Copyright – C. Hase
We are a secret sisterhood: Myra, Claudette and me, Eva. I was first. As yet, we haven’t met face to face. Subterfuge and patience have provided time to develop our strategy; our children and families are unaware, but our bonds are strong. We are linked by our mission.
Chance united us – an overlooked text message. He thought the distance between three cities would protect him, cover his tracks, but he got careless.
We’re nearly there. We’ve accumulated equity, drained his accounts, booked plane tickets. We used our heads, not our broken hearts.
Our husband chose well. We are no fools.
*****
This is my contribution to Friday Fictioneers, hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The photo prompt this week is wonderfully suggestive. I’ve followed an idea sparked by the fantastic Aretha Franklin song featured in the link below, and I’ve just loved revisiting this dance sequence from the movie ‘Michael’. Have a look – you won’t be disappointed.
Very nice! Soon revenge will be theirs. You actually hear about this sort of thing happening in real life, sometimes.
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They kept their wits about them and they’ll come out on top. I was imagining the three women and their kids happily established together in some luxury location, but with only 100 words to play with, I had to leave the form of their revenge to the readers’ imagination. I appreciate your feedback, Ali.
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Cleverly told. I had to read it twice to get all the little nuances Sign of a good story, me thinks..
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It’s quite a juggling act to strike the balance between over-explanation and obscurity. I’m happy you got it on the second reading, and thank you, Alicia, for persevering and for letting me know.
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I read it twice, too–just to make sure I understood what was happening. Clever story. Nuanced and unusual. Funny how the smallest mistake can unravel the deepest deception… You told a whole book in this flash fiction!
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I’m really glad you read it so thoroughly, Lorna. Thank you for that and for commenting. I think the husband wasn’t a match for his three clever wives.
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They rarely are… 😉
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Oh oh someone is in trouble!
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Someone sure is, and I’m cheering. Go girls!
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a real creative take on the prompt. very nice.
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Thank you so much, Plaridel.
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Dear Margaret,
Love it. I’d say he’s pretty well busted.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Busted good and proper. As it should be. I’m very glad you liked it and thanks, always, for your feedback, Rochelle. Cheers, Marg.
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I too did a double take and then it all made sense. Great story.
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Thank you, Rae. I’m glad that it made sense at the end. In the editing process, very often you inadvertently cut out bits that link the story together.
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I love women with revenge upon their minds. Good one!
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I don’t think they wanted that for themselves, but they sure did rise to the challenge. Thank you, Sandra, for reading and responding.
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Yes, you go, girls. They forged a chain that’s stronger than anything he oculd have come up with. I hope they won’t break it after they’ve had their revenge. Great story.
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Thanks, Gah. I’m glad you liked it. I’m sure the three women will stay linked up once the action settles down – they’ve been through a lot together.
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Oooo, I do like that story. Such sweet revenge. Well written, Margaret. It’s an idea that would make a good basis for a novel!
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I’m happy you like it, Sarah. A novel, you think? That sounds exciting. Thank you so much for your encouraging feedback.
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Smart man (or maybe not). Great little plot.
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You’re right on the second guess, Patrick. He wasn’t smart enough. Thanks for your comment.
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These are my kind of women – strong, smart, patient. That man is in a world of trouble (deservedly).
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They’re up to the challenge, that’s for sure. Thanks for commenting.
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Masterfully constructed story. I love the last line,
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Thank you, Alice Audrey.Structure’s so important in these short short pieces, and it’s quite a challenge to get it right.
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Hell has no fury (x3) — he is lost.
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Yes, he has dug his own grave, I’m afraid.
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Dangerous women indeed. Your story is well poised to unleash vengeance on their target. Nicely done.
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Dangerous and smart. Hubby doesn’t stand a chance. Thanks for your comment.
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Ooh! A tale of revenge, nicely done, that last line brought it all together. And I always like a Travolta dance sequence.
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I could watch that scene again and again. I love it. Not sure if it’s the big coat, or just the way he’s built the character. I know it’s a bit corny, but who cares? I’m glad my story worked for you, and the ending particularly. Thank you for letting me know.
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It sounds like he’ll end up broke and in jail. He tried bigamy with the wrong women. Well done, Marg. 🙂 — Suzanne
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He got more than he bargained for. Thanks, Suzanne, for your encouragement.
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I heard stories like that, but it’s hard to imagine how one man could keep three women in the dark for very long. I’ve always loved Aretha’s “Chain of Fools.” I played in a blues band for a number of years and that song always filled up the dance floor (along with Mustang Sally). A very imaginative story, Margaret.
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I don’t think it would be possible with today’s communication, really. Makes a fun story, though. It’s a great song, isn’t it? I’m not surprised it filled dance floors. And Mustang Sally! Another good one. I think I’ll need to have another wander down Youtube’s memory lane. Thanks for your nice comment, Russell. I appreciate the encouragement.
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