You’re walking a wire between pain and desire, and looking for love in between.
Victim of Love by The Eagles (Don Felder, Glenn Frey, Donald Henley, John Souther)
The last few weeks had gone by in a blur. From that first glimpse of a stranger as she almost ran him down in the street to last night, it felt like mere hours had gone by. How had she ever let down her guard and been so foolish? It wasn’t as if she could afford to let anyone into her closely guarded world. She had spent years building up the walls that allowed her to keep living while plastering on a smile for everyone else. She had become quite the actress.
Marie stared at her own reflection in the mirror as her hand slowly brushed down the length of her hair. Suddenly her hand froze as she considered that thought and finally allowed it to settle. Was that all this was? Whatever this was. An act played out by a talented actress? Jean’s mother’s cruel words came back and slapped her as she stared at herself.
Gold digger!
Harlot!
Wretched woman!
The last one was certainly true. It had been wretched trying to go on after losing her beloved child to the fever. But to then lose the love and trust of her husband as well had been beyond cruel. Madame de Marigny had known exactly how to take her revenge on the beautiful young woman who had stolen her son from her.
Marie’s hand dropped to her lap.
You’re walking a wire between pain and desire, and looking for love in between.
She dared not speak that thought aloud. Pain was a given, but desire had died along with hope many years ago. So how was it that desire had been rekindled by a handsome stranger who refused to take no for an answer or be deterred by her ill-mannered words? Was she looking for love? Did her heart even know how to love anymore? Was it worthy of being loved?
Marie lifted her hand to touch her cheek as she continued to stare into the mirror. It was the most honest thing in her life as the reflection did not lie. She was beautiful. Many men had told her so, but it was her mother-in-law who had confirmed it for her. She would not have said so if it were not true, but she had managed to twist it into some kind of weapon to use against her daughter-in-law. It was as if her beauty was some kind of curse because Jean had fallen under its spell.
Was she a curse? It seemed that those she loved were destined for pain. Did she dare allow Ben Cartwright to take that risk?
A tear coursed down her cheek, soon followed by another. It wasn’t fair to do that to him. He was a good man and she would not bring her curse against him too.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow she would tell him. Tomorrow she would go back to the life she knew where it was safe and predictable and nobody expected anything more than she was willing to give.
I enjoyed all of these in the forum, but it’s nice to have them together in one place where library readers can also enjoy. Every bit is a testament to your word skills and character insights which makes it really hard to pick a favorite, but you know I have great fondness for the way you write Roy Coffee, and I especially loved the conversation with his old friend Ben Cartwright. 🙂
I think that’s one of my favourites too as Roy is such a great character to write. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed reading them all again.
This gives a glimpse of what Paul really goes through. I love Jake’s relaxed manner about life.
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment on each one. These are such fun to write and some of them are bubbling away as possible extended stories. I’m glad you have enjoyed them.
I enjoyed this…Adam doing what he has to for his little brother, ignoring his own need for sleep. But then keeping Joe sleeping would bring a bit of peace.
Happy to see these here! Remembered most of them as I was reading through — fun stuff! I still want to know about Hoss’s broken arm … ??
Thanks as always for writing and posting!
I’m still waiting for him to tell me the story. He’s been very sheepish about it! As soon as I get the scoop, I will write the rest of the story.
Love how Roy’s calm eventually gets to the root of the problem with Morgan. A dangerous situation diffused.
Sad existence for a man but maybe now he’ll get some help to find himself again.
Adam is blessed to have two paths to follow, but that doesn’t make it any easier to choose.
Oh I do love this one. Ben and Roy sharing crazy and insane memories. Perfect use of the quote.
Oh, so funny. That’s Joe. All his lies are always wishes. No wonder he never saw lying as wrong.
Candy and Joe are a dangerous combination. They get each other into trouble or get each other out of it. The problem…it could go either way. *smirk*
Great use of the prompt. Marie certainly was balancing on that wire until Ben tipped her life to the side of love.
Love the sentimentality here. “Like running into an old friend.” Warm memories fill the heart.