Shaquita B.

“Seasons” by Shaquita B.

           Wynter leaned into the backseat of her Toyota Camry. Vacuuming dirt, lint, and other debris that came from customers’ feet. She’d finished the rear driver’s side when something caught her attention. It was a diary. Leatherbound with the key inside the flap. Now who would leave the key out in the open? Wasn’t the point of a diary for it to be a secret? Furthermore, which of her customers had left their diary in the back of her car?        &nbs...

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“Aunt Jade” by Shaquita B.

Submitted to Contest #144

           The photo snaps and his laughter immediately follows. The sound, a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Lucky for us, it’s a beautiful sunny day in March. The field, overflowing with green grass for miles, as far as my eyes can see, provides a serene atmosphere. Other than a few apple trees, there’s not much out here. While it might seem boring for some of my friends, it’s perfect for me; for the time being anyway.           H...

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“Misadventures of an Introvert” by Shaquita B.

Submitted to Contest #102

Caution: Language Inspired by true events       One morning I noticed a fledgling sitting in a bird’s nest outside of my window, chirping his lungs out with his wings spread. He seemed to peep over the edge of the nest, trying to garner the courage to try out his wings. He reminded me of myself. Trying to gather the nerve to leave the nest of my comfort zone, spread my wings, and fly. I guess that’s what led me to make what turned out to be a poor decision. I took the exit that led to Brooke’s apartment and s...

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“Someone Else” by Shaquita B.

Submitted to Contest #101

I waved as my grandmother pulled out of the parking spot and drove away. Heading up the stairs and towards the doors of the huge brick building, I stopped, turned around, and peered into the road. Once her red Toyota Camry was out of sight, I began walking down the stairs and in the opposite direction. People were out and about, and I took in the various storefronts, including the florist shop and a yoga studio. I was in a great mood and had worn my favorite pink and white polka dot fit-and-flare dress. The heels of my white pumps tapped aga...

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“The Optimistic One” by Shaquita B.

Submitted to Contest #97

           The heel of my boot tapped rhythmically under the coffee table as my knees bounced up and down. The shot of espresso seemed to be working its magic through my limbs. I eagerly watched the people passing by the window with the collar of their coats turned up. Not too strange for early November. I had to have watched about 25 people walk by. None were him. I checked my phone once again. He was ten minutes late. I sighed. Hopefully, he wouldn’t stand me up like he did last night....

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“Judas's Price Tag” by Shaquita B.

Submitted to Contest #95

Caution: Language; Mature Content"Either you tell him the whole truth, or I will.”I slowly closed my eyes and rubbed my temple. A jackhammer would have created less tension. I shouldn’t have been surprised by her ultimatum, and yet I was. Why was this my life right now?  “I don’t see the point.” I responded, hoping to convince her.       “I can’t keep silent about this anymore.”     “Why not?”     “I might as well have the scarlet letter A on my ch...

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“All That Trouble” by Shaquita B.

Submitted to Contest #91

   Simone grabbed her jacket and raced out of her apartment. Once she got downstairs, she ran to her car, opened the door, and got in. I’m forgetting something. She looked down. She had her phone, purse, and keys. What could she have forgotten? The book. That’s the reason she was in such a rush in the first place. Simone had always loved to read. Even when she was in elementary school, she’d always favored going to the library rather than physical education class. The first novel she ever remembered reading was The Secret...

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“Second Best” by Shaquita B.

Submitted to Contest #90

After reading the message on the screen for what had to be the third time, she dropped her phone. At that exact moment, the horn blew, alerting travelers they had arrived at their destination. Passengers on either side of her pushed and shoved to exit the powerful machine of steel. Feet trampled over her phone as she bent down to grab it. Once she did, she re-read the message again. Unfortunately, the words were the same. Grabbing her luggage, she exited and thanked the porter as he helped her down. She observed the sea of people going ...

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