Category: Action/Thriller Type: Fiction
Pages: 45
Copyright: November 27, 2006
Just read it (lol)- This is only Chapter 1
LIFE...
JUST SOUTH OF HAPPY
Alexis Kowalski
Chapter 1
Mallory gripped the wheel like a vice, and stared down at ghost-white knuckles. Her arms were locked at ten and two as she pulled up to the brick red house at 223 Meadows Lane. Ok, calm down, this is no sweat, you’re practically a pro. She shifted the moving van into park and ripped the keys from the ignition, simultaneously opening its door. Let’s make this quick, this place is so quiet it’s creepy. She shuffled up to the door and fidgeted with her keys, looking over her shoulder. The door swung open and she turned. Her eyes scanned the area in detail. The coast was clear. She let out a deep sigh and made her way swiftly back to the van. Two more boxes full of Styrofoam Peanuts to drag in here. She felt just as strange as that sounded. Relax, you have a purpose here. Just keep your cool.
She hoisted up one of the two remaining boxes full of styrofoam, and forced her legs to buckle slightly under the weight of it. Turning toward the door, she slowed just a bit to hear footsteps behind her. Dammit. Just when you thought it was safe to move to suburbia... she mused, and kept a steady pace. She let the box drop from her hands on to the tile and took a deep breath, trying to suck courage from the air. Peeking back around the frame of the door, she shuddered and braved the walkway, walking right past the visitor, eyes straight forward.
Did she just try to talk to me? Indiana housewife trying to meet the new neighbor, how typical…Then again the last thing I need is more enemies. Mallory shot the woman a half-grin…The housewife said something else. Mallory shook her head and kept afoot toward the door. When she came back the housewife was still there, now she wanted to exchange names. Fine.
“Mallory” she obliged flatly, and stared directly at her.
The housewife starting toying with her hair and tripping over her words then quickly went on her way. Mallory grinned like a Cheshire cat. I knew the eyes would do it. They always do.
Mallory grabbed the last box, “Fuck it” she raised it right over her head, tossed it into the house, and locked the door behind her. She crouched, immediately dizzy, her gut twisted into a hard knot. Wincing - she smiled. There it is girl, the reason you’re here.
Unfinished Work Copyright 2006 Alexis Kowalski
Excerpt
"There were some dreams, however, that didn't come true. But sometimes you don't even know what your real dreams are until all the fakes ones are fulfilled.
She always thought she wanted to marry well. Be Mrs. Doctor So-and-so. But, as age often does, it brought upon her wise ness in realizing that just because you can fill your house with pretty things; it doesn't mean you can do the same to your heart."
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Reviews for "Life...Just South of Happy"
Reviewed by Tom Cremin
3/24/2008
This is an intriguing introduction to two contrasting lives of two characters thrust into the same milieu. I'd be interested to discover their motivations, desires and destinies.
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