Copyright Erin Leary
“Daahling!”
Glancing down at my forearm, I remember the exquisite agony of twisted, reddened skin.
Mwah!
I flinch, though it’s a softer assault against my cheek than before.
“We must get together, I’m dying to hear your goss!”
Funny that… she never listened to anything I said. Even when I begged her to stop.
“And your hair really suits you like that…”
As I recall she liked it better in clumps, clutched victoriously in her hand.
The mist clears, and I find my voice, a clearer, stronger voice now.
“I’m sorry… I think you may have mistaken me for someone else.”
Lovely to see Friday Fictioneers getting the recognition it deserves on WordPress the other day. You must be very proud Rochelle; recognition of the hard work you invest in keeping this site going.
castelsarrasin 
This really touched me. Great job.
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Thank you! 🙂
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Aww…. Thats a nice ending…
A twist.. And I loved that… Though he would have felt shattered…
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Interesting that you saw one of them as a male. 🙂 Thanks for commenting.
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Ah.. there were those bullies we never care to meet again.. yes mistaken identity… a great way to escape
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Because it’s so much easier than telling it the way it is. 🙂 Thanks for reading.
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Dear Sandra,
Sounds like a good person to walk away from. Perhaps the class bully? I had to look up Chinese Burn…ugh. Horrid. But your story is well written as always.
I can’t tell you how blessed I am to have you in my corner. Without the already solid foundation of Friday Fictioneers, there would’ve been nothing to perpetuate. Many thanks.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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She was a good person to walk away from. And the pleasure is all mine Rochelle, keep up the good work, it’s clear to see you enjoy it. Thanks for commenting.
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Sandra, Always a good story. You never feel you can totally trust someone who was that mean. Great description and dialogue. 🙂 —Susan
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Absolutely. Thanks for dropping by Susan.
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It’s a good feeling when you can walk away. Great story, as always.
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It is indeed. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting.
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ha! i do that a lot. i’m like, “i’m sorry… you are?” i’ll never understand people who want to “get together” and “catch up” even when they obviously disliked you in the past.
and now i know what Chinese Burn means.
excellent storytelling and unpredictable story as always. 🙂
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I hesitated about using Chinese Burn, but there were lots of google references so I thought it might be OK. Thanks for commenting KZ.
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Dear Sandra,
Your writing takes me back to those times and forward to these. Wonderfully written. Painfully eloquent. Do you suppose they ever grow out of it?
Aloha,
Doug
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In my experience, they don’t, Doug. I gave my own personal tormentor the benefit of the doubt when she tried to reconnect, but the years had only loaned subtlety to her skills. The next time she tried I blanked her out and still feel good about it. As the saying goes ‘fool me once…’ 🙂
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And thank you for dropping by. It’s lovely having you around again.
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Keep telling him that, Sandra. 😉
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Great little story. Love the use of the word ‘exquisite’ in that way. Makes me want to say it over and over: exquisite exquisite exquisite!
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🙂 The word for today then! Thanks for reading Jessie.
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Lovely when you finally find your voice, even after all those years. A nice piece.
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Yes, there’s a kind of calmness about putting an issue to bed. Thanks for reading Claire.
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Terribly sad – there are people exactly how you described…we all know that. So well portrayed.
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Thanks Hamish. Glad you liked it.
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Nice piece of writing, Sandra.
Brought your characters to life.
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Thank you!
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If there’s something I just hate seeing is someone who was a pain in the drain during school and NOW they want to be friendly! I couldn’t lie, though, about not knowing/fremembering someone like that (I give myself away too easily) but I definitely can relate.
Chinese Burn, huh? We had Dutch Rubs.
I laughed well at this story, Sandra, the timing was exquisitely laid out and the payoff marvelous. Wonderful!
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Thanks Kent. Dutch Rubs sounds a lot more friendly than Chinese Burns. 😉
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They are. All one does is take the knuckles and rub it on the head until it hurts. Still is annoying, though. 😀
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Funny how some people manage to have selective memories while many of the people around them can never forget – you portrayed this really well. I’m glad your character found her strong voice and was able to walk away with so much dignity.
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So am I Siobhan. 🙂 Thanks for reading.
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Bully for you! That’s a great ending, wish I could use that at work sometimes.
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Thanks! 🙂
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This sounds like just about everyone in my neighborhood while I was growing up. We gave each other Chinese Burns, Dutch Rubs and hit each other and yelled, “One-eyed Jack!” when a car with only one working head light passed. Well done!
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Sounds like fun! 😉
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When children grow up, those awful brats aren’t forgotten. Loved the back and forth between dialogue and unspoken response.
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Thanks Helena, glad you liked it.
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For all that you nipped in first, Sandra, your story has the usual depth to it. I like the way you went back and forth and that your heroine had the courage to walk away, both literally and figuratively. I looked up Chinese burn, but although the gist is clear, Google doesn’t seem to know “goss”, which I also looked up. Strong story!
janet
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Yes, I was a bit quick off the mark this week. Or maybe everyone else was just slow. 🙂 I think ‘goss’ is just the Brit abbreviation for ‘gossip’ – these days everyone seems to want to abbreviate everything. Thanks for reading Janet.
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Took me a couple of reads but I got there. Nice idea of the bullied and the bully meeting later in life. Good work.
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It was never going to be a happy reunion I fear. Thanks for reading Paul.
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If I understand the Friday Fictioneers correctly, you are to use the given photograph as inspiration? Which I think you did brilliantly here. The photo doesn’t exactly evoke bullying at first glance and I appreciate your selecting the “mist” to drive your story.
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For me, the challenge is to use the inspiration as loosely as possible. I hate it when other people take the same inspiration as me, it tells me I haven’t thought things through properly. 🙂 Glad you liked it, and still hoping to see you on here.
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I find it strange how bullies think they can walk into our lives in later years and be friends. My tormentor ended up in the position of having me as her direct supervisor at work and tried the “we were kids then” route. I think I hated her more for brushing it off than I did for the actual misery she put me through. I like how your story reaches out and touches each one of your readers.
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Yes, it is funny how they can gloss over it, isn’t it. I suppose having rationalised it for themselves they expect others to have done the same. I hope you’re not still working closely with your tormentor. 😦
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Thankfully no.
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I can just see this classmate ten years later oblivious to the pain she caused.
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Absolutely! 🙂
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Intriguing story with a triumphant ending. Nice!!!
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Thanks Jan. 🙂
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Well done. Great characterization of both women.
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Thanks Lisa! 🙂
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this is so true to life. You captured the true essence of being bullied by a bully. You made me think of a cousin that abused me as a kid. As kids do, we saw each other last week after close to over thirty years. She never treated me mean she says.
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I have a feeling my tormentor would say the same thing. Thanks for reading.
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An interesting use of the mist! Ah, this made me think of my sisters…older sisters. The cruelty of youth. Nice to see so many friends here, by the way…
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It’s lovely to see you back. It seems a very long time since we heard from you.
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I’ve met her. He was horrible.
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Aren’t they all! 🙂
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Very nice Sandra, it was the best way to avoid character like that. Touched me as I recalled someone when I was working. Nice title.
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I think she made her point. Thanks for reading Indira.
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Hi Sandra! I’m new here, and loving every minute (or read)! This one was expertly done from the opening address to the final wise decision. I look forward to reading more of your stories!
Greetings from Greece!
Maria (MM Jaye)
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Hi there! And welcome. Hope you like it round here. Lucky you, being in Greece, I’ll bet it’s a bit hotter than it is in France right now. Thanks for reading.
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Fine ending. Interesting to imagine what the next line could be. Will the rejection be accepted?
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I think the only thing you could do after delivering that line would be to walk away… 🙂
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The mist as a metaphor for escape! A story full of pain but also strength.
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Thank you Patrick 🙂
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Geared as it is. You have to feel for the focus character, struggling to live with bullying from the past. Writing wise, you’ve also nicely conjured empathy. Good job
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Thank you, glad you liked it.
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Sandra, I always love your stories. The subtleties and nuances that are so beautifully woven into your tales! I had the great pleasure of finding that an old bully who I reconnected with 30 years later, was an amazing person now, and I happily count her as a good friend. Not usually the case! I think I would choose the route you use here… and avoid an ugly confrontation. Well done!
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It’s good to see a happy ending Dawn. I’m pleased for you. And thanks for dropping by.
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Always, my pleasure.
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How is it that years later the school-yard bullies never seem to remember what they put you through?
I’ve had a few Chinese Burns in my day…
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Selective memories, I guess. 🙂
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Good for her! Yes, bullies tend to conveniently forget their past behaviour. Great story!
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The things they did are probably best forgotten, by both sides. Thanks for reading Freya.
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I’ve been in a similar situation and I’m afraid I tiptoed away before she saw me. Great story, brilliantly done (and I know I say that most weeks, but I do mean it!)
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🙂 Sometimes discretion is the better part of valour. Particularly with a real toughie…..
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Intriguing story, took me a few readings. Thanks, Sandra!
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I seem to be taking up a lot of your time with my work Perry. Maybe I’m being a bit too abstract. 😉
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Thanks for persevering though. 🙂
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Dear Sandra, Good story and it is reassuring that others have the same problem with the insincere ramblings of others. If you were good friends to begin with, you wouldn’t have stopped staying in touch! Thanks for the read! Nan 🙂
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No I guess you’re right. Thanks for dropping by.
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Isn’t is interesting how bullying is the opposite of cowing? I love how your protagonist steered away.
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🙂 You’ve a way with words – and you make me smile.
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Ugh!What a meanie!Glad the narrator had found the strength to resist and a way to escape!Some people are so obnoxious with their pseudo personalities-selfish and superficial-best to avoid such dirt!An amazing take on the prompt Sandra ,well done 🙂
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Thank you! Glad you liked it.
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I always love what you write 🙂
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Beautifully described with an unexpected ending..!!
Nice take on the prompt, ma’am! 🙂
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Thank you!
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Great story! People can be so mean, but act like they’re the sweetest person ever.
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Thanks for reading. 🙂
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Very touching story to which I can relate. Perfect ending!
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/through-a-glass-darkly/
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Thanks Maggie!
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Ooh, a little twist in the action, I see. You created an intriguing scene from such a peaceful photo. Your mind works in mysterious ways…
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Something my husband is always telling me… 😉 Thanks for dropping by Erin.
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I would have slapped that woman silly. I have done the same–mistaken identity. Leaves them speechless. Great job. Lucy
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It’s a tactic that works a treat!
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Ooh, nice spin at the end. I remember those arm burns. Not fun! Good one, Sandra!
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Very vividly written, Sandra, I can picture the scene.
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Thank you.
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You captured the torment of being bullied so well, and brought back memories of a schoolyard and running away from someone I stupidly thought of as a friend, all because I wouldn’t give her my new headband. She pulled out a clump of my hair and held it aloft like a trophy.
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I’m amazed how many people have been victims of bullying. Thanks for reading Dee.
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Powerful story in a few words.
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Thanks Shandra.
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Great story! Love the last line. If only people would say it more often, I do!
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Thanks Deb. 🙂
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Sandra,
I’m not sure there’s anything to say that hasn’t already been said. Beautiful story. I’m glad your character had the wisdom not to stick around. Few bullies change much over time.
All my best,
Marie Gail
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Thanks Marie Gail, appreciate your reading and commenting.
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This story really touched me. Being able to walk away from pain is liberating.
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And I hope you’ll be able to soon Renee, keep on keeping on. Thanks for reading.
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I’m getting better every day. 23 days till I take my first steps. It’s not like I’m counting or anything. Giggle.
Love,
Renee
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🙂
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I’m glad your narrator found her clear and strong voice. Her memories are so clear and painful – taking the reader into her world and suffering. Strange how the bullies always seem to forget who they were along with what they did.
(On an irrelevant flippant note, I would want to avoid anyone who used the word ‘goss’.)
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Yes, selective memories I think. Thanks for reading Sarah Ann.
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Gorgeous, Sandra! Oh there is so much here is so few words.
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Thank you Melanie.
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This was hilarious! I didn’t quite expect that ending 😀
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she is very smart:) had a feeling that the narrator is a girl
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