---

 

This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “Where Icarus Went” Down in the Dirt v216 (2/24) Order the paperback book:

Order this writing that appears in the one-of-a-kind anthology The Limits of Imagination the Down in the Dirt January - April 2024 issues collection book		get the 422 page January - April 2024 Down in the Dirt 6" x 9" ISBN# perfect-bound paperback book:

Karly’s Last Tirade

Ashlee Dean

    “You guys go on to the car. I will pay and join soon,” Derek said as he handed me the keys. I smirked unsure if I should follow his demands. He threw the keys at me and insisted we headed to the car.
    I sighed. “Fine. Let’s go,” I said as I gestured at my soon-to-be mother-in-law, Karly, to follow me. I could already feel a migraine coming on as I started biting my tongue. I was on duty again in a couple of hours. Being a police officer restricted the time you had to do anything. The shifts were usually 12 hours. I needed to hurry home, so I could get ready for my night shift. We walked out of the store toward the elevator
    “Leila, can you slow down a second?” Karly shouted. She mumbled something under her breath I could not hear. I rolled my eyes and continued.

    Finally, we reached our destination. The elevator door opened, and we stepped inside. I pushed the button to floor one. The awful elevator music played in the background. The elevator was chilly and smelled of fresh paint. I assume from the new shiny coating on the ugly brown walls.
    “You know if you two did the wedding at my house this extra planning would not be necessary and it’d be cheaper,” Karly complained like always. I just nodded as I dug my nails into my hands. This lady is the biggest control freak I have ever met. The elevator finally came to a stop and dinged as we reached floor one. I waited for the door to open, so I could get the hell out of there. I waited some more and then waited more.
    “Shit. We’re stuck!” Karly yelled as she dramatically put her hands on her head.
    “You think so Captain Obvious?” I responded as I rubbed my temples. I pushed the emergency alarm hoping to God, someone would hear it and rescue me immediately.

    “Well, if we’re here, I should tell you,” Karly said with total displeasure.
    Oh god. I rolled my eyes as I asked, “What is it now Karly?”
    “You know I never thought you were good enough for Miles,” Karly said with distaste.
    “Well, he seems to think I’m plenty good enough,” I replied to her as I pointed to the giant diamond engagement ring on my finger.
    “You can’t cook. You don’t even know how to make spaghetti for god’s sake. You never clean. You’re never home. What if you get hurt on the job and leave your kids alone? How will you be a real mother?”
    I shook my head as I stated, “I don’t think this concerns you. My career and life choices are not your business.”
    Karly clicked her tongue loudly and replied, “He could have done better than you. Even his dad would not have approved you.”

    This has been going on for eight years. We constantly would have squabbles. It was usually one-sided and consisted of her insulting me. How did such a sweet human have such a demon for a mother? I think she was just jealous that I was taking her little boy away. Miles didn’t seem to believe his mother was evil. He was a slight mama’s boy and it annoyed me at times.
    Karly continued her rant, “I do not know why it had to be you. You are not that pretty. He could have anyone. I always wondered what he saw in you. You are just like your bitch of a mother. Always acting better than everyone with your nose in the air and thinking you’re a damn Queen.” When Karly uttered those words, something in me just snapped. No one talks that way about my mother even if she is dead.

    I reached my hand down in my small pink purse and began to grab my service weapon. I inhaled deeply and counted to three. I decided to leave the gun there. I guess I will fight fairly.
    “You know what Karly? You are the most controlling ass hole I have ever met! You’re an alcoholic who treats everyone like shit. My mother was a better person than you. You’re a vile human being and I’m sick of you. You are not going to treat me like this anymore or you’re going to have more problems than your son loving me. Just fuck off and keep your nose out of our business.”
    Karly’s mouth dropped open as her eyes widened. “Wow. You do have some guts. How about that? I still don’t like you, though.”
    I shrugged. “Well, that’s one thing we can agree on. I’d really like to slap you. However, for Mile’s sake I will keep my hands to myself. You’ve been trying to break us up for years and been unsuccessful. Just quit while your ahead and keep your opinions to your damn self.”
    I must say, that felt phenomenal. I’ve been putting up with her clout for years. I needed to set some boundaries before I’m married.
    “Fine. We’ll call it truce for the sake of my son,” Karly declared.
    “It’s about time.” I shook her hand because she’s still not someone I want to hug. Ever.
    Suddenly, I saw some metal tools coming through the doors. The doors opened and there stood Miles and some firefighters.
    “Goodness! Only you guys would manage to get stuck in the elevator of all things. I was so worried,” Miles exclaimed as we walked out. I huffed and gave him a hug.
    “It’s alright. We finally got to have girl talk.” Karly responded.
    I snickered. Yea, that’s what she wants to call it.
    “Yep. All good. Don’t worry love.” I confirmed trying not to sound suspicious.
    “Great! Let’s go home guys,” Miles said in his usual overly happy tone as he gave each of us a kiss on the cheek.
    Me and Karly looked at each other. We officially had our own secret. Finally, we had something in common for the first time ever.

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...