You've Been Jingled Novels & Stories

My ability to manipulate metal was revealing itself. As I stood there, captivated, the metal objects around me floated, held aloft as if by unseen strings. The tremor in my fingers grew stronger, radiating through my arms like a chill running down my spine. My heart raced, pounding against my chest, as if it might leap out. "Oh no, not now," I murmured, anxiety creeping into my tone. "Not again." But it was too late. The metal items started to whirl around me, creating a chaotic storm of pots, pans, and tools. The noise was overwhelming—clanging, screeching, and scraping—a cacophony of disorder.

She just nodded and went to see all the things. (Translation: See if you like anything here or not.) She touched all the pairs of accessories she likes and took them in her hands shaking it to produce a tinkling sound which made her smile. Ryker was noticing each and every piece of accessory she was touching so he wouldn't miss anything while buying. She saw a pair of golden anklets with small charms on them which made her stop at them. She couldn't move her eyes away from it and he knew she liked it so much.

Her and Hakeem’s conversation replayed in my head, the one they had when I was unconscious in bed. “It seems like you know more than you’re letting on. This wouldn’t have anything to do with the big secret you and Hakeem are keeping from me, would it?” Jada lifted her hands, which looked like they’d been coated in tiny flecks of iridescent glitter. Her body shuddered—actually, no. She didn’t shudder, she rippled. It reminded me of an old television losing signal, the cartoon wavering before vanishing in a sea of crackling static.

“I think both of you are a little young for an engagement ring.” JD shook his head. “A promise ring.”

I was going to become a gem all on my own. Just then, Queenie suddenly yanked the strap of my shoulder bag. The medical journal Mom left me fell straight to the ground, pages flying everywhere. Rage surged through me. I didn't know where the strength came from, but I raised my arm and slapped Queenie hard across the face. She stumbled backward and let out a dramatic cry. "Nigel! Save me!" Nigel's expression changed in an instant. He rushed to catch her in his arms and then turned around and kicked me in the stomach.

PENNY Leaning against the counter, I watched Liam tighten the last screw on the bakery’s new doorbell chime. “Try it now,” he said, stepping back and wiping his hands on a napkin. Jess reached for the door handle, pushed it open slightly, and let it swing back. A pleasant jingle echoed through the bakery, she gasped dramatically. “We’re officially fancy!” I chuckled, shaking my head. “It’s a doorbell, Jess, not a Michelin star.”

The dangling tassels are made with rhinestones, and the bottom part curves into a V shape that frames my jaw and chin when I put it on. This is obviously just for looks because it does nothing else. Honestly, it gets in the way when I move, and the strands flail around, making those beaded noises. “Now come.” I gulp and slowly walk out. “Good luck,” Kanda says, still tending to her wounds.

Madeline's voice sounded a little rushed. "I think I've had too much to drink," I slurred, faking it. "When are you coming back?" "Soon, just give me… fifteen more minutes," her voice was muffled, like she was trying to hold something back. Then I heard it. A man's low, teasing laugh. And the soft, metallic jingle of something—jingle, jingle—like the little bells on a piece of lingerie or a sex toy. "Madeline? Where are you?" I kept my voice laced with concern.

She grabbed a pillow and thr⁠ew‌ it at Sadie, wh‍o cau‌ght it laughin​g. THE CLUB Mus‌ic boom⁠ed from t‌h‍e speakers.​ Drinks poured‍ into g‍lasses. Lau​ghter b‌ounced⁠ off the⁠ walls⁠. The ener⁠gy was contagious. Sadie and Jessica⁠ clink⁠ed glasses, taking a ce‌lebratory sip. Sadie n‍oticed the ring st‍ill on Jessica’s finger. Jess​i​ca held it in her hand, feeling‍ a‍ little shameful. “It’s weird no‍t⁠ we‌ar‍ing it,” she muttered‍.