AUTHOR AND TEAM MEMBER, LORRAINE CAREY, IS SHARING HER SHORT STORY WHICH IS PUBLISHED IN THE 'WHAT IF?' ANTHOLOGY - 'THE DOLL THAT HAD IT ALL' #RWRTeamBlog #ReadWriteRepeat

A Sample Excerpt from a Supernatural Story

Included in the ‘What If Anthology Series’, Book 4

THE DOLL THAT HAD IT ALL

by Lorraine Carey

The bright Arizona sunlight permeated through the plantation shutters, waking Gemma Lowry from a restless night, which was not unusual considering her marriage was going down the tubes, fast. Russell, her husband, had already left for work, which was normal with having to take over the accounting agency he’d inherited from his late father years ago.

Throwing back the fine linen sheets, Gemma walked through her vast territorial-style home and headed to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee before her usual morning walk. October in Arizona still meant warm mornings. She sat at the kitchen table, glancing out over the open courtyard at an unused chiminea that graced the corner. I don’t know why we never use this thing. Maybe it’s because Russell has been so busy working late these days. Hopefully, with the cooler weather coming, we can make it a point to spend evenings out here enjoying the beautiful view of the mountains. Her thoughts quickly turned to Russell and his behavior over the past year. Their daughter, Hope was off at college, and things had indeed been different, but he seemed to lack interest in their relationship, and sex had become less and less frequent, if not non-existent. Gemma wondered if he was having an affair with his attractive secretary, who was young, blonde, and thin. After all, he was an attractive, well-built man five years her junior. It’s no wonder, can I blame him? I mean, it’s not hard to notice the few pounds I’ve put on not to mention my absence from the salon for some time. Did he also find me boring as well? Maybe I need to get back into teaching or doing some substitute work. That’d most likely get me back into my routine of dressing up and looking more professional. I guess this is what early retirement does to some people.

Taking an early retirement was something Russell had brought up a while back as the business was doing well, and he had suggested that Gemma retire from the classroom and do some private tutoring. After teaching for twenty-five years at the local middle school, she jumped at the idea.

After her morning walk, she decided to call her longtime fellow teaching partner, Lorna, and meet for coffee later that morning. Lorna had retired a few years back. Gemma needed a friend to confide in regarding her home situation.

Following a cool shower, she headed into her closet to select a simple sundress. After trying on several, she became irritated as most were all too snug. Looking in the bedroom mirror, she shook her head. No more walks, I’ve got to cut back on those sweets I’m so addicted to, or start running.

She ran her hands through her dull red hair and fastened her long locks into a ponytail. She remembered the days when her hair was a brighter red. The Arizona sun did have its effect on redheads. She suddenly remembered she had some other outfits hanging in Hope’s closet. Now that her daughter had gone away to school up north, she’d transferred some of her things into Hope’s closet.

Gemma had successfully found the perfect summer shift, but her eyes were soon diverted to the boxes that housed mementos that were stacked in the back of the closet. She knew they were mostly old toys that belonged to Hope when she was a child. Feeling a strong urge, she pulled the top one out, finding old yearbooks and some of Hope’s favorite children’s books. She opened the second box, and lying on top was an old shoebox labeled, Margie, written in a fancy script-style writing.

She sat on the floor eager to open the small tattered box. There was layer upon layer of tissue paper on top. She tore away at the papers, scattering them about the floor to find Margie the fashion doll perfectly wrapped in silk and tied with twine. At least my daughter wanted to keep this doll well preserved, she thought.

She gently picked up the doll that resembled so many of the famous fashion dolls at that time, but Margie was unique with her long platinum blonde hair and sparkling green eyes. She looked as though she was ready for bed in the white silky gown she was wearing. Gemma couldn’t help but notice the doll’s brilliant

emerald eyes. I don’t think anyone has eyes this color, except for a toy, she reasoned. I remember when Hope spent endless hours playing with her and changing her into the many outfits I’d bought. All the memories resurfaced from a different time, a happier time. She examined Margie closely, admiring all of the doll’s youthful features. “You are perfect, you know. You never age, nor gain weight. You have it all and don’t even know it. What I wouldn’t give to be in your shoes.”

Gemma shook off this silly feeling and placed Margie back in the box wrapped snuggly in her silk cloth minus the twine, feeling she didn’t need to be bound up again after being bound up for all these years. She closed the lid to the box and wished her a restful sleep.

Gemma was looking forward to seeing her longtime friend Lorna again. The Coyote Corner Coffee Shop was not overly crowded at 11 a.m. They scored a back table and ordered their usual lattes and cranberry scones. A month had gone by since they’d last met. Lorna looked stunning for fifty-seven with her new short pixie cut. They’d been teaching partners for fifteen years at Brighter Days Academy and had become great friends as well.

Talking about memories of past teaching days was usually the main conversation, but today’s topic would take a slight twist as Gemma was about to confide in Lorna about her rocky relationship with Russell.

Lorna listened with rapt attention and didn’t interrupt until Gemma was finished venting. She’d offered her some sage advice and hoped her friend would listen. Lorna had suggested picking up a few more students for tutoring, knowing Gemma only had a fifth grader at the time. Gemma had commented that she wasn’t motivated to get out there and advertise lately. Lorna had also mentioned that the two of them should join the local gym. Gemma nodded, agreeing that both of these suggestions sounded promising. She reached out and took her friend’s hand, thanking her and reminding her of what a good friend she’s been after all these years, and proceeded to ask her a heartfelt question. “Tell me truthfully, do I look older than 52? I mean, I want you to be honest.”

“You look about right for your age, my friend. What are you worried about? You’re still gorgeous! I mean, you still manage to turn heads.”

“Thank you but it’s one head in particular I need to turn,” Gemma replied, turning to glance out the window.

“Yes, you have put on a few pounds, but hey- we all have. It’s all due to this menopause stuff. Some of it is unavoidable.”

Gemma nodded in agreement, and the two had set a date to meet at the local gym next week and sign a membership. It was on!

During the drive home, Gemma couldn’t help but think about Margie. Visions of the doll kept popping up in her mind. Somehow, she could feel the loneliness of this doll. She reasoned it was a link to her past and Hope’s as well.

She arrived home and had to get lunch, then prepare a writing lesson plan for Lindsay, her student. It was convenient to drive just a few blocks from her home in Scottsdale. Tutoring was always done after school hours. Lorna’s words played over in her head about picking up a few more students, so she decided to phone the school after lunch and have them spread the word.

As Gemma was halfway through with her planning time, the same thoughts of Margie resurfaced once again. She left her office and headed to Hope’s closet to retrieve the box. She opened it up and lifted the doll out. “You don’t deserve to be hidden.” Gemma decided to bring her into the bedroom and set her up on the front dresser. She figured the doll would be an inspiration to her to take better care of herself.

The tutoring session with Lindsay was always a pleasure. She was a sweet girl, but simply needed some direction. Lindsay had an assignment from school to write a page about being an inanimate object. It was fun, and they both enjoyed working on this together.

Russell would be home in a few hours, and Gemma hadn’t started dinner yet. She did manage to marinate some chicken this morning and thought about making some fajitas and rice. It was a quick meal and would give her time to shower and get ready. She entered the bedroom and noticed Margie sitting on top of the white-washed southwestern-style dresser. She sat against the tall leather jewelry box where Gemma had placed her. Not a hair out of place, that doll, she thought.

It had been a while since Gemma had worn something sexy for Russell, but suddenly she had an urge to rummage through her lingerie drawer and select something. Maybe this may spark up a romantic evening. She opted for a white silky camisole and matching panties. This will surely put a spin on dinner, she thought, then headed for the shower.

Dinner was ready, and so was Gemma, wearing her alluring outfit, and Russell was an hour late. Her cell rang, and he had explained his meeting with a client ran later than he expected, and he wouldn’t be home for another hour. She sighed and told him she’d leave his dinner in the fridge for him.

Feeling distraught and stood up, she ate alone and then headed to the bedroom to change. As she undressed she stared at Margie. “I guess if I looked like you, my husband would have been home on time or possibly even earlier. You don’t know how good you have it.”

What the hell was I doing? I mean, talking to a doll! I’m really losing it. No longer feeling sexy, she changed into her comfy nightshirt and headed to bed with a good book.

Hearing the door open, she knew Russell was home. She glanced over at the clock, and it read 8:30. She shut off the lamp on the bedside table and pretended to be asleep with no desire to interrogate him at this point. She was too tired to engage in a possible argument.

Russell walked over to her side of the bed and kissed her lightly on the cheek. Gemma kept still with her eyes tightly closed. He reeked of a jasmine-scented perfume, and she had no doubt it was Julia’s. That blonde temptress had most likely seduced him again. This had only confirmed what I had suspected. I’ll bring this up at breakfast tomorrow.

As soon as she heard his footsteps walking away, she sat up in bed. He’d left the hall light on, which illuminated Margie, sitting there as if she knew Gemma’s thoughts. She stared back at the doll. Did she? She shook her head and drifted off to sleep.

Gemma made sure she rose early, early enough to confront Russell about last night. He was still in the shower as she slipped on a shortie robe and headed downstairs to make some breakfast. She figured maybe he’d be more likely to chat with a full stomach.

He approached the kitchen table, hair still wet but combed back neatly and dressed in his usual tailored suit and tie. “Mmm . . . smells good, hon.”

“Thought you’d like a good start to your day,” she said, setting a plate of over-easy eggs and toast down and then taking a seat across from him.

“And by the way, just wanted to ask you if you’ll be late again tonight?”

He gave her a half smile. “No. I have no scheduled meetings planned.”

“Oh, you mean no meetings with nicely scented clients?” she asked smugly.

He set his cup down. “Look, Gemma, if you’re accusing me of cheating, let me set your fears to rest.”

She met his gaze, ready to hear a lame excuse. “I met with a new client, and his wife had accompanied him. She was heavily dosed with some exotic perfume. It even gave me a headache.”

Hmm . . . I bet it was exotic. Gemma sighed and offered a quick rebuttal. “Well, lately you have been working a lot of overtime. You used to come home by six, and we’d have dinner together. I can’t tell you when we last did that.”

He took a sip of his coffee and squared his shoulders. “Listen, I do realize work has been crazy lately, and yes, we haven’t spent much time together. How about I take you out to dinner tonight? Go ahead and make reservations at your favorite restaurant. Being Friday night, it may be crowded. And by the way, I noticed that doll on your dresser. I remember how much Hope loved that doll as a kid.”

“Yes, she did. I was cleaning out her closet the other day and found her. I thought she looked lonely in that old box and decided to set her free.”

“Well, that was sweet of you. But you know she kind of gave me the creeps, like she was watching me get dressed.”

“Oh, must be your imagination, Russell. She’s just a doll.”

**********

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COMING SOON: ON SUNDAY, 31ST AUGUST, WE ARE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME BACK, AUTHOR CAROL KERRY GREEN, WHO IS SHARING CHAPTER 1 OF HER NOVEL 'ROBIN IN WINTER'.