Saturday, April 27, 2013

The X-es Mark the Spots













Time again for the A to Z Challenge and Save-a-Word Saturday blog hops. Click on the links to learn more about them.

S-A-W word for today: Xanthic – (adj) yellowish in color.

S-A-W theme: Kangaroos

AtoZ letter: X


The X-es Mark the Spots

Maxine didn’t know why she’d dug two holes. It was hard enough to dig one at the depth and width she needed. By the end of the second one, she was exhausted, but she didn’t have time to rest before Axel came home expecting dinner.

While putting away the shovel, Maxine had to admit to herself why she made two holes. Alexis would want one too. Although her best friend adamantly discounted Maxine’s plan, she was sure that Alexis had enough time to reconsider. Maxine was so sure of this that she knew Alexis’ husband Xavier would be with her when she came.

A large, devious smile came across her face that was in direct contrast to how energetic she felt. But she only had to consider how happy Alexis would be with having a hole too, for her to be revived enough to get back to work. There was still a lot to be done.

Four hours later, the dining room table was set for four. Serving dishes of stewed potatoes, honey glazed chicken, and roasted Brussels sprouts and mushrooms filled in the table. Xanthic candle lights ignited the mood she wanted in place when they arrived.

As soon as Maxine dimmed the lights, she heard the keys unlocking the door. Axel was home. Multiple voices and laughter told her that Alexis and Xavier had arrived as well. Maxine’s heart drummed, and her hands began to shake with anticipation.

Dinner went without a hitch, and the men were stuffed enough to not put up argument when Maxine demanded their attention. “It’s time for your surprise.” She gave the hand-drawn maps to Axel and Xavier, and continued, “The exes mark the spots. Go look for them now.” They began to grumble, until in a stern voice Maxine said, “It’s easy and fun. And afterward, apple pie alamode will be waiting for you along with a nice bourbon.”

The men quickly gathered their maps and seemed to hop faster than kangaroos to go out to the backyard. Alexis gave Maxine a knowing smile. It didn’t take long for them to hear the first gasps and yelps.

Moments later, the two women gathered their desserts and drinks and made their way outside. Maxine walked over to where she saw Axel laid out perfectly still, and Alexis went around a sturdy gate that separated the spots with their husbands.

Maxine set the dessert and drink on a small table beside the hole she had dug. With a squeal, she jumped into the hole, and landed on a luxury mattress made specifically for the depth and width of the hole, and which was delivered and setup an hour before dinner.

Axel rolled over and wrapped himself around Maxine, covering them both up with the down comforter. “You are amazing. This is an unbelievable Father’s Day gift.”

“Luckily Alexis’ oldest daughter is home to babysit,” Maxine said, looking up at the stars. She then added, “So you like it?”

Axel kissed her deeply as an answer, and said, “Now I’m ready for pie alamode and bourbon.”

21 comments:

  1. That's a clever surprise.

    I never saw xanthic before.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Medeia! I'd never known about xanthic either, but I like it.

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  2. Oh nice surprise! Well done!

    Tina @ Life is Good
    Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge Blog
    @TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge

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  3. I like the way you used exes :D

    And Xanthic! That's quite a word!

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  4. A special gift indeed. :) And way to go the eXtra mile by having "X"s in everybody's names!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks D! It was quite fun to write, not knowing why I had four people or what was going to happen. :)

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  5. What a cute story! I really enjoyed reading it. And I agree with Deshipley about the X's in everyone's names, that added to the fun. :)

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    Replies
    1. So glad. You never really know how people will react to what you've written.

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  6. Ah, that's such a heart-warming story. Nice x word too. Glad you came up with that one today. Think I'll add it to my Scrabble word list:) Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks MJ. I hope the word will make you win at scrabble! :)

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  7. Great X post - definitely the most difficult letter to be creative with in this A to Z challenge!

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    Replies
    1. Just takes creativity and no fear, as with getting through this whole challenge. :)

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  8. Oh my goodness, you so had me there!
    I was *so* sure she poisoned them or was about to smack them in the head lol

    LOVED IT! ;)

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  9. This is such a creative use of the X-letter! A perfect example of "thinking-out-of-the-box"! I really enjoyed it.

    Writer In Transit

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  10. Wow, I so did not see that coming! I love the way all the names had Xs, and you even incorporated kangaroos for another hop. That is so impressive!

    #atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com

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Your comments add wonderful flavors. Thank you!

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