Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: SMEAR (03/10/16)
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TITLE: Schmeir Love | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sherry Brock
03/17/16 -
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“Meaningful sermon this morning. Don’t ya agree Charles?” The spell was broken as Lili gently touched his arm to command his attention. “Mum and I would be honored if you joined us for cawl and cakes. Please come.” She added, stroking his hand with her gloved fingers.
Lili found Charles captivating, with his dark eyes and brooding demeanor. He was so striking in his black fedora. She knew it was bold to approach him this way, but she longed to be the object of his affections.
“I am afraid I must decline today Lili.” He said, pulling away and bounding down the stone steps of the church.
Her eyes betrayed her disappointment as she watched him weave his way through the parishioners on the sidewalk below.
Lili had distracted Charles long enough to lose sight of the red headed beauty, but within minutes he approached her family. “Good day to you” he said. “Are you guys new in our fine little town?”
“Yes, we are. I’m Aiden Schmeir,” he said, shaking Charles' outstretched hand. “My wife Alli, and daughters, Christel and Chrissa,” he said, nodding toward each as he spoke.
“Welcome to Emporium. I’m Charles Powell, owner of the local leather shop,” he said to the father, as his gaze shifted to the sapphire eyes of Christel Schmeir. “It's a pleasure to meet you.”
Christel blushed at his obvious flirtation, but acknowledged the gesture. The quick glimmer of excitement in her eyes did not go unnoticed by Charles.
The brief encounter did not go unnoticed by Lili either, who was watching from across the street. This shameless newcomer had just stolen the special moment she had envisioned with Charles.
The next afternoon Lili, and her friend, Edele, entered the Powell Leather Shop. The two friends chatted as Charles retrieved a belt from under the counter.
“A new family, the Schmeirs, moved in from Bedford,” Edele said.
“Really? Anything interesting?” Lili asked.
“Well...he did hear they left because of improper behavior by the oldest girl...Christel, I think's her name.”
“Improper? What type of improper behavior?” Lili said, taking her eyes off Edele long enough to confirm Charles was listening.
“You know I don't gossip Lili.”
“Neither do I, but can't you tell me someting?”
“Well...you didn't hear it from me, Lili, but friends in Bedford say she's a little loose with the gentlemen...if you know what I mean.”
“Hopefully, the men in our borough will see through a girl like...”
“Here you go ladies,” Charles interrupted, abruptly dropping the package onto the counter.
“I suggest you two take this, and your gossip, home.” he said. “Give your father my regards, Edele.”
Edele grabbed the package, and without a word, the two made their way out the door. Once outside, Lili could barely contain her indignation. “Surely, Charles will take heed, and stay away from the Schmeirs. He deserves so much better.”
“Someone like you...you mean?” Edele said, leaning her head into Lili's to share the secret.
Charles paid little attention to Lili or Edele. Lili meant well, but he knew she was blinded by her jealousy and the hope of a future together. Any attempt to sully the reputation of Christel Schmeir had fallen on deaf ears.
At the end of his work day, Charles left his little shop, and, as was his custom, walked to the local diner. He made his way to a secluded corner in hopes his favorite booth was available, but he could see the booth was taken. Coming closer, cascading hair the color of red wine caught his attention, and he realized it was Christel.
Eager to speak with her again, Charles said, “Hello there,” as he slipped into the empty side of the booth. It wasn't until that moment the man next to her in the booth drew his attention. There, sheepishly smiling across at him, was a young man with pale pink lipstick smeared across his lips and cheek.
“Charles, so nice to see you again,” Christel said, clearly unfazed by his presence. Straightening her back, and turning to the man by her side, she said, “Charles Powell meet Aiden Williams. He traveled all the way from Boston, Pennsylvania to ask me to be his wife.”
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