Grandmas Goulash

New to Convictions? Full story:   Index . Quick Story:  In a Nutshell   Beth hurried towards the kitchen. Time was tight, even for pasta. But as she approached, the tantalizing scent of beef, garlic and spices floated out to her. Cassandra was tossing a salad, while Judith mashed potatoes. They looked up as Beth entered. “That smells wonderful. I'm so proud of you.” “My timing is still off. The potatoes are ready, but the meatloaf is still cooking.” “We can keep them warm, Judith. You've both done a terrific job with dinner.” “So tell us how it went.” “Thanks to you, I have the job, Cassandra” “You messin' with me?” “I'd never joke about a job. It's part-time and temporary. But it's a start. “Will parole accept that?” “Yes. I spoke with Officer Watkins. With my history, she considers any job an achievement and said it would fulfill the employment requirement. I don't have to continue cooking here, but I'm hoping Pastor ...

New to Convictions? Full story:   Index . Quick Story:  In a Nutshell   Two young lovers sat under a blossoming apple tree, oblivious to approaching doom. Suddenly the space aliens descended in a cloud of purple smoke. When the cloud lifted, only a small withered tree remained. Skyla and Beth giggled nervously from their front row seats as the aliens moved on towards an unsuspecting city. Rick and his buddy, Jeff, assumed brave faces, although they had been as startled as the girls. “Let's go get some more candy, Jeff.” “Just trying to get away from the aliens”, Skyla whispered to Beth as the boys headed off. “We're lots braver than they are.” Beth nodded, but kept her eyes on the screen. “Beth. Look. Harry's over there. I think he's looking at me. Do you think he is?” “Probably, Skyla.” “Beth, what is wrong with you? He is so good looking. You'd rather watch the movie than look at Harry?” Beth grinned. “Yup. But I can tell that you wouldn...

New to Convictions? Full story:   Index Quick Story:  In a Nutshell   “Come on, Annie, we'll be late.” Jake Cantreaux straddled his motorcycle and prepared to yell again. “Let him come to the door like a proper gentleman”, her mother admonished. Annie flew out the door without a comment. Jake didn't need to be proper. He just needed to be there. He'd always dated the popular girls. Annie had never had a date. On the first day of their senior year, he'd entered the bookkeeping class and sat at the desk next to her's. He smiled at her, then winked. Nothing more. The second day was a repeat of the first. On the third, he asked her to join him for lunch. Annie did not say no. What girl would? “Late for what?” “Can't say. You'll have to wait and see.” She hopped on and put her arms around his waist. Jake was always surprising her. He had from the start. He looked like a rich kid, but lived in a deteriorating bungalow with his alcoholic father. ...