FLASH FICTION FRIDAY, CYCLE 19: DOWN EASY

The topic this week was romance. The prompt was to construct a love letter to the object of unrequited love and affection or compose a Dear John letter to the crusher (let them down easy or not…your choice). Whether my character actually let her fella down easy is a matter of perception, I guess. What do you think?


DOWN EASY

My Dearest Darren,

No doubt you’ve already sampled the champagne I set out for you. I know how much you enjoy a glass of something soothing after a hard day at the office. I hope it was chilled to your liking. I know how particular you can be. I’ll bet you think this little gift and this letter are from that woman Angela, don’t you? Well, they’re not. They’re from me. Remember me? We went out that one time three months ago last Thursday for dinner, and you never called me again. When you dropped me off at home, you said you didn’t think there was any chemistry between us, but I felt a real connection--like we were soul mates, you know? I knew if I gave you some time and some space that you’d come around.

I’ve been watching and waiting, my love, day in and day out, and you’ve been just the cutest ever. Leaving every day for your job at the exact same time and returning home at the exact same time every evening. I knew the second we met that you were punctual and responsible and you have proved my impression of you to be 100% accurate. I did tell you on our date, if you will recall, that my impressions of people usually are totally correct; although unfortunately, there are always exceptions to every rule. My regret is that I was sadly mistaken about you.

You were always upbeat and cheerful as you went through your days and I knew it was only a matter of time before you picked up that phone and admitted your error where I was concerned. The air was filled with so much electricity when we met and shook hands--I know you felt it too, so that’s why I had such a difficult time understanding why you made the choice to ignore what your heart was certainly telling you. Instead of continuing your life’s journey with the one who completes you, you crossed the line and took up with that other woman.

Last week, when I first saw you two sitting at our table at our restaurant sipping our cocktails, I was so confused and hurt. Yes, Darren, I was hurt by your display of affection for that person. I watched you two holding hands, laughing, your arm around her as you escorted her to and from your car; it was absolutely vulgar and so completely inappropriate. I mean, who is she after all? Some crude and uneducated street person, masquerading as a potential client of your firm, determined to pull you down into the gutter in which she resides? I always believed you had more sense than to fall for a ploy like that. But you let her lead you on, down that dark road, toward her depravity and away from your destiny with me.

I want you to know that I tried very hard to forgive you, my pet. I kept telling myself to just let you sow your wild oats--they all do it--and once you had your fill of the wrong side of the tracks, you would come home to where you knew you belonged. Patience has always been one of my greatest virtues, as have tolerance and faith in the human spirit, but even I have my breaking point, my limits if you will, and sadly, you have pushed me past mine with your cruel antics. You leave me no alternative but to say goodbye.

I realize it appears as if I am trying to be vengeful, but I assure you, that trait is not part of my make-up. I am giving this all I have to give to simply make it as clear as I can to you that there is no hope for us after all. I never thought I would have to turn my back on fate, but I know now in my heart that you are unwilling to accept the eternal love and devotion I have offered. It is with deep regret that I must inform you that we are finished, heart of my heart, forever.

In case you are wondering how I gained access to your charming apartment to leave my last gift, I intercepted that woman Angela on her way in. It was yet another knife in my heart dearest when I discovered you had provided her with keys to your sanctuary. But I know you are lost and wandering and that I must protect you from yourself and your irrational decisions. There was no way I could allow that filth to pollute the air you breathe, so I put her down right there in the hallway in front of your door. I left her lying there on the dirty floor where she belonged while I let myself in and placed my gifts inside. She was woozy from the injection so there was no scene as we exited the building and caught a taxi. We went somewhere quiet and I put her out of her misery. She didn’t go easy, my ray of light, but that was as it should be. That creature couldn’t pull you away from your intended and expect the end to be akin to kneeling on a bed of roses. She will not destroy any more lives, I assure you.

And you, my sweet? You deserve so much better, and that will be my last gift to you. I know your heart is breaking knowing our lives cannot reconnect, but there is simply too much water under that proverbial bridge. You should be starting to feel a bit slower and my words might be starting to blur by now since I’m certain you’ve already had several glasses. What I put in the bottle isn’t relevant since by the time you call anyone and hang up the phone, you will be gone. It won’t be painful for you, dearest, you’ll simply fade away. I know you wouldn’t be able to go on through your life without me at your side, but perhaps might lack the courage to end your suffering, so I have done it for you. My last gift. I am not one to be bitter.

I am certain it is becoming more and more difficult for you to hold this and focus on my words so I’ll close. Please do not despise me for ending our relationship, but you must see how deeply you’ve wounded me. Darren, you cannot play with a person’s affections and then simply toss them aside. You see that now, don’t you? A bit of good news before I sign off though. You’ll be happy to know I’ve already found another. We’re going to dinner on our first date this evening and I am already sensing a bond between us beginning to form.

Just relax. Perhaps lie down on the couch if you can make it that far. On my way to meet my future husband, I’ll be stopping by to collect this, the bottle, ice bucket and glass. I’ll wipe down any spills too because I wouldn’t want you to be found in disarray. You don’t deserve that. After all, as I believe I have already made crystal clear, I am not one to be bitter.

Yours always,
Marie