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This time it’s a short story featuring confession of a mad woman. And when I say “mad” – I mean it. Hope you enjoy. P.S: this is my first piece to participate at WriteOnEdge.com write-in, so hopefully it will be enjoyable.
I have always loved to write diaries. I think, you might agree with me, – there is some kind of magic about it. Yellow pages, pressed-in handwriting and perfumed bookmarks. Does it feel familiar to you? Do you recognize yourself?
In my story about diaries I was just like anyone else – emotionally drained, aggravated, discouraged. I was just like you, searching for answers in this ego-centric world, until one day I looked in a mirror. I stared at my face: at my cheeks, my nose and eyebrows. I couldn’t help myself but think: was I pretty? “Pretty is not enough” – I answered loudly to the mirror. Was I beautiful? “Beauty is abstract – that’s what momma told me” and I smirked, and then I sighted. I was bored with myself, as if I would have lost any interest in conversing with the mirror. I posed for a split second more, sending air kisses to my dull reflection. “Ouch!” – my outcry was loud. Somehow I bit my lip. Dry skin easily cracked, tearing with a drop of blood. Without hesitation, I reached for a piece of cotton, when my eyes caught sight of this: red lipstick. I did not remember ever buying it or, God forbid, using. Curiosity took over and my fingers unwillingly grabbed the slim perfectly shaped tube; for a quick moment I forgot the pain.
I gazed at myself as if I would be gazing at the stars. My blond curls hugged curvy cheeks, I had pretty eyes and a slim nose, but forget about that. My lips could never be colored red, if only because of blood that was still dripping off. Other than that, I couldn’t pull off Marilyn’s look, and who could? Not in real life, no.
Well, maybe I wasn’t Marilyn, but let me tell you something: she was Norma Jeane once. So maybe I could become someone else? And even if not, I could still try it! So I painted my lips red, as if I would paint canvas’.
Forgive me greatly if I live on the pages of my diaries, it’s just like real life, only better. Sadness and pain was never mentioned again, neither was I. It was about women, daring enough to wear red lipstick. I lived their lives, I traveled the world and my heart was conquered by numerous men. I was brave and beautiful, desired and intriguing – red lipstick did its job. Like a drug it surprised me with its sudden cure and addiction. I could not stop living scenarios of my imaginary ladies. They were my best friends, and also so much better then me. They teased me and even encouraged a bit. I felt I belonged. Every night they begged me to stay, gently whispering that if I do I shall be happy, and this hazard of love never more will trouble me. I truly believed.
So I painted my lips red every time I would flip my diary opened and I would kiss goodnight every one of them, leaving stained red mark on the pages of my illusion.
OK, some additional reading candy to have:
“Us, Ancient” – A Short Love Story
Short Story: Disappeared (lifein64squarefeet.com)
I am a young and ambitious positive thinker! Great believer, huge "I can do'er". But in more humble every day life I am total "foody" - catering business person, fashion addict and a wanna-be writer. I believe that every person has a chance to pursue their dreams and goals, and this is what I am currently up to! View all posts by alisasibrova
Categories Short stories, UncategorizedTags 500 words, amateur, Arts, depression, diary, difficulty, essay, Fiction, Literature, mad woman, Merilyn Monroe, Online Writing, prompt, red lipstic, Short Stories, short story, soul, write at the merge, write in, write on edge, Writer9 Comments
9 thoughts on “Mad Woman. Short story.”
November 13, 2013 at 2:37 pm
Amazing what the right color of lipstick can do for a girl. This was unusual and creative!
November 13, 2013 at 3:20 pm
Usually, it takes one little detail that makes people feel confident and, crazy as well. Thank you, glad you enjoyed!
Pingback: Mad Woman: prayers. Short Story. | go ask alisa
November 14, 2013 at 9:36 am
I loved this! “We create ourselves out of our innermost intuitions”–a wise Taoist saying, and I think you’ve tapped into that with this story. Daring to wear red lipstick. Daring to be what we could only imagine about ourselves. I love the last part best, the images of red lipstick prints all over the diary–all over our bodies, our faces, our loved ones,, our life! Love it. And thanks so much for putting my story “Us, Ancient” out there.
November 18, 2013 at 2:26 pm
Thank you, I truly enjoyed your story as well. But I also think that it can be extremely dangerous to live in your dreams versus making your dreams reality. Everything should be in balance. In this case, her imagination got out of control and she drowned in her illusions and visions. Thank you for your feedback!
Pingback: day in city | Expressing ‘little’ thoughts in words
November 15, 2013 at 2:38 pm
So glad to have you linking up with Write on Edge. You did a great job with this piece. I love including the distinction that Marilyn had once been Norma Jean.
November 18, 2013 at 2:26 pm
Thank you! much appreciated!
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