WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS!
A Happy Valentine’s Day
Henry David Thoreau said it best.
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
THE CHALLENGE:
Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going a few words over the count.)
THE KEY:
Make every word count.
THE RULES:
- Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
- MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH.
- While our name implies “fiction only” it’s perfectly Kosher to write a non-fiction piece as long as it meets the challenge of being a complete story in 100 words.
-
- ***PLEASE MAKE NOTE IN YOUR BLOG IF YOU PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.***
- REMINDER: This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.
**Please exercise DISCRETION when commenting on a story! Be RESPECTFUL.**
Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
- Like us on Facebook
My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism. 
- Shalom,
Rochelle
Genre: Let the Farce be with you.
Word Count: 96
TAKE A NUMBER
“To Randall B. Johnson. My first husband.” Marilee raised her glass. “Good riddance.”
“To my Randy,” Juanita lifted her half empty goblet. “The snake. Glad I divorced him.”
“Yeah, but he was pretty, wasn’t he?”
“Pretty slimy.”
“I hear he’s getting married again.”
“Who’d be that stupid?”
Juanita raised an eyebrow. “Two ex-Mrs. Johnsons walk into a bar.”
“You could’ve warned me.”
“Like you’d have listened?”
“There is that.” Marilee sipped her sangria and relished its bitter-sweetness. “Suppose we should educate the future ex-Mrs. Rat Bastard Johnson?”
“Nah, let’s just plan on a threesome next year.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Nice one here. Hope Johnson meets his match in the next date 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Charles.
We can only hope. 😉 Glad you came by and liked.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Seems like the impending holiday has you feeling a little risqué. I aim to take your lead 🙂
LikeLike
Go for it, Dawn. 😉 And have fun with it. (I did)
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Yes you did! 🙂
LikeLike
I love the double entendre of the bitter-sweetness in sangria and marriages.
LikeLike
Dear Liz,
Glad you liked and caught it. Thank you for swinging by
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
This sounds like the inaugural meeting of the First Wives Club. Made me laugh, women at their indomitable best. Well done Rochelle.
LikeLike
Dear Sandra,
This seemed like a good week to lighten up. I hadn’t thought about the First Wives Club. It’s based on an actual conversation. Glad to make you laugh. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
The internet at the apartment is down so I may not make it this week. Writing this at a chinese restaurant at 10.00am! 🙂 Thanks for the laugh.
LikeLike
I hope you can make it this week, but I understand. Bon apetit. Chinese is one of my favorites.
LikeLike
Rochelle,
Mr. Johnson is accumulating quite a number of women in a love-hate relationship with him. I really enjoyed this one. I always love your sense of humour. 🙂
-David
LikeLike
Dear David,
I have a friend who’s always noodging me about my dark stories. She says, you’re so funny in person, why don’t you write humor? There, Terry. Happy now? Glad you liked it, David. I really did have a great time writing this one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
To be fair, I like all your writing, but you do have a sparkling wit. 🙂
LikeLike
Ah.. better not be a slime-ball… or at least Mr Johnson should be careful with his Sangria next time…
LikeLike
Ah, Björn,
Sad to say…both of the “Mr. Johnsons” this story is based on are the epitome of slime-balls. But I think these ladies are just happy to be separated. Thanks for commenting. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Brilliant!
LikeLike
Thank you, Zainab. 😀
LikeLike
haha this was lovely 🙂 wonderful humor. it’s great how they were able to form friendships because of their slimy rat of an ex 🙂
LikeLike
Dear K.Z.
Happy to make you laugh. It’s based on fact and a delightful conversation I was once privy to. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
Nice title, better story, perfect names, awesome author.
Kia Ora,
Doug
LikeLike
Dear Doug,
Great comment. Wonderful muse. Awesome friend.
Shalom, Kia Ora and Aloha,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Sounds like Randy is not really a keeper. Hopefully wife # 3 gives him a run for his money. Great story ( as always) Pat
LikeLike
Dear Pat,
Randy is as his name suggests. 😉 Glad you liked my story. Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
very Nice.. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you twice in one day. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
WC
LikeLike
Hey Dear Friends Please like me on my Facebook page please because i want to win a game.Please like it
https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Blog-Piyush-Pujara/583345715090487
LikeLike
Enjoyable story. A private detective would have been useful to those ladies. Maybe they should suggest that to the wife-to-be.
LikeLike
Dear Patricia,
I’m afraid wife number 3 is going to find out for herself soon enough. Glad you enjoyed. It was fun to write.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Great minds, Rochelle – I went with the bittersweetness of Sangria too. I love these women’s attitude and your tag “men are pigs” 😉
LikeLike
Dear Jennifer,
Glad you made it home safely. 😉 I missed your comments last week. It’s nice to know that someone actually pays attention to my tags.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Love it, Rochelle! 😀 Really made me chuckle. I like this story very, very much; one of your best 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Victoria,
Thank you for your kind comments. Glad you liked it. I had fun writing it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
The ex wive’s club! I like it! I agree that warning the fiancée is pointless. She’ll probably see them as bitter and unreliable.
LikeLike
Dear Gina,
You are so right there. I’m sure she thinks it’s eternal love. 😉 Glad you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
We are on the same wavelength with this one. Nice little vignette.
I’m having trouble making the linkz thingie work so here is the url to mine in case I never get it to behave: http://sorchiadubois.wordpress.com/2014/02/12/friday-fictioneers-the-sangria/
LikeLike
Dear Kay,
I see that you were able to link up. Good. Glad you liked my story. It was a fun write.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Nice, gave me a smile.
LikeLike
Always happy to share a smile, M. Thanks for coming by and commenting.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
That is a nice one. The dialogues are well written. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you Anmol. 😀
LikeLike
Touche, Rochelle, Touche!
LikeLike
😀
LikeLike
Very well done–especially considering that you are a happily married woman 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Jan,
Some years ago, before Jan and I were married, I was with his mom on a trip. I got to be privy to her conversation with her second husband’s other ex. Seems they bonded over their, shall we say, experience with this man. One of two times I’ve seen my MIL tipsy.
Yes, I am happily married. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
There’s nothing like the gathering of a “first wives club” on Valentine’s Day. The ending has a great punch.
Cheers!
Marie Gail
LikeLike
Dear Marie Gail,
It was fun to write and based on fact. Glad you liked. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
That was awesome! Reminds me of the movie- The other woman starring Cameron Diaz and Nicki Minaj 🙂 They decide to join forces instead of having a cat fight over an undeserving man. Wonderful Valentine’s day fiction Rochelle.
LikeLike
Dear Camgal,
I never saw that movie, but I think it’s a great theme. I really didn’t have any movie in mind. It’s based on a true conversation between two ex-wives who’d made the mistake with the same man. Glad you liked it. Awesome is always nice to hear. 😉 And a happy Valentine’s Day to you.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Rochelle, You know what they say about the power of a trinity. Next year he is in real trouble. Could be the end of his run of Ex-wives. Very fun.
LikeLike
Dear Dana,
Hopefully the third time will be the charm, but with what I know about the guys this is based on…probably not. At least not until someone poisons his sangria. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Raising my glass to your story! Great fun. Hmm, maybe I should reach out to my ex’s ex’s. hahaha! Great fun read Rochelle.
LikeLike
Dear Jackie,
Stranger things have happened. Glad you liked the story. It was fun to write and based on a good memory.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Haha, love it. And I love the genre for this story. The farce indeed.
LikeLike
Dear Tiffany,
Nice to know that someone looks at the genre. I didn’t want to say “humor”. What if people didn’t think it was funny? 😉 Glad you enjoyed my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I think it’s interesting that you always include the genre. Indeed! You had it covered. You’re welcome. 🙂
LikeLike
Love it 😀 “Plan for a threesome next year” Great touch
LikeLike
Thank you, Al. 😀
LikeLike
You’re welcome 🙂
LikeLike
Well, I know sangria can be bitter, darling, but this takes the cake! Nice to see you can do funny, too!
LikeLike
Dear Helena,
Your comment makes me smile. Funny was fun to do. Glad it worked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
My Dear Rachelle,
I am happy to say that you inspired this week’s FF.
Thanks & Blessings,
Phyllis
LikeLike
Dear Phyllis,
Always happy to inspire. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
;0)
LikeLike
I feel oddly voyeuristic dropping in on the conversation, yet strangely glad I did.
LikeLike
Dear Etienne,
Thanks for eavesdropping. Glad you enjoyed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Cute story!
LikeLike
Thank you, Bryan.
LikeLike
Oh my Rochelle, this on is delicious from the first sip! Love it!! “Marilee sipped her sangria and relished its bitter-sweetness.” Fantastic play on words. Bravo! Witty, clever, tightly written, and just fun to read… great job!
LikeLike
Dear Dawn,
Your comment puts a huge smile on my face. It means a lot to me for you to say such nice things. Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I only say what I mean Rochelle… this story rocked!
LikeLike
Man he’s a real slime ball. A least the new friends will have something to bond over.
LikeLike
Dear Kim,
I wonder how many ex-wives there are who do bond this way? It’s based on a true conversation. Glad you liked.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I would imagine more than we would think.
LikeLike
haHaha fun girltime… Loved your story
LikeLike
Thank you, Rajlakshmi. 😀
LikeLike
Hi Rochelle. A clever and funny take on the prompt and so true to life. I know two exs who met last month in just this situation. But they had tea – and I’m sure they wouldn’t have put sugar in it. Good one! cheers, Karen
LikeLike
Dear Karen,
My story is also based on an actual meeting of two ex’s of the same man. Glad you liked it. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Reminds me of some of the tv my wife watched. Nicely done
LikeLike
Dear Weltchy,
Thank you. I think the scenario is more common than people realize. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
if he writes a book, i’ll buy it. 🙂
LikeLike
😉
LikeLike
Love the idea of an ex-wives’ club, Rochelle. Amusing and clever piece.
LikeLike
Thank you, Hannah. I didn’t even think about the movie The First Wives Club when I wrote this. It was based on a conversation between my MIL and a friend. Both of them had been married to the same slime ball and had seen the error of their ways.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I could picture them clinking glasses on the addition to the Wives Club. I have been there and really all you can do is laugh and have a cocktail. I enjoyed this quite a bit!
LikeLike
Dear W.O.P.
Glad that you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
It’s my turn to run late and have all the good comments taken, so I’ll just stick with this:
Nice one, Rochelle. I enjoyed it.
LikeLike
Dear Adam,
I’ll accept that. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Ha!ha!This is hilarious Rochelle!Just loved that “pretty..slimy” and the ending too 😀
LikeLike
Glad you liked it, Atreyee. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Like “The Three Wives Club”…except with one husband. Wonderfully funny!
LikeLike
Thank you, Millie. 😀
LikeLike
Great story…and true to life. I think I know these women! LOL!
LikeLike
Dear Courtney,
Very true to life. It’s based on an actual conversation…or rather bash-fest. Glad you liked and commented.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Oh I like this a lot 🙂
LikeLike
I’m glad, Celestine. Thank you. 😀
LikeLike
There’s this assumption that people can’t accomplish anything if they just stew in bitterness. I say the best friendships are formed that way. 😉
LikeLike
Dear Lauren,
There’s bitterness and then there’s birds of a feather. 😉 Based on fact, I had fun with this one. Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Great dialogue, Rochelle. I’ve heard it said that three’s a charm–perhaps the new wife will be his match and tame that bad boy.
LikeLike
Dear VB,
I’m not sure anyone ever did tame that bad boy. 😉 But at least these friends have something in common, eh? Thank you for the kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Oh the bonding of women over a shared loser. 🙂 very humorous and lovely read.
LikeLike
I’m happy you enjoyed it, Deanna.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I see a pattern here – I wonder how many women he can make mad. Funny!
LikeLike
Dear Nan,
I think there’s the potential for him to repeat the pattern several times. Randy’s a narcissist. They don’t learn. Glad you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Julia C,
Poor Mr. Johnson. Obviously, the man has so much love to offer that it would be unfair to the rest of the female population if he limited himself to only one woman. I can understand their bitterness and disappointment, but let’s not turn sweet wine into sour grapes.
Dr. S. Freud
LikeLike
Dear Dr. Freud,
For some reason my sympathies just aren’t with Mr. Johnson. Nope. Not feeling it. But thanks for the advice. 😉
Shalom,
Julia C.
LikeLike
These women! When will those three meet again?
LikeLike
You never know, Patrick. Female bonding is a lovely thing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Hi Rochelle,
Very fun story. The playfulness of the dialog and the way the relationship between the two women is revealed really makes it hum. I’ve always suspected that women could get tired of too much Johnson. Ron
LikeLike
Dear Ron,
The prize for double entendre observation goes to you this week! Couple that last name with Randy and…need I say more? Glad you liked the story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Nice one Rochelle, lol. Nicely revealed relationship between two women, brilliant. Shalom.
LikeLike
Dear Indira,
You always say the nicest things. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Because I’m truly impressed by your writing dear. Shalom
Indira
LikeLike
Great dialogue which creates a brilliant story, Rochelle.
LikeLike
Thank you, NIna. 😀
LikeLike
Nice one! I like the idea of their growing numbers as the “snake” barrels his way through wife after wife. Maybe number three will prove to be his match?
LikeLike
Dear Ali,
We can only hope. 😉 But I wouldn’t make any wagers. Glad you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I see this becoming quite a party in years to come with all the ex-Mrs. Johnsons needing to rent a room. 😉
LikeLike
Dear Sarah Ann,
Oh I see a rented room in their future. Do I hear four ex-Mrs. Rat Bastards? Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Wicked dialogue here. Need a story from Randy Johnson’s pov too 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Subroto,
Wicked indeed. I’m sure his POV would be a bit of fantasy. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Great dialogue. I love the cynicism and the inevitability of adding another ex-Mrs. Johnson next year. Great read.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/sweets-to-the-sweet-farewell/
LikeLike
Dear Maggie,
Thanks for your kind comments. Glad you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Love this story!
Did not see the blue guy so here is my link:
http://salmonfishingqueen.wordpress.com/2014/02/14/the-last-glass-friday-fictioneers/
LikeLike
Dear Barbara,
Glad you liked. Thank you. Also, it appears you settled your issue with the inLinkz. Good.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Funny and visual Rochelle. Great characterisation. Ah, those poor bittersweet creatures, nothing to do on Valentine’s Day but get drunk in a bar and act like victims! Ann
LikeLike
Dear Ann,
On the other hand, as I recall, the two ladies I base this conversation on were anything but victims. Glad you liked it and thought it was funny. 😉
Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
My apologies to your two ladies. I hope it is not ‘curtains’ for me, with them.
LikeLike
Very funny with great dialogue. I particularly liked the ‘Two ex-Mrs Johnsons walk into a bar’ quip.
🙂
LikeLike
Dear JWD,
That’s one of my favorite lines, too. 😉 Nice to know it worked for someone else. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
just a perfect story, Rochelle. i love the friendship forming between these women. he better get ready for the showdown. ha-ha.
LikeLike
Dear Sun,
Perfect? Pretty high praise. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Great job pulling the reader in, it really feels like you are there, at the table with them!
LikeLike
Dear Riya,
Your comment makes me smile. It’s the ultimate goal as a writer to make the reader feel that she’s there. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Well i almost heard those women speaking inside my head! Amazing dialogues!
I do wonder when the ‘snake’ will be vile enough to deal the killing blow 😛
LikeLike
Dear Smudged,
Glad you could hear the voices. I try to write what the voices in my head tell me. 😉 Sooner or later the snake will reap what he’s sown.
Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Very nicely done! I love your take on this prompt.
-Alicia Audrey
LikeLike
Dear Alicia,
I couldn’t ask for a nicer comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Tch, poor foolish Randy. Gotta love his “ex” women though, they sound super smart and totally in control! 😀
LikeLike
Dear Tinkerbelle,
Randy will eventually pay and we’ll all smile.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Haha! Loved the ex-wives club theme here!!
LikeLike
Dear Anjana,
Glad you did. 😉 Something women can bond over.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Looks like a super popular prompt this week.
LikeLike
As I read this, I tried to picture my grandfather’s first two wives as Juanita and Marilee. It woulda never happened. They were too busy hating the idea that the other existed to focus on how poorly my grandfather had treated them both. I think, for many women, there’s a whole different attitude towards the other former wife (wives) today…more of a survivor’s club!! Great story, and the two Mrs. Johnsons joke made me giggle. 🙂
LikeLike