Daphne Marver's Mistake

This is supposed to be a children's story styled adult story, if that makes sense.

  If you take the winding road on the edge of town all the way down, you'll be lead to a large abandoned factory crawling with creepy crawlers, and filled with complex cobwebs. In the front, there's a large set of double doors, and above those doors lay shattered windows, whistling a sad song in the wind. There above these shattered windows is the sign that hangs crookedly, which reads “Marver & Vain inc.”.

  What does Marver & Vain mean, you ask? Well Marver was the last name of Daphne Marver, and vain was the last name in the pen name “Christopher Vain”. I know you don't know who those people are. That's why I'm telling you this story, goobers and doofuses in the room.

   Once upon a time ago, there was a little girl named Daphne Marver. She had pale skin the color of snow, eyes the green of leaves, and long wavy hair the color of the night sky. And you see, young Daphne loved clothes with a passion, and she developed this love through sewing her own blue jeans, Sunday dresses, shirts, jackets, and all for her family, which was not one of abundant wealth. Her father was a gambling man, her mother a quiet sufferer, her sister a runaway carnie, and her brother a young soldier man. So she was left to her sewing, and her sewing alone. Eventually, sewing became a form of coping, and she'd make more pieces than she could ever wear, or maybe she'd make it too small or big. But instead of throwing them away, she'd sell them, and save the money in a piggy bank. And one day, she packed her bags, opened her piggy bank, and left home in order to start a whole new life for herself.

   Yes, she left her mother to her abusive father. Yeah, that may be kind of terrible, and to be honest, she did feel guilty when she looked back upon this, but I really don't blame her. Her father does keep her and her mother in poverty, and abuses her mother. I mean, I'd leave as soon as possible too because abusive, gambling fathers don't look like much fun to me.

   She traveled, and traveled, and traveled with just her bags dangling from her hands. For months, she looked west, then for months looked east, then for even more months looked north, but when she traveled south she found the perfect place. It was an old, abandoned building that was “voided”. At first, when she stumbled upon the door she rubbed her chin. She did find the building suitable, but the void sign on the front door worried her. That was, until he stepped forth from the shadowy wall of the building.

   With his green stripped purple top hat with a green swirled brim tipped over one of his glowing eyes, he placed a hand on his hip. He had a green suit jacket unbuttoned, a darker green double breasted vest, and purple button down shirt. But you see his face wasn't really a face; this man's face was a skull.

   Yeah, this “man” didn't have a face anymore. I don't know, no one knows, don't ask me, don't ask anyone, and for your safety, don't ask him. The last man who did, was never seen, nor heard from again. So I've gathered he doesn't like talking about it.

  “Hello, little miss.” He said, with a sneakily soothing voice, “What brings you here of all places?”

  “Oh, hello there.” Daphne said, with an uncomfortable smile, “I'm searching for a place to build my new life.”

  “Then you've bumped into the right man, little lady. I am, The Opproterry.”

  With that, The Opproterry bowed, and grabbed Daphne's hand one he stood back, tall and proper. He brung it up to his face, and he admired it momentarily. Then, he pulled out a diamond ring out of the interior pocket of his jacket, and placed it on her finger. Daphne blushed, her whole face turning a gentle rosie red, and she giggled nervously.

  By the way, his name is pronounced (Oppro-terry), just like how it's spelled. I know some people have had trouble pronouncing his name correctly just by reading it. I know, it's a different kind of title, I agree, but if you keep reading, then it's a title you'll come to know very well.

  “Now, what exactly are you wishing to sell, Ms. Daphne?”

  “Well, Mr Opproterry, I'd like to sell some clothes I've been sewing.”

  “Ahhh, yes. Yes!”

   Then, he turned his back, walked backward beside her, and placed his boney finger on his chin. He thought for a long while, without even moving. Then, he began nodding, and he pulled out a large white phone, pulled out its antenna, pressed a few buttons, and was instantly talking business, slinging around words like opprotunity, money, cash, pay offs, small businesses, economy, stock, and other terms that flew over Daphne's head.

   Then, when he finally placed his phone back in his purple slacks' pocket, and kicked the door down. He began to coldly cackle, and turned to Daphne. He nodded for her to follow, and he snapped his fingers. The lights came back on, and he cackled even louder.

  “I've got magic hands, Daphne.” He stated, rubbing his boney hands together

   He pointed at the floor, and instantly it became a snazzy red, sparkling like a moonlight ocean , then he pointed at the walls, and they were freshly painted a wonderous snow white. Then, he turned to this left, and pointed at the counter. It became a perfect burgandy counter with a polished silver cash register. Then, with a loud cackle, he turned back to the large middle space between the counter, door, and walls, and snapped his fingers. Before her eyes, there appeared racks for clothing.

  “Perhaps you'd like to see what I can really do with my fingers sometime, Ms Daphne?” The Opproterry asked, popping his knuckles

  Daphne rolled her eyes, and crossed her arms. This made The Opproterry cackle even more, as he leaned back. Then, after regaining his posture he took a bow, and was instantly gone.

  Yes this skeleton who calls himself “The Opproterry” just vanished after using magic to set up this girl's shop. He really is quite the character, and I agree an odd character, but I kinda like him.

  So, she unpacked her bags, and began to put her clothes up. Her personal wardrobe stayed in her suitcase of course, but out came the other clothing of course. She took a deep breath, smiled widely, and ran behind the counter. This was the beginning of her new life.

  Three months passed by, each busier than the last one which had just passed. Daphne was real proud of herself, and her new litte store. Each customer seemed to leave happy, and each spread the word of Daphne's new business. Eventually, at the end of the third month, everyone was talking about it!

 Great news, right!? The business is busy, everyone likes Daphne's shop, and Daphne's real proud of herself! It is great news, I agree, but guess what that means. It means more opprotunity! She has more money, so she can go get more things for her business that can help her make more money! Oh yeah, baby, we all like money, don't we? You bet we do; money gets us some fun stuff, am I wrong? C'mon reader, don't lie to yourself like that, of course you don't think I'm wrong!

  So, as you may assume the beginning of the fourth month was a very busy day. Many people came and went, all of course happy with their purchase. So to say the least, Daphne and her employees were exhausted from work. They cleaned up the store, and locked up the doors with tired eyes and worn out expressions. Daphne left to a comfty abandoned apartment. She slept on a rock hard couch with holes that smelled of mushrooms, and every night she'd choke back tears as her mind raced over all of her memories. At first, it would start with a proud sigh as she smiled over her store and success. But then, someone else's thoughts would creep upon her during her private moments, in an unfamiliar voice, and force her to think of how she left her mother, about her home, how her siblings left her mother too, and how her father made her mother feel even more alone. It stung like poisoned bees, it soured her mouth like expired milk, and it choked in her throat like a thorned berry. She couldn't help but feel guilty as she tossed and turned, shivered and shook as these voices play with her mind like a marionette.

  Pfffft!

  The Opproterry suddenly appeared, leaning against the wall behind Daphne as she was laying on her bed. Startled by the sudden sound of The Opproterry's entrance, she let out a high pitched yelp, then readjusted herself. Breathing heavily with her hand on her chest, Daphne turned around to face The Opproterry.

  “So, how goes the business, Ms Daphne?” The Opproterry asked, as he adjusted his purple and white stripped bowtie

  “It's going good. A lot of nice folks come in and out. How did you find out where I live, and how did you get in... And why did you want in?” Daphne answered, squinting confused and a bit alarmed

  The Opproterry let out a soft cackle that slowly grew in volume as he leaned his head back laughing. Then he shook his head and looked Daphne in the eye.

  “So, what are you going to do with it all?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “What are you going to do with the business. Why, you aren't just planning on keeping it as one small little shop, especially not after these three months.”

  “Well actually, yes I was. It gives me what I need, a place to sleep, baith, food to eat, and something to do with all the clothes I can't wear.”

  “But Ms Daphne, dear Ms Daphne, you've earned a little extra.”

  “I don't need extra.”

  “But don't you want extra?”

  “No. I'm perfectly content.”

  “Tell me, wouldn't you like a hot tub?”

  “I don't need one.”

  “I didn't ask about what you need.”

  “Well, sure I would, but I can't have everything I want.”

  “And why not?”

  “Because... Because I just can't.”

  “Ms Daphne, I believe talk is cheap. Let me show you what I mean.”

  “And how are you going to?”

  “I'll show you the jungle.”

  “The jungle?”

  “The city, doll. I'll show you the city.”

  Before Daphne could say another word, The Opproterry snapped his fingers together, and pffffft! The two appeared in a large marble room with neat wine red carpet, classical paintings on the walls, and a built in hot tub in the middle of the floor. The Opproterry placed his left hand on Daphne's lower back as she gasped, taking in the sight through wide eyes. Her jaw was open, and she was speechless.

  “Welcome to the jungle, Ms Daphne. What would you like to drink?”

  “Wh-where am I, Mr Opproterry?” Daphne asked, roaming through the room, admiring the paintings

  “You are in my personal chambers. Now please, would you like a drink?”

  “Oh, no thanks.”

  Daphne began admiring the white clay sculptures that stood by a big black door. There were two identical figures; The sculptures were a samuria with a large sword and a scary looking face with large, knife sharp teeth. Then The Opproterry walked over with two drinks in his hands, and sighed appreciatively.

  “Margiritas, shaken. Just for you, Daphne-doll.” The Opproterry said, handing Daphne a glass, “So, you like the statues?”

  “They're very interesting.” Daphne said, grabing a glass, “What's behind the door?”

  “My private affairs.”

  Daphne brung the glass up to her lips, and took a small sip. The Opproterry did the same. After a moment of silently staring at the door, The Opproterry grabbed Daphne's arm, and led her to his desk. He took Daphne's glass and set it down after he had set his down.

  “You ever been dancing, Daphne?” The Opproterry asked, grabbing Daphne's hand

  “I can't say I have, Mr Opproterry.” Daphne giggled, as The Opproterry had his arm on her lower back, and pulled her in

  “Well, then allow me to have this dance.”

  Before Daphne could protest, The Opproterry was swinging and twirling Daphne about. She giggled, and laughed as she clumsily followed his lead, her heart beating and her head swooning.

  It wasn't long, and the two stopped to catch their breath. They both shared a laugh, and paused for a moment. Daphne admired The Opproterry's rare kind of charm. It snuck up on her, and had a surprising sensation that she couldn't help but enjoy. It was almost as if he had stolen her attention and was forcing her to adore him.

  “You know, for a beginner, you weren't half bad, Ms Daphne-doll.” The Opprotterry complimented, making Daphne chuckle

  “That's a lie, Mr Oprroterry. I kept tripping, and I stepped on your foot two or three times.”

  “I didn't feel anything.”

  “Then you must not have any feeling left in your foot.”

  “Is that so, Ms Daphne-doll?”

  “It is so.”

  The Opproterry cackled, and crossed his arms as he admired Daphne's soft curves. He nodded impressed, and Daphne blushed.

  “My face is up here.” Daphe chuckled, bending down to meet his eyes with hers

  “Oh, I know, Daphne-doll.” The Opproterry replied, leaning back and rolling his eyes, “So, how about a dip in that hot tub? Or, do I need to buy you dinner first?”

  “Oh Mr Opproterry, you're such a romantic.”

  “I'm not hearing a no.”

  “You didn't hear a yes either.”

  Without another word, The Opproterry was taking his necktie off, and Daphne rolled her eyes. Next came the Oprroterry's jacket, which he folded and put on his desk. Daphne crossed her arms, and stared disapprovingly. The Oprottery took of his shirt, and Daphne swung her head from side to side. Next came the pants and shoes which Daphne kept shaking her head through. The Opproterry walked to the hot tub, and slowly climbed in. He lifted his boney hand, and beckoned Daphne. Daphne blushed, and followed suit.

  Yes, Daphne just got seduced by a skeleton. It's kind of odd, I agree, but I hope you were taking notes gentleman. I mean, in her defense, The Opproterry has moves, and I'm just saying, if you want to make a girl fall in love with you, money and dancing are very good ideas. Besides, all he's done so far is help Daphne. So the least she could do is sit in a hot tub next to him in his fancy apartment.

  The next morning, Daphne awoke alone, wrapped in deep purple sheets softer than clouds without much memory of the previous night. She stretched and yawned, then itched the back of her neck. Then in walked The Opproterry, with a chrome platter in his hands.

  “I made you breakfast, Daphne-doll.” He informed her, setting the platter in her hands she had held out

  “Oh, that's very sweet, Mr Opproterry, but the store is supposed to open in an hour or two.”

  “Don't worry about time, I can get you there in seconds. Now please, enjoy this meal I prepared for you.”

  Daphne couldn't say no. So she stayed, and ate of the food the Opproterry had prepared. Then she got dressed, and guiltfully, shared a drink or two with The Opproterry.

  “So, have you rethought your position on my suggestion?” The Oprroterry asked, pouring their third round of drinks

  “Excuse me?” Daphne asked, blinking blankly

  “I suggested you expand your company.”

  “Oooohhhh, why yes you did suggest that. After last night, I believe you're right. But where do you suggest I open the next store? And how am I to manufacture enough clothing for both stores?”

  “Don't worry, Daphne-doll, I'll make some calls, and get you taken care of.”

  True to his words, The Opproterry made many calls to many men that afternoon while Daphne was away. After a few weeks had passed, The Opproterry had visited Daphne at her store with good news. He had a new building in the heart of the busy city that laid a few hours from Daphne's current store. Daphne was so excited she packed her bags, and left the abandoned apartment for the city.

  Daphne signed a lease for a large apartment room for the next few months. She had much more room than she needed, so she filled much of the space up with unnecessary posessions such as paintings, furniture, sculptures, and useless entertainment such as a record player. Yet she had plenty of money left, so she bought high class jewlry and expensive shoes. She decided she looked funny since her clothes weren't as high quality. So she began sewing herself luxirous dresses fit for princesses. However, she still laid alone at night choking back tears. These cold voices' words began to sting more and more as their words began to become more true.

  “You leave your mother all alone in that horrid place, and you can't even spare a few dollars to send back to her?”

  She argued her father would find it, and use it to gamble or buy alcohol, but the voices only shushed her. They shamed her for her new found success, and all of the possesions she had, and they never silenced for one moment during the night. Daphne just couldn't beat them, so she listened, and eventually cried. Every few nights, if she was lucky, she'd pass out from exhaustion of crying so much.

  Six more months passed by like this. Daphne was very pleased with her company, and so was everyone else. Her company's name began reaching even further, just as The Opproterry was planning. One eve, as Daphne was drinking alone in her apartment, the Opproterry appeared with a pffffft! snapping of the fingers.

  Daphne was sitting in a tall, comfty chair facing away from the door with a drink in her hand. The Opproterry began rubbing her shoulders, and startled, she gasped, but was instantly relaxed. Wtih his cold chuckle,The Opproterry leaned in to her ear.

  “Guess who, Daphne-doll.” The Opproterry gently whispered, soothing her nerves

  “You know there's only one person who calls me Daphne-doll, right?” Daphne chuckled, enjoying her shoulders being rubbed

  “So, what's the news with the company?”

  “Everything's going great. Why, I don't even know what to do with all the money I have.”

  “You want my two cents, Ms Daphne?”

  “Sure.”

  “I think you should expand your company even more. In fact, I think everywhere ought to have a Marver & Vain inc.”

  “I don't know, Mr Opproterry, don't you think that's a bit much?”

  “No, not at all. Everyone loves your clothes; everyone would love a Marver & Vain inc. in their city.”

  “Oh, you're just saying that.”

  “No, no I'm not, Daphne-doll. Your clothes make people feel good about themselves. Your clothes make them feel attractive, and desirable. Wouldn't you love to bring that feeling to every state?”

  “I suppose so, but Mr Opproterry, how am I even going to make that happen?”

  “Oh don't you worry, Ms Daphne-doll; I'll take care of it. You just keep those clothing designs coming, and I'll set everything up.”

  “Well, then I suppose I ought to say yes.”

  “There you go, Ms Daphne. That's my favorite word. Doesn't it feel good to say?”

  “Yeah, I suppose it does.”

  “Now, if you don't mind, I'm a busy man, and getting busier by the second.”

  So, The Opproterry snapped his fingers, and pfffft! he vanished. Daphne shook her head, and set her drink on the arm of her chair. She stretched her head back, and a tear rolled down her eye. All of this money, all of this success, and she still couldn't help her mother.

  It does seem silly, I agree, that Daphne blames herself for her mother's sitation, but we all have things we blame ourselves for that aren't our fault. I know I blame myself for not being the most well liked guy in the world. I tell myself that if I was taller, if I was more athletic, if I was more talkative, if I was actually funny, or maybe if I was actually attractive then I might have more friends. However these thoughts are silly, aren't they? I know, I know, but we all catch ourselves doing similar things. It's silly, I agree, and I get some things really are our fault, but it's not Daphne's fault her farther is an abusive gambler just like it's not completely mine that people don't always enjoy my personality.

  The Opproterry began making calls, and pulling strings first thing in the morning. It took him a whole month and four weeks of talking, meetings, and doing favors non stop, but he had the path paved. All that was needed was the work, and time.

  So, after two more years, there was a Marver & Vain Inc. in each city, and they were all set to open on the same day. All the newspapers were writing about it as if it were the end of the world. About fifty reporters interviewed Daphne a month, and they all asked very similar questions. However, not one of them asked about The Opproterry, who she considered a very good business partner.

  After they opened, crowds upon crowds flocked in each building, shopping madly. Marver & Vain Inc. was offically nation wide, and very successfully so. Not only was Marver & Vain Inc.'s stores the talk of her town, but the talk of every town! Everyone knew the name now, and everyone wanted to buy Daphne's clothes!

  Daphne grew very rich over that year, but it seemed no matter how large the sums of money she was given, she just wasn't happy. She moved into more and more expensive homes until eventually buying a castle. She bought more and more expensive jewlry, until she owned twenty pairs of diamond rings which each diamond was bigger and shinier than the last, thirty pairs of pear ear rings, twenty pairs of diamond earings, and fifty pairs of peatl necklaces. She bought more and more shoes until her shoe closet (yes, I said shoe closet) was almost over-flowing. But none of this brought her any more joy. In fact, the voice just used this to torment her further.

  “What of your poor mother?” The voices would ask, “You can't even spare a few dollars each month?”

  “Father would find it.” Daphne would reply

  “You live in a castle, and wear expensive dresses, and jewels, but what of your mother? She's still poverty stricken. You are so selfish.”

  “You don't know anything about what you're speaking of.”

  “Why do you even have so many dresses? Are you trying to look pretty? Because you just aren't. Maybe the dress can make you look slimmer, but nothing's going to hide that beak of a nose. And what are you even doing with your hair?”

  Forced to listen, Daphne would just accept the ramblings of the voice. She may occasionally protest, but it was no use. The voice wasn't going to ever be convinced, and she knew it. So did the voice. However, the voice did know Daphne could be convinced, as anyone can, if you tell them something enough, be it positive or negative.

  However, Daphne still pushed forward past this torture. She knew the voice was wrong, even if she occasionally caught herself agreeing with it. So, on went her life in the same direction for many more years. That is, until the tenth year of Marver & Vain Inc. being national.

  On a warm, sunny southern day, Daphne was visiting the first store she ever opened. She was very proud of herself, and of the company in general. She was also very pleased to see everyone enjoying the clothes she designed. In fact, it brought a smile to her face every time she saw someone in her designs.

  However, when she opened the door, she found The Opproterry picking out a new suit. She threw her arms around mid section and gave him a friendly squeeze. He rubbed her hands, and turned around.

  “Daphne-doll, it's been a century since I've seen you!” He exclaimed holding his arms out, and examaning her, “I've seen you've really taken to the city.”

  “It's been a few centuries, actually, Mr Opproterry. But yes, I did. So, what brings you to Marver & Vain Inc's today?”

  “I was actually hoping to bump into you. I've got an idea, Daphne-doll, and it'll make you millions! See, come with me.”

  He lead Daphne to her old workshop in the attic of the store. He snapped his fingers and pfffft! the first ever one piece swimsuit appeared in the Opproterry's hand. He held it out to Daphne, and she hesitantly grabbed it. She halfway frowned as she looked at the white wonder, then looked back at him.

  “I don't know. It's a bit... showy.” Daphne sighed, unsure

  “Just try it on, and see if you like it. If you like it, I'll explain further.” The Opproterry suggested, and shewed her with both of his hands

  Daphne took off her current deep lavender dress, and slipped on the one suit with the help of The Opproterry. Then, he waved his hand, and there appeared a mirror. She gasped, then giggled. Tickled pink, she grasped her hips, and swung her hips back forth as she bent her knees. The Opproterry nodded, crossing his arms.

  “So, you like it?”

  “Like it? No. I love it! I feel so beautiful, and gorgeous!”

  “Exactly. Wouldn't you just love to share this feeling with the world?”

  “I would.”

  “So, you'll start manufacturing the one piece?”

  “You want me to?”

  “Why, of course I do.”

  “But what about the credit? Don't you want people to know it's you who designed this?”

  “Credit doesn't matter to me, Daphne-doll. A deed is a deed, its effects are its effects, and that's what's important.”

  So, Daphne bagan manufacturing immediately, and after a month, she finally had what she thought was enough in stock. She released it to the public, overjoyed and quite excited, but to her dismay, the newspapers responded with slander. The newspapers deemed this to be scandalous, imporper, and cheeky. Some women wore this design, but not the kind of women she wanted to represent her company's image. Soon after, the newspapers and these women had convinced all decent folk that Marver & Vain Inc just wasn't decent anymore, and their clothes weren't to be proud of anymore. Then, after a year, the controversy faded, and no one bought anymore of Daphne's clothing.

  Daphne had to give up her castle, sell the rest of her dresses, and jewlry. Then, Daphne found herself back in the abandoned apartment she had stayed in when her company had just began.

  The Opproterry visited her one last time, but Daphne refused to take part in his plans to get more money, to get back into the city, and “on her feet”. This saddened The Opproterry deeply, but he understood she meant no when she said no, so he never visited her again thereafter.

  Now days, no one is even familiar with the name Daphne Marver, nor the name Marver & Vain Inc. Her work has been forgotten by all, and so has her life. That is, except I, the story teller, and you the listener. Perhaps if you tell this story, more will remember Daphne Marver and The Opproterry. Maybe then, people may learn from her mistake. Maybe....

  Wait, by “mistake” you don't think I'm talking about greed, do you? No, greed has been talked about so much, we all know it's apart of poor character. I mean blaming yourself for things that aren't your fault, and dwelling upon the past. Daphne couldn't even sleep at night because she was busy remembering her mother, and she couldn't be happy with her success because she knew her mother was living much more unfortunately than her. However, she couldn't help her. So she was stuck, in this emotional tug of war, and was caught completely helpless in the middle. This drove her mad, literally mad. She was hering voices that weren't real, and the voice just critized her for not helping her mother, calling her selfish, but Daphne wasn't selfish. Daphne, in fact, cared too much for her mother, and not enough for herself. That's why she loved the swimsuit so much. Again, the voices critized her which was only present due to not helping her mother, that she was complelled to share the feeling she gained from the swimsuit to share it with everyone! But not everyone appreciated it, and that was her downfall. Trying to help. Shows you the kind of world we live in, huh? 

Author's Note

Everyone who's read it and talked to me about it either really liked the commentary, or they had mixed feelings about it. I don't really know what I think about it. I just wanted a connection with the reader.