The following photo is the PHOTO PROMPT. Some of you may remember it from long ago.
PHOTO PROMPT -© Raina Ng
Summer reruns are upon us. As I will be somewhat out of commission this week to have a physical inconvenience taken care of I’m falling back on one of those prompts from my first year in Friday Fictioneers. I’ve updated it a bit to make it one hundred words exactly. You can find the original post here. I will try to make the rounds but, at this time, make no promises.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Word Count: 100
THE GIRL MOST LIKELY
Coffee and baking cookie aromas filled Gail’s kitchen. She wiped dust from a dog-eared yearbook, set it on the table, smiled at her high school chum and said, “I’m so glad we found each other.”
“We were darling, weren’t we?” Brenda flipped through the faded pages. “You’ve done well for yourself, Miss Homecoming Queen. Nice home. Handsome husband. I’m so jealous.”
“Thirty-seven glorious years next month.”
“Amazing.” Brenda pointed to a picture of a moon-faced boy with horn-rimmed glasses and buck teeth. “Hey remember him? What a geek! I wonder what ever happened to the little twerp.”
“I married him.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Dear Rochelle,
I hope that all goes well with you and that you are on the mend quickly.
Talk about putting your foot in your mouth. Often the twerps turn out to be the best catches.
Cheers Irene
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Dear Irene,
A family friend married a guy named Bernie. We couldn’t see her attraction to this corpulent fellow. A few years later we ran into them. B had lost so much weight I’d never have recognized him. In fact, he was downright handsome.
I had eyelid surgery yesterday so I’m a bit sore and may be slower getting around to comments and reads. It all seems to have gone well and the nursing staff was wonderful.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Glad that your surgery went well Rochelle. Everyone will understand if you don’t get to everyone this week. Just get better.
Cheers Irene
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Funny story, Rochelle. I always favored the guys with brains also. You have to think of your children as well as yourself when you choose. Well done as always. 😀 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
Kudos to those who see the inside of a person.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ha. Love the reruns.. and they still are new to me… which shows how much a junior I am. Reminds me of one or two of the other kitchen pictures I have seen, when I mostly wrote horrid pictures of murder. Love how you did it, and having once been one of those least desirable guys I have a lot of sympathy for the moral of such a story.
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Dear Björn,
I think I could rerun my first FF year and it would be new to most. I love revisiting and seeing where my writing has changed and grown.
As for this story, I was in the middle of helping to plan my forty year class reunion when I wrote this. It’s amazing how people change and how many geeks changed for the better.
I was a bit of a class geek myself. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a lovely story, you made me smile.
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Dear Loré,
I’m very happy to make you smile.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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New to me and lovely story. Good luck!
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Dear Hilary,
That’s the beauty of having been at this for three years. To most in this group my first year stories will be new. Glad you liked it.
Eye surgery went better than I’d hoped.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I, along with Bjorn, was one of those “least desirable guys”. Turned out ok me thinks!
DJ
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Dear Danny,
We do grow up, don’t we? I’m glad it turned out well for you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your story made me laugh.
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Dear Rachel,
Your laughing makes me smile.
Thank you and Shalom,
Rochelle
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(Rachel….I meant Rachel)
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Oh dear! Saw that coming from three words back!
My neighbours have a really ugly baby girl whom everyone hopes will become a swan in time.
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ps – I wish you well with your health issue and hope it’s more uncomfortable than serious. X
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Dear Liz,
I had a droopy eyelid repaired Wednesday. The results made it worth the soreness I’m having this morning.
Perhaps the little girl will grow up to be a swan. I’ve known a few like that. By the same token, some kids who start out being pretty go the other way.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved the ending and laughed out loud 🙂 Yes, one never knows where old schoolmates end up.
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Dear Vinay,
My forty year reunion was a great example of how people grow and change. I’m glad my story made you laugh.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is the first time I am reading this, and I have to write, brains are far better.
Lovely story and I hope everything sorts out!
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Dear Francesca,
All is well. My eye’s a little sore but it’s healing nicely and no more droopy lid.
I love sharing reruns before a new audience. Glad you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s funny.
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Thank you, J Hardy. 😀
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Perfect ! ❤️
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Thank you for such high praise, Van. 😀
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HA! I burst out laughing in my office with this one. My co-workers came running to see what was so funny. On this day, your post gained many new readers. Nice job!
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Dear SNB,
It’s always nice to gain new readers. Thanks for laughing and letting me know you did.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hey you never know. Today’s square may be tomorrow’s hep cat.
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Too true, Larry. It happens all the time.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The “geeky” ones turn out to be the best catches! You captured that well. Wonderful story. I hope your medical appointment goes well and you heal quickly!
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Dear Joy,
I loved my last HS reunion…#40,,,Most of us had grown up and had a great time.
I had a little nip and tuck for a droopy eyelid and, at this writing, is still quite painful. It’s only been four days so I might be a bit impatient.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I hope the pain is over quickly! Nice to be able to have a little nip and tuck! HS reunions are fun!
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Classic case of foot in mouth at the end there. Nicely done Rochelle
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Dear Weltchy,
Thank you for taking the time to read and say so. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hey you never know. Today’s square may be tomorrow’s hep cat. Think twice before any smarmy comments
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Another morning giggle. One must always be cautious of what one says.
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Dear Caerlynn,
Open mouth, insert foot.. Glad to make you giggle.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Bravo. And good for her for seeing beyond the surface.
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Dear Patrick,
Thank you for your kind words. If only everyone saw beneath the surface.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Now get out of that! I think that might just be one short-lived reunion. Made me smile, after a hard day. Hope all is well now.
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Dear Sandra,
I’m happy to make you smile. I think she’ll be a while getting out of that.
I’m impatient with recovery. 😦
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Damn those physical inconveniences! I am living with one of my own now, so I totally get that and feel the right to say “Damn them!”
Good story. Feel better.
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Dear Dawn,
Thank you for your encouraging words. I’m getting a little better each day I think, although I’m impatient.
Glad you liked my story and took the time to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good luck with the ‘break’, I hope everything is over smoothly and painlessly.
Your story amused me, although I have to wonder how the old friend didn’t realise it’s the same guy. Makes me think maybe it’s not a foot-in-mouth situation, but a bit of friendly joshing between friends. This confusion makes me feel as though the story isn’t as polished as your ore recent ones – not surprising as I think all our writing changes (hopefully improves) over time.
Take care,
Jen
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Dear Jennifer,
Every been to a forty-year class reunion? You’d be amazed at how hard it is to recognize some people after all that time. My thought is that Gail and Brenda are catching up after a number of years as was the case with my forty-year reunion. In my mind these ladies haven’t seen each other in nearly forty years as was the case of my reunion committee. Some had changed so drastically I wouldn’t have known them, particularly the men.
On the flip side of your comment, it’s affirming to know the you feel I’ve grown as a writer.
With your hands so full, I’m pleased that you took time this week to write and comment. I’ll be slow making the rounds this week.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice twist at the end there. I’m sure her friend had nothing more to say.
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Dear Ansumani,
Awkward. 😉
Glad you liked my story.
Thank you and shalom,
Rochelle
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Very amusing story.
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Thank you, Indira. 😀
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Ha! Very funny. Mend quickly. dear.
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Thank you, Alicia. Still working on the mending part. My husband thinks i spend too much time at the computer. Se moi?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Cute. ‘Please be sure mind is in motion, before engaging mouth.’ 😳
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“Open mouth, insert foot.” Thank you Archon.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Classic example of foot-in-the-mouth disease! I love it because I didn’t expect it!
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Dear Lorna,
No doubt the last line was followed by a moment of awkward silence. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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No doubt! 🙂
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ah, life is full of surprises. 🙂 good luck this week.
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Dear Plaridel,
Life is full of surprises…some good some bad. Thank you for the well wishes. So far so good.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hahaha! Fun stuff and pretty realistic. I always enjoy retread weeks as they give me an opportunity to catch up on stories I missed initially and always “plan” on going back to later. This was no disappointment.
Best wishes on the procedure this week. Give me a holler if you need someone to come and read to you or bring wine and sit quietly.
Love and hugs,
Marie Gail
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Dear Marie Gail,
I’m glad you enjoyed the trip down Memory Lane. the procedure did go very well. I’m able to read but the wine and companionship would be nice.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hello Rochelle! Your blog name caught my attention so I decided to come over and check you out… and I’m absolutely stoked that I did. I love it. I’m headed back to browse some more- have a great evening.
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Dear Runaway Nuns,
Thank you for coming by. Glad you like what you see. You’re welcome anytime.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you!
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Dear Desilu
I attended my 40th last year. Most of the people from the circle I ran with in my younger days (hippies) didn’t bother to show up or were dead. It was amazing how many of us handsome princes had turned into ugly ducklings.
– Hop Sing
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Dear Hop Sing,
My 40th reunion was four years ago. One of my former hippie friends showed up. He was spooky. Still stoned, long hair, aging toker caught in a time warp. Most of us have moved on and had a great time.
Ah memories.
Shalom,
Desilu
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Open mouth and insert foot. It is interesting how we all change or don’t.
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Dear Joseph,
At my 40 year reunion a few years back it was fun to see how people had changed. And then there were a few who, sadly, hadn’t.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“Um, I mean, I was thinking of someone else, um…” 🙂
I bet this happens a lot when flicking through the old yearbook.
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Dear Ali,
People change a lot in the span of thirty or forty years. I suppose it could happen often.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Awesome 🙂 – I might have been that little twerp, I was super geeky in all my highschool photos. And every photo since then really…
Hmm.
V Funny – hope your inconvenience gets sorted quickly.
Cheers
KT
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Dear KT,
Thank you for such a glowing comment. I’m sure your “geekiness” has turned to awesomeness. Your writing certainly reflects the latter.
As for the inconvenience…it’s a double-edged sword at the moment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This made me smile. Beautiful on the inside is always the most important.
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Dear Louise,
Your smile makes me smile.. 😀
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Nice to have found this little community of writers thanks to Alistair Phillps. His piece inspired me, and I’ve added my contribution to the list. I enjoyed your story, reminds me of the time I put my foot in my mouth when I made a horrid comment to my husbands, friend’s wife after she complimented my new furniture. I said I’d bought it at this particular store because the popular store that had been recommended only seemed to have crap (actually I said garbage) on the floor. She answered, “that’s where we bought all our furniture.” Oops!! Not the same and yet very much the same. Although I’m sure in this story her friend could have easily laughed it off with, “my what an outstanding change, good for you, brains over brawn will win every time.” I do hope you are feeling better soon.
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Dear Yolanda,
A hearty welcome! I found this community three years ago when Madison Woods was the facilitator. As your can see, I was hooked and never left. 😉
Thank you for sharing your true story. I think many of us have bouts with hoof in mouth disease from time to time. And thank you for commenting on my story. I think it’s the reciprocation that makes this group so much fun. Sort of like pen pals on steroids.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s a wise woman who can see what kind of man a little twerp will become.
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Dear Alice,
And that’s a fact. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved this. Have seen many of these transformations to know that you never know what people may turn into. Was a new story for me too. I did a 2 for 1 deal this week as I put in two stories for one prompt. I hope you recover quickly so you can start winking at your husband again.
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Dear Subroto,
Recovery is going so well even my doctor’s surprised. I expected to have a shiner and don’t even have a faint bruise.
People do change, don’t they?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Clever twist at the end. Definitely an “oops” moment. It’s funny isn’t it, how things change so much from that world we once thought was all encompassing — High school. Great story.
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Dear Voice,
Your comment is spot on. At the time high school and how others saw us defined us. I certainly happy to took back in time and realize it just wasn’t so.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautifully crafted as ever.
And even AnElephant, in his younger days, could get trunk-tied occasionally.
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Dear Elephant,
Trunk-tied? Love it.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
Am so glad your eye op went well.
I used to love geeks and still do, Any relationships I’ve had with vain and dishy guys, of the himbo variety, have been a disaster. Brains come before looks, as far as I’m concerned.
Your story is so funny, especially the way Brenda puts her foot in it.
By the way, I’ve started reading your book. It’s so well-written and moving.
All best wishes
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
It’s thrilling to read that you’re reading my book. I hope you continue to enjoy it.
As of this morning, the eye doctor is amazed at just how well my surgery went. No black eye as expected. A bit of swelling, redness and soreness though. All normal.
Glad you liked my story.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I’m certainly continuing to enjoy your book.
Excellent that your eye is looking good, although am not sure exactly what surgery you had on it.
About three years ago, I had a cataract removed from my right eye. It was such a scary but wondrous moment, removing that dressing the next day, looking out the window, and seeing how bright the colours green and blue had become overnight. I remember going for a walk in the woods and being totally overwhelmed by the brilliance of the trees in full leaf and by the carpet of bluebells spread across the ground.
My other eye has a small cataract, but not bad enough for an op. It runs in the family, so whatever I do about protecting my eyes from the sun or taking antioxidants doesn’t work!
Wishing you a wonderful week, seeing plenty of beauty around you.
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
My surgery was more cosmetic as my right eyelid was drooping and obstructing vision. Therefore it was deemed necessary and the insurance has covered the major part of it. It’s still somewhat swollen but not bruised as the surgeon expected.
Glad you’re enjoying my book. Of course Havah, Arel and Ulrich, etc are fictitious, but after ten years, they’re quite real to me. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a fun story. 🙂 I’d also like a kitchen much like that one. Natural light is always best.
Anyway, good to see your procedure went well. Take care of yourself and get well soon! ❤
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Dear Emilie,
Glad you liked my story. It was a fun one to write.
Thank you for the well wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved this! I guess it takes a master jeweller to see the diamond in the rock…
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Dear Joyfulness,
As always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved this, Rochelle. I like the dog-eared yearbook and the moon-faced boy. Nicely written. I can see how people are hardly recognizable thirty-odd years later, but I have to go to any reunions. I haven’t been to a single one. I hope you are feeling better and are getting some rest.
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Dear Amy,
I went to my forty year reunion a few years back and some of those people were hard to recognize, even with their senior photo name tags. 😉
As for rest, I’ve gotten more sleep in the past week than in the past year. It’s been kind of nice.
Thank you for such nice comments as always.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hope all is/goes well. That’s a great story and this sounds like a conversation my wife could have with one of her friends… granted, I didn’t wear horned-rimmed, but more the huge bug eyed version of rim that was so popular in the 80’s. Lucky for her, I ugly duckling-ed pretty hard (if I do say so myself, which I normally have too, not sure what that means exactly… but.. meh).
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Dear R. Todd,
I can think of quite a few ugly ducklings who’ve grown up to be beautiful swans.
All went well with my surgery and even the surgeon is amazed at my progress. Nice to hear.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Get better soon! Thank you for the laugh! Sweet story!
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Dear OnChi,
I’m getting better all the time. Thank you for such sweet comments on my story. it was a fun one to write.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I think I remember this story from before, way back in the mists of time. 🙂 I love the awkward silence and backtracking we can imagine after the last line.
Hope all goes well and you can recover quickly.
Take care,
David
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LOL’s. It made my day!
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Happy to oblige, Lucky. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A touching picture of friendship, lasting love and reminiscence. Nice.
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Thank you for such nice comments, Margaret.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That must have caused a rather awkward, embaressed silence! Great story. 😉
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Dear Fairymind,
I’m sure there was a moment of awkward silence. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i like the way you end it
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Thank you, I B. 😀
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I guess Brenda didn’t recognize Gail’s husband’s name? Which could definitely happen; especially after so much time! You could remember the little nerd without remembering his name!
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Dear Dale,
You nailed me on that one. 😉 Perhaps he has a common last name and went by a first name in school. I think that does happen a lot.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ha ha! There are always those that we remember by face but not by name..
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Ah, the case of the Impatient Patient…
Been there, done that, and didn’t even get a t-shirt!
Your story is wonderful, and proves the Thoreau quote at the top part of your page: “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
Btw, I finished reading your book, and loved it. I don’t know if Amazon notifies you or not, but I did post a review at Amazon.
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Dear Bobi Jo,
According to my surgeon, I’m way ahead of schedule in the healing department.
Thank you for the nice comment on my story and review on my book, you’ve given me much to smile about.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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PS Amazon doesn’t notify me. So far your review hasn’t shown up. If I don’t see it by tomorrow I’ll call customer service as there’s a reader in Canada who posted a review that doesn’t show up either.
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Ha ha ha, wonderful.
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Thank you for reading and taking the time to leave a nice comment, Historieforteller. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved iT!
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Glad you did, Roger. Thank you for taking the time to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was a cute story. Good to visit this blog again. I sent you a photo to use as prompt. This is a good one too. Wishing you good health, Rochelle!
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