The Icebreaker


The shade from the large oak tree gave respite from the glaring brightness and heat of the midday sun; the soft fabric of the foldable chair provided the means for a moment’s rest at least; the icy-cold and extremely effervescent lemonade gave a much needed refresh to the expected thirst; and the rhythmic songs from the many birds both overhead and all around gave cause for a temporary stopping of time.

“Do you mind if I join you…” – Edith’s thoughts and tranquil meditation were interrupted by a man’s deep, yet friendly, voice – “…I don’t mean to interrupt you, but it’s very warm out here in the sun, and far too warm to go inside the caravan.”

Edith turned her head, and looked around the bank – there were plenty of trees all around, and quite a few of their shaded areas were definitely unoccupied; she lowered her dark sunglasses and looked into the depths of the cerulean eyes of the man who’d disturbed her.

“Please, feel free,” Edith pointed to where the man should sit on the grass, ensuring she was silhouetted against the brightness behind her whilst she could see him clearly; she then, nonchalantly, looked out over her right shoulder to the shimmering lights from the ripples on the lake beside her, “it is beautiful here.”

“I know,” the man replied softly, observing the gentle curves of Edith’s profile, edged by the sun’s glow, “… and magical.”

Edith looked back at this stranger whom she’d seen around the set a couple of times without really noticing him, and smiled; maybe now was the time to show that she didn’t always have the frosty movie star exterior – her thoughts once again disturbed, this time by the director yelling “Places!”

Posted for Six Sentence Stories, where the prompt word this week is ‘Rhythm.

31 responses to “The Icebreaker”

  1. restlessjo avatar

    A hint of promise there, Tom. Perhaps they need wine?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Tom avatar

      🤣 perhaps they do, Jo… definitely not spilled! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Chris Hall avatar

    Ah, do I recognise Edith from a story somewhere? The set seems familiar… Good Six, Tom!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      I think you do, Chris…
      and thank you! 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Chris Hall avatar

        Your characters are so memorable… I can see Edith now!😁

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Tom avatar

          That’s good! She isn’t allowing me to say anything further at present… stars, eh? 😉🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  3. clark avatar

    Excellent! (Both in creating a full-sense scene… and, of course, the fun of a sharp-angle close (aka surprise ending)
    Good Sixation

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Tom avatar

      Thank you, Clark. This is one of my recurring Six Sentence Stories.

      Like

  4. Frank Hubeny avatar

    They both have to get back to work. Perhaps this was part of the movie?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      You were right first time, Frank – although it could be an extra scene, I suppose…

      Liked by 1 person

  5. messymimi's meanderings avatar

    Perhaps they’ll talk again later, you never know.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      Perhaps they will, Mimi; characters make a habit of crossing paths, don’t they? 🙂

      Like

  6. ceayr avatar

    Cleverly told tale

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      Thank you, CE, pleased you think so. 🙂

      Like

  7. Keith's Ramblings avatar

    This reads like the start of a movie, they’re in a perfect place already!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      It looks that way, Keith, doesn’t it? 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Tom avatar

    Very intriguing setup, with a surprise payoff that fits the subtle hints beforehand. Great immersive snippet! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      Thanks, Tom, I’m pleased you think so! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Tom avatar

        I’ve ironed out the kinks on my previous chapters, so hopefully that’ll give you a better intro to the story thus far. If there’s anything that resonates with you in each instalment, I’d love to hear what you thought 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Tom avatar

          I’ve read Scourge from start to finish, Tom, I’d missed the earlier parts… I hope I’ve left a comment on your blog, it seemed to vanish when I clicked submit. All good, though!

          Liked by 1 person

  9. Doug Jacquier avatar

    Star quality from the story and the writer. Great 6.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      Thanks, Doug! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  10. D. Avery @shiftnshake avatar

    This is just a beginning!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      Oh, yes, D! We shall be popping back from time to time! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  11. GirlieOnTheEdge avatar

    Such an engaging Six, Tom. Loved the scenery.
    “…magical”. My eyes perked up at that part – got me to wondering….where exactly did the man with the cerulean eyes come from?!
    More to this story?? 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      Thanks, Denise.
      We shall return at some point, and hopefully see a little more of this magic… 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  12. europasicewolf avatar

    Fine little teaser there! True movie🎬 romance👄budding!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      It looks that way, Icewolf! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Relocation / Tainted Love – The Mansionic Perspective avatar

    […] which was first used here. And in Tainted Love, ‘rhythm’ is the prompt word, and that was used here […]

    Like

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