In 2013 I was energetically typing a narrative about two young lovers who meet 15 years after their initial break up. Most of the novel was about their relationship before things turned sour and the instant attraction they had for one other.
In this scene, Harry at a wedding reception reminisces about Charlotte’s and his first New Year together…
‘Come, dance with me?’ Charlotte asked waving a tumbler of spirits in her hand as church bells rang out over London marking the beginning of a new year and the voices of people in the street below sang ‘Auld Lang Syne’. The bang and flash of fireworks going off from the park opposite Harry’s flat illuminated Charlotte as she held her arms out to Harry, saying that she hoped that the new year would be ‘their year.’ Charlotte had pulled back the blinds from the windows so that she could see how others brought in the New Year while she stood in her black negligee that clung to her curves. She was looking at Harry with expectant eyes. ‘Happy New Year, my darling,’ she mouthed as Harry swept her up in his arms and held her tightly, whispering into Charlotte’s ear.
‘My only wish for the new year would be that we continue to remain as happy as we are now.’
‘We have so much to be thankful for,’ she continued, wiping tears away from her eyes. ‘We have found each other!’
‘You have no need to cry, Lottie,’ Harry said, kissing her salt wet eyes and then her mouth passionately. ‘I am so overwhelmed by you. I can’t begin to explain how I feel! ’ The radio blared out the bells of Parliament’s Big Ben through the airwaves and then the sound of the 90’s streamed through the speakers of the stereo. Charlotte sang badly to Kylie Minogue
while Harry danced just as poorly. Charlotte never judged Harry; this was a trait that always endeared her to him. Harry felt that he could always be himself with her, knowing she loved him as much as he her, even if he danced appallingly, their attraction ran much deeper than that.
Whether I will be able to make this piece into something more publishable is beyond me… maybe in 2014 I will find new inspiration???
Christine xx
Christine Lucas 