Mariah Heller

“Huntington Lake” by Mariah Heller

Submitted to Contest #140

“Remember the bear?  With Dad around, we didn’t even realize we were in potential danger.  At least our food was wrapped up well and out of reach from wildlife,” recollected Ellie while she was on the phone with Susan.   Susan snorted, causing the sound waves to vibrate against Ellie’s ear.  “Wrapped up?  Don’t you remember that bear ate the rest of the dog food!  Dad and Uncle Brian secured our food, not Porky’s.” Ellie smiled at the memory she and Susan shared camping with their dad at Huntington La...

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“Monterey Street” by Mariah Heller

Submitted to Contest #138

She texted him again. Her secret friend. It was getting harder and harder for Ellie to go to bed at a decent time ever since she met him online. How quickly they hit it off still surprised her, despite the fact that the butterflies that have taken up residence in her belly fluttered every time her phone sent a notification.   “Bling”   She grabbed for the phone in a flurry and nearly knocked off the romance novel she was reading earlier.   Ellie chuckled quietly to herself at the irony. She ...

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“I'm Late” by Mariah Heller

Submitted to Contest #122

Twins. She and Van were going to have twins. Jenna’s head was still reeling from the news she’d just received from her doctor. They’d been trying all of five minutes for baby number two. Having their daughter, now two years old, it seemed like a good time to aim for a brother or sister for little Amy. They’d just decided to start trying after she ended her last cycle. She was late by the time she was due for her next period. She remembered that conversation. “Van, I’m one day late.”“Yeah, you’re pregna...

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“Tainted Water” by Mariah Heller

Submitted to Contest #121

“Thanks a lot! You’re the best, big brother!” hollered Jackson, waving wildly as his older brother drove away.  At twenty-four, he was finally moved into his first apartment. Well, calling himself moved in was an exaggeration. His stuff was piled in haphazardly-labeled boxes scattered throughout his small little two-bedroom space.  When Jason’s taillights disappeared into the darkness, Jackson headed upstairs to decide what he wanted to do. The eternal question of any independent young man: start unpac...

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“Overdue Beginning” by Mariah Heller

Submitted to Contest #120

Her form-fitting red wrap dress was designed to be sexy and alluring. She knew she could attract just about any man here this evening but she didn’t care. Monica D'Angelo already knew what, or rather who, she was after. If Logan Carver was married, she’d simply congratulate him and wish him well. Only then, would she know he was never meant to be with her. However, if he were single, she’d lay out the plan she’d spent the last year preparing. She’d increased her visits to the gym, found her center spiritually, w...

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“Until Owen” by Mariah Heller

Submitted to Contest #119

She was falling asleep. Again. These graveyard shifts pulling overtime were brutal. Sofie was beginning to question if earning that extra pay was worth it when her eyelids were drooping on the freeway as she headed home to her too-tiny, one-bedroom apartment. She really wanted to save for a decent down payment on a house, but at what cost? Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you looked at it, the hospital was short on ER nurses. To help keep any nurse working longer hours, they’d converted a larger r...

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“Autumn's Winter” by Mariah Heller

Submitted to Contest #118

The crisp air was invigorating as she went for her morning walk through the small acre of wild blackberries and Douglas Fir trees behind her house.  The sweet scent of the morning dew permeated her mind, emboldening Olivia’s senses while registering the fine mist surrounding her.  Her brisk pace woke her up daily, better than any morning cup of coffee ever could. As she was taking in the damp air, filling her lungs, and on her skin, she paused to pick a few wild blackberries. The tart juice was limited but still attempted...

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“Heaven Scent” by Mariah Heller

Submitted to Contest #116

Heaven Scent Marcus pored over the books one more time, not registering the evidence before him. The numbers were all a blur at this point. He didn’t want to believe his restaurant was hemorrhaging money. Slamming the books shut, he swore. After four years of living his dream and running his bistro, Marcus may need to hang up his apron.            “Are you sure there’s nothing we can do?” He looked at Steven, his accountant, who looked just as deflated as Marcus ...

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“Curve Ball” by Mariah Heller

She took the narrow, winding curves faster than she should, but Vivian Chandler was running late for work. Given the recent rain, she knew it was a gamble hugging the slick pavement so quickly, but she had an urgent appointment she needed to prepare for. “Yes, I’m here, sorry,” Vivian responded to her cousin on the phone, talking into her car’s dash. “What did Caleb say when you sent him his final alimony check last week?” “You know, the usual, that I owe him more,” Desiree’s voice was garbled over the speakers, but h...

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