The Other Side

A fierce October wind howled through the darkening woods, chilling the spectators to the bone. Yet, they stood, circling the chosen, staring with their eyes wide, piercing her facade of bravery. I became the exception, though it wasn't only the wind that made me shiver. Fate, Chance, Probability... "there but for the grace of God go I".

Yesterday had been unseasonably warm, yesterday's breeze had been inviting, as we gathered to play. Shelley had her yellow spring dress on, laughing and spinning with the young children, her smile a more dazzling shade than the dress. My sister has always been more kind-hearted, pleasant and beautiful than myself. I do not bother to envy her, only to love her.

"Kelly," she whispered before they called our names to stand before the Elders, "I have a bad feeling its going to be you. I pray it will be me instead." 

I never said a word. I could have told her I knew it SHOULD be me, that it HAD to be me, but I remained as silent as the surrounding pines, merely stared at my feet as though they had the answers.

I recall the coin hovering in midair, seeing that heads, my favored side, was about to show as the result. I willed it to turn again...

"THE OTHER SIDE!" I screamed inside my mind, "TAILS. MAKE IT TAILS!"

Fate never has answered to my pleading. Shelley was always the lucky one, the one God chose to listen to.

Twins... who ever heard of twins? The Elders said it was unlucky to have two with the same face, the same body, mirror images. They said one had to be the evil half, the other good, and the evil had to go. They do not see that fate has chosen wrong. Oh, but this night, they will. They will wish chance had taken the other side.

As Shelley falls to the ground, my mind sees only red, deeper than her pooling blood as the dagger at my ankle is unsheathed...

Author's Note

My take on this week's given title for the 500 words Group.

Reviews

[Ed Hart]

given an assignment, and therefore permission, you tend to tales of old darkness, buried...

[Simpleasures]

Great concept, flawless execution!

[clemon73]

Fantastic!!!! Leaves you wanting, demanding more. With 500 words you painted a extravagant picture in my head, Great job. This is something you really need to build on.

[Poetic Beauty]

This is a great story that held my attention all the way through. the details are amazing and would love to hear the before and after. Great job. I don't know what I am going to write about yet. We shall see what I can come up with later tonight.

[Bette]

more!!!!!!! omg you cant leave me hanging! that was wonderful i absolutely loved it!