by Ali Koomen

Created on: December 22, 2008

CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS

"Come on, we gotta get going. We're going to be late for the party," he said, his tone lacking any sort of holiday spirit.

Her tone was equally peevish when she snapped back at him, "Well, if I hadn't needed to go to the cleaners to pick up your suit, maybe I'd be ready by now." With an exasperated sigh she added, " That is the same suit that's been ready for two weeks, you know, the one I've mentioned to you half a dozen times?"

He ignored her barb. "Just pick a dress and let's go. We can't be late for my boss's party. I'm up for that promotion, so I need to go brown nose my way through drinks and dinner."

"Hmm, and here I thought it was about celebrating the season. Falalalala and all that crap."

"Whatever." He pointed to a black dress on the bed. "Wear that one. It's nice. And wear the pearls I got you for our tenth anniversary. Makes your neck look lovely."

She raised her hand to her throat, surprised that he would say something so sweet. Then again, he was probably just laying it on so she would pick something to wear and they could get going. Without complaint she picked up the dress he had indicated.

He went downstairs to check on the kids and the babysitter while she slid into the dress. She checked her makeup and hair, then sat on the edge of the bed with a brand new package of Perla hosiery. Normally, she wore good old three-bucks-a-pair Leggs panty hose, but this was a special occasion. She'd splurged and spent twenty dollars, a ridiculous sum for something so gossamer thin. Removing it from the package, she gathered up one leg and slid her foot into it. Running it up her calf, she was amazed at the fine texture. "Hmmm. This must be what rich feels like." she thought, gathering up the other leg. Her perfect manicure, in Cinnamon Christmas Candy red, was a great festive touch, and she took extra care so as not to break any of her nails.

"Come on, already!" her husband's voice boomed up the stairway, and she jumped. One of her perfect red nails went through her perfect sheer hose. For a moment she couldn't comprehend what had happened. Staring at the large gaping hole, tears welled in her eyes. It would have been easier to light a twenty dollar bill on fire and watch it burn. The thought of such wastefulness caused her to burst into tears.

Her husband stomped up the stairs again, and his anger was evident by his heavy footsteps. She wanted to do nothing more than to tell him to go jump into a lake, but she was unable to speak.

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>