DRESSED TO DIE FOR

by Danna Shirley

Writing assignment to use the following words in a story:

Fecund, Euphoria, Sanitize, Destiny, Cemetery

Having a fecund personality, I love attending social events and “dressing to kill” so to speak. The invitation to attend the Christmas Ball prompted shopping for a new dress, shoes, and purse. At Neiman Marcus, Angela greeted me with fawning and flattery. Just the way I like it. She guided me to my usual dressing room and surrounded me with many colors of taffeta, velvet, silk, chiffon, satin, and sequined dresses. Trying on these lovely gowns sent me into euphoria that swept across my memory of past balls and proms.

Etiquette prompted this shopping spree for I cannot wear a gown already seen by the public through photographs in newspaper and magazine articles. It just wouldn’t do. I cannot sanitize my appearance, I must flaunt it. I need to be admired and the envy of every female there while also provoking jealousy of every man who cannot be with me.

I selected a beautiful Valentino design from Italy; sleeveless, fully sequined, silk, with a sweetheart neckline and ruffled shoulder straps. Red, of course, for Christmas, and just under $20,000, a real bargain by any standard.

Next was the salon for the full treatment; massage and facial, a salt glow, and mani-pedi. The final touch was the upsweep hairdo. The day’s activities carried me through to the evening when I dressed and donned my diamond necklace and earrings. As I looked in the mirror, my inner voice announced, “I am exquisite!” I eagerly looked forward to enter the ballroom and allow my own grace and elegance to outshine everyone else.

Giles brought the Jag around and I whisked off like Cinderella to the ball to find my Prince Charming. I am his destiny and he is mine.

I know this road like the back of my hand but in my anticipation to arrive, I didn’t notice my speed had increased around the curves and through the hills. I was singing and daydreaming of my entrance when I suddenly hit some loose gravel and began to swerve uncontrollably.

My life flashed before my eyes along with instant regrets for all of my pettiness and pride, my envy and gossipy spitefulness. How quickly these thoughts magnified and tortured me. If I live through this, I thought, I will make things right. I will be a better person.

The car finally stopped on the edge of a steep hill and I was safe. I let out a deep sigh while all the promises I had just made to myself quickly vanished as soon as they had come. I was again the envy of all at the ball.

“Didn’t she look exquisite in that stunning Valentino gown,” Sheila commented.  

“Such a shame,” added Amanda. “And to think she was just sitting there in her car when she was pushed over the cliff by that drunk driver.”  

The two friends left the cemetery arm in arm wiping the tears from their eyes.