Short Stories from The Flair Writer’s Group
By Tom Jones
Tom had a head cold, which was strange because he had a temperature at the same time. Worst of all he couldn’t fully appreciate the aroma of his coffee.
wrirFrom behind him in the library came an alarming noise that sounded somewhat like a washing machine he had once had. That washer had ground away noisily until one day there was a puff of electrical smelling smoke and it’s only movement following that came when it bounced its way down the tip.
Tom turned to see where the noise was coming from and was confronted by a large blue Police Box. As he sat there agape, (which is the old word for ‘gob-smacked’) the door opened, and a young woman strode out followed by an elderly gentleman and a middle-aged one.
‘This way Doctor’ she remarked authoritatively.
‘Your coordinates were exactly right Doctor’ she continued.
On hearing the title ‘Doctor’ Tom sidled over to intercept their path.
‘Excuse me, did I hear right. Are you a doctor?’
The elderly grey-haired man looked at Tom from head to toe.
‘To whom do I speak?’
‘My name is Tom’
‘You’re not a Baker are you’ said the old man quizzically.
‘No, these days I am retired actually’
‘Well how can I help you?’
‘I don’t suppose you are carrying anything that could alleviate this rotten cold I have managed to acquire.
The Doctor fished inside his jacket and brought forth a device that looked to be half screwdriver and half baby’s rattle. He adjusted a button on its side and positioned it next to Tom’s temple.
Tom felt a buzzing which was not unpleasant and then a moment of vertigo which was less so.
‘There that should fix you up!’
‘Who are you?’
‘Yes’, the man replied. ‘And may I introduce you to my intrepid band of associates. This is Miss Della Ware’
Tom wondered What Year?
‘Charmed I’m sure’ Della effused.
‘And this is Mr. James Watt, who is with us for a short time’
Tom offered his hand and Mr. Watt who shook it with enthusiasm.
‘Glad to Meet ye’ he said, his eyes beaming.
Tom could see his attention had been taken by the sound of a jet of steam coming from the coffee maker.
‘Well’ said Tom. ‘Don’t let me delay you any longer from your business. Thank You Doctor I feel better already’
‘Capital’ said the Doctor.
Tom walked over to the table reserved for the writer’s meet-up and regathered his coffee. It was still passably warm, and the smell was glorious.
Sometime later he was assailed by the grinding sound that had announced the arrival of the Doctor and his friends. Tom turned to see the blue Police Box fade, then waver and vanish.
He savoured the last dribs of his coffee and thought. The Flair Writer’s Group is an amazing place. Where else would you encounter Who, Watt and Ware? And discover a cure for the common cold, all on the same day.
For further information about our little group contact Tom on 0401 019 612
Unbelievable stuff every month. (Miracles by appointment).
