Maeryn

Trick of the Mind - 11

Trick of the Mind - 11
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — Written From The Heart

Thanks to Wren Erendae Phoenix for editing/proofing.

We headed towards the centre of town until we found a bus that would take us back to the campus. We climbed on board in silence and found a seat near the back. I was too stunned to speak, or even to think. I felt trapped - lost and without hope. The threat of tears pricked the backs of my eyes as I felt Jen's hand come to rest on my back.

“We’re not licked yet,” she said. “We'll think of something.”

I don’t think she even managed to convince herself.

Trick of the Mind - 10

Trick of the Mind - 10
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — Written From The Heart

Thanks to Wren Erendae Phoenix for editing/proofing.

As I sat down in my reserved seat, I thought back over the past few weeks. Pretty much all I had that seemed worthwhile were the happy memories of that day shopping with Alice, the evening after and the coral dress folded neatly at the bottom of my bag.

Trick of the Mind - 09

Trick of the Mind - 09
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — Written From The Heart

Thanks to Wren Erendae Phoenix for editing/proofing.

The display showed Jen’s name and number.

“No Alice,” I said more as a plea than a denial. I made a grab for the phone, but she pulled it out of my reach.

“I guess I’ll just have to send this to all the J’s then.”

“OK it is, but please don’t.”

“Too late,” she said handing the phone back to me. The display read 'sending photo message' for a second then cleared.

Trick of the Mind - 08

Trick of the Mind - 08
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — Written From The Heart

Thanks to Wren Erendae Phoenix for editing/proofing.

“D’you fancy going shopping tomorrow?” She asked.

Normally that would be a big no, but for one this would get me away from Mum and Dad for a while and for another…

“Sounds like fun,” I said, surprised that it actually did.

Trick of the Mind - 07

Trick of the Mind - 07
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — Written From The Heart

Thanks to Wren Erendae Phoenix for editing/proofing.

I collected my bags and stepped off the train to find Dad waiting for me. The haunted look was still in his eyes, but I put on my best face and strode up to him — not quite as easy as it sounds even though the heels on the sandals I seemed to be wearing were quite low — and shook his hand.

Trick of the Mind - 06

Trick of the Mind - 06
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — Written From The Heart

Thanks to Wren Erendae Phoenix for editing/proofing.

I slipped on my pyjamas and admired my newly hairless body dressed in the pale pink satin chemise that my imagination had conjured when Jen described hers earlier. I actually looked and felt quite feminine for a change, and enjoyed the experience of padding about the hall in my nightie and bunny slippers before heading off to bed for an early night.

Trick of the Mind - 05

Trick of the Mind - 05
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — Written From The Heart

Thanks to Wren Erendae Phoenix for editing/proofing.

I loved this dress for its simple elegance and the delightfully sensual feel it gave, but I also hated it because it represented the break in my relationship with my parents. Somewhat dejectedly I sat down to some more revision.

Trick of the Mind - 04

Trick of the Mind - 04
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — Written From The Heart

Thanks to Wren Erendae Phoenix for editing/proofing.

“You know what I’d like right now?”

There was a twinkle in her eye and I sensed something coming that I wasn’t sure I was going to like.

She looked me directly in the eye and smiled, “I’d like a peek at what you’ve been enjoying all day long.”

Trick of the Mind - 03

Trick of the Mind - 03
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — Written From The Heart

Thanks to Wren Erendae Phoenix for editing/proofing.

I made my way down to Jen’s hall of residence, resisting the urge to skip but somehow unaware that I was holding an imaginary clutch purse in front of me. Jen must have seen me coming as she was outside waiting as I approached. She had a quietly triumphant grin on her face and as I walk up to her she fell into step beside me.

“So Richard,” she began, “what are you wearing today?”

Trick of the Mind - 02

Trick of the Mind - 02
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — Written From The Heart

Thanks to Wren Erendae Phoenix for editing/proofing.

The contents of the bottom drawer of my dresser, that Dave so nearly saw that first day, were the collection of female clothes I had picked up from charity shops and the like over the previous few years. I hadn’t dared indulge my passion these past months for fear of being visited by Dave and his boot, for fear of my guilty secret getting out, and now here I was, sitting in front of all my friends wearing the prettiest, girliest dress I could imagine.

Trick of the Mind - 01

Trick of the Mind - 01
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — Written From The Heart

Maybe a bit of a cheat since I already wrote 74,000 words, but if I top 115k by the end it should still count, right?

Thanks to Wren Erendae Phoenix for editing/proofing.

Richard — University Student

Not a fan of hypnotists, but is persuaded to go to a show at the student bar.

Gets invited up on stage where things get interesting.

Thanks to Wren Erendae Phoenix for the edit/proof, and for the constant prods to get this started.

Trick of the Mind

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Trick of the Mind
by Maeryn Lamonte

In response to Melanie Ezell's lesser know Other Big Closet Ultimately Forgettable Challenge — The longest and most tedious introduction/disclaimer ever.

Back in the days when I used to teach, there was a two week break where I needed to switch off completely from anything to do with classrooms and books and revolting children (they aren't all revolting you understand, just enough to make your life miserable), so I stayed in bed (yes I know it's disgusting, and at my age too. What kind of example is that for the kids?) and wrote the first 70k words of this before running out of time and imagination.

A while ago, I sent it to Wren Phoenix for editing/proofing, and she's been prodding me regularly since to finish it and post it. It's an early effort so I'm going to read through and rewrite — where necessary — as I post (hopefully every one to two days). When I reach the end of what's written, things may slow down a bit.

As ever, resemblance of characters in the story to people in real life is purely co-incidental as well as extremely unlikely, since the story is set in a parallel universe where everything is pretty much as it is here, except for matters relating to the legal profession and mental health care, and quite possibly the way hypnotism works. Which is another way of saying that I don't know how things work in our world and I'm too lazy and being paid too little to do research, so I made stuff up.

Despite that, I hope you enjoy...

Marigold

Marigold
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — L337

1337 words according to Word and a manual count (don't trust OpenOffice) from below the break.

Come on, that's short enough you shouldn't need a synopsis.

What Women Want

What Women Want
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — BYOB

No not Mel Gibson. Well ok, yeah, maybe Mel Gibson, but not that film with him and... you know... that actress. She was in... you know, that film. What was it called? Mmm, Mel...

Oh, sorry. No, this one is set in the future and involves science rather than magic, and a guy who definitely can't read minds. There is romance as well... oh yeah, definitely some of that.

This was inspired by a half forgotten science fiction story. If anyone recognises it and can tell me author and/or title, I'd be grateful.

TG to Me

TG to Me
by Maeryn Lamonte

It's one year to the day since I published my first story on BCTS. By way of celebration, here's something a little different from my usual fare, also in response to one of the Melanie Ezell challenges (Who I am).

So I went a little over the word limit on this one. Frankly my dears, I don't give a sh... hang on, that's not right...

It is a bit of a disjointed ramble this, but I hope it sparks off a few ideas. Please remember in reading it that it is never my intention to be hurtful, and if there is anything in this offering that rubs raw, please accept my apologies and assurance that I never meant it that way.

Heaven Can Wait

Heaven Can Wait
(mostly) by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — Heaven's gift

A tribute (with somewhat shameless 'borrowing' from the 1978 film starring Warren Beatty), with a few inevitable changes of my own, although I've done my best to set it around the same time.

Hey, if the entire film's up there on YouTube (start off with 'Heaven Can Wait (FULL FILM)Part 1' if you're interested), I don't see why I can't get away with this.

Thanks to Puddintane for the edit.

Little Pink Mini

Little Pink Mini
by Maeryn Lamonte
Melanie Ezell's Big Closet Ultimate Writer's Challenge
The Hand Me Down (Sort of), Hit Me With Your Best Shot and Close Encounters
 
Eric's Gran left him a car in her will, only it's not quite what he expected.

In time the unusual bequest pushes him to face some hidden truths inside himself, and from there face off against some people who don't want to accept that such truths should exist.

There is some small reference to violence in this, but nothing explicit

Primroses and Lace

Primroses and Lace

by Maeryn Lamonte
Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge - An Ordinary Girl

 
”Hey Mum, I'm just heading down to the mall to meet up with some friends.”

“Ok sweetie, be safe.”

“Sure, see you later.”

Beyond Fury Road

Beyond Fury Road
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — Mad Max(ine)

A broken world. A future in free-fall. A man destroyed when a savage and senseless attack tears everything of value from him and leaves him with nothing but hate and the hope of revenge.

He will do anything to gain vengeance. Anything. But will he find the answers he needs on Fury Road, or do they lie somewhere beyond?

Caution: This isn’t a particularly pleasant story. Read with care. Further caution, I am British and given to understating things.

Blood and Desire

Blood and Desire
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — The Diary of Hortense

Ding dong the witch is dead? Not quite like that.

There's this delivery guy at the door with a package from some solicitors I've never heard of. Hortense Willikins? Wasn't she that old lady who lived down the road? And why on Earth would she leave me an empty journal in her will?

Crossmatched

Crossmatched
by Maeryn Lamonte

A breakdown. A chance meeting. Two lonely people, making the best of the lives they’ve been given. Two lonely people who don’t fit well enough to find happiness. Two lonely people at odds with the world.

Perhaps this will work. Perhaps they’re crossmatched.

Booted

Booted
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge — Henry Harrelson's Custom Fit Boots

Rupert is a successful bank manager and, as his fortieth birthday approaches, he’s hopeful that he’ll be offered a place on the bank’s board of governors.

His wife buys him a generous gift: A pair of boots from Henry Harrelson’s — boots made to fit your feet and your personality. Only these aren’t the sort of boots a bank manager might wear, and the kind gesture promises to turn into a crash and burn career wise, not to mention the affect it might have on his marriage.

Can Rupert salvage anything from the wreckage?

Limbo

Feels a little like being adrift at the moment. Finishing YMIFE brought a release of a tension inside me that isn't unlike finishing reading a good book or series, and I've been basking in the relief for a while.

Been keeping busy. Managed to earn enough to pay for the replacement washing machine and the repairs to the car and a dozen other things. Doesn't leave much for the mortgage or the groceries, but the wolf isn't at the door yet.

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My Broken Dreams

My Broken Dreams

by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge - The Song

With suitably abject apologies to the incomparable Janis Ian for even daring to hope that such a poor variation on perfection might meet with some approval.

Fortune Favours

Fortune Favours
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's big closet ultimate writer's challenge - TG or not TG

Richard just got stood up. That's the problem with Internet dating though, you don't know if there's any chemistry until you meet, and this time there evidently wasn't.

Still, it's not been a complete wast of time. A couple of tables over voices have been raised and Richard recognises an opportunity when he comes across one. Fortune favours the brave and, if he can find enough courage, this just might be worth sticking his neck out for...

You Meant it for Evil - 23

You meant it for evil - 23
by Maeryn Lamonte

Lips brushed ever so lightly, ever so briefly, but enough. I felt the power enter me again, felt the familiar dizzy sensation, felt myself growing, straining the fabric of my clothes. The comforting weight of my hair receded. Delicate nylon stretched and tore, the straps of my sandals snapped and along with them the last of my strength. I sagged to my knees, Ken's knees. Lifted my hands to my face, Ken's hands, Ken's face. I opened my mouth to cry out, but no sound would come. Inside something broke and what poured out and spread through every fibre of my being was a most profound and utter sense of loss that went beyond imagining.

You Meant it for Evil - 22

You meant it for evil - 22
by Maeryn Lamonte

MAJOR CAUTIONARY WARNING: Ultimate cliff-hanger ahead. Not for the squeamish.

“I was wondering when you were going to get round to proposing to Sharon again.”

Ok, so maybe he was right. Maybe I didn't do subtle. He was looking sheepish and evasive. Warning bells started to ringing at the back of my mind.

“Actually, I've been giving that some thought, and I'm not sure I'm going to.”

You Meant it for Evil - 21

You meant it for evil - 21
by Maeryn Lamonte

Hot and steamy moments ahead, but nothing that nasty this time.

“You were wrong, and now I have the most delicious of revenges for you. You wanted to change me into a girl against my will, not let me do the same for you. Let me turn you back into the man you once were.”

I was struck by paralysing terror as he moved in towards me, his lips parted slightly in preparation for the kiss I knew would shatter all the wonders and delights my new life had brought me.

You Meant it for Evil - 20

You meant it for evil - 20
by Maeryn Lamonte

CAUTION: The ending of this chapter may be disturbing to some readers. Please exercise caution and, if in doubt, wait until the next chapter is published before reading beyond the red -oOo- divider.

Thanks to Cyclist for input regarding UK police response.

Another orderly hurried over and a doctor brandishing a syringe.

“No, I. Please no. I'm her, she's me. This isn't right. Emily why are you doing this?”

I felt a sharp stab in my arm and the last thing I saw was Mike and Emily, and even Charley, looking at me with a mixture of fear and pity. Emily, clinging to Mike's arm as if for support, allowed herself the vaguest hint of a smile then the world faded into darkness

You Meant it for Evil - 19

You meant it for evil - 19
by Maeryn Lamonte

CAUTION: Some readers have said they found parts of this chapter disturbing. please exercise caution, and sorry for the late warning notice on this one.
The representative took a step closer, standing head and shoulders taller than me and giving me a close up look of his broad chest and two arms that were bigger around than my thighs. I let out a shuddering breath. I was tempted to reason with him, but some instinct told me to hold off, that this would be better if the initiative came from him; from them. I swallowed down my growing fear and slowly looked up into hazel eyes and finely chiselled features. Come on Liz, something to break the ice. Could that work? I took a chance and forced a quavering smile.

“You know it's a damn shame you're not straight.”

You Meant it for Evil - 18

You meant it for evil - 18
by Maeryn Lamonte

CAUTION: This chapter contains a brief description of attempted suicide.
The light on my answerphone flashed a greeting at me as I walked through the door. Just the one message. I dumped my bags on the sofa and pressed play.

“Miss Raeburn? Doctor Marston here. Your sisters. I wonder if you could take the time to come and visit tomorrow morning. Rather urgent.”

You Meant it for Evil - 17

You meant it for evil - 17
by Maeryn Lamonte

It was raining now. I had the windscreen wipers on, but it was hard to tell if my blurred vision was caused by raindrops on glass or the tears which continued to flow. Suddenly there were lights ahead of me. Red lights and the tall yellow shape of a lorry, too close. I jammed on my brakes. An ugly laughter drifted across my awareness and one last phrase.

“You're mine.”

You Meant it for Evil - 16

You meant it for evil - 16
by Maeryn Lamonte

“Miss Raeburn, this is detective inspector Chubb. I caught something of your official opening on the telly this afternoon and may I say it was a most impressive showing.”

“Thank-you detective inspector, it's kind of you to say.”

“I only tell it as I see it Miss Raeburn. Speaking of which, I was over at the institute where your, er, sisters are being treated. I spent some time chatting to the doctors responsible for their care, suggested that you might be able to help. It seems they agree. They were wondering if you might be free to visit tomorrow.”

You Meant it for Evil - 15

You meant it for evil - 15
by Maeryn Lamonte

CAUTION: This chapter contains a short description of police photographs which may be unsettling

“I'm sorry Miss Raeburn. We did everything we could, but it just seemed like she gave up.”

I nodded. A fresh tear trickled down my cheek and I brushed it away. I'd thought I had run out of them.

“There's another thing. The police are here. I'm afraid they want a word with you.

Double Dare 6 - Who Dares Wins

Double Dare 6 — Who Dares Wins
by Maeryn Lamonte

Stephanie survived her first week at school, but only just. She was definitely falling apart towards the end, and probably would have if it hadn't been for Portia. Still it'll probably be easier to put him/her back together the way he/she was meant to be now.

There are still quite a few loose ends left to tie up, not least amongst them being what will happen when the new Stevie turns up at School on Monday morning.

Double Dare 5 - Dare to be Me

Double Dare 5 — Dare to be Me
by Maeryn Lamonte

Steven has discovered that it takes more than putting on a skirt to become a girl, and more than becoming a girl to become accepted. He thought he'd found a way to make his life better but it just got a lot worse. The question is does he have any friends left

Double Dare

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Double Dare Series
by Maeryn Lamonte

The first chapter was intended as a one off story as part of Melanie Ezell's Big Closet Ultimate Writer's Challenge — 5th Mar — The Challenge

It seemed to take on a life of its own however, so grew into a short mini series.

Steven isn't the most popular kid in school. He keeps himself to himself most of the time, then a couple lads dare him to ask out the most beautiful girl in the school, and one thing Steven can't turn his back on is a dare. When he asks the question, the ante is upped as she dares him to go out with her dressed as a girl.

Double Dare 4 - Dare to be Different

Double Dare 4 — Dare to be different
by Maeryn Lamonte

Steven’s parents have agreed to him trialling living full time as a girl. Knowing the response he’s had from the other lads at school to him just being a weedy guy, this could prove to be a tough decision, unless his new friends can come through for him.

Double Dare 3 - Double or Quits

Double Dare 3 — Double or Quits
by Maeryn Lamonte

Monday morning changed a lot of things for Steven. Every boy in the school was jealous of the attention he had received from Portia and her friends, and none of them were standing by him. It was just as well then that more and more girls were becoming friendly with him, except that they were only interested in the girly side of him…

Double Dare 2 - Double or Nothing

Double Dare 2 — Double or nothing
by Maeryn Lamonte

Steven just spent Friday evening out on the town with the four hottest girls in school, only he was wearing a frilly, pink dress at the time. Going back to school on Monday is going to be interesting.

Kudos by title

I just wondered if it was possible/difficult to pull out kudos for each story, possibly put it as a separate column in the my stories page. From my PoV it would be useful to see which of my stories/chapters were better appreciated (more specifically to see which ones bombed so that I don't repeat the same mistakes).

Sorry Erin if this opens a can of worms.

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Scout

Scout
by Maeryn Lamonte

Melanie Ezell's Big Closet Ultimate Writer's Challenge — February — Where No (Wo)man Has Gone Before

Arthur Denton (parents had a sense of humour) has just turned seventeen. He's been waiting for this day for most of his life, because today he's old enough to apply to join the Fleet Scout Service. It's not just the thrill of adventure that attracts him either, you see they promise to turn him into the person he's always wanted to be.

You Meant it for Evil - 14

You meant it for evil - 14
by Maeryn Lamonte

CAUTION: There are some references to rape and miscarriage in this chapter

“Well perhaps you will next time then. Anyway I hope you don't have plans for tonight because as of now you're lined up for a mainstream talk show interview at nine. I'm not sure where at the moment as both ITV and the BBC are bidding for you, and I need to talk to Karen to find out how she wants to handle things.

“If I were you I'd clear my diary for the rest of the week too, as I suspect there'll be a few more offers in the pipeline. Wear something nice tonight won't you dear? I'll arrange for a car to pick you up at eight.”

You Meant it for Evil - 13

You meant it for evil - 13
by Maeryn Lamonte

“This week has been like heaven to me, right up until ten minutes ago. If you're going to chew me up and spit me out then please stop chewing and spit. I don't think I can stand another round with you.”

Oh God no. He let go of my suddenly numb fingers and walked back up the hill. A chill spread through me rooting me to the spot, fixing a horrified mask on my face. No God, no, please no.

The tears wouldn't come, they were frozen somewhere inside.

You Meant it for Evil - 12

You meant it for evil - 12
by Maeryn Lamonte

Tarquin! Who calls their child Tarquin these days? Filled with trepidation I thanked the driver who was holding my door, scooped up my immense skirts and slid inside.

Trying my hardest to mask my mixed feelings I turned to my companion and smiled in greeting.

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