
Phoebe helped the squirming Nash out of his car seat. Without looking back the boy ran towards the playground and his father. Trey’s fiancée, Coral, was standing beside him, her periwinkle blue eyeshadow flashing like neon.
A sour lump formed in Phoebe’s throat. She knew this day was coming, but didn’t expect to feel so angry. Trey’s girlfriends were never around long. He had a revolving door of trashy women. This was different. She didn’t want to share her son with Coral.
She wouldn’t cry. Trey would think the tears were for him, and she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

What a great depiction of a mom struggling with her needs versus her kid’s needs. I love the repressed emotions. I wonder how the other characters feel about this awkward meeting.
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This is a beautiful, well-crafted voice. I can hear the hurt mingling with pride.
If I had to guess, I’d say the other voices will probably be Nash, Trey and Coral, which makes me wonder who the fifth is… Intriguing stuff! Looking forward to more!
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A good guess. I haven’t totally decided who the fifth voice will be yet.
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Do I feel a dirty deed coming on, here? Tough situation for a young mother.
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You’ll have to come back to find out…
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Never let em see you sweat.
I like Voice Week. I’m so glad you’re participating. I can’t wait to read the other sides of this story.
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Even though I’ve done 100 Word fiction before, switching “voices” is harder than I thought it would be. I’m looking forward to the feedback.
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Wow, totally can relate to this. I remember when I first got divorced, I was terrified that I would have to share my kids with another woman. And, I never wanted to cry in front of my ex because it was never about him and I didn’t want him to ever think that it was! Also..what is this Voice Weeker and I may have to give this a try!
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As a child of divorce, regrettably I never saw what my mother went through when my dad introduced us kids to a new girlfriend. As an adult now, I can only imagine how painful and infuriating it must have been for her.
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This hits me right in the heart. It is very well written and sums up the exact feelings of a mother when there is a new woman on the scene.
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Thanks. I tried to pull from my experience as that child, and wondering how my mom felt when my dad showed up with new girlfriends.
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Oh..my heart goes out to Phoebe, so much told in such a short paragraph, excellent start.
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Thank you!
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Oooo. The way you write this really makes me empathize – the mix of fear, sadness and pride is well done. Also, I’m amazed how one little detail – the flashing eyeshadow – give me such a great sense of the fiancee’s total appearance. I imagine her young, blonde, carefully accessorized. I imagine Phoebe is simultaneously unimpressed and yet intimidated by the girl.
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Thanks Stephanie. I needed something that would make her stand out, but not in a good way. I’m glad it had the effect I hoped it would.
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Hey fellow Voice Weeker 🙂 I feel for Phoebe, she’s got a tough road ahead as she navigates the new “step” in her son’s life.
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I can’t wait to read what you present.
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