Valerie Preston

Author on Reedsy Prompts since May, 2020

Stories (86)

86 Stories

1502 karma pts

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“Lying to Yourself” by Valerie Preston

The look on her face said it all, disbelief and disappointment. Wrinkles melded into forlornness and the usual bright blue eyes faded into dullness. “I will ask you one more time Adam. Did you take the money from my purse?” She was willing him to tell the truth. She thought maybe her needing him to be truthful would show on her face and somehow be transported from her mind to his. But it didn’t work. He lied….agai...

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“Not Such a Fool” by Valerie Preston

I hate the way people think it’s a necessity to play a prank on someone just because it’s that date…1st April. It’s probably because I’ve been pranked a few times in my life and didn’t enjoy any of them! When I was a youngster at school it seemed to be the day for the boys in our class to do ridiculous things – such as tell you that the principal had asked to see you and looked ‘mad as hell’. You would ...

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“Talking to the Animals” by Valerie Preston

The air was cool and as a lot of the trees were only party covered in leaves – the canopy above had spaces where the brightness filtered through. A soft light, gently made its way from top to bottom – bits of dust and tiny insects danced their way down on the sun beam. I leaned back as far as I could without toppling over and looked up. Blue sky filled the spaces that bare branches made and as I slowly watched high above...

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“Life in a City” by Valerie Preston

“That’s the thing about this city. Even though it’s relatively big, it’s very busy and it can sometimes be a very lonely place to live, which by the way can describe most cities, our city also has a lot of positives , built up through the decades by good and caring people, some of which I’m going to talk about now. When my mother came to this place as a ten year old girl, it seemed so vast and strange to her and v...

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“Is It Monday” by Valerie Preston

I want to keep my eyes open but it’s impossible most of the time. A tiny piece of fluff dances back and forth as the fan whirrs around, and I try to look to my right as it floats away but it’s lost. Am I lost? I can’t think straight – if it’s Monday then what did I do on the weekend? I should have played netball – do I still play? Maybe it’s Tuesday – cheap movie night. What did I last see at the movies? Was it‘Jaws’? I ...

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“It Turned Out For the Best” by Valerie Preston

It Turned Out For The Best Olivia was so excited. She had been nervous about handing over all of her savings to the travel agent (even though it is supposed to be a bargain vacation) and her reluctance showed as she asked a million questions about the insurance, refunds, medical emergencies and lots of other problems she was ridiculously conjuring up in her head. Like a chi...

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“An old fashioned love story” by Valerie Preston

“Are you sure I look alright?” he asked her for the umpteenth time that evening. “Yes Arthur, debonair and handsome, for an old guy”! She added. “We’re only going out with the kids, not to visit royalty”. “I know, but I hate dressing up. Why can’t I just wear my shorts and tee-shirt and be done with it? Where are we going anyway?” he asked. “It’s a surprise Arthur. I’ve told you that! The children ha...

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“Memories of the War” by Valerie Preston

The book was stirring up memories of long ago. I hardly ever thought about it these days, but reading this book was bringing it all back again – the words seemed to talk to me and awaken my senses – allowing me to feel and smell and see everything that had gone on around me all those years ago. I didn’t usually read history books or as my friend puts it ‘deep’ books that just make you feel morbid and unhappy! I d...

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“Forgiveness” by Valerie Preston

I had no idea who it could be – someone who doesn’t realise I’m teaching, although I was told they did say it was important. At least I know it’s not about Lily as she’s in this school too. I quickly walked along the corridor passed the Principal’s office and into the foyer – the sight of the grey walls and floral carpet as enticing as ever. My feet wouldn’t move once I had rounded the corner – I tried to s...

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“So We Are Old Fashioned - Who Cares” by Valerie Preston

Dear Susan. Sorry for the late reply. I’ve been in hospital for the last two weeks with a stupid chest infection. Honestly I can’t believe how many I have had in the last year. Remember how I told you the specialist wanted to do ‘invasive’ tests on me, well he still does, but I’m not having any of it! At my age! Anyway forget about that…how are you doing now? Did you get my card? The mail is so unpredictable these days. ...

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“A Forced Reflection” by Valerie Preston

A Forced Reflection “And don’t forget this little ‘holiday’ is for a reason Abby. You need to think about things – your behaviour, attitude to others, especially your mother and me, and just your overall behaviour. You know we love you and this will be for the best”. Abby’s dad started to walk towards her to give her a hug before leaving but before he reached her, he got told…. “Don...

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“Be Kind Tell White Lies” by Valerie Preston

Be Kind Tell White Lies “I’ve got no friends and nobody likes me!” Well that’s not actually true. I like you”. “Yes but you’re my mum. You’re supposed to like me”. She replied. “Not all parents like their children” Jennie’s mother continued. “I had a friend when I was young and her mum and dad couldn’t stand her. They were horrible to her and she went off to live with her Gr...

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“Ten Fleeting Seconds” by Valerie Preston

Ten Fleeting Seconds We had to play outside for nearly the whole day when we were children. “Can we come in Mum?” we would ask and the short reply was “No off you go and find something to do”.  So we would find something to do. We would all go down the steep dirty track, racing to see who got there first, pushing and shoving and laughing until we reached the bottom. Deidre was always last and we would call her a r...

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“Burnt Offerings” by Valerie Preston

Burnt Offerings “Who is he?” “My Uncle Robert. I first met him when I was a young girl. We all went on a safari to Africa and he was already living there. He was quite an odd man really, different, but very kind. And he absolutely loved Africa, the savannahs, animals, and just the culture of the country. My dad, your Grandad, told us that his brother was extremely rich from ...

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“Sweet Love” by Valerie Preston

“What do you mean he has a new pie for sale? What kind of pie – sweet or savoury?” “I don’t know what type it is. I just saw the sign, that’s all”. “Well go back and sneak in the shop and find out. I need to know”. Tommy got back on his bike and pedalled off as fast as his little legs would go. He parked his rusty old steed down the road a bit, under a tree and scurried off to the bakery. He...

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