Author: markswritingcorner

Mark Ahern was born in 1979 and is from Ireland. He attained a Degree in Commerce from UCD in 2000 and a Masters in European Studies in 2001. He has written three novels to date encompassing science fiction and thrillers. At times Mark has used his experiences as an individual with a disability to write from a truly unique perspective. "Chronicles of Martan" which is his sole science fiction work to date, is an epic space odyssey inspired by his love of Star Wars. This was followed by "Not the Usual Suspect" and "Paradigm". His current project is called "The Irish Ripper" and should be available late 2019.

My friend Katy (Part 2)

Oh God! I can’t believe I’m late. I know Tom will wait for me, but he’s come all the way up to Dublin to see me, I could at least be on time. In fairness, I have spent the last hour putting on the perfect clothes and face for him. It’s a far cry from the old days when we took each other as we came. There was no nervousness meeting him in those days either, not like now.

I haven’t seen him in two years, what can I say other than it’s complicated. Even when I was at the other side of the world, I would think about him all the time. I couldn’t email him often, it was too raw.

Life had once been so different. He would wait for me outside my house and we would chat. They are times I treasure. Then there were the computer games and films. Everyday, there was something interesting to look forward to after school. He was my best friend, I told him everything. Of course, these were our awkward teenage years. There were times when I wanted to kiss him, but I was too shy to ask. I think he was too so nothing happened. Much to my shame, I also wondered in my insecurity what my classmates would say if I had a boyfriend in a wheelchair. They’d surely have asked me a host of questions about his disability Spina Bifida. Now I’d tell them to mind their business.

Then I had my first boyfriend and then another, we both just rolled with it. The funny thing is, he got on with them better than I did. So, my feelings for him just got pushed to the side. They were the best days of my life.

Slowly, things changed. Tom became much more confident especially when he left for college. I now had to share him with the world. It was him telling me about his first kiss, his first girlfriend. I never expected it to affect me but it did. Then, I started to dream about him.

He was a large part of the reason why I left. I needed to get away. I had shown up on campus unexpectedly. All he could talk about was his new girlfriend. To make matters worse, we bumped into her and she was gorgeous. I was heartbroken and resolved to push on with my life. Of course, I was always going to see him again.

I quickly close to door of the car and walk into the bar of the hotel. There he is waiting for me at a table in the distance. Briefly, I stop in my tracks. He is immaculately dressed in a suit in his wheelchair and he looks so damn hot with bulging arms. He has been working out and now I feel a tingle, before we even speak.

My friend Katy (Part 1) (Romance)

I was feeling something I hadn’t expected. It was difficult to put a finger on exactly what it was. No, it couldn’t be. My palms were sweaty. Was I nervous? That would quite simply be ridiculous. This wasn’t a date or even anything remotely close to that. I was meeting Katy, my best friend.

Maybe, this is normal. After all, I haven’t seen her in two years since she left for Australia and what I’m feeling is just the excitement of seeing her again. It is sort of strange though, when we were teenagers she lived across the way from me. We saw each other most days. I would wait for her outside of her house for a chat after school most days. Unless it was raining or too cold, which happened often during the colder months. Disability and inclement weather do not mix very well. She would waive to me in the distance, her long, brown hair bobbling over her blue uniform when she saw that I was waiting for her.

We would talk about life, school, music and our major crushes of the day. They were good times.

Occasionally, we would go into one of our houses and play some computer games, the only problem being that we both hated to lose. Once, she even stopped talking to me for a few days! It was something that even she was able to laugh about as we aged. In fairness, she was only fourteen at the time.

That was probably when we were at our closest. Having gone to an all-boys school, she was my only female friend and definitely the only girl I didn’t feel really shy around. I was the first one that she told about her first boyfriend. Yes, I was jealous wishing that I had whatever traits it was that made him special to her. But, I fought and hid those feelings. Her friendship was too important. Then there were other boyfriends, the jealousy faded. It was just the way things would be.

We didn’t see each other as often, when college as we went to separate places. Then it was her time to listen about my first girlfriend and different sexual experiences.

Then, two years after both of us graduated she left for the other side of the world. We had promised to keep in touch and although I tried, I heard little from her.

She is now ten minutes late. She always was, in the old days I’d always be at least this late myself to make sure I wouldn’t be waiting around too long. I’ve never been at his hotel previously having driven up to the outskirts of Dublin to meet her. She chose a good spot. The vast bar is only sparsely populated and it didn’t take me long to find a table.

Then, I think I see her pulling up in a car outside.

Playdate by Alex Dahl

Hello readers, I do hope you are all keeping good in these covid times. I have found a little gem for you all. Edgy, gripping, intense – Playdate by Alex Dahl is a fast paced thriller full of suspense that cleverly switches between the different characters involved, including the child herself. A seven year old called Lucia Blix is snatched while on a play date in a small town in Norway. I would guess that this is the worst nightmare of any young mother. The abduction is masterfully done, leaving little trace. The race begins to find her.

At first, a well known pan European criminal network is thought to be behind it. But the days and months pass without any breakthrough. All the time we’re learning more about what motivated the abductor and the girl’s new life.

There is much to admire about this novel and it is full of good believable twists. Nothing is as it seems and we gradually find out how different events are interwoven.

A feeling of suspense persists throughout the entire novel, there is no let up. As I got towards the end, I couldn’t put it down unsure if a grizzly ending was on the way.

The motto of the story is either you should or shouldn’t trust strangers with your children depending on the desired outcome.

Playdate gets four stars out of five.

Charlotte and Andy – Finale

Andy waited patiently at the bar drinking a glass of red wine and trying to get into the right frame of mind for the date. He was half an hour early just as he had planned. This was in case something unforeseen would happen causing him to be behind schedule. Fortunately, that had not happened. He was in the agreed waiting spot for her. Everything in his life now had to be planned that bit extra. It irked him immensely, but there was no way of getting round it. If he had his own car rather than relying on other people, that would be of help. He put it on his mental to do list, alas that list may yet become a bit foggy after a few drinks.

He was trying to drink slowly. The last thing that he wanted to do was ruin his date by being intoxicated. This was not something that used to bother him, but he was immensely fond of Charlotte.

Then, there she was, a fashionable fifteen minutes late. She looked gorgeous, in a black tank top and trousers. He hadn’t seen her so dolled up in many years. But, she looked more beautiful now than ever.

“Sorry for being late, traffic. Will we head in?”

Andy responded in the affirmative and they made their way to the table in the restaurant. Andy knew what he wanted to have the salmon dish, he had been looking forward to it all say and was now feeling the pang of hunger. Charlotte took a few minutes to decide, before settling on a dish of turkey and ham. The setting was quite romantic, with a candle in the middle of their round table in a darkened room. The tables around them were mostly empty. It was like they had the whole place to themselves.

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Andy is looking so good tonight and he smells great. I don’t recognize the deodorant, but I’d love to snuggle up to him. He’s obviously put in a lot of effort. A good sign. The dinner is lovely. Just wish I could have a drink too, to settle the nerves but I have to drive.

We’ve been talking for the last while about our hopes for the future. Despite everything, he is still a man of great ambition. I do hope things work out for him as planned. It must be difficult for him at times.

The only problem now is that he can only stay for a limited time before he has to go. A modern day Cinderella. I won’t let this opportunity slip. Not after pining for him all last night.

Our eyes meet and I say –

“There’s no need for us to be so far apart.”

I move my chair right next to his wheelchair. There’s no point stopping now and I move my mouth towards his.

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I love it when a woman takes control. She has the softest lips and our tongues swirl in unison. A dance of pure pleasure. I was told after the accident that although sensations in some areas had disappeared, in others it would be amplified. That is what is happening now or maybe it’s all Charlotte. The best kiss I ever had. The world now seems that bit more beautiful.

Charlotte and Andy (Pt. 5)

“Ya dirty dog.”

That was Ed’s response when Andy told Ed about his growing closeness to Charlotte. They were out with their common friend Michael having a few pints in The Cavern of all places.

“Can ya not find your own woman?”

“Well done Andy,” Michael interjected with a wide smile.

Fortunately, Ed wasn’t too concerned either. He just liked winding up his friend.

“Well, I hope ya treat her right. I was always kinda fond of her. But since, there’s a baby on the way I’ll have to let it go.

That was Ed’s way of telling us that he was about to become a father, again.

Then it was back to the serious business of drinking. Andy was glad that he had managed to clear things up with Ed. He had been feeling a bit guilty about going after a mates ex, even if it was years ago.

He was quite intoxicated by the time he got back to his bed. Charlotte said that she could make it down to Mullingar the following Friday and that maybe they could go for dinner or something.

He now sent a text back that, that would be an excellent idea and that he would definitely be free.

Review of Santa Crush by Annabelle Costa

Well readers, most of my recent book reviews have been Booker prize winners. You see through reading I’m hoping to improve my vocabulary and my own writing. You see Annabelle Costa’s writing is my dirty little secret. As a guy, especially as an author that focuses on crime, I really shouldn’t love romance novels. It’s not the kind of thing I would admit to in front of my friends. Well, not with a straight face anyway. But I love hers.

Other novels I have to set times to read to ensure I get to the end. But her novels I can’t put down. They make me feel all gooey and happy inside. It’s strange, even I think so.

Her novels always involve a male character with a disability and this novella is no different. Dean is paraplegic and is still adjusting to his new life. His brother ropes him into working as a Santa at a mall, where he meets Callie, who is working as an elf. She doesn’t know that he is a wheelchair user as he is already sitting in Santa’s chair before she arrives. The writing is exquisite and humorous as it details their day working together.

There is a building romance between the two, but at times Dean seems to be prepared to let his disability get in the way. But we also learn that Dean is a good guy and after an act of bravery, he gets his girl. And that makes me feel good for reasons, I myself can’t understand.

There is also a humorous letter at the end from Santa.

The only negative is that it is quite short. I give it a score of 4 out 5.

I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.

Charlotte and Andy (Pt. 4)

Charlotte woke up at her house feeling anxious the next morning. Andy had not responded to her last text. She couldn’t help but feel disappointed and had to admit that unknown to herself she had developed feelings for him. Perhaps, she should not have been surprised when she thought back to her first year in college and how she had missed the comradery of the summer months. She had such fond memories of that time. She wondered why he had not responded, she didn’t think she had been too forward.

As she looked in the mirror, disheveled and without any make-up, she pondered

Maybe he’s just not that attracted to me? I could definitely do with losing a few pounds.

Maybe it’s out of loyalty to his friend Ed? Nah, that was years ago.

Maybe he has a girlfriend? She wouldn’t be surprised.

With that she got ready for work as a fitness instructor. It was a job that she loved but it only just about paid the bills, especially in an expensive city like Dublin. Her first client was Jade. An obese forty year old, recently divorced woman looking to put her life back on track.

The session lasted just over an hour and Charlotte quickly went to check her mobile. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw that Andy had responded.

  • Soz I fell asleep. No gf. U any bf?

Charlotte couldn’t help but feel elated. She texted back that no, she didn’t.

After work, they texted back and forth for hours. She told him stuff that she had discussed with anybody before. All about her difficult relationship with her mother and her hopes for the future. As she lay in bed, texting him she wished that he was in the bed beside her.

She was feeling sleepy now and found herself texting him goodnight, but this time she put an “x” at the end of it.

He quickly responded likewise.

Charlotte and Andy (Pt. 3)

“So, tell me!” Rose implored.

She had called to Andy’s house to see how he was doing as she did most weeks.

She always knew when Andy was holding back something on her, and she knew he would spit it out eventually especially now that he had started turning red.

“Well, we’re texting each other regularly enough.”

“And?”

“And nothing. I’m sure she has a boyfriend already. We’re just mates.”

Andy was trying to look everywhere, except at Rose.

“Yeah, yeah I believe you,” Rose teased deciding that she had put him under enough pressure for one day.

“She is quite a pretty girl though, if I was so inclined…”

This raised a laugh from Andy. Of course, she was pretty, Charlotte was one of the most beautiful women that he had ever met. He thought so from the first moment he had set eyes on her in that niteclub. He had actually seen her before Ed, but didn’t have the confidence to approach her. Ed had no such problems.

If he couldn’t win her heart then, what chance had he now with his paralyzed body?

No, better to just stay friends. At least then, he could have his dreams.

Late that night, Andy is once again texting Charlotte. Then he receives a text that suddenly brings him to a halt.

  • So do you have a gf?

Charlotte and Andy (Pt. 2)

So happy I met that girl Rose. Without her, I would never have know Andy was outside in the beer garden. It was so good to catch up with him. He still looked as good as ever, with his brown eyes and jet black hair. I heard about his accident a few months after it happened. I wanted to reach out but didn’t have his contact details and presumed, probably correctly that he had more pressing concerns on his mind.

I dated Ed, Andy’s friend for four, maybe five months just before we all went to college and our lives led us down different paths. Ed was athletic, strong, brooding. A true alpha male. I loved his strong arms and rugged good looks. I knew it was never going to last, but wanted a boyfriend to make out with. He never struck me as the type that would resist temptation, but we were all young at the time.

Andy was there much of the time. Whether it was round at Ed’s house or out at a niteclub, they came as a duo back then. She always got well with Andy. He was the more thoughtful type. He even checked to see if she was okay when Ed gave her the heave ho and said that he hoped they would remain friends. It was probably said with the best of intentions but college life stopped that from happening. Perhaps, he would have made better long-term boyfriend material.

I wonder what it would be like to date somebody in a wheelchair? I guess it would depend on the person, but it would surely come with some difficulties. It was not something that I ever thought about before.

Buzz. A text message from Andy.

  • Gr8 to c u the other day. Hope we can catch up again soon.

Charlotte felt an unexpected flutter of excitement.

  • Yeah definitely. How did the rest of the drinks go down? Any plans for the day?

With that they texted back and forth for the rest of the day.

Charlotte and Andy (Romance) Pt.1

It was the perfect way to end what had been a blistering hot day – having a nice pint with his female friend Rose. They had decided to go to their favorite pub, The Cavern after a trip down town. Well, by favorite, what they really meant was to the only easily wheelchair accessible one with no step to try and get up or one with impossibly tight angles to try and traverse through. No better way to saviour an incredible summer’s day. They decided it would be best to head out back to the smoking area where they could enjoy their beverages in the shade.

Andrew, better known as Andy by his friends was having his favourite tipple, a nice cold pint of Guinness. Rose, on the other hand was having the much more sophisticated glass of red wine.

“So, any luck on the jobs front?”

Andy had not worked in the over three years since his accident – A car crash. Not his fault. A car swerved onto the wrong side of the road, the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel killing her, and her two daughters. There was nothing that he could have done, even the Gardai (Irish police) said so. No human could have reacted fast enough. Still, at times he could not help but feel guilty that he had survived and they were now buried in a remote graveyard outside of town. He was left though paralyzed from the waist down and that was after many broken bones, including a pelvis had gradually healed.

But, he was trying not to think of all that today. It did him no good to the focus on such things.

“No, nothing yet. I’ve only just started sending out some CVs. I’m expecting it to take some time. After all, Mullingar is quite a small town. Not a huge amount of opportunities, but hopefully I’ll find something. Life can be very boring without a job. You know what I mean? I felt now is the right time to start looking.”

“Yeah, of course,” she replied rubbing his arm.

They had much to talk about as they hadn’t had a proper catch up in quite some time. Rose was a great chatterbox. They had been best of friends since long before his accident. Rose was petite, thin with brown curly hair. Today, she was wearing a blank tank top and trousers. Time passed and they decided they should order some food. Andy told her what she wanted and in she went in to order.

The minutes passed and Andy started to wonder where and what she was getting up to. The entry door was heavy and Andy really didn’t want to strain of opening it himself or the awkwardness of asking somebody at one of the other tables to do so.

Then the door opened and in she came with a wide smile.

“Eh, I was nearly going to send out a search party!” Andy said with a smile.

“Oh sorry! I just got chatting to a lovely lady out there. You know me when I get in a natter! Actually, she says that she knows ya.”

“What’s her name?”

“Oh, what was it now. Charlene, no Charlotte. That was it. An old flame or something?”

“No, she used to go out with a mate of mine back when we were all doing the Leaving Certificate. Wow, that must be like ten years ago, how the years fly. Then, they broke up and well with college and stuff, haven’t seen her. We always got on well.”

Ten minutes later someone put their hands over over his eyes from behind the wheelchair

“Guess who?”

The feminine voice and soft hands gave it away.

“Eh, I don’t know Charlotte maybe?”

With that, the hands were taken away and she went to sit on the other side of him from Rose.

There she was. The last person that he had expected to see that day. She looked just as beautiful as he remembered, shoulder length blonde hair, eyes the colour of a clear blue sky. She was a black jacket, which gave her looks a dangerous vibe.

For the next ten minutes, the three of them talked. Charlotte talked about how she had studied physical education and was looking for work. He told her about his accident and painstaking recovery. Rose mostly just tried to take the piss out of Andy like blurting out that he could do with a good woman.

“Afraid I better get back to Leanne. She doesn’t like being left on her own,” Charlotte said somewhat contritely, “but we should keep in touch Andy.”

“Yeah that would be nice Andy replied.

With that, they exchanged mobile telephone numbers and then she was gone,