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.
