I haven't been posting much lately, I'm slowing down due to being 'published', I think. Nothing runs on the same timeframe as in self-publishing. I am, however, working on The Iron Writer Anthology 2013-2014.
Plus I've just had a go at Challenge 70...written from last evening's experience while looking at a house...
(Challenge 70 - demolition derby, light sabres, mud wrestling, roman candles)
For Better For Worse
The match was on,
full blast, the large flat green screen glowing in one corner of their living
room, her husband grinning and cheering in the other, beer can in dirty hand.
He hadn't bothered to wash since coming back from his workplace, dumping
himself down in his favourite chair and flicking on the television. The kids
quietly played in the kitchen looking like they'd already suffered one scalding
from their father.
"What you
doing?"
"Eh? What
does it look like? Watching the game!" He gulped down another mouthful of
his cheap beer. "Got any snacks?"
"Unless you
want some of the kids Cheerios, no. Where's the money?"
"Here."
He patted his trouser pocket but showed no movement to give her any for the
weekly shopping.
"I got food
to get."
"Then get
going. And buy some nuts, I want some nuts. And be quick!"
"But I can't
shop without money."
He begrudingly
handed over a wad of cash, barely enough. A long stare got his attention.
"What?"
"I need more
than that."
"I ain't got
any more."
"What did
you do, drink it away?"
"Don't you
start!" One team scored in the match. "Yes!"
"I really
don't know what I saw in you..."
His head slowly
turned and his eyes narrowed, but a smile came over his face.
"I remember
that night, the first time I saw you, mud wrestling with that buxom brunette
cousin of yours. Ha, if it weren't for your sharp hawk-like features and
flowing red hair I would've thought you were a man."
"You pig! I
knew you'd had my cousin. She's always had an eye for you!"
"Then why
did you go for me, huh? Huh?"
"...for your
collection of Lego light sabres, that's what."
He laughed and
spilled some beer on the worn out carpet.
"Yeah, not
much of a choice was there, me and my manly charms or that Brett guy and his
toys. That light weight poofter." He tried to grab her around the waist
but missed. "Oh, and that first night, eh? There were some fireworks that
night, eh?"
"More like
cheap roman candles that fizzed out after a few seconds."
He went back to
his match and beer.
"And what
about the car?"
He was ignoring her
now.
"The car! I
need to use something to go shopping in! You said you'd sort it out this
week!"
The other team
scored, making it even.
"There's
nothing wrong with the car, it runs like a dream. It's your driving that's the
problem."
"Dream? A
dream? I once had a dream...but now I don't have time to dream, always rushing
around this house, cleaning up after you and the kids. That car is a wreck!
It's only good for the demolition derby!"
"That's a
great car, that is." He drank up his beer and watched the match.
"Now I've
gotta use the bus."
"Whatever.
Be quick. Remember the nuts. Oh, and get me some more beer."
The kids went
with her.
