QUIET ACHIEVER Posted November 21, 2013 Report Posted November 21, 2013 Sorry I forgot about this Anyways I'm going to close the voting for this now. WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Entry One A Hanging Tree By Telephotomarigold Well done for winning Runner Up Entry Two Revenge is Sweet By Zetti Well Done for your great entry Runner Up Entry Three A Halloween Dance to Remember Bretto Good effort So it's now over to Telephotomarigold to host the next contest.
TelephotoMarigold Posted January 13, 2014 Report Posted January 13, 2014 With apologies for the delay in posting. My mother was rushed into intensive care and placed on life support just before Christmas and we of course dropped everything and raced to her side. Three weeks later, she was able to be released from hospital and is making a steady recovery and I've returned home. Catching up with things I would ask you to please cast your minds back to mid-December and the announcement of this contest. The air was thick with the scent of pine trees decorated with tinsel and baubles. Santa was packing toys and gifts into his sleigh ready for the big day. I set the contest with a few little conditions... a list of objects where the authors needed to select 3 items from the list and include them in their stories Mustard, Raspberry Pie, Flower Pot, Picture Frame, Gardening Gloves, Postcard from Vietnam, Bicycle Pump, Chef's Hat, Fake Santa Beard, Unicorn, Stop Sign, Motorway Cone, Fog Horn, Peacock, Glitter Glue, Inflatable Palm Tree, Flamingo (can be inflatable, toy, or real!), Cocktail Shaker, Magazine, Elephant Ornament, Silver Tinsel Wig, Map of Summer Bay, Treasure Chest, Bunny Ears, Maid's Outfit, Pencil Case, Green Wax Crayon, Chocolate Snowman, Rolling Pin, Jar of Cocktail Cherries, A Locket with a Picture Inside, Bow and Arrow, A Lottery Ticket, A Green/Grey Alien Mask, Snowflake, Dr Who's Scarf and then being the devious sort of person that I am I also asked them to chose a Christmas Carol and add that in. VOTING IS NOW OPEN UNTIL THE 1st FEB. The entries are as follows: ENTRY ONE:Last Christmas Journey A normal family Christmas is needed, just a day of fun, mess, tears from happiness, eating too much and falling asleep in the middle of watching movies. A simple day where there is no stress, no heartbreak and no illness. I don’t want to have to tell them I wont be around for the next Christmas. I want to enjoy this Christmas, to enjoy the noise and boundless energy of my family. My return to Summer Bay will be my last journey. 2 weeks later ‘Is it really you?’ Alf asked as he spotted a woman on the far end of the beach. He puts his hands over his eyebrows and squints in order to see who it is more clearly. ‘Of course its me, who else would it be you bumbling fool!’ ‘I thought you were staying in the city with Ruby for Christmas?’ ‘That was the initial plan but I wanted to see you Alfred.’ ‘Staying for Christmas?’ ‘Of course, I wouldn’t deprive you of my presence.’ Alf chuckled as Morag reached him on the beach and they began to walk in the direction of the Summer Bay caravan park. The silence stretched along the beach as the sun began to set and the waves lapped up onto the shore. To some people the sound of the beach is soothing and tranquil. Other people may not have any views as to what the sound is like and ultimately are not bothered but Morag loved the sound. It was one of the things she would truly miss when she wasn’t around anymore. ‘Morag?’ ‘Sorry, what?’ she responded shaking her head out of the daydream she found herself in, she was prone to daydreaming a lot more lately. Funny how as soon as it becomes clear, you don’t have long left on earth, you tend to think about all the things that could have been. ‘Barbeque tonight?’ ‘Sure, why not.’ ‘Good, well I will go and get the food.’ ‘I am going to stay on the beach for a bit longer.’ Alf frowned, it was not like Morag to do that but he didn’t say anything. He was just glad that she was there for Christmas. ‘See you at the house then.’ ‘See you then.’ She smiled as Alf left her on the beach, she walked in the opposite direction and looked out onto the beach, the sun was setting and an orange glow resonated across the horizon. It was mesmerising to see, one of life’s true pleasures to be able to watch the sun go down and to see the sunrise. Summer Bay held so many memories for her, but the ticking time bomb would soon go off and change the lives of her family. She had her affairs in order, her family would be looked after once she’d gone but she wasn’t looking forward to telling them that she wasn’t long for the world. ** ‘Does Auntie Morag seem different to you Dad?’ Roo asked as she joined Alf outside near the barbeque that he was setting up. ‘Different how?’ he asked as he managed to fire up the barbie and place the meat on there. ‘She’s here but its like she isn’t here.’ ‘What are you talking about?’ Alf asked feigning ignorance but deep down he knew that there was something different about her. She was holding something back from them all but he was not going to force her to tell him. She came back to tell them eventually so they had to be patient but it didn’t stop him worrying about her. All Alf wanted was for her to be safe and happy. ‘She isn’t herself.’ Roo stated firmly and looked determined to find out what was going on. She spun on the heel of her foot and strode back into the room. Morag was looking at her phone and checking her emails when Roo walked up to her. ‘Auntie Morag?’ ‘What?’ Morag spoke slightly harsher than she intended to but Roo didn’t let it bother her, she just crossed her arms over her chest and asked ‘What is going on with you?’ ‘What are you talking about?’ ‘You’re very quiet and distant.’ Morag sighed ‘Just a difficult case, for once I do not know if I can get them a not guilty verdict.’ Roo looked at her directly in the eyes to gauge whether she was lying or not, there was nothing to indicate she had just lied straight to her face so she nodded and accepted her ‘explanation’. ‘I am sure you will get the result you want.’ Marilyn piped up as she set the table with her smile fixed on her face. Usually Morag would be slowly getting irritated at the thought of seeing the grin but she couldn’t bring herself to hate it. She was truly going to miss this. Knowing that she didn’t have long left didn’t make her feel any better at all. Morag was so used to being strong all the time that when it came to the crux of it, she didn’t want to let the world watch as she passed away. She maybe only had a couple of weeks left and Christmas was in a few days, she was going to enjoy Christmas but she wasn’t going to let her family watch as she faded away. They deserved better than to have to watch her leave the planet for hopefully a better world that could be waiting for her. ‘I am not so sure but I will do my best.’ ‘Of course you will.’ Harvey put in as they waited for Mr Stewart to finish grilling the meat so that they could sit and eat. Morag watched as they all ate and drank a lot, she kept herself in the conversation but at time she went quiet, just observing them all. Studying their faces, their behavior so that she didn’t forget a single second of it. Not a single second. Morag had had a long life, she had her regrets but she also had her happy times also. Life is nothing without its ups and downs. It is a part of life, a part of what makes a human being’s life worth it. A song came on in the background, which made Morag smile and feel a bit more Christmassy. Marilyn started to sing along, she didn’t have the best singing voice but she sang regardless. I don't want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need I don't care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree Mr Stewart just shook his head and asked Harvey. ‘Pass the mustard over here will you?’ Harvey chuckled as he passed it over and couldn’t help but sway his head slightly to the music. Roo joined in. Mr Stewart shook his head but couldn’t bring himself to tell Marilyn to stop. This was what Christmas was all about. Morag smiled. All she wanted for Christmas was to be happy and she was getting her wish fulfilled. She didn’t need anything else. I don't want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need I don't care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree Mr Stewart grumbled but didn’t voice his opinion, deep down he was actually enjoying this. Morag was home. Pippa was getting the treatment she needed, it was too early to say if it was going to make a significant improvement but at least they had tried their utmost best to help. I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is you, yeah. ‘Okay, can we just eat?’ Mr Stewart interjected. ‘Sorry, just getting into the Christmas spirit.’ ‘Yeah I know.’ The music carried on in the background and Morag just listened to the music. She would treasure memories like this. Her family however dysfunctional and annoying as they are, would also enjoy it as well. I don't want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need And I don't care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree I don't need to hang my stocking There upon the fireplace Santa Claus won't make me happy With a toy on Christmas Day I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is you You, baby Oh, I won't ask for much this Christmas I won't even wish for snow And I'm just gonna keep on waiting Underneath the mistletoe ‘Morag?’ ‘Yes?’ ‘Dessert?’ ‘What is it?’ ‘You can either have tiramisu or raspberry pie.’ Morag smiled and answered ‘Raspberry pie please.’ Roo stood up and made her way to the fridge, Morag followed and placed the dishes in the sink calling out to Harvey. ‘Harvey, the dishes is your job!’ Morag heard a faint chuckle and assumed rightly that it came from Alfred. The song was coming to an end but Morag didn’t mind, everything had to come to an end. I won't make a list and send it To the North Pole for Saint Nick I won't even stay awake to Hear those magic reindeer click 'Cause I just want you here tonight Holding on to me so tight What more can I do? Baby, all I want for Christmas is you You, baby The mood changes as Harvey brings out Monopoly, this game is guaranteed to start multiple arguments over the rules and who is ‘cheating’. Morag settles on the sofa and watches them play. A small smile spreads onto her face as she watches her family live life. ** Christmas Eve beckons, it is almost midnight and then it will officially be Christmas Day. The last one I will experience so I am determined to make it a good one. I will enjoy this day, I will not let anyone spoil this day for me. ‘Morag?’ ‘Did I wake you?’ ‘No, I needed a glass of water, but what are you doing awake?’ ‘Just couldn’t sleep.’ I cant move without shooting pains all the way down my legs but I don’t tell Alfred that. They all deserve a decent Christmas, and a happy one. My brain tumour can wait a few more days. I need this Christmas to go well, it just has to. ‘Need anything?’ Morag shook her head. ‘No I think I will be okay to sleep soon Alfred.’ ‘Okay, well I am going to hit the hay as well, see you in the morning.’ ‘Good night.’ ‘Good night, and Morag?’ ‘Yes Alfred?’ ‘Merry Christmas.’ ‘Merry Christmas to you too.’ ** Christmas morning beckons, the whole excitement of having a turkey and a mid afternoon stroll on the beach. The hubbub of enjoying Christmas getting around the Christmas tree and opening the presents. Morag could feel her body not feeling very strong or up to doing anything. ‘Morag?’ ‘Yes?’ ‘Presents time.’ Morag smiled and settled herself on the sofa as normally as she could so she didn’t arouse suspicion that something was wrong. Alf gave her a silver tinsel wig to wear, she placed it on slowly enjoying the touch of it, knowing that she wouldn’t see the New Year, her body and her soul was fading away. She smiled to herself and watched her family open their presents. Alf got many different fishing presents, Roo got some perfume and a bracelet from the family and Harvey surprised her with a cruise tickets. Morag got a fake barristers wig and some clothes. ‘Right the food should be ready soon.’ Watching the world pass me by really brings it home that I am not going to be here anymore, I can’t bear for them to watch me die. Morag stands up and whilst everyone is arguing over what Christmas movie to watch, Morag shakily makes her way up the stairs, having to pause a few times hoping no one would find her, she didn’t want to have to face questions about why she wasn’t looking so good. She laid down and placed the blanket on top of her. She closed her eyes. She felt a fluttering spread over her body, it was like suddenly her body didn’t hurt. She could feel her body failing but she was at peace. She had made her last Christmas journey. ** ENTRY TWO Driving Home for Christmas The road ahead is a blanket of pure whiteness. The air is chilly small flutters of wising snow flakes blow their way across the picture prefect Christmas wonderland. The open top red Ferrari slips and slides its way down the very long and bendy wintery road. Gripping tightly to the steering wheel Brax quickly glances down to his phone which is resting on his lap. Another God dam voicemail, when would she get the message? Yes last night had be good fun there was no denying it. But that was all it had been, heck that was the way it had to be. It didn’t matter how hot Brax had found her or how fond he was of her or how surprised he had been to bump into her, because there was Charlie waiting for him back home. His faithful Charlie who would if she found out about his little slip up would most likely forgive him. Or she could shoot him given how handy she was with guns. Brax glares across at Heath in the passenger seat as his phone beeps once more. Not only is Heath driving him nuts with flicking through the radio stations, but it was down to Heath that he had meet up with his childhood sweetheart and had ended up sleeping with her. It was Heath who had somehow convinced the whole Braxton clan to venture out into the city to go on the hunt for Bianca’s Christmas present. “Oh man there’s nothing but Christmas songs on this thing, where’s the rock or the metal or…..” “Heath it’s Christmas eh, of course there’s going to be Christmas songs on the radio.” “Uncle Braxy, Darcy has just eaten some snow” Rocco laughs from the backseat. “Darce close your mouth eh.” “Why this car have no roof?” Rocco asks as he reaches his hands up into the sky to try and catch the falling snowflakes. “Because this car is posh, and Dad won it at that casino remember?” “Oh yeah that’s right he said Mummy can have it for Christmas, hey Daddy I want a car for Christmas.” Rocco says causing Darcy to erupt into a fit of giggles at her little brother’s request. “You too young to drive yet bud” Heath calls back to him as he still messes with the radio dial. Further on down the road Kyle and Casey follow in the Braxton’s Ute. “Hey Case eyes on the road, stop looking at her.” Kyle quickly says flicking the locket hanging around hiss neck closed. “So you like Ruby do you Kyle?” Casey asks quickly swerving his way passed a abandoned motorway cone. “Why do you want to know? You have Tamara now; please can you just let me have Ruby?” Kyle pleads. “Yeah sure but I hate to burst your bubble. but I have had her already. Do you want to share? I could give you some pointers.” “Oh no way I’m not entering into another endless love triangle with you again.” Kyle says quite strongly looking down to his locket again. “Who’s Ricky Brax? She’s texted you loads.” Heath holds Brax’s phone just beyond his reach. “Heath give that back, as for Ricky she’s just someone I happened to bump into last night at the hotel, HEATH” “Oh, Oh she looks good in a maids outfit she’s sexy.” Heath whistles “God no she said that she was going to delete that picture eh.” “It’s ok Brax I will delete it for you.” Heath says as he starts to poke at the phone touch screen aimlessly clearly not having much of a clue of what he was doing. Brax watches quite nervously out of the corner of his eye. The worried sweat that is leaking down his face is enough to keep his whole body warm from the open chilly weather around him. “There it’s gone worry over…….. oh crap I think…” “WHAT, WHAT?” Brax asks half skidding over a fallen stop sign buried deep in the snowy road. “I think I have sent the picture to Charlie by mistake sorry bro.” Heath says shrugging. Upon hearing Heath’s words Brax’s foot tenses causing him to press down hard on the car’s accelerator. “Oh Heath You´re a bum you´re a punk.” Heath quickly feels the rage boiling up within him. “Say that again I dare you Brax.” “Is you and Uncle Braxy about to have a fight?” Rocco asks looking worried. “No, no here have some of these chocolate snowmen to keep you busy, while me and Brax have a very calm chat.” Heath says passing back the chocolate snowmen to his kids sat in the backseat. “They is aren’t they? Theys going to fight?” Rocco says trying to muffle out the noise with sticking the ends of his Doctor Who s scarf in his tiny ears. “Here take my bunny ears, don’t get chocolate on them though” Darcy says placing them onto Rocco’s small round head. “What the hell is Brax doing?” Casey says peering through the icy windshield of the Ute. “It doesn’t look like Bianca will be getting the Ferrari for Christmas at this rate. Looks like it’s going to be as much use as a Inflatable Palm Tree at the way Brax is driving” Kyle says as he watches the speed that the Ferrari is travelling across the snow. “Ok Brax I dare you I really do what did you just call me?” Heath asks giving his brother a death like stare. “You´re a bum you´re a punk” Brax said through clenched teeth. “Well you’re a, You´re an old slut on junk” Heath says with great pride in his voice. “I’m a what, what the hell does that even mean?” Brax asks looking rather puzzled. “I have no idea but…..” “YOU SCUMBAG YOU MAGGOT” Brax shouts. “YOU CHEAP LOUSY FAGGOT” Heath yells back. “MERRY CHRISTMAS YOU ARSES SHUT UPS I AND DARCY IS ON OURS LAST CHOCOLATE SNOWMEN NOW” Rocco shouts tugging at the bunny ears on his head. “I pray god its their last, Just look at the state of the backseat/” Brax says quickly peering behind him. Charlie Buckton who is on speed check duty doesn’t really expect to witness a red Ferrari to fly above her head and then go crashing through a fence, but never the less it happens. It might be good that it happened on her shift. They were handing out Christmas bonuses as well as a Jar of Cocktail Cherries to the hardest working officers at the station. And with that thought in mind Charlie jumps into her patrol car and drives through the smashed down fence to the musical sounds of Jingle Bells. She was most certainly going to be dashing through the snow after these mad maniacs. Brax and Heath glance out with shock as they find themselves sat upon a race track with quite a few sport cars revving their engines. “You going race?” asks a girl that Brax hadn’t planned on seeing again in the near future. “RICKY WHAT THE HELL?” “OH HI BRAX I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU” Ricky shouts over all the car noise. “I KNOW LISTEN…..” “MAN YOU LOOKED HOT IN THAT MAID’S OUTFIT” Heath yells. “WHY THANK YOU, I KNOW I SAID I WAS GOING TO GET RID OF THAT PHOTO BRAX, BUT IT’S SOMETHING FOR YOU TO REMEMBER ME BY.” Brax was about to speak but a big cloud of dust from Ricky’s car chokes him. “HEY LOSERS ARE YOU GOING TO RACE OR WHAT?” An evil looking dressed Santa asks from behind them. “YES LIKE HELL WE ARE, KIDS HOLD ONTO SOMETHING” Brax shouts. Rocco and Darcy’s joyful yells of glee leave the evil looking Santa far behind. The power and dust cloud from the Ferrari strongly blows his fake Santa bread to the race track below. Charlie takes careful aim with her gun as she manages to sneak her way quickly amongst the fast cars. She could shoot out the Ferrari tyres from here she was sure of that. Within a few yards behind her with Casey driving and Kyle leaning out of the passenger’s side window, Kyle aimed his bow and arrow lining it up perfectly with the tyres of Charlie’s patrol car. “Since when have you been able to use a bow and arrow?” Casey asks turning in his seat slightly. “I did have a life before kidnapping you the dessert Casey I used to be a champion archer went out hunting with Dad every other weekend.” Brax jumps slightly as a bullet whistles past his ear. “Everyone duck I think the cops are onto us.” “We are only racing Brax, what’s the big deal?” “Illegal racing Heath” Charlie’s car suddenly loses control and verges off into a barrier as one of Kyle’s arrows takes out one of her tyres. For a few moments she sits dazed but suddenly wakes again as the blonde hair of Ricky whizzes passed her having lapped Brax and Heath. Charlie looks down to her phone to see the picture she was sent by Brax of Ricky in a maid’s outfit. Man she’s hot Charlie thinks to herself. The final whistle goes and Heath and Brax has managed to somehow win first prize. Although is not a trophy but a rather disappointing pink blow up flamingo that they win. “Bad luck boys” Ricky says as she walks passed them with her prize of a raspberry pie for coming second. “Sorry eh Heath to come all this way to try and find something for Bianca for Christmas, and then get it totally wrecked is just well…” Brax says pointing to the pretty much smashed up Ferrari. “Oh don’t worry Bianca will love this pink inflatable flamingo” Heath says smiling. “Are you sure about that?” Casey asks looking surprised having had come stand by Brax and Heath, feeling to safer than being with Kyle holding his bow and arrow as he talked to Charlie, who had spotted Brax and was walking over to him. “Hey you, thank you I love it. And I love the idea too.” Charlie says blushing slightly. “You love what and what idea is this?” Brax asks looking confused. “I love the photo of the blonde woman you text me.” “Errr Charlie” “How did you guess?” “Guess what Charlie?” “That I’m into women too, I’m going to go and ask her if she wants to join us for a Christmas threesome. We all could have some fun with some glitter glue that I have been keeping, what do you think?” Charlie asks. Brax’s jaw drops. “I think this is where all our dreams come true” whispers Heath just out of earshot of Rocco and Darcy. The End.
Red Ranger 1 Posted January 31, 2014 Report Posted January 31, 2014 Entry #1:Last Christmas Journey The beginning of this story left me wondering who the narrator was but then straightaway it is revealed to be Morag, to the point that I wondered if there was a double bluff going on until we got confirmation Morag is dying.The rest of the tale, with Morag keeping quiet as Christmas traditions went on around her, was marvellously bittersweet.I was surprised we didn’t get the payoff of Morag’s family learning the truth about her but it worked without it.Entry #2:Driving Home for Christmas This one was a clear farce, which succeeded by keeping the gags coming thick and fast and playing on scenarios from the show, with a good use of characters.Questioning character motivation would be a bit pointless in the circumstances and within the rules of the genre the plot logic hung together fine.And it managed a decent punchline. But there has to be a winner so I choose Entry One.
TelephotoMarigold Posted February 2, 2014 Report Posted February 2, 2014 And the winner is.... by a whopping majority.... of well one vote (Thanks RR1)..... Zetti.... Entry Two is by Pembie.... Congratulations to both contestants and also thanks to both of you for entering... and I didn't need to nag you to enter over on Facebook at all. Over to you Zetti to host the next one......
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