Saturday, September 3, 2011

Writer's Club: Beautiful People Part A


Two webs by samsstuff
I have often wondered what became of A. She was a beautiful person, with a troubled past. Some members of her family where abusive, in a singularly ugly & troubling way. She had gang ties in her past, but she was smart & funny, sweet & yes, sometimes, like most of us, difficult to get along with.  She had her triggers, words or gestures that could have multiple meanings, without a clear context. We all have these, some more than others & well meaning or not, sometimes we can touch these triggers in others.
She had gorgeous long dark hair, with a bit of a wave, that she could tie back simply with a quick twist & a stick or often, a pencil. I've always been jealous of this ability. For some reason, when I try, the sticks just fall out. Maybe I need more practice, maybe my hair is too thin or maybe she just had a gift...
She generally dressed plainly, in plaid & pants. I don't remember ever seeing her in a dress. This was the style then: the 'grunge' era. I liked to mix the the plaid & torn jeans with feminine touches, some stuck with the classics. It was really about personal expression.
She had a big bear of a husband & no children. I wonder if she ever had any? She always thought she wouldn't make a good parent, not having had many good examples, in her past.
We worked together in a big & often very busy bookstore. It was a busy store then Business changed with time & the addition of other company & competitor stores in the area). The store still stands, temporarily housing Halloween related products.
She loved gargoyles, often participating in local gargoyle creating contests & all things dark. Edward Gorey was a favorite (of hers & mine). Halloween was her favorite holiday. She wasn't really goth, though & neither was I. Maybe it was more of a design thing. Neither of us was girly, but of the two of us, I'd say I was more on the girly side. 
Business was troubled, not just in our store, but all over. I ended up in another store & then I had to leave. She suddenly quit one day, not long after I left our store. I often wondered if she was ok. No one seemed to know where she was, after that. Sometimes I was ok, sometimes not, but I will probably always remember her, even if she doesn't remember me...I did give her one of my creations, a hair stick made with a combination of a heart shaped rock, carved skull beads (that she gave me), all wrapped together with wire, on a vintage, sparkly hair stick. I hope it reminds her of me, on occasion...


(photo is the sole property of Shelley McElhiney. Please contact the blog for any usage)


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

She was in your life for a 'season' for a reason! :)

Alexis Grace of NorthOnHarper said...

Beautiful writing!

Alexis Grace of NorthOnHarper said...

Beautiful writing!

Green Monkey said...

very moving and beautifully written. left me wondering...