Potrait of Words # 3...

Jeff (A Word in Edgewise) has started up this monthly challenge, derived from a previous challenge from R.E.H.'s "Picture Fiction Challenge".


Photo Credits:


(From Flickr.com/creative commons, unless otherwise noted)
Main Character- Trekguy
Backdrop- tootsie 14
Purpose- Uncle Phooey
Item- vodainghia_takeshi
Wild card #3- unknown- (was sent via an email)


Each month Jeff gives FOUR pictures which represent THE CATEGORIES and THREE pictures which represent THE WILD CARDS.


The object is to:
Write a story of any length or style. Long or short, comedy or tragedy, fact or fiction, etc,etc... it's up to you.
Use each of the picture representations in your story. (one from the wild card options)

Here are the portraits for this month's basis of the story and the guidelines:
THE CATEGORIES:
Main Character(s): Your story can be told through or about this person(s), i.e. first or third person. Either way you go, their involvement in the story should be a focal point. Have as many or as few additional characters as you wish, but at least one of the ones pictured should be central to the overall story.

Backdrop: This will create the setting for your story. It can take place at the location depicted, be a destination to it, or be a journey from it.

Purpose: This is what drives or motivates the main character(s) to action. It can also be viewed as the objective of the story.

Item(s): The object(s) should have a significant value to the main character, backdrop or purpose of the story.

Wild Cards: Writers choice here. Choose one of the three options to use in your story anyway you see fit.

Here's my story:




Annee looked longingly at the lake.


“It’s so beautiful, I can’t believe it’s been so long since we were here last” she told Tom.

“I hope the cabin is comfortable” Tom replied “you did book the luxury one didn’t you?”

“Of course I did and I booked a meal at The Lodge for the last night” replied Annee.

The drive from home had been a pleasure in their new convertible, the weather being kind enough for them to have the top down. The weather forecast was good and they were looking forward to recreating their honeymoon in the perfect setting of the cabin and the lake.

“We should have let people know where we’re going, rather than just saying we’re going away for a few days and we’ll be back Friday” suggested Annee.

“Nah, it’ll be fine, we want to be alone don’t we?” replied Tom

The days passed like a dream, spent walking through the surrounding forest enjoying the dappled sunshine and eating simple food outside, whilst listening to the lapping water of the lake. Evenings were cooler, as Autumn was closing in, so they lit a log fire and snuggled up on the sofa whilst listening to their favourite CD’s which they’d brought with them.

There was no telephone or television at the cabin, which they were glad of, no interruptions, no worries. They talked about how special their wedding had been, though they hadn’t been able to afford much. They were both orphans so there were no parents to fund a big wedding, it had been a register office ceremony, a simple dress for Annee and a borrowed suit for Tom, no reception, no cake, but they were blissfully happy.

Their last day was idyllic – they were showering and getting dressed to go down to the lodge for dinner when Tom noticed dark clouds looming over the lake.

“Looks like a storm brewing” said Tom as he started the car up whilst Annee locked the cabin. It was a good hour’s drive to The Lodge but it was through the forest and a lovely run Annee was really looking forward to it. Half an hour into the journey they rounded a bend in the road only to find a fallen tree blocking the road.

“Oh shit” said Tom “we’re going to have to do a detour which will make us late for dinner.”

“I’ll ring The Lodge on my mobile and let them know” offered Annee, only to find the battery was dead. “Oh bugger, I hope they keep our table.”

Turning the car round Tom headed back to the crossroads to take the dirt road through the forest to the Lodge but by this time large drops of rain were hitting the bonnet of the car.

“Tom, you need to stop and put the top up otherwise were going to get soaked!”

Tom pushed the button to put the top up but nothing happened.

“It seems to be stuck” he told Annee as the rain increased.

Annee found a plastic carrier under her seat and fashioned a rainhood.

“Stop messing about with it Tom and just get us to the Lodge!” she said.

By this time the rain was coming down in sheets. The wipers were going double quick but weren’t really making any impression on the driving rain hitting the windshield. Annee’s dress was stuck to her body and Tom’s suit looked like a dishcloth. Suddenly the car stopped dead.

“What now?” cried Annee as Tom desperately tried to get it started again.

“We’re going to have to walk Annee we can’t sit here.”

They clambered out of the car and started trudging down the road, it was only about a mile to the Lodge but the going was hard through the driving rain and the dirt road had turned to mud.

Exhausted and soaked they reached the Lodge forty five minutes later.

There were no lights on but the door was open so they struggled through the door and collapsed in the dark hallway. Suddenly there was a flash as all the lights were switched on.

“Happy Silver Wedding Anniversary” chorused their three children, their families and friends gathered in the dining room.

“Where have you been we’ve been waiting ages for you?” they asked, shocked at their appearance.

The room was decorated with balloons and streamers, a table was laden with food and the most beautiful wedding cake imaginable. It was the wedding reception Annee and Tom had always dreamed of. Once they were able to shower and change they forgot about the misery they’d endured and were able to laugh whilst relaying what had happened to them. The party was better than any wedding reception, Annee and Tom had a wonderful time but both agreed they would get rid of the convertible at the first opportunity.