Tag: Lilly Series

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part Thirteen

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by Bit7 Comments

Her grip on the steering wheel had softened, not like before. She drove with the window open, feeling the freedom of the air, matching the freedom she felt in every breath.

This is nice, she thought. Not fretting about the what-ifs or worrying about the hurt I’ll feel if he says my piece isn’t ready.

It wasn’t that she felt more confident. Something had shifted, though, and she wasn’t even sure it had anything to do with her writing.

She let it go and simply enjoyed the drive to the coffee shop she’d come to appreciate as a comfy place to be.

Justin was already there when she arrived. He stood, and she waved.

“Hi. And that’s not necessary. We’re like family now.”

“Okay, I’ll make you a deal. I’ll stop with the formalities if you realize we’re like family now, too. Let’s use this time with as little unease as possible. Roni and I are both excited about your writing. I’d hate to think our time together feels like a test.”

“Oh, Justin, it’s a deal. To be honest, I’m glad we’re talking about this. I’ve been thinking about it since before I left the motel. I feel a shift, not necessarily with my writing, but with the critique of it. I’m actually excited to learn more from you.”

“Well, I hope so. That remains to be seen,” Justin teased.

They both laughed and sat at the same time.

“Well, let’s not waste time. Let’s see it. Why don’t you go order your coffee while I sit here and read? Sound good, Lilly?”

“Oh yes, especially the part about getting coffee. I may have been looking forward to that more than meeting with you.”

She turned, her smile widening. There she was, that familiar warm face.

“Hello. Good to see you again, ma’am. What can I get for you today? Your usual coffee with a splash of vanilla?”

How sweet. She’d already established not only a rapport but a go-to order the kind barista remembered.

She turned to walk back. Justin was still reading and jotting notes.

Oh no, this isn’t a good sign.

She stopped herself from going down that road.

Good. He’s going to give me tangible things to learn and work with today.

Her pace quickened.

Justin looked up as she took another sip.

“Well, Lilly, let’s get started. I do have some opinions. Let’s start with what I thoroughly enjoyed.”

Lilly sat up, then leaned in, ready to capture his every word. 

“Wait. Justin, let me grab my recorder.”

“Sure.”

He waited, and when she looked ready, he began, 

“Lilly, I see you took my advice. You stayed with the scenes longer, and honestly, I felt like I was right there with you in the shop. I almost wanted to be a bride just to experience what you were showing me. But I didn’t have to be. As a reader, I felt transported there, not only to the place, but into the feeling of it. I especially enjoyed the conversations between the women. I could see them.”

He watched her lean back, smiling so hard her cheeks flushed. She was beaming.

“Lilly, it tickles me to see you enjoying my positive feedback. Are you ready for the less-than-glowing review?” Justin asked with a smile.

Her smile stayed, but her tone shifted a bit.

“I think so, Justin. So please, give it to me straight. Don’t hold anything back.”

“Oh, not to worry. I know it isn’t always easy to hear, but it doesn’t help you as a writer if I hold back just to protect your ego. In fact, as I’ve said, the ego is one of the first things you’re going to need to let go of.”

He smiled.

“First, I’d encourage you to keep doing what you’re already improving at. You’re showing instead of telling, and that’s something new writers often struggle with. For example, here.”

Justin leaned toward the laptop and found the passage.

“She gasped. Her cheeks flushed as her clenched hands relaxed at her sides.” He glanced at Lilly. “And then you have her twirling and giggling. You didn’t tell me Helen was excited. You let me see it.”

Justin scrolled farther down.

“But here…”

He read aloud.

“Now the moment seemed even more vivid than the picture.”

Lilly’s eyes widened, her lips curling down just a bit.

Justin paused. “Are you okay, Lilly?”

“Oh yes, of course. Sorry. It’s just that I get frustrated because I want you to tell me what’s wrong. It’s hard for me to be patient with it. I always want you to get right to the point.”

“That’s fair, Lilly, and it’s exactly what we need to be addressing. Sometimes in your writing, it’s as though you want to get to the point. You want to be done. But patience is important. It’s the very thing I think is still lacking in this piece.”

“Okay. I can accept that I need to stay with a moment even more, but I don’t know exactly what that looks like or how to do it, Justin. So if I seem defensive or frustrated, it’s not because I don’t want to hear it. I don’t know how to recognize what’s wrong versus knowing how to fix it. I still feel a disconnect.”

“Well, of course you do. You may have a natural gift, but good writing takes more than that. It takes work, learning, and a lot of trying.” He paused. “Are you up for the challenge, Lilly?”

“I am, Justin. Or at least, I believe I can learn how to be. I won’t lie. I’m afraid I lack the grit, but by golly, I’m going to keep going, one sentence at a time.”

She paused.

“Speaking of one sentence, Justin…” Lilly laughed. “Not to be impatient, but may we go back to that sentence? Can we continue where you left off?”

“Of course, Lilly.”

Justin pointed to the sentence.

“What did you experience that the photograph couldn’t capture?”

Lilly thought for a moment.

“Well, Justin, I liken it to the moment when a beautiful bride-to-be sees her image for the first time, and she and everyone watching know from the look on her face, this is her dress. When I looked at the picture, it was like the captured moment was alive and palpable within the picture itself.”

Justin nodded. “Okay. Now we’re getting somewhere. But listen to what you just told me, and then look at what you wrote.”

He pointed again to the sentence.

“You wrote, ‘Now the moment seemed even more vivid than the picture.’ That’s not quite what you just described to me. You’re telling me the picture itself seemed to hold the life of the moment.”

Lilly looked back at the screen.

“Remember what you wrote just before this? You asked whether I’d ever looked at a picture of someone laughing and could almost hear the joy.”

Lilly’s eyes widened.

“That’s what I’m talking about,” she said, pointing toward the screen.

Justin smiled. “Exactly. You already had it. Now your job isn’t to find a prettier sentence. It’s to figure out how to make me experience what you just explained to me.”

There was a pause. Justin’s face lit up as he quickly rose. Lilly looked back to see what he was looking at when she heard,

“Guys, sorry I’m late.”

Lilly looked at her laptop. It was 5:30 already. Where did the time go?

“Oh, no worries,” Justin said. “Darling, you always arrive right on time.”

“Oh, hush, Justin. You charmer. I wonder if you’ll be saying that ten years down the road.”

Lilly got up and interrupted.

“I don’t know, Roni. I’ve known you most of my life, and I’ve always thought you were right on time.”

“Oh, stop, both of you. Are you ready to go get something to eat? I’m starving. I have so much to share, and I want to hear all about how it went with you guys today.”

As Roni and Justin started their usual public display of affection, Lilly grabbed her recorder and whispered,

“I’m excited to try and make the reader experience…”

Lilly clicked off the recorder.

To be continued…

Just two more bits to go.

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

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part Twelve

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by Bit8 Comments

The balcony had become such a sweet sanctuary in such a short time. She decided to move the motel table outside. Plenty of shade and a cool breeze.

Laptop, check. Water, check. Tummy full, check. Mission, check.

She didn’t need to go back to the bridal shop. It had already given her plenty to play with.

In fact, she’d been playing with thoughts of Helen ever since she’d left yesterday.

This was where she would begin.

Lilly placed her fingers on the keyboard.

The Enchanted Bridal Village.

At first, it felt like any other bridal shop, or at least what you’d expect. Yet, within minutes of walking through the doors, something about the place made my spine tingle with delight.

Was it the dresses? The conversations?

Or was it the three-way mirror?

The first time I’d stood inside the shop, I’d watched my best friend, Roni, step in front of it wearing a wedding gown. Watching her glow had felt magical. I thought it was because I was looking at someone I’d known and loved most of my life.

But then there was Helen.

When I returned to the shop, I heard the laughter before I knew where it was coming from.

A group of older women had gathered near the dressing rooms. I sat nearby, watching them until one of the women caught me staring.

“Hey, sweetheart. Why don’t you join us?”

“Oh, no. That’s okay. I’m just enjoying your celebration.”

“Don’t be silly. Come sit.”

The other women encouraged me, too.

“Come sit with me.”

“Esther, you’re always collecting people,” one of them teased.

Margaret introduced them as her lifelong gal pals.

That’s when I met Helen.

She thought the whole thing was nonsense. She wasn’t engaged. She wasn’t even dating anyone. Still, at the urging of her lifelong friends, she disappeared into the dressing room.

A few minutes later, Helen stepped out cautiously and made her way toward the three-way mirror.

The same three-way mirror.

She gasped. Her cheeks flushed as her clenched hands relaxed at her sides.

She twirled once.

Then again.

And a third time, giggling as the gown swept around her.

Not a word came from the women at first, only sounds of delight.

Margaret couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Helen, you are so beautiful. The dress is pretty, but on you, it’s beyond stunning.”

The others quickly joined in, showering Helen with praise.

Helen stopped and looked at herself again.

Tears filled her eyes.

Her voice trembled. “Ladies, you were so right. I do look amazing. I’ve never looked this dazzling, even in my younger days.”

They laughed and agreed.

Helen looked around at her friends.

“Ladies, why is no one taking pictures?”

“You’re right! Lilly, would you mind taking a picture of us?”

“Sure. I’d be honored. May I ask a favor, though? I’d love a copy. I’m writing a piece, and I’d like to remember this.”

“Of course you can. And now the honor is ours,” Margaret said as the women crowded together in front of the three-way mirror, each of them smiling.

Just as I was about to take the picture, Esther spoke.

“Wait! I want to be the one in the wedding dress. I looked marvelous in mine, too.”

Again, the women laughed, but Esther didn’t seem to see the humor.

“Esther,” Margaret scolded, “we can take more pictures. Hush now and smile. This moment is about Helen, and by golly, she deserves every second of it.”

I took longer than I needed to snap the picture.

Each woman, even Esther, was beaming. They giggled like schoolgirls, unable to regain their composure.

“Ladies, get it together. I need to turn around and look at myself again,” Helen said.

They laughed even harder.

And it was then that I saw it.

I clicked.

I looked at the picture and quickly showed them.

“This is perfect, ladies.”

They crowded around the phone.

“Have you ever looked at a picture of someone laughing and you can almost hear the joy?”

Helen stood in the center, her eyes still damp. Margaret had an arm around her, Esther was caught mid-laugh, and the other women crowded close. Behind them, the three-way mirror reflected it all.

Now the moment seemed even more vivid than the picture.

I smiled.

Enchanted Bridal Village, indeed.

Lilly looked up. The weather was no longer comfy. Maybe it was time to go inside.

She kept reading.

She knew there were still places that needed work. She could spot some of them, but she wasn’t sure what was wrong or how to fix them.

Good thing I’m meeting Justin today.

She smiled.

Thanks, Roni.

She read it once more, then saved the document and closed her laptop.

She slung the laptop bag over her shoulder and grabbed her purse.

At the door, she smiled.

“Justin, here I come.”

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.

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part Eleven

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by Bit6 Comments

She didn’t feel defeated as much as weary as she leaned over to put on her seatbelt. The entire drive back to the motel was a blur. Though in the driver’s seat, she felt more like a silent passenger.

When she arrived back at the motel, she slowly made her way to her room and headed for the balcony to sit awhile.

That would have to wait.

The room had a jacuzzi tub, and right now, that was exactly where she was going.

She slowly sank into the warm water and rested her head.

“Ahhhhhhh.”

Jacuzzis had always been one of her favorite happy places. They never failed to transport her busy mind into one incapable of thought.

Her tummy rumbled.

Guess I’ll have to eat soon. I don’t know how, though. I can barely move and don’t want to.

She managed to wrap herself in the motel towel and make her way to the room service menu.

“Oh, look. A grilled chicken salad. Perfect. Wait, I know. A side of fries, heavy on the ketchup. Yummy.”

After ordering, she reached for her book but grabbed the remote instead.

While she waited for the food, she put on her favorite lounging jammies.

She was surprised by how quickly the food arrived. It had been thirty minutes, but she’d been lying there, lost in a delightful daze of nothingness. Awareness of time had left the motel room altogether.

She turned on a lighthearted comedy.

For the rest of the night, she laughed and smiled until she fell asleep before the show had even ended.

The next morning, she finally made her way to the balcony. Her coffee, still hot, warmed her hands in the cool, crisp air. A soft breeze danced through her hair.

She leaned back and propped her feet on the small round table in front of her.

Slowly, she took each sip and let the moment linger before she took the next.

Her attention drifted from her coffee to a nearby mockingbird.

It always amazes me how the sounds of birds in the fresh morning air never get old, she thought.

She sat there, breathing slowly, listening to the birds, when the sudden ring of her phone made her jump.

“Morning, Roni. How are you today?”

“Well, before I tell you how I am, I’m calling to follow up.”

“Huh?” Lilly said.

“Justin wants to know how your piece is coming and if you’re ready to meet again. Isn’t he the most thoughtful?”

“He sure is. But I’m not sure what our plans are tomorrow with your big day coming up. Time is flying.”

“Don’t remind me, Lilly. I still have so much to do.”

“Why don’t we wait until after the wedding?”

“That’s sweet, bestie, but I need to get Justin out of my hair for a little while.”

“Uh-oh, girlfriend. Not a good sign.” Lilly laughed.

“No, nothing like that.” Roni laughed. “How about tomorrow at the same coffee shop?”

Lilly hesitated as she looked toward her notebook.

“Lilly, are you still there?”

“Oh, yes. Sorry, Roni. Can we meet later in the day?”

“Sure. How about 4:00?”

“Perfect,” Lilly said.

“Oh, and don’t worry. Justin is there to help you. It isn’t a test, so just breathe and have fun with it. I can’t wait to hear all about it from both of you. I’ll meet you there at 5:00, and we can all go out to dinner. Sound good?”

“Yes, but Roni, I feel a little guilty. I should be helping you more.”

“Oh, hush. You know what a control freak I am. I’ve got this. Now go get ’em, writer extraordinaire.”

Lilly hung up and put her phone on silent.

Just a few more minutes, she told herself.

She leaned back again, listening to the melodies of the birds.

Lilly took a deep breath.

Now, where was I?

She picked up her coffee and took a sip.

Cold.

“Shoot.”

She shrugged. That was okay.

She sat there a moment longer until a pesky fly decided it wanted her coffee, too. She waved it away, laughing.

The woman in the ocean came to mind.

Then Helen, twirling in front of the mirror.

Lilly smiled.

Neither of them had been thinking about how the moment looked from the outside. They were too busy enjoying it.

She looked at her cold coffee, then out toward the birds.

For the first time in days, she hadn’t been trying to figure anything out either.

She leaped up, tingling with excitement.

“Alright, laptop. It’s time to try again. I’m ready. This is it!”

Settle down, Lilly, she told herself.

“No, I won’t. I love to write, and so I shall.

Not later, but now…”

Lilly’s journey is nearing its end, with just a couple more bits to go. I’m a little sad to see it end, but excited to see where she lands.

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.

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part Ten

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by Bit5 Comments

Eager to try again, she didn’t want to wait.  This time would be different. She was ready to return to The Enchanted Bridal Village.

At each stop sign, her anticipation grew. She couldn’t wait to get there.

Would she see everything differently?

She paused at the entrance and glanced at the hours. Thirty minutes before closing.

Perfect.

Smiling to herself, she stepped inside. It felt less like walking into a bridal shop and more like stepping toward a new beginning.

The doorbell was louder than she remembered. In fact, she hadn’t even noticed it before.

The sweet lady in the front recognized her.

“Hello, Lilly. Nice to see you again.”

Lilly’s smile widened. “Hello. Good to see you, too. Would you mind if I just looked around before you close? I love it here.”

She smiled back at Lilly. “Of course. We love it here, too.”

Slowly, Lilly walked toward the dresses, taking everything in

Contagious laughter rang out.

Lilly giggled and looked toward the group of older ladies. Their enthusiasm lit up the store.

She looked around for a place to sit and observe them. They seemed completely unselfconscious.

“Helen, are you going to try one on?”

“I don’t know. This all seems so silly. None of us are getting married, Margaret.”

“Remember, Helen, it’s all in the power of yet. We are manifesting. Now get up and try on the dress. It’s waiting for you in the dressing room.”

Lilly smiled as the women laughed together. She couldn’t help staring at the tall, white-haired woman. Her olive skin and perfect posture gave her an elegant presence.

The woman met her eyes.

“Hey, sweetheart. Why don’t you join us?”

“Oh, no. That’s okay. I’m just enjoying your celebration. It’s fun watching you.”

“Don’t be silly. Come sit.”

The other ladies encouraged her as well.

“Come sit with me.”

“Esther, you’re always collecting people,” another teased.

“Don’t mind her. What’s your name?”

“I’m Lilly, and I truly don’t wish to intrude.”

“Nonsense. My name is Margaret, and these are my lifelong gal pals.”

Just then, Helen stepped out of the dressing room.

She looked puzzled. “Who do we have here?”

“Oh, never mind that, Helen. She’s our new friend, Lilly. Now let’s focus on you. Helen, you’re stunning. I knew this was the perfect gown.”

“Oh, posh,” Helen grunted as she stepped toward the three-way mirror.

She gasped at her reflection and immediately twirled.

“You’re right, Margaret. I look amazing!”

“See? Now isn’t this fun?”

“Well, I still think it’s foolish. I’m not even dating anyone. But yes… it is fun. A bit of a tease, but still…”

“Ladies,” Lilly interrupted, “the shop is about to close, and I still want to browse a little more. Thank you so much for letting me be part of this. It’s been such a pleasure.”

The women wished her well as she wandered back toward the dresses.

There it was.

She pulled out the dress Roni had chosen.

It didn’t look any different. Just as lovely as before.

Lilly slowly turned, taking in the entire shop.

The laughter.

The music.

The sparkle of beading beneath the lights.

Before leaving, she glanced back one last time.

Helen was still standing in front of the mirror, smoothing the skirt of her gown before giving herself one more delighted twirl. The ladies erupted into laughter, cheering her on as though she really were a bride.

Lilly smiled.

They were completely inside the moment.

She noticed all of it.

And yet…

Why did she still feel like she was standing outside of 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.

Stories Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part 9

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by Bit5 Comments

Lilly’s arms were stiff. There was no abandon to her movement.

Her breaststrokes were slow and she kept looking back. She wanted to be out farther than all the people. She settled in one spot, dog paddling. She stared at the beach, her eyes darting back and forth as she waited. Nothing. Hmmm… She plunged under, spinning her body. Her head surfaced with her nose stinging. Ugh, she thought, I should have plugged my nose. The sun is burning. This isn’t working, not even a little. She continued treading water while her thoughts grew heavier.

She slapped the water and kicked her legs in frustration.

“Why isn’t it happening yet? I’m doing what she did. I’m literally mimicking her moves. Maybe I should just go back.”

She started moving slowly back to the shallow waters. She hesitated. She could almost hear her dad nudging her.

“Lilly, come on, we didn’t raise you to give up on yourself, especially not this quickly.”

With a big breath, she began again, going up and down, splashing water like a child. She paused to float on her back and took a few long breaths. The seagulls above were so beautiful. Then her eyelids closed and her body drifted with the current. At first, there was only blackness. Nothing. Just the sounds of the birds above and her breaths.

As she continued to float, her thoughts began to wander. She found herself thinking about the creatures of the ocean, how she had always found them intriguing, especially dolphins. Her mom and dad had taken her to swim with dolphins when she was a child.

The memories surfaced, more vividly as time passed. Her mouth turned upward, with a hint of familiarity.

A tingle ran up her spine as she began to slip back.

A pod was moving together, smooth and effortless. One popped beside her, inviting her to try a tail walk. She laughed, knowing she was playing.

Lilly began swimming like a dolphin; her head went up and down as she headed back toward the shore. She turned and took one last look out into the water. Waves hit her ankles, and her head leaned back. She closed her eyes again and took deep breaths. She’ll never forget the smile those pretend dolphins gave her that day.

Lilly stepped onto the warm sand, water trailing behind her, a soft smile still lingering. She brushed the sand from her legs and made her way toward her car. When her car came into view, her pace increased, but each step felt lighter.

The joy lingered as her fingers traced the wheel.

She leaned forward slightly, her fingers still resting on the wheel, her breath catching. She said,

Wait…

This is bigger than the moments of this day. Imagination made it feel real. I can use this when I write.

Maybe the readers can too… with my help.

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.

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part 8

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by Bit8 Comments

Today was all hers. Her laptop would have to miss her. Just for today, no writing. She grabbed her beach gear. She knew exactly where to start, a mango and banana smoothie at her favorite smoothie bar.

She took her first sip and grabbed a seat to take it all in while enjoying the treat. It was smooth, cool, and just right. She took a deep breath and listened and watched the seagulls. The pesky pigeons, stalking scraps of food with such diligence, captured her attention briefly.

Then laughter shifted her focus. Two kids were busy burying a man, likely their dad. The woman nearby was enjoying it a little too much. Lilly glanced over at a group of boys lined up against a small cement wall, watching the pretty girls go by. She giggled, noticing some of the women seemed quite pleased to catch their eyes.  One of the boys, though, was staring at Lilly. She quickly looked away.

Her eyes moved to the water. The urge to run in was strong, but the smoothie deserved another slow sip as she gazed further out. 

A lone figure caught her eye, farther out than the others. For a second, Lilly’s heart raced. Was she okay? Lilly lifted her travel binoculars.

A woman, grinning wide, popping under and back up again. She hadn’t seen a smile like that since her Mama. She floated, then disappeared and resurfaced, delighted, as if she’d discovered something down there.  Lilly’s spine tickled. She closed her eyes and smiled. 

The lady began to make her way in, slowly. 

Once she was just able to stand, a wave knocked her down. She tried again, only to fall again. Her laughter never stopped. Resigning her effort, she began rolling in. Lilly’s eyes widened. The lady was headed straight for a poor boy.  She knocked him over, but he was just fine. Two lady friends came running to help her. All of them laughing. They helped take off her cover-up that must have been weighing her down.

Watching the ladies walk away, another kind of wave began. Her Mama would have been the first one out there, hollering back for Lilly to join her. Tears wet Lilly’s cheeks. 

Until all at once, She got up wearing her Mama’s smile and ran towards the water. 

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.

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part Seven

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by Bit3 Comments

They sat at a small outdoor café just minutes from the beach.  Lilly felt a soft ocean breeze tickle her skin. Sitting quietly at first, she traced the rim of her cup, her thoughts still heavy from the day before.

“Roni, I feel defeated. Maybe I am not the natural writer that I thought I was.” 

Lilly’s eyes began to water.

“Hey,” Roni said gently, leaning in. “Listen, my lovely friend… let’s change the subject. Let me tell you how I met Justin. I think it might help you. And if not, well… it gives me an excuse to talk about him.” She smiled. “Oh, Lilly, isn’t he something?”

Lilly took a deep, settling breath.  “Yes, Roni.”  She sat up and grinned. “Go ahead and tell me all about it.”

Roni began talking with a chipper tone.

Lilly had always admired Roni’s beauty, but she never noticed how Roni flipped her hair. She pulled it all forward. Then immediately she flipped it back, first the left side, then the right.

Lilly wondered if Roni ever noticed she did this.

She couldn’t contain a giggle.

Roni paused. “Why are you laughing?” Her eyes furrowed. “Normally our inside jokes include me.”

Lilly smiled. “You are so adorable. Happiness looks so good on you.”

Roni smiled. “Oh, okay… now where was I? I was walking the beach. You know how I love it.”

“Yes,” said Lilly. “Me too. I can’t wait until we can enjoy it together. Soon?”

Roni nodded.

“I was looking for treasures. Then there it was. The way the light reflected off it was stunning. You know how excited I get at the thought of finding a new pretty thing the ocean left for me?”

Lilly smiled. “I do, but what I want to know is where you keep them all.”

Roni laughed. “Girl, I’m telling you how I met the love of my life, and you want me to stop to tell you where I put…”

Lilly put her hand up. “Okay, no more interruptions. I want to know every bit of your journey with Justin.”

“All right then,” said Roni. “It was shimmering in the sun, and I just knew it was meant for me. I ran over and picked it up. It was a shell, and not an ordinary one. I had never seen one like this before.”

Lilly asked, “And so where does Justin fit in?”

“I will get to it, Lilly. I forgot how impatient you can be.”

“The colors inside the shell were so vibrant, a blue-green with golden specks that glistened. It didn’t seem real, Lilly.

“Oh, and I promise I’ll show you later.”

“And… well, I stood up, still gazing at its beauty.  I was so mesmerized by the trinket. I must have taken a step back, because… it happened. 

“Oh no, I was so sorry. There he was just lying on the sand, looking a bit shocked, maybe even miffed. I reached down to help him up, and when he stood, I dropped that shell. Lilly, he was the most handsome man I had ever seen. He and I just stood there for at least a minute.”

“You see, Lilly, that shiny shell didn’t just coincidentally catch my eye. Had I not been drawn to it, I would have never met Justin.”

She leaned in slightly, her eyes bright. “And it goes even deeper than that. What are the chances of you deciding to become a writer close to the time I happened to crash into a man who is an editor?”

Roni smiled, almost as if the answer was obvious. “I don’t think any of this is random. I was meant to be his wife… and you, Lilly, are meant to write. You just have to believe it.”

Lilly tried to hold onto that perspective. It did seem more than just serendipitous, but something in her hesitated. She wasn’t fully convinced yet that she was destined for writing.

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

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part Six

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by Bit2 Comments

Later that day, Lilly hailed a taxi, holding her finished piece. When the taxi driver asked where to, she just stared at him, unable to utter a word. She was excited, even more nervous.

Roni and Justin were already at Garden Terrace. As Lilly walked toward the back table, she grinned as she got closer to the soon-to-be-married couple. He was holding her hand, and Roni was laughing freely. For a moment, Lilly’s nerves settled. She saw how happy Justin made her best friend, and for a second, that was her focus.

Of course, the nervousness came right back as Justin said, “So, is this your travel piece? Roni told me you finished it already. I’m impressed.”

In all honesty, though, in Justin’s thoughts, a different story was playing out. He wondered if he had promised too much. What if, in his desire to please Roni, he ended up hurting her? He knew it could backfire, but he could not show it.

Lilly’s hands trembled as she handed him the piece. Roni grabbed her hand and said, “Sweet friend of mine, don’t worry. I know it is going to be divine because you wrote it.”

Lilly held her breath as she watched him read. He didn’t show any expression. He didn’t say a word until…

“Well, Lilly, you did a great job. I felt like I was in the dress shop. Your detail was crafted well. I really appreciated your thoughts as you listened to the nearby argument between the mother and daughter.”

“Really, Justin? I’m so happy. I was so nervous you wouldn’t like it.”

“I do, but Lilly, it can be better.”

Her expression shifted. “Better?”

“It lacks depth. Let me ask you… were you playing it safe?”

Her eyes furrowed. “Safe? How insulting. Lacked depth?”

Roni’s hand tightened. Then she released Lilly’s hand. “Lilly, stop it. You’re being rude. Justin doesn’t have to help you, and you don’t have to accept his critique, but I do expect you to show my fiancé respect.”

The table went quiet, the energy suddenly heavy.

“Okay,” Justin said, lifting a hand, “maybe I should’ve started with ‘you’re brilliant’ and worked my way down.”

He glanced at Lilly, his tone softer now.

“Constructive feedback only becomes useful when the writer receives it as guidance, not attack.”

Lilly sat back and took a deep breath. “I’m so sorry, Justin, and you too, Roni. You told me a writer has to learn to take critique. I guess my ego is a bit fragile.” She hesitated, then added, “I just don’t understand. I wasn’t playing it safe… what do you mean it lacked depth? Will you please elaborate?”

“Yes, of course, Lilly,” Justin said gently. “And don’t be too hard on yourself. The learning curve is always uncomfortable.”

He nodded toward the room. “That moment with the mother and daughter was something. I felt it, but you moved on too swiftly.”

“Depth is staying with it a beat longer,” he added. “Not just what happened, but what it revealed. What did it say about them… or about you watching it?”

He glanced toward a nearby table. “See that couple? If you only tell me they’re arguing, I see it. If you show me how he won’t meet her eyes, how she keeps smoothing the same napkin… now I feel it at a deeper level. That’s the difference.”

“Justin, I think I understand. Instead of leaning into the tension, I moved too quickly to find a silver lining. I do that in real life… but in writing, I need to stay with it longer. Is that what you’re saying?”

Roni smiled. “It’s true. I learned a long time ago, Lilly’s favorite hobby is finding the silver lining.”

Roni glanced around the table and then back at them. “Speaking of finding what’s right, can we locate our menus? I’m starving.” She gave a playful shrug. “Now, let’s talk about something important… like my wedding.”

They laughed.

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.

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part Four

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by Bit3 Comments

Lilly woke before sunrise, the opportunity from the night before still pulsing in her chest. She slipped quietly out of Roni’s apartment with her laptop tucked under her arm and found a coffee shop a few blocks away.

It was still dark outside. Only a few early customers sat scattered near the windows. When she ordered and chose a small table near the wall, she eagerly opened her laptop.

This should be easy, she told herself. Just observe and write about what you see. 

She began:

The city is alive, already moving before the sun rises. Local cafés open their doors early. Quaint shops surrounding the café cater to tourists, their windows filled with souvenirs and local crafts.

She read it aloud.

The words sounded interchangeable. Like something that could describe any city. If she were reading this on a travel blog, she would close her laptop a few sentences in.

She knew because she began to close her laptop halfway and whispered, “No.”

After a breath, she opened it again and pushed harder:

The city pulses like a restless heart, its streets throbbing with the urgent rhythm of human ambition before dawn even breaks.

She stared at the screen.

It was worse.

Irritation turned inward. Maybe her dad had been right. Maybe passion and ability were two different things. She looked at the paragraph as if it were evidence. The spiral began.

Roni’s text came at just the right time.

“Lilly, we have so much to do. Where are you?”

Lilly straightened her shoulders. Whatever this paragraph suggested about her future could not show on her face today.

Today, the floral boutique awaited their prompt arrival.

She shut the laptop fully and headed back to Roni’s. 

The scent of lilies reached her before she crossed the threshold. Their bold perfume filled the entrance, impossible to ignore.

Further inside, carnations. She leaned in automatically, catching a whiff of their subtle, slightly spicy aroma.

Then she noticed the unmistakable Mr. Lincoln roses with their distinct, commanding scent.

For a moment she stood there, letting the layers of fragrance settle, the room alive with color and variety.

“Hey, Lilly, I need you,” Roni called, holding up two bouquets. “Which one? The bright white or the ivory?”

Lilly stepped closer.

“The bright white,” she said first. “It matches your dress. It’ll look clean in the ceremony photos.”

She touched the ivory petals.

“But this one,” she added, “it’s softer. It would feel warmer at the reception.”

Roni studied her for a second longer than usual, then smiled. “That’s why I brought you.”

Lilly shrugged. “Yes, you do need me,” she said, and they shared a quick giggle. As Roni’s attention moved back to the florist, Lilly’s eyes drifted to her hands. They were strong, muscular hands that moved with surprising softness as she handled the stems that had left their marks on her skin.

She followed Roni out of the floral boutique, the scent of lilies still clinging faintly to her sweater.

The afternoon was moving quickly now. There was one more stop before lunch.

Lilly slid into the passenger seat, delighting in Roni’s excitement. She talked fast, unable to sit still. Lilly rested her hand on her knee and said, “Settle down, beautiful bride-to-be. There is more to come.”

Lilly held Roni’s hand as they walked into the dress shop. They let go at the same time as a young fair-skinned woman welcomed them, holding two glasses of wine. Roni’s enthusiasm once again could not be contained. Just before she grabbed the drink, she jumped and squealed like a child in a candy store. Lilly had never seen her this happy. After a few moments, an older woman approached. She clearly knew Roni. “The time is now. Are you ready to try it on?” she asked.

The two disappeared behind a curtain while the younger attendant guided Lilly to the best seat in the house, a large, soft chair positioned in front of a three-way mirror. Lilly leaned forward, anticipation tightening in her chest, when she heard the outbreak of frustration. A mother stood firm, insisting on the dress she felt most proper, while her daughter stomped in protest. “Mom, I knew I shouldn’t have brought you. This is my dress, not yours.” Lilly chuckled to herself, thinking how often that line must echo between mothers and daughters.

Then there she was. The silk clung to her curves, thin pearl-wrapped straps resting against her bare shoulders. She turned slightly, and in the mirror Lilly caught the sweep of her open back. It wasn’t modest, but it was tasteful and elegant.

Roni’s voice trembled. “Well… don’t just stare. Is it the one? Is it perfect?”

Lilly swallowed. “Bestie, I have never seen anything more lovely,” she said, a tear slipping down her cheek.

As Roni disappeared back into the dressing room, Lilly studied the three-way reflection. Mannequins stood behind her, one in a mermaid silhouette, another in an old-fashioned princess gown. The mother and daughter were still squabbling. Every detail in the room seemed to offer itself up.

She stood. Her breath quickened.

The pieces aligned.

Out loud she said, “That’s it. Tomorrow I’ll…”

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.