I am so glad that the deadline was extended! I've had a vague story idea in the back of my mind for weeks, but it was only today that it finally started flowing into words. Now, to get it done by midnight tomorrow! Here's the beginning:
***
With a yawn, Sue shut down her laptop and stretched wearily out in the armchair.
Lucy laid down her magazine and reached out to touch her roommate’s shoulder. “Well?”
“Well, what?” Sue couldn’t understand the excitement in Lucy’s eyes.
“What did he say? Did he already have a date? Or is he available?”
Sue rubbed her eyes wearily. “I’m really tired, Luce, and I can’t read your lips when you talk that fast.”
Her friend quickly switched to sign language. Sorry. Did Jack say yes?
“You still aren’t making any sense. Yes to what?” But Lucy’s poorly concealed excitement provided the answer. “You mean is he taking me to Myles’ ball? No Lucy. I haven’t even asked him. I’ve decided to go alone.”
Disappointment was evident in Lucy’s eyes. “Oh. I guess I jumped to conclusions. It’s just that we were just talking about Jack and the ball and when you got out the computer I assumed you were going to ask him.” Sorry, she signed again.
“I was catching up on some paperwork,” Sue informed her matchmaking friend. “I’m sure Jack already has a date.” She yawned again. “I know it’s early, but I think I’m going to bed.” Good night.
Good night, Lucy responded, and returned to her magazine. But a mischievous grin played about her lips.
At the doorway to her bedroom, Sue turned. “I know you, Luce. Don’t even think about letting Jack know I’m available. I’m going alone.”
Okay! Good night. But the smile returned to Lucy’s lips as Sue left the room. Too late…
***
Full Version: Secret Admirer By Alice
RomanceFanFiction.net > The Highlights - A Place To Start > Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > 2005 Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > Valentine Challenge - 2005
A bit more...
***
Sue was awakened the next morning by an exuberant Golden Retriever jumping up on her bed. She glanced at her alarm clock. 7:00. “Levi! It’s Saturday! I don’t have to get up this early.” But Levi wouldn’t give up. He ran to the door, then back to the bed, tail wagging.
“Okay, okay. I’m coming.” Groggily, she climbed out of bed, threw a robe around her shoulders, and followed Levi to the door. Opening it, she found a long white box lying just outside. She glanced down the hallway, but apparently whoever delivered it had already left.
Carrying the box inside, she laid it gently on the countertop lifted the lid. A sweet, heady fragrance permeated the room. Sue let out a gasp of delight. A dozen long-stemmed American Beauty roses. Red. Velvety. Perfect.
Her slender fingers searched the tissue for a card. To Sue was all it said. No message. No clue to the identity of the sender. Sue’s brow furrowed in puzzlement. The handwriting was unfamiliar. Who could possibly have sent them?
“Sue?” Lucy shuffled into the kitchen. “I thought I heard you out here…Wow! What gorgeous roses! Are they yours?”
Sue nodded, a blush tingeing her cheeks almost the same color as the flowers.
“Who are they from?”
“I don’t know.” She handed her roommate the card. After reading it, Lucy let out a delighted squeal and wrapped her in an ecstatic embrace.
“A secret admirer! Oh Sue, how exciting! Who could it be?”
Who could it be? Sue asked herself, as she tenderly placed the roses in a tall glass vase. The question echoed through her mind as she showered, dressed, and poured herself a bowl of cereal. All through breakfast, her attention was focused on the roses, losing herself in the delight of their beauty.
***
***
Sue was awakened the next morning by an exuberant Golden Retriever jumping up on her bed. She glanced at her alarm clock. 7:00. “Levi! It’s Saturday! I don’t have to get up this early.” But Levi wouldn’t give up. He ran to the door, then back to the bed, tail wagging.
“Okay, okay. I’m coming.” Groggily, she climbed out of bed, threw a robe around her shoulders, and followed Levi to the door. Opening it, she found a long white box lying just outside. She glanced down the hallway, but apparently whoever delivered it had already left.
Carrying the box inside, she laid it gently on the countertop lifted the lid. A sweet, heady fragrance permeated the room. Sue let out a gasp of delight. A dozen long-stemmed American Beauty roses. Red. Velvety. Perfect.
Her slender fingers searched the tissue for a card. To Sue was all it said. No message. No clue to the identity of the sender. Sue’s brow furrowed in puzzlement. The handwriting was unfamiliar. Who could possibly have sent them?
“Sue?” Lucy shuffled into the kitchen. “I thought I heard you out here…Wow! What gorgeous roses! Are they yours?”
Sue nodded, a blush tingeing her cheeks almost the same color as the flowers.
“Who are they from?”
“I don’t know.” She handed her roommate the card. After reading it, Lucy let out a delighted squeal and wrapped her in an ecstatic embrace.
“A secret admirer! Oh Sue, how exciting! Who could it be?”
Who could it be? Sue asked herself, as she tenderly placed the roses in a tall glass vase. The question echoed through her mind as she showered, dressed, and poured herself a bowl of cereal. All through breakfast, her attention was focused on the roses, losing herself in the delight of their beauty.
***
A little bit more...
***
“We have to go grocery shopping? Lucy, have you gone crazy? It’s one-o-clock already...have you forgotten that Myles’ ball is tonight?”
“No, I haven’t forgotten. That’s why we have to go shopping. You know we always stay up and eat ice cream after parties, and we’re out.”
Now Sue was convinced that her roommate was going insane. “We had an entire quart of mint chocolate chunk in the freezer last night.”
Lucy seemed desperate. “Well…it isn’t there now. Maybe Levi got into it. It won’t take long to pick up some more. Come on.” And she practically dragged Sue out the door.
As Lucy drove them to the grocery store in her Jeep, Sue kept stealing glances at her friend. Although generally an extremely focused driver, today Luce kept stealing covert glances at the clock. Something is definitely fishy here…
***
***
“We have to go grocery shopping? Lucy, have you gone crazy? It’s one-o-clock already...have you forgotten that Myles’ ball is tonight?”
“No, I haven’t forgotten. That’s why we have to go shopping. You know we always stay up and eat ice cream after parties, and we’re out.”
Now Sue was convinced that her roommate was going insane. “We had an entire quart of mint chocolate chunk in the freezer last night.”
Lucy seemed desperate. “Well…it isn’t there now. Maybe Levi got into it. It won’t take long to pick up some more. Come on.” And she practically dragged Sue out the door.
As Lucy drove them to the grocery store in her Jeep, Sue kept stealing glances at her friend. Although generally an extremely focused driver, today Luce kept stealing covert glances at the clock. Something is definitely fishy here…
***
More...
***
Sue nearly dropped the plastic bag she held as she stepped through the door of the apartment. Fortunately, Lucy was there to catch it.
“Lucy, what…?”
“Follow them!” Lucy said, giving her friend a little push.
Still looking dazed, Sue obeyed. Starting directly at her feet, a trail of small pink paper hearts led throughout the apartment. She followed them to the kitchen countertop, where she found a huge canister of her favorite coffee…to the couch where a fluffy white teddy bear hugged a red velvet heart…to the bathroom, where she discovered scented candles…and finally to her bedroom.
Sinking down on the bed, she burst into tears.
Lucy, who had been trailing her with delight, was at her side in an instant. “Sue, what is it? What’s wrong?”
Mutely, she indicated the jewelry box which lay open on her dresser. Inside was a necklace—delicate, beautiful. A slender gold chain supported a heart pendent whose edges sparkled with tiny diamonds and a rich red garnet sparkled from the center.
“It’s beautiful. But why are you crying?”
Choking down a sob, Sue tried to explain. “I’ve always dreamed of something like this…I’ve had so many lonely Valentine’s Days. In high school…even college, it seemed like everyone had a boyfriend but me. No one wanted to go out with someone who was deaf. While all the girls at school were eating and dancing and being showered with gifts, I would sit at home eating ice cream and watching romance videos.
“I used to imagine what it would be like to live a love story like the ones I saw in those movies. But I never thought it could actually come true…”
“Well, it’s coming true now. And there you sit crying about it! It’s late…you’d better get up and start getting ready.”
Sue wiped her eyes. “All right.”
But as Lucy turned to leave the room, a sudden realization struck her. “Luce…that grocery shopping you said we had to do…you knew, didn’t you?”
Her friend turned and gave her an enigmatic smile. “I have to get ready.” And she was gone.
Lucy knew. That much was apparent. But…she couldn’t have left the door open for whoever did it. I locked it myself. And she opened it with her key when we got back. So he must have a key. Who else has a key to our apartment? My parents…Charlie…David used to, but he gave it back when we decided to stop seeing each other. Didn’t he?
But David couldn’t have done this. I mean, why would he? We both agreed that we’re friends, but we just aren’t right for each other. I suppose Charlie could have lent his key to someone…or someone could have picked the lock. But who? Who?
She smiled. “I’m starting to sound like an owl!”
But the questions refused to leave her mind.
***
***
Sue nearly dropped the plastic bag she held as she stepped through the door of the apartment. Fortunately, Lucy was there to catch it.
“Lucy, what…?”
“Follow them!” Lucy said, giving her friend a little push.
Still looking dazed, Sue obeyed. Starting directly at her feet, a trail of small pink paper hearts led throughout the apartment. She followed them to the kitchen countertop, where she found a huge canister of her favorite coffee…to the couch where a fluffy white teddy bear hugged a red velvet heart…to the bathroom, where she discovered scented candles…and finally to her bedroom.
Sinking down on the bed, she burst into tears.
Lucy, who had been trailing her with delight, was at her side in an instant. “Sue, what is it? What’s wrong?”
Mutely, she indicated the jewelry box which lay open on her dresser. Inside was a necklace—delicate, beautiful. A slender gold chain supported a heart pendent whose edges sparkled with tiny diamonds and a rich red garnet sparkled from the center.
“It’s beautiful. But why are you crying?”
Choking down a sob, Sue tried to explain. “I’ve always dreamed of something like this…I’ve had so many lonely Valentine’s Days. In high school…even college, it seemed like everyone had a boyfriend but me. No one wanted to go out with someone who was deaf. While all the girls at school were eating and dancing and being showered with gifts, I would sit at home eating ice cream and watching romance videos.
“I used to imagine what it would be like to live a love story like the ones I saw in those movies. But I never thought it could actually come true…”
“Well, it’s coming true now. And there you sit crying about it! It’s late…you’d better get up and start getting ready.”
Sue wiped her eyes. “All right.”
But as Lucy turned to leave the room, a sudden realization struck her. “Luce…that grocery shopping you said we had to do…you knew, didn’t you?”
Her friend turned and gave her an enigmatic smile. “I have to get ready.” And she was gone.
Lucy knew. That much was apparent. But…she couldn’t have left the door open for whoever did it. I locked it myself. And she opened it with her key when we got back. So he must have a key. Who else has a key to our apartment? My parents…Charlie…David used to, but he gave it back when we decided to stop seeing each other. Didn’t he?
But David couldn’t have done this. I mean, why would he? We both agreed that we’re friends, but we just aren’t right for each other. I suppose Charlie could have lent his key to someone…or someone could have picked the lock. But who? Who?
She smiled. “I’m starting to sound like an owl!”
But the questions refused to leave her mind.
***
She took more care than usual with her appearance. When she was done, she revolved before the mirror and smiled in satisfaction.
Her red chiffon gown was utterly perfect…a tightly fitted bodice pouring down into a full skirt of luscious ruffles. The gold sandals that Lucy had finally talked her into buying gave her the extra inch of height which was needed for the ankle-brushing hemline. The pendant lay in the little hollow of her throat, just above the slightly scooped neckline. Her hair was twisted back from her face and fastened with a rhinestone comb, falling over her neck in a cascade of golden curls.
With a tremor of excitement, she added the final touch: a red rose pinned in her hair. If he’s there…he’ll see it. Will he be pleased that I’m wearing his gifts? Will he reveal himself? Ask me to dance, maybe?
Her reflections were disturbed as Lucy’s reflection appeared in the mirror. Turning, Sue found her standing in the doorway with a smile of admiration on her face.
“Wow! You look gorgeous!”
Sue smiled. “So do you.”
It was true. Lucy’s gown was black, and sparkled with sequins from shoulder to knee. Her dark hair was pulled back in an elegant French twist. Garnet jewelry supplied the required “dash of red.”
At that moment, the doorbell rang. It was Troy. After signing compliments to both ladies, he escorted Lucy out to his car.
Checking her appearance one last time, Sue pulled on her coat and headed out to her own vehicle. Although Lucy and Troy had invited her to ride along with them, she hadn’t wanted to intrude on their evening.
Unlocking her car, she opened the door and tossed her purse on the seat. She was just about to follow, when she noticed something shiny on the seat cushion. She reached in for it, and discovered a chocolate heart wrapped in pink foil. Apparently, this evening’s surprises were not yet over.
Holding the candy in her hand, she slid in behind the steering wheel. But as she inserted the key in the ignition, she noticed a red-wrapped heart lying on the dashboard. She discovered another perched atop the rear-view mirror. Yet another sat in her cupholder.
Ten minutes later, Sue finally pulled out into the road, a pile of chocolate hearts lying beside her on the seat.
***
Her red chiffon gown was utterly perfect…a tightly fitted bodice pouring down into a full skirt of luscious ruffles. The gold sandals that Lucy had finally talked her into buying gave her the extra inch of height which was needed for the ankle-brushing hemline. The pendant lay in the little hollow of her throat, just above the slightly scooped neckline. Her hair was twisted back from her face and fastened with a rhinestone comb, falling over her neck in a cascade of golden curls.
With a tremor of excitement, she added the final touch: a red rose pinned in her hair. If he’s there…he’ll see it. Will he be pleased that I’m wearing his gifts? Will he reveal himself? Ask me to dance, maybe?
Her reflections were disturbed as Lucy’s reflection appeared in the mirror. Turning, Sue found her standing in the doorway with a smile of admiration on her face.
“Wow! You look gorgeous!”
Sue smiled. “So do you.”
It was true. Lucy’s gown was black, and sparkled with sequins from shoulder to knee. Her dark hair was pulled back in an elegant French twist. Garnet jewelry supplied the required “dash of red.”
At that moment, the doorbell rang. It was Troy. After signing compliments to both ladies, he escorted Lucy out to his car.
Checking her appearance one last time, Sue pulled on her coat and headed out to her own vehicle. Although Lucy and Troy had invited her to ride along with them, she hadn’t wanted to intrude on their evening.
Unlocking her car, she opened the door and tossed her purse on the seat. She was just about to follow, when she noticed something shiny on the seat cushion. She reached in for it, and discovered a chocolate heart wrapped in pink foil. Apparently, this evening’s surprises were not yet over.
Holding the candy in her hand, she slid in behind the steering wheel. But as she inserted the key in the ignition, she noticed a red-wrapped heart lying on the dashboard. She discovered another perched atop the rear-view mirror. Yet another sat in her cupholder.
Ten minutes later, Sue finally pulled out into the road, a pile of chocolate hearts lying beside her on the seat.
***
Here's the end. I realize it's short, but I'm just glad I found the time to write it at all! Your feedback is appreciated.
***
It was a delightful party. Although the elegance of Myles’ home and the prestige of the guests was beyond anything Sue was used to, the presence of the team brought her comfort.
Dimitrius, in a double-breasted suit and a red tie, escorted Donna in with pride. She was smiling with delight. “This is the first time we’ve been able to hire a babysitter and do something by ourselves in months,” she confided to Sue.
Bobby had brought a woman who Sue at first thought to be a stranger. But then, looking closely at the face beneath the cherry-red hair, she realized that it was Tara! The two seemed to have an enjoyable evening together, and Sue smiled to see their usual office banter in this highly unusual setting.
Jack came alone. He danced with many different women, but never more than once with any of them. He complemented her on her dress, asked for one dance…and that was all.
But to her own surprise, if no one else’s, she did not lack for partners throughout the evening. Although flattered and pleased by the attention she received, she couldn’t keep her thoughts from straying to her “secret admirer.”
The evening passed, and he did not reveal himself. She had found herself glancing over at Jack several other times throughout the evening, but he never met her gaze. If not Jack—who?
At last, the party ended. As she pulled her long brown wool coat around her shoulders and reached to fasten the satiny-smooth wood buttons, she felt something stiff rustle in her pocket. Reaching in, she withdrew a folded slip of paper. Could this be it? Will I finally find out who he is? Her hands trembling with excitement, she unfolded the smooth page and found not a hand-written note, but a typed poem.
Your ears
Do not hear
As mine do
But with your heart
You hear
More than I ever will
Your eyes
Seek out answers
Finding things
That others ignore
I listen to peoples’ voices
You find the truth in their eyes
Your hands
Speak
More than mouths ever can
With grace and ease
They find the words
That cannot be spoken
Your world—
It is different than mine
Silent
Yet filled with beauty
You do not hear the song of the birds
But you glory in the sunrise
You and I
Are different
But deep down
We are the same
Two worlds
One heart
One love
Across the bottom of the page was penned simply, Won’t you be my valentine? And she knew who had written it.
***
Wearily, Jack trudged up the steps to his second-floor apartment and fumbled to unlock the door. But as he touched the doorknob, instead of smooth, cool metal, he felt paper.
It was a small, folded note, addressed to him in handwriting that he knew as well as his own. His heart thumping in his chest, he unfolded it. It said simply, Yes.
He smiled. This was going to be a Valentine’s Day to remember!
The End
***
It was a delightful party. Although the elegance of Myles’ home and the prestige of the guests was beyond anything Sue was used to, the presence of the team brought her comfort.
Dimitrius, in a double-breasted suit and a red tie, escorted Donna in with pride. She was smiling with delight. “This is the first time we’ve been able to hire a babysitter and do something by ourselves in months,” she confided to Sue.
Bobby had brought a woman who Sue at first thought to be a stranger. But then, looking closely at the face beneath the cherry-red hair, she realized that it was Tara! The two seemed to have an enjoyable evening together, and Sue smiled to see their usual office banter in this highly unusual setting.
Jack came alone. He danced with many different women, but never more than once with any of them. He complemented her on her dress, asked for one dance…and that was all.
But to her own surprise, if no one else’s, she did not lack for partners throughout the evening. Although flattered and pleased by the attention she received, she couldn’t keep her thoughts from straying to her “secret admirer.”
The evening passed, and he did not reveal himself. She had found herself glancing over at Jack several other times throughout the evening, but he never met her gaze. If not Jack—who?
At last, the party ended. As she pulled her long brown wool coat around her shoulders and reached to fasten the satiny-smooth wood buttons, she felt something stiff rustle in her pocket. Reaching in, she withdrew a folded slip of paper. Could this be it? Will I finally find out who he is? Her hands trembling with excitement, she unfolded the smooth page and found not a hand-written note, but a typed poem.
Your ears
Do not hear
As mine do
But with your heart
You hear
More than I ever will
Your eyes
Seek out answers
Finding things
That others ignore
I listen to peoples’ voices
You find the truth in their eyes
Your hands
Speak
More than mouths ever can
With grace and ease
They find the words
That cannot be spoken
Your world—
It is different than mine
Silent
Yet filled with beauty
You do not hear the song of the birds
But you glory in the sunrise
You and I
Are different
But deep down
We are the same
Two worlds
One heart
One love
Across the bottom of the page was penned simply, Won’t you be my valentine? And she knew who had written it.
***
Wearily, Jack trudged up the steps to his second-floor apartment and fumbled to unlock the door. But as he touched the doorknob, instead of smooth, cool metal, he felt paper.
It was a small, folded note, addressed to him in handwriting that he knew as well as his own. His heart thumping in his chest, he unfolded it. It said simply, Yes.
He smiled. This was going to be a Valentine’s Day to remember!
The End
Great job! Your poem reminds me of Jacynthe's pic. I think it said: Three words, Two worlds; one heart...
Happy Valentine's
Happy Valentine's
Good memory Tiffany!
Alice, this was absolutely lovely. Just the right length, simple, and truly beautiful. I loved the poem![I] And the way Jack's heart beat in his chest when he recognized Sue's writing...I love it when we get to see how much she affects him.
Wonderful!!!
Wonderful!!!
Loved it what a great little story, or interlude could easily be part of a bigger picture.
Three words: I LOVE IT !!!!
aww sweet 
loved the poem
glad she said yes.
loved the poem
glad she said yes.
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