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I used special wrappings for her birthday gift...
I filled the box and wrapped it
In lilac paper covered with butterflies
Different colored ones orange, purple
I chose an orange ribbon to tie it
I put it in a shopping bag, took it to my car
As I drove to my friends house I recalled
Our friendship over the past 15 years
Betty was closer to me than anyone else
Including my family even my husband
Whom I loved with every fibre of my being
In fact the only burr in my blanket was
That they never really liked each other
My best friend and my husband were cordial
Only to please me-but I had to accept it
I got to Betty's she was expecting me
As I entered her apartment we hugged
She said" What a lovely package dear Lydea"
"Yes isn't it, I hope you like what's in it as well"
"You know I shall Lyd, you always go overboard
and please don't mention my age this birthday"
She was smiling and so was I, reaching fifty is
always a milestone. I had done so the year before.
Betty asked"Shall I open it now, you know I hate
to wait?"
"Of course open it now, I'll pour some champagne
The side bar looks so festive with the hor derves and
other goodies."
She gave an expression of surprise and said, "Oh my
Lyd this is the ming dynasty tea set I've dreamed of having, but I can't accept this, what would David say
if he knew you gave me your most prized possesion?
A gift he gave you on your tenth anniversary."
"David won't notice it's gone, he's been very distracted of late and is hardly interested in our home, and hasn't been for a long time."
"Oh my Lydea, you never said anything before. Is it too much work do you think. I know you always told him he works too many hours, and I agree with you. But I still can't accept this. However, I can and will feast on these favorite petit fors you made, they are my favorites"
"First let me toast you , here's your champagne.May your birthdays always be as beautiful as your friendship has always been to me, and may you never want for anything, happy birthday dear Betty! Now you can eat one of the cakes." We both smiled.
"I see you are eating a stuffed olive so I won't offer you a cake now. said Betty"
Then as we went to sit by the cocktail table next to her small bar, she took a few bites and it was gone. We continued talking and drinking until, Betty said "I'm feeling dizzy all of a sudden. Must be the drink. Think I should have some appetizers."
I said, "You sit I'll bring the tray here." I put the tray on the table and sat down. I looked at Betty, she looked strange. "Betty you look weird,take a cheese roll. She looked at me, and said," I ah I fe -fee- I ..."
I said, "Betty it will soon be over. All these years I thought you and David didn't like each other and it turns out you have been lovers for years. I know everything so don't struggle to deny it. You can hardly move anyway. The poison I put in the cakes takes only about 20 minutes until you are totally paralyzed, and death follows in about 15 minutes after that."
She looked horrified and trying to get up fell over on the floor, trying to speak, "oh oh no no pleeee oh no." then she was quiet. I kneeled on the floor and looked
at her she couldn't move there was hardly any breath
her mouth was drooling.
I dragged her into her bedroom, and managed to get her on the bed. then I went into the living room to where the bar was and cleaned up everything. Next I took the prized tea set and smashed it in pieces. I left it on the cocktail table. I left the house and went to my car where I already had my luggage. The movers had emptied my house that morning of all furniture. All that was left there was David's clothing.
When I had found out about David and Betty, I was sick for awhile afterwards, but no one knew I knew. Then I made plans. I bought a house in another town near the ocean and I was going there now. Hundreds of miles away The furniture was on the way there too. I had taken all the money from our joint accounts. He would have the house which is worth more than the accounts . David was wealthy and over the years I had become so too, in my own right. I hoped that I would never have to see him again.
If I do have to speak with David it will be through my attorney. I have proof and pictures of David and Betty together. I made sure to get the evidence that could not be refuted. My lawyer told me I had all I needed and had nothing to concern myself about.
I did not kill Betty, I'd given her a couple of sleeping pills and a muscle relaxant . she would wake up groggy and weak but she would awaken in about 6 to 8 hours. It is one birthday she will never forget. I will never see her again either.
It will take time to overcome the pain and deep disappointment in the two people I loved and trusted most in the world, But I am strong and have hopes of making a new and better life for myself. May they both enjoy each other with their guilt and deception. They aren't worth my thoughts anymore.
etw-2006
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Reader Reviews for
"A Best Friend.?"
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| Reviewed by Candace Shoemaker |
9/7/2007 |
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| Wow, You are very clever..Sounds like a good CSI episode! Are you in therapy now? or was that your way of 'closing'? No matter, its OutStandinG!!..Not sure if I want to befriend you though? lol!!.. |
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| Reviewed by kailash shastri |
4/26/2007 |
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| well nicely written. the surprises were good, and so was the climax. but the initial introspection could have been a bit different. you need not have mentioned tat hubby and frend didnt like each other-- because you are trying to misguide the reader. but ta apart, it was very expresive. |
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| Reviewed by Linda Hutcherson |
3/26/2007 |
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| Hi, I am new here and not an "expert" but I sure enjoyed your little story! For some reason, though, I kind of wished it had ended with the woman (assumed) dead. Gee, I must sound horrible! ha ha |
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| Reviewed by Sharon Jordan |
3/6/2007 |
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I didn't see this one coming! You wicked girl, you!
Great story.
`Sharon |
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| Reviewed by Joyce Hale |
2/9/2007 |
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ET, a sad, poignant, delightful story!! I have know situations like this, been in a similar one, and been betrayed by a best friend of half a lifetime; and know the pain and disappointment. I'm glad she didn't kill the other women! It would have hurt her life more, and now she can go on and have her revenge of a happy life. Wonderful write!
Peace. Joyce |
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| Reviewed by Nordette Adams |
2/4/2007 |
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| What a wickedly dark write, Eileen. I often wonder why people can't be honest and tell their old lover or spouse they've found someone new. Why must they practice such intricate deceptions? I know that sometimes they do so to avoid a court battle, but often simply to avoid confrontation. I guess the bottom line is they're cowards who don't want to face themselves. ~~Nordette |
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| Reviewed by Regis Auffray |
1/7/2007 |
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A most engaging story, Eileen. I really like it. I like the way the protagonist comes through. Thank you for sharing it. Love and peace,
Regis |
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| Reviewed by Kimmy Van Kooten |
11/13/2006 |
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Those kind of sleeping pills never wear off...sounds like a real life story I just learned except she hasn't delivered the gift yet...
Sad but true the "other women's" pic was secretly hiding behind the family photo of his wife and daughter...sad but true...21 years gone in an instant!
Love and Peace~
Kimmy
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| Reviewed by Karen Vanderlaan |
11/12/2006 |
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| i enjoyed reading especially the surprises! well done |
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| Reviewed by H. Lena Jones |
8/29/2006 |
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Dear Eileen, this was indeed a sad read for me, and a poignant write. Lydea's pain touched deep within my soul. But now the deed is done, there can only be brighter, better days ahead for her. Time will come when she will thank the two misfits for making it possible for her to go forward and claim her well deserved happiness, which perhaps would not have been possible before.
God Bless
Lena |
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| Reviewed by Helen Downey |
8/22/2006 |
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| Wickedly done! |
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| Reviewed by Sandra Mushi |
8/21/2006 |
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I agree with Jerry, you gave her sleeping pills? Okay, fine so you didn't want to kill her, but you could have given her something more, erm, potent, deadly even! Lol. Great story, Eileen!
God bless,
Sandie. |
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| Reviewed by Aberjhani |
8/18/2006 |
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What a deliciously wicked and totally excellent story. It reflects the sad truth that sincere hearts can give their loyalty and affections to deceiving souls for years--quite literally--before realizing the falseness behind the smiles and kisses. Enjoyed the read.
Aberjhani |
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| Reviewed by Birgit and Roger Pratcher |
8/16/2006 |
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A gripping story of a mosth delicious revenge! We really enjoyed this!
Love, B&R |
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| Reviewed by m j hollingshead |
8/16/2006 |
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| good one |
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| Reviewed by Susan de Vegter |
8/15/2006 |
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Revenge is sweeter when you have a mind to drag it out with the sleeping pills and the suggestion of poisoning...you won. The best revenge, though, is forgiveness. You outdid yourself in this wonderul mystery.
Love,
Susan |
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| Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado |
8/15/2006 |
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Wonderful write, Eileen; very well done!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D |
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| Reviewed by Peter Paton |
8/15/2006 |
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Eileen
You didn't mess about in this one...;)
And it just goes to show, there is no such thing as a bosom pal...
No siree !!
Peter |
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| Reviewed by Dove JoAnne Cromp (Reader) |
8/15/2006 |
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I totally relate to this one Eileen..You are a beautiful soul, angel..
Peace & Love, Dove |
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| Reviewed by Miss Pandora |
8/15/2006 |
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| Ooooh sweet. Revenge is always a dish best served cold...very cleverly reflected here. Love Panda :) |
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| Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader) |
8/15/2006 |
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| Drat. Even in the short story format, where killing is . . . if not justified, at least expected, you wonderful humanity shone through and you . . . you . . . damnit, girl, you gave her SLEEPING PILLS????? |
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