Michael Hayes

“Unaware Dare” by Michael Hayes

The rumor about Shannon and Scott was true; which they staunchly denied. It was the dead of night, in a dimly lit room, four students sat opposite each other around a small table, with an empty bottle on its side. “My turn” declared a twenty-year-old woman, of average build, with long flowing brown hair and brown eyes to match. She proceeded to spin the bottle, which ended up pointing at a young man, with a ginger beard and a ginger stubble. His green eyes looked with dismay as the bottle pointed towards him. The woman smirked. “Truth or dar...

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“A Room With A Doom” by Michael Hayes

Submitted to Contest #97

Remote. It housed a secret. The house was the most isolated the couple could find to rent. Nestled amidst the north Pennines hills, the medium sized cottage enjoyed picturesque views of the surrounding countryside. The couple, both in their early thirties, were greeted by Mr Jackson, the landlord, who looked as though he was in his sixties; proceeded to show the couple around. Mr Jackson Turned to Carl and asked, “Mr Rhodes, what do you do for a living?” “I’m the Senior Cashier for a bank,” Carl replied. “And Mrs Rhodes?” “Miss Porter. He wo...

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“Watching (from the Shadows)” by Michael Hayes

Submitted to Contest #92

“In the middle of the night, she awoke to see a towering dark figure leering over her.“ “They don’t exist, it’s her imagination." “They do”, he insisted. She shook her head with doubt, “Shadows exist. Shadow people don’t!” “Come with me tonight. I’ll prove it”, her boyfriend responded. Kate was well aware that her boyfriend of 3 months, Danny, was obsessed with the supernatural. Ironically, she herself was an absolute skeptic; someone needed to bring him down to earth. The prospect of Shadow Men, wasn’t a new fad, but she agreed to go with h...

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“The Dark Silence” by Michael Hayes

Submitted to Contest #84

“Switch it off now”, she demanded. “What! It’s keeping him alive!” exclaimed nurse Chloe, “anyway, That’s his family’s choice.” “He has no family!” It was dark and quiet. I was completely shrouded by thick black sticky clouds. The air was thick, heavy, toxic and barely breathable, with a putrid smell. I was paralyzed. I had a pain all over me, with a massive headache and nausea. I thought being dead would be better than this. Then, the black clouds started to disperse, and the silence gave way to unintelligible murmurs. I could make out a p...

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“Black Fire” by Michael Hayes

Submitted to Contest #82

Finally finished. Surely this will make me rich! It was a mild spring night, in the local park. A couple, in their mid thirties sat looking at the full moon’s image dance upon the surface of the lake. Beyond the dark silent outline of the forest. The only noise was the muffled sound of distant traffic. “So, when are you going to install it whispered Paul as they kissed. “Tomorrow night, after work”, replied Jodie. “I’m not sure that giving an app that level of artificial intelligence and artificial emotion, is a good idea.” Jodie kissed her ...

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“The Priorgate Curse” by Michael Hayes

Submitted to Contest #77

“I don’t know why Gravesy picked on us to work late.” It was yet another late Friday that Kaz had to work, when she rather be in the pub with her friends. Only Melinda worked more late Fridays, but she wanted the job of supervisor. “Who the hell is Gravesy”, asked Simon, who also hated working late. At five o’clock, he was usually the first out the door. “The Boss” “Uh? Douglas Clark?” She sniggered. “His real name is Douglas Graves.” “That’s the last of the servers backed up”, Melinda said preparing to lock up. ”Home time.” Priorgate Grange...

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“Deep Leap” by Michael Hayes

Submitted to Contest #75

“You said you’d never do that in a million years!” As the saying goes, ‘Look before you leap’. I shrugged. I have seen the show ‘Love Trap’ many times, and wondered why people would go on these shows. The infamous show claims you will find true love by marrying another contestant they’ve never met or seen. I often watched the show, just to see their faces when they met their match. Sometimes they are pleasantly surprised, sometimes they try to mask their disappointment, and other times go Arrrgh. In sickness and in health. Death us do part. ...

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“Cold Feet” by Michael Hayes

Submitted to Contest #72

You’ve got a letter”, exclaimed Danielle, “from a solicitor!” I cannot understand why. I haven’t done anything wrong; I thought as I gingerly opened the envelope. To my great surprise Aunt Hilda had passed away and left me ten million pounds in her will, but there was a catch. I didn’t know I had an Aunt Hilda; in fact, I didn’t know of any rich people in my family. Danielle, my fiance, was naturally excited. “So, what’s the catch?” “I have to live on the streets for a full month.” “Choose July.” “It has to be January”, I said realizing the ...

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“I saw what you did” by Michael Hayes

Submitted to Contest #70

“Remind me why we’re here?” “Ghost hunting” “Why at night?”, quizzed Lisa. “Because they only come out at night”, replied Terri. The two friends, both in their twenties, walked from the woods into the ruins of the eight-hundred-year-old abbey. The roof had long gone, allowing the full moon to give some illumination to the very shadowy remains. Large sections of old stone walls still existed as a testament to better times. “I feel that we are being watched”, remarked Lisa. “Is it the ghost?” “Let’s go back” “It’s your imagination”, said Terri...

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“Forbidden Liaisons” by Michael Hayes

Submitted to Contest #67

Angry grey clouds filled the sky, swirled by a bitter cold wind. This isn’t how I expected spring to be. Making my way back to the car I heard a voice say, “Pete, aren’t you talking to me?” I turned and saw Danielle, whom I’ve not seen for five years. Now 30, she stood with a welcoming smile. Her green eyes sparkled in the little light available, she still had dark shoulder length brown hair. I felt uplifted to see her as suddenly, the winds didn’t seem so bitter. ”Danielle”, I exclaimed, “How have you been? How are you?” “Fine. Lovely see y...

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“Lingering Darkness” by Michael Hayes

Submitted to Contest #65

“I cannot believe you talked me into this.” “Easy money.” Louise smirked. I looked around at our spooky environment, our accommodation for the night. Spending the night in a cemetery, for a mere £100 bet, is hardly easy money. Our torches had little effect on the vast darkness. Thankfully there was a full moon, giving some illumination through the wispy clouds, allowing us to see row after row of well-kept graves, stood in parade in the absolute silence. Louise my girlfriend of six months has a morbid fascination in making out in grave yards...

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“Grave Danger” by Michael Hayes

Submitted to Contest #64

The clock struck eleven, on the church overlooking the dark graveyard. The only other sound to breach the silence was the occasional breeze through the surrounding trees. The clear sky was dominated by the looming full moon which cast eerie shadows of the disheveled old graves that dominated the cemetery. “What’s that?” I heard some rustling, like footsteps nearby. “Relax, don’t be so on edge”, assured Louise, “as her hands held my face. “Less talk,more kissing,” she whispered as her lips met mine. ‘Crack’, I heard another sound, as though s...

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