Monday, April 1, 2019

Ad for Roommates #AtoZchallenge #ShortStory #AdForRoomatesStory #Paranormal #UrbanFantasy

This month-long story, “Ad for Roommates,” told in twenty-six parts, is an urban fantasy intended for readers over age fifteen. Liv, the main character, is an adult in her thirties. This is a prequel to a forthcoming book and my theme for the #AtoZchallenge. To meet another character from this story world, visit the (adult) blog of co-host Jayden R Vincente.

#atozchallenge Ad for Roommates #ShortStory #Fiction #paranormal #UrbanFantasy


Great, I’ve inherited this big house from my dad. The only thing he has given me in years. Despite our shared genetics, we were never close. Which is why his soul has turned into a ghost. He can’t move on because of his guilt. He cut mom and me out of his life, but now can’t cut me from his death. So I’m stuck dealing with him in a house that, yes, I’m grateful to have, but I can’t afford the taxes on.

So, if I am going to stay, I’m gonna need some roommates.

Given that my hip arthritis has me in a wheelchair most of the time, I don’t really need the top floor or most of the finished basement. Plus, it’s a basement. Those are kind of creepy anyway. So I may as well rent it out.

Assuming, of course, that I can find people who are accepting of my… lifestyle? Hmm, how will I phrase this ad?

Two Roommates wanted.
Basement and Second Floor (three bedrooms) immediately available. Suburban neighborhood with driveway.

Do I want to mention the school district? No. I don’t want to live with children. They could get eaten, and that’s just too messy.

Attached to Good Psychic Readings.

Is that enough of a warning? Can’t very well come right out announcing I live with monsters.

Cat-friendly. No smoking. There will be a shared area for the kitchen, dining, laundry, and living room.

Do I mention the sunroom? It’s not really shared. And people might be eaten if they go in there.

I wheel out of the copy center with two dozen flyers. Where will I put them? I look at nearby places.

An adult shop? Well, why not.

I roll inside. The sweet smell of the leather section floats over me. It’s nicer in here than I expected. I spot a cute goth girl behind the counter.

“Hi.”

“Welcome to Aphrodite's Toychest. Can I help you find your fantasy today?”

“I, no, well, I mean, maybe.” No one has ever offered to find my fantasy before.

She smiles at me. It’s a really great smile. Makes me want to hug her. The feeling from her warm glow is kind of like the feeling of looking at my cat. Fred, not Sir PussPuss.

“Well, we’ve got lots of toys, depending on your preferences. For yourself or to use with someone?”

“Oh. I don’t have a someone. Actually, that’s kind of why I’m here.”

She raises an eyebrow. “I’ve got dolls, but there are no hookers in the back.”

I laugh. “Good to know. I’m actually looking for roommates. The more open-minded variety. I run a psychic business out of my converted garage. I’m hoping to avoid the judgemental types. You know?”

She nods. “Yeah. I can see how a place with fuzzy cuffs probably has a better audience than a grocery store.”

I hand her my ad. “Fuzzy cuffs? My ex stole my last pair. So, since I’m here…”

“Leopard, pink, purple, black, or red?”

“Hmm. My favorite color is copper. Don’t suppose you have that?”

“Not in fuzzy cuffs. Nipple clamps though!”

I laugh. “I’ll take the leopard print, please.”

She rings me up, thanks me, and promises to get the ad seen by the right people.

***545 words
Check out JR Vincente's blog today for this story from the point of view of that goth cashier!

Tenth Anniversary of the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge bloghop.
#AtoZChallenge 2019 Tenth Anniversary badge

10 comments:

  1. Ooo I like how this has been narrated with another perspective!!! So amazing!
    Do drop into mine at
    www.thedreamgirlwrites.wordpress.com/2019/03/31/theme-reveal/

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  2. I already see that this story could be a lot of fun. I will be returning to see where this goes. I'm curious what the monsters are.

    I am at Transformed Nonconformist. I usually write humor pieces, but I am getting serious this month. I'm writing about people who have deeply impacted my life.

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  3. I like the interesting characters you are starting out with. This has oodles of potential and I'm sure you will deliver. Happy A to Z! Asking for Help to Avoid Burnout

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  4. Really looking forward to reading more. Can't wait to see what kind of roommates turn up :)

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  5. What a great start. The roommates are in for an interesting time!

    My children's stories - Are we there yet?

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  6. Oh goodness I am hooked already! Can't wait to see where this story goes!

    Giggling Fattie
    www.noloveforfatties.com

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  7. Fun story :).
    I have to admit, I loved some of the lines in the text, like "He cut mom and me out of his life, but now can’t cut me from his death." or "Can I help you find your fantasy today?”
    Well done!

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  8. Clever plot! I love the line showing control, "he cannot cut me from his death" Intrigued as O love psychics, scared... I don't do monsters...
    Best of luck with a-z challenge.
    Astrology is my A-Z
    ⒾⓃⓉⓇⓄⓈⓅⒺⒸⓉⒾⓋⒺ ⓅⓇⒺⓈⓈ
    https://introspectivepress.blogspot.com/

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  9. Intriguing... I need to know more about those characters. and that about people probably getting eaten... oh, my!
    I´m coming tomorrow to see what happens next!
    https://steampunkcowunicorn.wordpress.com/
    Hannie

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  10. sounds interesting, I'll read the second chapter once I take the dogs out.
    bridginasauthorpageat.wordpress.com

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