Bad Behavior

Bad Behavior by SparklingA

When I put the dead fish in Drake Finley's locker, I expected trouble. I expected his fury and his harsh words, I even expected detention. I did not expect falling for him.Banner Credit: Marta

Melissa Thinks: SparklingA has written a few one shots that I've absolutely loved and this one is no different! This short story is about a girl named Haclie who writes a love song for her school's talent show. Though no one was supposed to see it, Drake Finley (kind of a big deal bad boy) gets hold of it and soon the entire school is mocking Halcie's song. Now she's out for revenge; this is where the story starts. I found the story to be incredibly cute. The characters have a surprising amount of depth and voice for a one shot. A great example of the kind of quality FictionPress still has to offer.

I Hope You Are

I Hope You Are by star123

Apparently the cult of Eddie had not lost its appeal, he still seemed to be best friends with everyone. Except me.' At age 8, May Childs and Eddie Kingsley wrote letters to their 25 year old selves detailing their hopes for the future. 17 years later they return to read them and discover that, while some things change over time, others stay exactly the same.
Banner Credit: Atramento

Melissa Thinks: Nothing is more satisfying to me than a simple and terribly cute one shot. As per usual, this is what star123 delivers. “I Hope You Are” is the story of May and Eddie, two 25 year olds who once upon a time were the best of friends. Now they’re brought back together by their 3rd grade teacher to read the letters they wrote to their future selves 17 years prior. As my opening sentence stated, this is quite a cute story. In Jessie’s usual style, there is great dialogue mixed with unique and simplistic writing. It’s not hard to love and root for the characters, even in short one shots like this.

a moment of possibility

a moment of possibility by his terrible beauty
girl tells boy she's in love with him. a moment of possibility.
Banner Credit: Marta

Marta Thinks: This gorgeously written one-shot manages to pack a punch with a mere 800 words. Through the effective use of
second person, it’s all to easy to share the sentiments of a girl who professes her love to a boy. I think the title captures perfectly what the one-shot shows; a moment in which something is possible. But it’s just that: a moment, and it will pass even though ‘it will come again, I promise.’

wednesday runaways

wednesday runaways by invisibly.inked
shakespeare's got nothin' on us
Banner Credit: Arden

Marta Thinks: ‘wednesday runaways’ is a simple poem, full of simple words and a simple meaning.
There are no grand gestures or words. It is there, for you to read and absorb. After all, runaway lovers is a common enough theme. Despite this, there is something new about this particular piece, this specific line: ‘two stupid teenagers in what they thought was love’. It makes you think. Is the poet right? Or is she voicing the opinion of others and we will never know? The decision is up to you and I think this makes this poem especially magical.

Of Ghosts

Of Ghosts by Sam Marino
"I never was afraid of ghosts in the days of my youth, would probably be fearless still if not for meeting you..." 
Banner Credit: Melissa

Helen Thinks: “Of Ghosts” is a lovely piece of angsty poetry by Sam Mariano. Now I know that sounds more like an oxymoron because can angst be lovely? Yet this poem is the proof that it most definitely can! The writing is flawless, the tone soft, gentle and yet there’s an edge to it that helps the meaning behind the prose jump off the page at the reader because I bet that the situation detailed is something that most of our readers can relate to. Who doesn’t have that one ghost in their past that stops them from taking a leap into progressing into their future selves? "Of Ghosts" is a simply fantastic poem that has left me hoping that the writer will write more!

Touch of Fever

Touch of Fever by Laura Stargazer
Unseen and unheard, she walks around the kingdom, touching people who do not feel her until it is too late. "I hate who I am sometimes. I hate what I do. I hate my very existence."
Banner Credit: Marta

Rosie Thinks: One of my favourite story tropes of all time is when the author takes us into the mind of someone who is widely
considered evil or the villain, and shows us their true nature (Maleficent, anyone?). This is what Lauren Stargazer has done here - she's taken on the myth of Pestilence (at least, that's my interpretation of it). In this story, Pestilence is a lonely woman who none can see, but all feel the effects of her touch.

The narrative is fairly simple, but this story doesn't need flowery words to convey its message. Instead, the simplicity enhances the sadness the story contains. I really loved how she has woven a number of stories into the one narrative. Each of her victims has a backstory and while some of them were cliche, the detail and care given to each one really showed the narrator's character. Just the mood the author created was melancholy yet beautiful. Another fantastic one-shot that's worth a read if you're looking for something different!

Crosswords

Crosswords by Mad for Figs
He was just the creepy dude who insisted on hovering over my shoulder every morning while I tried to drink my coffee. Obviously the only reason I let him keep doing it without punching him in the face was because he always helped me finish the daily crossword. That had to be the only reason... right?
Banner Credit: Anita

Rosie Thinks: I'm not going to lie to you - if a guy came up behind me in a cafe and told me the answer to the crossword I was working on, I would run screaming for the woods. Luckily, this didn't happen to me and this one-shot isn't

about how the MC got so freaked out she never left the house again (ergo, she's not me). Instead, Mad for Figs takes a completely unique and freaky situation, and turns it into something magical (as per usual). Seriously, within the first segment, I went from 'omg he's scary' to 'awww ok that's kind of cute', and my feelings just progressed into cuteness from there.

I really did enjoy the uniqueness of this story. It's not long, but makes for a nice interlude between heavier reads. The only mistake I saw was 'weary' instead of 'wary' (I'm sorry, it's one of my pet hates!) but other than that, there were no errors to break up the flow. So all in all, 'Crosswords' tells the tale of what happens when you look outside your small, comfortable circle and take notice of what's right in front of your nose.

Study Me Dead

Study Me Dead by AceChant
"Please don't freak out." His words echoed in my head like a mantra, until it was possible all my other thoughts had been obliterated. I shoved the skull in his face, just short of hitting him. "I am holding your skull in my hands. What did you expect?"
Banner Credit: Marta

Marta Thinks: Lima meets a boy. But he's not just any boy. Oh no, he's not like any boy she's ever met. Because he's a ghost. And not just a random ghost: he's a magical ghost. Who was murdered. Yeah. Didn't expect that, did you?

I really enjoyed the piece. The plot itself was enjoyable (perhaps not overly original, but it still kept me engaged), though the real gem of it all was Lima and her narrative voice. Her inner thoughts were humorous, and helped show a fluffy and enjoyable side to a mystery supernatural plot. It walked the fine line between detracting from the story and not being effective, but AceChant managed to balance all of this effortlessly.

And the ending? One word: perfect.

butterscotch kisses

butterscotch kisses by les petits bateaux
indulgence: too much pleasure will result in unforeseen circumstances.
Banner Credit: Melissa

Marta Thinks: One of the things I love the most about this poem is the title. The simple combination of two words evokes a beautiful imagery that appeals to the senses, and that makes me want to read it over and over again, just so I can remember it. Perhaps the summary describes it better, mentioning "indulgence" and "too much pleasure". The unforeseen circumstance are no longer unforeseen for me – it's clear they're both addiction and admiration.

The poem itself doesn't fail to live up to the perfect title-summary combination. The use of "we" incites the reader to relate to the verses, and the lines are lovely in the way they are worded. I especially liked the first verse: "…we dream of many things…and yet, we call them trash…" It can apply to so many circumstances in real life, which was wonderful.

My only qualm was the mention of a "dancing bear" which momentarily pulled me out of the poem. It was a little strange and didn't feel like it fit the mood of the piece. Even so, it is no reason to not enjoy "butterscotch kisses", which will surely remain in your mind the whole day.

bones

bones by la nuit mes yeux t'eclairent
the anatomy of a relationship, in five senses. 
Banner Credit: Helen

Melissa Thinks: "bones" is a wonderfully beautiful poem. With astonishing phrases like "ribbed boy breath" and "february bones", la nuit mes yeux t'eclairent writes in a way that captivates and resonates with her audience. The alliteration ("boy breath" herself a home") weaves in perfectly with the rest of the poem to create a lovely picture in your mind. From the choice of words, to the rhythm - this poem is a powerful and memorable addition to the poetry section of FictionPress.

Forgotten

Forgotten by burning in effigy
she was living in ignorant bliss but someone needed to wake her up from her nightmare: also known as romeo
Banner Credit: Marta

Ali Thinks: Forgotten was short, not-exactly-sweet, and to the point. Though it's only contains 48 words, it's a beautiful depiction of a moment in a conversation. The best part about this is that it doesn't just end with the moment. It's really easy to see a scenario surrounding it, and there are so many that it could apply to, which potentially makes every person's potential interpretation of it different than the next. It really reminds me if a picture, which is difficult to do with a poem. They say a picture's worth 1000 words, but burning in effigy's 48 do it more than justice.

sensual

sensual by his terrible beauty
the anatomy of a relationship, in five senses. 
Banner Credit: Marta

Ali Thinks: I FOUND IT.

'It' being the best poem I have ever read in my life. his terrible beauty poets like a goddess. I swear in a past life she was one of the Nine Muses.

I think instead of telling you why this is great because there is so much great to gush about, I'm going to walk you through it. So first you're going to open the page, then you're going to groan because it looks so long, then you're going to read the first line and do that weird I'm-frowning-but-happily thing more and more as you go along and then you'll add it to your favorites and read it as many times as you can for the rest of your life because it's just that good. You'll also probably want a boyfriend. And the ability to write so well.

Whether you love poetry, or prefer to stay on the fiction side, sensual will still be an amazing read. Her prose is so descriptive and straightforward that a picture still forms, but at the same time, it flows and would probably get a lot of wistful sighs at a poetry reading. Really, it's the best of both words. Plus, it's sweet, and cute, and the actual epitome of lovely. I'm in love with it, so in love.

Lollygag

Lollygag by In.The.Wardrobe
Ben delivered a gym membership to her house. Lucy, the I've-never-exercised-in-my-life girl, pretend to not be home. A match made in heaven?
Banner Credit: Atramento

Marta Thinks: Lucy isn't exactly the biggest fan of what Ben stands for. Fitness? Health? And worst of all - sport? The very horror of it all. Who'd want that? Me? You? Lucy? I'm guessing no one. And it's a very easy stance to maintain. No trouble letting go of the horror connected to the gym – none at all.

But (and here's my 'but') if every guy were as persistent and sweet as Ben, then my firm resolve would definitely be a little - or rather, very, difficult to maintain. And this is the situation Lucy finds herself in. Will she succumb to adorable Ben and his hellish gym or will she give up on this romantic boy and sit in her house all day?

There is only one way to find out: click on the link above.

ocean boy

ocean boy by art by sola
he likes the sea, he's like the sea.
Banner Credit: Helen

Helen Thinks: 'Ocean Boy' by art by sola is a short, sweet poem that captivated me immediately. I believe this was thanks to the beautiful imagery created by the words that the author chose. Throughout the poem, art by sola does use rhyming words but they switching the rhyming 'on and off' which I think makes the poem catchy, as well as creating a pace in the reader's mind. The two closing lines, separated to make a stanza of their own, are – for me – the perfect touch to this poem. A beautiful summary to close off a piece of fiction that is simply breathtaking in less than fifty words.

Fish Know About Love

Fish Know About Love by Sparkling Acrobat
I wanted a dog, I got a stalker. I wanted hot chocolate, I got a kiss. Really, things are just not working out very well since Golden The Fish declared war on me.
Banner Credit: Marta

Marta Thinks: This brilliant one-shot is totally worth your time. Both main characters, Lorraine and Clay, are cute together – allowing them to win you over. Their chemistry practically shoots off the computer screen too. The premise of the story is enjoyable; the pacing allows the plot to be told in 7000 words, which is not as easy as it seems. Moreover, not only is it a well-written story with likable characters, but it's hilarious as well, allowing it to be a stunner.

Our Algebra

Our Algebra by A Perfect Sonnet
I live for hours as a cathedral when you breath your confessions into my skin until they fill me up and I become a sin balloon.
Banner Credit: Marta

Brittany Thinks: Our Algebra, to me, is about soul mates. It's about that first love; a person you are so connected to that you'd give anything if they could be with you forever, tucked in your pocket like a secret or a promise. At a short 150 words, I found myself swept away by the first line. I remembered those desperate moments when you somehow know everything is going to change and you cling even harder to the things that matter most. My favorite aspect of poetry is how open it is. A poem can awaken so many different emotions in people. Our Algebra, for me, is a world I want to live in, a time I miss.

The imagery and descriptions in this poem were simply breathtaking. I read it five times before I could even click away from the page. Poetry is a medium I can't touch, I've never been able to, but A Perfect Sonnet accomplishes what so many people can't: She weaves an entire world - deep, rich, and vibrant - with such clarity that it is awe-inspiring. There are no words to do this poem justice, - it's something you need to experience - but definitely, definitely read it.

It's Not Easy

It's Not Easy by MusicKillsThePain

A poem I wrote when I was figuring out that I was bisexual.
Banner Credit: Melissa

Helen Thinks: If you know me, you will know that I am pro-gay and I'm pretty sure most of you readers are too so we'll struggle to understand why anyone would find it hard to stand up and shout out “yes, I'm gay and yes, I'm proud” but that's what this poem covers. “It's Not Easy” by MusicKillsThePain details the internal battle of how a person struggling with their sexuality contends with every day of their lives. Do they follow their hearts and love who they want or do they follow their heads and love who society tells them too? For me, the best part about this poem is that it's about the author. This is them summarising how they feel in words and sharing it with us readers on fictionpress and they do it beautifully. The words are raw, there's no real flow as if they are just getting their feelings out there and yet it captivates and makes the reader feel their emotions. In the poem, MusicKillsThePain explains that they don't know how to tell anyone about their bisexuality. However, I'd like to let her know that she found the bravery and told one of the best community of all; the fictionpress family. I hope that this author found the bravery she was looking for just as much as I hope that you all go read this poem – immediately.

The Millionaire's Proposition

The Millionaire's Proposition by FreekyDisaster18

It's his sister's wedding and aware that his family will try to set him up, hot bachelor Wolf Stone asks his plain Jane secretary; Bailey; to stage as his partner to keep him away from the romantic entrapments. However, he just didn't expect a whole new Bailey.
Banner Credit: Rory

Marta Thinks: Geek and Hot Guy is my favorite cliche. But I'll be one of the first to admit that it can easily become redundant and
overdone, especially when the same formula is used over and over again. However, I knew as soon as I read the first chapter of "The Millionaire's Proposition" that this would not be the case.

Bailey isn’t overdone as a character, but she’s realistic and extremely likable. Wolf isn’t the arrogant, rude boss; he turned out to be a rather sweet. Even when he acted like an idiot, FreekyDisaster18 still managed to make me somewhat sympathize him, and find him agreeable.

Another thing I loved about this story was how it was written. I usually enjoy stories with a good amount dialogue and generally much less description, as it can slow the story down. Now, I've changed my opinion because "The Millionaire's Proposition" has a brilliant pace. It has moved much more quickly with its twenty-four chapters, compared to stories that have fifty chapters but no real substance down.

Simply put, I'm enthralled with this story. But let me leave the last few words to a man (Goethe), much wiser than me, who describes exactly what sort of author FreekyDisaster18 is:

"The most original of authors are not so because they advance what is new, but more because they know how to say something, as if it had never been said before".

The Baby

The Baby by Miss Moo

She told him she was pregnant and he smiled, ignoring the violent way in which his stomach twisted.
Banner Credit: Sarah

Marta Thinks: The summary says it all. The story has a twist. And it's one that will leave you feeling breathless. With only 907 words,
Miss Moo manages to create an impact at the end that will leave you gutted every single time. It makes you wonder if the man made the right decision after all - and if Lillian truly deserved him.

The Fate and Laundry Soap

The Fate and Laundry Soap by invisible.writer

She looked like any other student, except it was Friday night and she was sitting on a washer reading Sociology instead of partying. Maybe that's why he noticed her. They claim it was fate. 
Banner Credit: Melissa

Ali Thinks: It's stories like "Fate and Laundry Soap" that make me love short and sweet one-shots so much. Despite the fact that they all make be super jealous of my super dreary life, I just adore them to death, and reading "Fate and Laundry Soap" has only solidified the adoration.

On a Friday night, Adam happens upon a girl doing her laundry on a Friday night and reading a sociology book. He's not the most suave at starting a conversation with her, but that's okay, we like a slightly clumsy tête-à-tête (especially one with a cute musician, holla).

Like most short one-shots, there isn't a lot of depth to it. That being said, it's definitely on the lighthearted and fluffy side, not the pointless and why-did-I-just-read-that side. To be honest, that's what I liked most about it; it's a short, happy story that is guaranteed to get a little smile on even the most stoic of faces.

I do have to say, though, after reading this one-shot, all I want is for someone to buy me a sociology book and point me to the nearest Laundromat next Friday.

But seriously.