A Cold Day in July
Chet only managed to take two steps towards his fallen friends before the madman began shooting wildly at him. Chet quickly dropped to the ground, and covered his head as the bullets whizzed by. (The original story I wrote is basically the same as above, but includes a character death. Consider yourself warned.)

Out of This World
Johnny laughed, having already decided to help Ace and the Doctor, and deal with the punishment Captain Stanley gave him - whatever it was - later. "Oh, don't worry. Yeah, I'm in trouble, and I'll probably get latrine duty for a year, but it won't kill me! Besides, I'm a rescue man, and it sounds like your friend is in need of some serious rescuing!" He flashed her another charming, crooked grin. "Let's go!"
Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Epilogue

Christopher's Shoes
"I don't want your damn money, DeSoto," Simon yelled. "I want . . . I want . . ." The boy thought hard, trying to figure out what he could get out of his young victim. Suddenly a smile spread across his face. "I want your shoes!"

Intervention
Johnny pondered the Captain's request a moment, keenly aware of all eyes on him. On the one hand, this could be their one chance to find out if Mike was in any real danger or not. Was this group really a cult, or just a bunch of harmless flower freaks? On the other, if this was a real cult, was he really strong enough to fight their influence? Could he, in the end, walk away from it and bring Mike back with him?

The Last Sunset
"I'm Chester B. Kelly, at your service, Miss Rose!" I'd have done it with a bit more flourish - taking off my helmet and giving her a swooping bow - but I didn't have enough room in what was left of the little car, so I just tipped my helmet slightly and gave her my famous grin. (Yes, I do have a famous grin, by the way. Gage ain't the only one who can melt the ladies' hearts with a smile!) It worked. Annie Rose smiled back, big and real, this time.

Red Means Stop, Green Means Go
Green light. Hank lifted off the clutch and depressed the gas pedal, and the Beater accellerated forward smoother than it had in a long time. Hank wasn't even sure he'd get the old truck moving again after it died on him just six months ago, but his neighbour, Jack, was a mechanic, and a talented one as well. A quick tune-up and the replacement of a couple of belts, and the old Beater fired right up. It had worked almost perfectly since then, but had never been this smooth. Maybe the old Beater's having a good day, too, Hank mused, pleasantly recalling his wife's insistant expression of love fifteen minutes earlier. He was just giggling to himself over the absurd notion of the Beater and Tori's vintage, sky blue Edsel making time together in the driveway when he reached the middle of the intersection. He never saw the psychadelically painted Volkswagon bus run the red light.

Tell Them That You Love Them
"We tried, Jo. We really tried. But it was . . . the fire was . . . out of control. It was too much. We tried to go in for them, but the whole thing just collapsed on us. The whole thing just came down right on top of us. We couldn't get to them, Jo. We tried." (This story is also located at Audrey's Fanfic site.)
Part One: Chris Part Two: Jennifer Part Three: Joanne Part Four: Johnny

The Shopping List
(Also located at Two Chickies Fanfiction) With newfound determination, Hank headed confidently down the aisle, and was immediately dumbstruck by the numerous brightly coloured boxes that lined the shelves. He glanced at his list again, and was thankful his wife at least put the name of the product she needed. The word "Kotex" shone like a neon light on the page, and Hank was certain the entire store knew he was about to reach out and grab a bright blue box of tampons.

An Unpleasant Discovery
Roy sighed, and pulled up a chair. He knew what his wife meant; he felt the same way. Like his entire life was suddenly careening out of control, and he was powerless to stop it. He pulled Joanne over till her head leaned on his shoulder, eventually pulling her over to sit on his lap. He held her while she sobbed anew, occasionally kissing her face, and whispering comforting words. They would get through this - all of this; the possible breast cancer, the thing with Jennie - together, he assured her over and over again. They'd get through it together.

{08/14/03}