Sheila was not pleased. No, not pleased at all.
Her BFF Brenda said that flying down to Florida in October would be a real hoot, and all the gang would be hanging around. So Sheila, Brenda, Kimberly, and all the other damsels headed down to their winter spot in Florida. “Eddie will be there!” Brenda had said.
So they went, and hit the water at high speed, skimming over the shimmering glassy pond, trying out new maneuvers, out-spinning the other. It had all started so perfectly. The dragons, including Eddie, were keeping all their eyes on the damsels as they made the first pass-by. Brenda turned to give Eddie that coy look that said so much.
That was her mistake. Out from the depths of the quiet waters came a wide-mouth bass, and gulped her down in one smooth motion before sinking down into the waters. Gone, just like that. Brenda was gone.
The tragedy hit them all like a strong wind, and the damsels headed to the shade of the cypress at the edge of the water. “What happened to her?! Didn’t she see that one coming?” Kimberly spoke bitterly. She was always that way, so quick to speak, to judge the other damsels. The others hushed her, while Sheila came to terms with the loss of her friend. Kimberly was right. Brenda knew better, but dammit, Eddie caught her eyes, and that was all it took.
This was to be their season, their time to connect with the dragons and leave some larvae in the quiet waters. Brenda let that get in the way of survival, and see what happened to her. Sheila shook out her gossamer wings, and turned to face Kimberly.
“Brenda was a fool. We know that. But, we have to watch out for each other, and we forgot that.” All the lenses in her eyes scanned the water, the trees, the sky, the grass—looking for the predators that came so quietly. “Now, let’s get out there, and do what we do best: feast on mosquitoes and bugs, shake the air with our wings, and be the damsels we were born to be!”
As if one, the damsels rose into the air, and skimmed down across the swamp grass, catching insects as their laughter rang behind them.
Some dragons angled in to catch up with them. Eddie grew level with Sheila, “Say, uh, Sheila,” he stammered. “Awful sorry about Brenda. She seemed a good sort. Uhm, would you like to go over to the willow, and check out some lower branches with me?” Eddie’s eyes glistened with deeper meaning.
Sheila kept her course and eyes searching around, but she devoted a few lenses to observe Eddie. He was attractive in that bad-boy way, and she could see what made Brenda focus on him. She gave the matter some thought, and then gave him the only answer she could, which was.......
This was one of the first blog posts I wrote ten years ago. That anyone read it (12 people) with 3 comments surprised me. Just one of my silly little stories!
it's a cute story.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun story. I totally enjoy taking the unusual and surprising, writing around it.
DeleteHer answer? I'll race you to the willows...
ReplyDeleteYou are closer to dragonfly zone than I am. Fly away.
DeleteI can see why. It's a cute story. Although, you missed out by not naming one of the them Evenrude...
ReplyDeleteOkay, you have me. Who is Evenrude?
DeleteEvenrude motors that allow speed boats and swamp boats to skim across the water at high speed.
DeleteOkay, that makes total sense.
DeleteCan't say I woulda ever thought up that one!
ReplyDeleteWell, surprising you is a real gift!
DeleteWe get a lot of dragonflies here and I love them because they do feast on the skeetters! I won't ever look at them without remembering your cute..and a bit sad..story!
ReplyDeleteAh, Brenda was all that bright.
DeleteLove your imagination. But I was fooled right at the start. LOL
ReplyDeleteLove ya
Sherry & jack in a cool NC, Florida is calling, I hear it........ LOL
Keep safe. there should be a lot of damsels there.
DeleteGood story .
ReplyDeleteDragonflies always seem fascinating to me. I wish that I knew more about them.
My son is the entomologist scientist for a major pest company. He could tell you just about everything about the dragons and damsels.
DeleteSilly little stories? No No No. It's a great little story, I love it. I love Dragonflies too. My daughter has one tattooed on her foot.
ReplyDeleteThey are so graceful.
DeleteHeh, heh! I loved this part: "All the lenses in her eyes..."
ReplyDeleteI don't begrudge them their fun, but I DO object to them preening on the end of my fishing rod. I've been known to dip it in the water to get rid of such a squatter.
They are so amazingly beautiful. They surely get forgiven a lot.
DeleteYou can say it is a silly little story but I love it.
ReplyDeletethat is what I always said about my writing 10+ years ago. And, my then-ignorant adult children, pooh-poohed my words.
DeleteWell, I thought it was a great story.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
All the best Jan
Aw, thanks.
DeleteA fun story, yes, they need to watch out for each other. And by the way, the bass have to eat, too. That's just the way of it.
ReplyDeleteThat is how life works. Eat, be eaten, eat some more.
Deletethis was CAPTIVATING story from start to end dear Susan :)
ReplyDeletewow you made the scenario alive with your words and beautiful display of thoughts :)
i thoroughly ENJOYED IT
thank you for reposting my friend!
health ,peace and joy !
I love to see your name! Here is hoping all is well there. How is your handsome son?
DeleteR.I.P. Brenda - wherever you are.
ReplyDeleteGod bless, Susan.
That is a theological question.
DeleteFun story but not for Brenda. :)
ReplyDeleteBrenda was missing some brain cells.
Delete