I hope she's worth it.

I'm back with another Trifecta post and this one has been a struggle for me. When I was done writing I had 525 words and didn't have anything I wanted to take out. Since I didn't have a choice, that's part of the challenge, I've spent the last hour removing things, and plugging it into Word Count Tool, to make it meet the 333 word limit!

Anywho, you can find this week's post here.

This week's one-word prompt was MANIPULATE. The third definition says "to change by artful or unfair means so as to serve one's purpose : to doctor." With 333 words, I give you "I hope she's worth it."

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She watched him manipulate himself for the skinny thing that approached the table. Smiling, he stands and pulls the chair out so she can join him. I'm disgusted. She melts. They appear to be very familiar. Is she the reason he is "too busy" for lunch dates with me? I want to move closer, but first I need to snap some pictures.

I enter the diner, and try not to be seen. I'm seated at a booth a few tables away. I can see them, but they haven't noticed me. He's looking at her as if he's in love. He used to look at me that way. Where did the love go?

They finish lunch and he pays the bill, like he's a gentleman. He stands from his chair and moves to help her. Reaching for her hand, he places his other on the small of her back.  She stands and he escorts her out. I feel physically ill watching this unravel before me. Where do I go from here?

I sit in my car, numb, pondering my next move and decide the pictures need to be handled before I go home. Starting the car, I pull into traffic and make my way to get prints. With pictures in hand, I sit in the lot deciding what to do. My cell rings. It's him. Hesitantly, I answer. He tells me he's going to be stuck at work until midnight. Rage floods my body. He's lying again. I'm no longer sick to my stomach. Now I just want to punch something, or someone.

I make it home in record time and start a fire in the pit. Room by room, I empty his items into bags and drag them out back. Two hours later I'm done, and it's time for me to put pictures where his belongings were. With a margarita in hand I sit in the backyard, waiting, watching his chapter of my life go up in flames.

I hope she's worth it.

Trifextra

YAY! I'm back to make another post in a timely manner.

This week's challenge is slightly different from last week's. It looks like it will alternate weeks between Trifecta and Trifextra! I'm excited for the challenge.

Anywho, you can find this week's post here.

The directions say:

This week we're asking for 33 of your own words inspired by the following picture.  If you use the picture on your blog, you MUST give proper attribution to the photographer by providing a link to the photo, not just to Trifecta.  Failure to comply will eliminate you from the challenge. 

Good luck and have fun with it!

Here's the picture -

Thomas Leuthard / Foter / CC BY

- and my 33 words - She was sitting at the table, completely engrossed in her studies. She appears to care less what is going on around her. I wonder if that could be me; oblivious or seemingly carefree.

I'll be back soon with a new post, I hope!

Oooooh...

I've been on the hunt for a new weekly blog addition and I think I have found it. First let me explain why I've chosen this one.

When I was younger, writing was always a therapy for me. Poems, journaling, short stories and eventually blogging for most of my teen years. It became sort of a way for me to get it all out without needing anyone's approval. It was a great help for me in more ways than I ever knew it would be. Anyway, enough about that.

I've chosen to add Trifecta to my blog. Here is the directions from this week's post:

Now onto this week’s Trifecta prompt. 

We’re back to one word and its third definition. And, of course, as many syllables as you please in your 333-word limit!

Happy writing!

QUAINT (adjective)
1:  obsolete:  EXPERT, SKILLED
2a:  marked by skillful design <quaint with many a device in India ink — Herman Melville>
  b:  marked by beauty or elegance
3a : unusual or different in character or appearance :  ODD  b : pleasingly or strikingly old-fashioned or unfamiliar <a quaint phrase>

Remember:
• Your response must be between 33 and 333 words.
• You must use the 3rd definition of the given word in your post.
• The word itself needs to be included in your response.
• You may not use a variation of the word; it needs to be exactly as stated above.
• Only one entry per writer.
• If your post doesn't meet our requirements, please leave your link in the comments section, not in the linkz.
• Trifecta is open to everyone. Please join us!

For my entry, I give you the beginning of Peter and Elizabeth.

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There she was standing in front of the quaint little cottage that they chose for their honeymoon. Her hair was flowing in the breeze as she sipped from her glass of sweet tea.

"Good morning beautiful," Peter said as he approached her from behind wrapping his arms around her and taking in the luxurious scent of her shampoo.

"Good morning my love," said Elizabeth. She was smiling from ear to ear. This was their first morning together as husband and wife. "I can't believe we got married yesterday. How did I get so lucky to call you my husband?"

"I'm the lucky one baby. I'm the lucky one."

Peter and Elizabeth had known each other for three years now, but had only been together for one. Timing was always the issue. Well timing and other relationships. She had always had a thing for him, as he did her. Little did they know they were beginning a friendship that would develop into a lifetime of love.

One night while he was walking at the beach, he called her. She was pleasantly surprised, and a little nervous. They talked all night long about any and every single thing that came to mind. They laughed and laughed, and for Elizabeth that was so important. Laughter truly is the best medicine. It was then that she knew this was their time, and she wasn't about to let that pass.

.............to be continued.