Short Stories by Linden Wood

Short Story Collection

original stories by Linden Wood © 1998 - 2002

VICKI

Female college student desires tall,
dark and handsome man for fun and
for friendship. Must share interest in
hiking, running and the theatre. If you
feel there is more to life than money -
then you just might be the man for me.

Vicki stood in front of the newspaper office, reading and rereading the worn piece of paper in her hand. At home it had sounded so good but now it only seemed foolish. Doubts ran through her mind, What if her ad sounded too desperate? What if it brought responese from weirdos?
As the sun shone behind her she studied her reflection in the large tinted window of the old building. There was nothing wrong with her that she could see. Upon realizing she was being watched from the other side of the glass, she turned and walked quickly to a nearby cafe.

     Once inside she seated herself at a small table in the back. She fumbled with her bookbag before looking up to see the waiter waiting patiently for her order. She ordered coffee but didn't drink it; letting the rich aroma fill the air.
     A couple in their late twenties sat near her. She wondered how the two had met. She had tried joining clubs, hanging out at the campus library and going to parties, but had met no one who interested her.
     She sat, lost in her thoughts, wondering where a girl went to find a nice guy who liked running on the beach, who enjoyed classical music, who could discuss something more important than who throws the best parties on campus.
     She was a junior at UC Irvine and had recently changed her major from biology to drama. She loved to create worlds where she could live her dreams through her charachters. Someday she would be a famous actress, but someday seemed a long way off.
     She let out a long sign and searched the dark room for a familiar face - though she was miles away from the campus pubs where her friends hung out. She turned her attention back to the couple. As she watched the man lean over and kiss the woman, a jolt of loneliness swept through her.
     Looking around, she tried to concentrate on something other than herself. She studied the scarred, wooden floor of the cafe, dull from use. Her eyes were drawn to the back wall where a neon sign flashed Coors, and another announced Miller Time. Between the two was a stuffed bear's head. She wished she had ordered beer.
     Vicki lowered her eyes to the couple, who were sharing a basket of fried clams. Looking around once again, she was reminded more of a mountain cabin than a cafe, with it's rustic decor and relaxed atmosphere. She made a mental note to herself that it would make a nice setting for a first date.
     A glance at her watch told her she had missed the paper's four o'clock deadline. She walked slowly back home, leaving on the table three dollars and a pile of shredded blue paper.

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Short Story Collection

original stories by Linden Wood © 1998 - 2002

VICKI

Compensations

Poetry Collection 1

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