Brittany Smith

“Misunderstandings of Mayfair ” by Brittany Smith

Ms. Arabella Elliot was not at all impressed by the conversation occurring between her elder sisters Clodette and Elizabeth, and Lady Astor. They were fussing over the latest dress patterns from Lady Astor's modiste-as if shades of pink were worthy of such a dissertation on Elizabeth's part. Arabella tapped her left foot quietly against the quilted rug, struggling to maintain a serene face, not a hint of ennui present. Everything about this stuffy drawing-room, with mauve curtains and sparkling silver sets, was suffocating. What she woul...

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“Of Songs and Feathers ” by Brittany Smith

Submitted to Contest #73

The air was cold and crisp, the scent of pine and roasted chestnuts lingering in the air as Sari stumbled down the sidewalk, her shopping bags piled precariously high in her arms. Somehow every year Sari's To-Do List grew longer and the weeks leading up to Christmas disappeared like melted snow. The Christmas Calendar in Dreamer's Square indicated only 7 days left until Christmas. People from all over Wisconsin flocked to Dreamer's Haven for the week long Christmas festival and the International Birds Show. It was bright, colorful, noisy...

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“Far or Near, Traditions Held Dear” by Brittany Smith

Scents of maple and spiced fruit linger in the air as I take the stairs two-at-a-time, making it to the kitchen mere seconds before my twin Geoff. I grab the plate with the largest stack of pancakes and swipe the homegrown maple syrup out from under Geoff's fingers. "How do you always beat me Goldie?" he grumbles as we waits for Mom to add two more snowflake-shaped pancakes to his pile of golden glory. My manic laughter causes 2 year old Emery to giggle. "I'm the oldest, fastest and best pancake sniffer in this house." My boasts d...

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“Before We Knew It ” by Brittany Smith

Submitted to Contest #67

Whoever invented high heels must have been a man. I mean, whom else would have decided that torture devices for the feet should be a fashion statement? I eye the hunter green 4-inch high death traps the wardrobe assistant Maria had set before me moments earlier. "To match the mistletoe" she said in that snarky tone she seemed to reserve for just about everyone. Maybe the peppermint mocha I left in her locker might sweeten up her day. After all, it's December first and the scent of gingerbread, peppermint, and spiced cider permeate the ...

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“Forged Through Fire ” by Brittany Smith

Submitted to Contest #64

Streaks of orange and pink paint the sky, a sunset worth remembering. A gentle breeze swaying the palm leaves and kissing my cheeks. I swing in the hammock, content never to leave paradise. How did I ever survive life without knowing the peace of island time? "Mojito miss?" The teasing whisper tingles my senses, warm breath tickling my ear. I reach out to grab the drink from Elijah's hand but he holds it out of reach. "Payment miss?" The chuckle is low and deep, coming from his heart in genuine amusement. I tip my head and plant a ki...

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“Crafting for Krista ” by Brittany Smith

Submitted to Contest #63

Was this a house or a home? I shook my head ruefully as I gazed at the barren yard. Tulips and Petunias long gone, faded from summer heat and done away by Autumn's first freeze. Bitter October winds whipped chipped gray shutters against charcoal siding, faded form years of sun and wind. Bushes overgrown, grass long and unkempt...even the door is bare bones. A dark contrast from the playful wreaths which once graced the front door. A new wreath for each season, every holiday, and even for birthdays. I pull the lapels of my coat closer to ...

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“Beyond Infirmities ” by Brittany Smith

Submitted to Contest #62

To the Stranger who lives in E4~Just this morning I caught a glimpse of you, just as the elevator doors began to close. Your burgundy tie was a bit askew as you fumbled with your briefcase because the elderly woman next to you bumped into you with her zebra-print umbrella and carpetbag monstrosity. Very Mary Poppins-like but with a 70's flair. Perhaps she has her own secrets she carries, cumbersome and unyielding.I know mine are. But what secrets aren't weights crushing us and grinding us to the bone?Here again, another chance blown away, to...

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“Ghost Resurfaced ” by Brittany Smith

Submitted to Contest #52

The bitter October wind whipped Marigold's chestnut curls into her eyes and a stray piece landed in her mouth. Huffing in irritation, Mari pulled the vicious mane of curls back into a low ponytail. If only the job interview had been a virtual meeting. Then, Mari's hair would have remained pristine and her cheeks rosy red instead of kissed by drops of icy rain. Seeking shelter under the overhang of a nearby bus stop, Mari sat down on the cold plastic bench, careful to keep her mauve colored Coach purse positioned securely on her lap. The s...

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“Double Loop Swoop ” by Brittany Smith

Submitted to Contest #51

Clang. Ding! "We have a winner." Cheers of excitement drown out the voice of the amusement park worker. Standing in her gray and red polo with coconut emblem, she tries to force the crowd backwards in order to let the man who rang the bell claim his prize. "Get the Scottie Dog" a little blond haired girl exclaims, tugging on the hand of the man. He smiles at her affectionately before glancing toward the identical blond haired child to his left. "No Daddy, the Princess doll." The two siblings peer around their father, two pink tongues w...

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“A Note in Time ” by Brittany Smith

Submitted to Contest #50

Clammy hands-check Stifling hot leading yanking on the collar of my freshly pressed dress shirt-check A marching bland playing in my head-check A circus performer on trapize in my stomach-check Yep, it must be official, I'm about to propose. I picture the look on Jason's face when I broke the news last month while we were watching the Indians crush the Braves: 4-0. Jason was devestated since Ruiz just missed celebrating a no-hitter. I was too nervous to really care. Between nachos and stale beer, I blurted out, "I'm going to propose t...

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“Catching Red ” by Brittany Smith

Submitted to Contest #50

Cascades of tears stream down pinched cheeks. I swiped viciously across my eyes with my bubble gum pink turtleneck sleeves but it doesn't matter, I'm soaked. The reflection in the car window magnifies red-rimmed eyes and chapped lips. My nose is a leaky faucet but the tissue box stuffed in the seat pocket is empty. I guess sleeves are a good enough substitute. I kick the back of Daddy's seat as he flies down Main Street. "Faster Daddy, it's getting away." My urgent cries punctuate the small interior of our Mustang. Mom prefered to driv...

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“Gifting the Giver ” by Brittany Smith

Submitted to Contest #48

Kentucky, Tuck to his friends, sat back on his haunches, admiring the freshly painted handrail running the length of Mrs. Robin’s front steps. Lovingly carved from an oak tree Tuck’s parents had planted 50 years ago, the handrail would allow Mrs. Robins to manage the 4-step elevation without risk of falling again. The feeling of exhilaration at having solved someone else’s problem never faded away. It stoked a fire deep inside Tuck’s chest where he had thought only embers lay. Tuck gathered up the last of his tools and stowed them ...

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