Walk the Plank: The Love Story Edition

“Walk the Plank” is the YA Buccaneers‘ monthly flash fiction challenge. The rules are simple: write a piece of flash fiction of 200 words or fewer based on the theme of the month, and you get points toward the monthly giveaway. There are ways to earn extra points. This month the bonus points are for:

• Starting with “Everything I know about love, I learned from…”
• Ending with “That’s what happens when you follow…”
• Using EXACTLY 200 words (not including the title, if you use one).

I don’t usually write romance, but I did have an idea based on a comparison I’ve used on this blog before. I managed to use the suggested first line, and I edited it to 200 words exactly, but I couldn’t make use of the suggested last line. Two out of three will do, given I’m a bit out of my depth on this one. Anyway, here’s my story:

AGENT OF LOVE

Everything I know about love, I learned from querying agents.

I spent years crafting my character, to be the best I can for my dream girl. There were many other girls, but she stood out. I sent a letter, less than 250 words, but my intentions were clear: I’d like a date. Self-doubt crept in. Was the letter okay? Should I have called? Then she replied: “The letter was perfect. How about lunch?”

I wore my clean jeans, and even flossed. She watched me the whole time, and when she got up to leave, said, “Your table manners are a bit lacking, but you seem interesting. Work on your etiquette and call me.”

That afternoon, I watched YouTube videos demonstrating how to sit properly and hold a spoon. By the following week I was ready.

We met for dinner. I brought flowers, and I ate like a prince. She was smiling the whole time. The next day, I got The Call.

“Yes, I’d like a relationship,” she said. My stomach flipped. “Do you accept?”

“Absolutely,” I said.

“Wonderful,” she replied. “You’ll be a welcome addition to my roster. I’ll send a contract this afternoon.”

I remain single to this day.

Have you taken up the Walk the Plank challenge? There’s still time to enter, so visit the YA Buccaneers’ site and find out how you can participate. I look forward to reading your stories!