deny?
It's like this. I've never been a morning person. I hit Snooze as many times as I can, push it to the wire, get up at the last possible second. But since I met him, I leap out of bed. The day shines brighter. I greet it with new optimism, because he's in it.
I get to work early! Just to steal extra minutes with him. The sight of him lights my eyes and pulls the corners of my mouth upwards. His face is so dear to me. I look at him and I feel warm. Content. When he walks past me it's like my head is on a wire. I'm drawn to him, irresistibly. When I catch sight of him with one of the other girls, jealousy stings me. When we're together, all is right with the world. I can be completely myself around him. I can tell him anything. I think about him all the time.
He's not perfect. A bit rude at times. A lot of people don't like that, but there's another side to him they don't see. He's sweet. For me, he's perfect. I'm usually drained by other people, but he recharges me.
OK, he can be rough. After I've been with him, I'm left with bruises and I feel sore and worn out. But then there are moments of tender affection that make up for the marks I have to hide when I go home.
I'm sure he feels the same about me. I know he's friendly with the other girls, but there's something more between us, I know it. It's special. When I walk by, I see the way his eyes follow me, mirroring the way mine follow him.
I'm going to tell Mark tonight. I hope he forgives me. Because Lemmy is already reserved for us pending a home visit. I know what he'll say: we don't need another dog.
But look at him!
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Word count 366 - bang on the nose again!
* * * Author's Note * * *
As always - thank you for reading! Please leave a comment to make it easy for me to reciprocate. Please don't leave a link unless you're taking part (see below👇 ).
The story behind the story: I'm writing a story every day this year. This is the second one. It's not autobiographical, and the photo is off Unsplash. I named the dog Lemmy for obvious reasons.
A Story Every Day in 2024: You can read about this madcap adventure here and here, and, if you're joining me, the first list of prompts here. You can read my first effort here.
Today's prompt: "Write a story about an introvert." If you'd like to write a story to this prompt (whether you're in it for the long haul or not), please let me have a ganders at what you come up with - link your story in the comments.
If you're on this yearlong escapade with me: What prompt or inspiration are you using for today's microfiction? Please link to your story in the comments to make it easy for me to get my pom-poms out for you. WELL DONE for smashing Day Two!
I leave you with two of my favourite things! The span of his life was only 24th December 1945-28 December 2015, but his legend will live forever😎
+++++
Edited to add these:
Well done to Hannah, Paul, and especially Rachel who got a Top Story for The Lonely Barista 😁
About the Creator
L.C. Schäfer
Book babies on Kindle Unlimited:
Summer Leaves (grab it while it's gorgeous)
Never so naked as I am on a page
Subscribe for n00dz
I'm not a writer! I've just had too much coffee!
Sometimes writes under S.E.Holz
Keep reading
More stories from L.C. Schäfer and writers in Fiction and other communities.
Thou Shalt Not Set Fire to a Nunnery
"You're going to have to help me move the body." Julie stood in the doorway to my room, which was a cell really, and she was as close to breathless as I'd ever seen her. She looked dashing in the moonlight, and lit up with the glow of adventure.
By L.C. SchäferExclusive • about a month ago
Violence Begets
"Any last words, cowboy?" "None you'd understand, sodbuster." "Funny. That's Marshall Sodbuster to you. But I meant some last nugget that would help us in the adjudication of the myriad offenses counted against you and your gang. I wasn't asking for penitence."
By Adam Diehl4 days ago in Fiction
Comments (21)
I love this. Of course you need another dog! The set up of this one is great and the payoff is satisfying. Nice!
Thought I'd already commented on this, but alas, I must have been interrupted. I'm going to repeat what many have already said: You had me going, then I fell in love with the photo.
Like Randy I was like "Oh no! DOn't do it! Don't throw it all away for a fantasy!" then I was like "Oh yes! More puppies!" This was an awesome story, LC. Loved the steadily ratchetting dread and tension broken at the end by such a wonderful conclusion. LOVED IT
There you had me going, "Oh no, girl, don't go there," only to end up with "Awwww!"
Saw this on Facebook today and it tickled me! https://www.facebook.com/share/r/gkxBNZTfqxZYtXJq/
A dog!!! Best. Twist. Ever! I had to reread the story over again after getting to those last few lines! I was like, 'Wait, what?' Clearly, I have a dirty mind, and happily wandered down that path you set before you dumped me off a dog-shaped cliff. Amazing. LOL! In your mind, I hope the doggo gets his happy home! 🤗
Hahaha that was a great misleading adventure that was difficult to figure out for me along the way… pleasantly surprised by the ending. That dog sounds like he’s the best.
What was that dog doing to leave bruises lol well done L.C
Very good L.C. clever and funny.
Wow...😉❤️
Had me going, thinking about one of my OTJ crushes, but then....of, course and who could resist? loved it. Here's mine: https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/sharing-the-world-introvert-day-with-my-sister-the-extravert%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
That was a twist I was not expecting! Great work!
I'm going to link mine here although you've already read it. Thank you. But why not spread it about a bit? https://shopping-feedback.today/fiction/the-lonely-barista%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E Also, saw Titanic the other day and your dog sprang to mind. Thanks for that. And like Lana, I was sucked in by the narcissism and then spat out by the dog, which was nice. For Mark too. Ace of Spades - awesome. Buzzcocks while I read. Thank you.
🤍
LOL. Love it. Love the two songs you chose to bookend this wonderful little tale. Nice twist at the end. Lemmy is such a cool name for a dog, too! Well done, day two in the bag!
Hahahahah, it’s a dog! That was a twist I didn’t see coming. Great read!
Of course it's a dog. No one else could warrant that response!
Hahaha! I pictured an abusive narcissistic man until I looked at Lemmy! Great name for a dog, by the way!
Love your opening track so much!
Outstanding! Awesome story,
Heheheheheheh Lemmy is soooo adorable! Loved your take on this prompt!