Clementine anxiously waited for the 5:40 out of the city, wondering if he would be on board.
Father said Richard was a philanderer after her money. “We shall see if he loves her,” Father boasted to Mother.
Richard promised the visit so they could elope to the city.
An overheard telephone conversation: “$50,000 in cash should show the boy’s true colours – green blooded, not blue bloodied.” Father’s laugh vicious.
The 5:40 pulled in with a rush of wind and steam. Pulled out, leaving Clementine alone on the platform.
She walked home, head hung in shame. Father was right – Richard was a money man.
“Honk,” the horn of what her father called an infernal combustible machine blared behind her. “Honk.”
“Clementine, won’t you ride with me in style.” There Richard was gleefully behind the wheel of a new horseless carriage.
“My love, let’s show your father what money cannot buy,” he said, opening the vehicle’s door, a pair of gloves and goggles for her in hand.
For mlmm Finish off Fridays #9: the wait
(image and open sentenced provided; finish the tale in 100 to 150 words)
image: © Lorraine 2016 (restored Northeastern suburban train station now operated by the town’s historical association)
March 6, 2017 at 2:13 pm
Oh, fun that the Father’s plan backfired! I hope they live happy ever after!
LikeLike
March 4, 2017 at 12:41 pm
A nice twist on take the money and run! I adored that you kept the tone of the write with feel of the iamge. Nicely done.
LikeLike
March 4, 2017 at 3:16 pm
Thanks — I thought I’d make it a late 19th, early 20th century type love story and one with a happy ending.
LikeLike
March 3, 2017 at 11:07 am
Absolutely well written and keeping in high style and form – the voice true to the image, so each scene and setting, the words in the conversations, perfectly in tune!
And I love the twist and caveat – so presumably love conquers those who are blind and bitter in their misplaced trust – honest intentions true.
Great flash Lorraine :)
LikeLike
March 3, 2017 at 11:24 am
Thanks for the encouraging comment. I had the song about Clementine running through my head, but took the romantic long view. Smiling broadly with a wink.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 3, 2017 at 12:45 pm
wonderful :)
LikeLike