It's simple, really...

I was busy yesterday for Flash Factory Friday over at Jessa Russo's blog, but I wrote one really fast this morning. Hopefully, it's there on time (I don't actually know when it closes). :) The judge made a comment about how her favorite part of writing was dialog, so I decided that my piece would only include dialog. It was hard not to put any tags on any of those lines. I wanted to put some movement in, but I refrained. It was a good thing because I only barely made the word count limit! (Shocking, right?) Anyway, the word prompt was: saccharine, asphalt, simple. Enjoy!


“It’s simple, really, you just have to--”

“Don’t patronize me!”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean--”

“Stop! Just stop. I don’t need some saccharine apology that--”

“Now that’s not fair! Not everyone who apologizes is lying! Just because--”

“Don’t. Don’t even say it. Don’t bring him up.”

“You brought him into the conversation first.”

“I did not! I don’t ever want to talk about him again!”

“Then stop comparing me with him and assuming his intentions behind my words! He didn’t just kick you to the curb, he rubbed your face in the asphalt and scattered your stuff in the street. I get that. Well, no, I really don’t, but this is never going to work if you can’t learn to trust me that I don’t have your worst in mind every time I open my mouth. God, Sylvia, I’m walking on eggshells here and I’m breaking them at every step and they’re cutting my feet…I don’t know if I want to keep walking. You are smart and funny and beautiful. We have the same favorite book and you have the best serve I’ve ever seen not on tv, but…I don’t know if you’re ready for this.”

“Billy, please…just…just give me time. You’re right. I’m damaged goods, but--”

“You’re not damaged, Syl, you’re hurting. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Don’t let him do that to you. You’re free now. Just keep moving forward one step at a time.”

“But you don’t want to walk with me anymore!”

“No! I didn’t mean it like that. I just…Maybe making it official was a little too soon. I’m your friend. I’m not going anywhere. I’m not giving up on you. You’re worth it. Believe it.”

“Thank you. You’re so good to me. I’m sorry. I’d like to – Can we keep trying? I can’t promise I’ll be better, but maybe with your help--”

“Sure, Sweetie, I didn’t want to end it. I just want what’s best for you.”

“You’re best for me…. Now, about this toilet…”

“The plunger’s just off…”