Welcome to the Wakefield Doctrine (the theory of clarks, scotts and rogers)
This is the Wakefield Doctrine’s contribution to the Six Sentence Story bloghop.
Hosted by Denise. Rule by a limit on sentences to Six.
We rejoin Rue in the present as she and Rocco are finishing lunch.
This week’s prompt word:
CONSOLE
A salt-and-seaweed zephyr, pushed by the passive-aggressive wings of three sea gulls suicide-diving at a half-croissant tripped a memory, catapulting Rue’s mind into the past; fortunately she returned as quickly as she left, but not without evidence of a certain emotional whiplash.
Rue DeNite stared at her companion, searching for signs of assessment or, more concerning, re-assessment; resisting the urge to put her hand to her head, years of practice controlling what the world saw of her, she instead, with a shyness tinged in stale anger, offered a self-deprecating smile, “…a stage and all the…”
“…Men and women merely players,” Rocco completed the line from ‘As You Like It’ and, seeing a growing suspicion in his charge’s eyes, laughed ineffectually and hastily continued, “Sorry, let me redo that, in character: ‘Dey have they’re exits an’ entrences; An one guy will play a lotta parts’.
“I take it your real name isn’t Rocco,” Rue added, alert to any sign of gender-mandated console on what might easily be interpreted as her being at a loss; choosing to ignore a slight flush of self-consciousness, Rocco replied, “About as much as your’s is Rue.”
Glancing at her Longines La Grande Classique, “We’d better get back to the hotel, I believe our host Cyrus assumes he’ll be entertaining me tonight, keep your phone on vibrate, if you don’t mind.”
Pushing her chair back with her right knee, Rue extended her hand, “Kasia”; Rocco, bending at the waist in order to lift his own chair back silently, rose with her, took her hand, “Michael”.
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About clarkscottroger
That was a touching introduction at the end even though seemingly very formal. That they were willing to open up to each other focuses the story on them. Nice chapter in a longer story.
thanks, Frank
these serial Sixes do offer the opportunity to learn/practice/develop what(ever) skills in the story-telling we might possess
very nice exchange, thank you
The road to trust has to start somewhere.
I got a feeling these two will be good for each other
An unlikely coupling. Rue and Rocco are more alike than not as you have shown us.
“A salt-and-seaweed zephyr…” perfect opening imagery.
ty
‘As much as yours is Rue’….he is hoping to get the real name.