Friday's Child

Even the sweetest tempered dog will bite if you back her into a corner. Poke, nip and tease long enough. Fail to show any respect. Take advantage of her good nature, and take her loyalty for granted... and she'll show her teeth. When that happens, don't blame the dog.

Every teacher paused at my name, and looked up from the register. Eyes casting about the room, skidding right over me. Looking for another Victoria. A stunner, brimming with charm. A celebrity of sorts. Not a short, slightly plump kid, with big glasses and mousey hair. I'd put my hand up, and mumble louder. They spotted me at last because my face burned like a beacon.

I always loved Teddy, long before he noticed me. I was on his hook, and of course, he was on hers. Like everyone else, he only had eyes for Victoria. I've always lived in her shadow, and it's long. It took her breaking his heart and humiliating him for him to look round and see me.

At first I worried I was a consolation prize. My self-esteem, already struggling, took another hit. Sometimes, in bed, his teeth would sink into his lower lip as if he were about to moan, "Victoria..." Sometimes my courage would break and I'd kiss him, before she could escape his mouth and come between us.

She skated through life on her looks. When her rich husband left her with no money and no prospects, I did my duty. Helped her pick up the pieces. Listened. Invited her into my home. Let her sleep over so she could drink.

How does she repay me? Playful pushes on Teddy's bicep. Giggles. Sighing, "I'd never be in this position if I'd married Teddy... Would I Teddy?" (His Adam's apple bobs in response.) Sleeping with her ass hanging out. Getting up and doing yoga in our living room in her underwear. Smug remarks: "You should thank me; you'd never have got together if I hadn't turned him down."

This bitch has had enough.

Teddy loves me, I know it. But he's only a man. I need to make it easy for him. Quietly remove the temptation.

I have a plan.

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Word count: 366

(NB. This excludes the title, subtitle, and author's note.)

Submitted on Saturday 19th October at 15:40

Quick Author's Note

The story behind the story: This follows on from previous micros:

1)

and 2)

A Year of Stories: I'm writing (and submitting, here) a story every day this year. This continues my 293 daily micro-fiction story streak since 1st January. I'm nearly at 300!!

ONLY SEVENTY-THREE DAYS TO GO!

Please consider lending your support to the other creators on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They're putting out excellent content every day!

Rachel Deeming

Gerard DiLeo

Image: I spent about twice as long on the sodding picture as I did on the story today. Partly because I already had it fleshed out in my head, but mainly because, as you all know, AI is a crusty dickhole.

I know this is what you're really here for, so, as the bishop said to the netball team,

Let's dooooo it!

I thought it might be fun to have their arms round each other and each holding knives, but I thought AI might have kittens about that last detail.

You'll notice most of the pictures are more cartoony, which wasn't what I was after, but at least they weren't children or elderly this time. I also wouldn't have minded the cartoon style if it was the only way to include knives.

Some of these are pretty close to what I was looking for, but oh boy does it ever get confused with arms and hands...

The white backless dress implied a wedding, which I didn't want.

Thank you

Especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and I am extremely grateful for your ongoing support.

Thank you to those who leave feedback/comments. Bear with me while I catch up on reads (I will have much more time to do this at the end of the coming week. In the meantime, I do appreciate your eyes!)

If you enjoyed this one, the very best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another!

This is my latest dollar challenge. Please have a look.

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Thank you again!