Image © Marie Gail Stratford
Ten. Nine.
I love Jen.
Eight. Seven.
We’ve been friends forever. First day at preschool. First love. First kiss. First loss.
Six. Five.
Now we’ve children of our own.
Four. Three.
But today there’s tension between us as we shuffle impatiently in the queue. She smiles, her teeth pointed and white. Nudges me with her sharp elbow.
‘Look.’ She nods behind me.
Stupidly I turn.
Two. One.
Too late, I miss the doors flinging open. Jen racing inside. Triumphant, she raises this Christmas’s must have toy over her head. I’m only seconds behind but the shelf is already empty.
I hate Jen.
I’ve really missed participating in Friday Fictioneers these past few weeks – it’s the first time in years I haven’t taken part but I’m (trying) to focus on nailing the first draft of my fourth psychological thriller which is due out next summer. I couldn’t resist joining in today though. I popped out on Monday for a pint of milk and came back with a Santa dog toy, a tub of Quality Street & a bottle of Bailey’s. The Christmas madness has started!
‘Tis the season’ was written for Friday Fictioneers. A weekly 100 word story challenge inspired by a photo prompt, hosted by Rochelle. Hop over to her blog to read the other entries or join in yourself.
fabricating fiction 
Ha! Love this competitiveness between the two of them. despite the love. And hey, he should be grateful – imagine if they’d relied on him and missed out. All’s fair in love and getting your kid’s a favourite toy. I know what you mean about Christmas madness – I already have boxes of biscuits, various stocking fillers and little gifts for people. I have the excuse that work os mad in December, but even so … Nice to see you back this week and good luck with your scribbling 🙂
Thanks Lynn – will your biscuits last until December? I’m already picking the toffees out of my Quality Street!
Haha! I know, too tempting. If I buy anything early, I try to stow it away, out of sight, so I forget about it. If it was just sitting there … 🙂 I love the toffees too – and anything with nuts. They can keep the strawberry and orange creams though 😦
I’ll have them and send you the nuts!
Haha! It’s a deal 🙂
Hahaha a great story.
I don’t think he really hates Jen
Every man for himself at Christmas!
We’ve all had a friend like that at some point in our life, I suspect. Loved the pointed white teeth, so evocative.
Thanks Sandra. Yes competitive ‘friends’. We’ve all been there.
There’s a whole life captured in this. Well done
Thanks Neil.
enjoyed this piece, nice and simple
Yep – that’s me all over!
Ha, friendship means nothing when it comes to Christmas shopping for the kids!
It’s war out there!
All’s fair in love and shopping! Especially when it’s this year’s “must have”.
Friends should be ignored at sale time
Alls fair in love and sales!
Christmas shopping. Bah, humbug!
Exactly!
Nope, dump Jen. Not a good friend. And Merry Christmas shopping 🙂
I think so!
I liked the way you constructed this story. Friendships always include rivalry!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thanks Susan.
Dear Louise,
Nothing divides friends like that special toy for Christmas. Good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle.
Gee . . . I just learned how to shop on-line from my grandkids. Not going to get beat up this year, ha.
Very wise!
This has happened to me more than one time – but Once, Mike and I were in Wisconsin for Thanksgiving, and the “Must Have Toy of the Year” was there in plain sight I bought two! (One my twin sister’s kids)
That was lucky!
Very nice. Is it too early to wish you a Merry Christmas?
Never too early & thank you. You too 🎄
I am trying to imagine their age!
I feel for him but I am rooting for her!☺
Thanks for reading 😃
Christmas madness is upon us! Thank you for this lovely tale, but terrible reminder that I haven’t started shopping yet *face palm*. Ha.
Me neither. Family birthdays to go first!
I love the way you tell this using the countdown, which is both a countdown to the doors opening, and a countdown of their years of friendship.
Thanks Penny!
This was a fun read. Every year that is that “It” toy, eh? My mother shopped like a madwoman for some “Baby Cry” doll (or something of that ilk) that could not be found anywhere. Then she happened on a small store in our small town and, voilà! Far away from the throngs of shoppers. Had she known before battling the shelves…
I’ve done my fair share of queuing. I used to have a doll that cried!
Probably the same one my mother shopped for!!
Ahhh … a timely piece with the holidays breathing closely behind us.
You put a smile on my face, Louise. You have been a busy lady with your successful books and now your new thriller. CONGRATULATIONS on all of it … well deserved.
Isadora 😎
Thanks so much Isadora. I’ve never worked as hard as I do now but so grateful for the opportunity.
Your star is shining brightly, Louise. It’s radiating for you to enjoy and know that your fortitude has brought you everything you deserve. Wear it proudly … 😎
How lovely Isadora. Thanks 🤗
HA! I love the friendship between these two. It will no doubt return.
I think it will. Thanks Alicia.
There are so many reason not to love Christmas…
You can always hope that Jen will not get the mandatory batteries for the toy.
Hehe – I didn’t think of that!
All’s fair in love and shopping!
Absolutely!
Reminds me of love-hate relationships between siblings and close friends. I’m half way through Surrogate. It’s getting chilling, but I’m holding my breath for more twists! Good luck with your fourth thriller♥️
Thanks Luccia. There’s a lot of twists to come in The Surrogate. Do hope you enjoy.
Who needs friends when you can be first in store, first for that cool Christmas bargain. I am being sarcastic. Nice story, but, christmas, already… Noooooooooooo…. 😀
Not long to go! Not that I’ve started shopping yet.
Haha… got to get my birthday out the way first… there’s nothing like a last minute shop, show loved ones how much you truly love them!!