Sunday, May 22, 2016

The ride we've all taken

CHECK IT OUT!
https://silverbirchpress.wordpress.com/2016/05/23/bumpy-rides-story-by-linda-oconnell-starting-to-ride-poetry-and-prose-series/
 
The link will take you to my latest publication about a ride we've probably all taken, a bike ride.

 I watch Liam bravely lift his little legs when he zooms down the driveway on his ride-on bike or little car, and I imagine him in fourteen years, zooming into the love zone like the 16 year old character I am writing about in my work in progress:

Puppy love and first cars are equivalent to a fast ride on a figure eight track, all consuming and completely confusing. At the ragged edge of aggravation, with his engine gunning, sixteen-year-old Luke roared around the bend. Hit a road block at the intersection of Leave-me-alone! and No-I-won't-give-up-on-you.

He disregarded every glaring amber warning sign, and rushed headlong to prove himself. At a red light, he slammed on the brakes, flung down his cell phone and spat, "Forget about Kate!" 


At a stand still, he surveyed his love life, questioned his options, contemplated his rapidly depleting gas gauge. Running on fumes, emotions idling high, he waited for a signal.
 At the ping of a text-received, he unclenched his fists, revved his motor and exceeded all speed limits. Supercharged, he muffled a plea bargain.

Kate heard the sincere purr of his engine and gave him the go-ahead. She'd take him for another spin. One more chance. This was it.

He sped off, thrilled to have one more lap on the double back track.

9 comments:

Susan said...

Hi Linda...Thanks so much for all your sweet visits. Love them. Your little Liam is a darling baby boy. He's growing up too fast! Take care. Susan

Val said...

They don't stay little long!

Connie said...

I enjoyed your bumpy ride story and also this snippet of your current work, Linda. Congratulations on the latest publication of your writing. Thanks for sharing these! :)

DUTA said...

Well, I haven't taken any bike ride in my life, and I'm very frustrated about that.
I like the scene with Luke, that 16 year old character in your work; it's realistic and emotional. Placed in a triangle: his bike, his cellphone, and his girlfriend Kate - he gets the signal he has waited for from her , and is thrilled to go on with his ride.

Carol Kilgore said...

I like this! Puppy Love makes for some very dramatic moments. Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

A little romance is enough to get my attention. :) Thanks for sharing this snippet!

Susan Sundwall said...

"the ragged edge of aggravation" Just love that! Write on, Linda. =0)

Donna Volkenannt said...

Hi Linda,
Your blog always is a delight! So happy to read you about your WIP.

Pat Wahler said...

Something about being on a bicycle makes me feel relaxed and carefree. Maybe I ought to buy one of those old-fashioned, fat-tired, clunky bicycles of my youth and take a ride.

Pat
Critter Alley