Garden - Carolyn Rudinsky

Worms slithering, bees buzzing and cicadas chanting. I wish I didn’t have to walk this way. I should have gone to the cinema with Gertie. She wanted me to but I simply refused. I was so pissed off with her for stealing my friendship with Addie. Addie’s supposed to be mine. How dare Gertie compliment her new hairdo? And ask her to tea next Wednesday. I had her fist and she should respect that.

Now my day shall be spent avoiding Gertie and missing the new film. Why did I have to cut off my nose to spite my face? I traverse the rocky path, hearing a dog barking faintly, hoping to catch a glimpse of the ocean around the next bend. So hot. My frustrations with life are overwhelming.

When Addie joined my drawing class I was taken aback with her poise and charm. She’s so much cooler than me. I wanted to be her friend. Hell! I wanted to be her! Now six months on we are firm friends. But why did Gertie complicate things? My annoyance is all-consuming.

At last the ocean appears, past the edge of the garden. The waves smash on the rocks below. Seagulls cry and swoop. I shall be alone but at least I’ll have my pride. I’ll get my revenge on Gertie, the dastardly plan is already afoot. I’ll entice her here, and there will be a terrible accident! Next Tuesday, before the blessed tea can ever take place with Addie. Revenge will be sweet, and dear Addie will be with me again. I long for her small hand in mine, to hear her chuckles, as I make my jokes. Addie, how sweet it will be when it’s just you and me in the garden.