IAIN KELLY

TANDEM

‘Are you pedalling back there?’ puffed Archie as the tandem bicycle crawled up the incline.

‘Of course I am,’ Agnes lied, giving her pedals a few cursory turns for appearance’s sake.

They reached the crest of the hill. Archie pulled on the brakes. Agnes jolted forward at the sudden stop.

‘Why have you stopped?’ she asked.

‘Just need a minute to get my breath back.’ Archie pointed to the valley ahead of them. ‘Wonderful view.’

‘Not from where I’m sitting,’ said Agnes, who had spent the last hour watching Archie’s oversized behind wobbling in front of her.

‘I did ask if you wanted to go in front. Perhaps we should have got two separate bicycles.’

‘Don’t be silly. It’s been much more fun like this.’

‘Have you got the camera? Get a photo of the view.’

Agnes tutted and clambered off the bicycle. As she raised the camera, Archie pedalled past her, picking up speed on the downward slope.

‘Pub’s at the bottom of the hill,’ he called back. ‘Enjoy the walk.’


photo-20170807154618536
Copyright Dorothy

Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story in around 150 words, based on the weekly photo prompt. Thanks as always to the challenge host Priceless Joy. For more information visit HERE.

To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

Click here for more adventures featuring Agnes and Archie: THE AGNES AND ARCHIE STORIES

57 responses to “TANDEM”

  1. magarisa Avatar

    Haha, serves Agnes right for not pedalling uphill. 😉

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It does indeed 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  2. scr4pl80 Avatar

    Don’t blame him one bit! Good one!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Janet 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  3. James Avatar

    She deserved it. Hope Archie finishes a few pints before Agnes huffs and puffs into the pub.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I’m sure he’ll have a drink waiting for her when she arrives.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Jade M. Wong Avatar

    Gasp! Archie, you sneaky guy! Although, I suppose Agnes had it coming. Fun take on the photo Iain ^_^

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Jade 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  5. Annie Avatar

    Despite their huff and puff, I find this rather uplifting and light. What a fun story, Iain, thanks for putting a smile on my face today!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      You’re very welcome Annie 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  6. mandibelle16 Avatar
    mandibelle16

    I’m not a cyclist and even though I did it a lot as a kid growing up it’s not my fav thing so I think Agnes was smart having Archie do all the work. I mean she did have to put up with that view so I think Archie needed the exercise too. But it’s probable Agnes might as well? On one hand it’s funny Archie left her behind, very well aware of her devious plan to make him her transportation; on the other, maybe Agnes is similar to me and would prefer the walk to the pub?

    On another note, Agnus could try rollerblading I’ve found that to be faster and more fun, as well as, much easier when your climbing hills once you’ve got your balance down and have practiced a bit in park it’ll lots before doing longer runs. I’m not sure of her age, but falling might be an issue but u can wear at the very least wrist guards and a helmet to catch yourself and guard your head.

    Great story Ian.

    Like

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Haha, Agnes learning to rollerblade could be a whole other fun story! Archie will have a drink waiting for her and once Agnes has calmed down all will be forgiven. Thanks Mandi.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. mandibelle16 Avatar
        mandibelle16

        Haha sounds good!

        Liked by 1 person

  7. yarnspinnerr Avatar

    🙂 Lovely fun take.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Moon Avatar
    Moon

    Hahhhahhaaa! What a fun story !

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  9. J.Gi Federizo Avatar

    Well, she had it coming

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      She certainly did 🙂

      Like

  10. marja Avatar

    Haha that cheeky archie

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks for reading 🙂

      Like

  11. Kalpana Solsi Avatar

    Archie’s oversized behind… good description. Archie did the right thing to leave her for some exercise. lovely story.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Sight11 Avatar
    Sight11

    Archie’s oversized butt will soon be swollen red. All thanks to Agnes..

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Ha, she may have a few cross words with him when she catches up!

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Priceless Joy Avatar

    Hahaha! I can’t blame Archie for doing that but poor Agnes! The beers will taste good to both of them at the pub! Cute story, Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Definitely well earned! thanks PJ 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    Iain, this is delightful! Thanks for the giggle.

    Click to visit Keith’s Ramblings

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      You’re welcome Keith.

      Like

  15. michael1148humphris Avatar
    michael1148humphris

    From what I hear Agne butt is no dream, great story which made me smile, thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      You’re welcome Michael, thank you.

      Like

  16. neeltheauthor Avatar

    A vert lively story. I guess you get what you deserve so both are happy. Lovely writing, Lian.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  17. Varad Avatar

    Well, Angie realized that Archie needs the exercise with his oversized behind and all 😀 Fun take, Iain. You should write a full series about Archie and Angie. I would buy that.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, very encouraging words Varad, glad you liked it.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Joanne Kelly Art and Design Avatar

    😀 😀 Good one, Agnes had it coming.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      This will be us in a few years.

      Like

  19. writercookie Avatar

    Oh no! That was so funny. Great story 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, glad you liked it.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Fluid Phrase Avatar

    Hahaha! Enjoyed reading this. Very entertaining!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Amber Glow Avatar
    Amber Glow

    I’m laughing so hard right now! Loved it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Glad it gave you a laugh 🙂

      Like

  22. luckyjc007 Avatar

    LOL’s I guess it was more fun for her since she didn’t do any of the work! She could have asked to switch places with him instead of just not helping pedal, and others probably would have left her also, but she didn’t have it too bad since the ride up the hill is worse than the walk down the hill. I have a feeling they will not be riding on the same bike anymore. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Separate bikes from now on!

      Liked by 1 person

  23. creatingahome Avatar

    Good on you Archie!

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Ellespeth Avatar

    This was funny and so well written.
    Ellespeth

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Ellespeth, very kind.

      Like

  25. afairymind Avatar

    A very fun story, Iain. 🙂 I don’t blame Archie for leaving her behind one bit!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Louise 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  26. believeandseeblog Avatar

    Very witty. I do hope Agnes enjoys the walk! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, I’m sure she will…

      Like

  27. athling2001 Avatar

    Great story. The dialogue is easy and natural as is the relationship between the two I was surprised by the ending as I saw Angie as younger, too young for a pub. Then again, I don’t know what, if any, age limit exists for pubs:)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you! Interesting point. I see them as a middle-aged, heading to retirement age couple, perhaps on a tandem to relive their youth or try something new. Perhaps I should write about them when they were younger too.

      Like

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.