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. Haha, serves Agnes right for not pedalling uphill. 😉

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Don’t blame him one bit! Good one!

    Liked by 1 person

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Liked by 1 person

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

    Liked by 1 person

  5. 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. You’re very welcome Annie 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  6. 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. 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. Haha sounds good!

        Liked by 1 person

  7. 🙂 Lovely fun take.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Hahhhahhaaa! What a fun story !

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Well, she had it coming

    Liked by 1 person

    1. She certainly did 🙂

      Like

  10. Haha that cheeky archie

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for reading 🙂

      Like

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Liked by 1 person

  13. 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. Definitely well earned! thanks PJ 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Iain, this is delightful! Thanks for the giggle.

    Click to visit Keith’s Ramblings

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 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. You’re welcome Michael, thank you.

      Like

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Liked by 1 person

  18. 😀 😀 Good one, Agnes had it coming.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This will be us in a few years.

      Like

  19. Oh no! That was so funny. Great story 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, glad you liked it.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Hahaha! Enjoyed reading this. Very entertaining!

    Liked by 1 person

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Glad it gave you a laugh 🙂

      Like

  22. 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. Separate bikes from now on!

      Liked by 1 person

  23. This was funny and so well written.
    Ellespeth

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Ellespeth, very kind.

      Like

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, I’m sure she will…

      Like

  26. 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. 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

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