Tag: books

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part Three

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by Bit9 Comments

Lilly stepped off the plane, reminding herself this had been Roni’s idea from the start.  This trip was about Roni. 

Roni spotted her first and ran straight into her arms.

“You’re finally here!”

“You say that like I had options,” Lilly laughed.

“And I would do it again,” Roni said without apology. “Come on. I want you to meet Justin. I may have talked about you a little.”

“A little?” Lilly narrowed her eyes.

They found him near the exit, holding Roni’s coat, watching the crowd in that quiet way some people do, studying passers-by like research projects.

“Lilly,” Roni said, glowing, “this is Justin Collins. He works as a features editor for a city magazine here. The one I told you about.”

Lilly looked between them. “And your fiancé too, right?”

Justin laughed first. “Yes. The best headline of my life.”

Roni nudged him. “See? I told you she was quick.”

Justin offered his hand, steady and warm. “I’ve heard you’re at a crossroads.”

Lilly shot Roni a look.

“She may have filled me in,” he admitted. “Best friend briefings are thorough.”

Roni grinned. “You’re welcome.”

They started walking toward the parking garage.

“So,” Justin said casually, “Roni mentioned you’re switching into journalism. Travel writing caught your attention?”

“I’m trying to figure out if I’m brave enough to say that out loud,” Lilly answered. “Right now, I’m just trying to survive an assignment explaining why I deserve to be in a journalism club.”

“Ah,” he said softly. “The persuasive essay disguised as destiny.”

She laughed despite herself. “Exactly.”

Roni glanced between them. “She’s always written, you know. Even in college, she rewrote half her professors’ prompts just to make them more interesting.”

Lilly groaned. “Please stop helping.”

Justin’s eyes sharpened, not critically, just attentively. “What kind of writing have you done?”

“Local paper features. Nothing huge. Some opinion pieces and many incomplete drafts.

“Unfinished drafts are honest,” he said. “It means you care enough to wrestle with them.”

She blushed a little, knowing he was encouraging her, but she felt exposed.

Roni noticed at once. She slipped her arm through Lilly’s and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Hey,” she said softly, just for her. “You don’t have to have it all figured out this weekend. You just be you… and be the best maid of honor ever.”

“And what’s holding you up on this paper?” he asked.

“I’m trying to prove I’m worthy instead of just… writing.”

He nodded once. “That’s common.”

They reached the car, but the conversation didn’t feel finished.

“If you want to write travel,” Justin continued, leaning lightly against the door, “then write something while you’re here. Not about yourself. About what you notice. The airport. The way this city feels at night. The coffee shop we’ll probably end up in tomorrow morning. Write it as if it’s already your job.”

Her pulse quickened.

“And then?”

“Then I’ll see what I’m working with.”

She stood frozen, just smiling, thrilled about a brand-new possibility.

Roni clapped once. “See? I told you this weekend was going to be productive.”

Justin smiled, but there was seriousness beneath it. “If there’s something there, I can introduce you to someone in your city who mentors new writers. I’ve recommended interns before when I believe in them. But I need to see your voice first.”

“So,” he said gently, “are you willing to take a detour?”

For the first time since Greg Thomas had handed her the assignment and challenged her to prove herself, Lilly felt something shift.

Maybe she didn’t have to explain who she was.

She had to show it.

To be continued.

Tag, you’re it. If you’d like to jump in, feel free. If not, I’ll keep moving it along, bit by bit.

Sending warmth and kindness.

Still Held

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized3 Comments

A short work of fiction inspired by my father. He’s been on my mind lately.

I had to call my brother.

“Brady, I don’t know where to start. I need to figure out how to tell you.”

In his usual fashion, he said, “You want me to call you back in two weeks so you can figure it out?”

He is such a brat, but in the most fun way.

“What is it, Sis?”

“Brady, I received a letter from Dad saying he is still alive.”

“What? No. This has to be a sick joke.”

“I know, Bro. But what if…”

“Are you home now?”

“Yes,” I said.

“I’ll be right over.”

I had not moved since I hung up the phone. I sat there in shock, reading the letter over and over, as if the repetition would make the words different. 

He was the only one who ever used that name, and there it was.

Hello Sweet Ruckus, 

Guess what? I am still here.

You must keep this to yourself. I mean that. No one is to know, except Brady, and he must understand the same.

This isn’t secrecy for drama. It’s necessity. My safety depends on it.

I’ll explain everything when I see you. Until then, trust me and stay quiet.

The knock felt more like a pounding, sharp enough to pull me back into the present.

“Hold on, Brady. I’m coming.”

I rushed toward the door, the letter still clenched in my hand, its edges bent now.

When I opened it, they were there.

Brady.

And my dad.

For a breathless second, I questioned it. There was something in his expression, maybe a pause, but I pushed it aside. 

I rushed into him, burying my face against his chest, tears spilling freely, soaking the floor beneath us. His arms closed around me, strong and familiar, the kind of embrace that once made the world feel manageable.

Just as his arms tightened and I let myself sink into him,

I woke up.

It felt so real. I still feel held by him.

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part Two Continued.

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by Bit3 Comments

with gratitude to Lori Sillman for this next twist in Lilly’s journey

Lilly wasn’t sure how all that spunk materialized, but she was thankful it had. So there, Mr. Greg Thomas! I guess thinking she’d just walk in and be on the next flight to Borneo proved her ability to dream was still there. She chuckled at herself.

Having lined up, in order, next steps was just what she needed to stay motivated and determined. Registering for the right classes was something she was familiar with doing, even if it was for a completely different degree. But writing a piece all about herself would prove much more challenging. She loved the idea of answering all the who, what, where, when, and why for someone else’s life. For her own, not so much.

Lilly curled up in her plushy armchair, enveloped herself in her softest blanket, and opened her laptop. How hard could it be? A full half hour and seventy-three starts later, she decided it could be very hard.

The buzzing interrupted her attempt number seventy-four. “Hello?”

“Hi Lilly! I have such news!”

Having known Roni for nearly twenty years, Lilly could tell Roni was excited with barely one word spoken. “I’m hoping you’re about to share it,” she said, her smile heard as much as her words.

“I’m getting married, and you just have to be my Maid of Honor!”

Stunned was all Lilly could feel. “What? When? To whom? How long have you been dating? Do I know him? Why didn’t you tell me you were serious about someone, anyone?”

Laughter bubbled from Roni’s throat. “Slow down! I don’t know what to answer first.”

“All of them. Immediately!”

“When can we get together? I’ll fly you here. We can discuss plans, and you can meet him.”

The girls hadn’t seen each other in over three years. College in different states will do that. Lilly wanted to go, but now? Seriously? Why did it sometimes seem nothing could be easy?

To be continued.

Tag, you’re it. If you’d like to join me in the fun, feel free to comment below. If not, I’ll keep the story moving, bit by bit.

Sending warmth and kindness.

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part One Continued.

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by BitLeave a comment

I am so excited to share this.

A heartfelt thank you to Lori Sillman for adding the next bit. Her contribution has helped keep this story alive. I love how she captured Lilly’s mix of doubt, hope and determination. She added depth without changing her voice.

To all readers, comment below if you’d like to join in or even just offer ideas or direction of where you would like it to go. If not, that is perfectly fine. It is just for fun. I will keep weaving, bit by bit, but just like when we sit together, this story is even better when we create it, side by side.

Here’s the next bit, written by Lori…

Lilly couldn’t help but feel some of the disappointment and self-doubt that his words prodded, but she also knew she would only be unfulfilled by giving up the dream. She tossed about the idea of doing both. She could continue the last bit of her degree in veterinary school while taking classes in journalism. Would that honor her dad, and her mom’s memory, or just waste more money, slowing down her new career?

“Dad, I want to make you proud. I am sorry to let you down. I have to pursue this. I’ll work on the side and help pay my way.”

Paul could never let his baby feel like a disappointment. “Alright, Lilly. We’ll work together, and just so you know, your mom and I have always been proud of you. We may have shook our heads at your changing pursuits, but we love your ability to dream big!”

Lilly felt relieved, excited, and under more pressure than ever. She immediately looked at what classes she would need to enroll in. Thankfully, the guidance counselor knew Lilly. She not only helped Lilly wade through the credits and classes that worked for her new degree path, she let Lilly in on a little secret.

“There is a journalism club on campus that works with the profs and classes. They get to travel all over and receive credit for on-the-job training. There are multiple destinations. I can have the club president get in touch with you, if you’re interested.”

Oh, Lilly was more than interested!

To be continued

Sending warmth and kindness

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part One

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by Bit7 Comments

“Are you serious? I cannot believe it. Really, all this for me?”

“Yes, Lilly. This is yours, and you deserve every bit of it.”

Her father had been plotting and saving for years. Paul stood there in quiet awe, looking at his baby girl.

Lilly had completed her third year of college. It had taken her five years, though. Regardless, she was well on her way to becoming the veterinarian she had always wanted to be. Then, unexpectedly, she changed direction. She wanted to be a journalist.

Her favorite part of college had always been anything to do with writing. More and more, her thoughts drifted there. She could see herself traveling with her laptop, pen in hand, going on adventures and writing about them. The research aspect fit perfectly with her insatiable curiosity. It felt like a dream job.

She met his eyes.

“Why wouldn’t I pursue something that calls to me?” she said. “Surely, Dad, you wouldn’t want to hold me back from my desire to reach for the stars.”

Paul discouraged her at first.

“Lilly, absolutely not. I can’t afford to keep funding trial-and-error pursuits. And you know your mother would have wanted you to finish what you start.”

He paused, then continued, unable to stop himself.

“I’m certain you can still hear her voice as she dragged you to every practice, every event. ‘Lilly, you are going, and that’s it!’ You tried everything, art, dancing, debate. Remember the night you ran into our room convinced you were meant to be an influencer?”

He shook his head, a tired smile flickering.

“I didn’t believe it would last. They rarely did.”

Lilly felt the familiar defensive heat rise.

“Dad, you’re exaggerating, and you know it. Those weren’t failures. I was a kid learning who I am. You make it sound like a bad thing.”

Paul softened.

“Honey, I understand. But you’re a senior now, pursuing the one thing you’ve always wanted, your own veterinary clinic. I’ve watched you stay the course. Even through your mother’s cancer. Even after she died.”

His voice wavered.

“You never stopped showing up for her. You never stopped showing up for yourself. And now, just as you’re about to start your fourth year, you suddenly want to change everything.”

To be continued.

Tag you are it. If not, that’s ok too. Still, more to come.

Sending warmth and kindness.

How Sweet It Is

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized2 Comments
Daily writing prompt
List five things you do for fun.
View all responses

How Sweet It Is

1. Sharing time with a dear friend
It’s Friday night, and I’m meeting a dear friend for a drink and appetizers. We share and laugh like we’re being paid. No pretense, no judgment, just a safe place to call home, away from home. Friendship is such a sacred place to go. How sweet it is.

2. Coming home to a cozy house There is nothing quite as fun as a comfy moment. A house picked up, laundry tended to, and everything in its place has a way of settling the soul into a place of peaceful bliss. How sweet it is.

3. Reading before the world wakes up Before the crack of dawn, I start reading. It is fun, not just in a let’s go on an adventure today way, but in the I always feel accomplished when I read way. Even a cozy mystery counts. I think it’s because reading feels like a valuable pastime, so my actions and values are lining up. What do they call that, cognitive consonance? Whatever the name, it brings comfort. Us readers are so blessed with the endless entertainment stories bring. How sweet it is.

4. Slow mornings with birds and wonder
I do not pour a cup of ambition. I pour, instead, a cup of awe. I have no obligations, and there is nowhere to go today except outside to listen to the birds. I like to believe they enjoy my company as much as I do theirs. I speak of them often because they are so much more than just birds. The language barrier works for us. I do not try to figure out what they are thinking. No need. I simply let these little creatures delight the senses. How sweet it is.

5. Walking with my ball of sunshine, Dolly
It is that time. Dolly, are you ready? Her joy is pure and abundant, round and around, her exuberance cannot be contained. Sometimes she spins so much she wobbles just a bit to gather her balance. We do not explore far. We have a usual path, one that works perfectly for us. She knows exactly where that first fire hydrant is, and when it comes into view, her tail speeds up and her whimpers of excitement cannot be contained. How sweet it is.

Well, that is five. However, I believe in going the extra mile, so one more. 

How can I not bring forward the fun writing brings? It is a fun and exciting adventure of my own making. Though sometimes it feels more like a need, even a chore, writing almost always finds its way back to fun. Just open the laptop and see where it takes me. How sweet it is.

Now, it is time to go find the next fun thing to do. There are so many. 

Sending warmth and kindness.