The Dress - part three

(Fiction) Friday wants us to write about a leopard print dress. This has given me the perfect opportunity to write a free standing story which fits well with the ones I have been writing for Matinee Muse

Many years ago, her ex husband had given her a leopard print dress. She never liked it; in fact the thought of wearing it filled her with horror. It was short – too short, with a plunging neckline and a nonexistent back. Tarty, nasty, and though it cost a small fortune, she felt it would make her feel cheap. When he brought it home she dare not say how she felt, but something in her face told him what she was thinking. He went into a sulk for days. She put away in her wardrobe and it never saw the light of day again nor was it ever mentioned.

Right now she was looking forward to a party. A crowd of friends from her gym were putting on an animal mask ball. She chose a fabulous image of a cat complete with golden whiskers which complimented her tumbling blonde locks. But what should she wear to complete her slinky feline image? Of course – the leopard print dress. Suddenly she had the perfect occasion to wear it.

The big night arrived. She laid it out on her bed, filled a bath with foaming water and laid back with a glass of champagne in her hand, and a smile on her face. The only sound was the gentle popping of bubbles. She hadn’t felt this calm for years.

A bang. She sat bolt upright. ‘Don’t be stupid’ she thought. Something must have rolled onto the floor. Her kitten must have walked across her dressing table and knocked something over. After all, she was locked in, there was nobody else there. But the magic was now gone.She went to her bedroom and was suddenly filled with terror. Someone had been there.

The dress was gone, and in its place was her kittens little silver collar.

go to part four