It’s Friday, time for another Friday Fictioneers Flash Fiction story featuring Alice Pendragon and her best friend Billy! On this occasion, my story was inspired, not only by Rochelle’s picture prompt, but also by her flash fiction for this week.
Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting the challenge and to Sandra Crook for this week’s photo prompt.
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Alice to the Rescue
The sandwiches and lemonade were in Alice’s rucksack. Billy’s held a large blanket for their picnic by the lake.
Alice gasped and sprinted towards a man she spotted on the bridge, leaning over the murky waters.
“Where are you going?” asked Billy, at her heels.
“I need your help!” Alice shouted at the man.
Billy stopped in his tracks. What was Alice doing?
The young man rushed towards Alice. “Keep away from her!” he warned Billy.
Alice grabbed the man’s hand. “I’m Alice and this is my best friend, Billy. Now, please tell us why you were going to jump.”
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My ‘Alice’ flash fiction written for the Friday Fictioneers Challenge can be mostly read as standalones, but if you’re interested in reading previous stories of Alice’s adventures, here they are!
Rereading Jane Eyre 
Dear Lucy,
Quite the drama going on. I did get a little confused when Alice yelled to the man that she needed his help. And why would the man who was going to jump tell Billy to stay away from Alice? Perhaps I’m the one who’s dense here . BTW I do enjoy it when Alice drops in for a visit.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Alice realised the man was about to commit suicide so she distracted him by making him think she was in danger. He didn’t jump because he stopped to help Alice. Neither of the men knew what was going on until the end. I guess it needs improvement. I shouldn’t have to explain it🤔
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This scene made a number of our writers suicidal it seems..
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🤣🤣 yes, it did! At least a few, like mine have ‘happy’ endings!
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Oh, this is very clever of Alice and I’m very glad it worked out for them all.
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Thank you for letting me know:) Alice is such a resourceful and caring young lady!
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Great and innovative intervention. Nicely done, Alice to the rescue
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Thank you Michael, Alice tends to think and act ‘out of the box’, much to everyone’s dismay!
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What a great way to get a jumper to not jump!
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Thank you! Isn’t Alice fabulous?😄
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She is!
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That was quick thinking on Alice’s part! I always enjoy these two characters. Poor Billy had to take a bit of a bum rap in this one, but I’m sure it’s all set straight now 🙂
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Poor Billy is used to Alice’s surprises;)
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Wow, Alice was courageous and clever. Very creative take on the prompt!
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Thank you! Alice’s reactions are unexpected but effective!
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Even at the moment of taking a plunge, the man appeared to be a gentleman. Why would he try to jump? May be Alice was wrong.
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Suddenly he heard Alice screaming for help and he was momentarily distracted from his suicide attempt in order to help her, or you’re right, perhaps something else is going on…?
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