© Ted Strutz
“I tell you, Johnsonn told me he was in love.”
“Don’t believe it. He’s never even spoken to a girl. He’s in that cycling group that wear their tight lycras and walk around with their bums sticking out. They’re all blokes and when he’s not doing that he just listens to music. Alone. I just don’t believe it.”
“We’ll soon know. He told us he’d introduce us tonight.” Marnie and Jack walked arm in arm to the soccer field where Johnsonn had said he’d meet them with Betsy. It was pitch black until they heard Johnsonn’s cry, “Meet Betsy.”
In response to Rochelle’s prompt for Friday Fictioneers with a photo courtesy of Ted Strutz. Thank you both.
About Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist
I began my working career as a reluctant potato peeler whilst waiting to commence my training as a student nurse. On completion I worked mainly in intensive care/coronary care; finishing my hospital career as clinical nurse educator in intensive care. A life changing period as a resort owner/manager on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu was followed by recovery time as a farmer at Bucca Wauka. Having discovered I was no farmer and vowing never again to own an animal bigger than myself I took on the Barrington General Store. Here we also ran a five star restaurant. Working the shop of a day 7am - 6pm followed by the restaurant until late was surprisingly more stressful than Tanna. On the sale we decided to retire and renovate our house with the help of a builder friend. Now believing we knew everything about building we set to constructing our own house. Just finished a coal mine decided to set up in our backyard. Definitely time to retire we moved to Queensland. I had been writing a manuscript for some time. In the desire to complete this I enrolled in a post grad certificate in creative Industries which I completed 2013. I followed this by doing a Master of Arts by research graduating in 2017. Now I live to write and write to live.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Do you think Betsy was his new cycle?
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A combination of cycle and CD.
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He is so romantic! Excellent.
Click to read my FriFic!
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Thanks Keith.
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Intriguing. I’m really not sure what happened next. The lights came on? And revealed what?
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Revealed Betsy. Trouble is I was the only person who had that photo fixed in my head as Betsy. Thanks for reading.
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Nice dialogue and build, we can only imagine what or who Betsy was
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LOL Betsy was that photo I’d been staring at for two days trying to come up with something.
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He’s a strange man indeed 😊
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Absolutely. More comfortable with bicycles and CD’s than women.
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Dear Irene,
You literally left us in the dark on this one. I’m now wondering who or what is Betsy?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think this is one I should have left in the bottom drawer Rochelle. After staring at the picture for two days I forgot that perhaps that photo was not implanted in everybody’s thoughts. Betsy is the sculpture in the picture. She had all his favourite pursuits/attributes – cycling and CD playing. As I said it should not have seen the light of day. Thanks Rochelle. Happy New Year
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You might be too hard on yourself, Irene. I’m one who doesn’t use the prompt as an illustration. I use it for inspiration. Perhaps you could move the prompt photo to the end of the story with a caption that reads, “Meet Betsy.” Just a suggestion. It’s a challenge to eke that story into 100 words, 😉
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I normally use it as inspiration also Rochelle but this week there were no inspired thoughts at all. I’ll move the photo. Happy New Year.
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Great tension in this story. And a hint of fun. Thanks for posting, Irene. Happy New Year!
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A story that didn’t work but thank you for being kind. A hint of fun is good.
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After reading your comment, i think Betsy will find her new life exciting….
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Perhaps. I think a bit of reconstruction is needed.
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I realised Betsy was the doohickey. And I dunno who was right, Marnie or Jack… but there ain’t no new girlfriend! 😀
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LOL. Thanks Dale. Happy New Year.
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To you, Too!
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I got it. Betsy had to be the wheels. You made me laugh 🙂
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I always like hearing laughter. Thank you.
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The girl of his dreams – perfect!
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There is someone for everyone – even if it is someone you have to make for yourself.
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Betsy looks like his new Bestie. Nicely done Irene and wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
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A Bestie – I like that Neel. Hoping for a Happy New Year for you also.
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A lovely story, Irene. I love the fact that Johnson is so passionate about his hobby. Perhaps, he has attended an alI-boy’s school and hence he is shy to interact with girls. Also, it’s okay if he not that outgoing . I am sure love/ companionship will happen in time.
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That was meant to be * he is not that outgoing. 🙂🙂
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Thanks Moon. Love is a lovely feeling no matter who or what it is directed towards.
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This is going to be a foursome with a difference. Nice take.
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Thanks Sandra.
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I’m glad I read the comments on this. I didn’t know what to think when Johnsonn was out there in the pitch dark — or how his parents found him.
A suggestion: instead of the soccer field have them meet him behind the bike club. It would connect a little more with the invention.
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That is a great suggestion Christine and I will change it in a rewrite. In reality I just didn’t write this one well but it has been a good learning exercise. Thanks for commenting. Happy New Year.
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I hope it is not an irrational love of Betsy!
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All round, I think he has a one side definitely irrational love of Betsy.
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Oh my…Johnson seems like a troubled young man
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Very I think.
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