4 Stand Alone Stories

By Crystal Tarling

4 Stand Alone Stories:

• We wish you a Merry Christmas -  She hated Christmas and just needed to flee. But he always found her ...
• Jock - She goes travelling with friends and they end up in Vegas.  They dance with hunks and the night ends in a blur ... She wakes up in bed with a stranger and flees...
• Grandpa is ill - She rushes to help Nana with Grandpa and meets an amazing man. But she is only staying to help Nana for a while ...
• Max-imum Sentence - She has managed to escape from an abusive relationship but they are on her trail.  She keeps moving and escapes up a hill, when someone clasps a hand over her mouth and she bites it ... 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crystal Tarling
• Release date: Jul 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201788360

Crystal Tarling

I write under the pen name of Crystal Tarling. I had an amazing childhood where we were encouraged to be ourselves and use our imagination which has stood me in good stead in my life.

Book preview

We wish you a Merry Christmas

We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you ... I tried to block it out. I was definitely not in the mood for jolly or merry at all. I wanted to wallow in my own misery and not think about anything. I kept walking through the mall trying to be invisible.

Pulling out my phone as it rang, I slipped into a store to hear better. Maisie? Where are you? I have been waiting for 25 minutes! My sister, Ruby, was always impatient. Are you still coming?

Yes, if you let me off the phone, I’ll be there in 5. I sighed as I closed the call. Leaving the store, I turned right and slammed into a brick wall. I fell on my butt and a hand appeared in front of me. I’m sorry. I was not looking where I was going... Pushing the hair out of my eyes, I stared into bright blue eyes and a smiling face.

You can bump into me any time if I get to rescue a damsel in distress.  Are you hurt? His voice was dark velvet.

Only my pride! Thanks. I hastily pulled my hand free and grabbed my bag and hurried away.

Hey! At least tell me your name! He called, but I raced off.

By the time I reached the restaurant, I was out of breath. What the hell, Maisie? What is wrong? What happened? You are shaking.  Did he find you again?

I drew a deep breath while shaking my head. No, but I bumped into someone who reminded me why I steer clear of men. They can be charming as all hell and then... Let’s order, I am starved.

I waived the waitron over and we ordered.  So, Maisie, tell me your news. You sounded as if it is important.

Ummm, yes but you are not going to like it, Rubes. I took a deep breath. I am selling my car and moving – far away. He cannot find me – ever! I wiped a tear off my cheek. I will miss you and our regular visits but I have to get away before it is too late.

I know it is bad, but moving far away? Is that really necessary? Ruby asked.

Hell, he has too many contacts in the police and legal side and no one will believe that their wonderful Mayor is a monster. He is so suave and friendly to all while in company, but when we are home...

What will you do? Where will you go? And when?

Well, after the divorce order was served on him last month, I moved here which is over 1000 km away and he has found me. He phoned earlier to work and threatened me and told me I had ruined his image.  He said he would be arriving next week and I better be ready to go back with him. He cannot be divorced and I am going to listen. I will not be here when he arrives! I am going to Grams and Gramps for a while.  Gramps never liked Marcus, although they never met and Marcus thinks our family are all dead. Gramps has told me to get the new car in his name.  He has already spoken to Kelvin to get a new large car and to sell mine. I am almost packed and Kelvin is bringing the car tonight. Is your car OK or do you want to take mine? Kelvin can put it in your name. You can have it free.  It does need a service, but already has new tyres and a new battery so is will last you a long time.  It is also slightly better for the kids and Bozo will love the boot area. I can call Kelvin to get the paperwork ready and he can bring it to you to sign.

Ruby had tears falling down her cheeks. Thank you! That will mean a lot to me. I accept your gracious offer, sister! She hugged me and I settled the bill and left, calling Kelvin as I drove home.

That night Kelvin arrived with a friend in another car so he could get a lift back. He introduced me to Dean and I looked up into familiar blue eyes. "Now I