Friday’s Super Short Stories!

Fascinating Quote of the Week: “I woke up and felt that there was a lump on my belly. The Dr told me it was part of my skull.” From the book about Malala. They removed top portion of her skull and kept it in her belly until another surgery to put it back on. Never had heard of a medical procedure like that before!

If aliens abducted you, what are two reasons they would release you?

When your 23 year old wants to play Candyland again …. What is a game you remember playing when you were little or with your kids?

Saying No to Santa?

Here is the continuation from last night’s post, A Secret Mission

Tippner and Mason felt like they were in a dream. When Santa shook their hands with a hearty “Ho-Ho-Ho” they felt like they were little boys again and  couldn’t stop smiling.

Mrs Claus reminded them of a  sweet, precious grandmother when she welcomed them with a big, warm hug.

Now they were reclining on the velvety soft couch, with plenty of plush pillows to make themselves comfy with. Santa was ready to fill them in about their special assignments.

“I am sure you both are quite curious as to why I sent a special certified letter inviting you both to come to the North Pole. The special assignments I need help with is ..”

“Come to the table, the dessert is ready.” Mrs Claus called out from the kitchen.

“Give us a few moments, I am about to explain to each of them their assignment.”

Mrs Claus came out of the kitchen, and gave Santa the look. “These poor guys have been traveling all day and they are hungry! You can wait.”

As eager as Mason and Tippner were to hear about their assignments,  they couldn’t deny that they were hungry.

“You heard the boss,”  said Santa, with a twinkle in his eye. “Let’s go to the table.

Oh, their mouth watered at the sight. Peppermint Bark Pie! Mason felt like he was in Heaven.The first bite was as delicious as they expected. 

“You need to have Cara learn how to make this pie for your diner.”

Santa smiled, “Oh Cara, she is a wonderful young lady.” Candy Cane heartily agreed, as she listened to Santa, while stroking her cat.

“There are alot of good people that live in Bittersweet Creek. Your town is one of the first places I visit on Christmas Eve. My elves, Snowball and Alabaster really like your town too.”

Tippner and Mason felt proud, their town was among Santa’s favorite places.

“So, now about your assingments. Tippner, I will start with you. I believe that you are a Superstar bicycle repairman, am I right?”

“OH, most definitely! I am your man, when it comes to working on bikes, no one can do it better.”

“That is exactly what I wanted to hear! I have a place in the workshop cleared especially for you. We had a huge delivery of bikes recently, for the Bike-a-thon that is happening here in a week. Unfortunately each one of them was broken when we received them. We don’t have time to order more, so I thought why not ask you. There are 200 bikes that need fixed by next week, can you handle it?”

Tippner made a big gulp. Perhaps he had bragged a little too much. 200 bikes!! It made him dizzy just thinking about it. How badly were they broken? But does anyone ever say “No” to Santa?

Trying his best to put on a confident face, he replied, “I am your man Santa, I will get those bikes in tip top shape!”

“Thank you so much! Snowball will help assist you, for he really likes to work with bikes too. Though I will warn you that he happens to be a little clumsy, but don’t worry, I am sure it will go fine.” Candy Cane coughed real loudly, with a smirk on her face. Watching Snowball try to fix bicycles should be entertaining.

After hearing about Tippner needing to fix 200 bikes, Mason was beginning to feel a little nervous about his assignment. Santa turned to him and spoke, “I must compliment you on your hair, I have heard that it is called “luxurious?”

Mason felt a little embarrassed, but he couldn’t deny it. “I work hard to keep it as shiny and luxurious as I can. Have to please the women, you know.” Santa chuckled.

“Well, I have a most special assignment for you. I am sure you have heard of Hallmark movies, right?”

Mason grimaced, they were his least favorite movies to watch. he would rather do almost anything else. “Umm… yes, I am familiar with them.”

“Mrs Claus is thrilled for they are filming a Hallmark movie right here in the North Pole, but we have a big problem. One of the actors had an emergency come up and had to go home. We need someone to fill his place and with your perfect hair, I told the crew that I had the perfect guy in mind. What do you think? It would require memorizing some sappy lines, but think about all the notice that your hair would get. All that hard work to keep it so shiny, will have paid off. Will you do it?”

Mason was speechless, him? Appearing in a Hallmark movie? After all the things that he has said about Hallmark movies to Amanda and Cara and now … he was going to be in one. He would never live it down! But, did anyone ever say “No” to Santa?

“I would be honored to help out.”

Santa clapped his hands together, “Thank you Mason! You are most helpful!”

Candy Cane tried to stifle her laughter. She could just imagine Alabaster having to be in a Hallmark movie, he would much rather appear in movies with robots or aliens. But that wouldn’t happen in a Hallmark movie. Poor Mason, if he felt the same as Alabaster. She sensed that he was a little uncomfortable with it, but of course he wouldn’t say “No” to Santa, Did anyone ever do that?

Santa stood up, “I am sure you both are ready for a good night’s sleep. You are going to be working hard, so get all the sleep you can.”

Tippner and Mason walked outside, back into the cold, but their minds weren’t on the cold. What had they got themselves into?

As they walked to the Elves Village, where they would be staying, they were quiet. Then they saw what looked like a walking candy cane. Oh, it was Candy Cane’s cat. They both stared at it as it stopped and stared back at them. “I really have never seen a cat like that before. It almost looks magical?”

“You mean magical like Betsy?” Mason asked

They both were quiet and then together said, “No, can’t be. Its only a cat, now lets go to our rooms and get some much needed sleep.”

Turning around they walked away, as Peppermint the cat continued to watch them.

“To be continued…”

A Secret Mission

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The last customer walked out of the diner and Cara turned the sign to “Closed” and locked the door.

“I think you missed a spot.”

Tippner mumbled something under his breath and mopped the spot that Cara pointed to.

“And don’t forget to get behind the table.”

With a loud groan Tippner finally finished up. He was bent over like his back was hurting when he handed the mop and bucket to Cara.

“Maybe next time you will think twice before walking on my freshly mopped floor with dirty shoes.”

Mason came out from the back smiling, and handed some money to Tippner.

“Well done Tippner! Here is $20 for you.”

“$20! You are paying him for mopping the floor??” Cara asked, shocked.

“Of course, I just took it out of your paycheck, since he did your job.”

“Thank you kindly, sir!” Tippner straightened up, his back, suddenly not hurting anymore.

Cara didn’t say a word, but her eyes did! She would remember this.

“I am so glad you clowns are leaving tomorrow. Will have some peace. Who knows, perhaps I will totally change the menu around while you are gone.” She gave a coy smile.

“Have fun on your North Pole excursion. You guys are crazy, you know. “

Mason and Tippner simply nodded their heads. They couldn’t tell her the real reason they were going to the North Pole or she really would think they were crazy.

It had been a long trip and they were exhausted, not to mention shivering.

“How long is it going to take them to pick us up? I think my hands are going numb.” Mason complained. He had lost his thick pair of gloves on the flight and had his hands buried in his coat pockets.

Anxiously they looked around them to see if a sleigh was coming their way, but all they saw was snow.

Tippner started doing jumping jacks and Mason joined in. It helped to get the blood flowing.

“I see it! They are here.”

Within a few minutes two elves pulled up in front of them. Something looked strikingly familiar about them.

“Hi and Welcome to the North Pole! Sorry we are late, Snowball had kitchen duty and had to finish mopping the floor. I am Alabaster and this is Snowball. We are so glad you are here. Climb in and.we will take you to meet Santa.”

Tippner and Mason climbed in and felt excitement run through them. They were going to meet Santa!

Alabaster looked back at Mason as Snowball drove. “You must tell me how you manage to get your hair looking like that. Its all poofy in the front, like a bouffant.”

Tippner gave Mason a friendly punch in the arm. “See, I told you that you would look good in a bouffant.”

Mason smiled. “Yes, you did, Amanda really liked it too. Guess you were right.”

He smiled, feeling pretty proud of his hair. Right then they ran over a hill too fast and Mason flew out of the sleigh, landing in the snow.

Snowball was apologetic and Tippner couldn’t hold back his laughter. “Your hair kind of lost its poof now.”

Soon they arrived and waited for Santa’s assistant to show up and take them to meet Santa Claus

“Oh wow! Look at that cat.”

“Hi! Welcome! Santa is anxious to meet you and get you started working. I am Candy Cane and this is my cat,Peppermint.”

“Such an unusual cat but beautiful. I am Tippner and this is my friend Mason.

“Ahh! Tippner the Super Star Bicycle Repairman. We really appreciate you both coming and hope you can help us.”

Tbey stopped in front of a cottage that must belong to Santa. The red and white cottage was was so cheerful looking on the outside.

The time was here. They were going to meet the one and only Santa Claus. CandyCane rang the doorbell and Peppermint ran between their legs as the door opened. Running into the warmth.

(To be continued…)

Tuesday’s Thoughts!

Happy Tuesday! Hopefully its been a Happy one. If not I am sorry. Feel free to make a face and grumble.  I hope that when you read the following quotes, they brighten your day. Along with the quotes, here is a question for you to ponder. “How do dragons blow out candles?”

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A Priceless Gift

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Belinda had almost finished looking around. There were some things she was considering bidding on, but unfortunately nothing had really grabbed her. She had hoped to find a masterpiece.

Her passion was art and she had collected some amazing pieces over the years. Belinda let out an almost inaudible gasp. That was it! This was her diamond in the dust. Her heart was soaring like a hot air balloon. She needed that peacock!

The auction was soon ready to begin and Belinda was ready. Nothing would  stop her from getting the masterpiece.

The auction started and Belinda sat in her chair watching. She wasn’t bidding on anything besides the Peacock, saving her money for that.

At last the time came and Belinda felt a rush of adrenalin. Almost holding up her number before the auctioneer had a chance to say the starting bid.

Tbe price was climbing, a lot of people were bidding and Belinda was trying to calm her nerves. She held her number high in the air as others started to fall. The ones bidding grew less and less, Belinda was hopeful.

You could have heard a feather fall, the room was so quiet. Tension and excitement were heavy in the room. This was the highest thing so far that had been bid on. Apparently someone wanted the amazing peacock as much as Belinda did!

People continued to drop out, Belinda was feeling smug. The peacock masterpiece would be her’s. Then she spied him. The one person still bidding against her.

If Belinda would have spotted him across a crowded restaurant, sitting alone, maybe things would have been different. But…

This wasn’t some sappy romance novel. Yes, he was dark and handsome but, she only saw him as a competitor. Well she may have noticed bis deep brown eyes as well.

UGH! He kept raising his number high She tried to shoot daggers from her eyes , but he ony smiled back.

The crowd was enraptured watching the showdown beteeem them. It was like watching a tennis match as their heads moved back and forth between Belinda and the dark, handsome, man. Her face was flushed.

She was screaming on the inside at Mr Pompous! He was calmly nodding his head when asked if he would go higher. Meanwhile she was dying by trying to keep up with him. She would probably have to take out a second mortgage on the house! Was she crazy?

“$550,000 , going once, going twice”, the crowd waited with bated breath, would she give up?

“SOLD!”

Her heart sank, but she knew she had done the right thing. Things would have been a financial mess for her if she would have continued. She would go home and sulk but be better by morning and still have money in the bank.

Jordan was brimming with joy. He had done it! The peacock masterpiece would finally be restored to its rightful owner.

He couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for the poor woman who had been bidding against him. She obviously really wanted the peacock artwork but he couldn’t let it slip through his hands, not after this long.

“Happy Birthday Grandma!” Jordan handed her the large carefully wrapped gift.

“Oh Jordan! Where? How? OH!” His grandma’s hands trembled as she tore off the last of the gift wrap. There were no words. Jordan’s mom hugged him so tight with tears in her eyes. His grandma’s shoulders shook, but the light in her eyes shined like a thousand fireflies lighting up the sky.

He embraced his grandma and she clung to him. “Thank you, Thank you so much for bringing this back to me! I never thought I would see it again.”

His grandma was the most courageous woman he had ever met. She and his grandpa had been taken from their home by the Nazi’s. Their home was ransacked, all their personal treasures stolen and they were taken to Concentration Camps. His grandma survived. Sadly his grandpa hadn’t. He had never met his grandpa but he knew he had been a gifted artist.

Jordan looked at the peacock. Yes, a gifted artist indeed!

The Long Walk … Hearing the Eggs … The Flying Bus … And Other Facts!

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Aww! Who doesn’t love a teddy bear?

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Never saw the Rocky movies, but I do like turtles.

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Love her smile! ❤

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Wow! Quite a long walk! I did a 3 day hiking trip in the woods when I was 18 and that was long enough for me. There is a book out about her journey.

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I can’t imagine how fast his heart was going after that. I think it would have been my last day driving bus!

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Always good to give back when one can.

Trouble in the Kingdom

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Moving to tbe Kingdom of Golden Blossoms was the best decision that Rayanna had ever made. It was beautiful here and life was as carefree as a little child running through a sprinkler.

Today she was sunbathing amidst the golden blossoms until it was tea time with the Queen of Diamonds.

The Queen of Diamonds shined with a brilliance like no other on the outside, sparkling with diamonds. Her heart shined bright too. She was the one who made the Kingdom of Golden Blossoms so perfect.

After a little while Rayanna got up and walked back to her cottage to get ready for tea with the Queen.

Jack was standing at the castle door when Rayanna arrived. She was happy to see him and by the look on his face the feeling was mutual. Would he soon ask her out on a date? Oh how she hoped.

“Good afternoon Lady Rayanna,” She loved when he called her Lady. Made her feel special.

“You are looking lovely today.”

“Thank you Jack.” She gave a shy smile. Was working up the courage to say something more to him when chaos broke out. Ace, who often thought too highly of himself was trying to club some troublemakers.

The thing is they weren’t real troublemakers.

Jack looked at  Rayanna as he opened the door to let her in. “Excuse me please, my lady, I have to go.”

Rayanna nodded and watched him go, hearing him shout before the door shut. “Ace leave them alone, you know they are only jokers!”

Rayanna shook her head. Poor Jack, he  often had his hands full with Ace of Hearts. He was the troublesome nephew of the Queen. His mom had been the Queen of Hearts, the Queen’s sister.

Eversince he had come to the Kingdom he was turning it upside down.

When Rayanna entered the Queen’s tea room, she was shocked to see the Queen looking weary and frazzled.

“What is wrong?” Rayanna touched her shoulder gently.

“My nephew is out of control. He goes around yelling, “Off with your head.” and cutting off all our blooming golden blossoms. He is so much like his mom. I had hoped that he would learn from his mom’s mistakes but…”

She buried her face in her hands. Everyone knew the story of the Queen’s sister, the Queen of Hearts.  She terrorized a young girl named Alice and was an angry, mean Queen. So unlike her sister.

Her mean streak eventually got the best of her and her knights turned against her. She had said, “Off with your head”, one too many times, and they saw to it that she was the one who lost her head.

Her nephew was sent to live with his Aunt, the  Queen of Diamonds and it wasn’t going well. The Queen also got her sister’s Cheshire cat, who seemed eerie at times with its glowing eyes.

Lifting her head she wiped her eyes, “He runs through the palace creating havoc. My servants are threatening to quit. Soon the only servants I will have left are my sister’s two servants, Tweedledee and Tweedledum.”

The mention of those two brought a smile, they were so likeable and their names alone made one smile.

Rayanna got up to fix the tea and pour a cup for the Queen. She needed something to calm her.

In silence they sat sipping their tea and thinking how to solve the problem of Ace.

“I got it!” Rayanna shouted. “I know exactly what we can do. I have heard about a certain white rabbit that is helpful in situations with those who think too highly of themselves.”

The Queen’s face brightened, “Do you think he really can help?”

“I do. I heard of a success story recently with some guy named Neil. Let me explain exactly what the white rabbit does. He takes those who need help to a castle where they work as a servant for a strict Queen. They learn how to behave pretty quickly. She is strict but no fear, she isn’t a terror. No danger of him losing his head.”

The Queen of Diamonds was quiet thinking about what Rayanna told her. She did love her nephew, could she really do this to him? But she didn’t want him to become like his mom.

CRASH!! They both looked at each other and ran into the hallway, what had happened?

Ace was runnimg down the hallway with a sword, yelling, “Off with your head’, knocking the heads off of statues.. One of the knight’s was running after him yelling for him to give back the sword.

Turning to Rayanna with firm resolve in her eyes sbe said, “Yes, contact the white rabbit and make arrangements as soon as possible.”

Three days later late at night the white rabbit showed up.

Jack let him and Rayanna in, but he looked strangely at the rabbit. Rayanna would have to explain later. They walked back to the Queen’s tea room and the white rabbit made himself comfortable on the table.

“Queen of Diamonds meet James the 21st.”

James bowed down, “At your service ma’am.”

They didn’t take long, the Queen wanted to get it over with. Ace of Hearts was carried out of bed by TweedleDee and TweedleDum. He had been given a strong sleeping pill, for the journey to the castle.

The Queen gave him a light kiss on the cheek, she hoped she was doing the right thing. He looked so young and angelic when sleeping.

“He will be okay, right?”

James nodded his head. “The Queen will keep him safe, as long as he doesn’t try to wander away from the castle.”

Alarm sparked in the Queen’s eyes, “What will happen if he does?”

Rsyanna shot James a warning look, hoping he would get the message. She hadn’t told the Queen about the dragons

“Look at the time,” James looked at his watch. “I must go, I am going to be late for an important date.” Soon they disappeared from the Queen’s sight.

“An important date?? This late?” The Queen gave Rayanna a puzzled look.

Rayanna shrugged, “I guess rabbits have to keep late hours. Think of how long it must take to get all of their children to sleep.”

“Oh, yes … I guess.” She still had a rather confused look in her eyes but she was sleepy, and said, “Goodnight Rayanna and thank you! I hope your plan works.”

Rayanna breathed a sigh of relief, it was over. The troublemaker was taken care of. Things could go back to being pleasant and peaceful in the Kingdom of the Golden Blossoms.

Friday’s Super Short Stories!

Pizza is calling my name … tomatoes are a veggie … sooo tomato sauce is healthy …

The temperature debate … Husband says I like food and my drinks scalding hot … Its not scalding but I do like it hot, not lukewarm …. Its called Hot Chocolate for a reason …Do you have this debate with your spouse/significant other?.

Reading, “I am Malala” … The girl who was shot in the head hy the Taliban in 2012 … for standing up for education for girls … Miraculously recovered and wants to go back to continue the fight … Would you be that courageous? … She has more courage than I do …

Falling at Her Feet

This is the continuation to Formulating the Plan!

Neil was feeling better. He napped some, followed by going to his local steakhouse. Now he was home again and thinking about calling Sandra, the first girl in his little red book.

He had decided that.James the 21st had been a figment of his sleepy imagination. A talking rahbit, like there really was such a thing. “Totally ridiculous!” He said outloud.

“What is ridiculous?”

Startled, Neil dropped his phone  and looked behind him.

“HI! Are you all rested up now?” James  the 21st looked up at him.

Sitting down on the closest chair Neil put his head in his hands. He was really going crazy! Well … he may as well make the most of it and find out what all James could do for him. May not be too bad having a lucky rabbit.

“Since you don’t seem to be going away , what exactly is your plan?”

“To match you up with a young woman. You need help in that area.”

Neil held up his little, red book with a smug grin. “I have all the help I need, right here!”

James rolled his eyes. “Oh yes, the book that helped you so much before. Lets see first there was Sandra. She cancelled three dates because her three sweet grandmother’s died, three weeks in a row. Then there was Dolly, who had a pet squirrel who died the exact night that you all were supposed to go away for a weekend together. Oh, and Tiffany,  whose 4th cousin died. Are you seeing a pattern here at all?”

James snatched the little red book out of Neil’s hand. “You have no need of this.”

Neil glared at James, the know-it-all rabbit. He was beginning to think that rabbit stew would taste good.

“I have the name of a lady who would be enamored with you the moment she sees you. One whose feet you will fall at.”

Neil was quiet, thinking over what James the 21st said. James impatiently tapped his foot, waiting for a response. 

“Is she rich?”

James gave him a cold stare. “You really are an idiot, aren’t you.”

Neil bristled, “I resent that!”

Ignoring him, James continued. “Be ready at 3pm sharp tomorrow and I will take you to her.” With those words, James vanished, once again.

Stupid rabbit, thought Neil, he didn’t answer his question about being rich. Could Neil help that he longed to walk on the sparkling floors of  a castle which he was the head of.

At 3pm sharp the next day James appeared once again out of the thin air. Neil had to admit that this time he was rather excited to see James. After all he was going to take him to meet the lady whose feet he would fall at.

Neil would rather she fall at his feet, but he was sure she would in time. How could someone resist someone as handsome and charming as him! He still couldn’t see what Jennifer saw in Kevin. But it was her loss, she could have him, he was going to a castle.

“A real castle? I will live at a real castle?” Neil was thrilled, as he talked to James.

“Yes, you will walk on its sparkling floors and make the castle shine …”

“With my presence!” Neil interrupted, holding his head up high with his hand on his heart.

“”That is one way to look at it,” James muttered.

They started walking up the hill behind Neil’s house and Neil kept talking.

“Only the finest foods will be served, right?”

“Yes, you will see to that.”

“Of course! For I will be the head of the castle, will I not, oh James I think you should stick around. I like you. You could live in the back yard. I would make sure you have plenty of carrots and fresh water daily.

“As tempting as you make it sound I think I will have to pass.”

They continued walking and Neil was curious. “I have walked up this hill numerous times and have never seen a castle before.”

“But you have never walked with me before. Look…”

“WOW! Fantastic!” Neil could not believe his eyes as he stared at a grandeur castle. A castle beyond his imagination.

“You are the greatest James! I can’t wait to meet my love.”

“Well … about that. There is one small detail I may have left  out.”

Neil patted James shoulder. “Its okay, maybe she isn’t gorgeous … I have this amazing castle, I can allow her some imperfections.’

James closed his eyes for a brief moment trying not to puke. He couldn’t get away from James fast enough. The guy was so full of himself.  

Neil rang the bell. A haggard lady answered the castle  door. Spying James, she smiled. “So glad to see you! Its been crazy here without Maxwell. Come in, Lady Felicity will be here soon.”

Neil was spellbound looking around. It was so spacious and mirrored walls. He could see himself all the time.

His eyes bulged, the most absolute gorgeous woman was coming his way. When she got closer he did fall at her feet, like James said he would.

“Arise, I am Lady Felicity, I do appreciate your show of  respect.” She gave James a wink and he muffled his laughter. Neil couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

“I trust that James filled you in about your responsibilities, making the floors sparkle and the mirrors shine.”

Confusion lit up Neil’s face. “Mirrors,  floors?”

“Well yes, you are taking Maxwell’s place, aren’t you? He was a faithful servant. You will also be responsible for serving meals. Follow me and I will show you the kitchen.”

Turning towards him, she smiled her dazzling smile. “Thanks again for coming, I am so happy to have you here. Enamored with the fact that we have found a replacement for Maxwell.”

“Enamored” … thought Neil, James had said the woman would be enamored with him. Oooh where was James! He looked around as Lady Felicity kept talking about his duties. James was nowhere to be seen!

If James thought he was going to stay here to be a servant, he could think again!

“There is one extremely important thing I must tell you.” Lady Felicity said and Neil paid close attention.

“You were able to walk up to the castle door because you were with James and the dragons know him. You didn’t see them, but they see everyone who walks outside the castle.

James comes often bringing us servants. We pay him rather well! The dragons don’t know you, if you have plans on leaving, I wouldn’t advise it. The dragons are wary of strangers.”

In a flash Lady Felicity’s face grew serious and almost scary. Her intense gaze unnerved him. Within minutes she was smiling again as they continued walking,  but Neil wasn’t. He was thinking of rabbit stew.

Formulating the Plan!

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A month had passed and the sting of embarrassment and rejection were fading. He still had become pretty much of a recluse, didn’t want to have to see the condescending pitiful stares from people. Or see them whispering about him.

How could she have done what she did? What had she been thinking, he had loved her! Well, he thought he had loved her. To be honest he was beginning to realize that he had been more in love with the idea of being married. Plus knowing that she had a hefty inheritance played a big part in his desire for her.

The thought of losing all that money still twisted his stomach into knots, but she was gone. What was done was done. He would need to get busy finding another wealthy heiress.

That night Neil went to bed going through the list of girls that he had in his little black book. Well it was actually a red book, but served the same purpose.

Neil woke up with a start when he saw the time on the alarm clock. Why hadn’t his alarm gone off? He was going to be late for work. The one place he makes himself go to. Stumbling out of bed he grabbed his jeans from off the floor , threw his shirt on and ran down the steps.

He was making some coffee when he glanced at his phone and saw the date. It was Saturday, what was he doing? Ugh! He should go back to bed.

“Good Morning Neil!’

Neil turned around looking at his breakfast table. There was a rabbit with glasses sitting on his table! Did that rabbit speak to him?

“I see that I have surprised you and perhaps rendered you speechless, as you stand there with your mouth agape. While you gather your wits I will introduce myself.”

“I am James the 21st. I have lots of siblings. You are probably wondering why I am here, I will explain. Feel free to take a seat and close your mouth anytime. Maybe drinking coffee would help you relax.”

Neil sat down with his coffee but still staring wide eyed at James the 21st.

“I am your lucky rabbit. It’s been brought to my attention that you badly need one. I must say that anyone who suffered the terrible embarrassment that you have, must…mmm….” James stopped talking for Neil’s cheeks were reddening.

“Well anyway, you know. So, here I am, to try and turn your luck around.” James smiled at Neil and he did look charming with his studious glasses.

Finally Neil found his voice. “You are wearing glasses?”

James the 21st shook his head. “You seem surprised. Let me guess, you believe that carrots are good for eyes? Veggies are good for you, but carrots don’t guarantee great vision. Trust me, I have digested numerous carrots in my time.”

Neil kept shaking his head in disbelief, a lucky rabbit? “I have heard of a lucky rabbit’s foot, but not a lucky rabbit.”

James made a face. “How can a rabbit’s foot be lucky? Humans are so strange. Let me assure you that ALL of me is lucky, not only my foot. It is your lucky day for I am at your service. I am going to try to straighten out the mess you made!”

Neil looked disgruntled, “Me! I was the one who was left at the altar! Do you know how much money I spent on her ring?? Not to mention the amazing honeymoon resort I had booked. She left me, even with all of that! Why?”

James the 21st gave Neil the condescending look that he hated. “Why? You ask. Because you are an idiot!”

Neil’s face flushed, now he was getting mad. A talking rabbit called him an idiot. What luck was he bringing him?

“What do you know, you are only a rabbit. Why am I even sitting here conversing with you?”

“I am James the 21st , your lucky rabbit who you will treat with respect. If not, I will call my friend and have her show you what happens to disrespectful people or animals. She has a low tolerance for idiots, let that be your warning.”

Neil shook his head, feeling like he had stepped into an episode of The Twilight Zone or some strange show. Was this really happening? Spontaneously he reached and touched James fur. It was soft. James was a real rabbit, sitting on the breakfast table, like it was a perfectly normal thing to do.

“We have lots of work to do but I can tell you are feeling rather overwhelmed, so I will give you a few hours to relax. When I come back, we will discuss the plan!”

And as sudden as James the 21st had appeared he was gone. Neil kept shaking his head, he most certainly had to go back to bed. More sleep and all would be well.

(To be continued…)