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.
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.”
That's a clever surprise.
ReplyDeleteI never saw xanthic before.
Thanks Medeia! I'd never known about xanthic either, but I like it.
DeleteInteresting use of X today Nancy.
ReplyDeleteOh nice surprise! Well done!
ReplyDeleteTina @ Life is Good
Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge Blog
@TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
DeleteI like the way you used exes :D
ReplyDeleteAnd Xanthic! That's quite a word!
A special gift indeed. :) And way to go the eXtra mile by having "X"s in everybody's names!
ReplyDeleteThanks D! It was quite fun to write, not knowing why I had four people or what was going to happen. :)
DeleteOoh, nice word choice for X!
ReplyDeleteWhat 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. :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad. You never really know how people will react to what you've written.
DeleteAh, 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!
ReplyDeleteThanks MJ. I hope the word will make you win at scrabble! :)
DeleteGreat X post - definitely the most difficult letter to be creative with in this A to Z challenge!
ReplyDeleteJust takes creativity and no fear, as with getting through this whole challenge. :)
DeleteOh my goodness, you so had me there!
ReplyDeleteI was *so* sure she poisoned them or was about to smack them in the head lol
LOVED IT! ;)
Glad I was able to trick you. hehe :)
DeleteThis is such a creative use of the X-letter! A perfect example of "thinking-out-of-the-box"! I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteWriter In Transit
Thanks Michelle. :)
DeleteWow, 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!
ReplyDelete#atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com
Thanks Kristen. So glad you liked this!
Delete