This week, I’m writing for NYC Midnight’s Rhyming Story Challenge. This is my second time entering this specific competition. My chances of placing are unlikely, but I don’t do it for the win. I do it for the challenge.
For this particular contest, writers are assigned a genre, theme, and emotion. Last time, there was a word limit of 750 (this time it’s 600), and the turnaround time is eight days, which might seem like a lot. But I work full-time, so while some writers can work eight full days on their story, for me, it’s more like three days. I say this because I’m actually semi-proud of the story I wrote last year. I did get some good feedback, and I certainly got a lot of constructive criticism. All of which, I am very thankful for.
I will say two things: First, the story I wrote last year took place in Boston. I realize that might have been a mistake, as this is NYC Midnight, not Boston Midnight. So, clearly, the judges didn’t get my mention of the Red Socks (Red Sox). Second, I wrote “I started to feel like I was hosed”, and this was also questioned. So, tell me, what would it feel like if someone took a hose and sprayed you with it? I don’t know, but I don’t think it’s a good feeling, personally.
Anyway, since I’m deep in Rhymeville at the moment, I thought I’d share the story I wrote last year. This is untitled presently. My title was “Like a Bird”, but then I was told that’s a song, so I thought I needed a better title. If you have any ideas for an awesome title, feel free to comment below. And finally, my prompts were:
Genre: Suspense and/or Thriller
Theme: Going the extra mile
Emotion: Regretful
It was a dark and stormy night when I stumbled upon such a fright.
I found a note that read, “Walk this way, for only you can save the day.”
I had no clue what was at stake. I convinced myself this must be fake.
When I showed the note to my boyfriend, Hank, he agreed, “Jess, it’s just a prank.”
But the next day, a package from Kevin arrived at my door. It was a map with a note that I dropped on the floor.
“A gamble went wrong. Please come to my aid. They won’t let me go until they are paid.“
Kevin was my high school boyfriend, and our relationship had the most bitter end.
He was jealous of everything and thought I’d always fly under his wing.
We were together for five years, and it ended with buckets of tears.
But he was my first. My high school beau, and he meant more to me than anyone will ever know.
Then I met Hank, and the stars all aligned. Now I look ahead, rarely behind.
But if Kevin was in trouble, I couldn’t ignore. If something happened to him, I’d be ripped to the core.
I explained to Hank that this could help me heal. Maybe then I could let go of the guilt I still feel.
He looked at me with a glow on his face and said in a cracked voice, “I’ll respect your space.”
My vision was fuzzy, and my lips all a quiver. My throat tightened up, and I began to shiver.
But I tucked it away and, without a word, I flew off, just like a bird.
First, I followed the map to Faneuil Hall. It’s a marketplace, sort of like a mall.
But I started to feel like I was hosed, for all the shops were completely closed.
My head darted from side to side. It was cold and dark with no place to hide.
Suddenly, I heard a chiming sound. Oddly enough, there was nothing around,
or was there? My heart started beating outside of my chest. I jumped on a chair because I was stressed.
Then my eyes were glued to these giant clocks. I strolled over to discover a note next to a pair of red socks.
I looked at the letter and aloud I read, “The clock is ticking, and soon I’ll be dead.“
Be there by 5 and have no doubt, if you’re late, it’ll be lights out.
I looked at the clock, and my stomach was pained. It was 4:45, and my confidence waned.
How could I find him in only fifteen? I had to keep moving. I would not wean.
I owed this to Kevin for how I treated him. He was a ball on the floor when I left on a whim.
Although to me, our breakup was crystal clear, if I could turn back the clock, I’d talk less than hear.
I followed the map to what became a train hop. There wasn’t much time, but I refused to stop.
I arrived at the college where I’d get my degree, and there was one final note, Locate me here, and we’ll be free.
I texted Hank, who was wicked shocked when I asked him how to get into a school that was locked.
His message was wordy, but he asked me why I went the extra mile for just some guy.
There was no time to explain or go back and forth in disdain.
Hank wouldn’t understand the regret that I hold for making my ending with Kevin so cold.
I needed to focus. It was 4:59. If I survive this, I’ll need a glass of red wine.
I made my way in through a window left ajar. Then I ran through the hall. It couldn’t be that far.
I walked into the room where Kevin stood. He had a smile as big as the Moon during childhood.
With flowers in one hand, he raced to my side. Then as sweet as a honey bee said, “Sorry, I lied.”
I needed a minute because everything was hazy. And then I realized that Kevin was just plain crazy.
So, I left again. This time, free of shame. And Hank left too, because I played this game.
But I have no regrets about my choices any longer. This experience just made me stronger.
Now life is moving in a steady flow, and I’ve learned to fly with, not above or below.
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