The Bitter Cup
She looked at him critically. Sure he still had all his hair and his teeth were regularly maintained.
But somehow she just didn't find him as attractive, funny or sexy anymore.
Since the thin blue line had appeared in the window she'd religiously followed the doctor's edict and hadn't touched a drop. He was under no such orders.
The line about having to support his local bottle shop had been dragged out so many times that she was about to call him out for his lame justification.
Was it the hormones? She'd sat there at their last bbq and watched all their friends laugh at his wit. While thoughts of strangulation flitted by she had considered her feelings.
Was it jealousy - he was still able to eat when and what he liked, while she was in thrall to the twin tyrannies of nausea and modern pregnancy nutrition.
Or was it that she simply liked him better after a few drinks?
Merry christmas
Dear (field famname) family,
We hope this festive season finds you all well and happy.
It's been a busy and challenging year for us Joneses. It's not easy being the benchmark for success, but once again we've gone from strength to strength.
Mike, as the patriarch, upgraded his career this year. He's now in the extremely demanding role of Initiative Development Manager of his company. (We've enclosed a new business card to replace last years.)
In order to meet the demands f his new position he is no longer having an affair with his secretary. Currently his extra-marital relationship is occurring with his deputy manager. She's also married and this is a step up the social ladder for her to be so intimately linked with the Joneses.
There have been some rewarding developements for Meaghan this year. She has consolidated her position as the National Customer Service Manager. Many of her workforce efficiencies are being implemented across the company, and she is on good terms with both the CEO and CIO.
She has resolutely evaded the advances of her male colleagues, deftly handling the egos and actually managing to increase her rapport and respect with them. Solace is found with her old school chum, Irene. The two of them frequently take weekend trips together, making the most of their time together to explore their sensuality.
As parents their success with their children is outstanding. Leo scored very highly in his high school exams, and was not suspended once this year for illicit drug use. He also maintained his high scores in all the PSone and Ninetendo releases this year, and took to the PS2 like a duck to water.
As is the fashion these days he favours the "Gangsta" style of clothing. Not only comfortable, his baggy pants conveniently hold his Gameboy Advance, bong, stash and condoms.
He's looking forward to his year 12 next year and says "Yo dude" to the fellow hip hop phreaks who will be heading to law school with him after that.
Carmel has just completed her first year med exams. Although she wanted to do music she agreed that with such a high score that she'd be wasting her life if she didn't do law or medicine.
As usual she's been a quick learner. She's discovered self medication, where to get a no questions asked abortion and is personally investigating depression currently.
We're so proud of her. Each overdose has been skilfully averted from disaster, and she's taken to wearing long skirts and shirts to cover the scars.
Grandma Smith still dotes on her grandchildren. Sadly this year she became too frail to continue living by herself, however she has made many new friends in the home. They all look so sweet as they sit there slackmouthed watching the TV in the afternoon.
She sleeps so much better now that they've increased her medication. It's probably an idea not to call her after about 7pm.
We're proud to say that her nursing home is the most highly rated in the state. It's great to know such a good standard of aged care exists, and such a comfort to know she's well looked after.
Rachel is well. However she isn't really a Jones any more since she took up with that man.
In conclusion - all in all it's been a wonderful year for the Jones family. Wishing you as much joy and happiness as we have.
Remember - it's good to "keep up with the Joneses".
Regards
Mike, Meaghan, Leo and Carmel
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Very short short stories.
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