This Thing Called Love, an old story I wrote and havent finished

[Malaika]

This was a story I wrote for Extension English. I'll write it as a serial, because I couldn't be stuffed writing it all out in one go. Enjoy!

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By day, the house looked cute. Not really outstanding, but not particularly run-down either. Just... homely. There were a few pickets missing from the little fence. The garden had one or two weeds, secluded away in the shadows. A few bits of gravel dotted the freshly cut grass, but most of it remained on the path, leading up to the veranda. The dusty concrete porch had been painted green at some point, to match the walls. Quaint little curtains were hung up from inside, to keep away the sun when dusk set in.

In the evening it looked even better. For some indescribable reason, the porch-light added a fantasy air about the whole house, shining into the garden, where the sprinklers ticked their way in endless circles.

But you never take notice of what a house looks like when its pelting rain, and the lightning seems so close you feel like its homing in on you, like a laser-guided friction bomb. The sonic explosions deafened Paul as he stepped over the little swinging gate, and trudged along the path, forever giving up the battle to stay dry. He slumped up to the door, taking off his jacket and boots. Pushing open the door, he walked into the warm house. He could smell a stew cooking in the kitchen. Josie was home, then. Not working late again for that prick...

"I'm home, Babe!"

He walked, dripping, down the short hallway, into the kitchen. Josie stood with her back to him, stirring a pot lazily. Her deep brown hair was tied back, revealing her slender neck. A single piece of hair hung down on her cheek. Paul watched silently as she brushed it back for the umpteenth time, not missing a beat with the methodical stirring. Something was on her mind. He padded up and slid his arms around her waist.

"Hey, Baby."

She sighed. "Hi sweetie. You're late. Caught up at work again?"

"I'm sorry, Jose. Yeah, Steve held me back to go over some reports with him, then the car broke down on my way home... Smells delicious."

She shrugged a reply. Twisting gently out of his grip, she crossed the kitchen to get bowls from the cupboard. Paul watched her go, confused. She was never like this when he was late. Something was up.

"Josie? Is something wrong?"

She looke dat him and gave a weak smile. "I'm fine. Why don't you get some dry clothes on before we sit down for tea?"

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"I've just got a few things on my mind, that's all."

"It's not that bastard, Edgeworth, is it? If he upset you, I swear..."

"He doesn't bother me, Paul."

"Well, he bothers me. He's a sleazy arsehole, Josie. I don't know why you put up with it. You work slave shifts for stuff-all pay, and you're expected to be content? He's extorting you. Why don't you just quit, and stay home? I can look after you."

"I don't want to quit. I like working. It gives me something to do, even if the pay is bad."

"what about the management? You could at least find another job. One without some wanker constantly-"

I don't need your protection, Paul. I can make my own decisions, and I can look after myself. Now go and get changed, I don't want to talk about it."
Josie waited till he left, then slumped against the cupboard-top. he would find out sooner or later, but how could she tell him? She couldn't go on like this. He had to know.
"Tomorrow," she whispered, "Tomorrow"

...

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Tell me if you think it's worth continuing. It still has 5 more pages (that was 1), and its nowhere near finished yet...

[Rebal Assasan]

Thats really good M, Can put up some more please it is very interesting! :D

[Malaika]

Here we go - page 2!
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Paul rolled over, and opened a bleary eye. The covers on the other side of the bed were thrown back. Josie wasn't there. He twisted around. A hazy stare at the alarm clock told him it was almost six. He sighed. He hated waking up early. He threw the sheets off and slid out of bed. One look at the closet told him that coffee was needed before anything as strenuous as getting dressed, so he grabbed his bathrobe as he walked out the door. He rubbed his eyes as he stumbled down the hallway. Splinters of light shone out from under the bathroom door. Josie must be working early, he thought as he walked into the kitchen and flicked on the electric kettle. He sat, staring blankly at the boiling kettle for a while, until he realised that Josie had entered the room. By the look of her, she obviously hadn't been getting ready for work. She was still in her pyjamas, and her hair was matted from sleep. He couldn't help notice the bags under her bloodshot eyes.

He looked at her in concern. "Josie, you look terrible. Are you sick?"

"I'm all right. I just need some water."

"You need to go to bed."

"I'll feel better after a shower and a coffee." She looked at him, and paused. Her mouth opened, then closed again. She turned toward the sink.

"Something's on your mind, Baby. What is it?"

She seemed to be rolling something over in her mind. She paused again before she spoke. "Shouldn't you get ready? You have a pretty long walk ahead of you."

Paul swore. He'd forgotten he didn't have the car. It was still sitting abandoned a few blocks away. He forgot to call the NRMA last night. This conversation was going to have to wait. At this time, he'd be pushing to get to work by nine. He couldn't help feeling Josie had just escaped something important.

"I'll be home early tonight, Babe. We can talk about it then." He turned and hustled out the door.

Josie waited for the bathroom door to click shut, before sighing heavily.



"Excuse me? Could we get some glasses for this Coke? With ice, please."

"Of course, Sir, I'll be right back." Josie squeezed through the tables, heading toward the kitchen.

"Hey Miss!"

She turned around, to see a few men at a nearby table looking at her. She walked over.

"I couldn't have a moment o' your time, could I Miss?"

They looked like construction workers. Creased shirts, dusty and unshaven faces. The one that spoke was built like a rock. His huge hands rested on the table, casually shredding a napkin. The others just sat, intent on the conversation.

"Me an' the boys here was just wondering, Miss. We'd like to know how much extra it is for you to give us a lap-dance?"

Josie glared at him in disgust, and turned away. He managed to slap her bottom before she got away. Stepping into the kitchen, she slumped. Today was going painfully slow. She'd only been working a few hours, and she felt so weak. She had a few seconds to rest before reaching for the glasses.

"Josie! Just the girl I've been looking for."

Shit. She thought she might have been able to get through a few more hours before seeing him. She composed herseolf, and turned around.

"Yes, Mr Edgeworth?"

"About tonight. I won't be able to give you overtime. We're a bit tight. I'll make it up to you though." He stepped forward.

"Sir, I was wondering if I could get tonight off. I'm feeling a bit low, and-"

"I'm sorry Josie. That's impossible. Anita can't work, so I need you."

He looked at her sharply as she opened her mouth. She gave up and turned back to her work. "Yes Sir." She gave in meekly.

He didn't move. She waited for a moment, but he just stood there. She felt his eyes on her back as she poured ice into the glasses. She heard his footsteps as he came closer. She felt herself breathing heavier.

"And wear your hair down. It brings out your eyes."

He was right behind her now. She had to resist the urge to bolt. Like a frightened rabbit, she stood as his hand touched her wrist, then moved slowly up her arm, around her shoulder. She was trembling. Suddenly, his other hand shot out. Josie jumped, as he pulled her hairclip out, sending her shoulder-length hair cascading down around her face.

"That's better." His hand hadn't left her shoulder.

"Mr Edgeworth, please..." She could feel his breath down the back of her neck, hot, and at the same time, chilly.

"What? Just go with it."

She tried to twist away, but he held her. His hand started moving slowly down her neck. That was too much for Josie. Her foot lashed back, catching him on the shin. He cried out loudly, and she escaped hastily while he was preoccupied.


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bum bum baaaahhh. As you may have noticed, there are several things going on in the story. The idea is that by the end, they would have all interwoven. but I haven't finished it yet, so... Let me know when you want more :P my hands get sore writing.

[happysister]

i know i don't have to tell you how much i enjoy your writing, M. ^_^ great work, as usual.

[Rebal Assasan]

Excellent :D And please keep them coming

[Malaika]

A warning. After this point, the story gets a little 'mature'. Meaning nasty words, mature subject matter, and some quite disturbing scenes later on. Read on at your own discretion.

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Josie hated working late. Not because it was long, not because of the poor money, not even because Edgeworth was a cock-sure sleaze. It was dark. Every shadow seemed to hide monsters and muggers and rapists. Those five short minutes between work and home seemed the longest in her lifetime. The only thing stopping her from going insane was the thought of Paul at the end of the ordeal. Of falling into his arms in relief, feeling his broad shoulders and toned chest rhythmically rise with her own. The walk always made her miss him. His deep blue eyes, rugged chin, infectious smile. Every thought made her feel more vulnerable, made her quicken her step just that little bit more. No matter how much she kept saying she could get by on her own, she knew she'd break apart without him.

She was so lost in thought, that she missed the flicker in the shadows. The voice made her stop cold in fear.

"Well, well. Look what we got here..."

A shape detached itself from the darkness. Josie looked around for anybody else, but she was alone. With him.

"Now that you aren't so busy, maybe you could give us that dance, sweetie."

Her heart was racing as things clicked into place. The big man from the cafe stepped closer. She backed away, but was pinned by the wall behind her. He converged on her, grinning.

"So," he spoke again, "how bout it?"

She was fast, but he was faster. In a blur he ripped the bag from her grip and crushed her hand, making her drop the pepper spray. She cried out in pain, and crumpled against the wall.

"What are you doing? I ain't a bad guy, really. If you get to know me. And I think we got the time. Wanna get to know me?" He leered.

She cowered in terror, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Whats that? You want your man, huh? Well, we can't have everything. Get up!"

He ripped her to her feet, and planted his mouth on hers. She screamed into his kiss, but he didn't stop. His huge hand found its way up her top, and crudely squeezed her breast. He pulled his mouth away, and replaced it with his hand, preventing her from crying out. Josie was pinned against the wall, helpless. She could do nothing but stand there as he had his fun.

"Take it easy. I ain't gunna hurt you much..."

Suddenly another shadowy figure barrelled into his side, sending them both flying to the ground. THe other man got the best of her attacker, rolling on top of him and punching him ruthlessly in the face, again and again. Then he grabbed his head, and brutally smashed it into the cement. Her assailant suddenly went limp. His hand dropped to the ground. The other man stopped for a moment to catch his breath, before wiping his bloody hand on the unconcious man's dirty shirt. Then he stood and turned around. Josie almost choked in relief, and threw herself forward, into his arms.

Paul murmered nothings to her for a while, calming her down as she sobbed into his shoulder, before picking her up in his arms, and carrying her, still clutching his chest, back home.

[LordShadow]

Thats realy good m, keep it coming.