A tall king with silver hair and a wrinkled faced stood in front of the princess. His eyes were painted with golden flecks and his rosy cheeks seeped into his forehead. He was as quiet as the ocean coast and as proud as a newly found father. The king smiled his hands touching his daughters cheeks. “A grandson.” She smiled weakly her chestnut hair trailing down to the top of her chest. “You’ve, you’ve saved out lineage- our bloodline.” She stared down her dark green dress crumpling in her fists. “Darling, are you okay?” She nodded, then shook her head then cried her head bowing in front of the king. “I see.” He said sternly. “Sir Hemagon, take my daughter to her quarters.” A tall knight with dark brunette hair stepped forward and bowed in front of the king, slowly escorting the princess to her room.

The doors had shut.

Note: short but a story nonetheless

It was a summer afternoon, a typical haze in the climate. 1956 to be precise. I sat on the porch of my farmhouse estate gazing out into the green fields of grass a glass of lemonade clenched between my palm. “Peter?” Miriam called, her brunette hair wired tightly into large bouffant curls. “Must you stay here all day?” I nodded quietly, the breeze licking up like flames. “Why is there something the matter?” I shook my head turning it towards the field. “Well Peter you can’t just stay here all day.” “Who says I can’t?” “It’s impractical.” “Well I’m not the only one being impractical, I mean what do you even do at all these outings?” “It’s simple, I talk and make friends something you don’t do.” Angrily I stood up my head turning grey, raising a hand above her cheek I freeze. She runs off crying my hand still mid-air. “I’m sorry- I didn’t-“ rubbing my hand across my forehead I panic. “I go into the farmhouse and go upstairs where she’s packing a small suitcase. “Get away from me.” She says fumbling to get a sock into her suitcase. “Miriam, I don’t know what happened I just got so-“ “Angry, mad, enraged?” I nodded my eyes darting at every piece of clothing lodged into the suitcase. “Please don’t go i’ll make it up to you.” “Will you? Because lately that’s getting a little old.” “I’m sorry.” Defeated I sit on the floor of the doorway, she carries on packing. “I’m a horrible husband.” She nods still packing her suitcase. “I just-“ She pauses, “This is supposed to of happened a long time ago ok?” I nod, a tear starts to trickle down my eye then another then another then another until my face are wet with tears. She picks up her suitcase as I hear the front door close behind her.

A month or so passes and I haven’t seen her since, I keep staring at my wedding ring twiddling it around my finger pondering whether I should take it off or not. The house feels empty without her. The sky less hazy and the breeze less cool. I keep working as a distraction, whether it’s the chickens that need sorting or the fields that need to be tended I just keep on working. It’s the one thing that can be the same, some order to this mess. I keep going to local bars to eat, wallowing my insecurities and problems to the bartender. Hell, I think they’re sick and tired of it. I come home one evening, still drunk, when I hear a knock on a door. “Doors- it’s open.” Miriam’s sister Penny steps inside. “God Peter, are you drunk?” “Kinda- I smile tears running down my face.” “Listen, it’s Miriam- she’s in the hospital.” “What’s wrong with her.” I’m slurring my words. “She’s pregnant, with you’re baby.”

Note: doesn’t quite fit the assignment but idc to be honest… either way a fun piece of writing to write. I hope you liked it.

The summer air seemed like a hot breeze, brushing along the stokes of grass and laughter of little children walking by. The town was packed with little striped cottages, wood and bricks gently painted along it’s upper-rim. The wind that was unusually warm yet not too hot to be of concern waltzed with the study roofs of the town despite its firm and sturdy posture. The market was usually filled with busy people in the afternoon, and filled it was; Mothers, Fathers, Sons and Daughters all gathered round to see the merchants stall.

The wind breezed by a tall lady, chestnut hair dressed with a small golden hairpin topped with a small smile that lay upon her peachy figure. She was as young as a baby and as elegant as a swan. She wore a tight blue-fitted waistcoat with a long lightish grey outfit laid beneath it. Her posture was leant backwards and her nails as short as the top of a thumbnail.

Upon a first glance it would appear she were wishing on pennies by the tall stone fountain that forbade in front of her. Perhaps she was hoping for love or money, a title or eternal happiness; I could never be sure what she were wishing for or if in fact she were ever wishing at all. What could be sure is that she was staring by the fountain, her pale and dainty hand rusting against the course stone that many others had touched before. Then reaching into her purse she tossed out a penny watching it fall into the shallow depths of the metallic ocean in front of her.

An old man with wisps for hair approached her. He had a large hunchback and held a wooden cane as if it were a second leg. He offered a wrinkled smile to the young lady. The woman smiled back her grey eyes squeezing against the edge of her cheekbones her maroon eyebrows thinly lowering down to her delicately crinkled eye sockets. The man placed his left hand onto the fountain and tossed yet another penny into the fountain. He smiled at the woman once more and started to walk towards the chutney stand. The woman stared into the fountain gleefully her world spinning like the warm breeze that spun inside the town. She too walked off into the market but decided to tread into the florist’s lounge of flowers. After greeting Mrs. Daylily the young lady was invited to a rainbow of flowers. On the left were an assortment of neatly tied Marigolds of yellows and oranges with red and pink Roses stacked in an ombré laid neatly on the table. In front of her were bright yellow Sunflowers, pale-blush Lavenders, a dozen pink Peonies sat at the far end of of the stall and 6 tiny purple Hydrangeas sat tightly on a green, feathered, leaf. The young lady selected a bouquet of ripe, peach fluttered, dahlias wrapped neatly with about 20 centimetres of corse brown string and handed Mrs. Daylily one-ninth of a penny.

The young lady then walked into a small house by the outskirts of the market before opening a wooden door that lead to a bed. Inside the bed was an old woman, fail and old. He had her grey hair draped down to her chest and 3 blankets neatly crumpled over her cold body. The young lady handed the old woman the flowers before handing her a cool glass of water, the cup gifted from her grandfather. The young lady sat on the end of the bed touching her thigh as she sat. “Nanny, pray you will get better.” “Rosa,” the old woman held the young woman’s cheek her wrinkles barely bulging past the bone “I don’t think I will.” She said her smile turning into a cry. “You shan’t be lonely, live my darling Rosa- let my worries fade to dust.” The young woman now known as Rosa smiled at her grandma her hands placed in gently on the side of the bed. “I will eventually, I just haven’t found the one.” “Listen my darling, you’re great aunt has a wonderful friend, he has a son whom-“ the decrepit old soul started to cough her chest wheezing through tight breaths of air. “He would like to meet you. Down the garden path.”

Note- let me know if you want pt 2

“Vienna, were are you?” I pop open a bottle of wine, spitting the cork onto the floor, spilling it all down my leather jacket. “What?” I yell, pouring the wine back into my mouth. Fiona walks into the living room, her white heels stabbing into the grey carpet. ”For gods sake.” She snatches the bottle from my hands. “Why not?” I ask, my body shrugging with anger and genuine confusion. “You know what the doctor says.” Her eyebrows narrowing as she sits beside me. “To hell with the doctor, no one would care anyways.” I grab the bottle back and start to drink again. “Shit, you’ve ruined wine for me.” I place it on the side table giving her that annoyed look where I hate and love her at the same time. “Give me that.” She reaches for the bottle and starts to drink. “So you’re allowed it and I’m not.” I give out a frustrated laugh. “I’m not the one who almost died.” “Fuck will you stop bringing that up.” “Vienna- I thought I lost you.” “Well you didn’t okay!” I stand up, frustrated . “See I’m fine.” I sit back down “I’m here, same old me.” A pleading tone stuck inside my voice. “But you’re not are you?” She looks at me like I’m a kicked puppy. “Look am I dead?” I ask “No but-“ “Then it doesn’t matter. So let’s just-“ “Vienna, would you stop!” She interrupts me angrily tears streaming down her face. “Listen I don’t know what has changed but you have, okay, and I have every right to be worried. Fuck we’re getting married and that almost didn’t happen because you just, you don’t care, like you don’t realise but I care about you- and you’re hurting me and you just don’t give a fuck. At all.” She stares at me. “Like I can awnser that.” I walk into the kitchen crying into the sink. “Vienna.” She runs after me. “Just go away okay?” “Vienna- I’m sorry.” She stands behind me her face wracked with guilt. “Look I might not be who I was- people stopped buying my art, I’m fucking broke, but I can’t help but change.” I turn around, her hazel eyes shimmering with tears. “I’m sorry.” She says; my warm body pressing into hers our hands colliding into each other. “Fuck- we’re a mess.” I scream, laughing to myself the tears still rolling. “Hey it’s ok, just lay off the alcohol ok.” We hold hands. “It’s just, I don’t make the money anymore, you’re a successful lawyer and you make all the money and what am I doing, sitting around with crayons drawing triangles and squares.” She looks at me smiling to herself. “Well we don’t have to worry about that unless you want to.” “Thank god,” I say placing my hand on my chest and bending over like the air has been sucked out from beneath. “Come on let’s go try on wedding dresses.” She says running towards the doorway. “I can think of something a little more fun.” “I’ll get the wine.” “No fair.” “You snooze you loose.” “Whatever.” I smile, they day ending like a warm summer; wine poured all over the bedroom sheets.

The river glistened like the wind, the sky flowed like summer water. The trees poured out in lush beams of flower, a rainbow eclipse of beauty. News had broken out within the city walls, the war was won their king had succeeded. “Say? Do you think we’ll get a share of captured land.” A small boy with golden hair said “You will” smirked another boy, hazel eyes shining through his skin. “You think so?” The boys itched closer the balcony suddenly shrinking. “I know so” wrapping their arms around each other they shared a kiss. “Well I hope to share it.” They’re breaths moved up and down as their lips matched again.

The rock pools danced again, Edwodious skipped stones along the gentle river his partner and friend Hulius sitting loudly by the bank. “Come on you’re so close- not!” “I really can’t stand you.” “Then why are you listening to me?” Edwodious rolled his eyes. “You’re lucky I like you.” “The Prince confesses!” Hulius stood up a long smirk spread across his face as he runs towards Edwodious. They kiss, slowly sitting down by the bank together, every part of their body slowly colliding in a warm embrace. Breathless they split. “You’re, you’re an idiot.” Edwodious laughs. “At least I know.” Edwodious punches him on the shoulder. “Ow.” “What did it actually hurt?” “Yeah, ow.” “Come on” the Prince stands up, dragging his friend along with him “But I’m hungry.” “Then eat something on the way.” “Never” raising his fists into the air like a screaming toddler. “Well then, you’re gonna starve.” “How dare you” the boys laughed to themselves, for banter was a strong point for both of them.

Eventually the boys has reached home “Right, I should see father. I’ll see you tomorrow?” Hulius nodded, with a understanding yet disappointed expression painted on his face. “Bye.” He gave him a hug, whispering. “I love you” in his ear. No response. Sunken Hulius walked to his bedroom, slightly alone.

Note: bit of a sloppy ending, oh well, and yes- I’m my own historian.

“All rise” a crowd of 30 men stand up, their hands placed firmly on the wooden table. “Benvollio the Brave, esteemed king of the snowy Livhen, the hot Mensollio, the fearsome Kruxsverg and the green Kolsdon.” A large man with a trileopard fur coat and tattoos engraved into his strong cuffed arms enters the room, his deep eyes staring through his followers shadow. As he walks the room trembles, walking, walking, walking to his large wooden chair engraved with crystals from each kingdom. As he sits everyone sits, the servant girls pouring beer and wine. “Men I gather you here today to celebrate, we have been victorious. This war has been long and foreboding, we have lost our friends, our family and most importantly our comrades. But all our suffering is over and we are victorious.” A surge of cheers echoed in the room as Benvollio smashed his beer down like a judge’s gavel. “However I do owe you men a prize.” “Perhaps his majesty could compensate us with gold and riches.” “What about land and a handsome reputation” “Men, we all know-“ “Enough.” Benvollio put his right hand up smiling to himself. “They are all good rewards however I have decided to offer up my daughters.” “My king, there are 30 war-hero’s you understand how your plan might not go so smooth.” “I know, which is why I have decided that any man who is married or engaged shall receive gold and silver. The rest shall compete.” “But sire, what about the men who fail?” “Then they are not worthy of a prize.” “How can you be sure that no man goes bitter.” “We shall create a declaration.” No single man in that hall was happy with the kings decision but they daren’t disagree without reason. “Now then, let the games begin.”

“Honey, honey you ok!?” “Dad!” “Rueben!?” Sepia turned blue my world turns upside down, I feel.. empty. My thoughts cleared with nothing. Like a shutter, just slowly- darkness then peace. Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck.

I remember waking up in a hostpital bed the sweet September smell mixed with sterile cleanliness. I couldn’t see. Darkness. No matter how hard I tried to open and close my eyes. Nothing. I could feel my wife’s hand her wedding ring engraved onto my hand “I thought… I thought you were dead.” She said her voice cracking with salt. I could tell I was shaking, “Rose, I can’t see” Footsteps neared close “I am sorry sir” said a commanding, feminine, voice “you are blind.” I remember crying, holding my wife’s hand to my cheek, my eyes flooding with tears spiralling into my cracked lips. Fuck…

23 months had passed, summer breeze knocking against my cheeks, I walked towards the kitchen and go to my usual spot. Opening the cupboard I retrieve a mug. ‘#1 dad’ chiseled into the side, I boil some water and get a teabag and biscuit and then I just sit in the garden my tea in my hand. The sunlight hits my face, the bristles of the wind brushing against my hair. Rose comes and sits beside me, Bernie sitting at my feet. As I stroke him, his Labrador fur brushed against my skin, his chest moving up and down. “You ok?” “Yeah” I smile She smiles back, my hands on her right cheek. “I got you something” I continue. She smiles and almost teasing me she says “Same” I pass her a present from my pocket and she hands me a rectangular box wrapped in wrapping paper. She opens her present “a necklace, with our names on it!” She smiles kissing my lips her hands trailing down to the wooden decking. “Now open yours” I do, carefully tearing off gift wrapping one by one. “I’m confused” I sit there a pregnancy test lying in my hand “it’s positive” she smiles as we embrace. “What does this mean then” “You’re a dad, again” I feel warm inside, but fuck I did not expect this to happen again.

8ish months pass. And we have a girl. I name her Harper Anne Stewart cradling her in my arms. Rose is asleep, her eyes heavy with eye bags. Parker is with his grandparents, my phone calling then tommorow. I look into my girls eyes, hazel mixed with green. Her face all scrunched up. We leave soon but for now we just wait.

Tw- ⚠️ Sexism, Domestic Abuse, Alcohol Abuse/Spiking, Sexual Harassment, Implied Sexual Assault, Gaslighting.

Day 1

“I work hard, all day getting this family on its feet and just a little respect, a little-“ “Don’t mind me” ruffles her red smile shining through the feather duster. “Anyways” he sits back in his armchair a glass of scotch in his hand “I work hard, and a bit of respect would be appreciated- I mean I don’t see” he turns to his wife “And I- well- you understand darling, don’t you?” He skilfully faces his comrades for a quick ego boost, his glass still in his hand. “I don’t see Jennifer working hard at the office, I mean even the ladies there are a couple of, excuse my language, a couple of well- sluts.” “Hey Roger, I get what’cha mean, we’re all working hard making the money around here and what do we get, a bunch of blonde bimbos waltzing around the office like they own the place, I mean to think they’re the boss of, and I hope you don’t mind” he puts his hand into the air his wedding ring shining from the light “The smarter and more intelligent sex, they should be home like you’re beautiful..” he says staring bellow Jennifer’s neck leaning back a cigar clenched tightly between two fingers. “Wife.” smiling to himself sleazily. “She is a beauty” says Roger ‘gently’ tapping her right thigh, a row of cheers coming from his ‘friends’ “Excuse me” she says walking out of the living room her hand across her brow. Grabbing a large sip of his drink he glares at the floor “This is why you shouldn’t employ women, aye?”

Day 2

“Honey I’m home.” He puts his coat on the coat rack and slams his brief case on the round table in front of him. “It’s eleven o’clock.” Says Jennifer. “And? I had a work thing” “You smell of alcohol.” “Probably from yesterday, had an important meeting, you know how it is.” “Roger-“ “Now come on where’s my dinner?” “It’s cold.” “So make something up, can’t be that hard.” “Roger- I’m tired, the kids are in bed” “You’re tired.” He laughs “I’ve been at work, working my ass off. Do you understand?” He pauses his face wrinkling with anger “Do you?” She shakes her head. Angrily he slaps her across the face, her face starts to tear up “Honey don’t make me the bad guy, oh honey come on!” She runs upstairs her hand covering her crying cheek “Honey it hurts me too, listen I’ll wait 15 minutes for you too be reasonable. Okay?” He walks away whispering under his breath “Women are so emotional.”

Day 3

“Penny, my office.” He calls out smirking to himself. “Mr. Walters you called me.” A tall blonde women with a baby-blue shirt and tight navy skirt goes into the office. “Take a seat.” He walks up to the blinds of his office shutting them from the outside. “You married?” She shakes her head. “Live alone?” “I live with my mother” “Do you look after her?” She nods “Then you know how strict you need to be with her” she nods doubtfully. “Penny, it pains me to say this but, you don’t fit the dress code.” She looks shocked. “I’ve never noticed before” “Listen, I’m a nice guy I didn’t want to say anything.” he walks over to a bar table and pours too drinks, spiking the one of the left. “Oh I don’t drink.” “Penny you’re already on a thin ice.” He hands her the left glass and she takes a sip. “Come on loosen up a bit.” He lies back smirking not even touching his goblet, as she starts gulping down the alcohol. “Penny?” He asks smiling “yeeah.” She slurs. “Be a doll and try this.” He hands her his glass as she drinks it sloppily. “Now about that dress code” he scans the poor girl’s body from top to bottom licking his lips tightly. “I think we should start to add reinforcements, what do you think?” “Uh uh” still slurring her words barely able to move. “Alright then take off your shirt.” no response. “I’ll do it for you.” He starts to unbutton her shirt until the phone starts ringing. He picks it up angrily “Hello?” “Mr. Walters, you’re wife has a message for you.” “It can wait” “But sir she’s leavi” he hangs up the phone. “Anyways, were we’re we?” He says facing a passed -out-drunk Penny.

It was dark and stormy. The crew of the Great Diamond were tired and hungry, their faces pouring with sweat. “Crew, we fight like true men” Captain Barnacles voice paraded over the ship “Our suffering ends now, our families and friends will be proud and we will fight like warriors, now let us seize the beast” A young boy grabbed his cutlas ready to fight. A woman with long golden hair wearing a long sheet of linen tied with a rope left the captains quarters, “Benjamin.” She called “Be safe” the boy nodded hugging his mother and headed towards the rest of the crew “Atlas” Barnacles called out “Stay with the mrs. If you know what I mean” he jeered smiling a large sleazy smile to the woman. Her expression was emotionless and her body stiff as she walked back into the captains quarters, her newfound ‘bodyguard’ guarding the door. “Let us fight” And eerily quiet sound echoed in the wind. Then a crash, large green tentacles threaded against the boat,, guns were shot and cutlasses thrown but it’s skin was too thick, the boy headed towards the captain clutching his weapon close. The monster cried out a roar slashing the crew into their doom. The boy were’s closer to the captain ready to strike, “you killed my father, and now you’ve ruined my mother” he smiled, almost pounding his weapon into his heart until the beast slashed against the captain killing him instantaneously. Then there was peace. The ship was broken and filled with restless bodies, the monster was quiet, resting it’s tentacles onto the ship. The boy nervously touched it, it’s rough skin making contact. Then it disappeared, leaving a rowing boat behind. The boy went to look for his mother and to her surprise she was alive. She smiled as she embraced him, walking towards the small boat. They set off to find land, the sea monster gifting them food along the way. And the rest is just fantasy.

It was autumn, red and orange carpeted the city streets of London below; the rain tapped the glass of Hallie’s apartment. Hallie was cuddled on the orange, sitcom, sofa with her adorable cat, Donut. Scrolling through her friends’ Instagram stories she received a notification.

Unknown number: how dare you!

Hallie saw opportunity

Hallie: what?

Unknown number: for standing me up you big bitch

Hallie: right… was that today?

Unknown number: fuck you

Hallie: ok.

Unknown number: do you even care?

Hallie: no not really.

Unknown number: well you seemed to, you were like ‘oooh Delilah come on let’s go out.’ and I was like ‘Let’s give it a try.’ But clearly you didn’t care.

Hallie: sounds about right.

Delilah: ?

Hallie: …

Delilah: you know what I can’t stand for this

Hallie: good for you.

Delilah: I’m telling all my friends you know

Hallie: aww man. That sucks.

Delilah: for you, yeah.

Hallie: shit, I meant for you- cause they have to listen to you complain about you getting stood up again.

Delilah: 🖕

Hallie: so I’m right?

Delilah: fuck you

Delilah proceeded to block Hallie before promptly unlocking her

Delilah: I just received a text from you, but your blocked.

Hallie: I dunno could be a wrong number…

Delilah: you think so?

Hallie: yeah, you know- pranksters.

Delilah: maybe… how can you know

Hallie: I just know. My brother was a victim of being pranked online.

Delilah: you have a brother?

Hallie: yeah… did I not tell you?

Delilah: huh, no.

Hallie: I’ve been thinking, maybe that’s why you got stood up by me, we got the date wrong

Delilah: yeah, why don’t we meet up again- Friday.

Hallie: pumpkin spice?

Delilah: you got it!

Hallie: cya Friday

Hallie then never texted Delilah again, as for Delilah…

Delilah: hello?

Delilah: where are you?

Delilah: not again, I swear to god.

Delilah: fuck you!