Barbara Burgess

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jul, 2020

Stories (56)

56 Stories

1579 karma pts

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“Silvia” by Barbara Burgess

Submitted to Contest #129

Silvia stood at the bottom of the mountain and gazed up at the enormity of it all. The day, the holiday, the task ahead.Why couldn’t she be on the beach in Andalucia? She felt a sob rising from deep within her stomach, as the nerves set in. Silvia felt guilty as she looked at her husband and three children, all smiling. Gazing lovingly at the mountain, imagining the thrill of riding down it at full speed. Why couldn’t she feel the excitement, too?Silvia had only had two lessons on a dry ski slope—they were experts. She’d enjoy it, they said....

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“The Rat and The Apprentice” by Barbara Burgess

Submitted to Contest #129

Clive pushed his back against the door, wedged it with his foot, turned, and walked over to the king sized bed. Gertrude was pulling herself up and resting against the plump pillows. Placing the tray on Gertrude’s lap, he said, “I’ve brought you breakfast in bed, darling. The resort operators phoned up just now and said there would be no skiing today and probably none tomorrow as we are all snowed in.” “Oh Clive, how disappointing. I was so looking forward to a day’s skiing?” ”I know, darling. But it’s only today and maybe tomorrow.” ...

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“The Priory” by Barbara Burgess

Submitted to Contest #128

Wendy flicked the switch on the kettle for her second cup of tea of the day as she drew on her third cigarette. Exhaling the smoke in a long stream, she wrapped her arm around her waist and shivered as she surveyed the whiteout through the small kitchen window. From the fields adjoining the garden to the hills beyond, there was nothing but snow. Half closing her eyes against the glare, she searched the distant slopes for signs the farmer had brought his sheep in for shelter. There had been little warning of a bad weather system enveloping ...

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“The Gift” by Barbara Burgess

Submitted to Contest #127

The plump little lady in a green tartan skirt and yellow hand knitted jumper stood on the other side of the threshold. “Do come in. Mrs Hobart, isn’t it.? My daughter made the booking for you and didn’t quite catch your first name.” “Alma. It’s Alma.” Alma’s jaw dropped as she looked around the room at shelf after shelf adorned with statues and images of glittering angels, dragons, and unicorns. The windowsill beneath the tall opaque window festooned with pink rose quartz and amethyst crystals. Clutching her handbag close to her chest, she c...

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“The Promise” by Barbara Burgess

Submitted to Contest #126

“Ouch.” “Sorry.” “Why can’t you mind where you’re going.” “I thought I was.” Jason lifted the book out of the puddle with his thumb and forefinger, wiped it with his scarf and handed it back to the girl who was brushing spots of water from her jeans and coat. Susie grabbed the book. “Thanks, but no thanks.” “Pagan Rituals?” “And?” “Well, it’s an unusual book and you’re -” “I’m what?” “Well, you don’t look like the sort of girl who would read a book like that?” “Oh, so first you send me and my book flying into a filthy puddle and now you’re i...

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“The House on the Corner” by Barbara Burgess

Submitted to Contest #102

The house on the corner was not always bright buttercup yellow. Once there were just plain red bricks. Then someone put up cladding and sprayed it grey.During the time I lived on the street, the occupier of the house on the corner, a tall slim man in his early forties, began to cover the outside walls with bright buttercup yellow paint.I say began, because the tall slim man took some time, and bits right at the top in the eves were left grey. The tall, slim man had a long ladder and reached out with the paintbrush as far as he could manage. ...

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“Nightmare” by Barbara Burgess

Submitted to Contest #89

The school bell rings, indicating it's midday. I ram my books and pen into my satchel and hurry down the brown corridors, keeping to my left as per school rules.I push through the swing doors and hold one open with my foot as the boy behind me grabs the handle. I pick up my pace and move past the chatting hordes of bustling pupils and make my way down the sloping playground to the main road entrance.I walk sideways, looking for a gap between cars so that I can cross the road. Once over, I walk a few paces and run a few all the way home. It t...

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“A Favour For The Neighbour” by Barbara Burgess

Submitted to Contest #87

“John?”“What is it Lisa?”“Come and have a look at this post someone has put on Facebook today. It looks as if it is a local man. He says he does not believe in April Fool and so instead he wants to do some good deeds for people for nothing. No charge.”“And?”“Well why don’t we ask him to cut that lawn and clean up all that mess and clean up the yard too. You know it’ll never get done otherwise. Now is a good a time as any, don’t you think?”“I’m not sure.”“Well neither you nor I are fit enough to do it and that’s for sure. We could messag...

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“SARAH, FIDO AND SPARKLE” by Barbara Burgess

Submitted to Contest #86

SARAH, FIDO AND SPARKLE“Where are you going with that book Sarah?”“I’m going to talk to the fairies at the bottom of the garden Mummy.”“Don’t be so ridiculous child, there’s no such thing as fairies and certainly there aren’t any at the bottom of my garden. Whoever heard of such a thing?”“But I’ve seen them mummy. They are there every day and I talk to them.”“Yes, I’ve heard you talking and I don’t like it. If I hear you talking to yourself again, I’m going to have to get you to the doctor and see what he’s got to say about it. I’m just not ...

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“Another Us” by Barbara Burgess

Submitted to Contest #81

Mike let a handful of sand slide through his fingers. He stared at Jenny. She hadn’t changed a bit. It was five years since they’d had that awful row. He couldn’t even remember what the argument was about. All he remembered was Jenny storming off and then sending him a text to say it was over between them. Now, quite by accident they were together on their favourite stretch of beach on the anniversary of their breakup.Jenny looked straight ahead. She loved to hear the seagulls and watch the waves crashing on the shore.“Do you remember h...

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“A New Life down Under” by Barbara Burgess

Submitted to Contest #69

Joe sat at his mother’s dinner table poking his dinner with his fork. Jessica put her hand under the table and gave his knee a reassuring squeeze. They both looked at each other. “Joe, are you coming down sick with something? You’ve hardly touched your Sunday Lunch. Jessica has nearly eaten all hers.” “Go, on Joe, tell your Mum.” Said Jessica. “Tell me what, Joe?” “Well, Mum, I was going to talk to you a while back but could not find the right time to do it.” “What is it Joe?” “Jessica and I are getting married.” “What, after five years of l...

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“Haunted Weekends at Dranoon Castle” by Barbara Burgess

Submitted to Contest #68

It had been twenty-four years since she’d last seen it, but the place looked exactly the same, even though shed only been six at the time. The image of the four tall turrets with a full moon above them and a sky full of stars had stayed in her memory all these years. She’d often dreamed of Dranoon Castle but never thought one day it would be hers. Now with all her relatives dead it was up to Sheila to make something of this dilapidated building. As she turned the last corner in her new Mercedes, she stopped the car, switched off the engine a...

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“I Am The Champion” by Barbara Burgess

Submitted to Contest #66

Octava put on his leather suit of armour and placed his sword in the scabbard on his hip. He stood straight, feet slightly apart, feeling strong before the match. Broad at the shoulders, a muscular body, standing six feet six inches tall.His aides, after helping him with his suit of armour, were putting the final touches to it. Smoothing it down over his back and chest. Checking if the pads were protecting his shoulders correctly. Tightening the belt that pulled in an already slim waist.The smell of greased leather was in the air and the arm...

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“Tracey's Halloween Party” by Barbara Burgess

Submitted to Contest #65

“Hi Josie, are you nearly ready for Halloween tonight?” “Yes, Tracy, just getting ready, really looking forward to it. If it’s anything like last year then we will have a whale of a time. Can’t wait.” “That’s great Josie, me too. I’ve been busy all day cooking up some wonderful cakes and some brews. Would you mind phoning the others to make sure they know the time and my address, thanks.  I’m rather busy just doing the finishing touches to the cakes and witchy goodies, so would appreciate it if you could call the other girls.” “No probl...

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“Good Riddance” by Barbara Burgess

Submitted to Contest #64

The body lay face down on the floor, blood pooling from a large gash in the back of his head. “What are we going to do with him Grandma? You didn’t have to hit him that hard.” “I’m fed up with him pestering us for the rent when we cannot afford it. I lost my temper and my Golden Knitting Trophy from the Women’s Guild, was handy, so I hit him over the head with it. Is he dead?” “Yes, of course he is, you killed him outright. Now what on earth are we going to do with him?” Maria turned to her husband Frank. “Come on Frank, you come up with som...

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Author bio

I have been writing poetry and prose since I was about ten. Beginning by submitting my work to local newspapers. I have published two poetry books on Amazon. I have also written some songs and done well in competitions with them. I continue to write each day and particularly enjoy short stories. www.barbaraburgess.co.uk