 | 'Til Death Do Us Part The personal diary of a bride-to-be recounts her search for a truly killer dress. |
| Contest: | Flash Fiction Challenge 2017 |
| Round: | 2 |
| Genre: | Horror |
| Location: | A bridal shop |
| Object: | A pair of hiking boots |
| Results: | 13pts - 3rd place |
September 4
This wedding will be murder. There are still a million things to do, and the big day is only a few weeks away. Tony’s no help at all. Sometimes I wonder if he even cares. It seems like I’m doing ALL the work. I do love him, though, and I know he loves me. On that note, I STILL haven’t picked a wedding dress. Margie gave me the address of a bridal shop in Stockton, though. Maybe I’ll check it out this week.
September 7
I finally got the invitations out. Better late than never. Tony was useless, as usual. Luckily, most of the guests already RSVP’d anyway. I finally got to that bridal shop Margie told me about. What a strange place! The shop was crammed with all kinds of bizarre stuff. Some of the dresses were really wild. The owner, Mrs. Jenkins, looks like she’s got one foot in the grave. But she had one dress that caught my eye. The basic material was all white satin, with a wide petticoat and low-cut bodice. A blood red gemstone was embedded at the center of the plunging neckline, with eight silvery ridges extending around the back of the dress, like spider legs. Gothic black lace covered almost the whole dress, all the way down the train. It was beautiful, in a strange way, yet hideous, too. The weirdest part was the matching hiking boots. I’m not joking. The boots were every bit as audacious as the dress, in white satin and black lace. I can’t imagine wearing something like that on my big day! Mrs. Jenkins tried really hard to get me to try it on. I told her I’d come back Monday to try on some dresses, but made no promises.
September 9
I know it’s crazy, but I can’t stop thinking about that dress. I described it to Tony and he said it sounded “killer.” What a nut.
September 11
Today I visited the shop and tried on a few traditional gowns. But Mrs. Jenkins kept pressuring me to try on “the” dress. So I said what the hell. I thought it would be too big, but it seemed to mold itself to my figure. Then I felt a sting right between my boobs, like a bug bite. Damn! I looked inside and could see a little drop of blood, but no sign of whatever bit me. But you want to hear something crazy? I actually liked the dress. I mean I REALLY liked it. Sure, it was a bit unorthodox. But it felt absolutely amazing, like it was made for me. And can you say flattering? Wow. I didn’t want to take it off, even though I knew I couldn’t buy it. Oh well. The search continues.
September 12
I was really sick this morning, had a fever and puked my guts out. Ugh. Maybe it was whatever bit me last night. I called in sick, and was going to go to the clinic. But then I started feeling better. Now I feel better than I’ve felt in ages. Go figure. Maybe it’s love? Hah! I still haven’t picked a dress, but I’m visiting Mrs. Jenkins again tomorrow. I can’t wait.
September 13
I had a fight with Tony today. The useless dolt actually had the nerve to ask me why I haven’t found a dress. Can you believe that shit? So I spent the night at Mrs. Jenkins’ shop. I looked at a couple more gowns, but mostly I just wore “the” dress. I even tried on the matching boots. Damn, I love that dress. I don’t know what it is, but it makes me feel powerful. Like a goddess. And I got that bite again. I checked the dress out top to bottom, but couldn’t find a thing. It didn’t bother me so much this time.
September 15
I bought the dress.
September 18
Tony was being a total ass, so I spent most of the weekend at Mrs. Jenkins’ place. I wore the dress almost the whole time. It bit me again, a couple times. It actually felt kinda good. I’ve never felt anything like this before. Margie called me from work today. She seemed concerned, wondering why I didn’t come in. I guess I’ll go in tomorrow. Whatever.
September 19
I quit my job today. Idiots have no fucking clue. If that slob Larry can wear those ugly Hawaiian shirts, why can’t I wear my dress? When I left, Margie followed me into the alley, acting like I was crazy. She wouldn’t shut up, so I slammed her face into the brick wall. She fell down, crying and screaming like a baby. I kicked her in the head until she shut the hell up. Stupid bitch. I managed to stuff her body in the dumpster. Hopefully Mrs. Jenkins can get the blood out of my dress.
September 22
Tomorrow is the big day, and I’m SO excited! Since Margie’s been missing, I asked Sheila to be the maid of honor.
September 23
I DID IT! What an incredible day. I was worried it wouldn’t all come together, but everything was just perfect. People couldn’t stop staring at my gorgeous dress. When we took our vows, I could feel that thrilling sting so deep within me. After the first dance, it was time to cut the cake. Tony handed me the knife, and I plunged it into his chest as hard as I could. Stupid fuck never saw it coming. God what a feeling! My dress soaked up his gushing blood like a ravenous beast. Oh, and the screams! While my husband gasped and writhed on the floor, they all stood bleating and blubbering like helpless sheep. I slashed and stabbed so many of them. Then I ran for the door, tossing the bouquet behind me. I saw it landed on Sheila, whimpering in a pool of blood. Good for her, I thought. She’ll make a lovely bride, someday.