Charlotte's Tower - A Short Story

Charlotte woke up propped up on four fluffy cream pillows. The puffy Tower Hotel ones that you sink your face into. To Charlotte the Tower Hotel is her home. She has lived there since the age of five. She always felt like the missing kid in home alone as she slid down the banisters and nicked miniature bottles of shampoo off the room service lady’s cart. Her Dad owns the 'Towers' or 'Towers of Doom' as she affectionately calls the hotel. Charlotte has long caramel blonde hair and bright green eyes but the porcelain doll comparisons get very annoying when repeated so often. Truthfully, Charlotte feels lonely a lot of the time. Arriving back home from boarding school for the summer makes her feel isolated and agitated. Also, it doesn't help that her Dad is psychotically overprotective. He is so powerful and intimidating that at age eighteen no boy has dared approach Charlotte, let alone kiss her. 

Charlotte longed for the romance that she was enthralled with in Bronte novels as she was growing up and old black and white movies. Like an eightie’s pop song - I want you to want me. Boom. But no, life doesn't really work that way. I guess that’s the problem when your Dad runs a hotel Empire and your mother ran away with her Puerto Rican gym instructor. Your elitist father may, or may not become serially neurotic and paranoid. Charlotte pondered over her life reminiscing what it felt like when she was little and her parents were really in love. It scared her that it didn't last forever. In the movies the happy ending was imminent and comforting and expected. Charlotte sighed and decided a scrumptious breakfast was in order. She called up room service and decided she deserved something very fattening... ''Hi It's Char here, I'm in the Penthouse Suite, could you please ask Ricardo if he could muster me up a Tuscan grilled cheese sandwich with oyster puree. Oh, and a green tea. Thank you!''

Charlotte realised she hadn't let the lady at the desk get a word in edgeways, but it wasn't intentional. Charlotte hadn't mastered the fact that a telephone conversation shouldn't be a monologue.
She slid out of the bed in her pink silk dressing gown and fished for the TV remote. A movie day was in order. 'How to Marry a Millionaire' was on. She breathed a sigh of delight. She adored Marilyn Monroe, she was so glamorous and alluring but there was something mysterious about her. Charlotte had always wanted to be an actress; she had been born with her mother's good looks and a serious flair for the dramatic. She liked to pretend her life was a movie and she was the star in it. It was bizarre but amusing to her. There was a knock at the door and a husky voice said 'room service'. Her breakfast was very fast. Charlotte strolled to the door in a nonchalant manner then twisted the door knob and flung it open. Seriously dramatic. The boy who was delivering the order spilled the green tea all over his uniform including his formerly pristine white shirt. Charlotte couldn't help it. She giggled. He looked up and saw the most beautiful girl he had ever seen in his whole life. She had long, thick shiny caramel blonde hair and piercing emerald-green eyes. She was wearing a pink silk robe and had the most dazzling smile he had ever seen. Could this girl be real?
'Oh my god I am Charlotte! I mean, I am sorry! sorry' Charlotte exclaimed ' Please come in I will help you get rid of that stain...'
John followed the beautiful blonde into her suite and marvelled at the extravagance of the huge four poster bed, burgundy satin couches and most of all, the stunning mysterious girl who was definitely the most fascinating thing in the room. He took a seat on the couch awkwardly and waited for Charlotte to approach him. It's funny how people look like their names. This girl just looked like a Charlotte. She approached him soda water in hand with a towel at explained how this would draw the green stain out. 'What is your name?' Charlotte enquired batting her eyelashes. 'I'm John, I am new I just started working at the Towers a month ago. Are you on Holidays?' Charlotte smiled and whispered ‘yes I guess you could say that’. Their chemistry was instantaneous. It was like something out of a black and white film, but not in a clichéd way. John was tall, dark and handsome and clearly besotted and Charlotte was trying to be calm, cool and collected but gushed about her life, father, school, favourite colour. Every single thing under the sun basically. This made John like her even more. Her erratic personality, naiveté and natural beauty had John shell shocked. But she was the boss’s daughter. He was a glorified bellboy. How could it ever work? It was evident Charlotte didn’t care. John told her about school and how his Dad had lost his job and his Mother passed when he was a baby. He explained how he liked working in the Hotel because he felt not only independence but he could support himself and help his Dad. Charlotte gazed at him with adamant admiration and jealousy. She longed for freedom to be free of the clutches of her over protective Dad who resented how much she looked like her Mother, even though her would never admit it out loud it was constantly written all over his face.

Charlotte wanted to leave the Towers and live her own life. She longed to live somewhere with a garden with flowers and a residence where someone doesn’t change the towels daily or leave a chocolate on your pillow, a place where it is not essential to leave a ‘do not disturb’ sign to ensure a little privacy.
As Charlotte gazed into John’s eyes she saw a new path, a world of infinite possibility. And as she quickly dressed and went on her first real date with John to a quiet café. A cup of hot chocolate out of the Towers down a quiet street made her feel warmed up inside out. Charlotte and John strolled hand in hand and she realised not only did she feel liberated but finally found someone who not only inspired her, but who she could share her freedom with. It helped that he was cute too...

To Be Continued.....

_____________________________________

xo L

Amelia's Dilemma - A Short Story.

Amelia looked in the mirror for what seemed like the fiftieth time that day. She felt a bit nauseous. She fluffed her auburn hair reapplied her mocha - coloured lipstick and with a sigh retreated downstairs. Her best friend Michelle was making more coffee. Amelia was more of a 'tea' person but she didn't like to say. Michelle poured and then pushed the coffee mug towards Amelia. In typical fashion the coffee mug was beige - like everything else in Michelles monotone mansion.

It had a slightly cold effect and made the place less homely. All of a sudden there was a high-pitched squeal ascending in the hallway. Michelles five year old son Ben was sliding down the banisters of the old georgian staircase. Bens small hands were encrusted with chocolate as was his freckled face. He smirked cheekily to reveal a missing front tooth. He looked so young for his age. Amelia just adored Ben. But she generally wasn't a fan of children. They were so loud,helpless and naive and even endearing but Amelia felt she didn't have the maternal gene. For that matter, neither did her own mother. Amelia took a big gulp of her lukewarm coffee and decided to think happier thoughts. She was married, she had a lovely house, a great job as a secretary - but why did she feel like something was missing?

Michelle had been Amelia's friend for years, but frankly Michelle could be very mean.Michelle and Amelia have a complex relationship and Michelle can be quite intimidating. Michelle has a blonde shoulder skimming hair cut and is immaculately groomed, she also has an accent that seems fake - just like everything else about her.  She made offhand harsh comments and sly digs constantly about Amelias hair, style, career, but it just didn't seem worth confronting her about. Amelia knew deep down their friendship was more of a facade or a routine than a two way train. The weird thing was even though Michelle flicked her blonde bob and adopted an accent to sound even snobbier, her one redeeming quality was her terrific love for Ben. Her 'lovely little treasure' as she called him. Even as he shrieked, and messed up her perfect house, and misbehaved she still gazed at him like he could do no wrong. Ben hopped up on to his Mam's lap and started making motorbike noises then he wiped his chocolatey hands in Michelle's blouse and she didn't even flinch. Amelia gazed transfixed by this.

She felt as though she was living vicariously through Ben as he performed his mischevious act. She suppressed a smirk with difficulty and kept up the pleasantries. The beige couches are also, of course, a lovely canvas for chocolate stains. Ben is usually running around screaming and rubbing chocolate, crayons or mud into the carpets as well as the garments of any guests so it wasn't a big shocker.

''Your wedding was just fabulous! I have never seen you looking so gorgeous!'' Michelle exclaimed. Amelia knew that a compliment in typical Michelle fashion would be echoed by a snide remark. ''But of course, it is miraculous what a good make- up artist can do! I rather the natural look myself..'' Michelle trailed off while smiling nonchalantly. ''I didn't wear much Michelle I just wanted to look the part in the photographs with John, because god knows there are millions of them'' Amelia retorted. The truth was Amelia couldn't believe she was lucky enough to marry such a great lovely guy that she didn't mind spending several hours smiling for the cameras. It seemed like only days ago but she had been a married woman for four months. Already the pressure was on with all the aunties and extended family on both sides waiting for a little bundle of joy to be on the way. Just being in Michelles house, looking at Ben jumping around playing with his toys made Amelia realise she really, really wanted a baby. She wanted the fairy tale. John would be a great Dad. He loved Kids. He spent an hour on the dancefloor at their wedding reception with his little niece Rebecca. It was the cutest thing to watch.

 Amelia decided she wanted to get home. She hadn't been feeling her best the past few days, probably the cold weather setting in. She had been eating all around her lately due to the boxes of chocolates that were scattered all over here home and had horrific heartburn. Since the wedding she realised a lot of the gifts she had recieved were edible which was bad news for her waistline. She decided to swing by the pharmacy and get something to settle her stomach. Her local pharmacist, a jolly elderly woman called Betty greeted her with a handshake and congratulated her on tying the knot. Elderly ladies generally don't seem to be a fan of long engagements. I guess it's because the likes of Betty are from a completely different era where it was unheard of for an unmarried couple in their early thirties to live together for fours years before taking the big step. ''What problem Amelia? How can I help you dear?" Betty enquired. ''I am feeling nauseous lately... Maybe I have a dose coming on. I also have stopped making me and John chicken curry because I am getting dreadful heartburn..'' Amelia trailed off. Betty shuffled off behind the counter and with a confident grin put some rennie and a blue thin box on the counter. 

Amelia realised it was a pregnancy test.

 It hadn't even occurred to her but in her heart she was hoping and praying that it was true. Her symptoms did add up. Amelia paid, told Betty to keep the change and bolted out of the pharmacy back to her car. She drove home gleeful but trying not to get ahead of herself. She ran to her bathroom and followed the instructions. Her hands were shaking. Nerves and excitement built up inside of her. Two lines meant pregnant where as one line meant otherwise. She had to wait five minutes. She heard a thud downstairs and the rustling of plastic bags. John was home. 

He bellowed upstairs '' Amelia I miss your curry so I got us a takeaway curry I bet it won't give you heartburn....'' Amelia didn't respond for four minutes......

She strolled downstairs to the kitchen, tears in her eyes an threw herself into John's arms and whispered ''we're having a baby''.

To Be Continued...

______________________

xo L

EX - pectations.... What are yours?

Friends with an ex - fact or fable? Is it possible?

Mutual respect, civility, loyalty, a sense of friendship... these things are qualities of a good pet! Also..... they are a recipe for getting along post break- up -  but here's the problem - during a break up a lot of the time neither party has their best face on. Due to a lack of good behaviour the idea of a former couple being friends is sadly out of reach. As the famous author Elizabeth Gilbert has assessed : “Stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone ought to be.” When I'm talking break-ups I'm not just talking about your romantic unions - the loss of a platonic relationship or serious fall out with a family member can be just as distressing - If not more so.

You can't be BFF's with everybody! Sometimes this is for the best but everyone has a duty to themselves to respect what they had and call it a day. People change. Grow up. Evolve - whatever. Every relationship or friendship ends for a reason but decency shouldn't. Being courteous and polite is important as hostility is not a pleasant lane to saunter down. A lot of exes from a romantic context maintain contact and a friendship but it extends to a series of factors - a mutual break-up or the fizzling out of a relationship makes it easier for both parties to move onwards. It's very easy to glorify something through rose tinted glasses. Similar principles apply to friendship - but usually the air of awkwardness if something has gone pear shaped is hard to overcome but sensitivity is important. At least with men a few punches are thrown and then it can be out of their system - a generalization I'm aware - but whatever. But, with girls - sometimes there can be a more cunning prerogative. Elizabeth Gilbert explores the concept of love, soulmates and relationships in her book 'Eat, Pray, Love'. This book is complex in my opinion but explains how the best and most fulfilling relationship you will have in your entire existence is with yourself. The whole concept is liberating and meaningful. I like to think I am an optimist. I truly believe that friendship is the key to happiness.  To me, my sisters and closest friends aswell as my boyfriend feel like my soul mates. 

“People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master...” 

― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

But the most important thing to do is open your eyes. Appreciate who appreciates you in every kind of relationship that you have. And to put a new spin on the cliche but there is plenty more fish in the sea... So go swimming;) In the long run focus on your happiness, petty hear'say is awkward after a fall out but being the bigger person is not just the honorable route - it's the best one. Everyone will have their opinions and notions but leave them to it. Have no regrets, because you are officially toughened up. Any break up is tough but regardless of whether it was you or your then partner or friend that closed the curtains it prepares you for something bigger and better. The former relationship was the test run for the real thing.
 As John Lennon said :"I get by with a little help from my friends." 


Love is just around the corner. No matter what form it may take.
I'd bet my last rolo on it.

xo L

Walking in a Winter Wonderland!

Every pathway is your catwalk. Confidence is a look that suits everyone. This winter you don't have to empty your pockets to exude winter chic. There are several trends you can prise from your wardrobe and recycle. Didn't anyone tell you - If its good enough for K Middy its good enough for us!

'' Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”


- Coco Chanel


Winter wonderland - faux fur wooly scarves and layering items tactfully to keep the cold at bay but keep you looking seriously hot! When I'm rifling through my wardrobe I am always suprised to find i prefer winter wear to summer wear it's cosy and can look very feminine even though you aren't showing a lot of skin! Combine feminine blouses with tapered trousers. Accessorise with  a chunky necklace, belt or shoes that make a statement. Play around with denim - have fun with your style.

 A little black dress with a shapely blazer can look becoming for the biting weather but when worn with attitude can ooze sexiness. The perfect LBD should work both with a belted cardigan or blazer in the day or  on it's own at night. It has to be able to work regardless of whether you are donning  flats or skyscraper heels. It's that versatile LBD  that you can throw on 24-7 and always makes you feel shapely and gorgeous. 

In my opinion a best- buy for casual wear would have to be Vivienne Westwood wellies. The melissa range is cute, quirky and versatile. They are available to pick up in BT2's and Brown Thomas in Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Cork.Regardless if you are heading to a festival with bare legs or teaming your wellies with funky tights these ankle- skimmers are a must!

Faux- fur is a winter staple regardless of age, skin tone - Faux - fur coats are cosy, glam and can double as a blanket!!! (or not...)

Real fur on the other hand is just a bit nasty. It's like wearing your pet around your neck... I'm sure Ace Ventura would agree......

xo L

Extra, Extra... Read all about it!

Studenty.me is the easiest way for you to stay connected to what’s happening around you; both on and off campus.....

The 'L' word

It's a BIG word. Huge in fact but is thrown around in many ways. 'Love' is a word that is dished out without meaning. Some people say it to their significant other because they feel obligated or as though they are 'supposed to' or some can say it with more malicious intentions...

You hear the horror stories of women or men with bunny- boiling spouses or even a much more sombre example would be the young Irish girl who refused a marriage proposal to her Turkish boyfriend - her family didn't approve - In the end the rejection resulted in the deaths of Marion Elizabeth Graham, 54, and her friend Kay Dinsmore, 50, both from County Down. Local reports said the teenager claimed he decided to kill the women because Graham was standing in the way of his marriage to her daughter. 


These stories of death and sorrow can quash the optimism of a Summer romance. I went to Kusadasi this Summer for a week of fun and frolics with friends  and what scares me is how no matter where you go, getting your heart broken isn't your biggest concern. Unrequited love can be not just the end of a relationship, but the end of lives - and not in the Romeo and Juliet 'star -crossed lovers' sense of the word.

As William Shakespeare once said :“Love is the most beautiful of dreams and the worst of nightmares.” 

In Dublins Fair City......

A few excuses for a night on the tiles in Dublin City... Dublin Festival Season is fast approaching... Dublin is one of the best cities in the world as far as I'm concerned but maybe I'm a little bit biased ;)

There is a great buzz around in the Autumn Winter months, there are tourists, college students and Dublin locals all having a great time in the top pubs, street fairs, restaurants, cafe bars and night clubs.




-8th-11th September: Dublin Festival of Fashion
'The city is a catwalk for four fashion-tastic days of special offers, new collections, beauty demonstrations and lots of posing!'

-10th – 25th September: Absolut Fringe
'Taking over more than 40 city venues and celebrating the new and the next, The Fringe Festival introduces us to a ‘Brave New World’'

-22nd September: Arthur’s Day



My personal favourite.... 'One of Dublin’s most loved citizens, Arthur Guinness gives us an excuse to enjoy big concerts or intimate gigs in some of Dublin’s cosiest pubs. All washed down with a pint of the black stuff of course!'

-22nd September- 9th October: Oktoberfest
'Dublin’s Docklands area is transformed into a traditional German Oktoberfest for 18 days of traditional Bavarian drinks, foods and sounds'

-23rd September: Culture Night

'A night of discovery as galleries, museums and cultural venues open their doors for free – and keep them open well into the night…'

-29th September – 16th October: Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival
'Dublin loves drama. Enjoy an amazing array of Irish and international theatre productions at Europe’s oldest specialist theatre festival.'

-6th-9th October: Open House
'As Dublin bids for the coveted title of World Design Capital 2014, Open House allows us to explore the city in all its dimensions with guided tours of Dublin’s most interesting buildings and quarters with architects and designers.'

-6th-8th October: Hard Working Class Heroes
'A 100 band, 3 Day marathon of up and coming Irish indie talent'

For More Information: www.dublinfestivalseason.com

Be there or be square because these events will be brilliant.







This information is courtesy of: http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Festival_Season