Exploring Creative Writing Archives

Dining Companions

Emily looked up from her beautifully marinated scallop to observe a large bearded gentleman in morning suit stride across the room. She noted, with distaste, his swagger as well as his huge crooked grin.

On reaching his destination he slapped his dining companions on the back and embraced them all. His loud booming voice filled the quiet sanctuary and as she returned to her starter Emily continued to observe him discreetly.

Sporadic laughter continued. The focus of the table was on him and yet Emily noticed some disquiet among his fellow diners as he spoke. Some seemed to find his topics distasteful from their pained expression and yet no-one seemed able to move their focus away from him. Over time his mannerisms became more exaggerated, his complexion ruddier and his larger than life persona was attracting the stares of other diners.

Suddenly with gusto he stood up, bowed to his companions and with great purpose walked out of the dining room.

Relieved Emily took a sip of wine only to notice a tiny slip of a girl entering the room. She looked ill at ease and appeared to be looking for some-one. Emily hoped it wasn’t the man who had just left.

The waiter approached and they appeared to exchange a few whispered words as he led her to a table directly in front of Emily.

She sat looking at the door pensively coiling and uncoiling her golden hair between her slender fingers. Emily resisted the temptation to ask if she was ok but became mesmerised by the rhythmic movements of the girl’s hands.

There was something fragile about this girl as if at any moment she would flee and yet Emily sensed there was an air of steely determination below the anxious exterior. She seemed completely unaware of her surroundings, occasionally biting her lip, as she waited. The door opened and a quiet gasp escaped from her lips.

Emily couldn’t resist turning to look as a couple entered the room. They were a picture of complete togetherness. The woman was draped over the man’s arm as he looked deep into her eyes with an expression of complete adoration. In return the woman’s face reflected sheer radiant beauty and happiness.

They made their way slowly to a table at the opposite end of the room. Emily noticed the hushed silence as everyone watched this beautiful couple. He pulled out her chair and the woman giggled in appreciation. She sat down still maintaining finger tip contact with her companion as he moved to sit opposite her. Smiles lit up their faces as they continued their flirtatious conversation with their hands held across the table. Still holding each other’s gaze they ordered from the waiter. Emily felt a warm glow in her heart as she watched.

Only then as she turned back to her food did she notice the blonde haired girl had completely disappeared.

Hip and Happening Friend

Veronica smiled as her friend approached. “You look colourful today,” she said.

“It’s all the fashion this colour combination, I think it looks good on me!” Maureen replied.

Veronica’s heart sank. How was she going to broach the subject without hurting her friend’s feelings?

“You’re right it certainly seems to be in all the young trendy magazines at the moment! It’s amazing how fashion has come full circle. I remember wearing miniskirts when I was their age. Now, being a bit more mature I think I’d look a bit silly, I wouldn’t want people laughing at me!” Veronica sighed.

Thick skinned as usual Maureen exclaimed, “Ronnie, anything looks good on you!”

“Well my legs would get cold at this time of year. I think a well tailored suit or day dress is much more flattering when you reach my age.”

“Our age, you mean!”Maureen giggled.” You are funny Ronnie. You’re in great shape. With a little more confidence you could look as cool as me!”

Veronica tried to keep calm. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She continued, “Mo why don’t we go shopping together and you can help me pick out some new clothes for work. You could try some on too!”

Maureen smiled, “What a lovely idea. You didn’t need to be so subtle with your invitation though, Ronnie! I have seen the way you look at me with admiration. If you wanted some help to make your wardrobe a bit more hip and funky, you only had to ask. Shall we make a date for next Saturday?”

Veronica smiled weakly, “Great! Looking forward to it!”

Red House Cone:-Wordsley

I thought it might be nice to share my first assignment about the red house cone which I completed in April 2016. I had to write a piece about a local attraction using all five senses. The critique I received was very positive but six months down the line I can easily poke holes in it. Enjoy!

The Visit

The slurp, slurp of the coffee machine is strangely comforting on this chilly January afternoon. In this quiet corner of the visitor attraction, the clatter of cups on saucers and the gentle tinkle of the cutlery give the impression of activity. Tables adorned with fabric flowers along with an eclectic mix of light bulbs hidden under identical shades mix the modern with the old.

The cold of the early afternoon is masked by semi-efficient heaters but not removed entirely. Therefore the sweetness and warmth of the hot chocolate topped with helpings of velvety cream and soft marshmallows is very welcome. The long shiny spoon perches in the tall glass inviting you to try the squashy mallows and savour the glow that the chocolaty liquid creates in the pit of your stomach.

Leaving the coffee room you enter a courtyard adorned by multi-coloured handmade signs each advertising the presence of a different artist. High above on top of the majestic glass cone pigeons coo; safe in the knowledge that a sheet of Perspex protects them from plummeting to the ground.

Inside the brick cone an earthy smell greets you; damp and musky and eerily still waiting for the fire to be lit again. Displays show the history of glassmaking; a tradition in the area for the last 200 years. Kilns stand unused at the moment but as Spring emerges these will be lit again so that the tourists can witness the beautiful awe-inspiring skill of glass blowing. The only sound on this quiet wintry day is the gentle flap of the birds above hoping to catch any warmth that may emerge from this ancient relic.

Moving through and out of this monument, hands gliding along the cold metal handrail, you enter modern accommodation. A light airy museum room bridges the old and new. The shop bright, vibrant and cosily warm is filled with pocket money priced brightly coloured trinkets and expensive beautiful bespoke glass pieces which gladden the heart. Customers browse happily; mums slightly tense and vigilant lest a small hand wraps around the smooth glistening glass pieces but all enjoying the beautiful artistry.

This glass fronted building acts as an invitation to those who drive past this industrial site on the brow of the hill. Sometimes these people remember the majestic sight of the blue glass blower adorning a modern building in front of a weathered brick cone and on their day off come back to pay homage to a dying tradition.

Today the canal behind the cone is covered in thin sheets of ice. Ducks and geese waddle across amazed that their watery world is still visible but unobtainable. The tow path once the artery to the area now provides another entrance to the site and picnic tables invite those who wish to linger the opportunity to sit and reflect .

Before I leave to walk the short distance home I turn to look at the skyline behind me. I feel blessed that I live in the shadow of this amazing artefact and that my family have a clear and palpable reminder of their local heritage.