Sin and Sunshine
His Jenny’s lips had always been what she called fully dressed.
It had been the first thing he’d noticed about her. Those full lips had been the stuff of Reg’s fantasies for years. Decades.
She’d been wearing Crimson Poppy when they’d met at the Legion dance so long ago.
Peach Perfection on their first official date the very next weekend.
Petal the night he’d proposed.
Ruby Delight on their wedding day.
He’d kissed them all off of her until her lips were bare and she’d laughed and dressed them again.
Which had always meant Reg was kissing her again.
A man would have to be a saint to not kiss those lips when they were in kissing distance. And, as Jenny often told him with a smile, Reg was no saint.
Not when his Jenny was full of sin and sunshine.
What would her lips wear today? Passion Pink or Desert Nights? Ripeness or Luscious?
So many choices.
Colours, shades, shine, texture. He’d become a connoisseur and had his own favourites.
Crimson Poppy. Just like that first dance.
Yes, it was fitting.
First love.
First kiss.
Last love.
Last kiss.
Reg packed Crimson Poppy with the clothes Jenny had chosen last week. Then he sucked in a deep breath and held it until his emotions were under control.
His Jenny would go into the eternal with her lips fully dressed.
***
The above story is part of the WEP Challenge. The prompt is The Kiss and the photo above.
Click on the link to access the other stories. There is always a ton of talent in the WEP challenge and the variety of takes on the prompt means it is always worth your time to read! It's even more fun when you join in!
Oh Jemi.
ReplyDeleteSentimental tears here. And applause.
Thanks, Sue :)
DeleteI loved the playful vibe at the beginning and wasn't expecting the punch to the gut at the end. You captured their romance beautifully. Great job.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anstice - these two needed their story told :)
DeleteA wonderful tribute to love eternal. Nicely done, Jemi.
ReplyDeleteJenny will be waiting for Reg!
DeleteUnexpected but so beautiful. You've captured their love beautifully!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Renée!
DeleteSo sweet! I love to read about a person's unique desires. There is something about a man who loves lipstick colors that is so endearing. A happy memory for a sad ending.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Steph! Those happy memories do sustain. us!
DeleteOh. Oh. Oh. You're so cruel to us Jemi. Love the use of lipstick shades which gave me an inkling of where you were going with your story.
ReplyDeleteClever use of the prompt. Thank you.
Thanks, Denise! The hints are always fun to put in :)
DeleteYou capture the reader so well. I can see those lips. I'm glad they shared a life time of kisses. Well written.
ReplyDeleteNancy
Thanks, Nancy! Shared lifetimes are the best :)
DeleteLipstick shades as a device to mark a lifetime of memories - so clever! A charming yet poignant flash and a lovely take on the prompt.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nila :)
DeleteFascinating. Romantic. Colorful. Enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad, Sanhita :)
DeleteHi Jemi - fascinating take on the prompt ... particularly bringing in the lipstick shades. Scary tale - but an enjoyable read. Thank you - Hilary
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hilary :)
DeleteNicely done
ReplyDeleteThanks, Edix :)
DeleteWhat a sweet story! I really liked it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Natalie!
DeleteCan‘t get past the idea of „fully dressed“ lips! Love it. Great take. Suspenseful and compact.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I do like compact!
DeleteAn interesting take on the prompt. She must have had quite a make-up kit.
ReplyDeleteLOL - probably!
DeleteLoved the "fully dressed" lips. Juicy and temping and worthy of an eternity of kisses. Great job, Jemi.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lee!
DeleteOh, how sad, but how beautiful also. Lovely idea for the prompt. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jemima!
DeleteThis one hit me hard. I love the way you explored their relationship through the lipsticks she wore and the kisses that followed. That ending packed a punch. Wonderfully written!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Laura!
DeleteOh. Really sad, but beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rebecca - it was an 'achy' one to put together!
DeleteThat was devastating at the end. But beautiful too. A picture of true love.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nick - a lifetime of love is what we aim for!
DeleteWow! so simple and sad, yet lovely. wasn't expecting that end. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Toi. It still gets me when I think of Reg :)
DeleteThis was so moving Jemi. How you played with our emotions. I was at first carried away by the first meeting, first date, first kiss and was moved to tears by the last line.
ReplyDeleteOh, thanks, Kalpana! Poor Reg - but that lifetime of love will sustain him!
Delete