Ivy Kova

“Cream & Sugar” by Ivy Kova

"Hello y'all, how many do we have today?"  Her voice was too chipper. I looked over to Max, who was still stretching like a moron; I pretended to not feel the woman's gaze burning into the side of my head. Max looked up, making eye contact, and I looked away. My mouth tasted bad. "Four, please." "Would you like a booth, patio, bar?" "Uh..." I could tell he was looking around at us. "Guys?" Hannah didn't say anything, so Thalia spoke for her. "Didn't they say there was going to be a sandstorm? Let's get a booth." "That sandst...

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“Dirt On Treetops” by Ivy Kova

Submitted to Contest #90

"The one good thing about hitting rock bottom; the only other way is up."A rush of air escaped your lips, quicker than you can stifle them. You hardly noticed the few that glanced over in your direction, nor how your grip slackened around your backpack. If the train hadn't abruptly stopped and that old man with the briefcase hadn't stepped on your toe, you wouldn't have noticed this to be your stop. You glance up, meeting a few gazes that flitted away as quickly as they were found; you stared at the open doors, inviting you on your regular r...

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“Pink & Purple” by Ivy Kova

Submitted to Contest #86

"Please, Mr. Jasper.""Oh you hopeless case, get over here young man."I grinned sheepishly as Mr. Jasper hobbled over, hands reaching up and untying my sad attempt at a tie. I hoped he didn't notice me wiping my sweaty palms against my slacks, hoping my casual wear would pair well with Paulina's like I promised; white shoes with a white tie, a pearl earring snuggled in my left ear. Of course I like surprises. I definitely do. That's what I told her, with a somehow convincing smile as her squeals matched her grin.I don't like surprises."Why di...

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“Ash Season” by Ivy Kova

Submitted to Contest #84

I shouldn't have opened the window. Yes, I've been told over and over; basic instructions like these are the hardest to get through my thick skull. After straining my ears for footsteps, I attempted to spit as quietly as I could. The sight was not good; grit and ash were easily distinguishable against the metal tub, and I could feel sand clinging to my gums. I took a quick swig from my bottle, making sure to not touch my lips to the rim as I took a mouthful and spat once more, as quietly as I could in such an echoic bathroom. As I opened ...

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“Sea Foam” by Ivy Kova

Submitted to Contest #83

My father always had great advice. Old words of aged wisdom, poignant as whiskey, resonated with me throughout my years as advice, old limericks, cautionary tales, or simply afterthoughts to pass time. My favourite piece of advice by far was... Tell your pains to the sea. Throw them, shout them, claw at sand and curse at clouds. The sea will take your energy and create joyous, monstrous winds to help fuel sailors on their journeys across acres of salt water; their prayers of thanks will guide you through your aches. As my throat grew hoarse ...

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“Cherry Blossoms & Violets” by Ivy Kova

Submitted to Contest #81

"Please, Mr. Jasper." I could feel my knees trembling; how could I stop them? Asking an old white man to cut up his tree for a first date would already be bad enough, doing so after the balcony incident is definitely a great reason to kick me off his property. A scrutinizing gaze scoured me. I hoped my outfit waved a white flag of modesty; has he ever seen me in casual business attire? Shoes polished, two buttons open and a bouquet of fresh roses should hint at innocent (well, innocent enough) activities. "Cherry blossoms, huh?" Hi...

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“Drewberry Jam” by Ivy Kova

Submitted to Contest #80

You know about the Arcane Alliance. Everyone does. Well, everyone did, I suppose. I surely didn't. Whenever the name was brought up, my curious ears were covered by sweet distracting murmurs of the closest adult, or a small task asked with a generous smile. Honestly, I believe I missed many of those conversations, too preoccupied with sticking flowers in my sister's hair or daydreaming about being a poet. Regardless, ignorance does not last. Unfortunately, mine was broken quite harshly; with my village's bell, in fact. What I was speci...

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“Mountains & Skylines” by Ivy Kova

Submitted to Contest #79

Mountains bear cold winds powerful enough to knock strong-abled travelers off their feet and clusters of boulders from their thousand-year-old perches; high cliffs found near oceans are found even more dangerous, as ocean currents bring bushels of raging air to main lands. Yet as Komalia's gaze travelled across a soft grey sky, terns danced among the winds gracefully. Their white bellies helped camouflage them against the clouds, yet when they dove their grey backs and yellow beaks flashed momentarily to remind the young woman she was never ...

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“I Travel For A Living” by Ivy Kova

Submitted to Contest #75

One may not think of me as a man of good. Lucky ones find me a criminal, a hooligan, a somebody wanting a paycheck with no remorse to the consequences of how it was signed or how much blood pooled the money I used for a red bull or socks. In fact, I prefer people consider me a nobody. Do not consider me. I do not exist, as the missing people's reports state. My instructions are clear cut, obvious and simple. I leave my beauty of a ruby red pickup truck in overnight parking, get into a mini van with her fair share of scrapes and bruises ...

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“Lapis & Ravens” by Ivy Kova

Submitted to Contest #67

"Thueban yahmi!" Horus hissed, waving his hand nimbly. A red mass, writhing wildly, attempted to coil into a python to attack a bay of straw set up against the cell wall. However with an undignified hiss, the magic spell retracted back into the magicians hand, causing him to double back in pain. He examined his hand, raw with burns and scars, allowing the frustrated growl clawing at his throat to erupt. “Do not attract any attention to yourself,” Raven murmured, half hidden in the shadows. “Attention means you are a target.”“We are alre...

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“Silence” by Ivy Kova

Submitted to Contest #62

The sun lazily climbed above the trees, stretching her rays after a long night's sleep as the leaves welcomed her warmth. The cold winds migrating to the northern hemisphere had stripped most vegetation from its lush green hue, however life continued to flourish. Small critters rustled in the fallen leaves, flowers stubbornly showed off their petals to bitterly cold raindrops, and any person sparing a moment to glance out their window couldn't help but grin at the gorgeous sight. For many, this season brought peaceful tranquility. "Tommy?"...

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“The Nothing Between Stars” by Ivy Kova

Submitted to Contest #59

Travelling between galaxies is dangerous. Dark abysses plague every universe's sky, leaking in between the warm lights emitted from stars. They hold silent terrors history themself hesitate to inscribe. Stories of murderous marauders, hungry for chaos and destruction, alongside fiend's that feast on black holes call these dimensions home, and only the bravest of travelers take these spaces as feasible travel routes. Or they have unlimited stupidity. "Oh my stars," a blue haired creature groaned, retching as she clamped a hand over her mo...

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“Her Raincoat & Pencil Shavings” by Ivy Kova

Submitted to Contest #47

You check the time. Perfect. As intended, you've arrived fashionably late. You quickly fix the frayed edges of your leather jacket's sleeves, letting it's softened leather soothe you during this misty day. One step at a time, let time pass by with every breath; just keep breathing. Your thoughts are song lyrics, made up on the spot, powering you. Let the fake confidence shine bright, like a light bulb replacing the sun at night. As you throw a final glance at the time on your cracked phone, you see your reflection; sunken in blue eyes, ...

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“The Grendale Family Journal” by Ivy Kova

Submitted to Contest #36

Dear Journal,Hello! This is your first entry; how exciting! Silly me, an introduction is what I should’ve started with: hello, my name is Elli Grendale. I am 26 years old, and I have a beautiful daughter who is 4 years old. She is so smart; refuses to give up a book until she finishes it by herself, adores animals and learning about… well, practically everything! She simply soaks in information! She even chose this journal, probably drawn to the beautifully illustrated cover. I couldn’t ask for a better child to raise. Her name is Annik...

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