One strike and out

‘You have to help me, Janie.’

‘She told you what would happen.’

‘I didn’t kiss her! She kissed me.’

‘And you kissed her back.’

‘I didn’t.’

‘How long did the kiss last?’

‘A few seconds.’

‘It should have been milliseconds.’

‘But it meant nothing. You have to talk to Chrissy. Tell her.’

‘She doesn’t do second chances.’

‘I’ve tried calling, texting, emailing. She won’t even listen.’

‘And she won’t. That’s her rule. One strike and out. If you cheat, use violence, or give away her secrets you’re history.’

‘Come-on, Janie.’

‘No way; it applies as much to me as you.’



A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Into a corner

‘I wondered when you’d show up.’

‘You slept with her?’

‘Yes.’

‘When you knew …’

‘No. Look, the answer’s no. You backed her into a corner, that’s why she lied.’

‘I did what she wanted; I proposed.’

‘She wants to marry the old you. The one before you gave up your dream.’

‘But I did that for her.’

‘She wants you to seek your dream. She’d no choice but to end it. She’d hate herself and you’d probably come to hate her too.’

‘But …’

‘Your dream is her dream. You need to find a way to do it together.’ 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Once is almost the same as never

‘You’re awake. You want coffee?’

‘Please.’

Sandra disappeared from the doorway.

‘About last night …’

‘Yeah?’ Gary answered, tugging on his shirt.

‘I don’t usually … I guess …’

‘You’ve buyer’s remorse?’

‘No, no … I just … could we keep it a secret?’

Sandra reappeared and held out a cup.

‘Pretend it never happened?’

‘I don’t want our colleagues to … well, you know.’

‘Okay.’ Gary smiled ruefully.

‘I don’t mean it never happened. Just …’

‘Yeah, I know. It was a mistake.’

‘No.’

‘But it’ll remain once?’

‘I ...’

‘Don’t worry, once is almost the same as never.’

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Mutual destruction

‘You need to be careful with Mac, he’ll destroy you both.’

‘He’ll be fine.’

‘You don’t know him, Cassie. He’ll put himself through hell to make sure you go there.’

‘What?’

‘When we were nine he added peanut oil to a stir-fry knowing we were both allergic. He nearly killed us.’

‘Seriously?’

‘He’ll endure any pain to realise your worst fear. And he hates you right now.’

‘I don’t …’

‘Imagine your biggest secret. One that you’d die to keep hidden. You know his and its worse. He’ll still reveal yours to make you suffer. I mean it; be careful.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.