What I saw...

Emily asked what I saw in this last Imagine This post. Actually, I do have a scene that well fits the picture...

 Once they were seated in the living room, Bethany in a chair and Luke and Erin next to her on the couch. Luke noticed something was amiss. "Where's Lenore?" 

 Erin's breath caught. She knew that whatever her husband was about to tell them was going to be devastating when Luke just now realized his princess hadn't ran to smother him with kisses. 

 "She's next door at the Thomson's." 

 Luke nodded. "Good. I'd rather her not hear this." 

 Erin and Bethany exchanged frightened glances. 

 Luke cleared his throat. "I guess there's only one way to say this...David's dead." 

 "No..." Bethany covered her mouth as something tears flooded her crystal blue eyes. 

 Erin's shoulders trembled as reality set in. Her brother was dead? She took Luke's arm and he held her close. 

 With one hand against her stomach, Bethany whispered. "What happened?" 

 Luke pulled away from Erin and knelt in front of the widow. He took her hand in his and began. "We were flying over enemy territory, David and I, in separate planes. He was to my left and we were being fired upon. Neither of us were shot down at first and I thought we were going to make it across the lines. Then, I looked over and, in a cloud of black smoke, David's plane was doing a nosedive. I couldn't believe it. One second he was there and the next...and the next he was gone." 

 His own tears now falling freely, Luke prepared to wind up his heart-breaking story. "I circled around and flew back over. I thought maybe if David or Joshua had somehow managed to get out we could swoop down and get them. But when we got back, the plane was in flames and there was no one around." 

^*^*^*^*^

 For several minutes, Bethany cried and Luke comforted her. 

 He stood up and walked across the room to the desk. Taking a deep breath he opened the drawer and pulled out a small white envelope. He came back and held it out to Bethany. 

 She immediately recognized her name written on the back in David's handwriting. "Will you read it to me, please?" 

 Luke unfolded the letter and, sitting on the couch with one arm around Erin, began to read: 

My dearest Bethany, 

  If you are reading this, Luke has just delivered you the news. My only regret is leaving you to raise our child alone. I know you will do right by him or her and raise them to love Christ with their whole heart. 

 My sister found a good man. I'm at peace knowing Erin and Luke will see to it you and the baby are taken care of. 

 Don't spend your days grieving for me, my sweetheart. That's not my wish, I want you to be happy. I don't want you dying with me. You have a lot of love to give, Beth, you have to move on. 

 I would have loved to spend many a year with you, the way we planned it. Growing old together, watching our children start their own families. But that is not God's Will. His Will is always perfect. 

 You are the love of my life and my best friend. 

 Goodbye, my sweet Beth. I will always love you. 

      David

 "Excuse me." Bethany whispered as she hurried from the room. Erin stood and started after her but Luke grabbed her hand. "Let her go." 

 "But Luke-" 

 "She needs to be alone. She knows we're here for her." He stood and pulled her into his arms and she clung to him. Luke rubbed her back as she sobbed into his shirt. 

 Suddenly Erin pulled away. "Why, Luke? Why David? Doesn't God know Bethany needs him?" 

 "Don't ever question God, sweetheart." Luke pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Like David's letter said, His ways are always perfect." 

 Erin leaned back into him, crying until no more tears would come. 

 She straightened up. "How long can you stay?" 

 "I have to be on a bus in the morning and then I'll be on a ship by the night after that." Luke handed her his handkerchief. 

 "Back to Europe..." 

 "Yeah, Germany." 

'Imagine This' Winners!

Hello everyone! First I want to say, thank you all soooo much for entering. All the stories are superb!!! You all made judging so hard! However, because I have to judge them...well, here goes... :-)

1st place goes to Jesseca Dawn. Jesseca, I loved your piece! It's so wonderful...so emotional...*sniff, sniff* 

The Heartache of War

By Jesseca Dawn

July 30th, 1940, Battle of Britain day 21.

David took a deep breath as he slowly approached the small house. The patio was covered with pots of lavender and daisies that added a welcoming feel to the otherwise dreary, rainy day. Why? he asked himself for the hundredth time. In the back of his mind he could still hear Gil’s moans and cries of pain as the plane had ignited in flames. Why me? Why was I allowed to live? It was a question he could never answer; he could still see the day as though it was yesterday. They had been going back to refuel when the German fighter appeared out of nowhere. The explosion had followed, and then--he shook his head to clear his thoughts as he brushed a hand across his eyes, Stop it, David, he scolded himself, Now is not the time to be emotional.

He walked up the porch steps and knocked on the door.

Almost instantly the the door was opened by a smiling young women with dark brown hair and hazel eyes.

“Yes? Can I help you?”

David removed his hat and folded it in his hands, “Mrs. Wilson? Gilbert’s wife?”
The smile left her face, “Yes, I am. Did something happen to him? Please, tell me he’s alright!”

David shuffled his feet, this was harder than he could have ever imagined, “Mrs. Wilson, your husband was the gunner on my plane. We were shot down a couple days ago, and--”

A relieved look crossed her face and she interrupted him, “But you’re alright. Then he must be as well.”

David swallowed hard, “Mrs. Wilson, your husband--is dead.”

She gasped,“Gilbert? Dead? Oh, God, please no! What happened?”

“The plane took a direct hit and he got the full impact of it. Before I could get to him, the back half of the plane exploded, the fire got to him before I could. I got him out, but it was too late. He had lost too much blood from the wound the explosion had inflicted and was too badly burned. He--he wanted me to tell you in person. I’m sorry it’s taken so long, I wasn’t allowed to come to you until now.”

“Oh, Gilbert, no!” She took a step back and leaned up against the doorframe to steady herself.

“Mrs. Wilson,” David paused and took a deep breath before starting again, “He wanted me to tell you that he loved you, and that he’ll see you again in heaven,” he put a hand on her shoulder, “I’ve never met a man like your husband. He was my best friend.”

She leaned forward and put her head on his chest, “Oh, I love you, Gilbert,” her body shook with sobs. Sensing her need for comfort, David wrapped his arms around her. Somehow being able to comfort her gave him comfort as well. Seeing her pain brought back the all memories of Gil. First, their meeting at the RAF recruitment office, then the time they had spent together afterwards talking about their wives back home, about the life they had had before the war. And then, of course, all the times they had flown together. How can I go back knowing he’ll not be there? His eyes filled with tears and for the first time since the accident he allowed himself the relief of not holding them back. Here he didn’t have to put up a brave front, here he could grieve, he could be who he truly was. A man who was broken, a man who didn’t feel as though he had the strength to continue the fight, a man who could feel himself starting to hate even though he fought against it. God, please show me how to love like you. Show me how to forgive like you did.

***

My Dearest Elaine,

I can’t tell you how much I miss you, nor how much I long for this war to be over. The pain and suffering it brings are unfathomable. So much hurt can never be completely healed. Everyday I see someone else who has been devastated by what is now being called “The Battle of Britain”. Gil died this past week when our plane was shot down. The pain is more than I could have ever imagined it to be and I shudder at the thought of those who have lost more than one friend, brother, father or other relative in this horrible war. I keep asking myself, why Gil? Why did he die and not me? War is a horrible thing and it’s no respecter of persons. Today I went and told his wife of his death--she reminds me so much of you--her only comfort is that she’ll see him again. I’m so thankful for the assurance that we can have through Jesus. If it wasn’t for that, I don’t know how I’d be able to go on. I’m sending my love, I hope you are doing well. I love you dearly!

Your husband, David.

Coming in 2nd place is Eve Estelle. Eve, your story was positively delightful! 

A Knight's Farewell

By Eve Estelle 

   "Must you leave us?" her tone was one of sadness, though she did her best to appear strong in the face of worry.
    Sir Rowan gently touched her arms.  "The Queen requires my aid - you know that I cannot stand idly by when Her Majesty calls." His voice was subdued, and sorrow fought against bravery in his manner.
    "The Queen has many knights - should it be such a horrid thing if just one of them were to stay in the village?"
    "I have my orders," he replied quietly, "as do you."
    She glanced down at the dusty floor of the old storage room, tears welling in her eyes. "You will come back?"
    Rowan pulled her closer, lightly wrapping his arms around her as she buried her head in his chest. Taking a deep breath, he said, "I will do my best to return, Emeline, I promise you."

    Sir Rowan Elric was a knight of the Dawnlight Kingdom, bound to protect Her Majesty Queen Thea. He was just one of hundreds, but his duties to his kingdom were no less valuable. Raised from the age of seven as a warrior, Elric's skill in battle was admirable, and he was knighted by age fifteen. Now, more than a decade later, he knew little else when it came to a life outside of protecting Her Majesty's kingdom.
    Upon his trusty steed, he would ride through the bustling streets of Dawnlight, longing for the chance to experience life among the common folk. He was kind to the merchants, chivalrous towards the weavers and dressmakers, even respectful of the servants and housemaids - but he always dutifully returned to his post at the castle. In the end, his loyalties lay with the Queen, but sometimes fate has ideas different than what one had planned.
    Emeline, a simple servant girl within the castle, never questioned her place, performing tasks that no wealthy hand would ever touch. She groomed the horses, grazed the cattle, washed the dishes, as well as anything else that was requested of her, and never let loose a single complaint. This was the life of a servant - and though those who ranked higher than her were rarely hostile, there was one man who treated her the kindest: Sir Rowan Elric.
    It was taboo for a knight to associate himself with a servant. If one is a member of the nobility, then they socialize with fellow nobles; and if one is merely a servant or commoner, then they socialize with fellow servants, commoners, and others of similar rank. Elric never understood why this was the way it was - after all, weren't they all human? He didn't like to simply ignore those below him as the other knights and nobles tended to do. He would smile, greet, and shake hands with even the lowliest of peasants, though he always stopped short of inciting consequences... Until he met Emeline, that is.
    Years of being kind and courteous resulted in a bond forming between the servant girl and Sir Rowan. Every morning before a ride, he would pass her in the stables as she performed her daily tasks. Starting out as a polite nod of the head, he soon began adding an extra word or two to their greetings.
    "Good morning," he would say one day. Next would come "How are you?" and small remarks about the weather. Finally, he asked for her name:
    "Emeline," she said, "my name is Emeline."
    "Don't you have a last name, Emeline?"
    Stuttering slightly, she never paused in her work, "No. I don't have one."
    Elric smiled, noticing her nervousness. "It's a beautiful name. Means 'hardworking', I think, doesn't it?"
    "Yes, that's right."
    "A good fit, then." He smiled again, and Emeline couldn't help but return it.
    Simple greetings turned into lengthy conversations. A few weeks passed, and soon Rowan was purposefully entering the stables to talk with her. Of course, he could never tell a soul of this - the nobles would likely banish him for bringing shame upon the nobility, and any commoner would certainly rat him out for a simple penny. He knew the risks of befriending her, but he wanted to do nothing else.
    Months pass, and we return to the present - they've become quite attached, able to tell even their deepest secrets. Hours spent behind stable doors, chatting away the time. He's even managed to sneak her out of the castle gates once or twice, to gallop the open fields.
    But two days before, news reached the castle of an attack on the kingdom. A thousand armies from a rival empire; and today, Her Majesty Queen Thea has called upon all of her knights and soldiers to defend Dawnlight - including Sir Rowan Elric.
    Now, standing in the dusty old storage room within the stables, he and Emeline must say their farewells, uncertain of their future. Bravery, will, and strength ensure a bright future for the kingdom of Dawnlight - but the same cannot be said for the men who defend it.

And last but far from least, in 3rd place is Emily McConnell! Your piece is great Emily! I enjoyed it!

Friend

By Emily McConnell 

           Fear.

That’s what he sensed. Fear. Fear of what?

Was it fear of him? He doubted that. Fear of a new adversary? No, that wasn’t it. What, then? What was bothering her? Why did she seem so hesitant? This wasn’t the Rachel he knew.

She stood in front of him, twirling a strand of her auburn brown hair. She glanced away.

“There is something wrong, Rachel.”

She looked back at him, her eyes filled with regret, worry… and fear. That fear of something he couldn’t quite place.

He stood up from his chair and walked towards her. She didn’t move away, but turned her gaze to the floor. She couldn’t look at him.

“What is wrong, my friend?”

“I need to go,” she murmured. She started for the door.

He put his hand on her shoulder to stop her. She chanced a glimpse into his eyes, then refused to look up again. Her body was trembling, he could feel it.

“You are afraid of yourself.”

He pronounced it like a medical verdict. The truth dawned on him as he played his own words over again in his head. She’s afraid of herself.

Rachel slowly looked up at him, her eyes spilling over with tears. “I- I,” she stammered.

It wasn’t his way. He wasn’t one for physical touch or love. But at that moment he knew it was what she needed. He pulled her close to him and put his arms around her.

The dam broke. She began to sob, clinging to his shirt and pressing her face against his chest. He stroked her hair, grieved by the pain he could feel coursing through her body, as she fought to control the secret, dark glimpses into the heart she hid from everyone.

“It’s alright to be afraid,” he told her at last.

“I do not wish to be scared of myself. Oh, but I am. I am. I don’t know what to do with the responsibilities I’ve been given. My job, my role, my place in this world- it’s a place of power. I’m afraid of abusing it. I’m afraid of what I can do to others. I’m afraid of making a mistake.”

He remained silent as he pondered her words. He continued to stroke her hair, struck by the similarity between this young woman and his own sister. Friends they were, no more, no less. All he wanted to do was comfort her. To help her. To heal her fears.

“Rachel.” He let go of her and looked down into her green eyes. Tears sparkled in them, dripping down her face like a tiny fountain of feelings and emotions. “You are gifted. You’ve been given this responsibility not by men, but by God Himself. If He didn’t think you could handle this, He wouldn’t have let it happen. You are right to fear such a great responsibility- but trust that this fear was put upon you to keep you from destroying the gift you have. A lack of fear would concern me. This on the other hand, confirms what I already know to be true.” He paused. “You’re a very special, sensitive, wise young lady, Rachel. A more mature woman at your age of seventeen I have yet to meet. I am awed by your sense of responsibility, commitment and the work you do. It is not an easy place to be witness to so much evil and weed through the mire to find souls who need your help. It is burdensome, and a heavy load to carry. You have pressed through it, my friend. You have kept your head high. You’ve refused to let your purity of mind and body be tampered with. You are a wonderful girl, Rachel.”

She smiled through her tears and managed a faint laugh. She wiped her eyes and took a deep breath. “And you wonder why it’s hard for me to remind myself you’re just my a friend.”

He smiled and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “I count you more than just a friend, Rachel. I consider you my sister.”

“Yeah, well, sister wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.” She grinned. “But I think I’m a little too late for that, aren’t I? Katie seems to have you entranced.”

His cheeks reddened at the mention of Katie. “Too late and too young,” he replied. “There is no way in good conscience I could pursue a relationship with you knowing the age difference between us. I respect you and care for you deeply, Rachel. I cannot be your “one”, but I will always be your friend.”

“Thank you,” she whispered. “You’ll never know how much that means to me.”

He took her hand in his and squeezed it lightly. “Actually, I do. And I’m looking at her right now.”

Again, thanks for entering! I'm glad everyone enjoyed it. I already have a picture for Imagine This 2#... ;)

Imagine this - 1

Good morning everyone! (Or whatever time of day it is when you're reading this!:) 

I'm pleased to introduce the first Imagine This post!!! Yay!!! I considered renaming it The People in the Picture, but then I would be "limited" to using only pictures of people and I think an animal picture would be cute sometime. 

The Rules!

1) Write a story of what you think is going on in the below picture. 

2) Send it to my email (if you have it) or through the contact form on the bottom right of this page. 

3) You have through Friday, June 26 to send me your entries. 

4) I've decided to set a word count max at 800. If your story is a few words over it's totally fine. I understand! :) 

And the picture!!!!!!!!!!! 

Here's a few things I thought when I saw it...

Who's the girl? Who's the guy? What has happened prior to this? What happens next? 

Thanks for participating! 

-Faith

Writing Contest?

 Unfortunately I have not yet finished part-2 of Being Little Sister. So until then....

I have a splendid idea! What if I started having writing contests on this blog? 

I would call it 'Imagine this'. I will post a picture and you all write a story, couple paragraphs, etc., of what you imagine is going on in the picture. Then I post them in the order for which ones I think best fits the picture. 

Would anyone be interested in entering? Let me know and if anyone's interested I'll get the first picture up ASAP. 

Thanks! 

-Faith

Being Little Sister ~ Part 1

                                 

 Below is the 1st part of an Andi fan story I started like...before Christmas. At the same time I was writing this, I was also trying to finish up a story for the Circle C Short Story Writing Contest. (I had severe writer's block on that story!) My Mom was like, "why don't you finish that one and send it in?" I said, "uh, Mom, I can't do that. This one is already way over the word count limit!" 

So, here it is! I hope you enjoy it! :)

If any of y'all aren't familiar with Andi and her family, then you're probably someone I know personally. Shoot me an email if you have any questions. 

Emily, this is for you. :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

                                 

 "Andi Carter! Get down here!" Chad's annoyed yell jarred through the Carter home. 

 Andi dropped what she was doing and went to see what her brother wanted. She had been cleaning her room, but if Chad wanted her to do something outside she would rather do that. !

 When Andi came to the top of the stairs she started to slide down the handrail but the sight at the bottom made her stop. Chad stood glaring at her, fist on his hips, jaw set. He did not look pleased. 

 "You wanted me?" Andi squeaked. 

 Chad nodded. "I want you to get outside and TAKE CARE OF THAT HORSE YOU'VE LEFT STANDING AT THE HITCHING POST FOR GOODNESS KNOWS HOW LONG!!" 

 "Oh, no!" Andi gasped as it all came rushing back to her. She had went for a Saturday afternoon ride with Cory right after lunch. When she came back Mitch was just returning from town, and he had asked her if she would be interested in going on a cattle buying trip with himself and Peter next week. At first Andi had turned him down saying they didn't want her tagging along. But when Mitch persisted she admitted that she would love to go along, and went inside to ask Mother. 

 Although Mitch thought it was a grand idea, as did Andi, Elizabeth Carter didn't. When Andi wanted to know why Mother wouldn't let her go, Mother said they would talk about it later and sent Andi upstairs to clean her room. 

 Andi hadn't thought another thing about Taffy...until now. How could she have forgotten her beloved mare?

 "I'll do it right now," Andi promised. She clattered down the stairs, snatched up her felt hat, and scurried out the door. Chad followed her. 

 They were both equally surprised when Taffy wasn't tied to the hitching post. Chad rushed off the porch and across the yard. He looked around and down the road, before ducking into the cool barn. Andi had to run to keep up with his long strides. Where could a horse go that fast? And better yet, why? 

 Upon entering Taffy's stall Andi and Chad found Mitch unsaddling the 'missing' mare. Andi sighed with relief at the sight of her horse. 

 Chad glanced from Taffy to Mitch to Andi. "You seen me go in the house to get Andi and you brought her-" he nodded to Taffy- "in here, didn't you?" Chad accused. 

 Mitch winked at Andi. "Yeah, something like that." 

 Chad just shook his head and left, mumbling something about crazy siblings. 

 Andi grinned, "Thanks, Mitch." She unlatched the stall door and stepped in. "I'll finish up." 

 "What are big brothers for, but to do your chores." Mitch handed her the brush. "What did Mother say?" 

 "She said we would discuss it after dinner tonight." Andi slumped against Taffy and sighed, her cheery grin gone. "That probably means 'no'."

 "Maybe not. I'll mention it to her." Mitch promised and turned to leave. 

 Andi's smile returned. "Ok." 

**************

 Over the last month or so, it had become almost expected for the entire family to come together for dinner on Saturday nights.

 Justin and Lucy, who were expecting their first child, drove out from town. Katherine and her husband Troy, along with Levi, Betsy, and Hannah would join them as well. 

 Troy had returned to his family about six months ago, begging forgiveness from Kate and the children. Although members of the family (especially Chad, who didn't want to see his sister hurt again) was skeptical, as the months passed everyone came to realize that Troy had found Jesus and had truly changed this time. 

 They were renting a small house in town, and Troy had gotten a job at the lumber yard. 

 This particular evening Justin, Chad, Mitch, and Troy were discussing the cattle buying trip. The plan was Mitch and Peter would leave in two days for Tonopah, Nevada, buy the cattle and put them on a train to ship them back to Fresno. They would travel, both ways, on horseback. 

 "I still don't understand why you want to go by horseback." Chad groused. 

 "If we took the train, we'd be home days earlier, but-" Mitch started until Chad cut him off. 

 "You'd be home several days earlier and then maybe some work would get done around here!" 

 Justin snickered as he glanced back and forth between his two brothers. "Chad, I think that's exactly what he's trying to avoid." 

 At the opposite end of the table, Andi waited to see if her mother would bring up the subject of whether or not she would allow her to go. She didn't. By the time Luisa started serving dessert, Andi had decided to bring it up herself. 

 "Mother?" 

 Elizabeth smiled at her youngest daughter. "Yes, dear?" 

 "You said we would discuss my going on the cattle-buying trip with Mitch and Peter." Andi reminded her. 

 "I did say that." Elizabeth nodded. 

 "Well...can I go?" Andi hesitated. 

 "May I go," Elizabeth corrected, before looking on down the table. "Mitchell?" 

 "Yes, Mother?" 

 "Do you think you can handle this impulsive sister of yours?" 

 Andi's hopes rose. 

 Mitch grinned. "I think I can manage." 

 Elizabeth turned back to Andi. "Andrea, one day you'll be too old to tag-along with your brothers." 

 "Does that mean I can go?" Andi asked hopefully. 

 Elizabeth smiled. "Yes, dear. It's probably not the most proper way for young ladies to spend your time, but...I think your father would have wanted you to go. But it's just this once mind you." 

 Andi stood causing her chair to clatter to the floor. "Thank you, Mother!" She raced around the table to hug her. "I love you."

************

 "I promise I'll never ask again, if I can please wear them on the trip." Andi pleaded. She was attempting to convince her mother to allow her to wear overalls on the excursion with Mitch and Peter. 

 Elizabeth looked up from where she sat at the kitchen table snapping peas. "Andrea, you know how I feel about this." 

 "I know, Mother, and I don't mean to be disrespectful. I'll change into a dress anytime we go through a town. When we get back I'll put them away and never mention it ever again." 

 Elizabeth sighed. "Promise it's only this once?" 

 Andi grinned. "Cross my heart!" She leaned across the table, gave her mother a hug and a kiss, and dashed out the door. 

****************

I hope you've enjoyed part 1! I can't make any promises on when I'll have part 2 for you. 

What do you think is going to happen next?

Welcome!

 Welcome to Stories by Firefly! I'll be posting stories and parts of stories I'm writing and I love getting feedback, whatever it may be. So please let me know what you think in the comments. 

 I hope you enjoy what I post. I plan to post 1-2 times a week, but that might not always happen if life gets in the way. Lol:) 

 Some stories will be funny, some scary, some sad, and some crazy, but then that pretty much describes me!

Firefly (AKA Faith)

 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.  -Acts 4:12-13 KJV