Tuesday Tales: Writing Debut

Welcome to Tuesday Tales, a weekly blog featuring diverse authors posting excerpts from their works in progress based on word and picture prompts. I continue to get back into the swing of things. I’m so pleased you can join me today. This week’s word prompt is debut. My snippet is from a paranormal piece. Enjoy the other authors at Tuesday Tales.

On the ride home everyone moaned in longing for a piping hot bath. The drizzling rain on the trek down the hill to the car had matted the dust onto their skin and hair, and paper towels had left unsightly traces. Ensconced in the back seat with Jena, Lin grumbled louder than anyone. “Ugh, I feel as grimy as those gold fevered miners pictured in that shop display.”

Glory tilted her head in Lin’s direction. “We all do. I’m sure my hair looks like the Bride of Frankenstein.” She faced the driver. “What about dinner though, Dru? Should we swing through a drive thru? It’s two hours home, and I don’t think we’re fit to go in anywhere.”

Dru scoffed. “We would be fine. Honestly, though, all I can think about is the new ginger iris shampoo I want to debut.” She patted her hair. “If you’re the Bride, Glory, I’m your long lost twin. Fast food would be fine with me. I can safely scarf down fries and diet coke, believe me.” She raised her voice slightly. “That okay with everyone? Jena? Lin?”

They both agreed. Jena’s tone lifted a bit.” I could go for an iced coffee.”

Glory patted the dash emphatically. “Me, too, along with a burger and fries. After a hard day’s work, we deserve a treat.”

Dru scanned the darkening sky. “Since we’re going the back way, the best bet seems Williston. I’ll pull in there. Actually, we may have to use the restroom by then.” She flicked on the lights.

“So much for sparing the public our ghastly appearance.” Lin obviously didn’t want to be seen as a fright.

Glory shrugged. “May not be a problem. Usually they’re arranged for easy in and out.”

Dru clicked her tongue. “Oh, who cares? We’ll look as fine as anyone else. We can actually clean up a little and still take our food with us. Let’s play it by ear, okay?”

The others murmured in agreement.

She shifted her grip on the wheel as the road narrowed and the landscape changed from open spaces to pines, crowded blackjacks, and tangled undergrowth. She also reduced her speed. Here on this lonely stretch, dusk had veiled the day with startling suddenness. There weren’t many cars out, but the road wound and curved through the thick woods, and in places the center line as well as the pavement had disappeared.

Just then an approaching van shot from around a curve, not bothering to stay on its side, but barreling straight toward them. With a screech of tires, Dru swerved the wheel.

I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the word prompt debut. Thanks for stopping by. Return to Tuesday Tales.

Cheers & Happy Reading!

Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance