The Fifteen Minute Novel is an attempt to take a single prompt and use the last sentence written each day as a start for the next day. This year I had several prompts circling around a similar story, so I have combined them. However, the story starts the same way each day, with the last line from the day before and a timer set for fifteen minutes. The hope is to end up with a complete, if very rough draft by the end of the year. Some stories are better than others, but I always learn a whole lot about my own writing when I do this so for me it is not only a nice way to work out a story, but it is a tool for helping my writing get better. And so, we continue this story for 2024 with…
Day 137: They went towards one of the food trucks while Sophie headed back towards the office.
They went towards one of the food trucks while Sophie headed back towards the office. As she left the main food court space she could see Kristen at the edge. A glance towards her face showed Sophie that she registered her talking to Kevin and Kelly. ‘She’s too far away to have overheard,’ Sophie told herself as she walked towards her.
Sophie hoped that Kristen might let it pass without incident, but somehow knew Kristen wouldn’t let it go.
“You seem quite chummy with Kelly,” Kristen said as their paths came close.
Sophie frowned and glanced back. “The woman with Kevin?” Sophie asked.
Kristen nodded.
“First time meeting her,” Sophie said honestly. “Why, do you know her?”
Kristen snorted. “Like you don’t know.”
“I actually don’t but its really none of my business.” Sophie moved past her and was grateful Kristen let her go. Having a water bottle dumped on her was one thing. Having the contents of several people’s lunches covering her was another story all together.
‘And something I’d like to avoid.’ Sophie walked away, half expecting Kristen to follow her and ask more questions. ‘Don’t look back,’ she told herself. ‘Walk away as though it is completely unimportant.’ She suspected if she looked back Kristen would take it a sign that the conversation mattered and there would soon be a rumor that she was interfering with Kelly and Ryan in some way.
She looked down at the lunches she was carrying. She was suddenly how aware of what a mess they could create. They hadn’t seemed like much when she offered to get them or when she started carrying them back, but now she was concerned.
Sophie had moved several paces away and thought she was in the clear. “I know you told Kelly about Ryan and me.” Kelly said. Sophie didn’t expect her to be that close and jumped. The food was jostled but didn’t spill.
“Didn’t realize you were following me,” Sophie said as she turned. While Kelly wasn’t right behind her she had followed a few steps. “And I just met Kelly today and said hi when introduced. I don’t know what she has to do with you or Ryan.”
Sophie turned away and continued walking. She knew she wasn’t the world’s greatest liar so she made sure her face was turned away as soon a she could without looking like she was running away. Sophie made it around the corner with the food in tact and risked a glance back. Kristen had not followed her around the corner. Sophie felt her shoulders relax a little as she walked the last leg back to the office.
There were more people milling around outside as it was closer to noon, but none paid her any attention.
Ten til Midnight 