fact or fiction
Is it a fact or is it merely fiction? Fact or Fiction explores relationship myths and truths to get your head out of the clouds and back into romantic reality.
Sunday Drive
There was nothing peculiar about the way the morning started that day. Felix awoke at the same time every day, to the same familiar alarm. He poured the same, boring cup of coffee as he perused the Classified section of the Sunday paper. Sure, there were more efficient ways of car shopping but Felix preferred a much simpler way of life. He took things one day at a time and felt like technology would only complicate things. He began to give up on his search when he came across a listing that caught his eye. The listing simply read,“CAR FOR SALE: ONE OWNER/MUST SEE” with only a phone number and address. Usually, this would not be an effective listing due to the lack of details but Felix was intrigued. This was a bit out of character for Felix as he normally would require more information, but he figured this car could not in any worse condition than the piece of junk he was currently driving. He felt his heart racing a bit faster as he found himself dialing the number with no idea what to expect! The phone continued to ring long enough to realize no one was going to answer and they obviously did not want anyone to leave a message. The address listed was only about 20 minutes away so he decided to take a little road trip to discover if the vehicle was indeed a “must see”. After a good 5 minutes, his car finally started only further solidifying the notion that he definitely needed to find some other form of transportation soon! He wasn’t necessarily expecting to meet the seller because they did not answer their phone but he figured he could at least catch a glimpse of his potential purchase. As he neared his destination, Felix wondered why he had never noticed a car for sale because this address was nearly the halfway point on his daily commute to and from work. He soon realized it was because the car was not displayed near the road but only a nondescript sign that read “CAR FOR SALE” with an arrow pointing toward the house. He slowly passed by without stopping but it did not seem like anyone was home. He found the first spot to turn around and decided to give it one more pass by. As he was heading back, he could spot the nose of a vehicle peeking out from behind an old barn and decided to turn down the driveway. Felix did not feel completely comfortable turning into someone else’s property but figured they wouldn’t post a sign if they did not want people looking. After a few moments of reflection, Felix began to inch his way down the drive only to have his car sputter slowly before stalling completely. He popped the hood and attempted to start it once but he knew his car very well… it was going to need a few minutes of rest before trying again. He figured he might as well walk the rest of the way to see the car while he waited. He gave the property one more look around for any signs of life but still did not see anyone other than a few seemingly stray cats. As he approached the vehicle, he could finally see that it was indeed in very good shape as the shiny red paint glistened in the sun. There was no information posted anywhere on the vehicle but Felix could tell it was at least 10 years newer than the vehicle he was currently driving! It was all very promising but it didn’t seem like this was going to be in his price range. As he peered through the windows, Felix found himself daydreaming about the trips he could take in this vehicle without constantly worrying about being stranded on the side of the road! “Oh, what a beautiful thought”, he said to himself, quietly laughing. Before he could turn completely around, he noticed a shadow approaching from behind!
By Cory Schroeder5 years ago in Humans
Lucky Lottery
It was a beautiful May morning in East Pennsylvania as Becky walked into the local grocery store, dreading her upcoming shift at the customer service desk. At 27 years of age, Becky had expected to be in a different place in her life than working part time at the local grocery. She had big dreams of writing America’s next great novel, but inspiration had yet to strike. Because of this, she carried a black notebook around with her to make notes of things she came across throughout her days, especially where characters were concerned. The grocery store never failed to provide a wide array of personalities and from her vantage point at the service desk, she was witness to all of it. She had quickly worked from cashier to customer service specialist which brought with it a whole new set of challenges. The service desk was mostly centered around selling lottery tickets and the customers could be very demanding.
By Melana Findley5 years ago in Humans
The Last Secret, Love
As Jo was pulling into her driveway, she noticed her daughter's car. Must be out of clean clothes, she thought. Jo parked behind her, smiling to herself that her daughter's wheels were trapped. The cost to exit would be staying for dinner. She tugged at the two grocery bags in the front seat next to her, feeling the weight of the end of a busy work week, too heavy for her 50 plus-year-old bones. It was Friday night. No plans again. The sight of her daughter's clunker offered hope that the frozen entrée and the bottle of Malbec she just bought for dinner would go untouched. The two could try the new steakhouse that just opened in town.
By Jessica Lynn5 years ago in Humans
THE BUTTERFLY LADY
The call had come out of the blue. It was a short, somewhat cryptic message. “Hi, Molly? My name is Helen Rhodes. I have an important matter to discuss with you. It’s best if we talk in person. Can you meet me at 429 Windy Trail at 3:00 today?”
By Denise Rosenstein Arnold5 years ago in Humans
The Little Black Book
Allison, a recent college graduate, was headed to a whole new life as an adult in New York City. She had acquired a job as an intern in an advertisement firm on Madison Avenue. She was extremely excited about starting her professional career and living in NYC. She was embracing all the prospects and possibilities of what this new adventure would bring her.
By Alexandra Deasey5 years ago in Humans
Sweet Dreams
Sweet Dreams Completely deserted of human form. Foaming waves gashing and snapping at the shore as though trying to devour it, bite by savage bite. Angry slate clouds tumbling above threatening to burst and drop their booty on anyone caught beneath. Oscar too, can feel the tension as I unclip his leash and he bounds across the sand, barking crazily as he reaches the water, his huge russet frame contrasting against the murky depths.
By Tessa McCarthy5 years ago in Humans
As Lazy as Oscar
"Is it raining?" I grumbled under my breath as I looked at Oscar in the living room window seat. That's not going to help. It was a sleepy Saturday in late February and I was already tired. The rain made me wish I could just curl up next to him. But no. I have a deadline and I'm going to do this. But I kept drawing blanks. Everything I thought of just seemed like it had been done a thousand times before.
By Kenneth Hogan5 years ago in Humans
At All Cost
As I lay in bed I listen to the excruciating sound of my wall clock… ticking away at the time I have lost, friendships that have dissolved and the soon to be countdown of my pending eviction. I roll over, place my featherless pillow over my head and scream. How did I get here!!! I had a successful job at a department store, a fiancé, and a countless number of friends…. Well at least I thought they were friends. If I had to pinpoint my demise it would be Tuesday last week. And yes, you might ask as the reader, how did you lose everything in one week. Oh, it’s possible. Let me tell you the story. Well first left me start with my childhood, wait that would take too long to unpack, so let me just skip to the engagement, because everyone loves a love story.
By jamice lewis5 years ago in Humans
All She Needs
The first thing that happened was that she got in. Or rather, the second. She hadn't noticed the first yet. The first thing that happened was she found it. Or rather, it found her, but she didn't know that yet, either. In fact, the first thing that happened was that she made her choice. But it didn't look like a choice yet, and she rather wasn't ready to make it.
By Audrey Leda5 years ago in Humans
