TREY'S PROMISE

Here's the short story I wrote for a contest on Harlequin's website. You had to use a few specific words: Promise, silent night, pumpkin and wooden leg. It could only be 250 words which was a challenge for me. Though I didn't win, I had fun doing it...and the author that was running the contest gave each of us a free, autograph book! I received, Silent Night in Dry Creek, by Janet Tronstad. Can’t wait to read it.

TREY’S PROMISE

As soon as Jory’s father passed out on the couch, she grabbed her little sister’s hand and quietly led her out the backdoor. It wasn’t until they were a half-a-mile away that her younger sister tugged on her hand.

“What is it, Izzy?” She glanced down at her sister, not slowing her pace.

“Where are we going?”

Jory felt a ting of regret when she noticed the tiny doll Izzy held close to her side. Its dress was tattered and her wooden legs had seen better days. It was the only thing she’d taken from their meager home.

“Were going to, Trey’s.”

“But…”

“Not now, Izzy, “she said, sternly.

After a few miles, they turned off the dirt road into a field. The silent night was deceiving; they were far from safe.

Izzy stumbled over a pumpkin and cried out.

“Its okay, Izzy.” She quickly pulled her sister up. “Were almost there.”

When Jory saw the old farm house come into sight, she silently thanked God. They quickly made their way up the wooden porch. She only hesitated a minute before knocking.

Several minutes later, the door opened.

Trey’s eyes met hers. She didn’t have to say anything. The bruises on her face spoke loudly.

“Izzy, why don’t you go in while Trey and I talk for a minute?”

Trey softly closed the door, and wrapped his arms around her, gently kissing the top of her head.

“You’re safe, now Jory. I’ll never let him hurt you, again. I promise.”