Pen, Paper, Action!: Volume 01

By Sonia Rumzi

Step into the world of bestselling writer Sonia Rumzi's "Pen, Paper, Action!", six novelettes of entertaining characters, perplexing situations and outright shocking tales of the human condition; stories of what people do to each other. Life.

It Could Happen Again:
The struggle of a mother to free herself from the tyranny of a man she once loved, but now threatened her peace of mind, her life and the life of her children.

Of No Consequence
Even though we would like to think poverty is not a shame, women alone with children still face horrors of life. In this story, a servant suffers at the hand of others.

Never Call The Doctor
A sociopath who believes his destiny involves killing anyone of his choosing, flunks medical school, yet refuses to let it go.

A Flick Of Time
Married man, married woman, single ugly friend and angry husband, make for explosive results. If that is a surprise then for sure there is no human understanding.

What She Needs
A mother’s love may be destructive or effective to build her child. The balance is a never ending struggle of give and take, but what if take, outweighs? Then chaos presides.

You Can Have Mine
Just because you want something and it happens to belong to someone else, does mean that you have to eliminate the competition to get it. A destructive manipulative woman attempts to extract what she wants.

“... Should be read in the halls of Congress.”
- dk LeVick, author of “Bridges, A Tale of Niagara”

“...an age old scenario with a rather unnerving ending. Great read!”

“...says it all with just the right balance.”
- Pandora Poikilos, author of “Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out”

Sonia Rumzi, an English Literature major in college; turned to Medical Technology for practical purposes. Originally from Egypt, her knowledge base includes; cooking, knitting, oil painting, travel, photography, and movies; and most importantly, raising her daughters. Sonia uses this rich background crafting stories on the human condition. Life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heart Press
• Release date: May 5, 2011
• ISBN: 9781937079079

Sonia Rumzi

Writer Sonia Rumzi, an English Literature major in college; turned to, Medical Technology, for practical purposes. Originally from Egypt, her knowledge base includes; cooking, knitting, oil painting, photography, travel and movies; and most importantly, raising her daughters. Sonia uses this rich background writing on the human condition.

Book preview

Pen, Paper, Action!

Volume 01

by

Sonia Rumzi

Heart Press

Sausalito, California

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright ©2011 Sonia Rumzi All rights reserved.

Published by Heart Press at Smashwords

Cover Art Copyright ©2011 istefano.com

Design by Stefano

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information: Heart Press, Rights Department,

1001 Bridgeway, #161, Sausalito, CA 94965

First Edition May 2011

ISBN: 978-1-937079-07-9

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your retailer and purchase your own copy.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN

When the phone call came nothing had prepared Noor for it. Getting herself ready for bed was the only thought in mind. It was the end of Halloween Day 1997 and Boston at that time was past the comfortable weather in the evenings.

Picking up the telephone she was greeted by a panicked Truvy on the other end of the line.

Please, please, please come get me. Noor, please come and get me. He is wild and drunk. He just pushed me against the wall and I was holding the baby and....

As her voice trailed off while Noor half-suffocated by her anger tried to call out that she was on the way. Life prepared you for many things but this was not one of them. Having never experienced, as an adult, this fear and panic she heard in her friend, she said with quiet control, I will be right there.

As she hung up, she heard shouting but knew that if she lingered any longer here, she would not be there to assist. So, reason took over her scrambling heart and she got in her car and drove like the wind to reach the tormented woman.

Traffic at this time of night was light but children and parents were still mulling around, still stopping at homes and knocking for the last bit of candy offered or the last moment dump of the whole bowl into the pillowcase. Needing to be extra careful with her speed then, she crept on wheels with none of the noble and sublime patience which she did not possess anyway.

Her imagination recoiled at the reasons for that unexpected telephone call or the need for it. Truvy was not apt to theatrics. As she sped into the night then onto the highway, she managed a steady speed of seventy which was already too fast for the area. Nothing seemed as important as getting there to see what happened after she had dropped her friend off that night.

Since Jake, her live in and father of the youngest of the boys, was not in the mood for Halloween that night, Truvy had called and asked if she could bring her children for Trick or Treating in Noor’s better neighborhood. It sounded like a grand idea and Noor encouraged her to come to her home.

The evening went along with laughter, loads of candy and the children having a very good time of it. Truvy was the blessed mother of two children ages six and seven and two toddlers under two. She would have done anything for those children that she loved with all her heart.

Her first two were from a first marriage that had not lasted more than the number of years her last child was born. When she had left, she had tried to hide from the father of her boys, claiming over and over again that he was evil. No one really understood what she meant by that, but everyone tended to believe her. Truvy was not only beautiful but also intelligent, possessing an honest disposition that was written all over her lovely face.

Beauty with that woman was not skin deep. Her appeal was inside and out. People reveled in engaging her in conversation. Her tongue on any subject was sharpness itself, with clarity and lucidity, she stayed in conversation with the best.

Earlier that evening when Noor had dropped her off, she went up the stairs to help her with the children. The older boys were pretty self sufficient but the two little ones needed a hand and Truvy did only possess two. Noor was happy to assist.

As the harried mother opened the door, there stood Jake leaning against the wall by the kitchen door. Noor could hear him yelling as Truvy walked in.

Where the hell have you been with my children?

I told you Jake. I told you that I was going to Noor for Halloween night since you were not interested in going out with me tonight....

Interrupting her, the brute stepped forward, I don’t remember that conversation..., he started, when he saw Noor standing at his doorstep with his son in her arms.

That stopped him in his tracks and there he stood that big goofball wearing shorts that were too tight, stretched over his ample belly, barefoot with a can of beer in his hand. Noor lowered her eyes to the can. Retreating to the wall he initially occupied, he moved his hand and hid the can behind the kitchen wall beside him.

Oh, hello Noor.

Jake, she said, nodding her head and looking at his face. Thank you for letting me have the children tonight. It was wonderful. It is much safer in my neighborhood. The streets here in the city are so much harder on the kids, huh?

He nodded then lowered his eyes to the floor. By then Truvy came back and took the last child out of her friend’s arms and disappeared into the bowels of the dark apartment. Looming large and ugly, the lummox was at a loss. His rant was cut short and his leverage was lost. Shooting Noor hateful looks, he shuffled his huge frame from one foot to the other. He looked like a halfwit, standing there.

Noor could never understand nor fathom the reason for this gorgeous woman with this ape. But, to each their own and what was one person’s treasure was another’s garbage. The faithful friend leaned against the doorjamb waiting to be released by the harried mother.

When Truvy appeared, she looked from one to the other then shuffled over to Noor, laughing.

Thank you so much Noor. Thank you so much. The children had such a good time. I can’t begin to thank you.

No problem, she said to her. You alright then? I will leave if you are sure.

Truvy looked under her arm at the bull standing further behind her against the wall, still. She rolled her eyes at her friend who kept straight features since she was facing him.

Yes, she said, I am fine. We are fine.

The two women hugged and Noor headed down the stairs. She no longer had reached the bottom when she heard Truvy at the top, screaming for her to wait.

Noor. Noor, are you still there. Noor please wait for me. Noor please wait for me....

Noor stopped dead in her tracks then as she heard the pleading voice, she took the steps two at a time reaching her friend’s floor.

I am here still, she said trying to quiet her voice and heart. I am still here.

Noor could hear scuffling and noises from the open door.

Truvy? Truvy are you alright?

I am leaving, she heard Truvy say. I am leaving this instant with the kids. I am not staying another single moment with you under the same roof. Do you understand me?

You are not going anywhere with that dyke bitch. My kids are not going anywhere near that bitch. Do you understand me? Do I make myself clear?

First of all, Noor is not a dyke, secondly she is not a bitch. You are just crazy and sick.

‘Oh Truvy,’ she thought, ‘you are defending me to a drunk. It is just not worth it.’ Then out loud, she called.

Hello! Truvy. Come out here please.

Noor had not entered the apartment for fear of being treated like an intruder. She knew the laws and the games of people like that scumbag that Truvy chose to associate with and have children by. She stayed outside.

When Truvy appeared, she was disheveled and her makeup was running down her cheeks. Noor took a step forward towards her friend.

Hey, hey! What is going on?

Pushing the hair off her forehead, Truvy raised her eyes up, looking frustrated and trapped.

Do you need to come out of here now?

No. No. I don’t want to wake the boys up. No. I need to work this out. I need to figure out what to do in the long run.

Where is he?

He passed out on the bed. Believe it or not that son of a bitch just fell over and passed out after all this yelling.

He will wake up.

Yes, he will and I have to deal with it.

The two women stood facing each other at the door.

Are you sure you want me to leave Truvy?

Yes. Yes. I will be fine.

Noor stepped back, turned then stepped downstairs and into her car. As she sat in her vehicle, she watched for the lights, watched for her friend, watched for a change of mind but none came. So, she drove herself home to get some sleep.

And here she was now, heading back to the same place she started earlier that evening. Worried that she would be stopped by a traffic officer, she eased off on the gas pedal but tried to stay the course to reach her friend.

When she arrived at the doorstep, Truvy opened the door looking wild and scared.

After you left, he woke up Noor. He woke up and came at me with his whole might. He grabbed me by the hair and slammed my head against the wall. I am not sure why he woke up... she trailed off and stopped herself knowing that she was babbling.

Truvy was not a babbler. She was steady and sharp not erratic or stupid. Looking at her friend again, she raised her head and Noor noticed dark splotches on her neck. She reached over and with the tips of her fingers raised her chin up looking at her neck.

Are those blue marks Truvy?

Pulling herself from her friend, she turned her face away, ashamed of the situation she was experiencing.

"Did he choke you Truvy?’

Truvy nodded.

Truvy, he will kill you if you do not get the hell out of here. Where is that jerk? Where is he now?

He passed out again. He fell over again and fell asleep. He can’t seem to stay awake long enough...

Truvy?

I will be fine. Do you want to come home with me tonight? We can bring the boys. I will carry them with you.

The desperate woman shook her head.

I can’t, she cried pitifully. I can’t. What would I do with four children?

I will help you.

You are not their Dad, she turned an angry countenance on her friend.

And he is not the Dad of half of them Truvy. How are the boys dealing with it? With all this?

I know what my boys need Noor. Don’t lecture me.

Noor stayed at the open door. Looking at the distraught woman, she repeated her plea.

Come with me now Truvy. Are you truly reconciled with this life you are leading? You can start over. You can take your time, settle in for a while, save some money and have your own place with the boys. You do not have to stay with me long...

I’m not leaving, said the angry young woman. I can’t. I can’t do this. I have to stay and make it work.

Noor’s troubled spirit shifted its load from her heart to her head. With quiet reserve, she turned on her heels and took a few steps down the stairs when she heard her friend’s voice following her.

I am so sorry I brought back here for nothing.

Turning around, Noor said, It was not for naught. I am glad to be here with you if you need me. Be safe Truvy.

She turned around again and disappeared down the stairs leaving a woman she cared for like a daughter behind, to the dragon fool passed out for the night.

The next morning they met at work. Nothing of the night before was discussed or brought up by either one. Noor was not about to inquire into privileged discourse with Truvy and the harassed woman was not ready to deliberate private particulars. Not this soon and not in the daylight, when the sun burned the night fears and tortures away.

What was noticeable was that Truvy was wearing a turtle neck that morning. Glancing at the desk where the young woman worked, Noor noted that she had her neck covered, hiding the black and blue marks the older woman had the privileged horror of seeing the night before. The two friends nodded their friendship without words. None were necessary. The anguish on that beautiful face was hidden with smiles and witty communication. No one but no one could tell that this woman was going through hell at home.

The confidence she exhibited was tragic in its simple way. Her whole being revealed to the conscientious observer that she was on the defensive, fending off the curious and the interested. Everyone was interested. A careful observing eye would see immediately through the ruse, through the cover of bravado. A new doubt assailed Noor as she sat working at her desk, this was not new obviously, this physical attack. He had been doing this on a regular basis, there was not a doubt in her mind now.

She walked over to her desk.

Are you going to lunch any time soon? Would you like to grab a bite together? Without looking up, Truvy proceeded to shuffle papers on her desk, smiling a tight small smile all the while.

I brought my lunch with me today, she said without hesitation as if she had prepared that speech for a few hours. She looked up now, I brown bagged it. I packed my lunch today.

Noor wondered how many different ways she could repeat the same thing and whether she was trying to convince herself or Noor made not one lick of difference. Barricading the road to the truth was this woman’s way of dealing with her pain. This secret harsher than storm or blizzard, overwhelmed the abused lady and she bent her head before it, without a fight. The older woman nodded and moved away back to her desk.

Days went by and things got back to normal. Whatever normal was for a woman who gets attacked by the man she lived with on a regular basis. One evening a few months later the dreaded telephone call came as Noor was about to sit with a cup of hot tea and her latest reading of The Mysteries of Udolpho. As she placed her book down and picked up the receiver, her heart started to beat fast hearing the panic in Truvy’s voice.

He just went out Noor. He just left and will not be back for hours. Please come and get me and the boys. I cannot do this any longer. He attacked me when I got home and practically lifted me off the floor by my neck. He choked me..., the young woman was crying now, her sobs filling the wires reaching sympathetic woman’s ear.

We can talk about it on the way here. Let me get some clothes on and I can come and get you and the boys. We can talk about this when you are safe.

Will you come now Noor? Will you please come now? Will you come soon?

I will be there as soon as I can make it and no later. I will not dilly dally or make any stops, I promise. Just hang tight. I will be there.

As the tolerant older woman got dressed with nimble speed she walked sprightly to her car, getting behind the wheel, starting the car before she even settled in and headed out. She drove at a steady fast speed.

A great pang gripped her heart all the way to her friend’s home. Nothing prepared any of us for this kind of service. The only outcome from it was pain and estrangement. People did not like to be seen at their